Sunrised Confusion (open)

[Aloura Reglas]

5:15 Am

February 2nd 2012

Washington D.C.

Aloura let out a scream as she practically flew from  beneath her covers. as a tear rushed past her cheek she brushed it away. "Another one..." she said, turning her head and looking at the clock. As she did, something caught her eye. A letter open rested in front of the clock and pointed right at her. "I wonder..." she said, reaching towards it. "Would anyone miss me?" she asked herself, Getting out of bed to grab it. As she did, she sighed. "No... I can't..." she told herself, putting it back down in front of the clock. As she looked at it, she tilted her head. "Its only 5 am..." she told herself, turning her head and looking out the window by her bed. She stayed in a little apartment in DC, a kitchen, and a bed room and bath room. That was it. She sighed as she saw it was almost pitch black out side. "I suppose I could go for a run." she told herself, walking over to her closet. She then sighed.

"What to wear..." she asked herself, flipping through clothing. "Wait, does it really matter?" she asked herself, grabbing a white shirt and a sports bra. As she put the shirt on, she looked in the mirror. She was wearing a little pair of shorts, which barely covered anything. Not to mention a white a shirt which fell off her left shoulder, and revealed her mid drift almost completely. She then put on her boots. Not exactly typical running shoes, but they were actually made for running. Not that it mattered, they didn't do anything unless she was in infiris.

Aloura picked up her head phones and MP3 player as she walked out her door. Putting in her headphones, she charged out the door of her apartment. She was on the 10th floor, but she was on the bottom floor in less then no time, running out the door, and simply charging forward listening to Skylar Grey.

[Elijah Cross]

Ugh... Another double shift at the store. Why did the bulk of the work always end up falling on his shoulders when someone decided they didn't want to come in? Sure, he got time and a half as compensation pay, but that didn't make it any less annoying. The damn place was open 24/7, but who in the world would walk around D.C. at that time of day? Druggies and their dealers, whores and the pips they work for. At this time, nobody was up to anything good. Then again, there were the early risers for work... Either way, Elijah simply didn't want to be out. It was cold,

"For fuck's sake, why am I out here! Oh yeah, because people like to call in last minute and stick me with the shit they had to do..."

On the bright side, he had the next few days off. That meant he could enjoy himself. And when he did that, somebody else wasn't having too much fun. Elijah couldn't stop thinking about Inferis, about demons, about monsters. It all seemed so surreal, so fake. But every time he doubted the reality, something always managed to pop up as a reminder. Be it a flashback or a psychopathic child with a baseball bat and spinning death yo-yo. He shook the thoughts out of his head and turned a corner, "I just need some sl-"

CRASH

Before he could even finish his sentence, Elijah smacked right into someone or something that moved very quickly in his direction. He was caught completely by surprise, and it showed. One moment he was on his feet. The next, he was flat on his back with the wind knocked right out of his lungs. With a groan, he rolled onto his stomach and slowly got to his feet with that familiar ringing in his ears and a sharp pain in the back of his head, "That really fucking hurt!" He said, dusting himself off, "Can't you look where you're going?

The young man paused a moment, waiting for a response from the person- no. The ASS that just made his morning much worse. It was a miracle he didn't fall on his knife... Those things were very expensive. Elijah opened his mouth to speak once again but stopped when he saw who it was that knocked him flat. A girl. She probably weighed no more than 100 pounds soaking wet. And what the fuck was she wearing? A short white shirt that exposed her stomach, a little pair of tight-fitting shorts that left absolutely nothing to the imagination... And finally, a pair of boots. Quite frankly, she looked like a lost partygirl...

Who in the hell wanders about dressed like that? It's fucking February...

[Aloura Reglas]

The music blasted into her skull at full volume. It was now some Selina Gomez song, which she didn't really know what it was. Pandora had a funny way of just throwing random crap at you. However, she kind of liked it. Although, it would appear she liked it too much because her speed in creased, and her eyes began to doze off into the distance. As a cold chill brushed by her, making her exposed body shiver, she slowed down a bit. As she looked around, she felt as if something was watching her. "Hello?" she called out. "Is someone there?" she asked. A few seconds later she shrugged. "I guess not..." she told herself, calling down as she reached up, putting her headphones back into her head.
 
She then looked forward and began to run, once again getting caught up in her music and less then 2 seconds max of running, BAM, she hit something hard and in motion. As she fell onto her side, she slowly looked around. "Ow..." she muttered, slowly getting on her back and looking up at the sky. As she did, she could still see some of the stars running a muck out in space. A few seconds after her little daze, she lifted her arms up and placed them on the ground, slowly getting up and looking around. As she did, she saw a man in front of her. Her face then turned red and she quickly got up. "I.. I'm sorry!" she shuttered, rushing to the man and looking down at him, pulling up the shoulders of her shirt so that her boobs didn't fall out. Then again, Aloura had completely forgotten that she had a sports bra on underneath and nothing would be falling out any time soon.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't see you there. I got so caught up in the-" she then quickly turned around, her eyes widened as she noticed her MP3 on the ground, shattered to pieces. "My music..." she muttered, sighing in disappointment as she offered her hand to the man, wanting to help him up. "Its fine... I'll just buy another one." she smiled, remembering she still had her dead fathers debit card in  her pocket. "Are you hungry?" she asked the man.. "I know its late, I mean early, but do you want to go out to eat?" she asked. "I will be more then happy to pay." she said, smiling down as she rubbed her said with one hand, and offered to help him up with the other.

[Elijah Cross]

While Elijah was still put off by how scantily clad the woman was, he didn't mind the assistance she offered. Though he was already standing back up, he took the hand and pulled lightly to take some of the load off of his legs. Fuck, did his head hurt... But he wasn't one to complain too much about the physical pain. Honestly, he was still quite pissed at having to work so late. Or early... It didn't matter, though. He had some fresh flesh to enjoy for the time being.

Elijah shook off the pain and dusted himself off once again while the girl before him frantically adjusted her, rather revealing, shirt and did her best to explain the situation,

"I'm so sorry. I didn't see you there.

Of course she didn't! Nobody ever willingly charged into someone unless they were one of those football or rugby players. You know, suckers for concussions. Elijah never saw the fun in that. If you wanted to get beat up or beat someone else up, you joined some Sado/Masochist club or started a fist fight. Either way, you'd get your kicks, right?

"I got so caught up in the-"

"Music?" Elijah finished, gesturing to the smashed up mess of metal and plastic sitting on the ground behind her, "Well that's unfortunate." He said apologetically, "Do you ha-" Elijah was cut off when she started up again, talking about how she'd go buy another one in her free time. What was the point of having a little MP3 like that, anyway? In this place, it'd either get lifted off your person or someone would muscle it from you. Then again, with the way she was dressed, a thug would try to take a little more than that piece of plastic...

Once again, Elijah was off in his own head and missed most of what the girl had to say. He was in and out of the conversation and picked up, "Blahblah...Hungry? Blaaaaaaah blah blah out to eat. Blah blah, Happy to pay." She lost Elijah's attention a little while ago but managed to hook him back with a bit of food. Sure, he could have walked back to the apartment and made himself something to eat, but that would take far too much effort. This way, he'd have a little company, a full stomach, a full pantry AND an untouched bank account. Life was good.

"Sure, I wouldn't mind getting a bite." He said, a kind smile on his face, "And since you made the offer, it'd be a bit rude to refuse. I'll be sure to pay you back somehow, though." Elijah paused a moment and blew a bit of warm air into his hands before rubbing them together, "Lead the way..."

He really wanted to ask why the hell she was dressed like that in the middle of winter, but that could wait. Hanging about with her meant food. Food was warm, and the restaurant would be warm, too. As a courtesy, Elijah removed his jacket and offered it to the girl, "Here, put this on... You're going to freeze to death before we can get to where you plan on taking me."

[Aloura Reglas]

As The man in front of her responded to her question, he made a comment stating how it would be rude if he didn't accept the offer for her to pay. She let out a little chuckle but quickly put her hand over her mouth, stopping her self from just bursting out laughing. He then mentioned how he would try to pay her back one way or another. "Its fine." she responded, giving him a smile. "I have mi-" she stopped herself. Legally, she wasn't even supposed to have the money. It was her dead fathers money. Actually, why the debit account was still up was a mystery for her. You think after someone had died you would close there account. Oh well, Aloura wasn't complaining, that money was the only source of revenue she had. "Plenty of money." she said, trying to not make it known that she had millions.

As she then stood up straight, she turned around. "There should be a good breakfast place. Around here." she told him, beginning to walk, it was then that he offered her a jacket. As she looked at him, she tilted her head. "No thank you. I'm fine." she told him, starting to walk. "To tell you the truth, " she said, smiling at the man. "I've been in colder places wearing less cloths." Then again, she didn't really have a choice that time. She was in the tundra being attacked by demons so clothing wasn't the first thing that popped into her mind.

As she began walking, she assumed the man was behind her and began to talk. "So, I'm Aloura." she asked him. She really didn't expect him to giver her his name, however, she still would introduce herself. "So what are you doing awake at almost 5:30 in the morning?" she asked him. it was a good question, a lot of people don't just wake up at 5 in the morning and decide to walk around.

[Elijah Cross]

It was a very subtle mistake. A tiny slip of the tongue, but Elijah caught it. "I have mi-" Now that could have gone a myriad of different ways, but she went on to say, "Plenty of money."

Ah, so she was one of those rich kids... That little slip up earlier may have been a little hint as to how much she really had, but now wasn't the time for Elijah to dwell on it. She has mi- Plenty of money. Be careful who you tell that to, girlie.

The young man ran a hand through his dark hair while she spoke about where they'd be eating this eve- morning. Fuck, his internal clock was all kinds of off. It was a breakfast place, not too far away, "Sounds like a good time." He said, slipping his jacket back on once the girl rejected it, "Suit yourself, lady."

Wait, what? She had been in colder places with less to wear... That sounded... Odd, to say the least. She was in practically nothing at the moment. Eh, didn't matter. Whatever she did and wore was none of Elijah's concern. As the man walked at her side, about an arm's length between them, she spoke up again, introducing herself as Aloura. Never heard a name like that before, to be honest. Sounded foreign.

"Elijah." He said, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Aloura." So now they had eachother's names. It was much easier than getting a name out of that Panne girl... Talking to her was like pulling teeth, "As for why I'm out, I just needed a break. Wanted to take a bit of a stroll and enjoy the winter air." He shivered a bit, "I regret the decision about now, though"

[Aloura Reglas]

As the man introduced him self as Elijah, putting his jacket back on, she looked at him and stopped walking, just for a second. "Elijah, I like that name." she said with a smile, walking back wards now. "So why do you regret it?" she asked, feeling a bit of a chill on her mid drift. "Is it the cold?" She asked him, looking at him with a the word 'confusion' practically drawn upon her face. "I guess I don't feel it." she said smiling, and turning back around. "So this restraint isn't anything special. But the food is good. it tastes almost home made!" she said, a child like ting entering her voice.

"I always come here after a-" she had to stop and think. She paused for less then a second when it hit her. "A business trip." she said with a smile. "I tend to go on those more then I like, or need to actually." she said, giving out a chuckle. Aloura was, and is, a very smart girl. She entered her junior year of collage when she was only 17, not to mention that collage was Harvard. However, when it came to socializing with others she could never spit the right words out. Not to mention hiding things wasn't a specialty of hers. However, she managed to get her way. In life and death situations, she was a lying genius. However, she did not exactly feel as if her life was in any danger with this guy.

A few minutes later they had arrived. The restraint that stood before them wasn't huge. Probably about the size of a regular McDonalds, however, much fancier and no drive through. As she entered the room, a women came up to her. 'Hello Aloura." the women said with a smile. "How are you this fine day?" she asled. Aloura smiled and tilted her head. "I'm good, and you?" the women said nothing and only smiled, grabbing a few menus and walking over to a table.

As Aloura sat down, the women walked away. Opening up the menu, it would reveal that she was lying about the menu. The least expensive thing was about 65 dollars, and even that was only a simple eggs benedict. "Order what ever you like." she said with a smile, watching as a waitress, the one from before, put water one there table.

[Elijah Cross]

Not even a second after giving his name, Aloura responded with a little note about how she liked his name. An odd compliment, to be honest. What was so special about his name, anyway? There are millions of people, alive and dead, with that name. Hell, it stretches back all the way to biblical times. His parents weren't exactly pioneers or innovators. They just slapped the name on him and moved on, "Thanks. Your name is nice, too. I don't think I've heard it before..." He paused, "Aloura... Reminds me of 'Auroura'. Then again that's probably because it rhymes. The two words may not have anything similar beyond that."

Once again, Elijah almost bumped right into the woman. Why'd she stop moving? The last thing he wanted to do was stand around in this weather. He hated, hated, HATED the cold. Winter was his least favorite season, "I regret it because I hate winter. So yes, it's because of the cold." What was so hard to understand? He was shivering, miserable and just a little irritable, but he did a very good job at hiding his annoyance, "And I'm sure you don't feel it, considering your lack of proper winter wear." This woman was going to die of hypothermia or something one of these days. Humans can only stand certain temperatures without protection for so long. Didn't matter how acclimated you were to the place. If it got cold enough, you would die.

After what felt like a frozen eternity, the pair finally arrived at the little restaurant she told him about. It looked fancy, stuffy. Snooty. Where you'd pay a small fortune for an egg on some toast. Why not head to a bed 'n' breakfast where the food was plentiful and not as expensive? Whatever, she was paying so he wouldn't complain, "A business trip, huh?" Once again, she paused and amended the sentence. She wasn't very good at talking straight... That meant there was a little more to her than she was letting on. Whether it was her intention or not, Aloura managed to catch his interest again.

"Hello Aloura"

So they knew her by name. That meant she was a regular. Honestly, who in the world (other than a celebrity) could afford business trips and fancy food like this on a regular basis? But if this girl were any kind of famous, she wouldn't be out alone in Washington D.C.. Maybe she had a sugar daddy to pay for everything?

"Don't mind if I do." Elijah said, a wry smile on his face as he scanned the menu. Fuck, everything was expensive. And, like he thought, you had to pay a fortune for some runny eggs on a bit of toasted bread. Where were the pancakes, where was the meat? He just wanted something big and filling, "This is ridiculously overpriced.I'll just have blueberry pancackes. Scrambled eggs, wheat toast, bacon, sausage and hashbrown. With a glass of orange juice to go with the water, please."

God, he ordered kid's food. That didn't matter... He was hungry. And this fancy ass 'gourmet' shit wasn't gonna cut it. Simple, yet satisfying.

[Aloura Reglas]

As the Elijah ordered food, Aloura couldn't help but smile. He was in one of the nicest breakfast joints in D.C., and he ordered only children's food. As she took a breath, the waitress looked at her. "I will have..." she said, pausing and looking at the menu. "Eggs benedict... annnnnnd," she looked up at the waitress. "Do you all serve dinner
 at this hour?" she asked the women. As the women smiled, she nodded. "For you, yes." Alouras face lite up as she opened her mouth the speak. "The 32 ounce  Filet Mignon please" she said. The waitress shook her head. "Can I get a water as well?" the waitress nodded and turned around, walking over to the kitchen. 'Not that I should talk, but you ordered a lot." she said, sticking out her tongue and awaiting for the waitresses arrival with her food.

"So, other then working late, what else do you do?" she asked the man, scratching the back of her head. As she awaited an answer, she looked around, wondering why it was so empty. Then again, it was almost 5:30 so most people who would go to a place like this, would be fast asleep.

[Elijah Cross]

Elijah took note of the strange looks he received from both the waitress and Aloura after giving his order. Was it really such a strange thing to ask for? He wanted something easy to prepare and good to eat, not some overblown square of meat with a twig resting on top that would burn a hole in the average man's wallet. God, this place was stuffy. The young man idly drummed his fingers against the table to an imaginary beat while Aloura ordered her own food. As if on cue, she ordered those runny eggs on toast... "Eggs Benedict" it was called. Then, she went on to order more, asking for a 32 oz steak. Well that was new... When thinking about breakfast, steak was the last thing on his mind.

"Not that I should talk, but you ordered a lot." She said, her tongue stuck out at him. For a split second, he felt the urge to just reach over and grab the thing... But that wasn't appropriate, "What can I say?" He said, chuckling lightly, "When I'm hungry, I eat a lot." A simple answer, but it was the truth. Elijah could feel his empty stomach beginning to stir, as if begging for a little something to just hold it off. For now, it would have to settle for water.

When the waitress was finally out of view, Elijah went back to his idle drumming until Aloura caught his attention again with a question about what he did with his free time, In my off time, I jump to an alternate dimension and engage in casual conversations with the Devil.

"I'm a traveller. Whenever I have the time, I like heading to warm places."

Elijah's mind flashed back to his first trip, the blazing heat and overwhelming feeling of power that coursed through his body, "I'm sometimes I'll even bring along a friend or two. If I'm up for it, I invite a third." Once again, he vividly remembered the fates of the three people that crossed over with him. They seemed dazed, confused. They were absolutely terrified, but that didn't last too long. Well, not for the first two anyway, "I rather enjoy immersing myself in the culture."

He snapped their necks,

"And when I find something truly interesting, I take my time with it."

The final person... Elijah remembered how she died, too. He remembered holding her head in his hands and gently stroking her cheek. He remembered trying to calm her down so she wouldn't put up too much of a fight. He remembered acting as if to push a few stray hairs from her face with his thumbs. He remembered the wet squelching sound of her eyeballs being crushed to jelly... It was a strange feeling, to harm someone in such a horrible way before killing them. He was always told that death was a terrible thing and that no person had the right to kill another. He was told that it was wrong.But if that were the case, why was he overcome with a sense of euphoria after committing the 'horrible' crime? Why did he want to go back to that place and do it all again?

Elijah looked to Aloura, his bright amber eyes locking with hers and smiled once again, "How about you?"

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