Nameless Shop

The Nameless Shop

Shop Owner: Alexiel Alastaire (Click for Description)

Note that I do not sell dragons here, but you can start the Dragon Tamer Quest here.

Appearing to have no name, this building is a recent addition to Latent. The building is located in a part of the Latent business district where many shops appear to be rundown and it fits in quite well there. However, upon investigation one will find that the building is, in fact, a pet shop.

Constructed of stone, the building is grey and dismal on the outside; even the single large window on the face of the store appears shabby with heavy black curtains covering it. If you''re lucky, you might get a glimpse of the shop through holes in the curtains. The only entrance to the shop is an oaken door with a strange tribal symbol painted on it in white. The symbol resembles the figure of a wolf.

Push open the heavy, oaken door and you''ll enter to find that the shop is just as dreary on the inside as it is on the outside. On either side of the door is a line of cages with birds of various species, exotic jungle birds, scavengers, and the kind of birds you?d find in any normal pet shop. Lining the wall to your right, you''ll find reptiles, amphibians, and fish of all kinds. None of them are poisonous and none of them appear to be very large. Again nothing you wouldn''t find in an ordinary pet shop. Lining the wall to your left is of course, the small mammals and rodents, cute little bunnies, rats and mice, ferrets, gerbils, etc. In the center of the store is a row of three shelves, each having two sides. The shelves hold various supplies that pet owners would need.

Lining the back wall is the counter and in the back left corner a walled off area with another heavy oak door. The counter stops a few feet from the walled off area, this is where the owner enters the counter area. In the center of the counter sits a cash register and to the right of it, a tray that always seems to be full of cookies of various kinds. On the counter in front of the cash register is a nameplate that reads simply, ?Lady Alexiel.? One could presume it is the name of the shop owner. To the left of the register is a small perch stand, which a raven is usually seen perching on. Everything appears as it would in any normal pet shop.

However, this pet shop is far from normal. The door in the back of the shop seems to emanate a strange aura of power and magic, and wafting through the cracks is a most enticing scent and when one steps through the door, they would find that they feel strange. It''s hard to tell what the feeling is that one gets, a shiver up their spine, a tingling sensation at the back of their neck. The reaction is different for everyone who enters. Beyond the door is a spiral staircase that goes both up and down. On the second story, there is nothing strange, merely the shop owners living quarters, but below? Below the shop awaits many wondrous and strange things.

Only Lady Alexiel can open the door and other people only ever go below when the animal companion they seek can not be found on the first floor of the building. This includes animals that are larger than a small mammal, birds of prey, dogs, cats, larger beasts, and magical beasts. If you can''t find what you?re looking for above, ask the shopkeeper and perhaps you may find your way downstairs. But be warned, the price for such an honor can be a heavy one.

When you descend the stairs, it grows steadily darker until you reach the dimly lit hallway at the bottom. The wall of the hallway is lined with torches and the enticing scent is stronger here. At the end of the hallway is yet another oak door. Beyond that door lies a large room. Running down the center of the room is a crimson carpet. Many drapes made of sheer material and of all kinds of color hang from the ceiling, hiding what waits at the end of the carpet. The only light in the room comes from candles that rest in candle stands lining the carpet.

Hanging on the back wall of the room is a tapestry that is black in color. Woven into the tapestry is a white tribal design in the shape of a wolf. Resting on the floor in front of the tapestry is a pedastal made of obsidian and quartz. On the pedastal there rests a ceremonial dagger that looks rather plain in design.

Whenever one enters the room, there will always be a creature waiting for them in front of the pedastal, though no one can be sure what kind of creature it will be.

You must ask yourself before entering what will await you in this mysterious room? Will it be love? Dreams? Horror? Maybe even death? Only those who are willing to pay the price will find out.

Important Info

• While you're in the torchlit hallway, you'll be asked to imagine the creature you''re looking for, I'll ask you to describe it in a post with as much detail as possible.

• I will then make a post in which my character leads into the last room, past all of the curtains and I will describe the creature that waits for you.

• The creature you get may not be exactly as you describe it, that's for me to decide. However, for the most part, you'll get what you want.

• Just so you know, if the creature is a special one, like it's magic or it's a mythical creature, the price you pay is not in gold. You pay in blood and in some cases you pay with your life. Your character will also owe Alexiel a favor which she may call upon you in the future to collect.

Lady Alexiel Alastaire sat on a stool behind the register, idly reading a book until the door of her shop opened. Sliding the book under the counter, she looked up to see who had entered. "Good evening, can I help you?" Her voice was soft and warm.

Alexiel looked the young man over and smiled warmly at him. "Alright, well, if you wish to hold any of the animals or you can't find what you're looking for, let me know."

Alexiel nodded, eyeing the young man again. "Well, what kind of creature are you looking for? Something larger? Perhaps an exotic creature? Maybe something magical, a creature of legend perhaps?"

((Note: I forgot to mention that I don't sell dragons here because of the quest thing. Also, you'll have to get more specific here, so I hope you know exactly what you're looking for... If not, I'll choose for you and you might not like what I choose. XP))

Well, that was fairly specific. "I see..." A long pause as she thought for a moment. "I may just have what you're looking for... but I warn you, the price for such a creature is fairly high. It can not be paid in just gold."

Alexiel walked to the end of the counter, between it and the walled off area, and stepped in front of the door at the back of the shop. "This way..." She trailed off as she opened the door. if Julio moved to follow her, he would smell the strange scent that seemed to be coming from below. "Down the stairs..." She motioned for him to enter and begin the descent.

A dark being entered the shop and waited for someone to come and help him.

Julio went around seeing so many things. His eyes went to phoenix's, to egyptian gators...to empty cages labled 'dragons' Julio then looked to see a rabbit with a jewel on her forehead, fluffy long bunny ears tipped with fluff, a very long and winding cat tail with a puffy end to it, red albino eyes, and a cute short cat muzzle with whiskers. Her fluffy furry hair stuck up backwards cutely while on its paws and rabbit cat feet. Julio smiles and looks at the cage the young thing was in. "...."though his smile vanished as the 2 look at one another. He frowns. "...Carbie where have you been?"The little cabbit shrugs and tries looking cute to get away with being caught having been captured.

The which which was was nude and had no face was clearly neither male nor female.

They walked across the room and started looking at a snake with what looked like hatred even though the being had no face to express himself with.

Julio just gave a smile as he opened up the cage and Carbie flew into Julios arms with psychic magic. She cuddled in his embrace for a moment and looked around, wondering about the odd hall way. "...what kind of place is it anyway?"He asks.

Kanashimi Kurai Wrote:

((Akira... there shouldn't be any canines on the first floor of the building... just stuff you'd find in like Pets +... meaning small mammals, rodents, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians.))

Thanks that makes it even better I just thought of somthing thanks to you all just go and edit it and isn't a puppy a small mammel?On second thougt never mind))

Julio just looks at carbie, carbie shrugs as they then exit with carbie on his shoulder. He looks back to see that the hall way was diminishing its cages and becoming a regular hallway while Julio was leaving. Once he was out with alexiel he sees the regular first floor before him and looks back to see the way downstairs looked the way it was once again. He blinks and looks at carbie who was worried that would have happened to her.

Kanashimi Kurai Wrote:

Alexiel shut the door behind Julio. "You''re free to look around some more while I help this other customer." That said, she walked over to the other customer, smiling warmly. "Can I help you find something?"

((Ok, before I go any further, I suggest you read the entire first post if you haven''t. Note that when you go through the door at the back and down the stairs, you''re in an ordinary hallway that''s lit by torches and has the smell of incense in it. At the end of that hallway is another door. Beyond that door is the room strange room lit by candles. When you get to the end of that room, you''ll find what you''re looking for. Now there are a few rules that I should probably elaborate on in the first post when I''m done here.

A: While you''re in the torchlit hallway, you''ll be asked to imagine the creature you''re looking for and OOC, I''ll ask you to describe it in a post with as much detail as possibly.

B: Once you get into the last room and past all the fabric curtains that seem to be blocking the back of it, I''ll describe what you see there.

C: The creature you want may not be exactly as you describe it, that''s for me to decide. Normally you''ll get what you want though. There may be a few small differences.

D: Just so you know, if the creature is a special one, like it''s magic or it''s a mythical creature, the price you pay is not in gold, you pay in blood and with a favor. This means you''ll have to shed a little blood, which I''ll go into more detail about that IC. And your character will owe Alexiel a favor which she may call upon you in the future to collect.

Everyone understand? ^_^''''))

(My charecters blood???This shall be interesting..))

Uh I am looking for somthing beyond the ordinary a creature that can grow differently depending on the owner or in other words some sort of magical symbiotic creature.

Kanashimi Kurai Wrote:

Didn't anyone care for normal creatures these days? Ah well, another trip downstairs wouldn't bother Alexiel. "I see... I must warn you, the price for such a creature is a high one..." She wouldn't tell him the price, she never told a customer the price beforehand because in the end, it was like a test. If they saw the creature and they were willing to take that final step, they would prove themselves worthy of such a creature.

((Ahahaha... your blood price is going to be a high one Akira... I can't wait to see if your character is actually willing to pay it. ))

((Yeah just hope your not expecting a normal iron based red blood))

"The price doesn't matter for I'm willing to pay anything" he said telepathically.

((I forgot to mention, but with no face..he has no mouth..So it is of course telepathic.))

Kanashimi Kurai Wrote:

((What kind of blood do you have?))

"Very well... Follow me please..." Alexiel walked to the heavy oak door at the back of the store and once again opened it and started down the staircase. She didn't bother to see if the strange person was following her. Once he started down the stairs though, the door would shut behind him, seemingly on its own.

((I don't really know it some sort of black colored plasma like subtance for blood it sort of levitates in mid air..Not even my charecter knows much about his anatomy.))

It quickly followed her down the stairs.

Kanashimi Kurai Wrote:

"Concentrate on the creature you're looking for, what you expect it to look like and be able to do. Form an image of it in your mind." She continued to lead him down the hallway, the light of the torches flickering as they passed and casting their shadows about eerily.

((Ok Akira, in your next post describe in as much detail what you want the creature to look like. Color, eye color, shape, etc. Also describe exactly what kind of powers you want it to have. This doesn't have to be voiced, it can just be written as if you're thinking about it. Also, does your character have a heart or something close to a heart?))

((Color: Black Eye Color: No eyes (Sees telepathicly) Powers:Varies depending on the power of the owner and had some sort of symbiotic relationship.

Form nothing reptile like expecially snakes other then that it doesn't matter. My charecter has somthing close to a heart..wonders how your actually going to get the blood))

Kanashimi Kurai Wrote:

((Alrighty! I've decided what kind of creature you shall recieve! If you don't like it... tough!))

Alexiel opened the oak door at the end of the hallway and entered. The smell of incense was strong here. Silently, she led the stranger down the length of red carpet, the sheer drapes parted before them and fell back into place as they passed. The light from the candles flickered and danced as they passed.

As the final drape parted and fell into place behind them, Alexiel and the stranger would find themselves standing in the back of the room. Before them were three noticable things.

Hanging from the back wall was a tapestry that was black in color and on the tapestry was a white tribal design in the shape of a wolf. (See the tribal wolf design on the image in my sig for reference.) Resting on the floor in front of the tapestry were the other two things.

First there was a pedastal made of obsidian and quartz. On the pedastal there rested a ceremonial dagger that looked rather plain in design. And before the pedastal sat a creature.

This creature appeared to be a Black-backed Jackal, only it was of a different color than was normal. His distinctive markings should have been his golden (Yellowish-brown) colored coat with the black and silver (greyish) marking running down the saddle of back. Instead, where his coat should have been gold, it was pitch black. And where the marking running down the saddle of his back should have been black and silver, it was white and silver. His eyes were a milky white as he was blind. ( http://www.lioncrusher.com/animal.asp?animal=31 <-- Reference)

Alexiel stepped forward moving past the jackal to pick the dagger up off the pedastal before walking back to the stranger. "Will you pay the price for this creature?"

((There are specific details concerning his powers and symbiotic relationship, but I'll tell you about them once you've paid.))

"yes I will" it replied telepathicaly.

Kanashimi Kurai Wrote:

"Very well." Alexiel kealt by the jackal and made a small cut on his chest, making sure that some of the animal''s blood did indeed stain the blade. She stood and turned to the stranger, offering him the knife. "Plunge this into your heart, or whatever body part you have that is closest to resembling a heart in function."

((Ok... obviously this should like kill you, right? Well, technically, it will kill you for a few seconds, but then the magic of this bonding ritual will bring you back to life, so yeah, you should rp that or whatever. And after this I''ll explain the bond and his powers. ^_^''''.))

((Actually no its far more complex then that and if it wern't for his own will the entire place would be ingulfed by his blood. All explain more some time if you want me too, but yah all go along with it.))

It plunged it to his heart and his blood started pooring out of the void that was his body and soon covered the entire floor in blood , but then the wound healed and yet he his heart beat still stopped.

Kanashimi Kurai Wrote:

Alexiel frowned. Had the ritual not worked? Was he still dead? Or did his heart just naturally not beat? She was clearly confused.

Then with the last of his strength it's second heart started beating and it's body came back to life.((Yeah he has a Second "Heart"))

It then started stood up and telepathicaly said "I don't know why your magic didn't work. I guess there are somthings will never know."

She was not sure why she had come here, or why she had entered just exact shop. As a matter of fact, when she first had set foot over the doorstep Nedy was half in mind to turn and go back out again, because the interior of the shop was anything but light and welcoming.

Something changed her mind though; the wish for another pet. Sphinx and Lolita were still with Abigail and would be till such times that she could kick Elliot head-first out of her flat, but Nedy found herself missing something to pet and cuddle with in the evenings. And the shop reminded her strongly of little Miko, the bat Winter had received years ago and who had been the most pampered animal on this planet till the day he died happily of old age.

So, she had stepped further in and was now looking at the cute, furry things; very cute bunnies, but she could not have it walking around her flat because it would chew through all the cables and whatnot. That was something she had discovered when she had lived together with Wisto; their house had been a right zoo, with two Zoolies, one dog, one rabbit, and one bat.

Blinking, Alex looked around before shrugging and making her way back upstairs. As she walked through the door, she noticed that there was another customer in the shop. This time it was a woman. "Hello, can I help you?"

"Hmm... a clean pet that doesn't need to be in a cage..." Alexiel thought this over for a minute. This was indeed a request that would require some thought. "Raccoons are cleanly creatures and fairly small..." It was the first creature that came to mind.

"I know what you're thinking..." In fact, she didn't really know what the woman was thinking, she was only guessing. "You're wondering how they can be so clean if they rummage through trash. Well, while it is true that wild raccoons rummage through trash, they also clean themselves, much like a cat. And I assure that if you were to get one and provide it with a stable food source, it would have no need to rummage and it'll keep itself very clean. They can be very curious creatures though, so you would need to take the normal precautions that you would take with any pet, such as making sure that it can't get out of the flat or into any poisons."

"Well, they'll sleep pretty much anywhere as long as it's comfortable. They can be trained to sleep in their own bed though. And they'll have to adjust to other pets so it might be rocky at first, but once they get used to other pets, they'll do just fine."

"If you'll wait right here for a moment, I believe I have a litter of kits that I can bring up for you to look at." There was really no need to go through the whole magic mumbojumbo ceremony spill for a raccoon. Alexiel once again disappeared behind the door and into the bowels of the shop.

((That and I just don't feel like typing all the required descriptions for the trip downstairs. ^_^''))

Alex returned moments later carrying a box with the edges of a blanket popping up out of the top. It appeared as if the blanket was moving, as if something were tugging on it. Gently, Alex set the box on the floor before the customer, and the raccoon kits inside could be seen tugging on the blanket. There was five of them and they were about a month old, weaned from their mother, and rearing to get into mischief.

Alexiel nodded and picked up the kit that had been pointed out. "A fine choice. This little one appears to be the smartest of the litter. Cradling the chosen raccoon in one arm and carrying the box in the other, she moved behind the counter. Setting the box down on top, she reached under the counter and pulled out a small animal tote with a blanket inside. "This comes complimentary with the purchase of the animal." Alex set the little creature inside and closed it. Now it was time for the business part of the deal.

((Ponders how much to charge for a raccoon. O_o))

((>> I don't think you can even sell raccoons. XP And I think you can only own them with a special permit, at least over here. And in case you didn't know, they'll eat dog food... maybe even cat food. ^^''))

Alexiel poked around the cash register before looking back up. "That'll be $100."

Alexiel's form was hidden by the counter as she was crouched, shuffling around in the cabinents and draws in search of something. As usual, Dae (Short for Daemon) was perched beside the register, still as a statue. Alex was in a fairly good mood, considering the attack made by the undead minions earlier. It had ended in favor of Latent and her shop had been untouched. That was part of the magic of the place, it was neutral ground, no violence in the shop, for the safety of the animals of course.

Alex didn't realize that anyone had even come in because she was too busy in her search. "Bloody hell, where did it go to?" For a moment there, she slipped back into her English accent as she cursed. What was she searching for? Who knew, it wasn't really that important anyway.

Alex didn't hear the fluttering of her bird's wings as he stirred and lifted from his perch. He was curious about the newcomer and wanted a closer look... a much closer look.

As Dae drew closer to the customer, Alex suddenly stood. "AHA! Found it!" The commotion of her excitement caused poor Daemon to glance back at her and in the few seconds that he did that, he wasn't watching where he was going. The raven turned his head just in time to fly right into the young man he had wanted a closer look at. I'd say he got a pretty close look.

Dae had let out a cry when he hit the man that had attracted Alexiel's attention and she watched as the man nearly toppled into the puppies and Daemon fell to the floor. "Oh my..." Making her around the counter and over to the two, she knealt to pick up Dae while speaking to the young man. "Are you alright?"

Alexiel narrowly managed to avoid being sneezed on as she backed up a bit. "Allergic to dogs?" She could only assume that since he had been near the puppies when he sneezed.

Dae still cradled in her arms, Alexiel followed the young man over to the lizards. "Is there anything I can help you with? Something in particular that you're looking for?"

A trained monkey with a typewriter that would write the greatest story in the world. Indeed, there was something wrong with the boy's brain. "Uhh... I'm sorry... I uhh... don't think we have any monkeys that can... uhh... do that..." She was staring at the boy with one eyebrow raised. "Could I interest you in something else?"

Alexiel was still staring at the young man with that brow raised. "Indeed, you did...." Honestly, Alex had no clue what to say to him.

"Uhh... yeah... no problem..." Still with the raising of the brow. Was the kid crazy, not all there?

"Uhh... sir... I thought you were going to leave?" What on earth was he doing? He was going to leave, only now he was walking around the store again. "The door's over that way..." Alexiel pointed towards the front of the store, one eyebrow still raised, maybe it would freeze and stay that way.

"How... odd..." Was all Alexiel said as she turned and walked back to the counter.

Alexiel looked up from some paperwork as she heard the now familiar voice of Sejai. How long had it been since she had taken the girl in? Either way, it didn't matter, she had gotten used to having her around, to her coming and going. "Sejai. Where have you been off to?" Her tone wasn't admonishing but friendly and bright.

Now Alexiel was just plain worried. The girl seemed to be very upset by the sound of her voice and her manners. The young shopkeeper moved from behind the counter and walked over to her, squatting down so that she was about eye level with the girl. "Sejai, what's wrong? Are you hurt?" If anyone had hurt the girl, there would be hell to pay.

"Chaos? Sejai, sweetie, what's Chaos?" Alexiel wasn't usually the motherly type, but only the most vile of women could supress their maternal instincts. Alex was not one of those women. She held Sejai, stroking the back of the girls head as she crooned soothingly.

Alexiel had to fight hard to supress a shiver at all the images of death. She could see now why the girl was so upset, if Chaos was the cause of such slaughter. Alexiel couldn't just sit back and let this happen. "Sejai... I need you to tell me everything you know... I can't just let so many people die if it can be stopped."

"Sejai! SEJAI! Wait!" It was too late, the girl was gone out the door. However, she was not alone. Daemon didn't need to be told to follow the girl, he was so in tune with his master, that he knew she would ask him to do so. Seconds after the girl exited the shop, Dae did so as well, following closely behind her.

Alexiel sighed. 'Follow her Dae, show me where she's going.' Alex's voice echoed in the bird's mind.

There was a small silver mass on the couch in the private area. Slowly, it elongated out into a humanoid form and relaxed. It was naked but it was most distinctly the form of a young preteen. In her sleep, she turned over and the black curls fell away from her face, her rosy cheeks giving her a porcelin doll like seeming. And she simply slumbered.

Sejai rubbed her eyes and looked up sleepily. "Yes, Alexiel?" Her voice as musical as before but something different. The smell of poppies and jasmine wasn't there anymore. The girl was still rubbing her eyes. "I think I fell asleep."

"Ummm...yeah?" She looked puzzled, why wouldn't she be alive. It was then that she noticed her state of undress. "EEKK!" Grabbing the coverlet over the couch to cover up with. "Sorry" Her cheeks burning brightly in embarrasment.

She ran her fingers through her hair and grinned, though she was a bit puzzled. "I was dead?" Perhaps Sejai was starting to wonder if Alex had lost her mind.

The sound of fluttering wings drags Alexiel's attention from her paperwork as she looks up at her feathered friend. The other animals follow suit, shifting restlessly in their cages as the young man enters. Alex steps from behind the counter, making her way towards the front of the shop to greet the customer. "Good afternoon and welcome to my shop."

Alexiel looked as if she had just been insulted. "I'll have you know that I keep this place sterile and my animals clean..." She trailed off as she got a closer look at the customer. "Is this who I think it is? Vahn Kyonuske? In my shop?" She seemed rather pleased to see the young man again after their battles with Chaos.

Alexiel looked up at the couple, completely embarassed. "I'm sorry, yes, you do look somewhat like him. If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were related to him. So, what can I do you for? We've got your usual choices in animal companions. Birds, dogs, cats, reptiles, fuzzy little rodents and..." Her voice would drop a little lower. "If you're willing to pay the price, we've got a selection of more exotic creatures in the back."

"Eh..." Alexiel looked from one to the other, trying to figure out what was going on. "Excuse me, but why exactly are you here? It sounds as if the two of you are here for a reason and a very important one at that."

"They did?" Alexiel seemed flattered that her reputation had grown so much, she wasn't sure many people even knew her shop existed. "Well, they told you right. What can I help you with?" As she spoke, the motioned for the two to follow her to the counter in the back, so as to leave the door clear for any other customers that might enter.

Alexiel listened intently to their problem, nodding every now and then. "I see. What exactly are you looking for? Do you need to know what to feed it or where to get the food? Do you even know what the creature is?" This was a dilemma indeed.

Alexiel glanced over at Hibon and as he pulled the monkey from his face, the animal leapt from his arms to go explore. Turning her attention back to Nahara, Alex frowned a bit and moved past her, checking to make sure the door to the shop was shut. Promptly turning on her heels, she started towards the door at the back of the store. "I'd prefer to take a look at this creature downstairs, the last thing I need is to have it eating the other animals." Glancing over her shoulder, she motioned for the two to follow her.

The door to the basement opened even before she reached it, and Daemon winged through the doorway and down to the hall below, already ahead of his master. As ALex crossed the threshhold, she would catch that familiar scent, the incense that always burned and when the siblings followed, they would smell it too. It was a sweet scent, a relaxing scent, and there was a good chance Alex would need that calm atmosphere if the animal they carried was dangerous.

"You left it outside unattended?!?!" Alexiel rounded to face the two, slightly alarmed. "You don't know what this thing eats and you left it outside?" She wasted no time in making her way to the door, pulling it open and motioning for the two to exit the shop. She was clearly in a hurry, afraid the creature might have escaped or something.

Alexiel let out a sigh of relief, it was contained. She eyed the truck and the crate which she assumed contained the creature in question. Turning her attention to the siblings once again, she spoke. "I'm going to need to see the creature if I am to help you, so, you're going to have to open that cargo box." Before they could even bring up anything about letting the animal loose, she would broach the subject herself. "Don't worry about it running off... the only creature I've ever come up against that I haven't been able to keep in check was a full-grown dragon."

Alex could only stare at the creature for what seemed like an eternity. This was indeed a strange creature and one she had never seen before, it looked like a cross between a gryphon and a dragon. Her gaze locked on it's own and there was no fear in her eyes. Alex had learned that you never show an animal fear.

First thing's first, she needed to find out if the creature was intelligent. 'Do you speak?' she reached out to it's mind wondering if it would respond. She was, for the most part, ignoring the siblings now, she need to concentrate on the creature.

"Interesting..." she murmured aloud. She watched the creature's actions closely, waiting. Patience was needed in this situation and she was happy to take the time to let the creature examine it's surroundings. "It appears to be a carnivore," she commented to the siblings, "though I can't be sure."

Alexiel heard the bell through the cracked door that led to the basement area and with Daemon on her shoulder she started back up the stairs. Who on earth had entered her store to cause the animals to behave in such a way?

She pushed the door open as she reached the top of the stairs and she was greeted by a cloaked figure. It couldn't be him, could it? How could he possibly find her? Her shop had no name and she wasn't that well known in the community, at least not by name. Hell, she hadn't even given him her name.

"Can I help you?"

The man's head would lift upwards, having previously been reading the nameplate on the counter when he heard the woman's words. "Ah, a'lo," he began in greetings before he'd answer her question with a slightly raised voice so that it would carry over the sounds of the frantic animals, his voice having a small hint of a british accent, "I am wondering if you so happen to deal with lost pets, you see, I seem to 'ave lost one." The man had a pointy sort of face; pointy nose, pointy chin, pointy cheekbones, and completing the sharp look were grey eyes.

He would wait patiently as the shopkeeper would turn to adress someone who had come from the upper story of the building and then turn back to him. At that time, the man would retort, "Ah, might I decribe it to 'yah?" he asked, in case she would have come across such a pet.

The man would wait until the woman had made herself comfortable, waited until she sat down and stopped her fussings about so that her attention would not be divided and she would not miss his words so that he'd have to repeat them.

"She 'as," the man began, clearly stating that his pet was female gendered, "a soft brown coloured mane, blending into a reddish colour. Also, she is about the average size, maybe only slightly smaller than a matured animal of her species." Two additional facts; reddish-brown hair and average size. However, possibly the most important fact the the man lacked was the exact species of his pet, "Oh, and a very light skin tone." In fact, the more he added to the description, the less like an animal and more like a person it would seem. "And finally, one last very important part, which might I add is very distinct, in case you 'ave come across my pet, she has..." his accent disappeared, "Such pretty blue eyes."

Alexiel's blood ran cold. He had found her. How had he found her? Sejai's scent was doing nothing for Alex as her body stiffened. "What do you want?"

"Not yet. I'm a very busy lady, sir. If I were to just step away from my work, people would get suspicious and that wouldn't bode well for my job for you. I also have another person that lives in my home that I must care for." Alex was afraid of him but this was her shop, her home, and so she would remain calm and cool. The wards and spells that protected the shop and those within it would be hard to get around, if he wanted to try something he would find it difficult. "Has your list changed since we last spoke?"

"Alright then, I'll see what I can do about getting you a sample from one of the others. It could take me some time though, many of the people on that list are hard to find." Alexiel ignored his smile. "Now, if you could please leave, your presence here upsets my animals."

Sejai came downstairs after a few moments, she'd decided against making food and had simply listened in on the conversation. But once the 'man' was gone, she felt it was safe to check up on Alexiel. She hadn't gotten the entirity of the conversation or even what it was about, only that Alex was upset about it.

"Alex? Are you okay?"

There was puzzlement in the girl's eyes, but she nodded slowly in agreement. Alex was kind enough to help her, it was not her business to but in. "Yes, Alex. I shall watch the shop while you go?" Her language skills still a little rough, but getting better all the time.

Only the door never opened. Maybe he had the wrong place? Maybe it was closed?

Well... s**t.

He'd go wander around the town for a bit. Maybe it would open up later.

He paused as he watched her beat her rug, removing the dust particles from it only to have it blow into the air which undesirebly would just fly back into her shop. He smiled a little at the small things people did even though it wouldn't change the fact that she would have to do it over again the next morning before the customers came in. The red haired traveler raised his right arm as if to wave to her but just held it there as a silent way to say hello. He smiled a little and looked up at the building to see if there were any signs which would tell him what the building was about, he of course knew it was a shop, because it was too odd to be a house.

The last time they had met he had long flowing red hair that looks like he wore a cape of fire upon his back, but after having realised the disadvantages of such long hair, he had it cut short and although some disagreed witht he change, his angel found it to be a wonderful change and so he never changed it back. The man lowered his hand and replied with his own hello before stepping closer to the woman and the shop, glancing back at the shop itself, he then looked to her quizzically and asked with interest

What type of place is this?

Pet shop huh?

He smiled softly and offered to take the load off her arms. He wasn't looking for a pet having no way to care for one, except for Kobira, but she took care of herself and didn't need him to nurture her like other pets did.

He smiled a little at the remeberence of his name, of course he knew whos he was, afterall he wouldn't be wandering in Latent for no reason at all. As he put the rug back where it belonged he nodded a little and then though about summoing his companion but wondered if that would cause the other creatures to react undesireably

I do, one.. she's a hellcat.

He chuckled a little and held out his hands as if to ask her if he coudl summon her. Although Kobira would often come when she wasnt wanted, like when Nique and him wanted to be alone or when the mood did not suit there being a demon of any type to be around.

Mhmm guess you will just have to wait and see.

Rubieus nodded and clapped both his hands together, it was a signal to let his companion know that it was ok for her to appear, he would sometimes strike a wall with an open hand or another flat surface, but the place was crowded and his hands worked just as well.

Kobira! Come.

It was suddenly very hot, not enough to burn things but the temperature was noticeable and sweatdrops began to appear on his forehead as a small portal appeared in front of him within the space where he had just clapped his hands together. Sudden a small ball of fire appeared which then leapted onto his shoulder and the heat and portal vanished, the ball of fire flared up for a moment before dimming slightly. It was hard to tell she was anything but a fire elemental but as they watched, the cat's form seem to change in order to give off the illusion that she was indeed a feline, her fiery fangs and blood thirsty eyes however were very catlike and held no fire like element to them.

Hellooo masterrrr, you sumoned meee?

Whenever she spoke, the flames about her would crackle or hiss as if the voice did not come from her mouth but of her body.

She is what's known as a multi form elemental, as you can see she is in her fire state, which she is usually in when she teleports to a new place, consider it her offensive instincts. Her body can also harden and turn black like molten lava which acts like armor. She is very gentle though as long as you don't upset her.

Why do you speak as if I am not heree?

Sorry, Kobira, Lady Alexiel. She is an old friend. Please don't make a mess of things.

The feline glared at the woman and she purred deep inside of her core before responding.

Does Nique know about her?

oh and she is also very protective.

Body guard huh? I remeber you nowww

Rubieus smiled and motioned her onto his hand and the feline obeyed without question, before she vanished in smoke, she purred loudly which seemed to cover both of them in warmth.

Forgive me, she can be quite rude at times. So, a pet store huh? How come you moved?

Rubieus could understand the desire to do something you enjoyed and even more if you could make a profit from it, but he had no clue what kind of trouble she was referring to, having just walked a few blocks to get there, he had not seen anything that could be construed as such.

What.. sort of trouble?

Well alright then, you know although I am no longer in comission with anyone, I'd gladly come by this place each day just to check up on things, if of course you don't mind.

Rubieus gave her a look of sincerity, it was true that you never knew who could hear you speak but sometimes you just had to trust that the other person heard the unspoken words you said.

He smiled and nodded giving her a reassurring pat on her shoulder as he looked about the place. He had things to do as well but made a mental note to come by the next day to check on them both, and perhaps get a chance to meet this mysterious girl.

Alright then, I have to go now though, still have errands to run but ll come by tomorrow say noonish and we can all have something to eat, we meaning the three of us, how does that sound?

Rubieus smiled and used a sleight of hand to place a sack of small blood rubies upon her table before slipping out, he could tell she needed the money and thought she would decline if he offered it to her in person.

Take care, see you tomorrow dear.