Roleplay City
Infusco => INFUSCO: Enter The Shadows => Zingari Theatre => Topic started by: Black Philip on March 05, 2019, 04:03:27 AM
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The Zingari theater was not the largest one in town. It was what one called a black-box, big enough for a large play or small musical. Invitations were sent out to the District Leaders, office of the Ward, and to important players in town. The trial was public but once at capacity wouldn’t let anyone else in. The audience held a hundred seat house, and the prosecuting district was sure every seat would be filled. Up on the stage, a large ornate podium had been constructed. It looked far too large for a standard human, but by scale would look perfect for Sabrina. Two smaller desks had been staggered to face the podium. A witness box had been built into Sabrina's podium for whoever was currently testifying. One was for Lisa-Joe Hampton, the prosecutor. The other was for the defendant. It looked like a courthouse might look in a play. If this was to be political theater then let it be actual theater too.
People were starting to enter, but there was still some time before official proceedings would begin. The stage was barred off by velvet ropes and signs that asked those in the audience to attend but not to interfere. The highest ranking person on duty at the time was the new Keeper of Elysium, Maria, who would be monitoring the house for any malcontents. The two opera boxes had been reserved. One sign read Sacramentum et Res, and the other read for Lady Zoheret and her entourage.
For now people would be free to take their seats, gossip, speculate, talk trash or any other such activity they wanted to participate in. They would be informed when things were about to get started.
-
Ben and Kerr were among the first to arrive, dropped off in one of the Sacramentum's limousines. The stately car drove smoothly away after depositing them on the street, and another car pulled up immediately after them. Charon and Jeanne were the next to step out. As a foursome, they entered the theatre but Charon and Jeanne moved upstairs to their box whilst Ben and Kerr sat up at the very front, the velvet cordon directly in front of them. Ben didn't want to have to walk past the whole aisle when he was called to witness.
Ben was furious that Jake had opted to turn this into a monkey show. It should've been held in private, with only Jake, Sabrina, Lazarus and Ben (with Kerr) presiding. Why was everyone invited to watch? Why did everyone have to know he'd been raped? Why was Jake so keen to air his dirty laundry? He was the biggest poser Ben had ever met. Even a straight-forward sentencing had been turned into a farce. He was like the extra on top of extra, with no intelligence to give it weight.
He turned to Kerr, but didn't bother keeping his voice down. "Jake is the biggest fucking asshole. Why is everything such a fucking circus?"
Ben, who rarely swore, had been swearing non-stop since interacting with Jake McCloud. He hated him. Hated him more than Lazarus.
-
Kerr could feel the nerves thrumming through Ben; they were infecting him, too. Jake was an easy target when rampant emotions couldn't be directed anywhere constructively. As a sire, it was his job to share his calm, rather than get drawn into Ben's turbulence (even if the point made was valid - this really was an unnecessary circus).
He placed his hand over Ben's and squeezed, leaning towards his love and keeping his reply at a reasonable volume. "I imagine it's about accountability. Jake has to be seen to do the right thing so if he does it in front of an audience, his motives can't be questioned and the entire process is transparent. Well, I hope it is," Kerr amended, for he was still disturbed by Jake's declaration that Sabrina would judge (an indisputably obvious case) and Jake would decide the punishment (after he'd already stated he thought Lazarus deserved death).
He glanced up as Charon and Jeanne settled, the younger ancient looking professional in her navy short-sleeved banded dress. Her expression was more serious than Kerr was used to seeing her; he'd enjoyed getting to know her while they stayed at Penbrook. She caught him looking and gave him a nod, pulling a sympathetic face as she saw he was comforting Ben.
You are doing well, father. Protect your darling, she encouraged in French in Kerr's mind. He responded with a tight smile and nodded back. He wished he could protect his darling by not even bringing him here but Ben was adamant. He wanted to advocate for his attacker. Kerr was as proud as he was mortified.
-
A few more people trickled in. Drew Sullivan, private investigator entered whistling a happy tune, and so drunk he could barley stand. He'd just come from turning in those pictures he'd obtained of the cheating woman he'd found, and her husband had angrily paid him. Drew didn't care, as long as the check cashed. He then went to the White Rabbit and fed on a twink who'd been hitting a joint and heavily drinking. So, now he stumbled down the aisle.
He picked a seat smack dab in the middle of the house, and scanned the room for any important parties he should keep his eye on. First he saw the hot kid with his dad complaining about something. Drew had pretty good hearing but with this winy brat he didn't have to strain to listen. The kid was basically shouting.
Jake is the biggest fucking asshole
Jake was the guy throwing this party, some Anarch legend. Drew had heard of him before, the Sabbat's worst nightmare or something. Maybe it was the Camarilla who hated him? Drew didn't really keep up with politics. Drew knew technically Jake was his District Leader, but mostly kept to himself. He'd come here tonight because he'd heard Charon and Ben would be here, and after comforting Zeph the night before he wanted to get a good look at the assholes who'd upset the nicest, cutest, loveliest person Drew had met in years. Also, trials were good business for Private Eye's. He'd made sure to let a bunch of his cards slip just outside the theater, and he'd be watching for any drama that looked like a potential case.
His eyes moved to an African woman patrolling the theater. She must be the Bailiff. He liked the look of her and was happy to see a woman of color in power. This city's powerful players seemed to suffer from a serious case of the white, and since coming from multicultural New Jersey, Drew was happy to see that changing.
He looked to the opera box's and found one empty. However, the other had two figures in it. One was a woman he didn't recognize, but the other seemed hidden somehow, almost dim. Drew could do some stuff like that but this seemed advanced. Could that be Charon? He didn't know but kept one eye on the being's box. He'd taken some blood from his victim and deposited it into a flask. It wasn't warm anymore, but it was booze laced and would stay fresh for a few more hours. Drew unscrewed the top, and topped his own drunk off. He was ready for the show.
-
Maria hung within the background of the Zingari theatre, making her presence known but not interacting with the people. Her eyes scanning the room each time someone entered the theatre. Jake had done his best to update Maria on key players in the city on such short notice, taking her new duties as Keeper of Elysium quite seriously. There would be no disruptions tonight, Maria would not allow it. Takhar had not been silent since Maria learned of the crimes Lazarus had committed against Jake and Ben. It sickened both Maria and Takhar to their very core, justice would be delivered tonight. When she heard Sabrina was to be the judge it put her mind at ease, looking forward to seeing the woman again; even if it was under dire circumstances.
Maria wore similar clothes of her tribe for trials such as this, black leggings stopping at the knee. Accompanied by a dark blue skirt with a white crochet woven belt around her waist. Her top was also dark blue, short sleeved with a slight V neck with an amber juju charm around her neck. Her hair had few braids but most of it was tied back with a piece of jewelry left from the old lands; a zebra hoof. Not a piece she got to wear often anymore, a shame most days. Noticing now some key players had arrived, Ben and his lover Kerr. Sitting right up front and center, above Charon and Jeanne settling into the box reserved for them. Even the man sipping what looks like to be a flask, that would have to reprimanded before the trial started. Taking note of where he was sitting and what he was wearing.
Maria then turned her attention to the farthest corner of the room, Sam sat in silence not wanting to draw attention to herself. Wearing a simple black pantsuit to the trial and her hair was down this time. Coming as a witness to Jake's sexual assault, Sam may not have seen it but she had felt the terror and violation through their bond. It was the first step to resolve their relationship, the real work would start after the trial. Agreeing to talk and figure things out however, Maria had hoped it would have been done before and not afterwards. Maria had promised to help Jake understand Sam better, without infringing on his space as a parent. Jake now knew the history between the two spanning back to when Sam was a mortal, seemed just yesterday she met Sam and yet she had met Sam close to fifteen years ago.
-
Murphy was sat near the back of the auditorium in the stalls, but he’d requested that his microphone be near the front and earlier he’d been allowed to set it up so that he would have a full record of everything which went on. He didn’t want to be involved, not when it involved people who he cared so much about, but he had been asked to record the events of the night and wouldn’t turn down that request.
He’d seen Ben enter with Kerr and his stomach twisted. Murphy wanted to go see his friend, to wrap his arms around him and tell him he would be there and everything would be ok – but he was with Kerr and hadn’t even told him what was going on. Murphy didn’t even know if Ben was aware of his presence tonight.
He pulled out his mobile, resting it against his knee over the top of his notebook which his pen was tucked into. His fingers flickered between texting his best friend and Jake, his new… what? Crush? Something more? He gave a quiet sigh and ran a hand through his hair. He hadn’t slept much that day (or the night before) in preparation for tonight and after being woken in the early hours by Jake. This was not what he expected for tonight, but he needed to be there for those who needed him.
You ready? Remember you’ve done nothing wrong. Murphy sent the text to Jake before pausing for a moment and typing again.
I’m here if you need me. He sent that one to Ben, unsure of whether his friend who need him or want him anywhere near or not. Ben hadn’t wanted to tell him anything previously, but this was about to be completely public knowledge and Murphy wanted to be there however he was needed.
Muprhy double checked his phone was on silent after texting them both, before tucking it into his suit trousers, where he’d feel it vibrate but it wouldn’t disturb people around him if things started soon. Jake had asked him to sit with him, but Murphy hadn't spotted him yet. He was ready to move if needs be though.
*
Ichabod arrived not too long after Ben and Kerr, knowing his sire and brother were there without needing to speak to them. He hadn’t arrived with them as he’d had to go home to drop off James (knowing that with Lazarus was locked up he would be safe) and feed before coming by himself.
He could feel Kerr’s nerves and tried to swallow them down as he approached them took a seat beside Kerr. He had pushed down the stunned feeling of knowing what Lazarus had done to his brother – Lazarus was pushy, demanding, the centre of his own world and he’d gone a step further with Ben. Ichabod had been scared of the ancient hurting him before, and didn’t doubt what Ben had said happened, maybe Ichabod just been too weak previously to say no to those demands. When they’d been together Ichabod had been besotted, even when he was terrified.
“Do you know what time this is starting?” Ichabod asked Kerr quietly as he took his seat beside his sire. On previous occasions he’d taken his position protecting Ben on the other side from Kerr, but right now he wanted to be near the reassuring feel of his sire.
*
Seb made his way backstage with a winning smile and reassuring word to those who would stop him, mentioning the name of one of the key players in this show. There was a lot of security, but he’d been spending a lot of time at the White Rabbit recently so the security recognised him as someone who had assisted (however briefly, he protected) in Lazarus’ capture. He'd already introduced himself to Maria at his lover's warning, knowing she might take offence to those she didn't immediately recognise going where they shouldn't, but Lisa-Joe had also let her know of him
As he saw Lisa-Joe preparing to take her place his smile spread and he approached her from behind with silent steps, before wrapping his arms around her waist and nuzzling a kiss against her throat.
“You look ready to take on all of Hell,” he murmured in her ear.
-
There had been a buzzing to the West and this had drawn Astrid to the streets, driven by something closer to instinct than vision. Traveling light with a small black Moleskine sketchbook and a handful of micron pens stuffed into her leather jacket, she slowly made her way across the city, stopping every so often if she found something interesting to sketch. The pull kept her moving mostly, and while she had an excellent sense of direction she couldn’t be sure where it was leading her. She had stopped in Sanctuary briefly, and while this was a place to be explored further, the pull urged her forward. Paying for the coffee with an irritable scowl--honestly this need to keep going was annoying--she took note of the curious runes on her way out, lit a cigarette and continued on.
It was well after dark when she finally came to Zingari Theater and the pull became a vortex, drawing her past its doors. Astrid sighed tossed her hair a bit, closely examining the entrance and wondering what could possibly be going on in a little theater. There was already a swirling of energy there, much of which she would have rather avoided had she the option. She was more likely to be noticed upon walking in, and she wasn’t too keen on drawing attention to herself considering she had no idea what she was getting herself into. Thinking it best to take precautions, she pricked her finger and smeared the dot of blood over the tattoo on her left temple. This would ensure she did not stand out. Being seen was one thing--but being noticed was entirely different, and Astrid did not want to be noticed.
The Theater seemed smaller from the inside if that was even possible. And it was clearly set up for some sort of trial. Maybe that was what the play would be about? No, this didn’t have a Show Is About To Start kind of vibe at all--well, not that kind of show. Different crowd, different energy. Besides, she didn’t have to pay to get in. Her eyes moved from face to face and she made eye contact with the dark-skinned woman unintentionally. A chill shot through her suddenly and Astrid looked away. That one was a direct line to divinity--as far as which divinity, Astrid no way of knowing. She made her way deliberately to the right, close enough to the stage to see clearly but far enough to make a hasty getaway if needed. What was about to happen?
Prickly skin, electric buzzing static, swirling anger, darkness, and something very fucking old. More still approaching. And it was a lot to take in all at once. A scowl set into her face she pulled out the sketchbook and a pen to see what she could come up with. The pen quickly set to work, first with the woman she had caught eyes with. She was pleasant to draw, but there was a great deal of pain and loss there. An intense need for justice called from the quickly sketched portrait. Astrid flipped the page and searched the room for a different subject, fiddling absentmindedly with a rip in the knee of her close-fitting jeans. This was going to be a long and interesting evening.
-
Ben greeted Ichabod with a wave just before his brother sat down on the other side of Kerr. Shortly after, his phone buzzed a message. He pulled it out of his pants pocket (he'd dressed up today, with a navy button-down shirt over black suit-pants and black loafers instead of his usual jeans and sneakers). Tapping on his messages, Murphy's name came up along with his message.
I’m here if you need me? Murphy was... here? Ben swivelled around in his seat, scanning the theatre for his friend. He thought he saw him past several heads but he had to make sure. Ben stood and saw that yes, Murphy was here, right up the back.
"I'll be a sec," he told Kerr and Ichabod, and moved up the aisle, glancing at a guy looking around at everything like he'd never seen a theatre before as he passed him. He approached Murphy feeling a mixture of shame and guilt, horrified that his friend was going to find out about him this way... had probably already found out about him, considering the nature of the text.
"Hi," he said as he stood in front of his friend. He pocketed his hands and pressed his lips together, holding back all the things he wanted to say. Eventually, he settled on something he thought was best. "I didn't want anyone to know, but it's too late for that now, hey? I wish I'd had the -
chance?
I had lots of chances
- the guts to tell you myself." He didn't want Murphy to be forced to read between the lines. Better to say it straight up.
-
Kerr watched Ben curiously as he walked away, turning to see where he was going. To Murphy. He turned around to face the front again, scanning the crowd compulsively before he turned to look at Ichabod. He reached over and rested his hand on his fledge's leg as he replied to him, rubbing reassuringly.
"Whenever Jake's happy with the amount of people here to watch this farcical drama unfold, I suppose," he answered drily, looking around again.
He was impatient for it to start, also. The sooner it started, the sooner it ended and everyone could get on with their lives - or what was left of them. Kerr was anticipating having to pick up a lot of fractured pieces by the end of this ridiculousness.
-
Zoheret was not particularly pleased with the constant need for these vile creatures to demand an audience everytime one of them stubbed a toe. Now it was that little bastard Jake's turn to throw himself a party. How she loathed them all, these vampires, these undead. Had it not been for her role as the District Leader of the north-west, and her subject - one Benjamen Samson - testifying, Zoheret may have decided to skip the trial altogether. The presence of Jake McCloud and Kerr Galvin only proved to aggravate her all the more. The Dark Angel had not forgotten her last encounter with the ex-luminary as he tried to invade her mind and backed down from his responsibilities like a coward. And Jake was another one of those peevish, silly children who thought eternity was something that gave you power. A warmonger, hungry, and encroaching on her territory like the dog he was.
But he had been the one who was assaulted.
The idea of it was preposterous, of course. With all his rebel-rousing and demon slaying, the great Jake McCloud was offended by being tossed around in an immortal body? It sounded to her like he needed an excuse to feel sorry for himself.
Ben, on the other hand, at least had more of a reason to complain. A captive in Jake's home - a fact she had only recently learned from the great Charon himself - Ben had at least the position to be assaulted by the other vampire. Lazarus, another undead beast without manners or self-control. All the more reason to rid the city of them all for good.
She stepped into the theatre with a very hard look set on her face. Her makeup was set, her hair pinned up tightly into a spiraling bun from which only a relaxed curl escaped. She looked dashing (https://i.pinimg.com/564x/a8/aa/8f/a8aa8f3017274ff803db01927bc0d596.jpg), the only pleasant thing about her tonight, in a black sheath dress with a sweetheart cut and cap sleeves, its length ending just above her slender knees. She had a human in tow, her sweet and silent secretary Michelle (https://i.pinimg.com/564x/c8/09/d7/c809d7b95fffe3fa57dbab46bcca6d34.jpg?b=t) whose only job for the night was to take note of the thoughts - if any - that Zoheret had on the trial. Other than that, the human's job was to be as unnoticeable as possible. Zoheret invited no one else, hardly thinking that this silly trial of Jake's was any true pillar to justice.
She took to the center aisle, passing by Benjamen Samson - who was speaking lowly to a human near him. Zoheret considered reaching out to the boy with some kind of lament for his situation, but then decided silently that she simply didn't care enough. With Michelle following closely behind, the District Leader of the North-West approached the stage before turning to find her own stage box.
--
To Damien, this entire affair seemed more circus than anything else. A farce, in fact. Like Ben, he too felt as if he were watching a production, the stage set for the audience - not justice - as the show loomed. If he hadn't been so accustomed to it with all the politik in the city, Damien would have found it all quite humorous. Instead, he straightened his jacket and moved with the gathering crowd into the theatre, alone.
He chose a seat at the very back of the room, farthest from the stage so as to watch the show. He was less concerned with the actual service of justice - the politicians had a funny way of seeing such prophecies to their ends - and more interested in Saint Sabrina and her judicial handling of the menace of Lazarus. Tonight, the trial was of no consequence to him - he was there to bear witness and nothing more. Sure, he had wanted to see the city ridded of Lazarus once and for all, and of course the assaults upon Kerr Galvin's fledge and District Leader McCloud were atrocious. Damien expected some kind of justice to be sentenced, but with the shifting political climate, he was confident that whatever the decision was it wouldn't last long. Besides the inhabitants of the city, nothing ever did here.
Damien crossed his legs, waiting comfortably. From here, he could see the stage - the trial - clearly, the ruffling of curtains backstage as the actors crossed, readied themselves. The vampire frowned but otherwise remained quite still, waiting for the entertainment to begin.
-
Jacob McCloud appeared from backstage, taking in the assembled body. The day had finally arrived, and now he had to reap what he had sewn. Everything had happened so fast, and now on the day of Lazarus's trial Jake wondered if any of it would be worth a damn thing at all. Jake didn't want to be here, but as Lazarus had informed him the night before he was boxed in. To cancel now would make him look even more foolish, and besides, Lazarus did need to be dealt with somehow. This appeared to be the form it would take. It had been about transparency. He was sure anything more private than this and his enemies would once again accuse him of taking the violent route, that he wasn't fair, and a warmonger. Oh how he hated that word. For all these vulture's accusations; where was his great genocide, his constant warring on other districts, his prisons full of political enemies?
There were none. They had all been happy to let Jake clean up the city's messes before, but now suddenly they cared where or when he placed his people. It was all hypocrisy. Zoheret would kill them all if she could. Jake had learned that the night the Oligarchy fell. She flashed a pretty smile, and spoke vaguely of her good intentions, but the black magic she used to get back her powers was far darker than any deed Jake ever committed. Charon was better, but still had his own motives, and even Sabrina was not fully impartial today. Still, he supposed it was easier to create a villain rather than look at ones own villainy. Ben was the greatest culprit of this. Jake was no psychologist but Ben seemed to project all his own shit onto him. They way he called Jake a psycho and that all his people supported one another instead of getting help was particularly transparent. That was he and Kerr's relationship to the mark.
He moved into the main room, nodding at his new Keeper and quickly seeing Sam all to herself in the back. He frowned, hoping that she would've sit near him in the front. He was more glad than ever he'd asked for Murphy's support. He didn't want to send a message to her with so many open minds, many of them much older than his own. They would speak after the trial. He would try and go to her if he could, but she didn't look much like talking to him. Honestly, he couldn't blame her. He moved off the stage and into the house of the theater, nodding politely at Kerr and his other fledge, Ichabod. The others in the house meant little to him at the moment, a slight - and somewhat apologetic - nod at Damien Evans, who he was surprised attended.
He'd had a hard time figuring out which Jacob McCloud should show up today. He assumed people would want the Black Prince, the bastard, or as Ben would say, the poser. Part of him wanted to run to his dark alter ego. It was comfortable and what he knew. However, as much as the general viewer seemed to think this was some grand self masturbation, Jake wanted the feelings, emotions and testimony to be real. If he expected that from Ben, Sam, Lazarus and the rest, how could he not be that himself? His outfit contained no black. He wore a baby blue dress shirt that made his grey eyes look the same shade, as well as grey slacks and brown loafers, a simple blue and silver tie constricting his neck. His hair was combed to the side instead of slicked back. His face was clean and washed but nothing else.
He would greet Charon and Zoheret privately and personally. However, before that he needed to speak to Ben. He knew that he would not be satisfied with any decision that he made, but nevertheless he wished to speak to him about it. He was resolved it was the right call, Charon's words and Sabrina's healing giving him the confidence he needed. He thought of Lazarus and prayed he was doing the right thing. He wouldn't know until long after it was made. He would have to live with himself. He spotted Ben talking to Murphy and worked his way through the house and towards the pair. Murphy looked so cute, and Jake had to fight the instinct to hug him. He approached slowly and as to not interrupt too forcefully, he cleared his throat and said, "Excuse me, Ben." He fully expected to be screamed at.
From the case notes of Drew Sullivan:
Case: Profile - District Leaders
So this was Jake McCloud? He looked five. I was expecting some muscle bro with a five o'clock shadow and wearing cameo. This was a kid. I only knew he was Jake because I heard other's near me whispering about it. I guess I shouldn't stereotype Anarchs, but the guy looked like a Cammie Ventrue if I ever saw one. Where was the flair? Where was the revolution? As he passed I mocked a salute at him, following it up with a drink from my flask. He moved towards the back and spoke to brat boy from before. I put two and two together and realized that this kid must be Ben. Again, not impressed.
Lisa-Joe Hampton, Harpy and prosecutor, waited for the trial to begin. Then Seb surprised her, and she had to fight her first impulse to knee him in the groin. Lucky for him, she was getting used to his energy, and knew it was his strong hands suddenly around her waist. She'd opted for something simple as Jake's direction. Originally she'd wanted to wear a red dress. Wasn't that what you wore to a funeral when you hated the deceased?
But now Jake was saying that she needed to appear professional and nothing else, taking all the fun out of prosecuting the enemy in her house. She blamed herself for what had happened. She had known Lazarus was a snake and let him roost right in her best friend's room. Same with Ben. She should've forced Jake to turn away Ben the moment he walked into her home. Now all this had played out. She had to fix it. She had to make Lazarus pay. She had done her homework, had witnesses and was sure Sabrina would be a fair judge. Lazarus was about to arrive, being brought in with Sabrina to make sure he complied. Jake told her he thought Lazarus had been a well behaved prisoner, and Lisa had scoffed at such a ridiculous claim.
She turned to face Seb, and kissed him on the lips. "Lazarus hurt my family. That's my hell. So yeah. I think it's time I faced that. I'm happy Jake picked me to do this, and even happier you're here with me."
-
Murphy hadn’t expected Ben to come over, but he sat up straighter as his friend approached, giving him a small smile, although it didn’t really seem like a smiling situation.
“Hey,” he said in response to the greeting, standing up and dropping his notebook on his vacated seat. He wanted to give Ben a hug, but Ben didn’t exactly look very welcoming at the moment. Instead he stood quietly, watching Ben try to struggle for the right words to say.
You’re supposed to tell me things. We’re supposed to be friends. We were always there for each other. I’m not just anyone. We’re supposed to spend centuries together.
So many thoughts fluttered through his head, accusatory, hurt, selfish. Ben had been through hell, he didn’t need any of that.
“You’ve got plenty of guts, you’re here now,” Murphy said, gesturing around the theatre. Ben could easily have refused to show up, given a statement and not faced all of this, but he hadn’t.
“If you want to talk to me afterwards, you know where I am,” he added, although he doubted Ben would. He’d go home with Kerr who could look after him so much better.
He gaze flickered to Jake as he approached them and his smile grew as he remembered their time together the previous night. Like Jake, Murphy wanted to reach out to hug him, like he had with Ben, but kept to himself. When Jake addressed Ben, Murphy lowered his gaze and turned to scoop up his bag, shoving his notebook into it.
“I’ll let you two… uh… catch up before this all kicks off,” he said, sidling along the aisle to give them some privacy unless either of them stopped him.
*
Ichabod let his hand rest on top of Kerr’s reassured by that touch. There had been so little time when they’d been alone since Kerr had come back, and even now they were in a room surrounded by people.
How’s he doing? Is he ready for this? How has he been since it happened? he sent mentally to Kerr, very aware of the mass of supernatural beings with extraordinary hearing in the room.
*
Seb knew that Lisa-Joe was usually one to go for the aggressive reaction and had been on the receiving side of her lashing out, but with his years on her she rarely managed to get the blows in, unless he let her for fun. It was fun to watch her try though.
He met her kiss, then gave a small nod at her declarations about Lazarus. He’d helped her prep and heard her arguments, it would be interesting to see how it all played out. It was hard to know how to punish a two thousand year old vampire – he thought death seemed a little extreme, but that wasn’t going be his decision.
“Has he given any trouble whilst he’s been held? How are you getting him here tonight?” Lazarus being held at the prosecutor’s residence whilst waiting for the trial also didn’t seem quite right, but moving him would definitely risk his escape so keeping him put seemed safest.
-
Saraekiel slipped through the theater doors and entered the kangaroo court for the undead. A circus if ever he had seen one. He had to give Jake McCloud credit though, this was most definitely an interesting way to garner sympathy, to pose as victim and to take the focus away from his recent greedy grasp at power and his willingness to slaughter anyone he needed to get it, or those who refused to bend their knee.
He felt Zoherets presence and lifted his eyes to her bower and smiled slightly before taking a seat in the back of the room. She would sense him and know she wasn't alone in this sea of reanimated corpses.
He was dressed casually and in black, a blood red ruby winked from his left ear as he made himself as comfortable as possible as he prepared to watch the play before him, he flicked his eyes around the room and wondered where the popcorn vendor was.
-
When Murphy stood, Ben had felt too awkward to give him a hug so he remained as he was, listening for his friend's thoughts. He wanted to hear forgiveness, and he hadn't meant to scan Murphy's mind but the thoughts were there for the picking-up anyway. He felt especially bad when his friend didn't voice any of them and praised Ben's courage.
He'd been a shitty friend. He pulled out his hands and reached towards Murphy, confident that he would accept the embrace. He held him tightly, hating himself for trying to identify Jake's smell on him, unsure if he was sensing something beyond Murphy's soap, shampoo, shaving cream and cologne. Did he think he could smell him because he was looking for it? Murphy's was a familiar body to hold; warm and with a pounding heart that was satisfying and almost as comforting as his words. Ben had been preparing himself for the end of that heartbeat, until Kerr had come back and Jake had taken him. Now there were obstacles in their way and Murphy's siring was getting further out of his reach. If it was Ben in his position, he would resent it. Resent it and start complaining about it.
Murphy proved he was the better man when he extended an offer that came from a generous place.
"I'd like to. We haven't properly caught up. I don't count the party," Ben rolled his eyes but smiled even as he pulled back, naturally ending up with both of Murphy's hands in his. When Jake cleared his throat, interrupting them and causing Murphy to pull away and turn to collect his things, it was another reason to dislike him over.
He's mine, Ben thought jealously, trying to keep that thought clamped down but unsure if he was able in the middle of this buzzing hive.
"Yes, Jake?" he asked politely, though he wasn't feeling it. He would be cool tonight, though. He'd reprimanded himself countless times since their argument at Penbrook. Looking back, he felt nothing but embarrassment at his behaviour that night. If he wanted to be superior to Jake, then he had to act it, not get down on his level and roll around in the mud trading insults. And in front of Charon, too. Ugh. He'd never live that night down.
-
Kerr nodded respectfully back at Jake as he was acknowledged, tensing as the District Leader moved in Ben's direction. He had faith that they'd both be on their best behaviours... but he'd been wrong many times before.
He flipped his hand beneath Ichabod's so that their fingers could entwine, bringing his fledge's hand up to his lips and kissing the back of it before he lowered it, cradling it against his stomach and wrapping his other hand around it for good measure.
He's amazing. It was really hard at first but he's healing slowly. He's definitely ready for this. I think this trial will be cathartic - he's in the headspace for that - but if it doesn't go the way he expects, it could also set his progress back a few steps. That worries me.
He looked intently at Ichabod, examining his face as if it was the first time he'd seen him. Despite the fact that they'd been housed together at Penbrook Estate, Kerr really hadn't seen a lot of his youngest fledgeling. He'd spent most of his time with Ben, some of it with Jeanne and occasionally Charon. Ichabod had been with his mortal.
Kerr had a lot to tell Cub about his and Ben's plans for their future, but he wasn't going to reveal anything until after the trial. He wouldn't even think about it here, with so many minds and eyes and ears scanning for any tasty tidbit.
You look tired, love. You got James home alright?
-
When Murphy got up to leave, Jake waved shyly, and said, “Hi Murphy. See you later.” Now his attention returned to Ben.
Well, he’s not screaming at me. That’s a start.
“Hello Ben. Thank you for agreeing to be here today. I apologize for the interruption but I’d like to speak to you backstage or in an area more private then this. It’s about the case, otherwise I wouldn’t bother you. Do you have a moment?”
Jake had decided to be polite, factual but to not get sucked into any enactments with Ben. he had larger fish to fry and wouldn’t let personal distaste get in the way of the trial and the case being handled well.
Lisa-Joe had been grateful for Seb’s help prepping, and had rewarded him for it as much as he had liked. She was growing to used to having him around, and had forgotten what it was like to have someone in her corner. She had Jake's. Seb, it seemed, had hers. She thought all this, and kissed him again in quiet thanks. She listened to his questions, and had to fight the urge to tense at hearing the defendant's name.
“He’s being brought by Sabrina and our security forces. She assured Jake she could make sure Lazarus behaved today and since he had to be here to set up it was agreed she would go to the White Rabbit and accompany him over. No funny business. As to his behavior, Jake was pleased, but Jake is softer than he looks. He actually cares for people more than he’d want you to know.”
She snickered at telling Seb this little secret. “I on the other hand don’t forgive as easy. May I ask, what would you do in Jake’s position? Would you spare him or roast him?”
-
“I’ve been tried and put to death for less. Twice,” Seb said, his blue eyes twinkling for a moment before a more sombre look came over him, which would be something Lisa-Joe hadn’t really seen on him as he gestured towards the filling auditorium.
“A lot of people here have faced death and for some it would have been horrendous. I would always choose life over killing and putting anyone through that. I spent a considerable amount of my early years as a vampire trying to save people, probably some who didn’t deserve it.
“Mortals wouldn’t put someone for death for something like this. Are we living up to the stereotype and being more savage than them? If he repents, if he doesn’t seem to be a danger to anyone else, then no, I don’t think he should be put to death. But it’s not up to me.”
He lifted a cool hand to caress her cheek. “I’m not trying to change your mind. We have different histories, you need to fight for what you think is right. Just make sure you have straight in your mind what is right, not act on impulsion, however tempting it might be.”
*
Murphy slung his bag over his shoulder, glancing back at Ben and Jake. He wanted to stay and listen, but they weren’t yelling at each other and it seemed like there was no place for him in this conversation.
He moved forwards in the auditorium, initially intending on going to fiddle with his mics (needlessly, they were fine) but he paused when he spotted Kerr and Ichabod near the front. Nope, he didn’t fancy having a polite chat with Kerr tonight.
“Oh, sorry,” Murphy murmured to someone who brushed past him on their way to get to a seat and he stepped out of the aisle, finding a spot quickly and settling down again. Jake has said he wanted them to sit together, but he’d disappeared now. Murphy was sure that Jake would find find if he wanted to.
*
Ichabod gave a soft smile as Kerr kissed his hand and nodded as Kerr explained his thoughts. He hadn’t spent much time with Ben since all of this had happened, but he could see the concern on his sire’s face at thinking of his brother. Everything had been such a mess for so long, was there ever going to be an end to it?
His smile faltered slightly at the mention of James and he gave a small nod.
Yes, he’s home. He needs to work and study and… I don’t know whether it’s going to last much longer. He’s got a good future ahead of him after his exams, he probably won’t stay in the city. Not that long ago Ichabod had been considering leaving with him, but for what? To trail after James, to get in his way when he could soar so far on his own? And now Kerr was back and Ben was… well, Ben was Ben. Trouble seemed to follow him around like a shadow. Kerr shouldn’t have to deal with that by himself.
What does he want to happen here? What do you want? he asked. He hadn’t been a part of most of the conversations about the trial and hadn’t wanted to intrude. What might they do? Lock Lazarus up? Ichabod knew he would definitely feel safer with the blonde off the streets, but could anyone hold him for long?
-
"Backstage," Ben agreed, then gestured for Jake to lead the way. He followed him, passing Kerr and Ichabod and looking at them, holding up the peace sign and mouthing 'two minutes' before he was in a private space with Jake. He wondered if Jake wanted to know what Ben was going to say tonight.
Because he had plans.
Conversation Interlude RP (http://www.roleplaycity.com/forum/index.php?topic=7184)
After speaking with Jake, Ben returned to the front row and sat beside Kerr, putting a hand on his leg and not really noticing how Ichabod and Kerr were clutching one another, though he did look past Kerr at Ichabod and gave a little shrug to indicate he had no idea what was going on. He didn't, really. He'd just let this bullshit play out, and afterwards, he and Ichabod and Kerr would have to have a serious talk.
About Murphy.
-
Jake moved forward through the side hallways, as to not pass through the house again. He headed around, towards the lobby before ascending the steps to where the box seats were. He decided to see Zoheret first since he hadn't spoken to her at Charon's party. Charon and he could communicate mentally if needed, but he wanted to further his goal of being open, transparent and wanted to show he could play nice with other districts. He wore a pleased grin almost all the way to the Dark Angel, but dropped it to a more neutral one as he approached her from behind.
"Lady Zoheret, thank you for coming today. It has been quite some time. I'm honored by your presence. How was Greece?"
He bowed politely to the pair of women, trying to make this go as well as it could. He wondered if she had any advice to give. Just because she wanted his head on a spike didn't mean she had no good ideas. He might ask her.
Lisa listened as Seb talked, respectfully nodding. She had no idea who this man was yet, and just now a small piece fell into her lap. She held him and her thoughts went to beating the shit out of whoever had put him up for death. But then, she heard him talk about knowing what's right versus acting on impulse. He was right of course, and Lisa-Joe knew she had a tendency to break a nose first, ask questions later. However, this was not one of those times.
"I respect your opinion, and thanks for telling me about your past. I won't lie. I can't stand people who do what he did. It's even harder that he did it in my home and I should've stopped him."
There it was. She felt guilty for what happened, even to Ben. She took her thoughts a step further.
"But... I'm here to prosecute. I'm gonna focus on that, and let Jake decide what punishment he should face if he's guilty. Can I enjoy prosecuting him though? I can't help that." She kissed Seb's hands. "Let's go check the loading dock for the last arrivals."
-
Maria gave a smile at Sebastian's introduction, she did not keep him long, giving him directions to Lisa-Joe's private quarters for the time being. Continuing her faithful watch at the theatre, not staying in one spot for too long to get a better view of the audience. Two Dark Angels arrived taking place in the box above, never thought she see their kind again, let alone two. This city was full of surprises, good and bloody bad, she took note of the two and they did not seem so evil as others in her past. Slowly scanning the room before resting on Jake and Ben, they seem to be leaving for now. Blending in the background with dignity as she strolled about, more had come to within the audience, turning her attention to Sam once more.
Maria did not go to Sam, she had done well hiding in the background and it was how Sam wanted it for now. Sam needed to think and prepare alone, the urge to sit with Jake was strong. She had seen Murphy with Jake and it stabbed Sam a little, it would be better if she sat next to him after her testimony. To show everyone even after his terrible mistake Sam would give him another chance. Jake was trying before Lazarus came along and it was for that reason she came. So long as Jake was trying and helping himself she would continue to help him. The minute he stopped helping himself Sam would no longer help him and that was final. Closing her eyes to help calm her mind not wanting to draw attention to her little corner of solitude.
Something witchy caught Maria's eye, turning her head at the direction of the lovely lady in the leather jacket. Maria had met more witches in her short time back in the city than at the medical school, human it seemed, a fresh sight. Maria turned her direction down the aisle closing in the distance between the two. However, Maria would not engage and gave the human witch a welcoming smile, returning to her duties as Keeper of Elysium. It was nice to see another friendly witch, unlike that cursed necromancer that she encountered. Seeing at this time Jake had returned and approached the female Dark Angel, her name was Zorheret. She controlled one of the districts in the city, her time with Jake to prepare was short but still useful.
-
This was a vampire's affair, Astrid realized, finishing a quick sketch of the journalist. He was something caught between two webs--interesting. Licking her right thumb, she rubbed the small smear of dried blood from her left temple. The spell had only lasted enough for her to get in, and she now thought it wasn't the best idea to keep blood on her face in a room full of vampires. So she had stumbled into a grand opportunity to get a crash course in some of the city's more notable residents. Great.
Her attention turned to the seated trio, bound by blood, and filled another page with sketch lines. They were all good looking, as vampires usually were, and anxious for this--yes, it was to be a trial--to start. This though was a vortex, weaving in and out of one another, loss and return, mourning and joy. The restless dragon, the reluctant pawn and...cub? Too many messages attempting to come through. Flip.
Drunk. Human life filled with pain, drugs, alcohol. This one she drew taking a swig from his flask. Flip.
A chill passed through her, again, as an ethereal creature walked through the theater, human assistant keeping pace behind. A quick sketch of her moving captured a look of displeasure. This was Pride, fallen from Grace, the very image of beauty enough to make Astrid's pulse quicken. Dragon tattoo. Bloody feathers. Flip.
Another cold one with piercing eyes. Heavy with scars and suffering--but with a respite now. Drawn with legs crossed and a brooding gaze. A tower. Flip.
This dead one--she paused, watching as he came from backstage, picked his way through the aisles, found who he sought and went backstage yet again. A tarnished crown, contested and precariously placed. This one, along with the pawn, were at the center of this vortex. His portrait held the hint of a sneer.
The witch exhaled, capped the pen for the moment and shrugged off her leather jacket, revealing a loose-fitting plain black teeshirt underneath. A headache was beginning to creep its way behind her eyes.
-
Kerr was saddened to hear that Ichabod's time with James was potentially ending. He could feel the pain behind Cub's admission. Was it really just that his exams would take him out of the city or did their enforced isolation at Penbrook contribute? Had it caused a rift? Coping with death threats that put your life on hold couldn't be easy for a mortal; it hadn't been easy on any of them.
He raised his eyebrows at Ben as he walked away with Jake, signalling he wouldn't be long. Christ. Those two disappearing together might mean things were starting soon... but all new and less beneficial things could also start if the two of them were left alone for any length of time. He turned back to Ichabod.
I'm sorry about James, he said, sending a sensation of regret with his thoughts. Before he answered Ichabod's next questions, he turned to regard the stage area ruminatively, imagining the beings that would soon grace it and unable to sum up the complexities of their desired outcomes succinctly, without a bit of thought. We both want to see justice fairly served. I'm doubtful it will happen, Ben's determined to make it happen. We'll see.
He turned as Ben walked back to him, surprised that his predicted timeframe had been adhered to. A lot could happen in a short amount of time. There didn't seem to have been blood drawn, though he was curious about what Jake had wanted. He untangled a hand and covered Ben's on his leg, enjoying the proximity of both his fledglings. If only everything could be as simple as being with the people you loved without any threats interfering. Threats like those they'd face here tonight.
-
Murphy glanced along the row he was sat in and spotted a young woman drawing. He hadn’t spotted Jake returning yet, he’d been trying to keep an eye out since Jake had said he wanted to sit with him, but it was getting hard to see through the crowd and he didn’t have the mental abilities to search out the person he wanted. One day hopefully he would.
For now, he sidled along the row, taking a seat one away from Astrid so he wouldn’t be crowding her.
“Hey, that’s really good,” he said, catching a glimpse of her art and recognising Jake as the focus of it. He didn’t like the look on the vampire’s face in it, but that’s didn’t take away from the fact that she was talented.
“Were you planning on doing more during the trial?” he asked with interest. He had assumed that like a human court, no photos would be allowed, but maybe a picture to go with his article would be possible, if she was willing.
*
Seb raised an eyebrow as Lisa-Joe finally admitted what was really bothering her most about this whole affair.
“You weren’t to know, and he’s got over a century on you, you couldn’t have stopped him,” he said, squeezing her hand gently before a broad smile came over his face at her query.
“You deserve to enjoy it, knock them dead, kitten,” he said with a chuckle, leaning in to kiss her after she’d pressed her lips to his hands, then gesturing for her to lead the way to the loading dock to assist when Lazarus arrived. He would take a seat when it all kicked off, but for now he wanted to help make sure everything was running smoothly.
*
Ichabod felt a stab of pain as he felt Kerr’s reject. Everything good just seemed to slip away as he grasped it and tried to keep it safe and close. He couldn’t ask James to stay, he didn’t have anything to offer him if he managed to get a job elsewhere, but maybe he’d stay.
At least now he had the Academy to focus on, discussing that more with Ben over the last few days (to help distract them all from what had happened) had been exciting and Ichabod had all sorts of plans. Hopefully that wouldn’t fuck up as well.
He helped me get through losing you, that was hard. Maybe we can get through him moving away, but I don’t want to hold him back.
He gave a small nod at Kerr’s answers to his questions. They were pretty vague, but Ichabod no idea how he’d feel in this situation, or what he would want to happen. With Sabrina overseeing maybe there’s more chance at justice than if Jake or one of his people was doing it. She’s not exactly a fan either though, so… Ichabod gave a shrug. He had no idea what was going to happen, but they couldn’t kill Lazarus for it, surely.
Ichabod glanced towards Ben as he returned to them. Looked like he was just as clueless about this as they were. He didn’t seem quite as pissed off as he had been earlier though, so that had to be good. Generally anything to do with Jake made Ben angry, so Ichabod was curious about what had happened back there.
You should never have had to go there, he sent to Ben, without blocking Kerr out. It was a pointless comment, but ture. That was what had caused all of this.
-
Ben could hear the buzz of telepathic thought as he returned to his seat but as soon as he was settled, Ichabod addressed him as well. He nodded, unable to contain his escaping thought;
I couldn't really refuse Charon.
He looked up at the box where Charon sat, but he'd already forgiven the ancient for putting him in that viper hole. He'd only wanted someone to learn about Jake's operation. He hadn't foreseen this drama. He wondered what Charon thought about it all.
* * * * *
Charon was rather delighted with the theatrical quality of the court. What was a trial other than a performance? Initially he'd wondered why Jake would bother, but now he believed that Jake was poking fun. The young vampire had a sense of humour. Now that he was sitting here waiting for the show to start, he'd changed his mind about the necessity of a trial. If Jake had dealt with things privately, then Charon wouldn't have anything to watch in person. He'd have to rely on memories.
He moved slightly towards Jeanne to indicate he was going to speak with her. It's a shame we don't have a mortal between us for refreshments, he said. Jeanne would get a sensation of popcorn-eating-humans-at-the-movies from Charon, mingling with his message.
-
Astrid watched the journalist approach from the corner of her eye, appreciating the respectful space of a seat between them when he sat.
“Thanks.” She said flatly, flipping to a fresh page.
Had she intended on sketching more throughout the trial? Well, certainly if other players arrived on the scene. She was interested in learning what the pen had to reveal about them. The journalist wouldn’t know any of that--she suspected he was interested in her sketches for his article that he would be undoubtedly be writing.
“I could.” She answered thoughtfully, if not leadingly. For a price, of course. It was still work. Though she hadn’t brought a bigger sketchbook or other mediums, so it would be in black pen and she would have to rip it from her small notebook. Not that there was anything wrong with that, it just wasn't ideal.
“I’m Astrid.” The witch reached her right hand out for a shake.
-
Zoheret had purposely gone out of her way to have as little contact with District Leader Jake McCloud as possible. Barring the rare inter-District dispute in which all of the leaders were involved or at least acknowledged via email - like Ben's little electronic outburst the night that this tomfoolery had happened - she had made sure to never bring anything to the young vampire. The night that the Oligarchy had dissolved, Jake had made his thoughts of her quite clear in a way that had resonated with the Dark Angel in a pervasive way. Even when the West was 'won', nothing but silence greeted the young devil from the offices of District Leader Zoheret, and that was the way that she would have preferred to keep it.
Now this little monster strolled his way up to her without invitation. His boldness knew no bounds and she had half the mind to teach him a lesson. It was bad enough that she had to sit through this circle of self-pity, self-exposure, and self-imposed idiocracy, but now he wanted to play nice? It was less than amusing. That he knew she had come back from Greece so recently was extraordinarily unexpected, her vacations usually a tightly kept secret amongst her staff. Someone must have allowed this information to reach Jake's ears. That someone would know pain.
Her lips were pressed tight into a forced smile. "Greece was as it always is: timeless and beautiful," she said shortly, wishing to not continue useless small talk with someone she would rather see burned at the stake. "What shall we expect to see tonight, District Leader McCloud? Justice for Benjamen and yourself, I presume?" Her tone was leading, inferring that Jake already knew how this trial would end even before it began.
---
Damien noticed the nod that McCloud had given him as he walked by, finding it odd that he was being acknowledged in the first place. Grey eyes followed the young District Leader with a quizzical gaze as McCloud found Kerr Galvin's older fledgling. He watched the actors disappear behind the curtain. Bored with this anticipation, Damien took out his phone and scrolled through first his unread emails, then to his text messages to a recent conversation with Rachel. His thumbs flashed over the letters of a new message to his lover.
The show has yet to begin. Lestat has only just entered the theatre now.
-
The difficulty, Kerr said to Ichabod (before he addressed Ben and the comment about how all of this might have been avoided was thought), is that I feel Lazarus absolutely deserves to die. He just doesn't deserve to die for this.
~*~
Jeanne raised one eyebrow at Charon, giving her best haughty, disapproving look. She sensed his amusement and it was well received, even if she appeared disdainful. Compelling one of the mortals in the gallery below to take up position in the box as Charon suggested would be simple to do. She was aware of the optics of that, however, and knew that they couldn't partake in such a public forum. Their fellow audience members might feel they were not giving the process the gravitas it was due.
Very few people understood her grand-sire's sense of humour or could appreciate his gratitude for things happening. In her one and a half millennia, even she had grasped the value of the new and exciting. Trials like this certainly didn't come about every night! They couldn't be obvious about enjoying themselves; even when they did.
Subtly, Jeanna drew her handbag across her lap and unzipped it, spreading the sides open so that Charon might view its contents. Inside were two snack baggies of blood, wrapped in warming contraptions she'd bought from the internet. There was a bag for her and one for Charon, just in case.
I already thought of that, she replied austerely, her stiff manner starting to crack as her amusement leaked into their blood bond - not that Charon didn't practically know her every thought before she even had it. Her gaze scanned the crowd below, trying to ascertain if anyone was paying particular attention to the pair of them or not. They even have straws! she imparted excitedly.
-
Drew saw the sketch artist, and liked her overall look. It was about time someone with a little personality entered. All these carbon copy vampire twinks were getting boring, and he'd only learned a bit about them. The two people everyone kept staring at were McCloud and Ben, and let Drew know that while this trial was about a dude named Lazarus - vampires seriously chose the dumbest fucking names to sound cool - this whole shindig was about those two.
Drew took another swig, and turned his gaze back to the opera boxes. The Grey Duke was currently talking to an ethereal and dark looking being. The woman was gorgeous but gave the young vampire the hebbie-jebbies, and McCloud seemed to be paying this visit out of obligation not pleasure. Drew turned to the other opera box again and looked at the woman with the shade. They seemed to be speaking. He kept his eyes on the ancient woman, hoping to draw her gaze. It might get the shadow to look at him too, and if that was Charon, Drew wanted the man to know that he existed, even if they didn't speak today. He pulled out his phone and constructed a short text.
Hey Lasagna, near your place. Miss you. Come by later?
Send.
Despite the house filling up, nobody sat next to the hulking man. Some looked intimidated, others saw the flask, and others still just saw a person who looked like he didn't like small talk. Drew was bored though and wanted to make something happen. He rose with some difficulty and headed towards the journalist and the sketch artist.
Journal Entry
Journalist: Kind of hot, seems nice, keeps looking for McCloud based on initial eye contact and now subsequent searching. Open seat next to him is being saved. Engaged woman sketching. Trying to get her to help him most likely.
Sketch Artist: Quiet, watchful, the other observing eye in the room. Wonder if she's as good at it as I am. Like her look. She's got style.
Drew plopped down into a seat on the other side of the artist, still letting a seat exist between them as Murphy had on his side, Drew's huge muscular frame spilling over to the two seats next to him. As tall and muscular as he was, Drew had difficulty on public transit. He was always in someone's personal space.
"Nice tats," he said to the sketch artist. To Murphy, Drew waved, and said "Court reporter?"
Is this... small talk?
Jake was no fool, and was prepared for leading statements like Zoheret's. Ben, despite all his flaws, had made Jake much more careful about his words, and made him listen much more carefully too. He looked upon the she devil, or was it she angel, and saw her searching for a way to discredit this whole affair before it began. If she wanted that she'd have to work a lot harder. Jake nodded with fake interest as she spoke about Greece. The comment had been a power play. He wanted her to know that he knew where she was, and that he had ways of getting information on her when he needed to.
"Well as a wronged person in this case I hope justice is served, but as a District Leader I will respect the verdict delivered by our impartial judge Saint Sabrina, good witch of the south. I am just a witness for this proceeding. If you were in my position how would you handle such an offense?"
The Oz metaphor wasn't entirely true, but throwing Saint and good into his appraisal was meant to gauge exactly what Zoheret thought of her new peer. If she thought poorly of Sabrina it said a lot about her.
-
Ichabod gage a small nod as Kerr managed to sum up his own exact feelings. Lazarus was cruel, selfish and a danger to people and the city. But he wasn’t being tried for all the other shit he’d done.
*
“Murphy, nice to meet you Astrid,” the human said, reaching across the empty seat to shake her hand with a smile. He glanced up as they were joined by someone else and gave him a small nod.
“Yes, for today at least. Not my usual thing, but it should be interesting.” He didn’t go into the why’s of it all, these were strangers after all. His gaze turned back to the witch and he passed her a small card which showed his name, mobile number and email address. “If you do any you think would fit with an article and you’d like to see it published, send it over. You’d get proper credit and everything, not sure what they’d pay for it, but I can give you a quote if you send something over.”
Murphy looked beyond Astrid to the large man... he was huge. These seats probably weren’t the most comfortable for him. “Starting the party early?” He asked with a smile, nodding towards the flask.
-
When their hands made contact in the shake, Astrid received a flash of an image--kissing the Black Prince, a flash of fangs dancing against skin. More layers of complexity. Meeting Murphy's eyes she withdrew her hand a gave a small smile, but otherwise said nothing--storing the information in her mind to make connections later. The name was useful. If she was alone she would've jotted it down on the page with his portrait, but she wasn't about to flip through all her sketches in front of him.
The Drunk had approached, flanking her on the other side. Now she was a bit more trapped than she would have preferred, wondering in the back of her mind if she could summon up a bit of fire if she needed to (it had been so long that she doubted it). He didn't feel dangerous in that kind of way, but she was wary nonetheless. Vampires were dangerous by default, regardless of intentions, and this one had a rather hulking form.
"Thanks," Astrid said to the comment on her tattoos, rubbing her neck where the ink was. She turned back to Murphy as he handed over a business card. Maybe they would get one, some exposure would be acceptable for a small sketch. Who knows what kind of doors that would open later.
"Any idea when this is going to start?" She could use a quick cigarette but didn't want to miss anything--or lose her seat.
***
Rachel was a quick replier to text messages.
100 points if you can sneak a pic without getting caught ;) wish you didnt have to go to this stupid thing. take me somewhere fun after? ;D
-
Her smile turned icy as he flaunted his own self-righteousness. "I must say, poor Mr. Samson doesn't deserve to have his experiences broadcast throughout the entire city. I am certain that a private trial and sentencing would have been more than adequate for the boy." She paused, allowing him to know without such words that Ben Samson was the reason she was here. There would be no sympathy for District Leader McCloud while she lived.
"But perhaps that's how I would have done it in my district," she said, taking another coy jab. "After all the simplest solution would have been to just remove the afflicting appendage entirely. For that seems to be the problem, is it not? Too much libido, too much power, too much masculinity?"
--
Damien smirked at his phone as he read her message, casting his eyes up quickly to scan the happenings of the court.
Did you have something specific in mind?
-
An armored van approached the back loading dock. Inside it was the defendant. While she would've made her own way there - or ridden in the van - Saint Sabrina would arrive at exactly the same time. The doors were opened and Lazarus would be free to exit into the backstage area. Lisa-Joe Hampton saw this arrival and sent Jake a text.
The package has arrived.
Send.
She held Seb's hand tightly. They would be starting soon.
Drew looked to the flask in his hand, and laughed a bit as he realized he'd been holding it so openly. Drew didn't really think anyone thought this was a real trial. It was a show! That's why he'd come so blasted. It wasn't even that it was a vampire gig. He thought human courts were basically just shows too. Real justice was a thing of the past or never existed at all.
"When at the circus," he said coyly to Murphy, raising the flask and saluting his promise of a party. He looked to the box and saw Jake still talking to Zoheret. He pointed to the pair, and gestured for Murphy and Astrid to look. "I imagine it will all start when he's done chatting with her," Drew observed. He looked around and saw attendants and aids running towards backstage. "Yeah, I give it... eight and half minutes." It was a very exact guess. His phone buzzed. It was Zeph.
Class till like 7 but after that sure. Need food. :( :( :(
After that Drew's phone buzzed several more times and images of all different kinds of food emojis flooded his inbox. He laughed and smiled at them all. He was going to get to see Zeph after he watched this ancient get the chair. What a cool night!
Jake had forgotten exactly how slimy the she devil was, but her attempts at word play and insults reminded him. He kept his face the same neutral pleasant mask he'd been giving her thus far, and nodded appreciatively at all her comments. The idea of poor Mr. Sampson made him sick. Ben was just another common criminal who used his connections to get out of trouble. Also, mortals who were raped had to testify in public all the time, so Ben was not being subjected to a special form of humiliation. He did have to suppress a dark grin at the idea of cutting off the culprit. That would not be happening and he wished other District Leaders could hear Zoheret's idea of justice the next time they thought to criticize his own.
"All interesting observations my dear Zoheret," he replied, laying on the implied intimacy with her thickly. He would get such joy if it repulsed her. "I'm so happy Ben volunteered to be here today. As to the publicness of it all, perhaps you're right. I was going for transparency not a show, but it's far too late to change things now. You're already in your box."
He hoped she felt it was more like a cage, the token bird of the District Leaders. "And to your last point, I don't think mutilating my citizens is ever the answer, and thankfully we have your feminine wiles to balance out that masculine energy.
His phone buzzed, and he went to look. The package has arrived. He pocketed it, and was sad to see this edition of Jake versus Zoheret cut so short. Why, she hadn't even called him a murderer yet.
"I'm afraid I'm needed downstairs and still need to greet the Sacrament. Please let me know if we can make you more comfortable. Good evening." He bowed again, with his face becoming the spiteful little shit Zoheret thought he was.
He would stay long enough to let Zoheret take her parting shots. Afterwords, he blocked out her words. He would process them later. The Black Prince moved away from the Dark Angel's nest and made his way across the small second floor to the box of the Sacrament. He welcomed Jeanne and Charon and offered them the same comforts as Zoheret, sending Charon a warm and thankful feeling only for him. After pleasantries were exchanged, Jake moved to take a seat next to Murphy. He overheard the artist ask what the trial was about but decided not to answer her. She would find out soon enough.
"Hey there Murphy," Jake said, taking the seat next to him. He made sure to save the one on the other side of him for when Sam finished her testimony. He hoped she'd take it at the appropriate time, but wouldn't force it.
-
Lazarus, wearing the suit Jake had given him - for the lack of any other option - moved into the back room. He didn't like the tension in the air; he could feel it zinging around like a physical charge. His ring was vibrating, though he'd never understood what such a thing meant. It would do it off and on around vampires, never when he was with mortal playmates. Maybe it was trying to tell him that mental fingers were trying to pierce his barrier? That was the closest he could come up with.
His hair was beautiful and flowing - finely brushed to get rid of the dampness in that disgusting cell Jake had thrown him in. At least he'd been allowed to shower, in a way. The makeshift shower had been a preferable change to wash away the stink of moss and concrete. He'd been given a tie to put his hair back but he'd worn it around his wrist instead.
There was a black onyx necklace around his neck. Not the thing he'd choose for himself, but the only way he could get out of his cell. He believed it was Sabrina's magic, that black-eyed bitch who'd cursed him over a decade ago. Apparently, the necklace would force his obedience if he didn't choose to give it. Well, he wasn't intending on messing around anyway, but it was insulting to be forced to. Jake had lost a lot of Lazarus' love over the past week.
He waited backstage for the show to begin. As always, he was the star.
-
As Saraekiel looked around the Théâtre des Vampires with wry amusement. He saw Jake the woebegone wannabe king approach Zoheret in her box and smiled as he imagined how that little meeting must be going down, he flicked his gaze to the front of the front of the audience and watched the hushed conversation between Ben (Who turned out was the interesting chocolate caramel from Charon's little soiree) and his group and reminded himself he needed to get better acquainted with them when he felt the subtle presence of someone who was connected to the aether. Such creatures were always a fascination to angels and they often fought silent but deadly battles on the angelic plane over them, as they could be a formidablele force for good or ill. They could become powerful allies or extremely dangerous enemies. He turned his eyes towards the witch who was busy sketching and considered getting up to go sit next to her when she was joined by a human. He sighed with disappointment and continued to look around when he spotted Sam sitting in the back and on her own.
Why was she not with her sire? he was too far away and there were too many creatures for him to attune to her emotional state but she looked worried and melancholy. Curious he got up from his seat and weaved his way through the crowd to take a seat beside her.
"Hey Fangs" he said with a friendly smile and a bump of his shoulder. "You look glum. Whats up?"
-
Sam was absorbed within her own world enjoying her piece of solitude, the goings on and visiting before court began meant little to Sam. Taxing her brain as she tried to prepare for the moment the defence got its chance too cross-examined Sam, her stomach becoming unsettled. Damn butterflies and she knew the feeling wasn't going away anytime soon. Unaware a familiar face made his way towards her, the last person she would think of sitting next to Sam. The bump on her shoulder made her jump straight up in her chair, eyes wide then softened as she seen Kiel.
"My God Kiel if I was human you'd scare me half to death," a hand on her temple as she smiled and shook her head at him.
"Would you believe I'm here to testify as a witness," her smile now disappearing from view. It was rare for Sam not to have a smile or even a half grin on her face.
Wondering what Kiel would do with her statement, few people knew Sam was here to testify on behalf of Jake. Even after the brutality, a crime had been committed and she could not leave Lazarus with any possibility of getting the verdict not guilty. Sam could not help Ben and a pang of guilt rushed in her mind, she had been teaching when Ben got raped. Why didn't he just leave if Charon gave him permission to do so? Sam felt partly at fault for not being more forceful with Ben to leave, but she was such a mess a night.
-
"Huh," she watched the pair in the box for a moment, making note of the angry sparks between them, before returning her attention to the blank page in her sketchbook. Astrid had missed a few and wanted to gather as much information as possible. She uncapped the pen again and touched it to the page.
Another fallen from grace. This one as luminous with beauty as the first, and equally as arrogant. A cold unborn child. Vengeance. Flip.
"What do you know about this trial?" She asked aloud while rapidly working, without looking up, addressing them both if either felt inclined to answer.
Fresh fluttering fledge. Family lost, family gained. A burning slap. Flip.
The witch looked up now, glancing to the other box in the theater, in the direction of the oldest creature in the room. This one she could not bring herself to draw. For now anyway.
***
Rachel: mayb the park with Delilah? idk what's playing rn but a movie would be fun too :3 aaaand i do need to eat at some point lol
-
Saraekiel smiled at Sam's dramatic jump of startlement at his presence but then narrowed his eyes in speculation as she continued speaking and lost her usual smile.
"Testify? for Jake? My gosh, Sam! Where you there? Did you actually witness the attack?" He asked in a soft whisper filled with shock and concern as he went to take her hand, to enfold it within his own clasped ones as any normal worried friend might. "Are you okay? What happened?." He radiated with concern, worry and comfort and hoped Sam would feel it, believe in his sincerity (which wasn't entirely fake) and confide in him, which might then give him an opening to dabble in that old fashioned human tradition of Witness Tampering.
-
Lisa-Joe saw Lazarus exit, and turned away with a sneer on her face. She didn't understand where he got that suit. It was too nice to be something he owned, and she hadn't paid him a visit prior to the trial. She saw his entrance as a reason to take her post and turned to Seb.
"Time for me to take my place," she told him, hugging him once more for luck. She had a seat for him in the right side isle, so that he would be close but not in the limelight. After hearing any final words she went to the wings to wait for her introduction. Lazarus was on her other side, but she paid him no attention. He would be hearing from her soon.
"Some ancient put his dick where it didn't belong," Drew replied rather bluntly. He didn't realize Murphy knew Jake that well, and figured from Astrid's current demeanor she wasn't that invested in what was happening. He finished the contents of the flask and was now full and inebriated, his favorite combination. Then low and behold, the Grey Duke joined their little party and sat almost in the journalist's lap. Weird. Drew didn't dare engage. He hated politicians, and he suddenly wished he'd stayed in his other seat. An attendant came out on stage and made an announcement.
"Attention everyone," the young vampire, Amy, said. "We are now starting. Please keep conversations to a whisper. Representing the prosecution is District Harpy, Lisa-Joe Hampton. The defendant, Lazarus, will be representing himself. If you both would take your positions."
Lisa-Joe moved to her table, a large binder of evidence and talking points ready to go. She assumed Lazarus would take his as well, but didn't bother to look. The young aid Amy continued. "Now I present the Honorable Justice Sabrina, District Leader of the South. All rise."
Sabrina would now be able to take her place, and say any welcoming remarks before the opening statements.
Jake sat in the audience and watched it all, nervous and fidgety. He rose when requested, and went to grab Murphy's hand, and looked at him with a pained expression before turning his attention back to Sabrina.
-
"Sabrina? They're ready for you." A young woman with rainbow hair poked her head into the dressing room Sabrina had been provided with for the evening. Lazarus had just arrived. All the chess pieces had moved onto the board.
Sabrina nodded, and finished the dark rum drink that she'd been nursing up until now. She checked her makeup and tie a final time in the mirror. As she passed, Tansy tugged the lines out of her black suit jacket and flicked away an imaginary piece of dust before Sabrina waved her off. "Go home," she said lowly, "this is going to be a nightmare."
"It'll be fine," Tansy argued, standing on her tiptoes to brush an eyelash from Sabrina's cheek, "you're gonna do great."
Sabrina sighed, and shrugged. That did not make this any less a nightmare.
She let herself be ushered into place, taking her seat onstage without pomp or circumstance. She was dressed sharply in a tailored suit, plain black, and her hair was pulled into a tight bun. She nodded to Lisa-joe, and to Lazarus, letting her eyes linger on the latter. She hadn't seen him since the day she'd cursed him.
Her voice boomed out over those assembled. She turned her white on black eyes to the front of the room. "Be seated. The prosecution will present their opening statement."
Apparently, there would be no welcoming remarks.
-
Lisa-Joe Hampton rose at Sabrina’s words, facing the assembled body, and occasionally turning to speak directly to the judge.
“Ladies and gentleman, district leaders, offices of the ward, and Justice Sabrina, I am standing here today to seek justice for crimes committed by the defendant, Lazarus. Three days prior, the accused violently attacked a district leader, committed sexual assault against one victim, and raped another. We do not make these accusations lightly.”
She stepped from behind her desk and walked to the edge of the stage. She kept the theatrics fairly low for now, simply stating the facts of what she hoped to prove.
“You will see evidence and exhibits, hear from an expert witness, hear the testimony of relevant parties, including both victims. The defendant will also be interviewed to allow him to tell his side of the story. It is important that he be given the opportunity to defend himself, and is equally important that I present a factual case based on the evidence. I seek this high standard so that our judge can make a clear and clean decision, and be convinced of the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Now she got a bit personal, deciding to lay out exactly who the defendant was. “Lazarus once ruled this city, twice in fact. I say this not to invite a blistering critique of his record - although one could be done - but to highlight that this man has a long reputation in our fair city. What is the reputation? All common barbs aside, I think it can be summed up nicely with an example. The defendant was not forced to represent himself today. In fact, the Central District put out calls for anyone willing to defend him to come forward.” She now shot Lazarus a scathing look, letting her hatred for him show in every inch of her face.
“Not a single person came forward to defend him.” She turned to Sabrina. “And so based on the evidence you will hear today I ask that the court deliver a verdict of guilty on all charges.” With that Lisa returned to her seat, and sat interlacing her fingers and placing her hands on the table.
-
Damien stood along with the audience, silently, and sat when directed. He checked his messages with Rachel and smirked privately again. It was very unlike him to be so distracted while out in public, chatting on his phone. Ever since Rachel had become a more intricate part of his life, it was hard to figure out the motivations behind such stiff behaviors anymore. She was a terrible influence on his usual austerity.
That sounds fun. Chinese again? But Netflix at home instead. I want to be as far away from this nonsense as possible.
---
The Dark Angel tried her hardest not to grimace at the other District Leader as he pushed her buttons. He wanted her reaction and she almost hated him enough to not care about what he wanted. What she wanted was to just reach out and scald the boy to the bone. Let the little savage heal from that one. Zoheret kept her beautiful mouth clamped shut. There were too many eyes and immortal ears.
She found it humorous that, after everything Lazarus had done to the city Jake was considering him a citizen. The great Lazarus was no citizen - no more than some ex-President was. He was Jake's old lover, she was convinced. The smitten prince and his dramatic flair for theatrics-as-usual. As the young vampire walked away, Zoheret leaned towards Michelle and said "Remind me to send both Benjamen Samson and District Leader McCloud my thanks after justice is served here tonight. District Leader McCloud deserves my best." Zoheret smiled and stood upon command.
-
Lazarus listened to Lisa-Joe's ramblings. She couldn't be playing up to a jury because she didn't have one, so all this must be for the audience's benefit - who were here to watch and not say anything. The only person in the room who had any say in this bullshit was Sabrina, and that meant there was a good chance he was royally fucked.
He stood, slowly, and gave a sombre nod to Sabrina. She'd been angry at him a long time ago for not preventing her niece's death. A death he'd taken hard, as well. She hadn't come after him after cursing him, though, and he hoped this meant she was no longer out to get him.
Next he turned to face the crowd, seeing who'd come. He saw Jake in the audience and quickly skipped his gaze away. Ben, up the front who held his stare. Huh. Kerr beside him, looking daggers. Unsurprising. Ichabod as well in that little trio. Cute. More faces he didn't recognise, some were vaguely familiar, none that he cared about. None of his fledglings were here. He'd outlived so many, but he could still feel a few on his blood-bond. Maybe forty of them were around, but none were close.
He broke into a wide smile and gestured with his thumb at Lisa-Joe. "This one's been watching too many court dramas. Let's just get on with this."
He turned back around and gave Sabrina a steady look. No fast-talking bullshit for her.
-
“You’ll do brilliantly,” Seb said, giving Lisa-Joe a final kiss before leaving her to it and taking his seat. He crossed his legs and sat back, looking relaxed. Whatever happened here didn’t make a huge amount of difference to him – yes, it would affect Lisa-Joe who he’d become very close to recently, and Jake, who was becoming a friend. He didn’t want to see Lazarus be killed, it set a bad precedent, but from what he’d heard of the ancient, no one would really see it as a huge loss.
However, he did raise an eyebrow as Lisa-Joe mentioned that was why no one had stepped forward to defend Lazarus. He wouldn’t tell her, but he had considered offering his services to Lazarus. He hadn’t in the end as he doubted Lazarus would have accepted his help (especially not since he’d helped distract him whilst he was surrounded at the White Rabbit). Also, there had been little to no time to prepare. No sensible person with any kind of training in law would have accepted the case with so little time to prepare for it, not when it would be such a difficult one to win. And the way Jake spoke, he’d already made his decision about what would happen afterwards, which made this all a bit pointless.
*
Murphy shot a glance towards Drew at the crass comment.
“Lazarus has been a threat to the city for longer than just what he’s done this time,” he said, knowing a bit more about it from what Ben had told him previously about the ancient, but not wanting to discuss the trial they were actually here for with this huge drunkard mouthing off about something he knew nothing about.
He turned his gaze away from Drew to Jake with a smile at the nervous looking figure beside him. He grasped Jake’s hand, weaving their fingers together. As Lisa-Joe began speaking Murphy watched Lazarus. He didn’t know about Jake’s relationship with him, which had led to all of this, neither of the two men he cared so much about wanted to discuss the details with him, but he’d find out soon enough. The blonde looked cocky, but maybe it was all just a front to cover the fear of death.
He lifted Jake’s hand to kiss the back of it gently before releasing his grasp so that he could grab his notebook, ready to write down any thoughts which came to him which the mic’s wouldn’t pick up.
-
The witch frowned and narrowed her eyes at his insensitive comment, still keeping her eyes in her sketches even as they were joined by another vampire--this Black Prince. Astrid thought it was strange that a rape trial was open to the public like this--she assumed that the victims would want some sort of privacy. Murphey's comment did little to clear things up, though she was looking forward to--hopefully--seeing some sort of justice being brought. Rapists were disgusting filth who deserved no mercy. And from the sound of things, this Lazarus had even less redeeming qualities than your average rapist. She sighed with disgust, shifted in her seat and turned to a blank page in her sketchbook, ready.
She didn't have to wait long, apparently, and stood with the rest of the audience on command. Lisa-Joe Hampton, prosecutor, and another pretty vampire. Lazarus--surely not the biblical figure?--had two pieces of magical jewelry humming with magical energy that, to Astrid, was like a beacon. The necklace was from Sabrina, that much was certain--it had her energy signature. The ring was something else entirely and would take closer inspection to make any real guesses. One was clearly a barrier to any Seeing, as Lazarus felt more like a black hole than anything else in the room. The other was some kind of binding spell. It would be interesting to get ahold of either and see how they were constructed and what sort of magic made up the spellwork--and their limits. From what she was aware of, all magic had its limits no matter the power level. As for which was which, the witch could make a guess--considering Lazarus had a bad reputation she couldn't imagine Sabrina giving him something to hide behind.
With Sabrina as judge, she was now confident that justice would be served. She looks good in a suit, Astrid thought with a smile, and sat back in her seat with the rest of the audience. Her first sketch was of Ms. Hampton as she gave her opening statement, capturing that firey look she aimed at Lazarus. The images from The Sight were distracting. Poison. Cotton crops. Fire.
Astrid turned to a new page as Lazarus' turn came to speak. Her mind was uncomfortably quiet, save the urge to avoid him at all costs. Her pen captured the smile and gesture. Out of context, it would've had a friendly tone--something normal, human even. But what it carried here was an utter lack of remorse.
***
Rachel: sounds good to me. arent you not supposed to be texting me during these kinds of things? did it still not start?
[a separate text of a cute photo of herself, tongue sticking out]
-
The witch watched Lisa-Joe’s speech with an air of polite interest, her normally expressive face oddly blank. Something hardened behind her eyes when Lazarus spoke, but the blankness remained as she watched him. She dipped her head to one side after he made his declaration. That much she could respect.
“Very well. The prosecution may call their first witness.”
-
When Kiel placed his hand over Sam's hand it was surprising, deeply peering into his eyes and his concern was truly heartfelt towards Sam. Dark angels were full of surprises, everyone says they were such dark beings. Unable to portray feelings of concern or love, it was not true and Sam found out more each time she encountered Kiel. Using her thumb she rubbed his hand clasped around her own, showing her appreciation for his concern. That smile did not return it was such a shitty topic to discuss. Mustering the courage to speak before the court proceedings began, she did not expect Kiel to sit with her during court.
"Yes, I was there," sombre as she spoke. "And I will be okay a lot happened that night." Subconsciously not giving Lazarus an excuse to weasel out of what he had done. Talking about the case would give him an out and she wanted Lazarus closed off from escape.
Maria watched the two from afar, intrigued but a small sense of protection washed over Maria. It seemed all the key players had arrived, looking over at Drew and his flask. He finished the contents and Maria hoped he would not cause trouble. Murphy joined Jake and Maria was glad he had support, finding a spot so Maria could see the whole court session. Lisa-Joe had stated open arguments once Lazarus and Sabrina had arrived, the demon seemed out of her comfort zone but Maria believed in the woman.
-
As Sam spoke, he clutched at her hand tightly, he was the perfect image of a concerned and supportive friend, but he could feel Sam's reticience about sharing details about the situation, she practically burned with her need to see justice done and the perpetrator of the crime punished. She wanted to be that hammer that pounded the last nail into their coffin.
He could feel his chance at messing with jake's planins slipping away, especially when Sabrina (Another he wanted to get better acquainted with, although there was something about her that made him wary. He needed more information on her) Called for the first witness. he tried for a quick second shot and hoped that witness wasn't Sam.
"Sam, you...you weren't hurt were you? You...you didn't get assaulted too did you?" His voice was filled with worry as he shifted closer to her, his thumbs stroking her hand as he exuded anxiety and fear for his friend.
He hoped by expressing anxiety for her she might feel the need to calm him down and reassure him by giving him some information about the events she witnessed and maybe he would learn something that he could use to plant some doubt about what she had witnessed or more importantly about Jake McCloud himself. That was what he was truly after.
-
OOC: Met Jimmy, my Malk from another world He will be helping Lisa out today and I may bring him on over to Infusco at a later date.
Lisa-Joe stood. “Thank you your honor.”
The swipe from Lazarus went ignored. If he wanted to use his opening statement to make a belittling joke, that was frankly a low hanging fruit, than all the better for her case that he was guilty and not remorseful. A list of witnesses in the order they would be called was read aloud by Lisa-Joe, to let witnesses know when they would be needed. The order was an expert witness, then Ben, then Sam, then Jake and finally Lazarus. Lisa had a few more incidental witnesses, however, stated they would be called only if needed. “I call Dr. James Barrow.”
From the crowd, rose a vampire (http://www.malemodelscene.net/wp-content/gallery/082012/steven-chevrin-reiss-spring-summer-2012-03.jpg). In many ways he looked like a fairly normal person (https://www.famousbirthdays.com/headshots/steven-chevrin-2.jpg) for this bunch. He had sandy blonde hair, green eyes and a mouth that looked like it was constantly either a wry smirk or a stone faced pout. It currently wore the pout, and he excused himself from the group he’d been sitting with and walked towards the stage. He wore a Brooks Brothers three piece suit, silver in color. A nice watch and large black framed glasses made up the rest of his look and he nodded politely at Sabrina as he situated himself on the stand.
“Dr. Barrow, please inform the judge and the courtroom at large what you do for a living.”
A very posh British dialect exited his mouth, the Queen’s English as one might say. “I am a clinical psychologist. I see patients here in the city in private practice.”
“Please tell us your specialties Dr. Barrow.”
“Trauma survivors, especially of sexual abuse. My other specialty is treating vampires.”
“So you would consider yourself an expert on these subjects?”
Dr. Barrow looked nervous and replied rather matter of fact, “Well, yes. It is my livelihood.”
“Do you know the defendant Dr. Barrow?” Lisa pointed to Lazarus.
Dr. Barrow looked with interest but otherwise no emotion and shook his head no. “I do not.”
Lisa repeated the question for Ben and Jake. Dr. Barrow stated he’d never met either of them as well. Finally she asked if he’d ever met with, or worked with, her before she asked him to come testify today. He replied no.
Lisa turned to Sabrina. “Your honor, the prosecution would like Dr. Barrow certified as an expert witness on sexual trauma and how it might affect vampires.”
She didn't need long with Dr. Barrow, just to establish a few facts that might control for discrepancies in future testimony.
-
After briefly studying the vampire in question, Sabrina waved a hand, “Proceed.”
She’d have to catch up with this Dr. Barrow later. His was work worth doing.
-
Lisa-Joe Hampton nodded appreciatively at Sabrina. She flipped through her binder and seemed to find the appropriate page, then lifting her head to meet Dr. Barrow's.
“Now, Dr. Barrow can you please tell us about how most humans process extreme emotional trauma like sexual abuse. I realize people react as individuals but give us a few likely scenarios.”
Dr. Barrow seemed to consider the question carefully, staring at Lisa-Joe as if trying to understand her reasoning behind asking him. He removed his glasses and cleaned them as he spoke, seemingly soothed by the repetitive nature of cleaning something.
“Well, I’m generalizing of course, but many react by feeling violated. Feelings of powerlessness are common, as if ‘my own weakness let this happen.’ It leads to self doubt, self blaming and extreme cases identifying with their attacker in some way. ‘I brought this on myself’ is the logic. Other reactions include an acute stress reaction that can become post traumatic. This can include amnesia, aversion to certain stimuli, blocking out the event, panic attacks, suicidality and other less than desirable outcomes. This is if they receive no treatment of course.”
Lisa-Joe nodded as if she wasn’t surprised to hear much of this. “Of course Dr. Barrow. Now tell me more about the amnesia you mentioned. Can you be more specific?”
“Well, some people block out parts of the experience, some dissociate in the moment of the attack, and others still repress the entire situation. This is the outcome that is the most harmful as what’s not talked out is acted out.”
“What does that mean doctor?”
Dr. Barrow looked increasingly nervous on the stand. It seemed Ms. Hampton had deviated from the approved list of questions. “Well, I don’t want to bore any of you with clinical theory but the basic idea is that when we don’t process an event and heal it comes out in our behavior or thoughts. Kicking the dog instead of yelling at your partner for example. The dog did nothing but is an object for your pain, rage, etc.”
“So a victim can lash out is what you’re saying?”
Dr. Barrow narrowed his eyes and looked at Lisa-Joe with a bit of hate. “Although crudely put, yes. Victims can lash out at allies, rivals, or just people on the street. The more common reaction is to internalize it and take it out on the self though. I hope that’s clear.”
“Crystal clear. Doctor, can you tell us about the psychology of someone who perpetrates sexual abuse?”
“Well, while the motivations are often different, power and control are big reasons people commit acts of sexual violence. Lack of empathy is another. If you don’t see your victim as - and please forgive the word choice - human, then it’s easier to abscond something from them without taking their feelings into account. Lastly, I’d say perpetrators are often victims in the past, perhaps not of sexual abuse but something. This is less clinical and more my personal feelings but evil is created, not born.”
Lisa had to fight the urge to roll her eyes at the idea that Lazarus was anything but evil. She asked Dr. Barrow a few more follow ups, specifically about the differences between how vampires might react versus humans.
“Well, vampires are immortal which means trauma has a lot longer to kill the part of them that was connected to the world. Empathy keeps vampires alive. If you lose it, killing, selfish actions and even sexual abuse all become easier. The less human we become, the more like monsters we become. The same thing can happen to victims. If untreated, it can rot their souls.”
“Thank you Dr. Barrow. Your testimony has been very helpful. No further questions.”
Dr. Barrow looked to Lazarus, assuming he’d want to cross examine him. If not he’d return to his seat, his face a lot more annoyed then when he took the stand.
Drew listened in to all the psychobabble and scoffed. Drew hated therapists, and shrinks and the whole lot. His muscular arms were placed over his chest defensively and he looked at Dr. Barrow like he was a fly that needed to be swatted. He suddenly wished his flask had more in it, as he clearly wasn’t drunk enough to hear this. He’d liked the opening statement from the southern redhead, and liked the comeback from the perp even more, laughing audibly at the quib. However, now he was angry. What was the point of this guy? He was obviously just a quack. He was hot, but so were most of the vampires in here. He suddenly wished Zeph was next to him. He felt alone next to Astrid, Murphy, and the Purple Earl.
Journal:
The trial started off slow, some British ninny going on and on about trauma. It’s all bullshit anyways. You either can handle your bullshit or you make excuses. I don’t have to make excuses because I drink. Take that you fucking Malk asshole.
Jake hadn’t known this was something Lisa-Joe had cooked up and he was one part proud, two parts mortified. She was setting up both he and Ben, and even Sam a bit. She was trying to explain why their stories might differ. It was clever, but he wasn’t sure if it would work. People liked things that were face value, and he doubted Zoheret or Charon would care at all about layers of trauma and likely reactions. The part about suicide made him sink in his chair, and with Murphy's hand occupied by a pen, Jake simply matched the posture of the hulking figure a few seats down from him.
If Lazarus chose to ask Dr. Barrow any questions he would stay, otherwise Lisa-Joe would call Ben to the stand. The real trial was starting.
-
Lazarus didn't care about much of it except for a certain part of the doctor's explanation, which he made a mental note about. The doctor wasn't the person he was interested in talking to, though.
"Thanks for the chat, doc. What you've said is helpful." He looked blankly at Lisa-Joe next, thinking that this stupid trial was probably going to end well for him after all. Unlike his usual self, he didn't smirk but turned his gaze to Sabrina. "He can go."
-
"Thank you Dr. Barrow," Lisa-Joe said, dismissing him back to his seat.
Dr. Barrow got up and nodded once more at Sabrina before retaking his seat in the audience to watch the remainder of the trial. His expression was annoyed, but he seemed intrigued by the process in front of him. Lisa-Joe flipped to another set of questions and then clearly said, "I call Ben Sampson."
There was a rush of whispers before settling back down. It was Ben's turn to be questioned.
-
Ben pressed his lips firmly together, squeezed Kerr's hand tightly and stood from his chair. He moved to the spot where Doctor Barrow had recently vacated. Once at the stand, he was uncomfortably aware of how many people were in the theatre, but glad to see some familiar faces. One face in particular stood out, near the back. Apart from those here to support him, the rest were here to listen to him recount the details of his...
can't even think the word
makes you feel and sound weak
what else did you expect Benny-boy
...of what he'd been through. Humiliated, he turned his face away from the audience and found Sabrina in his field of vision instead. He blocked out everyone else, but he still had something to say first.
"My name is Ben Sam-son, not Samp-son."
He fucking hated Lisa-Joe. After all his time spent with her and her stupid boss, she still couldn't even get his name right.
Lazarus took a sudden interest in the buttons of his suit-jacket to hide his smile.
-
Astrid only half-listened to what the first witness--the Doctor--was saying. There was a kind of madness seeping through as she sketched him--professional and stoic. Something held her back from going too deep as if she could step over the edge into a running river. A barking, foaming-mouth straining against a chain. How was this a Doctor? Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, maybe.
She sighed through her nose and moved to the next page as Ben took the stand. Love lost. An Imposter. Supplication. The otherwise silent crowd murmured as he approached the stage, and the witch found that interesting. Whatever that was about Astrid was sure she would find out soon enough. The fact that the prosecution made an error on his last name was...certainly something else.
-
Lisa-Joe didn't care that she'd gotten Ben's name wrong. To her, he had tried to leave Jake alone in Lazarus's clutches to be assaulted, again and again. It didn't matter to him, as long as he got back to Kerr a moment faster. He disgusted her for how selfish and unfeeling he was as a person. Victim or not, Ben was a monster who deserved to be locked up as much as Lazarus did, although for different crimes. Besides, Samson was the stupidest last name she'd ever heard. At least Sampson had sounded biblical.
"So, Mr. Samson," she hummed, letting the emphasis on his last name serve as acknowledgement of the correction. "Would you please inform the judge how it was you came to be in the private chambers of District Leader McCloud."
She didn't explain the context of her question, or why she'd chosen to start here, but she did have her reasons and kept her face a pleasant, steel mask.
-
Once Murphy was settled with his notebook he wove his fingers back through Jake’s as he felt the vampire beside him sinking into himself. He was left-handed so could easily write with one hand taken up now he was balanced. He made a few notes whilst the therapist spoke, noting how the Doctor seemed to be getting more agitated as the questions went on and wondering why. Lisa-Joe had to have some sort of plan, but he didn’t see where it was going just yet.
A small smile flickered across his lips as Ben corrected Lisa-Joe in that brisk tone. He wasn’t going to take any shit up there, but Murphy hoped he wouldn’t turn the audience against him either by being too snappy or shut off. Yes, it was going to be hard going through this, but Murphy had confidence in his friend’s ability to cope, no matter how difficult it would be. He’d been through so much shit before, hopefully once this was over, depending on the result, there would be time to just get back to normal.
Fortunately, there was no jury who had to like Ben, just Sabrina who had to believe his side of things.
*
Throughout the discussions so far Ichabod had been watching Lazarus warily. He’d felt the hairs on his arms prick up as Lazarus’s gaze rove over him, relieved that it hadn’t lingered for too long. He was so arrogant. It looks like he didn’t give a shit what was going on and so far he wasn’t really saying much or taking the chance to defend himself when he was given the chance to talk. He obviously hadn’t given up, not with that look on his face. So what was he doing?
His fingers ran over Kerr’s skin as Ben took his place, wishing they could help him, but Ben was up there all by himself.
-
Sam gripped Kiel's hand with a tight squeeze, trying to find the right words so as not to piss off the angel. His concern was genuine at first but now Sam could see he was trying to pry, not uncommon for Kiel but he could be so bad at picking the right timing. Sam wondered if Zorheret was the same or had age been kind enough to grant her wisdom. Losing her grip on Kiel's hand finally, she leaned in close to whisper softly in his ear. Her tone was informative and did not come across as scolding Kiel.
"My dear Kiel, if this was you and you needed my testimony. I would not sit idly by letting someone tamper with your chances of justice. We can talk at a later time I promise." Praying Kiel would respect Sam, though not for her loyalty to Jake.
Sam recognize someone had been wronged and even with Jake hitting Sam it did not matter. She could have abandoned him and told him 'no do it on your own', that went against her morals. As she settled down and started listening to Dr. Barrow's testimony things started to slide into place, an object for his anger. She came into the room hoping Lazarus would attack her and it backfired badly. In no way did she blame Jake as he had every right to be angry, even if Sam did take the brunt of his rage. It also made sense of how she felt Jake being raped through their bond, he must have blocked some of it out and therefore forgetting to shield Sam in the process. As Ben was called she took a moment to look for Maria, her friend seemed just as intrigued by Dr. Barrow.
Maria watched Ben and Lisa-Joe's exchange, the two had a bad history and they did not care to hide it. Ben could hold his own for now, but she worried when Lazarus got a chance to question Ben. Gazing at Sam she could see the worry for her friend Ben, irking Maria that Lazarus played with his buttons. His smile didn't help either, the drunken man Drew annoyed Maria less than Lazarus. He had no care for rules and she started to wonder if he would abuse his power. Taking advantage of the right to defend himself just to get the last chance to torture his victims. It made Maria sick to think this might have been his plan all along, her eye's resting on the side of his face. If only she could touch him, Roog would tell her his true feelings and that ring couldn't protect Lazarus from her deities.
-
Ben frowned darkly, wondering if Lisa-Joe was trying to set him up. Was she trying to trick him with a double-edged meaning of the word? Her archaic use of the word 'chambers' wasn't lost on him. Perhaps she thought he didn't know what it meant. He looked at Kerr to cement his statement.
"I was never in his private chambers. He didn't invite me into his bedroom and I never went in there." He looked back at Lisa-Joe. "If you mean his apartment, where I had my own chambers, I was placed there as an ambassador - or a token, if you like - as a gesture of goodwill between Charon and Jake."
Ben shifted his gaze to Sabrina next. "Just to make things clear about why I was selected in the first place - Jake was upset with me for insulting him after he forced me into his car and threatened me with his sword. Charon was upset with me for risking my life for the sake of an insult. I'm thinking he wanted me to learn to hold my tongue while I was there. Guess I haven't learnt that lesson."
Up in the booth, Charon scoffed but then he nudged Jeanne because he'd got a mention.
-
The tension between Ben and Lisa-Joe was like a living thing. Sabrina wondered what had happened between them to create such a wretched thing.
When he looked to her, Sabrina gave Ben a small, secret smile. The look Lisa-Joe received was withering; a warning. Hers was the camp that insisted on this pageant, she could at least treat her witness with respect.
Sabrina nodded at Ben's statement. She was unsure of its relevance, but the information didn't hurt to have.
-
Ben was being so dramatic and extra at question one. If he wanted to come off defensive that was his business. Lisa-Joe had anticipated this. She let her face show confusion and concern, acting of course, but Lisa-Joe was convinced it would read genuine to people other than Ben. She looked at Sabrina, a polite smile to match her withering look.
"Let the record reflect the prosecution was asking about the apartment complex in general. We have no evidence that Mr. Samson was in Mr. McCloud's bedroom. That would actually damage our case against the defendant, not improve it. Also witnesses can ask for clarification if a question is unclear. We wouldn't want assumptions to color the process."
She then tore out her page of questions from her binder and walked up to Sabrina and showed her the page. "As you can see my next question demonstrates that I was not implying the witness was in Mr. McCloud's bedroom." The next question had been about when Lazarus entered the apartment, but she whispered that she would ask Ben a follow up about his statement and return to her list once this line of questioning was completed. After Sabrina saw the list of questions, and the sidebar was complete, Lisa-Joe would return to her desk.
"So Mr. Samson, you were a token from Charon to Jake as a gesture of goodwill. Were you there at Charon's direction or your own free will?"
-
Ben slow blinked at Lisa-Joe as she muddled through a bunch of unnecessary explanations. He'd been quite clear about where he'd been in and how he'd got there. Now she was testifying in her own defense. He almost asked if she wanted to take his place in the witness area but kept that particular nugget to himself. Let her commit professional suicide in front of everybody here. All she'd needed to say was 'that's what I meant' and move on. If she was going to explain every fucking question, this was going to be a tedious experience.
Still, it wouldn't stop him from having a dig at her every chance he could get, and he had a few statements to make that were coming out whether she liked it or not. They needed to be said.
At Lisa-Joe's next question, he had another go. "I went there because Charon wanted me to, but I was under the impression that I was there of my own free will and could leave any time. Except I was wrong, wasn't I? Because when Jake told me to go home after he found out I was raped, you stopped me and forced me to tell you why I was going... and after finding out I was raped, you arrested me."
He heard some of the crowd gasp, which was what he was angling for. He expected Lisa-Joe to defend herself again, which would only make her look worse.
Do something with that, bitch.
-
”So you informed District Leader McCloud you were raped. Please point to the person who raped you.”
Her face was still netrual but inside she was fuming. This was all a joke to him. He was here not to get justice for his rape or to see Lazarus pay but to play another round of petty. The fact that he was lying out his ass was also a problem. Even if Ben had been delirious in the way Dr. Barrow had stated, he’d been told multiple times, by multiple people that he was arrested for withholding information about Jake, and because he took it so far as to mislead her. Jake should’ve never dropped those charges. His kindness was weakness once again.
While Ben heard gasps, Lisa-Joe heard boos and even a “liar,” from Manuel, the bartender she’d asked to get the chains. His deep voice cut through the other noise. Lisa knew those already predisposed to hate her would see this as confirmation. Lucky for her Ben was just as polorizing. Logistically she’d mispronounced his name and he’d continued to be defensive, aggressive and off topic. She wasn’t worried. She hoped Sabrina was keeping track of who was saying what to whom.
-
Ben's answer was curt, but he didn't point so much as wave a hand towards Lazarus. Because of where the blonde ancient stood, Ben would have to turn his face towards the audience to see where he was pointing and he still couldn't bring himself to reveal himself to them. They were looking at and listening to him as 'the victim', and it was all because that fucking show pony, Jake, couldn't even keep his defeats to himself.
"Lazarus," he said, just to make sure he couldn't be forced to actually point.
-
Lisa-Joe smiled as Ben said Lazarus's name. Finally, they were getting somewhere. There was a louder series of gasps this time, and even murmured conversation that the Keeper would likely try to quiet. Lisa-Joe waited till it past, long since relaxing her face. So ignoring him was the better strategy. He could throw out all the baseless accusations at her that he wanted as long as he told the truth where it mattered He could call her a filthy red haired cunt licking dyke bitch etc, as long as he put a Ms. before it. She didn't look at Lazarus. She didn't see the need. Sabrina she did look at though. This was the central point of her argument and Ben had said in front of half the city who his attacker was.
Once the chaos had died down, Lisa-Joe uncrossed her arms and tilted her head to the side, eyes upon the witness. "I would like you to tell me what happened when Lazarus and yourself came into contact at the apartment of Mr. McCloud." She kept the venom out of her mouth this time, adding a slightly softer element. She knew this part would be the hardest to talk about, and even she didn't want to mock his suffering. Well, not over this at least. The story Jake had told her about Ben crying on his knees as Charon scolded him had been hilarious.
"Please pause once the incident is over so that I might ask any follow up's before moving on." With that, Ben had the floor. She wondered how many times he'd shit talk Jake, her or the Anarchs. She decided to keep count.
Case Study - Ben
Wowzers. He made some pretty explosive claims. If that Lisa-Joe Hampton arrested him for getting raped then why was she not also on trial. It didn't make sense but Ben sure seemed to believe it. That's why trials are hard. It comes down to who do you believe. Zeph said Ben had abandoned him with Charon, so I can't say I'm inclined to believe anything he said. On the other hand, he also looked like someone in pain. Too bad he didn't pick up booze before he got bit. It saves lives man.
Case Study - Lisa-Joe Hampton
What. A. Bitch. I mean that in a good and bad way. She was tough. There was no getting around that. But the bitch was actually mean at points. Her questioning of Ben for one. She just ignored all this shit he threw at her, and it came off really cold and unfeeling. Granted, she was there to do a job, and the kid was lighting smoke bomb after smoke bomb of shit against her. At least the trial wasn't boring.
Jake was livid. Ben had gone up there with a seek and destroy mission attitude and it made him regret dropping the charges against him, and for trying to extend the olive branch from earlier. If Lazarus's guilt wasn't dependent on Ben's account Jake would have never let him testify and this was the reason. He was using the time he could be using to help convict Lazarus to just attack him and Lisa. What was wrong with him? It was such misplaced energy.
He was also lying a lot. Jake had never unsheathed his blade in the limo. He pulled over and asked him to get out, and Ben even took the time to put in a parting insult! Then there was the bullshit with Lisa again. Ben was not charged with "being raped" but was charged with "theft, espionage, obstruction of justice and physical assault of district employees." The worst part was Ben acting like a victim about everything except for the thing to which he was an actual victim! Jake didn't dare look at Murphy. Ben had accused him of horrid things, and he assumed that Murphy would hate him because Ben wished it. Who could ever care about Jake with someone like Ben to constantly ruin it? He hoped he and Sam's testimony was enough to fix this dumpster fire, but was relieved slightly when he did say Lazarus's name. At least they agreed on that. Jake half expected Ben to point at him.
-
Ben hadn't missed the 'liar' accusation that had floated out of the audience previously but he didn't care. Regardless of what anyone in the audience believed, or what Lisa-Joe believed, everything out of Ben's mouth was his truth. Perception was the bitch that could tear entire nations apart.
He took a moment before speaking, looking down at the floor for a long moment before raising his head and looking at Sabrina. This confession was for her and only her. There was nobody else in the room.
They were alone.
"I was alone," he said, then cleared his throat for the rest of what was to come. "Everyone was out, but Lazarus came back early. I was in my room and stepped out to see who it was. He was taking off his boots by the door."
He could see it unfolding in his mind's eye, the memory almost as sharp as the actual. It took him a long moment to start speaking again.
"He saw me so I went back into my room and shut the door. He opened it and... um... I think he..." Ben's hands reached out in front of him like he was cupping the face of someone who came to his shoulder-height, playing the part of the ancient. Lazarus was a lot taller than him. "I can't... I don't really remember what was said, but then he - "
Lazarus chose this moment to interrupt. "We spoke about consent, love. You told me to do things with you instead of to you."
Before anyone could complain, or perhaps while they complained, Ben turned to glare at Lazarus. "That wasn't consent."
Lazarus shot back a quick reply. "I said you were just teasing me, you said you weren't!"
Ben blinked his shock. He remembered that part. Had he given his consent? Had he asked for it? He turned to look at Sabrina.
-
Lisa-Joe was fucking furious. Lazarus was trying to cross examine her witness during his main testimony with the intent to mislead and confuse him. This was why she'd asked Dr. Barrow to come. Even she felt for Ben as Lazarus disgustingly twisted the idea of consent. There had not been consent. Even if Ben looked confused, his words from before rang much more true. She would give Sabrina a chance to address this horseshit, but if that blonde waste of the blood said one more comment she'd be objecting, strongly!
-
Sabrina's hands ached with the urge to take Ben's as he spoke, and she couldn't keep the concern from creasing her brow as her white-out eyes held his. Even through the bickering and potshots, he was doing a brave thing. A right thing.
Those eyes bled to black when Lazarus began to speak, and her head turned toward him with agonizing slowness. She fixed him with her stare as if pinning an insect to a board. He would recognize those eyes from the last night he'd seen her; when she'd dragged him on his knees through the wreckage of the home he'd built with Errol. With Spaz. Her power was a hungry, angry thing then, felt easily by the three onstage, and by the two witches in the audience.
When she spoke, it was in the voice she'd cursed him with, as hard and dark as onyx -- though she put no power into the words to bind his tongue. Hopefully the reminder was enough. "You will not speak out of turn again."
She turned her gaze then on the gallery as a whole, including those gathered in the statement. This was not a circus. Further heckling would not be tolerated.
The horrors that lived inside her drained from her eyes as she looked back to Ben, and gave him a gentle smile. The thing under the bed turned Fairy Godmother once again. The boy didn't deserve any of this. "Please proceed, Mr. Samson, if you feel comfortable."
-
Lazarus was staring at Ben, triumphant with the doubt seen crossing the youth's face before Sabrina caught his eye and he looked at her. He flinched and his mouth went dry at the sound of her instruction, and once again - after she broke eye contact - he decided the buttons on his suit were profoundly interesting. He only looked up again when Ben started speaking, but he didn't interrupt again.
Ben nodded at Sabrina's encouragement. He hadn't the chance to know her properly but believed he would like to. She radiated comfort and safety in the same way his love and sire - Kerr - did, even the way Murphy did. He sought them out, seeing Kerr first and Murphy second. Frustration and impotence struck him when he saw who Murphy was sitting beside and he turned his face away from the betrayal. Back towards Sabrina. Again, he spoke to her.
"He did say something about teasing. Lazarus did, I mean. Um..." he stopped talking, aware that he'd been thrown by Lazarus' interruption and wanting to return to that mostly calm state he'd been in before. Slowly, he got there. "It doesn't matter what was said then, anyway, because after he threw me onto the bed, he pinned me down. I told him he wouldn't like it if I wasn't willing. It didn't matter because... he had sex with me anyway," Ben said, the last statement tumbling out of his mouth. He wanted to add extra information on the end, about how Lazarus had callously cleaned himself up and left the room once he was done, but he couldn't bring himself to say anything more without prompt.
-
Sabrina's intervention did more than simply not disappoint. It was fucking scary. Who was this woman? Jake liked her a lot, and Lisa-Joe had often wondered what was so special about her. Now she knew at least a part of it. She felt the power as directly as the two men on the stage, and her face was a lot more respectful afterwords. While Ben's testimony was not exactly dripping with details, it didn't need to be. Ben's aversion to the details was better evidence of Lazarus's guilt then what phallic object went where. She waited until there was a long pause, surmising that Ben was done.
"After the incident had finished, at what point and how did you alert District Leader McCloud of what had happened?"
Her tone was downright contrite, Sabrina's display of power, and Lazarus's interjection shifting her towards being more accommodating to Ben for the moment.
-
His gaze flicked to Lisa-Joe but he couldn't stand looking at her so he kept his eyes trained on Sabrina.
"I don't know how much time passed before Jake came back. I was in the shower until the water ran cold. Then I got dressed and waited. I heard someone at the door and looked out to check. When I saw it was Jake I told him straight away, but... telepathically. I didn't want Lazarus to overhear. He was in their bedroom."
-
"No more questions," she said simply, feeling less was more, and Jake could fill in other details. It was painful, but she got what she needed. She'd be shocked if Sabrina required further evidence for this charge. She considered now Lazarus might cross examine him, but if Sabrina's warning was still in his ear, she imagined it would be gentler than what he'd gotten before. She hoped he'd make it quick so she could call Sam and move this thing along.
Drew's expression was pained as Ben got to the meat of his story, and some of his hostility towards the guy dissipated. He regretted his comment from earlier, becoming ashamed for the crass comparison. The hulking figure sunk in the chair that was too small, still towering over those around him. The witches look had freaked him out too, and he suddenly couldn't wait to hug Zeph after this. He wouldn't tell him that he'd been freaked out. Zeph needed him to be a tough guy, but he was sure the nymph wouldn't mind a little extra handling. He pulled out his phone and typed a quick message.
I miss you.
Send.
-
Ben kept his head averted, even though he imagined the blonde ancient's eyes were on him. It was his turn to question after all. Ben's anxiety spiked and he started saying a calming mantra in his head, careful to block his thoughts from the other vampires in the room.
Lazarus stared at the young vampire for a long moment, not remorseful about what had transpired between them - it was the way of the way of the world after all, the strong took advantage of the weak - but regretful that he'd bothered because it had led to this nonsense.
"Ben," he said, his voice soothing, like a lover. "You and I have been intimate before. More than once, on more than one occasion, and we even shared mortals in our bed between us. Is this true?"
Humiliation flooded through Ben at Lazarus' opening question. The blood baggie he'd drunk from earlier tonight revealed his embarrassment by pinking his cheeks, though slightly.
"Yes," he said brusquely, only because he didn't want the question repeated. He found the strength to add: "Years ago."
"Ah, but there were years between the first time and the second, and now we're at the third," Lazarus said. "You kept coming back to me, didn't you, Ben?"
Ben finally looked Lazarus' way, to answer him. "And each time was a mistake."
"But it would always take you a while with me before you reached that conclusion. I was the bad boy you were drawn to, you came to me every time you left your sire Kerr Galvin, the ex-Luminary and by all accounts a good man."
Ben swallowed, uncertain how to argue. Lazarus hadn't asked a question.
"And none of those times did you express or state your willingness to have sex with me, yet that's what happened. We had sex. Or did I rape you all those other times, too?"
Ben shook his head. "Just because - "
"You can't just shake your head. You have to say yes or no. Did I rape you every other time I had you in bed?"
Ben was livid. His gaze fell to Kerr but he felt too guilty about his past that he looked next at Murphy, but Jake was right there so he looked at Lisa-Joe and she was just another problem so he looked back at Sabrina, but he was too ashamed to keep his eyes on her.
"Ben?" Lazarus prompted.
"No! Fuck!" Ben burst out, then was mortified at his own reaction. He had to take control. "It doesn't matter about all those other times when I was willing. Just because I fucked you once doesn't mean I'll come back for seconds."
A tiny smile played around Lazarus' mouth. "But you did come back for seconds. That's my point. And every time before we had sex, I would talk you into it. That was our thing. I don't remember you saying 'no, I do not want this' or anything like that. I don't remember you fighting me off, or yelling, or doing anything other than talking to me - like you always did. It was a way to excuse yourself from cheating on your lover, isn't that right, Ben? I didn't pin you down the entire time, did I? Because I didn't have to."
Ben stared at the floor.
"So you told Jake it was rape, but it wasn't really, was it? At worst it was a misunderstanding."
"No," Ben said, his voice trembling. He glared at Lazarus. "You made a mistake when you told me I was the first person you'd raped, and I'm not even talking about Jake. The Oligarchy kept good records and I had a chance to go over them since staying with Charon. You've done this before. And much worse."
Lazarus pulled a face. "We're talking about me and you, Ben."
"You're the one who pulled our past into this. Did you forget that you were trying to make me kill a human to harden my heart? Did you forget I watched you murder them after I refused to drain them dry? Did you forget about Dom and Michael? You invaded their house and raped them over the course of three nights. The Oligarchy had to institutionalise one of them and clean up after your mess. You're a serial fucking menace and I hope you fucking die."
Charon made a soft exclamation. He nudged Jeanne again - this was an amazing twist to the plot! He hadn't realised that Ben had changed his mind about wanting Lazarus dead. He didn't agree with Ben's change of heart, but it made for excellent viewing.
Lazarus and Ben glared at one another.
"I'm only on trial for raping you, Ben, and you've just proved to everyone here how you like to muddy the waters and give answers to questions that aren't asked. When I did all of those things you're accusing me of, it was during a different regime, when I was allowed to throw my weight around and cover-ups were a thing! Their trials were way more barbaric. You whine about how this cunt arrested you after you were "raped"," Lazarus used air quotes with his fingers, "but the Oligarchy did much worse to you just for being an unregistered pet, so instead of digging up every bit of dirt you have on everyone, just answer the fucking question!"
"What question?" Ben snapped.
"Is there a chance that you communicated to me that you wanted me to fuck you?"
"What? No."
"So you didn't bring up Jake? You didn't imply that you and I having sex would bother him?"
"What? Um..." Ben floundered.
"You knew that he and I were in a relationship. It's no secret you can't stand him. What did I say to you, when you brought him up?"
"Um... you said... you said he wouldn't care."
"And that's when you decided to change tactic. That's when you decided to call it rape. Because that was something Jake couldn't ignore."
"What? No! That's not the reason why." Ben said, but now that he was looking at all those faces staring at him, at the doubt he imagined he could see in some of their eyes, he turned his face away and looked at Sabrina.
"I'm done with him. He can go," Lazarus said softly.
Ben didn't need to be dismissed a second time. He reeled away and moved to the back room of the theatre, away from prying eyes.
-
Kerr's jaw ached from clenching it. He disliked the fact that Ben's testimony was slightly undermined by his doubt as much as Lazarus' twisted words but all his hatred was reserved for the ancient. Kerr had helped Ben prepare for this evening as much as he could and he was angry at himself for not seeing this angle coming; they'd focussed on Ben's recollections, on him being able to say out loud the words he needed to, on remembering the events that unfolded afterwards.
Lazarus' words were vicious but largely irrelevant and Kerr was confident Sabrina would see through them, as he had. The arrogant fuck hadn't effectively proven that Ben had encouraged him to have sex; Ben's responses had been too raw and believable. From Kerr's personal perspective, the dredging up of all those old memories of a Ben long since gone just roused his passionate hatred for the ancient he also wanted to die.
With a final squeeze of Ichabod, Kerr separated himself from his youngest fledgling and began making his way as unobtrusively as possible to Ben. He didn't care how he got there - he'd walk right through the middle of the proceedings if he had to - his only thought was in reaching his love, reassuring him he'd done well and holding him.
Jeanne swatted Charon's arm away in faux disapproval of his enjoyment... but her eyebrows were raised in a similarly exclamatory fashion, despite her attempt at composure. When a stony-faced Kerr began moving towards his lover, she emitted a sighing, "Aww!" and clasped her hands together over her heart, touched by the display of love (she anticipated, rather than witnessed). Family and loyalty were everything that mattered, after all.
-
Lisa-Joe decided to mostly listen. Lazarus was currently filling the pot of water he'd boil in, and during the earlier parts of the exchange she even found it humorous that he thought this was his best defense. Dr. Barrow highlighting memory problems was probably the smartest thing she'd done so far in this trial. People didn't need to believe Ben's every fact. They just needed to believe that he'd been hurt enough by this man to have those memory problems, and this exchange looked exactly like the Malkavian doctor had described. She jotted a few notes for her closing statement, planning to use the blonde's words against him.
She did grow angry when he forced Ben to say yes or no. When she'd asked him to point she'd been fine with him just saying Lazarus's name. This wasn't about getting the right answer. It was about control, and rapists love to be in control of their victims. A loud snap would be heard as Lazarus brought up Jake, the desk she was using now having a large crack in it as her fist slammed down on it.
"Objection, intimidating the witness." She shot Lazarus a deathly stare. Maybe she could convince Jake to let her collect the scab's head. If she couldn't see Ben right in front of her, she might've wondered if this was all a ruse to humiliate Jake. However, she could look at his face, and Lazarus's, and she knew then there was no way Lazarus was telling the truth. Her objection was not needed, as right after she said it Lazarus said he was done with Ben, and he scampered away. She knew Sam was next but she had something to do first.
"I recall Dr. Barrow."
The Malkavian rose from his seat and once again took the stage, although he looked slightly different this time. His hair was slightly tossed now, and his suit was starting to come off, a tie undone and now several buttons. His face had moved from annoyed to hatred, and one had to wonder who he was currently hating.
"Dr. Barrow, after watching Ben's testimony I was hoping you might answer a few questions. One. Was Ben's memory consistent with someone who's suffered the kind of assault under discussion?"
Dr. Barrow's voice was much less posh, and had an almost working class like sound to it, still English, but decidedly not Royal Pronunciation. "Yes," he said simply, not wanting to go into the details it seemed.
"Did Lazarus attempt to control the witness in the way that attackers use power and control in these kinds of crimes?"
This time Dr. Barrow turned to face Sabrina, the angry expression softening some as he looked at her. "Yes."
"Last question. After hearing the testimony, and using your knowledge of psychology does Lazarus have the profile of an attacker and did Mr. Samson have the profile of a wronged party?"
Finally, Dr. Barrow looked at Lazarus. It was a shame the ring kept him from seeing what was behind those piercing eyes. His glasses came off and were placed in his pocket. "Yes. They both match the profiles I described earlier." He smiled at Lazarus now, the look almost playful, like a cat with a ball of string. "Can I go now, or do you need me to prop up your case some more, prosecutor?"
Lisa-Joe looked like she'd been slapped but nodded and said, "thank you Dr. Barrow." He slunk out of the chair with a youthful energy that he didn't seem to have last time, turning towards Lazarus once more and winking at him. He returned to the audience and sat down, now looking more and more like an Anarch and less like a proper doctor. Lisa-Joe decided that her Dr. Barrow card had been played. She didn't like how he seemed to be... transforming.
"I call Sam Rede."
Jake was revolted by Lazarus. He supposed it made sense he'd try and defend himself somehow, but watching the exchange he didn't imagine he'd done himself any favors just now. He looked like a manipulative, hostile attacker, and despite how much Jake hated him, Ben looked credible where he needed to be. He considered only the coldest people in the world would believe Lazarus over Ben, and the drudging up of his past hadn't been something Lisa-Joe could do and look credible, but it didn't hurt that Ben had done it. It reminded Sabrina who exactly was sitting there.
He also feared what Lazarus would say to him. He was almost terrified to be cross examined by the man. He started fidgeting and wishing he could get up and take a walk, but then Dr. Barrow was recalled and he looked almost like a different man. Jake was able to feel what Lazarus's ring couldn't. It was a different man, and yet it wasn't. He wasn't close enough to tell exactly what was going on, but something about the trial had changed the good doctor and his snappy line to Lisa suggested that he wouldn't be called back up to support any of Jake's claims.
Now it was Sam's turn and he was nervous about that too. What if she told everyone how much she hated him? What if she disavowed herself from him? What if she didn't even believe him and just thought he was a mean person. He turned his nervous expression to the ailse he knew she'd need to walk down and would try to catch her eye.
-
Ichabod could feel Kerr’s tension in addition to his own as Ben and Lazarus argued on the stage. Lazarus was a terrifying, disgusting creature and bringing up things he and Ben had done in the past only reinforced that idea in his mind. Ben wasn’t that person any more – and that was a part of him Ichabod would never come back.
Go to him, Ichabod sent to Kerr as his sire released him and disappeared behind the stage. He slumped down slightly in his seat, knowing he wouldn’t be welcome back there and wanting to be able to let his family know what happened in the rest of it if they didn’t return.
*
Murphy made a couple of notes about Sabrina’s sudden change in demeanour as she put Lazarus in his place as that wouldn’t show up on the recording, but then when it was Lazarus’ turn to ask questions she just let him tear into Ben. He guessed it was only fair that Lazaurs had his turn to defend himself, but Murphy wished he didn’t. In Murphy’s opinion he was doing nothing to help his own cause, but then again, this was a rape charge, not a ‘you’re a terrible person and we’re charging you for all the shit you’ve done in the past’.
He tensed up when Lazarus mentioned that Lazarus and Jake had been in a relationship. At the time. So that would have been after the party, where Jake had fed from him, asked to kiss him. And he hadn’t mentioned that at all when he’d told Murphy Lazarus had raped him. That didn’t make a difference to what had happened with Lazarus, but why the fuck did no one ever want to tell him the whole story? Jake, Ben, the Sacramentum, it was all so frustrating, especially for someone who liked to know every detail.
And now he was suddenly the guy Jake had been ready to kiss whilst he was in a relationship with… that. Knowing Jake and Lazarus had been a thing definitely did make Murphy see Jake slightly differently.
He glanced sideways at Jake, watching him fidget. Murphy was annoyed, but couldn’t bring himself to let go of the vampire’s hand. He looked so lost and scared.
When Ben left the stage Murphy shifted in his own seat, wanting to get up and follow him, but Kerr was already moving. He was torn between his best friend, needing to know what was going to happen next, and his new… well, there wasn’t a word for it now. He had no idea what he and Jake were or could be.
He stayed where he was, knowing Kerr was there for Ben. Too many people might be overwhelming and they were going to talk later.
-
Maria was appalled by the behavior of the Anarch followers, Ben was being obtuse and difficult. But it didn't justify the court's session being rudely disturbed. Deep disappointment ran through her veins, this was not a situation or the place to yell obscenities. There were rules and etiquette to preserve the integrity of this sensitive matter and they would learn the hard way today. Maria quietly rounded up the few trouble makers in the audience, trying to assimilate order once again. Death glares and gritted teeth followed as the small group was ushered out one by one discreetly. Manuel was the last to go to and a marvelous event happened that excited her soul; leaving Manuel frozen like a deer caught in the headlights.
Sabrina also had enough of the shit show, her eye's going black, obsidian throwing daggers ready to strike. Maria could feel that hunger and anger, a feeling not unknown to Maria in her past. A wave of deafening silence rushed over the audience, ushering Manuel out before the white in her eye's returned. Discreetly returning to her spot at the testimony continued, feeling someone's eyes burrowing in her head only to see Sam. Her eye's going from Maria to Sabrina, so she felt the immense power too? It was no surprise. Sam had been around Maria a long time, she could not wield magic but, Sam had become attuned to Maria's strange energy. Maybe more or less to do with her sister, that remained unclear. Maria nodded her head slightly before Sam settled back in her seat, surprised Kiel had stayed.
Sam returned her gaze to Ben as he was cross-examined by Lazarus and what ensued shocked Sam to the core, this was not right at all. Lazarus should not be able to cross-examined Ben or Jake at all, it should someone else appointed for the defense. How could this not be some sort of witness intimidation? A wave of slow and stirring anger swelled within Sam, how dare Lazarus play games with Ben. Sam one hundred percent knew Ben was raped, this was not an excuse to cheat on a lover. Holding her tongue between her teeth at the mention of Ben crying rape because Jake hated Ben. Stewing at the thought her fear of Lazarus seeped away from her bones, without the ring and his age he was nothing. As Ben said he is a serial menace, death was too kind for Lazarus and it was too easy a punishment in Sam's eyes.
Her heart went out to Ben after Lazarus had his twisted fun, glad someone was going after him. Lisa-Joe called back Dr. Barrow and Sam knew her time was coming. An eerie calm of vigor washed over Sam, sliding her hand out of Kiel's and straightening her shoulders. She would not allow herself to be toyed by Lazarus, she would show them without his ring or his age he was just a sad man. Hearing her name cut through the theatre like a hot knife in butter, it was time. Without hesitation she stood with grace, composing herself as she made her way down the aisle. Jake had caught her eye and no matter what happened she would not let Jake down. Touching his shoulder as she passed to calm his nerves, her eyes blazing that justice will be done.
Before taking the stand Sam bowed to Sabrina, climbing up into the podium that was almost too tall for Sam. She looked small and even tinier compared to Sabrina, but the fire of justice in her eye's burned with the rage of a thousand bees. Stealing a glance at Lazarus before settling her gaze on Lisa-Joe, ready for her line of questioning. Not afraid of the scourge that sat mere feet away from her, she didn't fear him when she went to Jake's rescue and she didn't fear him now.
-
As Lazarus laid Ben out for a second time, in front of everyone, Sabrina's face remained impassive. Keeping it that way was one of the most difficult things she'd ever had to do.
The halfbreed hoped this would be therapeutic for Jake, because it was truly awful to watch.
She listened to Dr. Barrow's secondary testimony, and couldn't help but crack a smile when he said what she was thinking to Lisa-Joe. She herself was no stranger to trauma and how it affected the mind, and there was no jury here to convince.
Sam's bow was returned with a nod, and she turned her eyes back to Lisa-Joe, expectant.
-
As Sam took her place in the box, Lisa-Joe couldn't help but give her a smile. She'd missed her friend and chosen niece, and was happy to see her looking so confident. It would be much more peaceful to interview her than Ben was.
"Thank you for being here today Sam. Would you please tell us what happened after you got back from Charon's party, the night of the alleged attack against DL McCloud."
This seemed like a good place to start, and she sat back in her chair as she waited for Sam to reply.
-
Her head was steady and her chin held up high as Lisa-Joe asked her question, giving her Sam's undivided attention at the moment. Answering the question with a civil tone, her hands calmly unfolded in her lap. Trying hard to only speak what pertained to Lisa-Joe's questions.
"When we arrived home, Lazarus was in the sitting room watching television. I hurried to my room and so did Ben," her voice crystal clear along with her description.
"Shortly after I heard Lazarus screaming and I quote, 'Fucking Sabrina,' and things started to get thrown in the apartment." Pausing as this part was harder for Sam to discuss.
"Then I heard Jake telling him to stop... then I heard thump against the wall and I reached out to him through our bond. Jake told me to stay in my room. I did least for a while anyway," shutting her eyes for a moment before continuing.
"Then I felt Jake being raped through our bond. It was as if I had burning frostbite and raw electricity running through my body. It was clear Jake had been raped, gluing me to my seat for God knows how long," her eyes burning with anger at Lazarus.
"Jake was so disconnected from reality he couldn't even stop his true emotions flowing into me. I went in there and confronted them both, only to be sent back to my room by Jake for the night." Hiding the pain of Jake turning her away that night.
Not wanting to get into too many details, as Jake striking Sam no longer held any sway in her mind. Jake was angry at Lazarus and she was the closest thing to take out his anger out on after his assault. Dr. Barrows testimony had helped Sam better understand why Jake ran away from her help. And she couldn't see how Jake hitting Sam was relevant, she had been sent back to her room plain and simple.
"Then Ben came to my room concerned what had happened after Jake yelled at me to go back to my room," the next part of her testimony Jake didn't know.
"I told him Ben I try to get him out and something bad was coming. But I didn't tell Ben I felt Jake being raped," her eyes shifting downward only for a moment.
"Ben then told me, 'I'm only here because Charon wants me here. I can walk out at any time.' After he made sure I was okay he then left my room." Leaving out the part when Ben called Sam a slave to Jakes will, it didn't need to be added at all.
"I didn't hear that Ben was raped too until later. I was away teaching a class when Ben was raped the following night," leaving out she had run to Maria after seeing Ben being lead into a car from The Ward.
It did not click at the time something bad had happened to Ben, hoping he had decided to walk out with The Ward picking him up. But as she found out later it was worse than she could ever imagine. How many more would be raped by Lazarus? He could have easily abused his power as a Harpy, well former Harpy to hurt even more people. Sam was determined to have her testimony end his reign of terror, awaiting any more questions from Lisa-Joe.
-
Astrid watched the transformation of Sabrina with awe, pen moving furiously to capture the image. This one would not be going to the paper, that she was sure of. The roll of raw power crashed into Astrid's senses, sending her heart shooting into her throat. No--they had a history together, that much she was sure. How had Lazarus even survived it? The interjections from him made her stomach churn. Especially in the face of such accusations. The recounting was heart-wrenching to witness, in spite of Ben's previous demeanor. Truly Lazarus was an awful disgusting person.
By the time Lazarus was permitted to cross-examine Ben, Astrid was beginning to feel as though she had heard enough. But she didn't leave, attempting to capture the mood of the exchange to the best of her abilities. How had the court even allowed such a trial to take place? Why had no defense representation been provided--it was hard to watch the victim blaming straight from the mouth of the perpetrator. After the questioning had finally ended, she watched Ben practically flee the scene and she was glad for him. Surely no one would willingly agree to be revictimized, in front of a live audience no less.
Sam's testimony was no easier to hear. The pen moved to capture the composure the young vampire held while speaking. As the story further unraveled, the anger within the witch had grown, setting a firm frown on her face. Surely this was enough to convict the bastard. She couldn't wait to hear what the sentence would be.
-
Lisa-Joe’s face was pleasant suprise as Sam testified. Lisa hasn’t needed to do much. Sam sounded like she’d really thought about what she wanted to say, and while Lisa considered stopping her, she was hitting all the boxes Lisa would’ve asked about. The room finally could breath compared to how stifling Ben’s testimony had been. She looked over her notes looking for other questions.
“With what degree of certainty can you tell us that what you felt through the bond was rape and not something else, and did Jake seem altered or disturbed when you saw him?”
That would be it for the prosecution. Sam had set the bar high for her sire.
-
Sam hoped her own trauma would not come up in this case, understanding the motive for the question. Her eye's scanning the audience not knowing if her ties to Jake were common knowledge, a fierce look returned to her face as she settled her gaze back on Lisa-Joe.
"Jake never knew me... I interrupted unknown vampires feeding only to beaten, drained and left to die. I felt so angry and violated that night," her voice soured as she recalled the memory.
"That similar feeling was what Jake let slip through the bond. I knew with one thousand percent certainty he had been violated. I didn't know the extent until I saw his pants undone when I marched in that room. And Jake wasn't even mentally home, he didn't know left from bloody right." Shaking her head at any sort of notion that Jake could consent to anything in his state.
"Him yelling at me is what solidified the fact he was raped, he's been trying so hard to be better with me. I didn't understand why he yelled I was there to rescue him," giving a small sigh as she continued.
"But after hearing Dr. Barrows testimony... I understand now, that was a scared man crying for help. Jake didn't know how to convey it except with rage. Even if he did yell at me I will not condemn him for it." Hanging her head in shame thinking that Jake was settling back into his old ways.
That was not true and she hated herself for having a mental episode, Jake had promised to strive to be better. And in front of Ben of all people, she hoped nothing would come of that and her mental problems would stay private. However, she prepared herself for the worst if Lazarus was to pry deeper into the conversation Ben and Sam had that night. Lisa-Joe seemed to let it go and satisfied with Sam's answers so far.
-
Lazarus listened to Sam's testimony and suddenly it all made sense, why she'd stormed in on them the way she had. He'd thought she was a nutter, that she'd seen the destruction and leapt to the (mostly accurate) conclusion but then overreacted. It shocked him to his core that Jake's belief that he'd been raped was so profound that his fledge had felt it, too.
What the actual fuck? He forced himself to be gentle with her, because he didn't want her to become unhinged while on the stand. Jake had told him in passing that Sam was delicate, and the last thing he wanted was to show he had no mercy at all.
"Sam," he began, to attract her gaze. "I never spoke a word to you that night but you did scream a question at me. 'Why did you hurt him?' or something like that. I thought you'd seen the mess outside, the broken furniture that I smashed, and stormed into our bedroom because of that. I thought you believed I'd beaten him up or something. Nobody breathed a word to me about rape, including you. I can't talk to you about this, because everything is second hand, via Jake. It has to come from him, so you should go back to your seat."
* * * * *
Ben sat with his back to the wall in the far back wall of the theatre, in the wings. He held onto his legs tightly, thinking about what had just happened. He'd thought he was coming out with a surprise, that it would make Lazarus falter, that it would muck him up at the trial. He'd thought revealing the information he knew would finish the blonde, but he'd just steamrolled over it and swept it aside as irrelevant.
When Kerr stepped into view, Ben sprang up and wrapped his arms around him. He wasn't crying or sobbing, but he was intensely disappointed in himself.
"I should've expected something like that, I let myself get rattled. I shouldn't have let him win," he whispered, not wanting his voice to carry to the stage where he could still hear testimonies being given.
-
Sam's gaze had swivelled on a dime, staring down Lazarus like a dog. A steel-hard glare and a raised eyebrow were directed at him. This was all a game to him and Sam would not play it. Lisa-Joe was had not stated to anyone she was done with Sam. Sam continued to stare at the sad man, why the hell was Lazarus even speaking? Then it hit her like a tidal wave he wanted to torture Jake, fuck that bullshit about broken furniture. She had time to take off her make-up before she felt Jake being raped, his back peddling would not work this time.
She remembered her exact words, "What did you do to my Dad?" Repeating the words as Lazarus tried to fuck her up. "You could at least quote me properly for the court. And in my eyes, you did not have a relationship. It was more like special friends, if that." Saying no more out of turn on the matter, but her eyes didn't lie she knew what she had seen.
Sam remained on the stand showing she would not bow down to his clear misuse of power. Lazarus wanted to be his own defence she make him wait his turn and if Lisa-Joe was done she would make him repeat his request. Sam was doing this for Jake, wishing she could have been first so she could do this for Ben too. Wondering how he was faring after that terrible encounter with Lazarus, finally returning her gaze to Lisa-Joe. Growing bored of the staring contest with the weak little man in front of Sam, hoping he crash and burn.
Lazarus would find out under the wrong conditions Sam could be delicate, but Maria had helped her through it. This was a different Sam and his mercy would not help him here one bit, scoffing at him and his idea of mercy. Anyone that knew anything about a bond between sire and fledgling is it could not lie, it always came out raw and true.
-
Lazarus repeated himself because Jake’s fledge seemed to be hard of hearing.
“Sam, once again, there are no more questions for you, from either of us,” he said, because he’d been paying attention when Lisa Joe has indicated she was done. “Go back to your seat. Please,” he added, casting a glance at Sabrina to show he was being polite.
-
Once Ben was in his arms, Kerr could think again. He took a moment, resting his forehead against Ben's head while the rage subsided, leaving greater clarity in its wake. He pulled back enough so that he could look into his love's heart-stopping silver blue eyes while he spoke. His grasp on Ben's arms was firm but he rubbed up and down occasionally, seeking to comfort.
"No. Don't do that," he said quietly. "Don't let him make you doubt yourself. He's had thousands of years to learn to manipulate people and he learnt how to push your buttons years ago, when he had you at your most vulnerable. You and I both underestimated how he'd use your past against you but I don't feel it mattered. Honestly. He didn't manage to dazzle you into agreeing with him, you still argued when it mattered. If anything, him surprising you made you more sympathetic. No-one would believe you gave him consent."
Kerr stared intently at Ben, wanting to follow his words with a kiss but waiting for a convinced reaction before he moved. He wondered what their next step would be; introduce their pointless guest, return to the gallery to watch Jake's testimony and hear the verdict or just cut their losses and sneak out the back? He'd follow Ben's lead.
-
Saraekiel was horrified when Sam referred to Jake as her Dad. Did Sam have daddy issues? Was Jake some kind of replacement Daddy Savior in her eyes? No wonder he found it so hard to crack open that relationship nut. Jake had her practically wrapped around his emotionally manipulative finger; the red head too, going by her fervor and emotional zeal. Oh she hated the blond ancient rapist, her emotions practically glowed around her ever time she looked at him, but that was nothing compared to the emotional fireworks she let off every time Jake fucking McCloud's name was mentioned. She was obviously so far up his ass she only got to see starlight when he opened his braying yap. Jake certainly knew how to garner the loyalty from those closest to him, he acknowledged to himself as he grinded his teeth in frustration and reconsidered Sam's place in his plans. That blood sucking, over used cum rag was better then he realised.
He sighed as he cast his eyes around Jake's orchestrated circle jerk of a trial until his eyes came to rest on Ben and Kerr, they were huddled in the shadows but their emotional auras were bright and bleeding with their shared misery, grief, and anger. As he narrowed his eyes in speculation, he had a sudden pang of compassion twang through his psyche. Ben's suffering was real. he bet Jake was the one that had demanded a public trial, had manipulated the situation so that he could use Ben's pain as a way to bolster his own political agenda.
Jake's outrage and pain at being sexually abused was real too, most probably; but this was a vampire matter that could have been handled privately, with more dignity and compassion for all involved, instead Jake had used his and Ben's suffering for a little...what had Zoheret called it? Political Masturbation, a PR stunt to garner a little sympathy for himself. It was a clever plan but the ploy was obvious and his hand overplayed. he fooled no one. Did Ben realise he had been played? That his pain, humiliation and suffering had been dragged out before the masses not for justice but because Jake needed a little public sympathy, in the hopes of changing his tarnished public image?
How did Ben feel about Jake? Were they friends? Was the anger he exhibited during his time on the stand towards Jake only surface deep or did he hate him? If so, how deep did Ben's hate go for one Jake McCloud?
Suddenly losing interest in Jake's public Pity Party he got up and slowly weaved his way over towards the far wing of the theater where Ben and Kerr sat huddled together.
-
“You can go Sam,” Lisa-Joe said politely to back up Lazarus. She still was thinking less was more, and Sam was dangerously close to tipping into more is too much. She’d done well though, and Lisa-Joe was was surprised Sam had been so tough staring down Jake and Ben’s attacker. She’d come off credible and loving and after Ben’s burn it all down approach it did seem to bring a sense of stability back to the proceedings. Once Sam had left the stand, Lisa-Joe would flip to the final page of questions she had.
“I call Jacob McCloud.”
Case Study: Sam Rede
She seemed genuine enough, if not a little out of her element. She did seem to love her sire though. I hate mine, so it’s nice to see not all vampire families are so impersonal. She also had a touch of a victim about her, which made sense when she explained that her siring had been a last minute decision, not a planned one. I have to admit it warmed me to the Black Prince a bit to know he said fuck it to clan rules, and requirements and just made her because he thought she’d die if he didn’t. What an interesting turn of events.
Case Study: Sabrina
Lady has self control. That face she showed us all before. That’s her real one, her beast as we call it. To know she has that much darkness living in here and that she seems to be in such control of it looked like Golconda! I thought there might be a new case here. What made Sabrina have that strong sense of control over her emotions? Finding out where she lived would be easy enough. Then I would just need to figure out how to get inside.
Jake watched Sam’s testimony, and it made him dread his. This whole thing had been a mistake. True, nobody could say Jake or the district wasn’t transparent but this was perhaps too transparent, too raw. He was proud of how Sam composed herself and that she stared down Lazarus. She was defending him. She forgave him. It made this whole horrid thing less horrible to know his family would rally behind him, that he hadn’t pushed them away. Scott sat in the audience and would be coming by later to “be supportive.” Jake wasn’t alone.
When she left the stage, he stood, looking at Murphy before squeezing his hand and then letting it go. He knew he was next. He rose and stood in the aisle, waiting for Sam, and giving her a hug as she reached him. It felt so nice to have her back in his life, and he realized then what a void he felt without her. He was truly better with her, then without her. He let those feelings seep through to her and once Lisa-Joe properly called his name, he released his fledge and moved to take his seat next to Sabrina. He looked at her nervously, then to Lazarus and finally to Lisa-Joe.
“Jake, please tell us how Lazarus came to be in your private chambers on the night of Ben Samson’s attack.” Lisa-Joe wanted to corroborate Ben’s story before going to the meaty stuff.
“I don’t actually know. He didn’t have a key. I assume someone let him in or he obtained a key another way.”
“Where were you during Mr. Samson’s assault?”
“I was meeting with a local leader here in the West.”
“And then you returned home and Mr. Samson informed you telepathically that he was attacked by Lazarus?” Jake nodded. “How did you respond?”
“I was holding something at the time, something glass. I dropped it, and I told him telepathically, me too.”
“So you’re saying you instantly believed Ben? Why?”
“Because it had happened to me the night before. It was too much of a coincidence. He also… He looked like he was in shock.” Jake had planned to say he looked awful, but didn’t want to be seen as disparaging Ben just because he could. He refused to use his testimony to make Ben look bad the way Ben had tried to use his to make Jake and Lisa look bad.
“What happened next?”
“Lazarus came out of the bedroom and asked to speak with me. I was afraid that he would attack one or both of us again, so I pretended to scold Ben and sent him back to his room, but sent him a telepathic message telling him to leave but to tell my staff where I was and what I told him. Then I went into my room with Lazarus and he told me Ben had wanted it, that he’d lured him in.”
“Did you believe him,” Lisa-Joe asked.
“No. I didn’t. I strung him along until he had the idea for us to feed and went up to find someone. Then he was arrested.”
“Let’s go back in time,” Lisa-Joe said shifting topics. “Since we’ve heard differing accounts, were you and Lazarus in a romantic relationship?” She looked like even she didn’t know the answer to this one. In secret, she’d hoped Jake would just bore with Lazarus, but had been growing concerned the more time they spent together.
Jake looked at Lazarus for a moment, unsure how to answer the question. “We were involved. It was mostly physical, and we were friends for sure. We never had a talk about being in a relationship and obviously we were not monogamous” He looked guilty, and couldn’t help but stare at Murphy for a moment, shame all over his face. “But I think we were developing feelings for one another yes. So it’s tricky. I guess it depends what you define as a relationship.”
“Don’t you think it’s dangerous to bring someone like him into your home? Were you not aware of his past?”
What the fuck was she doing? Jake looked at Lisa-Joe like she’d pulled the rug out from under him. Lisa gave him back a masked smile.
“I… I was aware he was dangerous, but I was not aware of the accusations Ben made tonight no.”
“And yet despite admitting he was dangerous you let him around your fledge, the east’s honored guest?” Her inflections made them seem like questions but it was clear now she was pressing into him.
“I… wanted to give him a chance. He spared my life once when we first met. I thought he could learn to care about the district, our people. I… miscalculated.”
“Tell me about the night of the party. Once you got back what happened?”
“We were discussing the political fallout from the night. I told him about Sabrina becoming the District Leader of the South. I wasn’t aware they had a past. He began shouting and screaming and tearing my apartment a part. It was…” He looked at Lazarus. “A tantrum.”
“Go on Jacob. What happened next?”
“Ummmm. I went to stop him. I asked him to stop. I put myself between him and what he was destroying. He picked me up and threw me across my apartment and I slammed into a wall.”
“Did the throw damage the wall?”
“I noticed the damage the next day, but in the moment I didn’t see it. I was in pain and confused.”
Lisa-Joe had submitted photographs of the wall damage to Sabrina that she was free to look at. “Then what happened?”
“Ummm, I’m not too sure. I was on the ground but then I was on the bed. I don’t remember how I got there. I just remember him saying my name. I went to try and lie down, but he didn’t let me.”
“Was it forceful? Did he hold you in place?”
“I don’t think so. Ummmm. I don’t know. I remember him being kind of gentle about it, but…” Crack! Mithras’s face flashed before him. It would be obvious to the three people on stage he’d disconnected for a second. Lazarus in particular would recognize the disassociated face. “I don’t know,” he muttered. He looked pained, and while he was being a little more articulate than Bed had been, in other ways they seemed the same on the stand. Both had difficulty facing these situations head on, and Lazarus hadn’t even had a chance to fuck with him yet. Maybe Ben was the stronger one?
“What happened next Jake. Take all the time you need.”
“He… He… He… seemed to want to make up for the wall. He starting taking off my pants and said something like, ‘look what I can do. Look what I can do for you.’ And then he had sex with me.” Jake couldn’t talk about the feeling during the exchange, the awful juxtaposition between his physical pleasure and that mentally he was revolted, especially as he reached orgasm. He couldn’t say those things out loud, but he certainly kept seeing the memories.
“But he never asked you? He kept you from lying down and then had sex with you without consent or encouragement?”
“Yes. He had neither permission or encouragement. I was… ummmm. I think I was in shock. I…” He couldn’t say having flashbacks to the last time this happened to him. They didn’t need to know that. He let the I hang in the air and looked at Lisa-Joe.
“Why didn’t you stop him?”
“I didn’t think he would stop. He’d just thrown me like a rag doll. I knew Lazarus wasn’t the nicest guy. Don’t get me wrong, could I see him throwing someone across a room for getting in his way or because he was angry? Yes. I just never thought he would do that to me.” He faced Lazarus. “I was wrong. I thought if I told him to stop it would get worse, that he would take what he wanted to matter what. How do you tell someone who just beat you and is now raping you, no and expect them to listen?”
“Last question, how did you handle the aftermath?”
“I blocked it out at first. I just pretended like it was normal but on some level I knew it wasn't. I think Sam felt was what was really going on inside me. At the time I just wanted it to be over. It was Ben who helped me wake up. It was Ben who helped me realize what happened.”
“No more questions,” Lisa-Joe said. He’d done well. She hated to see him in such pain, but he’d told the truth and looked like the last person who wanted to be here. She only hoped Lazarus wouldn't take his cross examination as one more chance to hurt him.
-
Sam politely nodded her head at Sabrina and Lisa-Joe. Giving up her spot from the stand, she did not acknowledge Lazarus. He did not deserve to be addressed for his mockery of this court system. Jake had obviously given him an inch of rope and Lazarus as always proceeded to take a mile. His politeness had irked Sam, this was the time he decided to be polite?! What about Ben and now Jake, a pang of guilt ran inside Sam. If she hadn't had run her opinion might have mattered, this should have been more private. It was too late now and this aisle seemed so long going back up.
It was already clear that she would go sit with Jake, the hug surprised Sam. His flow of emotions surprised her even more, hugging him and patting his back. However, instead of sitting with Murphy and the others she followed him back down the aisle, taking a seat behind the prosecution as close to the stage as possible. Sam was his courage totem right now and Maria was proud of Sam.
Becoming a vampire did not hamper her morals and values, she did well not to air their dirty laundry in court. Yelling was an understatement but that would be discussed in private at a later time. Maria admired how much she had grown over the last while, her anger more controlled and it suited Sam much better. The first to step up and the last to always back down and Sam had never given up easily in her life. Relieved that Jake and Sam could move on and fix their relationship even further. All eyes fixated on the Prince now as Jake gave his horrifying testimony, a spike of anger rose within Maria.
Maria's new position could not have come at a better time, Sam and her family were vulnerable. They needed guidance and patience. Not only with themselves but one another, as the new Keeper Maria would try and bring back some sort of harmony to the group with Sam as their much-needed anchor. Everyone now awaiting on Lazarus to have his question period, not having high hopes that he would remain civil. With Sam so close however perhaps Jake would draw on her strength to see him through the horror.
-
Ben, standing in the wings and listening to Kerr's words, nodded at them, because they made sense. He believed them with his head if not his heart. He'd considered himself mentally superior to Lazarus, for the other had always seemed shallow in his need for control. From what he remembered, Lazarus had been a one-trick wonder, relying heavily on his charisma and sex appeal. It had been stupid of Ben to underestimate him in this way. Like Kerr had said - Lazarus had thousands of years and had never relied on any mental powers to make people submit to him. Only his words. Of course he was masterful with them. Just because he didn't pull out everything he had didn't mean it wasn't there waiting in reserve.
Ben intended on going back to his seat, for him and Kerr to sit beside Ichabod, to draw courage as a familial unit, but then Jake was up on the stage and Ben didn't want to move into view while he was up there. When listening to Jake's recount of what he'd told Ben, he fumed and glared at Kerr.
He's fucking lying, he spat to Kerr telepathically. He told me that we were both leaving, but then he told me to go to you. He didn't tell me to get his fucking "staff".
Not that he remembered, anyway. Ben's desire to leave spiked, and while he'd been sitting in the wings, he'd spied a small door that would lead out to the alley behind the theatre. He was about to ask Kerr if they could leave, figuring they would get Ichabod to meet them outside unless he wanted to continue watching, when the golden man that Ben had admired at Charon's party snuck around from the theatre's edge and approached them.
Ben didn't know what the newcomer wanted, but he wasn't going to listen to him here. "Outside," he whispered, pointing to the door before heading that way, pulling Kerr with him by the hand.
Continued in Stormclouds (http://www.roleplaycity.com/forum/index.php?topic=7210.0)
* * * * *
While Jake was in the audience, Lazarus had found it hard to look at him. He’d noticed him sitting beside some other guy, one that looked vaguely familiar. Certainly not someone from Jake’s inner circle. He’d obviously moved on to the next pretty thing, replacing Lazarus with a new pet, a new project, a new man to put in his bed.
Fickle prick.
Fuck, it hurt. It was hard to contain the pain roiling messily inside him. This was the moment that he’d been waiting for, though. This was why he’d let Jake’s people take him to the cell below, why he’d gone along with the arrest, why he hadn’t fought them off. Because he’d wanted to talk to Jake. And even after that discussion in his cell, even after Lazarus had condemned Jake for making things too public, Jake had once again made everything public.
So be it. Lazarus would speak in front of everyone. Let them all see the knife Jake put in his back.
Lazarus lifted his gaze and connected it to Jake’s. Yes, here was the pain again, a living breathing thing that sat high on his chest and squatted in his throat, making it burn. This time he didn’t shy from it or press it down. He let it rise, awakening emotions he’d long ago buried. He would bring them all to the surface. Let Jake feel every one of his words. Let them cut him and make him bleed as Lazarus bled.
“Jake,” he said, and already he could hear the timbre in his voice was changed and raw. He reached up a hand to touch his throat, but moved past and stroked it through his hair instead, mussing it a little. This wasn’t going to be a tidy conversation. He couldn’t hold eye-contact for a moment, and he dropped it to Jake’s chest. Lazarus swallowed a few times, hoping it would help his voice smooth out. “Where do I even begin?” he asked, and raised his stare to connect it to the younger vampire.
Lazarus moved around his table so he could be a little closer to his ex-lover, so he wouldn’t have to raise his voice. Sabrina and Jake would both have a good view of his expression. Fuck the audience. This wasn’t for them.
“Our relationship. It started off as fun, yeah,” Lazarus nodded. “But now, because of where we are,” Lazarus gestured at the stage, “I can see it meant more to me than it did to you.” His voice broke halfway through and he looked up at the ceiling, studying the unpainted rafters. “And I get to hear how you feel about me now, with everyone watching and listening, instead of that moment in my cell, in private. I guess you thought I might manipulate you. I guess you still don’t see me as… a friend, a partner… a subordinate. My own stupid fault for trusting anything different from you, I guess.” He waved vaguely to Sabrina. “I do have a point, I promise,” he said and stared at the floor for a long moment, gathering himself.
Lazarus looked back at Jake, his expression plain. “I do have a question for you, but you need to hear how I saw everything before you can answer me properly. So let me tell you about that night, as I felt it, as I saw it.
“You came back from the party and told me Sabrina held a portion of the city. It was a shock. At the time you hadn’t realised she’d cursed me once before. I was mad, but honestly, I was fucking scared. I wanted to hit something. I didn’t want to hit you, so I turned my attention onto whatever was close at hand. Furniture. Your stuff, I know. But then you grabbed me and I didn’t think, I just reacted. My anger was gone, like that,” Lazarus snapped his fingers, “when you hit the wall. I realised what I’d done. I ran to you. I said sorry. I begged you to be okay. I picked you up and carried you to the bed. You started coming around then, you said a couple of words. The way… the way you were looking at me…”
“I wanted you to feel powerful,” Lazarus said, then scoffed a single laughter. “I wanted you to see me submit to you, to remind you that I answered to you. Nobody else gave me a chance, and you did, and I didn’t want to fuck that up. I bowed to you, I got down on my knees and I bowed to you, because you were my king. And you let me do it, and we both know that position means something to me. And you didn’t say no, and you didn’t say stop, and that’s all I have to go on because we both also know I have my ring.” Lazarus held it up, and his eyes grew glassy as he said the rest. “And you sit here,” he croaked, “and tell everyone you were scared of me, that you didn’t want me to hurt you again. But you didn’t tell me. Your fledge… Sam… she came into our room and you sent her away, and I just watched it all unfold, thinking you were back to normal. And then you turned around and you came back to me. You didn’t send me away. You didn’t tell me you wish I hadn’t done it. You didn’t give me any clues.” Lazarus shook his head briefly. “So here I am, thinking we’re all good, and we even had sex again. And we did all those things, straight afterward, you were definitely willing that time, because you touched me. And now you sit here and say it was all a ruse, because you were scared of me, when all I did was try to help you. And now I know I made a mess of it. But you didn’t talk to me!”
Something was on his face. Lazarus touched his cheek and saw water on his fingertips. It took him a while to realise what it was.
“You asked me a question, when I was in the cell. You wanted to know how I felt about you, like you needed to hear it. Like you didn’t know. I’ll tell you now. I loved you. It’s the reason I’m suffering through this.” He gestured at the stage again. “So now that you know my side, here comes the question.”
Lazarus took a deep breath and released it sharply. “Did I really rape you?”
-
When Jake looked at Murphy he would see a frown on his face as he watched events unfold. It sucked, watching Jake describe his relationship with Lazarus, especially knowing how it had turned out.
He was confused about how he felt towards Jake now; he was pissed at him for not telling him anything about all of this, but he still wanted to get to know him more, to forgive him, and he didn’t know why. He’d only known him for a few days, so why did this matter so much?
Murphy made no notes throughout Jake’s testimony, but tapped his pen gently against his knee, mulling it all over quietly. After that hug he’d given Sam, Murphy guessed Jake would choose to sit by her once he was released from the stage. He should be with his family after this, not with some guy he hardly knew. Yes, they’d got to know each other a lot the night before, but how much of that really meant anything to Jake? They’d only met a few days ago, it shouldn’t really matter.
Then Lazarus began to talk. He really was silver tongued, telling his side of it all, describing it, admitting things he’d likely not told many people – other than Jake. Murphy could easily see how he would be convincing, how he could turn things his way.
Not having the artistic skills of the witch beside him, Murphy made a couple of notes about Lazarus’ ring, then glanced sideways at her to see if she was drawing it. It was pretty far away, so his notes were vague. Maybe Jake or Ben could tell him more about that later.
Pain or pantomime? he jotted down without tearing his eyes away from the stage. Had he really been clueless to the feelings of Jake after he’d been chucked across the room? Did he really think they’d then just start fucking and all would be forgiven? Perhaps for vampires, who could take a lot more physically, being chucked across the room might not be such a big deal… but to Jake it sounded like it had. Of course, all Murphy had to go on was what was going on in front of him, since Jake hadn’t wanted to tell him much at all. He held his breath, as seemingly the whole room did, waiting for Jake’s response. He wouldn’t change his answer now, would he? He was stronger than that, he had to be.
*
What a fucking idiot. How the fuck had Jake got so sucked in by Lazarus?
Ichabod instantly felt guilty for the thought – he’d been sucked in just like that years ago, but he’d been a stupid kid. Jake was supposed to have centuries of experience, surely in that time you learnt how to see beyond the façade creatures like Lazarus put up?
Unless that person had millennia of experience to counter it with.
Ichabod chewed gently on his lower lip as he turned his gaze towards the blonde. As much as he hated the ancient, he couldn’t tear himself away from whatever was about to happen. Well, he thought that, until he became aware that Kerr and Ben were moving further away. They were leaving? He half rose in his seat, then settled himself down again. They might just be moving away from prying ears, or maybe they wanted to be alone to get over what had just happened on stage.
Are you leaving? he said mentally to Kerr, unsure whether it would reach him through the rest of the mental hubbub in the theatre.
Ichabod was close enough to see the tears on Lazarus’ face, but he thought they were nothing bu crocodile tears, an act put on to garner sympathy, to win people round. He only needed to convince Sabrina though and Ichabod had confidence that she would see through his pathetic display.
-
The pen continued to move. During Jake's testimony, the vicious flash of a whip made itself known again and again, each time making her flinch. A heaviness settled over the witch. If it did not seem that the trial was nearly over, she would've considered leaving. Some things were too much. Sometimes the Sight showed more than she was willing to witness--but that was the price she had consented to pay. She hadn't spent so much time practicing this skill since she moved from her home in Denmark. While as familiar and natural as breathing, it felt like exercising a muscle that had been neglected for a time. She would need some serious recovery time after this, and thoughts of returning to her room at The Parlor gave her a taste of the reassuring comfort that was to come.
Astrid's countenance visibly darkened as Lazarus began his cross-examination. His tears, the emotion behind his voice--it all seemed true, at least to him. She wondered briefly if her tattoo could help see through it--if there was something to hide--or if the ring would block the attempt. The witch wasn't sure if she wanted to know for sure and kept her fingers on the pen scribbling away at the notebook. Her eyes fixated on the ring as he called attention to it, willing her eyes to take as much detail in as possible as she sketched a close-up detail of his hand baring it. While she was only human, the Sight filled in the rest, moving the pen in sync with intuition. It would be interesting to compare it to the physical object to see how close her rendition was. The chances of her getting the opportunity to examine it further in person were extremely slim. The image of a sword slashing through the ringed-finger with a dramatic arc of red brought a brief smile to her face.
And then he asked his question--and the darkness filled her face again. She pained physically for Jake now, knowing that this snake had so eloquently attempted to manipulate the event in his favor. Why would Jake go through this circus of a trial if he hadn't believed that rape had occurred? Consent was a living conversation, a thing to be sought at each encounter, not something given once to write off an entire lifetime of them. The absence of a no never meant yes--and the yes must always aways be enthusiastically given without coercion or threat. No telepathic communication should be needed here--the intimacy that came from being truly in tune with your lover, openness of conversation to fill the spaces of uncertainty, constantly checking in especially after moments of violence! Offering sexual acts to make up for being physically abusive wasn't an excuse--it was appalling. If anything, Lazarus convinced her that he was more interested in his own appearance, his own needs and satisfaction, saving face for the sake of himself--than actually giving a shit about another person. The lengths that he would go to convince others, and himself, otherwise were equally as telling.
-
The whole room was on edge as Lazarus finished his statement and subsequent question. Jake hadn’t had many loving relationships in his life. He had Sam now, and Lisa-Joe of course. He had Scott, who’d only recently blood bonded to him to be closer. He looked at Sabrina, his replacement mother for both a human one who died, and a sire who was murdered. He thought of Charon, who he didn’t think loved him by any means, but who was someone he thought he could learn things from, a mentor to replace the abusive one from his past. These ties were all more caring than he’d felt in years but none of it was romantic. Murphy would likely run screaming from him now, and Jake couldn’t blame him. He just had too much baggage and had made too many bad choices. He was so lonely for a partner, someone to share his life with. He’d thought Lazarus could be that person. Jake thought that his attempts at increasing his own humanity would rub off on the blonde. Perhaps it had to an extent, as despite everything else, he did believe Lazarus loved him and that in his own twisted way of viewing the world he really did think he hadn’t done anything bad to Jake. He still thought this was all just a misunderstanding.
However, ring or not, he’d been wrong. He’d only bowed to Jake because he was afraid of losing him, not because he really felt guilt for hurting him in the first place. It was a selfish kind of love. Lazarus probably would think of him as his king if Jake played his cards right. He’d worship him like an obsessed puppy dog because that’s what he thought love was; worship. Love to Jake was about mutuality, connection, partnership. These were all things the blonde ancient couldn’t see. Jake remembered the week of self loathing, nightmares and the strong desire to kill himself at Charon’s that Sabrina had helped normalize. None of that would have ever happened if Lazarus hadn’t bowed to him. If he’d just apologized and held him that night when he tried to lie down, maybe he wouldn’t have raped Ben either. It was all connected. He also wished he had just talked to Lazarus. It’s not like the man had no point. He could see why he felt blindsided. He wished he had told him what happened. Had he never raped Ben there was a chance they could’ve figured it out. But as Charon once told him there was an equal chance that Lazarus would’ve raped him again and again, and every single time he would’ve loved him while doing it. They would never really know.
He realized he’d been silent for a while, and honestly felt disconnected from the suspense that seemed to grip Lisa-Joe and the strength emanating from Sam. He alone had to decide how to respond. He summoned his resolve, his confidence, and honestly his compassion. He didn’t want to hurt Lazarus. He didn’t hate him. In fact, despite everything, he still cared deeply for him. His voice sounded raspy, but strong. The audience was gone. It was just the two of them.
“Yes. You did.” He had an I’m sorry in his mind, but realized he didn’t need to say it. He had no reason to be sorry, at least not for telling the truth now.
He said it far gentler than he needed to. His cheeks were now covered in two crimson streaks to match the water on Lazarus’s. He felt their eyes connect, and as he looked at him he felt love but also now pity. He pitted that Lazarus could never truly connect with another, and he no longer blamed the ring. Lazarus just didn’t know how. It was actually a tragedy.
-
The answer was both expected yet not. Lazarus' gaze shuttered, his emotions pushed and squashed and shoved back down into the depths. He realised, now, that his side of the story didn't matter. It wouldn't have changed a thing. Jake's opinion that he'd been wronged was the only one that mattered.
When had the world changed? He hadn't been looking.
It had taken its time, but the future finally revealed that Joshua's prophecy had finally come true. The meek really had inherited the earth. Lazarus had laughed at the time, at his sire's dystopian prophecy, finding it ironic that the weakest in their society had misinterpreted Joshua's warning and added to his camp of followers. Lazarus had learnt so much about manipulation and calculation from his brief time with him. But look, his words had come true. What a fucking riot.
Now civilisation was all about rules and morals, when convincing someone to do what you wanted was bullying, and charming them to eventually say yes to sex was harassment... and would be considered a form of rape if they felt shitty about themselves afterward. When doing what you wanted was considered selfish and voicing unpopular opinion was considered a privilege.
It didn't matter. The men he was drawn to, the men he loved, the ones who pretended to share the same viewpoint, they all turned on him in the end. His oldest living fledge Cicero, who would murder someone for backchatting and physically fight Lazarus for the dominant position (and cheat when he was losing by using mental domination), he'd turned on Lazarus over a woman when he'd made her his fledge. A stupid punk woman with little to offer. Dumb shit. And Halwyn, who he'd taken and held this city with and gave it to the supernaturals to rule! He'd also left him over a fledge vampire. He loved their shared fledge more than he loved Lazarus. Stupid fuck. And now Jake, putting him through this bullshit instead of just saying 'you raped me, you know' in their bedroom that night. But no, he was scared of Lazarus, because he'd got down on his knees and sucked him off! Fucking boohoo. Little bitch.
And so he embraced his anger and ignored the pain in his chest, the one that wanted him to apologise, to say sorry for making Jake feel like shit, because he hadn't meant to. He pushed it down along with the rest because what good was that now to him? Jake had won. He'd got what he wanted. Lazarus had offered himself up by handing Jake that question. He'd been willing to gamble everything - everything - on the hope that Jake would realise this would ruin Lazarus. When he'd asked that question, he hadn't been after the truth, he'd been after loyalty.
Jake demanded it. But he didn't give it.
He knew the rules of this new world. He'd orchestrated this entire trial to openly sacrifice Lazarus and win himself mercy. Lazarus, who knew what it was like to be raped, had dusted himself and moved on. The strong took advantage of the weak. That was always how it would be. And while Jake bared his belly to the audience to win their favour, Lazarus would never supplicate himself to anyone who didn't deserve it. Getting on his knees in front of Jake was perhaps the most honest thing he'd done.
Jake was the fucking worst.
"No more questions," he said, the emotion completely gone from his voice. He broke eye-contact with Jake and never wanted to set eyes on him again. How clever Jake had been, and Lazarus hadn't seen it until now. He looked at Sabrina. "Judge me guilty right now, so this can be over and I won't have to listen to that cunt talk again."
His voice shook as he spoke, and he called it anger.
-
Jake dismissed himself and turned to face the crowd. The two red streaks were still there, his clan crying blood instead of tears. However, he looked oddly at peace for the moment and moved towards Sam. He would grab her hand and guide her back to where Murphy sat. He plopped next to the human and wiped his face.
“Murphy this is my daughter Sam. Sam this is my friend Murphy.”
Yes they’d met, but only at the party which had been so awkward. With that he was quiet, but was happy he was introducing them. He held Sam’s hand and would offer the free one to Murphy. Now they waited for the end. Jake felt like he made the right decision and waited for Sabrina to pass judgment.
-
Damien shifted uncomfortably in his seat, frowning at the stage as the show went on. Each testimony brought the assaults to new light that he hadn't heard before. He hadn't been privy to the entire scandal - for which he was thankful - until the story was spun in front of him, on stage for the entire city to see. The entire affair could have taken place behind closed doors, and he actually began to feel sorry for Ben Samson. He watched Lazarus as he spun Ben's words. It felt like watching Lucretia work all over again, a thought which made him even more uncomfortable. He considered leaving, spending time with Rachel instead. He forced himself to stay seated throughout the entire testimony, to face the words of Lazarus.
But most of his discomfort came not from himself and his own past - that which he had moved off of long ago - but on Rachel's. It was odd to be thinking of Rachel in the middle of the trial here, but after she had told him about what had happened to her, Damien couldn't help but fear. His human companion had been raped, tortured, and forced into prostitution in her short life, and was still smiling at him every afternoon as she awoke. It made him fiercely protective of her, and perhaps made him project a touch of that feeling upon Ben Samson, and yes, even Jake McCloud. More importantly, he could feel his revulsion at Lazarus, projecting once again an image of his lover's torturer upon the Ancient.
What did Kerr Galvin feel, knowing this had happened to his fledge, his lover? Helplessness? Frustration? Rage? Damien didn't quite understand how they all could be so civil about the event. Damien exhaled a breath he didn't realize he was holding, adjusting himself uselessly into a more comfortable position. There could be no escape from heavy things tonight, no matter how many movies he and Rachel watched. Best to just strap in and handle it. At least a verdict would be reached soon, one way or the other.
--
This dull little event was turning out to be more scandalous than she first expected and Zoheret was actually beginning to enjoy herself as the drama unfolded. She hadn't the slightest idea that the Ancient and McCloud had been sleeping together. Zoheret had tried to hide her interest in the situation at first, but was now leaning forward in her seat with a serious look on her face. Why did they all insist on fucking each other, these vampires? Was there even one political situation in this city that didn't involve one of them in the other one's pie? She doubted it. While the thought made her want to roll her eyes, she was rather enjoying the tension. Like watching a novella.
Michele, her assistant, had taken excellent notes on the trial so far, with little help from Zoheret. With so many immortal ears around her, she had to be cautious about the things she said out loud. The two women noted postures and behaviors - Zoheret being most interested in that dazzling display of power from Sabrina - and the testimonies. They traded whispers about the drama and the events unfolding before them from time to time, but spent the majority of the trial listening, Zoheret ruffling her wings uncomfortably under her glamour.
The least she could say about Lazarus was that the ancient was funny. His first comment about Lisa-Joe had forced a smile to Zoheret's face. As he called the prosecution a cunt, she had to stifle a laugh. The pain may have been too present for him, but the humor was ever welcome for the Dark Angel. She sat patiently in her booth with a smirk on her lips, waiting for whatever came next.
-
As Lazarus spoke, Sabrina looked past him. To her eyes, the gallery was filled with ghosts. Young men with their throats torn out, with marks on their wrists, or their faces. Dozens of pairs of pale, dead eyes staring back at her. Sabrina tore her gaze away and focused on Lazarus once again. Hallucinations or not, she could at least listen to the doomed man, terrible as he was.
And as she listened, it became clear just how terrible. He believed he spoke truth. That he got to decide whether or not he'd hurt these men, one of whom he said he'd loved. He was thousands of years old, and the only truth he knew was that which he manufactured. He was the most dangerous sort of man in the world.
Her eyes flicked back to the audience, finding only the living (or, at least, corporeal) there. Except for a young woman with black and pink hair standing in the center aisle, wearing a pained expression on her face. She shook her head slowly, hugging her arms around herself as if to stave off the cold of the grave. The Treacle murmured hungrily in Sabrina's ear, decide. She looked away, down at her hands.
"Lazarus of Bethany," she said, finally, raising her eyes to meet those of the accused, "You are a fountain of blood in the shape of a man. This court finds you guilty on all charges. You are remanded into the custody of the Central and Western districts for sentencing. May whatever God made you have mercy on your soul."
When she looked again, the last ghost was gone.
-
Maria breathed a sigh of relief as the verdict of guilty was handed down, a low rumble of satisfaction came from Takhar within her mind. Now all that was left was for Jake to decide punishment and that would be no easy task for the Prince. Tainted feelings of love rippled through Lazarus, he could never know true love. Only the twisted love he normalized within his mind and after seeing his plea to Jake that would never change. Once more she feared for Sam, she could see Lazarus becoming jealous and killing her as an end result. He raped two people and he would not be above killing someone too.
Sam nodded at Murphy wishing they could meet under better circumstances, yet again. Not letting go of Jakes' hand the whole time, his tears pierced Sam to her core. Lazarus had toyed with his emotions and his sick thinking of love disgusted Sam. Jake deserved better than Lazarus and Sam wanted to help him find his way again. A tight squeeze of triumph on his hand when Sabrina found Lazarus guilty, it was almost over. Punishment was the only thing left to do and she worried what Jake would choose as a punishment. Sam firmly believed death was too good for Lazarus but how did one control one so old?
-
Ichabod felt himself relax slightly at Kerr’s mental response. He watched with intently as Jake gave his final confirmation number that yes, Lazarus had definitely raped him. He was glad the district leader had stayed strong in that, no matter how stupid he had been to think he was in a real relationship with the ancient.
And after all the theatricality, Sabrina gave her verdict. It was the right one and Lazarus looked... well, pissed. That was understandable, whether or not he believed he had been in the wrong. Ichabod hoped that however they were planning on holding him it would be in some deep dark cell where he had no chance of escaping or seeing another living soul ever again. They could just lock him up and forget he even existed.
*
Murphy was surprised that Jake returned to him, he’d expected him to just sit by Sam, but no, he came back. As frustrated as he was at not having been told the truth, he couldn’t help but give a small smile as Jake returned.
He gave Sam a small nod in return, guessing that Jake was just in shock still since they’d met at the party. He hesitated for a minor moment before accepting Jake’s hand and giving it a small squeeze.
“You did well,” he whispered quietly to the vampire, before turning his gaze back to the stage and Sabrina. She half looked like her mind was elsewhere, gazing beyond them, through them, Murphy glanced behind them but could see nothing out of the ordinary and then she was speaking.
Murphy felt a wave of relief as the verdict came. It had been obvious what it would be, but there was always that risk. Lazarus had resigned himself to the fact he was going to lose this, but it didn’t look like acceptance on his face. That was anger and as he watched him Murphy felt like he would be afraid. But Lararus would be secured again, he couldn’t hurt anyone else.
“When will the sentencing be?” Murphy asked, glancing sideways at Jake. He didn’t know whether it would be Jake who would be deciding - that didn’t feel like it would be right. You couldn’t let the victim choose the result. Sabrina should do it.
-
Once the verdict was given, the young Anarch who'd kicked things off, Amy, came out of the wings, her beanie cap and septum piercing screaming Anarchs of the White Rabbit. She found a mic and tapped it, clearing her throat and pushing her purple streaked hair out of her face.
"Okay, thanks for coming. Sentencing and punishment will happen after everyone leaves. Only Sabrina, Lisa-Joe Hampton, the prince and the convict need to remain. Everyone else please collect all your shit and thanks for coming."
She sounded sweet overall, even the vulgar word sounding cute. She then left the stage and people everywhere started to make their way to the exit.
Drew turned to Murphy, Astrid, Sam, and Jake, looking pleased at the verdict. He'd made a lot of mental notes, and while others thought he was just a drunk, he had a pretty good idea who the power players were now, making notes about the dark angel in the box, and of course Charon in his. "Glad you got justice, your princness. Princeship? Your royal highness? Anyways, glad that guy's not going free. Nice meeting yous guys, but, I gotta go feed and air nymph or he'll get cranky. Later."
With that Drew Sulivan, Private Eye left, making sure to drop several more of his card near the exits before heading out and into the night, towards Zeph.
Lisa-Joe Hampton had won her case. She didn't even care Lazarus had called her a cunt. So what? He'd be dead within the hour. The insult sounded like the desperate lashing out of a defeated man. She gathered her notes and made her way towards Seb once the dead was done. She sat next to him, while the others cleared out.
"Well, at least it's over now. Thank you for being here."
She leaned her head on his shoulder. She was emotional as well, although clearly not as much as Jake or Ben or even Sabrina it seemed. She hadn't connected much with the witch Jake loved so much. She wondered why she'd been so passed over the whole time. Was it just that anyone Ben didn't like Sabrina didn't like? No, that couldn't be it. She liked Jake just fine. She tried not to think about it as everyone left.
Jake realized his gaff, blaming it on his split focus. "Wait you two already met. I'm an idiot." He laughed a bit, happy to have this be the biggest of his worries for the moment. Then Sabrina gave her verdict and the house began to clear. He turned to Murphy.
"I will tell you what I decide to do with him," Jake said. "I consulted Ben too. Only the victims should get a say," he said, belief fueling him. "Can I see you tomorrow night? Sam and I are going to spend the rest of tonight together once I deal with Lazarus. I feel like I owe you an explanation or two."
Once he heard from Murphy, he would turn to Sam. "Thank you for your kindness and love. I don't deserve you my sweet." He smiled at her. "We're going to our first home once we leave. Why don't you go and get it all opened up." He would reach into his pant pocket with the hand he'd been holding of hers and pulled out a set of keys and a thumb print scanner device. "I'll be along in an hour or two. Depends on how long this takes."
He made sure to grab Sabrina's eyes and signaled that he'd be coming to her shortly. She was also welcome to come over to him, but Jake figured she wasn't up for a lot of socializing. Lazarus was escorted backstage, Sabrina's enchantments ensuring he'd behave till the very end of this process.
-
Sam's eyes shot up in surprise, did he mean Dante's Inferno? Why of all places would he want to go there? Sam didn't have many good memories at that place and was glad when they had to leave the place. Reluctantly taking the keys and the thumbprint scanner she smiled at him, maybe he was still in shock? Same decided not to push the issue and turned to Murphy before leaving with Maria.
"I hope to see you again Murphy," a small nod before she left. Wandering towards Maria in the rush of people, everyone had the same idea. Leave now.
"You remember the city well?" Sam asked Maria in a puzzled tone.
"I do. Why do you ask?" A quizzical look on her face at the seemingly random question.
"I need to go over to Dante's Inferno, can you accompany me before heading back?" Her voice plain jane towards Maria.
Maria didn't need to ask more as the two exited the theatre together, the walk seemed long and full of silence. Unsure of what to say to Sam other than she was proud, thinking long and hard before they arrived at Sam's first home. Not one filled with good memories.
"Have faith Jake has something in mind," Sam nodded at Maria before entering inside.
Maria would stay only until Jake arrived to ensure no one else decided to follow after the trial. Giving Jake a slight nod that Sam was inside before making the long trek back to the White Rabbit.
-
“You were magnificent,” Seb said, leaning his head against Lisa-Joe’s as she rested against him. “Where did you dig up that doctor?” he asked with interest. He’d spent so long trying to help other, but he was no medical expert and it would be interesting to get to know him more.
“It sounds as though I’m being dismissed, would you like me to stay or you can come find me when all this is over with?” Seb asked. He was interested to find out the sentence, but he could wait.
*
“No, the victims shouldn’t have a say, that’s the point of a fair trial,” Murphy said with a frown at Jake as he realised his hand to pack up his bag, then he gave a shrug. Nothing he said was going to make a difference now.
“Yes, I’ll see you tomorrow, you do have a lot to explain.” He was confused about how he felt at the moment, so focused on the easiest one to grasp, annoyance at Jake. He slung his bag over his shoulder and slide past Jake and Sam into the aisle, walking against the crowd to get the the front of the stage. He wasn’t about to leave his equipment behind.
*
Ichabod frowned as they were dismissed. What the hell? Sabrina had still better be the one who chose the sentence, not Jake. Jake was a crazy dictator, why bother going through all of this if it was just going to be Jake’s decision at the end of the day?
He was found guilty. We’re being told to leave before the sentencing. They said Jake should stay, they didn’t mention Ben, he sent to Kerr as he stood up, unsure whether to head backstage to try to find the exit Ben and Kerr had taken, or to leave with everyone else. He doubted he’d get too far heading backstage, so he turned, almost running into Murphy.
“Oh, sorry,” Murphy said, his checks flushing slightly as he almost crashed into Ichabod. They hadn’t really seen each other since living together briefly at the beach house and he knew Ichabod wasn’t a big fan of his after everything that had happened.
“I was just... getting my stuff,” he said gesturing towards the equipment at the front of the stage and starting to pack up the mic and recorder after carefully turning it off.
“Sure,” Ichabod said, stepping slightly out of the way, watching as Murphy distractedly started packing up. He’d always seemed pretty intelligent, but clearly didn’t always think things throug, like with the article and suddenly becoming such a friend of Jake’s.
“You might want to re-think your new friend back there, this was all completely pointless other than to get him some sympathy. The result will be the same,” he added sharply.
I know, Murphy thought, but kept that thought from passing his lips, just. For some reason he felt a loyalty towards Jake which meant that even though he disagreed with him, he wasn’t able to tell Ichabod that.
“He’s doing what he thinks is right and who I choose to be friends with has nothing to do with you,” Murphy said, doing up the buckle on his carry case a little more forcefully than he needed to. “Please remind Ben he was going to call me later. I know he’s got lots on at the minute but... just remind him,” he said, not believing that Ichabod really would, but not bothering to wait for the response. He pulled on his rucksack and headed through the crowd towards the exit, trying to glance towards Jake on the way, without wanting to be seen to be doing it.
Ichabod glanced back towards the stage where Lazarus was being lead away, letting Murphy get a little way ahead before trailing after the crowd, not in any rush to leave when he was just going to have to hunt around for Ben and Kerr.
-
Astrid sat for a moment, staring at the sketch she had done of the ring. The end of the trial brought her no satisfaction, as the sentencing was to be private. She agreed with Murphy but stayed silent. There was a growing sense of dread filling her already-exhausted mind. The witch desperately needed to rest.
She stood, closing up the notebook and pens, and put her jacket back on. Still, she could not shake the feeling that something was not right. Everything inside of her urged her to stay and she fought against it, moving with the crowd out of the theatre and reaching shakily for a cigarette. The dread pulsed like a dark heartbeat and each step outside felt heavy. She couldn't wait to leave the fucking place.
-
Lisa-Joe shook her head at Seb, smiling at him. She turned to where Jake sat with Murphy and Sam, a peaceful smile on her face.
“You should stay with me tonight. Jake is taking Sam somewhere tonight to talk. We’re going to do a small gathering tomorrow night to celebrate this cloud being lifted. We should be leaving shorty once Jake passes judgment.
Soon Lazarus would be dead, and they could all move on. Then she heard the commotion in the back. Her eyes grew wide with fear.
Murphy’s rebuff hadn’t been expected. He seemed upset the victims had a say, but to Jake it seemed totally logical. His face registered that suprise but he didn’t get smart with him about it. He made sure to catch his eyes once more before the human left.
“Okay. I’ll answer all your questions and tell you everything you want to know. I promise.”
Then Murphy was gone and for a moment he buried his face in Sam, grumpy and confused about a boy. Maria claimed her and the two were off. Jake began to head over to Lisa-Joe and Seb when he heard sounds like a struggle. The trial wasn’t quite over yet.
Continued in Do Not Go Gently (http://www.roleplaycity.com/forum/index.php?topic=7214.0).
-
Charon and Jeanne were quicker than the rest to leave, but on the drive home the ancient addressed what had been bothering him all night.
I noticed Murphy - our Murphy - sitting beside Jake tonight. They looked very close. A second observation of them together since the night of the party. How many of our secrets does he possess? And what of his friendship with Ben?
For the rest of the drive home, Charon and Jeanne discussed this new outcome with one of their former mortal allies. One that, unfortunately, looked to be compromised.