The Devil Wears Prada

Summer 2021, Week 3

Monday morning

Alekto Starr's Apartment, Victoria Field

Alekto Starr

The sun was shining brightly yet less intensely than it had in the deserts of her homeland. The luxuries afforded to her for her association with a man she hardly knew and the payment for jobs yet complete helped fight back against the heat and protected her against the vile gazes of others. Their eyes had never bothered her, but to truly have a domain which was hers and free from the presence of others was welcome respite in a sea of the unknown. Today had been a good day though, one where many looked upon her strangely, but their weak, sheep-like gazes had fallen flat, and their wills bent out of favor of their own feelings in favor of their greed. I'd say money is power but no... her thoughts began to leak into the forefront of her mind before her golden gaze fell upon the ring upon her desk. Greed makes them weak and stupid, but power... Power is spawned from power. Wealth is simply one mask of many it wears.
Distinctly the burbling static of the radio she'd bought the other day caught her attention; weather forecasts, news reports, and other mundane information filling her ears as the crinkle of shopping bags became a mute sound in her ears. Piles of tailored, expensive clothing befitting of her position peeking out from their tombs of plastic and other stiff material. "Today's the day 'm gonna need to break this shit anyways. Wish I didn't have to dress up like a doll, but at least I get to pick my uniform. No heels though, can't fight in those." Alekto commented to herself as she fished through the bags pulling out well-made burgundy jacket and slacks with a loose white blouse before putting it aside. From a certain box she fished out modest, steel-toed boots as a sharp contrast to the otherwise high-class outfit. Presentable and it functions, hard to beat that. It'll be enough.
After getting the rest of her new outfits and shoes put away, Alekto took the time to get dressed in her uniform. She sat on the edge of her table, pulling her phone from the side table and reexamining the details she'd been provided.
Time to get to work.

---

Alekto Starr

Text Message

To: Dallas
Got the fancy digs you were wanting me to get. Any preference where I start on the list or want me to just go wild?
And is there anything else I need to know?

Dallas Lock

Text Message

To: Alekto
Run down to The Port and speak to Mr. Jonathan Burrows, he heads up the Irish Dockworkers there. Inform him that I am awaiting payment and I'm hoping I don't have to wait much longer. Make sure he gets the message but don't give it to him too hard. I need him. Also, bring the card I left in the file, the metal red one.
After that, stop by Blair Lethia Clinic and speak to the owner and operator. I need 10 more vials. She'll know what that means. Also see if you can strike some sort of deal with her to get us a steady supply and what she'd need in return for that.

Alekto Starr

Text Message

To: Dallas
I'm a gentle soul don't you know?
I'll be sure he gets the message though and I won't be too messy about it. I won't forget the card, don't worry.
The clinic? Sure, I'll get it done after the port.
You'll get the details once I'm done. I imagine you'll want them in the flesh for discretion or what?

Dallas Lock

Text Message

To: Alekto
Shoot me a text when both are done and we will meet up at the usual place. If you run into any trouble let me know and I'll pop over. Same goes for if you need to ask a favor. Don't let me down.

Alekto Starr

Text Message

To: Dallas
Will do, and come on, have a bit more faith!
Talk with you soon, chief.

---

The Port, Port Victoria

Alekto Starr

The devil girl took the liberty of a quick journey, hailing a cab and taking a more expedited route from her apartment all the way to the port. She'd received a few strange looks as per the norm, but despite her strange appearance the looks didn't fall upon her this time. Instead, most were directed towards the feather light construction strapped across her back. The Hellzooka as she called it was all rough edges and strange, hellish designs looking more like a prop from a Doom movie than an actual piece of weaponry. She was banking on that for the most part, since she doubted many would truly consider the destructive potential held within such an item. In either hand she carried something with one being a simple duffel bulging with its anomalous contents while the other was the briefcase she'd been given not but a few days prior.
She ensured her cab driver remained silent with a not insignificant tip as he sped his way through spacious alleys and backstreets to evict the strange red skinned girl from the back of his cab and to be on his way. Alekto didn't necessarily fault him, but she enjoyed the quiet ride throughout the city, soaking in the details of its haphazard architecture so different from Israel's own. Shining windows, dozens of multi-story tall buildings, and far more developed infrastructure than the dusty streets she remembered. Jerusalem was a lovely city, but archaic in its general design and far crueler to her to the point she couldn't appreciate its vast history. Before she was allowed to reminiscent any further, the sound of the old cab's squeaky wheels screeching on seawater slicked stones snapped her back to reality. Paying the remainder of her fare she stepped out to the distinct smell of the ocean with the ocean breeze ruffling her jacket and freshly tended black locks. It was an odd feeling to feel no sand grating against her skin beckoned by a furnace wind dancing over craggy earth, but it was pleasant.
Carefully she dusted off her jacket and picked up her bag and briefcase, the distinct presence of her weapon strapped across her back leaving threads of cold dancing across her spine in sharp contrast to the ever-present heat from above. Heedless she pressed onward into the jaws of Leviathan, walking across the docks with steel toed boots that crunched against the salty grit of the concrete and steel maze as the dock workers hardened by their years watched her with curiosity, disgust, and mild amusement as she weaved her way between the throngs of working people, travelers, and other business-like individuals. Among them she still stood out, her horns gleaming brightly in the summer sun as she eventually hailed down one of the unoccupied workers who appeared to be organizing a section of the dock. The distinct smell of whiskey wafted off the worker as he approached, a good head taller than her as she looked up at him unimpressed. "I'm looking for a man by the name of Jonathan Burrows, mind pointing me in his direction?" Her accent, while hard to identify, was notably distinct from the typical rabble of New Victoria. A near alien tone that took most off guard but the Irish man before her only seemed further incensed by her strange tone.

Storyteller

The man before Alekto spat off to the side as a number of other workers came to a crawl as their heads turned to look upon Alekto and their brass as the older man began to speak, scratching the side of his cheek obnoxiously as the sound of stubble grating against cracked fingernails managed to carry the short distance between them. "Aye, I reckon I could but whys a red city bitch lookin' for Jonny? Look, Hollywood a couple thousand miles thataway, so fuck off back to Mordor ya' hobbit." His rough attempt at humor was met with a crude ripple of laughter that moved like a wave across the immediate vicinity. Particularly rough faced men and women who seemed to be his underlings in one capacity or another.

Alekto Starr

Bit down onto her tongue for the time being, hard enough she swore she felt the burst of iron splatter across her taste buds before canting her head to the side in an infuriating smile. "I'm looking for your boss on behalf of Dallas Lock, I'm sure you've heard of him." As she heard the man beginning to retort, the distinct tinge of cherry red creeping up his neck she pulled out the red card Dallas had informed her to retrieve. Flashing that to the man caused him to immediately go pale, his throat bobbing like a fish out of water before he snorted and choked on his own spit. Despite it, he still attempted to maintain a feeble persona of strength as he barked out at her. "Shoulda' started with that, seems Dallas' help ain't nothin' but dullards. Fuck it, follow me, 'an the rest of ya' better get back to work!" The devil watched him with rapt interest, likening him in her head to an obese bulldog as his jowls bounced with his now chalk pale complexion complimented by the fiery bloom of sunburn. The thought made the man tolerable as she followed him deeper into the port towards one of the warehouses.

Storyteller

Moving past the heavy machinery, the blowing horns of the ships, and the rowdy assembly of workers plaguing the docks like rats she found herself in a much quieter space. The distinct ringing of the world beyond the air conditioned warehouse muted and bouncing off its metal walls. It morbidly reminded her of a massive metal tomb, or a sarcophagus filled with valuable treasure. Dozens upon dozens of boxes and cargo containers littered the monumental structure's cavernous belly. Workers moving in and out to store the objects but at the current moment there was very little traffic going in and out of the building. Despite the welcome quiet and stillness of the interior, Alekto still felt the weight of eyes upon her back as she and the henchman made their ways to a smaller structure that looked out of place as it was pressed into one of the walls like an administrative wing with metal stairs and grated balconies overlooking the operations from its upper floors. Its cracked, water damaged paint was a sad contrast to the rest of the relatively well-made warehouse and once past the double doors the distinct smell of coffee and smoke filled Alekto's nostrils. She'd dealt with worse, but the sudden acrid sting made her nose wrinkle in distaste.
It didn't take long from that point before Alekto was standing before a heavyset man eclipsing his plush office seat with his rotund but muscled form. Two more fit, burly men flanked either side fresh at attention as if they'd perked up upon hearing the entry of two unknown individuals. The heavier man looked at Alekto with shock and evident disgust before a blotchy spread of blush pinked his cheeks as he slammed a fist down onto the table and looked towards his subordinate. "Brendan, why the fuck did you bring a freak into my office? Aren't you supposed to be working and you decide it’s a good idea to bring some demonic barbie doll into here?!" The other man, for his part, didn't look shocked by the explosive response of his supervisor instead looking at the heavyset man with a look of apology. "Sorry, Jonny. She said she's with Mr. Lock." The words seemed to sober the other man for the moment as he settled back in his seat, looking upon Alekto with newfound suspicion but the disgust remained hidden behind his beady pig-like eyes.

Alekto Starr

She felt herself quickly growing tired of being talked down to or about as if she were some circus animal, but she reassured herself it was temporary. A minor inconvenience on her path towards a world brimming with freedom and people like them wouldn't exist. Steppingstones is all they are, and I'll be sure to remind them of that when I get the chance. It took her a moment to compose herself before speaking prompting Jonathan Burrows to raise his voice, "Well? I didn't suspect Dallas to be the type to send us a bitch who's also mute, spit it out. I have things to do!" Alekto's gaze sharpened then as they bore into his dark eyes, the action seeming to be enough to cow the man out of speaking as she took a step forward. Distinctly she became aware that there were a few extras in the room. Less guards and more servants to the pig in his throne, but they were inconsequential. "As I told your subordinate I'm with Mr. Lock," for emphasis and proof she showed him the card which promptly caused the man to roll his eyes. "I'm here as a reminder that you owe him his due. Payment, as it were, and that he wants it as soon as possible." Alekto surprised herself by how well she managed to restrain her temper, but she figured that was a byproduct of representing someone other than herself. If I wasn't relying on his patronage, I would've already put a hole in this guy's chest. She silently seethed before her mind was shocked to a halt.

Storyteller

Despite the grave threat he knew that Dallas was, the man known as Jonathan Burrows couldn't help but to laugh in the face of his representative. A loud, barking thing that grated on the senses as it boomed on and on, the action alone enough to prompt his lackeys to chortle alongside him as if to validate his already overblown ego. "Dallas wants his fuckin' money? He can come get it himself, we work with him. Not some prepubescent Hellboy reject, and just 'cause he felt he was better than us I have a message that you'll deliver for me." As the man flicked his wrist several things happened at once: the men at his sides began to move forward towards the devil girl, each one beginning to slip brass knuckles onto one of their hands as the other moved in behind her, but the motion alone had been enough to alert Alekto to what was about to happen.

Alekto Starr

Alekto had been raised with a target on her back since she'd been born and surviving on the streets of Jerusalem with a population that despised her and wished her dead had heightened her survival instincts and reflexes to heights she knew that common thugs like these couldn't compete. Alekto ducked as the man behind her tried to grab her and quickly she threw honor out the window as her fist lashed out, her knuckles cracking into the older man's groin as a high-pitched wheeze whistled out as the air left his lungs. He immediately crumpled causing Jonathan to erupt in rage, "Get her!" Both of the other men were charging her now as she dropped her briefcase and held a hand out as she darted out of the range of the two lumbering oafs coming at her. Each one swung wildly and with her split focus they managed to clip her on the chin, making her stumble before she caught herself. Reality screamed apart as hellstone and sinew burst forth into existence, her fingers wrapping around the hilt of a new, undulating scourge. Both urged by the flick of her wrist and its own willpower, the hellish instrument sailed through the air its head cutting across one of the burly henchmen's guts before ensnaring the other's leg and pulling it out from beneath him.
The one man she'd cut open held his arms over the wound, blood pouring forward but at a glance she knew that it wasn't going to be lethal immediately. It hadn't been deep enough to cause his intestines to spill out, but the cascade of red was enough to put him on his knees. That left one as she pounced forward sending one steel toed kick between his legs before coming down with her other foot upon his face with a sickening crunch as blood spurted from his nostrils and left him dazed. As her scourge began to uncoil from the man's leg, raging pain screamed across her left arm as a bullet tore through it leaving a dark bloom against her new burgundy jacket. "You damn fuck, I just fucking bought this!" Another two bullets came flying but this time she was ready as she ducked down away from his line of fire. The shaky hands of the other man had made his aim off as he fumbled with his handgun, but before he could fire off any more her Hellstone Scourge sung whistled through the air, digging deep into his shoulder and coiling around his shooting arm. Both by the will infesting the infernal weapon and a sharp tug the tightly wrapped material shifted and broke the man's arm in a few different places with a sickening crunch.

[Basic Action (T1), -3 EP]

Storyteller

Pain erupted like wildfire along Jonathan's arm, forcing him to drop his weapon as the devil girl approached him each step over that short distance being accentuated by her coiling the remainder of her whip-like weapon around her fist, pulling Jonathan halfway on top of his desk while also pulling his shoulder out of its socket. A shrill scream echoed through the room as the remaining non-combatants cowered away from the short-lived fight. As Alekto approached him, he began to blubber and cave, "C-come on, we weren't gonna kill ya' or anything! We—we—we were just gonna rough ya' up, ta' send a message ya' known? Nothin' severe-" His words were cut short as the red skinned girl gripped him by his throat, a snarl ripping out from her as those golden wolf-like eyes devoured his. "Shut. Up. If it were up to me, you four would be dead. Let this be a message to you all, Mr. Lock nor I are fucking around. He needs you, so you'll stay in one piece, but we aren't gonna have this again, now, are we?" As she asked the emasculated Irishmen nodded his head frantically, "Please—we'll—We'll get the payment, don't worry! We'll get it!" After that she let go of him, her scourge uncoiling from his arm as she opened her duffel and tossed it among the rest. "Bastard... Made me ruin my jacket."

Alekto Starr

On her way out of the room, Alekto sent a kick wide and planted her steel toed boots against the first man's mouth crunching his teeth against the leather and likely dislocating his jaw as he writhed around in pain in the aftermath. Stepping over the wounded bodies of the Irish workers, the wounded devil found a seat in another one of the rooms, using one of the first aid kits to patch her arm up as best she could before pulling her phone out from her pocket taking a photo of herself with a bruised chin and a patched-up bullet wound on her arm before texting Dallas. Afterwards she gathered her things with a groan of effort, the weight of her duffel suddenly feeling a lot heavier as it tugged on the damaged muscle. Luckily it had missed the bone, Alekto thought to herself before sighing while making her exit away from the quickly accumulating crowd. "Least I get to go to a clinic now," she laughed as she glanced up towards the bright blue sky, the sun still high and the day still young. "Hey, that didn't even take an hour too. Maybe I'll be home in time for dinner if I'm lucky!" Despite the residual ache of her body, Alekto managed to quickly tuck away her ill feelings having expressed herself through violence in a way she'd craved since she'd arrived in New Victoria.
Kicking ass really helps take a load off, huh?

Alekto Starr

Text Message

To: Dallas
See? I can play nice... Mostly.
[Image attachment: Picture shows Alekto sitting on a table with her back against a metal wall, a bruise blooming on her chin and a patched-up bullet wound on her left arm. A bloody, wry smile on her lips as she looks at the camera.]
Needless to say, the Irish wanted to send you a message. They didn't take kindly to me, but I handled myself. No one died, but your boy 'Jonny' has a broken arm.
Some of his underlings got fucked up too, but I'm figuring you'll get your payment. I'm on my way to the Blair Lethia Clinic so I'll be fine.
I'll keep you posted.

---

Barnaby Swaxx

Text Message

To: Dallas
Can't say I'm used to them, but I've bought a few new suits. What's up next, boss?

Dallas Lock

Text Message

To: Dallas
I need you to meet up with an Associate. Her name is Alekto. You two will be managing things on the south side of the river so I need you both to be squared away with each other. From there I’ll have a job for each of you.

Barnaby Swaxx

Text Message

To: Dallas
When is that happening?

Dallas Lock

Text Message

To: Dallas
She’s finishing up a job right now. I’ll have her text you. You’ll both be working on a job in the same vein, and I’ll send the details beforehand.

---

Dallas Lock

Text Message

To: Alekto, Barnaby
Alekto, send Dr. Swaxx a text and schedule a meeting when you’re done with the clinic. I’ll need you both to meet and discuss an upcoming job.
Alekto, you’ll be ‘meeting’ a branch of the Irish Family that runs the northern docks. I need them to figure out it’s in their best interest to break with the main Maloney branch and join us.
Doctor, you’ll be ‘inviting’ a young woman from the Maloney family to have ‘dinner’ with me. I’ll send more details soon.

Barnaby Swaxx

Text Message

To: Dallas
Yes boss. I'll be sure to pass along your 'invite'

---

Blair Lethia Clinic, City Centre

Alekto Starr

After her fateful encounter at the docks, it didn't take long for her to hail another cab as the adrenaline wore away and left her body sore from the sudden, explosive movements that had possessed her. Such skill had a cost, it seemed, and Alekto was left to mull over the aftermath in the back of a cab with its suspicious driver who took their pay in silence. The devil girl, however, made sure to make the most of this trip through the city to stop by one of her previous contacts to repair the hole in her battle-scarred burgundy jacket. The remainder of the ride was spent observing the city as she had done prior to her run-in with the Irish at the port, a palm propping up her chin as golden eyes raked the town as it was bathed in the golden glow of the mid-afternoon sun. That glow steadily was sapped away as deeper she was plunged into the city centre; her eyes being drawn towards the spiraling clock tower and gothic-like structure that appeared distinctly out of place among what she'd seen so far within the rest of New Victoria. To each their own, I suppose, she mused to herself as she gave a nod to her driver, supplying them her fare before she stepped out of the vehicle and closed the short distance that still remained before entering the clinic proper.
The devil girl, no lacking her jacket, stood in what she assumed to be the lobby of the building. Flicking her gaze about the area, she was pleased to find there was little traffic to interfere with her business right at the current moment. No wounded souls or forsaken people lingering within the carefully cleaned seats littered through the reception area. It was then her eyes fell upon a woman that matched the description she'd been given. Evelyn, her mind supplied on a whim, the wiry red skinned girl taking in the presence of the other woman before speaking. "I've business to discuss with you on behalf of Dallas Lock, are you busy currently?"
She asked more knowing her employer preferred things be kept professional if it could be helped, but perhaps by the end of this the woman might have made a better impression upon Alekto than the previous associate did. "I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear it will be mutually beneficial, but I'll get into the details more once you're ready." She offered a small smile, a forced gesture that didn't sit well on her face as she stood before the other woman. Her stature and gait betrayed that of a typical business-type from her calloused hands, sinewy frame, and general aura. All of it screamed of something more, and the best proof came in the form of a bloodied bandage cinched around her left arm from her previous encounter as testament to her own skills and proclivities.

Evelyn Bondrew

As what seemed a quiet afternoon faded away from Evelyn's grasp, the woman had been sitting at her reception desk as per usual. She had been reading another book in her free time, this one sort of different from the common fiction she enjoyed so much. It was visibly an anatomy book that one could only assume she was visiting for study purposes, but in reality, she had already read through this particular textbook several times already- giving it another go for old time's sake. Her demeanor would be just as it always would however, her feet propped up on the desk as a dim light from her computer screen bathed Evelyn in a faint blue hue in the middle of the dark hall. At Alekto's entrance, Evelyn's focus would snap to the new guest present in her clinic, though the words that poured from the female revealed this was not an ordinary visit. Evelyn had gauged before that Alekto was for all intents and purposes no different from a human female, but her otherworldly anatomy had always piqued the doctor's interest in how the blood affected the woman. Alekto's form betrayed her state of health, and Evelyn took due note of this, as per her secret policy of a mandatory visual inspection on any who enter the clinic. After Alekto introduced the meaning behind her visit, Evelyn would respond- "No fortunately, the clinic is empty at this hour."
The doctor proceeded to stand up, the book now resting on the counter beneath her. Evelyn's trademark mask would be pulled up, no hint of what lay beneath her eyes visible. "I hear Mr. Lock is in business once more, is that right?" Evelyn had now walked around the counter toward Alekto, partially leaning against it as she folded her arms. She would let Alekto respond to that however she pleased, as Evelyn would follow with: "Forgive my curiosity, part of me is always interested in the affairs of my regulars, one must be an interesting person after all to require my services so often for so many occasions." Evelyn had made an effort to visually signal her readiness to begin with whatever business had from Lock.

Alekto Starr

Carefully watched the other woman as she unfurled like a banner from her lazy position behind her desk, the devil girl's golden eyes narrowed in suspicion after her last encounter. Yet it was Evelyn's choice of words that allowed the tension to seep out of Alekto's muscles as she sat her bag and briefcase down onto the floor. Once she'd placed the items down, she sat awkwardly on the arm of one of the seats in the reception area perched at the edge of it like some peculiar bird as the doctor spoke. "Mr. Lock wants a few things, and he's willing to pay of course. It seems you're interested enough and don't want to stab me like the last group did, so I'll elaborate a bit more." Reaching forward she pulled the briefcase up onto the seat beside her and opened it up, showing Evelyn stacks of cash while gesturing to it lazily. "This is what he's offering on the surface, but he wants to strike up a deal that'll get him a steady supply of the vials you provided him before... On top of an initial set of ten to supplement his operations." Despite her relatively formal words, her body language was anything but as she sat hunched over, one hand on the briefcase and her foot tapping impatiently against the gloomy clinic's floor.
"Your curiosity, or suspicion I suspect, is well placed but he wants this to be a partnership of sorts. And I speak from personal experience that working with him is rather beneficial. He doesn't want you to do anything crazy, just what I stated just a second ago will suffice. If you want to offer anything else up to sweeten the deal, then by all means go ahead." She made a lazy gesture towards Evelyn at that, leaning back and stretching out like a smug cat. "And to elaborate... Mr. Lock is willing to give you whatever you need to get the steady supply I had mentioned so name your price and I'll make sure it gets organized."

Evelyn Bondrew

As Alekto laid bare her proposal and advice regarding Mr. Lock, Evelyn's eyes would light up at what he sought. A small chuckle would escape her lips at Alekto's "...I speak from personal experience that working with him is rather beneficial-" The doctor has now moved to look within the bag the woman brought with her, the amount of cash proving inconsequential in comparison to what she truly sought from this. "Oh my dear, I know all too well what dealing with Mr. Lock is like, like I said- he is one of my most frequent customers. Always goes by name, he's kinda 'formal' like that." A slight ting would be thrown on 'formal,' but the meaning behind it would fall unknown to Alekto. Evelyn had remained standing above the bag, returning her gaze to the woman after taking a single peek within.
"I will take the deal he desires, but you can keep the cash- I won't tell." Evelyn remarked with a wink, though it would be slightly difficult to notice in the dark. "I have a different... more personal cost I'd like you to pay in its stead. I'd like to treat your wounds and take a blood sample, and you can happily return to Mr. Lock with the knowledge that he can expect my full cooperation- as is the usual with our affairs." Evelyn had put her hands in her pockets, leaning slightly toward Alekto as she sat before her.

Alekto Starr

Idly she propped her chin up in her hand, fingers drumming against her cheek as she looked at the doctor warily. It was when she began to elaborate that the devil girl heaved an exasperated sigh and leaned back, "It’s just the usual spiel I have to give, I know you've done business." She waved her hand through the air. It might have been viewed as disrespectful, but it was more borne of impatience, hoping to urge them back to the point even if it was beyond her power.
She quirked an eyebrow at Evelyn's suggestion, taking a moment to mull over the thought before closing the briefcase with a definitive, resonant click. "I'm not sure of your angle, but thanks I guess." Those eyes of molten gold peered at the other woman carefully before they narrowed into slits. Suspicion coursed through her blood at the request the other woman broached. She probably knows I can't say no either. I could, but then it'd defeat the purpose of me being here. Clever bitch, she thought, exasperated, before leaning forward at the edge of her seat like an animal surveying its prey. "This better not be some kink thing, but sure, whatever. Take my blood and clean me up, but don't do anything weird or I'll be forced to stop by again." She warned halfheartedly, "After this I'll let him know you're on board, so thanks for your help."

Evelyn Bondrew

"With pleasure!" Was all Evelyn said in response to her acceptance, moving back to the counter to set down her bag and open it. Within were a set of tools Alekto wouldn't be able to make out unless she had night vision, but the dark within it hid... a few things. Of which though Evelyn only needed one, and with that she pulled out a syringe and a few wipes. As is per usual with drawing blood, she would pull up Alekto's sleeve if she had one and drew some blood from the girl. "This might seem like a bit more than the usual pull, but don't fret you'll get it back in a second." Evelyn had visibly become more energetic, clearly excited by the fact Alekto agreed to her terms. She may not entirely be as clever as the woman thought, but she did indeed know the otherworldly woman was in a bind that was completely controlled by the doctor for now. After a moderate drawing, Evelyn would wipe off the syringe as well and immediately store it in the reception hall's dedicated freezer.
This of course was something Alekto probably didn't even know was in the room, but as Evelyn came walking back from the dark corner, she would be holding another vial- this one a similar color to the one she just put away. "Here-" She would say as she popped the lid off of it- "Drink up, you'll be feeling tip top in a few seconds- and don't worry, I'm not trying anything." There was a flare in Evelyn's eyes as she stood in front of the woman, and Alekto could interpret it however she desired, but it was still just fading remnants of excitement of her getting her way. She could only get a few wins when it came to dealing with Dallas, but she cherished them all the same.

Alekto Starr

The devil girl watched cautiously as Evelyn approached her with the syringe in hand. A part of her wanted to squirm and lean away from the attempt to draw her blood, but with gritted teeth she endured the drawn out pull of blood with an extended arm and a clenched fist. "That so?" She managed to whisper out from between her teeth before she relaxed back into her seat, a silent bloom of soreness bubbling up from where the blood had just been drawn. That'll be unpleasant later, she thought to herself as she wiggled her fingers to get the feeling back from her numbed arm. As the pins and needles settled as her golden eyes narrowed upon the vial before she tilted her head to the side.
She offered a toothy grin to the other woman as her fingers curled around the vial, "I'm not much a fan for being a guinea pig if that's what this is." Regardless she tipped the vial back and swallowed it before its mysterious contents had a chance to settle on her tongue. She swallowed the foreign substance and made a grimace as she offered the vial back. "What was that if you don't mind my asking?" She managed as she smacked her lips obnoxiously, trying to rid herself of the strange lingering feeling at the edge of her tongue. "Weird..." She muttered to herself before fixing her leering gaze back upon the woman she wasn't quite able to read despite her best attempts, "Thanks?" Alekto asked quizzically. Her body language was less on edge than it was, but there was clear confusion written across the lines of her face as she came to terms with what she just drank and the potential aftermath of the substance.
"If... That's everything I believe our business for the time being is concluded Evelyn?"

Evelyn Bondrew

That very last sentence would only partially leave the woman's lips before the wind would be stolen from her lungs, while Evelyn would merely continue watching her with glued attention.
In the few following moments that Alekto had to comprehend what Evelyn could say, the woman would be met with an answer to her first few original questions~ "I... can't disclose... that information, but you're welcome. Enjoy the ride Miss."
That was the last thing the other woman heard after swallowing the blood- a strange feeling not only emanating from her tongue, but throughout her entire being. Alekto's vision would soon cloud over partially as she would likely be forced to her knees- the raw sensation that now began crawling through her enough to outright incapacitate some others. It would begin in her throat, a burning sensation that would zip from side to side, all of the different sections of Alekto's body crying out in pain at once. Depending on her past, it was also likely Alekto would have never felt something akin to what was to come- the sounds of boots against cobblestone ringing throughout her mind as Evelyn adjusted her own position to get a better look at the woman now experiencing her infamous concoction. As light began to fade for Alekto, the already dim hall would flow away from view, as her mind would be overwritten by the liquid she just ingested- a sight she had seen only a short while earlier returning to her senses. The gang around her, she would be reliving the scenario- the pull of a trigger responsible for putting a hole in her arm. A loud bang would sound, the sensation of being shot forced to the forefront of her experience as the entire scene was erased from her senses- the pain and excited nerves all along the left side of her body screaming in tandem as the feeling that accompanied the wound's appearance was isolated. Even more excruciating would be a new sensation in her left arm- an almost acidic presence that would leave most tearing through their own flesh to try and remove.
If Alekto were to attempt this however, she would notice that the flesh would only keep appearing- her left arm being regenerated at a speed she wouldn't be able to keep up with. Regardless- if she was still awake- that burning and sharp pain that now shrieked for attention would be met by a similar feeling elsewhere. Meanwhile, Evelyn's breathing had become ragged as she was enjoying every second of this- her numerous hypotheses being proven right and wrong all at once by Alekto's visual cues and reaction to the liquid. It would not matter if she had any resistance to pain or feeling, as the treatment was worming its way through her DNA and taking priority. Returning to the woman presumably on the ground, that aforementioned similar response to the throes of her left side would be matched by an overall slicing sensation across her form- the numerous cuts and gashes that covered her hued skin all patched in unison while her left arm neared the end of the treatment. After her body steadied was steadied and her arm was the only source of the waves of pain echoing across her being, Alekto would notice it begin to seep away- the pain and burning feeling fading as though it were simply being erased- the wound having never marred her body.
Right before it disappeared completely however, Alekto would be hit by a wave of euphoria and fulfillment that washed over her as though she were standing under a showerhead- almost every single discomfort or damaged nerve in her body all experiencing repair at the treatment's finale. And just as quickly as she was overtaken, the feeling would disappear as though it was never there- Alekto's body rejuvenated to the brim as she would be able to stand effortlessly if she tried. The usual exhaustion that accompanied this type of process was nowhere to be found- Evelyn's hand offering her help to her feet.
"How do you feel?" Evelyn's eyes giving no sign of the excitement from before.

Alekto Starr

It felt as if eternity yawned out before her, a never-ending onslaught of pain that made her writhe within her seat before inevitably falling from it as her body convulsed trying to coil in on itself to protect from the pain on all sides. Rather than her eyes clenching shut, they were wide and scanning the area in a frantic state like a concerned animal. Those golden hues devouring the visions before her eyes before they were finally treated back to the pleasant reality at the end of that ceaseless tunnel of agony that lacerated her body and pierced it with molten daggers.
Then all at once it came to an end, sweat dappling her body and tears unbidden trickling as she lay face first on the cool floor beneath her. That wash of euphoria not nearly a match for the humiliation she felt in the aftermath. The echoes of her memory screamed of that soul-deep pain, but instead she focused on the present and the woman before her with fire hidden beneath her pools of liquid gold. She stood abruptly then, brushing the dust free from her clothing without Evelyn's aid before gathering her things. The devil girl chose not to reply as she spun on her heel and began to march out, a chilly mask falling into place over the features once split in half by unending torment. It was only when she reached the threshold of the clinic did she deign to reply, "Thanks for your business, Mr. Lock will be in contact with you soon." Unable to stand another second within the suffocating prison of Evelyn's domain, Alekto struck out and onto the streets, away from the doctor and her vile concoctions.

Evelyn Bondrew

Not at all surprised the woman decided to leave in the manner that she did, Evelyn instead turned and reorganized her things before mentally noting every minute detail of Alekto's treatment. In all regards, it seemed the blood acted identically to how it usually works on regular humans. She ticked the mental box of 'no further testing required-' and smirked under her cloth. She had however gotten exactly what she wanted out of the scenario but knew that she would need to once more hold true to her deal with Dallas to make up for it. Sighing happily, Evelyn prepared her supplies and disappeared to a back room- letting her blood flow into a large supply of vials as she began creating Dallas' order. She would be looking forward to her next encounter with the woman she had just met.

[Type 1 -1x15 0/15]

Alekto Starr

Text Message

To: Dallas
Confirmed the deal with the doctor. She'll have the 10 vials you need and is willing to supply us more as needed as per your request. She didn't take the money and insisted I keep it, but she took my blood instead as payment.
If you want me to, I can put the money toward another deal we need to strike, or I can return it next time we meet face-to-face.
Also, pardon my lack of professionalism, but fuck those vials.

Dallas Lock

Text Message

To: Alekto
Drop them off asap. Keep the money for whatever you need. Consider it an advance.

Alekto Starr

Text Message

To: Dallas
Copy.

Type

Record, Historical

Medium

Digital Recording, Text

Authoring Date

July 5, 2021

Authors

• Alekto Starr
• Dallas Lock
• Dr. Barnaby Swaxx
• Evelyn Bondrew