{!Rite of Spring!} [ST group]

[Prince Inigo]

Shiep Bo-Oslo Maree
"Here I am. Nice to meet you."

I don't exactly understand. We're here, in front of an underground club, standing outside. There's a bunch of flashing lights, and I can assume there is quite a party going on because of the little cries I can hear just from this distance of being across the street. It's a rare occasion for there to be a party of any sort in District 6 (after all, there's only social science to be conducted at parties like these, if not rather intimate social science); but, when there is a party, quite a few people come. Scientists that enjoy a bit of fun every once in a while, like me, I suppose. Night is young, the club is going on, and we want in. What I don't understand is what the rest of the group is going to do at the party other than sell the drugs. Just by looking at them, you would not suspect that they would be the type to socialize at a 'normal' level. But we'll see.

Unfortunately, for me, I'm not allowed to be in these types of things. I don't mean that I shouldn't be visiting club parties (because I have permission from Carme without telling her the exact details, of course), but there's an age limit. Just about everyone but me could go in, because there is a sign outside that says individuals over 15 can be in. (While I have never heard of such an obscure number of a limit in my life, there is always something that is always stressed to do when you get older, such as marriage. Or sex.) While I could lie myself in, I'd rather not do so. The guard that is at the door would probably look at me and tell me straight in the face that I'm not allowed in without a better reason - or just full out believe that I am not allowed in upon the allegation that I'm lying. (Even without knowing the truth or if I really was lying, they can do that. Sigh.)

People are flowing in. I won't be able to go in unless I'm related to someone right in front of the guard that's over 15. And if I don't get in, I won't be able to sell any morphling or assortment of 'candies'. What a drag. Assuring myself that the guys are ready to go, I take looks at all of them present, with wide, curious eyes. While looking, I get a plan right there and then. It's a bit interesting but I won't say a word to the guards. In fact, someone else is going to do the talking for me. I won't lie, but I won't speak the truth either. It'll work this way.

I latch myself around Bear's arm, wide-eyed, looking out to the party at the club with such innocent curiosity. Then, I look up at the cannibal guy and blink. "Brother, I want to go in. Can we go now? Orphanage kids do everything together, don't they?" I shoot a smile and outwardly convey that I want to join the fun downstairs. Mostly in case the guard outside is listening in on our conversation. "He probably won't let me in unless we go together, Brother. Or he'll think I'm a liar." A bit of a nuisance, I guess, but it has to be done. If only I was a few years older; but, it'll come in time. Literally.

Turning to the rest of the men, I say, "Let's have fun and make sure to sell the food. I'm sure they're going to be... hungry."

[shrimp]

[◄ ◄ galaxy / malachai ► ►]

THINKING/LIVING - F2AE3B ◄ / ► THINKING/LIVING - 8e7470
SPEAKING - A25E1F ◄ / ► SPEAKING - 874545
FLASHBACK - BC7C25 ◄ / ► FLASHBACK - B6716B

Who's - it - gonna - be?
[Not - Me]

You know, I've never been to a club.
It really sounds like so much fun - I mean, you get to dance the whole night, drink plenty of punch (punch is very good - I personally happen to like the berry variety, extra sugar. It's very good for staying up late to actually do my homework), and even fraternize with other people. Perhaps you will even be able to make a whole bunch of new friends with whom you can frolic endlessly across the District and whatnot.

I'm excited. I mean, as strange as those group of boys are (and horny - seriously, do they wink at every person that they see? I'd prefer not to be a part of that, thank you very much), they must know how to have a good time, right? As long as I don't actually do anything illegal, I'm game. But seriously, I don't want to do anything that would land me in the Detention Center - I'm only 14 after all; I've got my whole life ahead of me (if I'm not reaped that is, but still).

I've only really met a few of what Sheepy calls "Stained Transactions". I don't really get the name - what are they staining the transaction with? Fruit juice? Coffee stains? Those almost never come off of clothes. Eh, whatever; it's not like I'm "officially" a member anyways. Apparently, it's an all-boys club. I guess they like me enough to let me accompany them to fun events, like this party. Oh my gosh I'm so excited that I could squeal in joy, except for I can't.

You see, I'm sneaking out. Malachai, the one with no arm? Extremely flirtatious. Well, he's supposed to "pick me up", as in "wait for Galaxy to climb out the window". He also told me that I have to dress so slut-like that I would even disgust him, which is apparently no easy task. I would imagine so - he likes pain after all. Eh, whatever.

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She's late.
I'm not talking about 5 minutes or so late. I'm talking about so late that the nighttime is quickly fading into dawn. Okay, not really, but for Ripred's sake one would think that she could get ready a little faster! I mean, girls take a while to change - I get that. But I don't understand how there is absolutely nothing remotely skimpy in her closet. No, seriously. The skimpiest thing that she has is some dress without sleeves. It's poofy, like a ballerina or something. Tutu? Yes, that's the word. A tutu.

Tutus aren't provocative in the slightest.

I mean, even I have a pair of skin tight jeans that are sexier than that thing. It's frilly and pink and... She's not getting into that club. You know, if she was one year older she'd be able to walk into there without a problem. But nooo, she's not. So that's how I came up with the idea of dressing her up like a hooker. Yes, you heard me right; a hooker. Did I mention that I'm dressing up as her pimp? I guess I forgot to mention that then. Oops.

Once again, that dress does not equal hooker status. I sigh, patiently waiting for her to find something. I do hear ripping noises however, and I'm surprised when I hear a shout of pain. Did she fall down again? Probably. I shift my weight from one foot to the other, which by the way is dressed in exquisite leather shoes. That shoemaker really doesn't have any security in his shop, you know that? It was just so damn easy to sneak in there, whack him on the head, and steal shoes. People pay a lot for those, but I was able to keep a pair for myself. For special occasions.

...

Okay, now this is ridiculous. We're going to be so late, it's not funny at all-

oh, wow.

She's very improvisational, I'll give her that, dressed up in a ripped shirt and ripped jeans. Did she cut those herself? Probably - her right hand's bleeding a bit. Whatever, Bear will lick the blood off for her, it's not too bad.

Okay, he doesn't need to glare at me. Sure, I took a bit of time, but there's no reason to scowl at a girl who is about 3 years younger than you, unless if she's your younger sister that is. Anyways, we set off towards the club, and I'm giddy with excitement. I've always wanted to dance until dawn.

Soon, we reach the place, and it's crawling with other teenagers. The music is extremely loud, and there's a "bouncer" there. OR at least, that's the term Malachai uses. He whispers to me, telling me to look as provocative as possible. I then watch as he strides in front of me in a swagger that I haven't seen him use before. It's like he's more confident yet shady at the same time, you know? Somewhat like those jerks in my class, who seem to be always on drugs that are slightly less potent than morphling.

A conversation is started up, and the bouncer man keeps gesturing to me. Malachai raises his eyebrows ever so slightly, and I know that I have to act like a whore at this point. So I blow him a kiss and wink, giggling profusely. The bouncer seems unimpressed, but he lets us through, although I do hear a remark about how I'm not the type that men like. What men? Like? Heh? ... Oh.

[/color]

"Let's have fun and make sure to sell the food. I'm sure they're going to be... hungry."

I nod at Shiep's remark, while Galaxy starts waving hello, using that ridiculous nickname. "Sheepy!" She says, along with other things consisting of how adorable Shiep looked, as well as inquiring if Shiep had to "act like a hooker" as well. I simply try not to look at Shiep's expression, and simply gaze at everyone else, nodding in greeting. Perhaps they're thinking that this is funny, and it should be.

It's a party after all, and I'm gonna get my "groove on". Heh.

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[∂αмєη]

L A N E x F O X x R A L Y K S

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I had known of the party for a few days. District 6 had the fortune or misfortune of having science as its industry. Come on, a lot of us went to school. We know that science geeks don't know how to party. But every once in a while, people would let go, letting the music guide their bodies and minds. Bear and I referred to these moments as 'Catalogs'. We would get to see all the things we could take home, maybe in two different ways, but still to bring them home. I'd usually kill them, maybe 'playing' around with them for a bit while Bear would probably just eat them alive. I won't even specify if I mean it sexually or not. With Bear nowadays, you never know.

I reach over to the counter of my kitchen, picking up a cellphone I recently stole. I know her number well. Izabella had given it to me a while back. My fingers pressed down on the button, sending out the call immediately. "Hey Bells. I just wanted to let you know that Bear and I will be out tonight. I'll bring him home safe, but you should get out, enjoy yourself maybe. Get a break from us, you know?" I suggest, hanging up after. I headed over to my closet, picking out a rugged pair of denim pants and a long sleeve shirt, covered with a thin leather jacket I snatched off a man my age.

Then I stepped out, locking the door with my keys and then pushing them back into my pocket. I reached into my pants, double checking that the 'treats' were there. I pulled out a pill case from the other, tossing in one or two painkillers. They were becoming more frequent now, this usage of the small white pills. It gave me a rush though, so I didn't care how much I had to use it. I checked my phone, analyzing the text. 'Meet at club. Prty 2night. Sell cndy.' All though the grammar could be better, I understood it's meaning. We would be making this party even better.

I arrived earlier, having to wait for the others to arrive. When Bear showed up, I made my way over to him, pulling him into a 'bro hug'. Then I did the same to Ethan, lingering a bit. "Let's knock some shit up tonight Ethan." I laughed, breaking apart our connection. I turned to Shiep, giving him a nod. "All good?" I asked just as a decoy for the bouncer. I flicked my eyes down to get him to look at my pocket, giving it a nice pat. I have the shit Shiep. We ready? I thought to myself as if I was talking with him. But I couldn't say anything.

Suddenly Shiep grabbed onto Bear, pulling him forward. The use of the word 'brother' was different. They weren't related. I caught on fast enough though. Shiep was still too young. I wanted to help, tossing in something else to try and convince the guard, but I stepped back, allowing the two leaders to deal with the situation. Instead, I went to stand by Ethan, waiting for the time to enter.

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[semper]

bear Keeni



Gerya.

Gerya Gerya Gerya.

How do I sometimes love thee.

Whenever I'm not off raping people, or murdering people, or devouring someone's flesh, or painting pretty blood pictures on the wall, I'm stuck with you. Not that it's a bad thing, 'cause trust me: there's a lot of people out there that I'd sooner kill myself than be trapped in a house with them. You're my sister, so in some ways I have to love you; but really, I do love you in a brotherly way. It may not seem like it most of some of the time, but I really do. I'd go to hell and back just to get you non-human flesh dinner, so I expect something fantabulous in return.

.... okay, not really. There wasn't even a point to that, so I can't say "the point is" and all that jazz.

But anyway. All of ST was supposed to meet at some nightclub tonight to sell "candy" -- and tear the place down, of course. The party doesn't officially start until we arrive. Like, seriously. Once we start selling the "candy", then everyone pretty much gets high and we're off to the races. I'm not really a huge fan of the morphling, but hey, who doesn't want to get wasted/doped up with friends? I sure as hell did, and there's no one I'd rather do that with than ST. Or Iza, but I doubted she would want to sell "candy", though I wasn't sure. I hadn't seen her lately so I couldn't ask her. Though she might've been interested in meeting the infamous twelve year old murderer.

There is no such thing as fancy clothes in my closet, if you could even call it that. It was more like just a rail in the hallway that Gerya and I hung clothes on. And my definition of "fancy" was just any article of clothing that didn't have blood stains or rips or tears in it. But like I said, I have no fancy clothes; all of them were torn, faded, or frayed in one way or another, so I just took a red and white striped shirt and fairly decent looking jeans and put them on. I put my saw-edged knife in its usual place at my side, not really knowing if I'd need it or not. Even if I didn't, a knife is always handy to have at the ready, just in case you either needed it to open a beer bottle or stab someone through the neck.

So not long after I was headed off, walking the entire way to the nightclub. Damn, I have been waiting so long for this! I could smell all the alcohol, all the smoke, all the wretchedness that so many people looked down upon and considered a white trash kind of person's place. I would've just bolted straight through the door and to the bar, but hell, I'm a slightly civilized person, you know. I could restrain myself from darting around.

When I finally reached the nightclub, a lot of other members were already there. Sheesh, I was late. Usually I'm fairly early to meetings, but I don't know what made me so late. Eh, maybe I just had further to go than everyone else, I don't know. But anyway. Lane's the first one to approach me, giving me a brotherly hug. I embraced him and slapped him on the back affectionally before he let go to go greet Ethan. Before I could do anything, something latched onto my arm. I looked down to see Shiep's ginormous eyes looking up at me.

Brother? Orphanage kids? What the hell was he talking about? I had no brothers, especially ones that stabbed people with air and murdered them just because they didn't pay him. And since when was I an orphan? As far as I knew, my parents were still alive, just never around. Just because we both had the names of animals didn't automatically make us related. It took me a few long moments to realize what he meant by all this crazy talk: he can't get in the club unless his guardian allows him to. Ooooh, I like this type of power. It all depended on my actions whether Shiep could get in to sell "candy" -- then why the hell did he choose to latch onto my arm? ..... oh yeah. I'm the vice president. Pfft.

"If they don't let you in there.... brother... their heads are going up Ethan's ass." I was only really joking, though my tone was halfway serious. If they really didn't let him in the club, I really would shove their heads into various holes in Ethan's body. And duct tape them there.

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[Micra]

Camicus Eydien

The flames tell me it may be in my best interests to make your acquaintance.

How the bloody hell was I supposed to know to dress nicely? Maybe the runt- Shiep- had mentioned something. I wasn't really one for social engagements, so the dress code for a party was an unfamiliar subject. I had showed up early to wait for the others, dressed in the same shirt and jeans I wore every day. But people started to arrive. Well dressed citizens whose eyes snapped to me at the slightest provocation. No, if I knew anything, I knew not to stand out.

That's why I had to go steal those clothes. Serves the former owners right for lacking the presence of mind to keep an eye on their possessions. Or rather, my possessions. I tug the sleeves of the navy shirt forward on my forearms. The man who used to own these is slightly smaller than I, and a few of the burn scars are gleaming against my pale skin. Though a bit tight, both the shirt and the khaki pants are a decent enough fit. Not having managed to find shoes though, I'm still barefoot. Somehow though, I don't think that will keep me out of the club.

I've finally made it back, and the screams and pulsing music are just as infuriating as they were when I stood here last. I have recently remembered why I don't like parties. I close my eyes and breathe in the club. I can just pick up smoke- but it's the smoke of tobacco, not the good kind of smoke. It's still enough to imagine.

I can almost see orange and red tongues of loving flame licking up the the inside of the club. The heat expels its unworthy patrons. They spill onto the street, nursing various burned appendages. How perfect.

But that's not what we're here for. I decided against that sort of thing. I'm going to try to turn from senseless crime. Now, were I provided with a good reason to set the club alight... Well, I never said that would make me unhappy. No, I'm here this fine evening to make a profit. Maybe I can also bring myself to enjoy the party, but I rather doubt it. Unless there's alcohol. And I have heard that parties are generally equipped with the stuff.

I approach the door where Bear and Shiep are trying to bluff Shiep's way into the club. Brothers? Well if the guard is gullible enough for it I suppose that's his loss. I nod in recognition to each of them, but see no need to speak. Others are here too. Galaxy, the girl from the alley; Malachi, our surprise visitor that same day; and a couple of guys I don't recall meeting formally, but probably know.

"Good evening, Gentlemen. Lady."

I wonder who among us has the goods we're supposed to be selling this night. I have some of my experimental stuff in my satchel. But it's just that- experimental. I can't guarantee that a taker won't be dead on the floor five minutes after swallowing a few of these. And that's a mess that, while entertaining, probably would not benefit the enterprise of Stained Transactions.

The age limit of the club being fifteen, I imagine I will have no physical trouble getting in. But the club repulses me. I want to be alone with my flames. Why did I get myself into this again?

Ah yes, the monetary reward. And the alcohol no doubt waiting inside.

I decide it would be best to see that young Shiep got inside before going in myself. Especially since I seem to have missed the instructions for exactly what our responsibilities were before becoming heavily intoxicated. The second part being what I most look forward to.

I pat the matches to assure that they are secure in my pocket. Excellent. Quite soon, the fun shall begin. I stick my thumbs into the pockets of my new clothes and wait. The sooner I am presented the right opportunity to enter this hellhole club, the sooner I can drink the night away with my company of cannibals and felons.