LOCKED TO viliorate

[sadisticwarfare]

[It's been a little over ten years since the two of them arrived here. Ten years is an awfully long time to be stuck here, but returning home isn't an option anymore. It hasn't been an option since they first started changing, and that wasn't all that long after they arrived. Kimbley had grown a tail and ears and Archer's eyes had turned red. It's amazing to think they had been so scared by those changes back then.

Things are different now. They aren't human, but there's no reason for that to bother them. Archer is a vampire (something that he found painfully ironic in the beginning, but he's adapted quite well to it, if he does say so himself). Not much has changed about him, appearance-wise. His nails are much longer and sharper, his eyes are red, and he has the stereotypical vampire fangs, but aside from that the only difference is the slight point to his ears. It's not like he could get any paler anyway.

Archer enters their shared apartment after work, shrugging off his coat and hanging it up before proceeding into the living room.]

Kimbley, are you home yet?

Comments

[sadisticwarfare]

[He notices the tail twitching and like always, he takes note of it. Sometimes he'll call Kimbley out on it, but most of the time he's content to try to broach the subject gently. It rarely works, but he hasn't stopped trying.]

This is very difficult. We've had to give up our old way of life and we were forced to adapt to what this place gave us. It hasn't been ideal.

[While Kimbley gained most of the unnatural physical transformations, all Archer gained was power. He had never been very good at physical fighting and had never seen a need for it while working a desk job. He had wanted to be a commander, not a soldier. Everything has changed here. He's by no means a skilled fighter, but he doesn't need to be. He was lucky enough to gain two power unique to vampires: the ability to hypnotize humans and the ability to turn into fog. He's also been granted much greater reflexes and speed, though considering what little he had in those aspects to begin with, any change would be better.

He's gained so much from these transformations and the only loss he's suffered is the beating of his heart. It's almost funny how similar he's become to the Homunculi he sought to control back home.]

No matter what happens, no matter how much we're ridiculed or put down, we will not surrender. We will continue on our path and we will take this town. I will not do it by force. If there's one thing I've learned over the years it's that hatred and fear will not get you as far as adoration and loyalty. I will take over once I've gained enough power and support. It shouldn't be difficult; I can appeal to both sides. I'm not human, but I appear human enough for even those idiots to support me. What leadership we have now is weak. We cannot prosper under these conditions.

Everything will change once I have control.

[viliorate]

Nothing about this is ideal.

[His body doesn't feel unnatural anymore, but that's not a good thing. It'd probably be better if he still felt disgusting with what he's become, but the truth is that he doesn't.

Kimbley watches Archer, carefully and quietly.

It's somewhat amazing how quickly they went from strangers to being completely dependent on each other in hindsight.

But winning the hearts of the people, really? Kimbley won't complain, but he does laugh again, like he can't believe what he's hearing. Sure, he'll go along with it. But only because humans who trust them are easier to lure away somewhere secluded.]

You've had my loyalty for years. How are you going to get the loyalty of these people?

[sadisticwarfare]

That's the easy part. We were raised in a country ruled by an individual, a country that followed one person's ideas until the end of their life. Most of our Fuhrers took the throne at an older age; Bradley was one of the youngest in recent history. So while we had rulers who led the country in whatever way they desired, they stuck around for only ten to twenty years, rarely longer.

This place is entirely different, Kimbley. They are not led by the most powerful. They are not led by someone who gained that position by making friends in high places within the military. The government here is entirely separate from military power. All you have to do is gain the public's favor and there's nothing that can stop you. Of course, earning respect among the people is fairly difficult, but I figure there's an easy way to do it.

[He stands, turning to face Kimbley and holding his hands out. He looks manic, but there's something charged in the expression, the sort of confidence and eagerness he hasn't displayed properly in years.]

Those like us, the people who were brought here, who have been forced to deal with these changes! We're much more powerful than humans - they fear us! Those that treat us like animals will soon learn the error of their ways, but what better way to start than to gain the support of the most powerful group? Should things turn bad - which they shouldn't, of course - I will have the support of the most powerful people in the city!

Of course, gaining the support of the "monsters" may alienate some humans, but they're unimportant. And should something happen to them, well no one will miss them. We aren't the only ones who need to feed, after all.

[viliorate]

[That confidence, that confidence he hasn't seen in so long he had begun to forget what it looked like, is refreshing. He feels energized in a way he hasn't in years, not since the first time he and Archer had hunted together.]

You think you can do it?

[It's mostly rhetorical; Kimbley has always had confidence in Archer.]

We're better than the humans in this city. It shouldn't be too hard to gain support from others like us. That's an important part. Getting others just like us. There's no sense ruling when divided, huh? And when you take over, I'll be right there by your side. Getting the humans to like you can't be that hard. Bribe them, lie to them, it doesn't matter. You'll get them on our side.

[There are plenty of ways this could go horribly wrong, but Kimbley can't actually think of them right now. He's excited by this prospect, by taking over this city that's mocked them for all these years.]

When we need an enemy or two disposed of there's no better place to do it than right here.

[sadisticwarfare]

Exactly. The difficult part is swaying the rest of us. Once I have that done, nothing will stand in our way.

[He folds his arms, still smirking.]

I'm glad to hear you'll continue supporting me. I wouldn't want to do this without you.

[viliorate]

[He stands, his hands sliding into his pockets.]

I'll always support you. You know that. All we've done is survive since we arrived here. We're going to change that, you and me.

[It's fairly simple why: when Archer's confident, Kimbley's confident. They'll do this, because when they work as a team, they can do anything.]

[sadisticwarfare]

Of course we are. We'll change this city to suit our needs.

[It's good that Kimbley's just as confident as he is!]

[viliorate]

If anyone tries to get in our way, I can be pretty convincing. You know how I can get.

[He motions with his hand-- clawed and dangerous. He might not have his alchemy anymore, but he has plenty of new tricks up his sleeve now. Being able to freeze a man in place makes certain things easier, and it's not the only thing he can do, either.]

When we go out tonight, we'll scope things out.

[sadisticwarfare]

Of course I know.

[Archer's smirk widens and he clasps his hands behind his back.]

Excellent. I look forward to it.

[viliorate]

[His hands fall to his side.]

Well then. I look forward to tonight.

[And if you think he's not going to approach Archer as soon as the sun goes down... well, Archer probably knows better by now. Kimbley's dressed rather nicely, for him, but he also hasn't bothered with a shirt for years. Ever since the spikes grew it.]

This'll be fun.

[sadisticwarfare]

[Archer is dressed nicely as well, as he always is. He prefers wearing clothes with high collars - he's always preferred it but it also hides the twin marks on his neck. His teeth can be hidden when he keeps his mouth shut, though there's no way to hide the red eyes or the pointed ears. He could grow his hair out, but he's adamantly refused to do that, of course.]

Are you ready to go then?

[viliorate]

[Kimbley nods, watching Archer carefully.]

Of course I'm ready.

Come on, it's not that far.

[He waves for Archer to follow him, since he's the one picking out the spot. Really, it's possible this is a bad idea. Drinking might make him sick-- he hasn't done it in so long that Kimbley doesn't really remember.

But if nothing else, he's content walking in the dark, much more so than he is during the day.]

[sadisticwarfare]

[Archer follows, keeping close to Kimbley. There's no reason to be worried about being attacked; they can handle themselves easily against any humans and they shouldn't have trouble with any other monsters.]

So where are you taking me, hmm?

[viliorate]

Nowhere too special, you know.

[But he's calm, obviously he doesn't think they're at any risk of being attacked. And they're not, because they've been here an extremely long time now. A large part of the population at least recognizes them as 'locals' now, even if they aren't human.

The bar is on the sleazier side of things, but it's not unpleasant, and nearly all of the patrons are like them. Those that aren't are probably not far away from obvious changes.

He picks a booth in the back, away from most of the lights.]

It's not too terrible, is it?

[sadisticwarfare]

No, it's not.

[It's a little seedy for his tastes, but Archer's taste is still as high-class as ever. He also rarely sets foot in bars, so there's also that to take into consideration.]

What are you going to get?

[He looks around them, obviously curious about the place and the people in it. They're mostly monsters or probably will become monsters. That's always a good sign.]

[viliorate]

Gin. Haven't had the stuff in years.

You?

[Kimbley looks completely relaxed, but Archer knows him well enough to know that it's a front. Especially now, after all these years, he never relaxes. This is just one of those things to make him look a little less threatening.

Not that he looks intimidating with the huge puffy mane, but let's not bring that up because Kimbley's ego couldn't take it.]

[sadisticwarfare]

I'm not sure. I haven't had anything in a long time.

[Oh he certainly won't bring that up. He's fully aware that Kimbley isn't relaxed, but neither is he. Archer is more obvious about it though, sitting perfectly straight as usual.]

[viliorate]

You never did go out to bars much, did you? Do you want me to pick something out for you?

[His tone is teasing, as usual.

Kimbley drums his hand on the table, his gaze wandering to the other patrons. He should be saying more, but he and Archer have both reached the point where they don't need to say much to have an idea what the other is thinking.

A long time ago, he would have considered knowing a person this well a problem, but he couldn't have survived this long without Archer.]

[sadisticwarfare]

I suppose that would be nice, yes.

[He's willing to let Kimbley tease him about this at least!

Archer knows exactly how Kimbley feels about that. He's never known someone as well as he knows Kimbley. It's nice in a way, but it'll probably never stop being odd.]

[viliorate]

How about a white wine?

[He did used to live in a bar, but he doesn't really remember anything about mixed drinks. Otherwise Archer might get something a little more creative.]

[sadisticwarfare]

I suppose that'll be fine. Thank you.

[He smirks at that, resting his elbows on the table.]

You should try to relax a little, Kimbley.

[viliorate]

[Ordering their drinks isn't much of a problem, even if Kimbley is fairly certain he can't get drunk anymore.]

You first, Archer.

This is a safe haven, you know. Though I suppose plenty of them have cropped up over the years. I wouldn't have stepped foot in this place if I didn't know silver is banned in here.

[sadisticwarfare]

[He places his order and waits for Kimbley's before returning to their conversation.]

I know. It's a good thing places like this aren't rare. I would hate to imagine what would happen otherwise.

[viliorate]

People are too complacent here. I wouldn't mind shaking things up.

[It's not like the sentiment is something unusual, especially in this bar, but he talks in a low voice just the same.]

We'll do things properly, won't we? Gradually taking more, and more, and more.

[It's not a sentiment Kimbley used to express, because he didn't care about such things, not before the changes started. He's a little more like Greed now than he'd care to admit, maybe even greedier than the actual Sin.]

[sadisticwarfare]

Exactly. You know how I work. We'll get everything we want.