Juno nods. "You know the great thing about family? How family always has your back, never have to worry when you got family around, right? Cause they're there... and they know how to keep all your secrets... know how to keep their mouth's shut at the right time... or, you know, all the time. Isn't that great? How family can do that, I mean?" She looks at him and smiles expectantly...

Chester luaghs.
Relax, I get you. Wont tell a soul. Will I be able to see you again?

She nods. "I don't see why not. I mean, you saw me tonight so I don't think there's anything wrong with your astral sight. Why? Do YOU think there's something wrong with your astral sight?" Juno looks concerned.

No, I meant see you again. And talk, like we have tonight. I mean, we're family right? Family talks.

"Or I could just go with you." She looks hopeful.

Chester eyes light up.
Yea. That would be....really cool. Im about to head home for a bit. But tommorow I got some work to do. Ancients stuff ya know? Well, c'mon, lets go.
He smiles as he walks towards his apartment.

The elven gunslinger quickly weaves his way through the crowd of gangers with little fuss, and only the occasional half-hearted nod or wave. In his mind, Claymore keeps running through Slide's words, turning them this way and that, searching for even the slightest clue about Green Lucifer's latest scheme.

As he approaches his bike, a brief mental command brings the big black and green Harley roaring to life. A few seconds later he rolls out of The Squat, hits the throttle hard, and screams off in the direction of Farhaven.

Looking out the door, Haven spots neither blood on Johnny nor more scratches than normal on his bike, and quite irritated says

"Well Johnny? You almost beat down my door, but you look fine, your bike looks fine... What is this all about? It isn't like you to be this taciturn. Get in here and tell me what you need, a night like this doesn't go by without making work for me in at least two of my professions."

Gesturing to follow him inside, Haven turns around and waits with his hand on the door poised to shut it as soon as Johnny gets over whatever short circuit seems to be frying his brain-box right now.

Huh? 'Taciturn'? Dude I didn't crash nothin'. You wound a bit tense there t'night son? Shit man you look all tense. You look like you might need somethin' ta' take the edge off.

Johnny California shrugs in past Haven, moving into the slightly warmer hallway, hopping from foot to foot for a moment with his hands in his pockets trying to warm himself.

Fuckin' cold out there tonight omae.Sorry 'bout goin' all Hulk on yer door there. Need ta' talk to ya bout somethin' 'son. Got a little work that Ol' Green and bad ass said ta' bring your way. Some Ancients stuff, ya' know? Said he needs a man that knows how ta' get around without anyone getting in his way. And that's you chummer. Said ta be meetin' at the Squat, t'marro night, 10. And keep it quiet will ya'? I already told that kid Jester, and I just know he's gonna go runnin' his mouth, and I forget to tell 'im ta' lock it up. Listen, you see that kid, tell him ta' lock it up, 'k?

Hey chummer, ya' got any beer? Kick somethin' down and I think I just might be able ta' slip somethin' your way, take that edge off ya.

"Heh, hadn't realized the temp drop myself, no wonder you were wailing away on my door. I'm sure there is some beer left in the fridge, I'd offer you something harder, but you know how well hard stuff and I mix.

Shutting the door, Haven nods Johnny towards the fridge in the back of the garage and says "Help yourself to whatever is in there. I'd appreciate something to take the edge off, but I just know with the mood out there someone is going to need my skills before this night is done and I need to stay sharp. Also... well... you know, seems everyone knows these days. Anyway, job, yeah sure. You know I'm always up for helping out family. I'm a little leery of something that needs to be kept quiet from the other Ancients. If I see Jester before tomorrow, I'll be sure to let him know this isn't for everyone. Is there anyone else you need to pass the message to or that you want me to make sure doesn't know? If you have some more messages, I may be able to help. Everyone knows where I am, after all."

Haven moves and leans up against a counter wiped almost obsessively clean, especially in a garage, and watches Johnny rummage through the fridge.

"So, anything else been going on with you lately?"

I hear ya' omae. S'weird keeping stuff, but you know how it is. Sometimes things gottta be quiet. Keeps ya safe. It's jus' the way life is.

Johnny pulls a can from the fridge, popping the top with a grateful smile, toasting it to Haven before popping the top and throwing some back.

Other stuff? Yeah man, I always got stuff going on. Been seein' this girl lately, sweet little piece. Hair down ta' here, eyes so blue you wanna go swimmin' in 'em, know what I'm sayin'. Chica's ta' die for, but she's a fraggin' 405' er! You believe that shit!? Piece o' elf trim, running with that crew!? Je-zus. Johnny throws back another drink , apparently drowning his woes.

"Aw, man, that's some hard shit, Johnny." Haven shakes his head solemnly and says "Any chance of conversion? I mean, she may be just a loyal to that family as we are to ours here, but if not I'm sure we could put in a good word for her. I assume she knows her way around a bike, and no matter where she is in their ranks she's got to know some interesting shit. I'm sure the upper ranks could be prevailed upon to allow a mutually beneficial conversion. Good for us, good for you, and I'm assuming you could be good to her." With that last Haven winks at Johnny hoping to keep the discussion going without traveling too much farther down this maudlin road.

'Mutua-what?' Dude, I'll just an ol' school solda' from El Infernio. Keep bandying those big words about, I'm gonna think you got a high school education or somethin'.

Anyway, yeah, she might be able to come over. Kinda rough spot for her right now. Hellhounds somehow got into it with the Halloweeners. Some kinda personal grudge or somethin'. Somethin' to do with the Halloweeners new head man Nightmare. Apparently he cooked Eddie Tango up real good with a wicked fireball, Just what we needed, Halloweener mage, ya' know? Anyway, some new gillette name o
Hel's takin' over the 405 crew. Don't really know how that's gonna slide with her, uh Morgan. Only problem is Morgan, well, I think she used to have a thing for Vixen. Makes for strange bed fellows ya' know? So it's just a little complicated.

Juno & Jester - Somewhere in Tarislar

Juno follows the strange elf as he walks, her form only apparent on the astral. She cocks her head to the side, watching his aura as he moves. It's such an INTERESTING aura. All spiky and glowing. She smiles.

"What kind of work?... you know, the Ancient's "stuff" you mentioned."

I dunno, something about magical back up. Its normally what I do. Not alot of guys like me in The Ancients. Ill prolly end up just standing around. I dont think anyone's dumb enough to attack a group of Ancients when they have a mage.

Juno's eyebrow jumps up. "Magical backup, huh? Sounds... exciting. Mind if I tag along? No one will know I'm there... No one EVER knows I'm there." She sighs. "Besides, you'll probably need me."

"Yikes, that is a bit complicated. Just keep her away from Tain if you do manage to get her to come around. I was there with them the night all that shit between him and Vixen went down and he was just a bit... intense about the whole thing if you know what I mean. However, he's a pretty reasonable guy if you don't try to kill him so, as long as she wasn't that attached to Vixen it should be ok. Sounds like this would be a pretty good time to have her switch teams, but if she's going to do it she needs to fast, with a name like that I don't think Hel is taking things over by becoming everyone's friend and people like that tend to have problems with disloyalty. Speaking of which, I wonder how the 'Weenies feel about their new head man being a mage? I don't have a problem with magic personally, but I've met a lot of toughs who just don't abide by it. If they start making trouble that could be a way in for us to even some scores with them. Anyway, you sure know how to get yourself into some interesting situations, Johnny, I'll say that for you. You let me know if I can help you with this whole Morgan situation. Anything else going on or is one insanely complicated situation your limit these days? How's the bike running? I haven't seen her in here in awhile. You keeping her tuned right?

Haven looks concerned as he asks that last because he knows an Ancients life often depends more on his bike than on his armor or skill with weapons- weapons or armor fail you and you may survive the battle, but if your bike fails you, then they will be scraping little pieces of you off the streets.

Jonny lets out a long sigh.

Yeah.... she might be trouble.... but that's what makes it fun.

Bike's runnin' good. I know how ta' take care o' my stuff. Gotta. Ain't no Farhaven ta take yer shit if it gets broke where I'm from. Been thinking o' mounting a SMG or somethin' on the side though. Skin link it and all that. Arm that fucker up, ya' know? Be some fun shit there. This fucker runs with the Leather Devils had a fraggin' cyclops, ya' know, those little one wheelin' fuckin' things, with a cut off Ares HP LMG mounted inside instead of a fraggin' headlight!. Me and Spectrum close lined the fragger with a fuckin' chain! It was hilarious!

She's got a point.

Sure, why not. I wouldn't mind the back up. But we got to work out a plan in case some does notice you, ya dig omae?

Juno thinks for a moment. "If someone does notice me... which I doubt, we'll, err... you will say I am your ally."

That could work.... Just hope that no one else with mojo wants proof. So there we have it, sounds like a plan. Chester points to an old, red bricked building. Some of the windows are knocked out, and there doesnt appear to be alot of people there. Theres a light on on the 2nd floor.
Thats is my place there.

As the elf takes a sharp left-hand turn, the garish neon glare from the Stuffer Shack on the corner reminds him that he's running dangerously low on cigarettes. His hand eases off the throttle as he considers stopping, but then guns the engine once again, determined to get to Farhaven as quickly as possible. Claymore is hoping that he can catch that slimeball Johnny there before he leaves, and get him to flap his lips a little more than normal. If that's at all possible.

A couple of twists and turns later brings the elven gunslinger to the familiar surroundings of Haven's shop. The big chopper screams in protest as Claymore drags it to a smoking stop right in front of the door, deliberately burning rubber in the process.

Haven hears a distinctive roar of a bike and hte squeeling of tires right out front his door, as the security system warns of an approaching bike.

Johnny grins. First customer of the night buddy.

Even before the echoes of the roaring engine fade away, Claymore has the kickstand flipped down and, with a well-practiced move, swings his leather-clad leg right over the handlebars to end up casually leaning against the bike facing the building, staring expectantly at the entryway.

His past visits to Farhaven being too numerous to recall, the elf is well-aware of Haven's security system. More importantly, Claymore knows that knocking is not only unnecessary, but sometimes even unwelcome.

Chester oens the door to his apartment, giving a quick series of raps on the door as he does. The door opens, revealing a small apartment that looks to have been recently ransacked. Uttering a quick incantation, Chester opens a gap in the warding to allow the spirit entrance. He enters, looking around the small studio apartment.

Chester! I didn't exect you back so early! Hey what's .. what's up!?

A petite elf girl hos up from the corner, setting down her calm link and hurridly coming over to the older elf, wrapping him in a quick hug.

Juno looks at the young girl, assensing her quickly, still hiding her astral form behind that of Jester's.

Assensing Test

Chester wraps his arms around his sister, remembering just how small she really is, considering he can put both arms completley around her and still have room to spare.
Gennieve was the reason Chester did most good things. He'd always looked out for her the way any brother should. They were all each other had, and they were both completely happy with that.

Hey Genny. He says with a warm smile

He lets her go and lets her stand back a bit.

So what did you do tonight?

Oh.... not a lot. Just playing paigo on my comm.... how 'bout you?! She smiles up at him with a grin on her face.

Just was down at The Squat for a while. Had a few beers, met some...interesting people. You should have came, good party tonight.

Chester walks around the apartment for a second and looks around.

Man, we have got to clean this place.

He makes his way to the old green couch in his living room. The color was faded and it was ugly as hell, but damn it, was it comfortable as hell. He plops down onto the couch.

So Johny talked to me tonight. Had some interesting news for me.

Oh yeah! What?!

Angel begins hurridly cleaning, really just moving stuff around, while devoting all of her attention to Chester.

Spoiler Plan B only

Juno moves around the room, slowly... not wanting to draw any attention from the "awaken-ing" young one.
"She's hiding something... how very interesting." Unable to see anything on the strange black device, Juno pays closer attention to her body language... seeking to glean some kind of idea from the way she moves.

Just got some work tommorow. Green Lucifer asked for me by name. He says that last sentence with raised eyebrows and pride.

Really?! Wow, that's wiz. So ... wait... you're gonna be gone? When?

We leave from the Squat tommorow night at ten. Dont worry, Im just going to a meet to stand in as magical muscle. You know, the norm. No one is stupid to attack a group of Ancients with a mage, soka?

Heh , yeah, right. That's my big brother. Karl Kombat mage, hang up your wand, right? She grins, giving him a familial jab to the arm. So , you're not gonna be out long then?

Jesters eys narrow.

Why? He has that older brother tone. The same one he uses to warn her to be careful what she says next.

Angel looks surprised. Well, cause I worry about you! I mean, if they need you guarding something, that means someone's gonna try something, doesn't it?! Sooner you're in and out the better, right?

Chester gives a smug smile.

Uh-huh. He looks her down. You wouldn't be having company over tommorow around ten would you, Genny? You know, the kind of company who's legs I break on a daily basis for trying to get with my sister? He folds his arms.

Hey! I get concerned and you start getting all bitchy?! What the hell Chester?! If I wanted a dad I'd still be hangin' with that fuckin' degenerate ok!? Drek, see if I ever show concern again.

She turns away, crossing her arms.

You compare me to him? Thats sad Genny. Im your older brother. But Ive been the dad, the brother, and the mom to you your entire life. Ive done everything I could for you, and you still compare me to him whenever I call you on acting suspicious.
Chester sighs.
Im sorry Genny I just dont want you hookin up with some loser So I get concerned whenever the slightest idea of it comes into my head that you might meet someone like him... he trails off
Ive got the right to be bitchy though. You are my kid sister. Your all I got in the world. Soka?

Growing bored with the conversation, Juno wanders off... wondering what else of interest can be found in the small apartment.

She sighs. Yeah, well ,just 'cause you had a fucked up child hood doesn't mean you've got the right to be coming down on me. I still got a fucked up life too ya' know.

And don't get all high and mighty on me, even if it were a guy. 'Cause you and I both know if there was some chick who wanted to hook up with you, you wouldn't think past "your place or mine". So don't go lecturing me on something I haven't even done!

Chester rubs his eyes. Why do I antogonize her?
He holds up his hands.
Alright! Alright! Just relax. I trust you. Just chill the fuck out. Damn. Besides, Im the adult here, I can anyone over I fraggin want.
And Im not sayin you didnt have it bad. You did, worse in some cases. Im just trying to look out for you.

He turns around and puts his hands on the table resting for a sec.

Juno circles the tiny apartment a good four times before deciding there really is no more than meets the eye here. She does however get to see Chester's sister smile a little in victory while his back is turned.

Haven snaps out of a brief stupor and rushes over to his door while disarming the security system and calling up an image of the front of his shop. Seeing Claymore, Haven relaxes a bit and says "It's just Claymore, I doubt he needs my help unless something is wrong with his bike- didn't sound like it- or he's leading a convoy of people that he caused to need my services." as he reaches and opens the door.

"Hoi, Claymore. What's going on, man?"

Haven hears a muttered reply from behind him. Clay'? Fuck. Great.

"How's it swingin', omae?"

Claymore smoothly launches himself from his perch and glides toward the door.

"Party's stale, so I figured I'd give ya a visit."

Giving Haven a conspiratorial wink as he passes, the gunslinger slips through the entrance. At the sight of Johnny California, beer can in hand, Claymore widens his eyes in surprise, and then lets a wide smile fill his features.

"Johnny! That's amazing, chummer! I wuz jus' thinkin' about you."

Johnny gives a half hearted grin back.
Great, always nice to know I'm in the hearts and minds of my fellow Ancients.

Johnny stands, moving to Claymore to exchange hand slaps in whatever stlyes the fav of the moment.

How's it hangin ' there Clay? Still a moody bastard?

"Why change what works?"

Shrugging off the obvious dig, Claymore returns the ganger's 'handshake', his smile growing even wider as he genuinely enjoys Johnny's discomfort.

The elf makes his way over to the fridge at the back of the garage and helps himself to a beer. Popping the top open as he rejoins the others, Claymore silently toasts Haven with the can before draining half the contents. His smile all but gone, he turns his attention back to Farhaven's other visitor, gazing at Johnny almost expectantly.

"Streets're buzzin', omae. So, what's the scoop?"

Not a lot omae.

You hear 'bout that Laesa dealer Smalls? I hear the guy got cut up in some night club, his guts put into seperate little baggies,all left on the can in one of the stalls with what was left of him. Tell ya', that flipside shit's off the hook, but some dudes are gettin' burned bad.