Welcome to the Viper's Den


Authors
lyndwyrm
Published
3 years, 1 day ago
Updated
3 years, 1 hour ago
Stats
2 7682

Chapter 1
Published 3 years, 1 day ago
4327

Explicit Violence

A stormy night drives citizens of Ichorrai indoors. Many choose to seek shelter and entertainment at Ichorrai's finest nightclub, The Viper's Den.

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I Feel Regret In This Night Club Tonight


The Viper

// Night Club Owner

On the street level, a glowing sign sits over a dark doorway, with stairs leading down. A tolka stands at the entrance with arms crossed, hard to tell if they're frowning or not, but their eyes glow ominously with a violet light.

If you get past them, the stairs take you down, into the dark. Eventually you plateau onto a long stone path, with only a small light every once in a while to lead you. Here you can see some of the very structure of Ichorrai, stone and metal jutting out at angles that seem to lead back toward the surface.

At the end of this long darkness, sits an elegant set of huge French doors, clouded glass panes framed by dark wood, with copper handles the doors are easily 25 feet tall, and about the same width. Stepping inside, opens up a massive space, huge curved ceilings, reinforced by metal beams, stone walls that look carved out of the earth itself. Thick pillars have been added, of carved black stone, with gold filigree decorating them like coiling dragons.

There are stairways at the sides of this space that lead to second and third levels that reach out halfway toward the entrance, keeping people in view and allowing space for winged folk to skip the stairs. On each level is a rounded bar island, located near the back, with two bartenders working each. A bouncer stands near each one as well, and two stand on either side of the entrance.

Tables and chairs litter the edges, and upper areas, while the bottom floor has a large clear space for dancing.

To the left, there are doorways that lead to private rooms. On the right, a small alcove entertains a stage, where live music currently plays.

On the third floor, there is a lit stairway that leads to a glass balcony, where the Viper is usually found, alongside his morningstars, when they aren't mingling with the common rabble.

No one’s seen the Vipers true face, except in private. He wears a holographic vipers mask, generated by a trinket collar around his neck, a hard light illusion. Though any who dare guess are usually never seen again It's not common knowledge what lies beyond the Vipers balcony, just that it leads to his inner sanctum.

Down on the first floor, the viper himself sits at the bar, enjoying a brightly coloured drink with edible glitter in it. Idly he watches tonight's band play on the stage, leaning his back against the counter. Dressed in an elegant white silk gown that trails down to the ground, long sleeves, covering most of his features save for a deep V down the front, exposing his muscular chest down to his navel. He doesn't appear to have a tail, just dark purple skin, and sharp white claws. A viper headed staff hangs from the counter next to him, hooked on the surface. He sighs boredly.

Balamel

// Wanderer

Balamel hadn't been entirely sure what to expect, given all he had to go on was a comment the place "provided good entertainment" and the Viper's name (or title?) to guide him. He certainly hadn't expected the sheer size of the place, glancing up to the curved ceilings surprisingly far above and noting the varying sizes of just about every accommodation.

Well, that was refreshing.

The figure in white at the bar stood out immediately -- Balam didn't know what to make of them, though his gaze didn't linger very long. The nightclub was far from empty, and he found himself tucking his wings tight to avoid them getting knocked around. By the time he'd checked out everything (and stopped staring down one of the dragons decorating the support pillars), he'd paced to a point near the bar, though the myriad of bottles behind didn't give him much of a clue as to what each contained.

For the moment, he'd stay a distance away and overhear what others ordered.

The Viper

// Night Club Owner

The Viper head swivelled around languidly, seeming to survey the people gathered with disinterest. The structer was simple, large polygonal shapes that slowly shifted in brightness, like marbling. He lifted his martini glass up, and it vanished within the hologram briefly, coming out empty as he decided to sit on a stool, crossing one long, heeled leg over the other.

Ruin

// Sen’Reu Bounty Hunter

Ruin lingers on the street up outside the Vipers Den, looking up at the bright sign as he puffs heavily on a cigarette, tail swishing slowly as he considers entering. The tolka bouncer watches him blankly, arms crossed as they watch him puff away.

He takes his time though, enjoying the stormy night air, and seeing if anyone else enters before him

Iphae

// Bounty Hunter

Iphae strode through the doors of the Viper's Den, not bothering to stop and pay the bouncer or the man outside any mind. If they wanted to stop him then that was on them. Iphae would cut them down a size if they made the mistake of not recognizing him.

He didn't come by the club very often. It wasn't really his scene unless he was feeling lonely and looking for a good time. Most of his jobs from Vesper came via courier or kirk. Sometimes both. The two of them hardly ever spoke face to face. But tonight he had some free time and a certain someone who desperately wanted to visit the club.

"Listen, don't wander off and don't take drinks from strangers. As much as I hate to say it you're too valuable to lose." Iphae flapped his wings, sending water droplets flying as a result. It was drizzling outside and where better to seek shelter than a nightclub.

Seethe

// Scientist

"It's good to finally hear you say that I'm valuable... I always knew it in my heart but to hear you say-" Seethe was cut off as Iphae grabbed his snout and firmly held it shut. He didn't even get a chance to wipe the fake tears from his eyes.

Seethe wiggled his snoot free from the unforgiving metal talons. "Heh, no need to worry about me, Iphae, buddy ol' pal." Seethe chirped back to his companion as he rubbed where Iphae had grabbed him. "I've got my wits about me."

Iphae

// Bounty Hunter

"Sure you do..." Iphae sighed as he proceeded through the final doors. The two of them entered the main room. Normally Iphae liked to slink in as unnoticed as he could manage but as soon as Seethe saw the room the immanu let out an excited squeal.

Seethe

// Scientist

"OH IT'S GORGEOUS WE SHOULD HAVE COME HERE SOONER!!"

Ruin

// Sen’Reu Bounty Hunter

Ruin had been outside still when the rain began, ducking under a small overhang nearby to scope out the entrance like the little creep he was. He watched Iphae and his little companion head down, causing him to frown a little. Iphae was the other top bounty hunter, like him. If that young welp was here, maybe it was worth checking out.

With a sigh, he did up his coat, after waiting about ten minutes, and then decided to follow the pair down, nodding to the bouncer with a small smirk.

The giant tolka just stared, following Ruin with their face as he heads down. Their thick tail slapping the wall beside them once, with a resounding THWACK, as if to demonstrate power.

"Aye, no Funny business, Got it, I'll keep me paws to meself" Ruin said with a little wink before continuing.

The Viper

// Night Club Owner

From the main floor bar, The glowing Vipers head looked directly at Iphae, when Seethe let out a cry, the cane tapping on the floor as he watches with interest. His features and body still obscured by his elegant white gown. "Interesting,” he says, in a dual-toned voice that makes it hard to make out.

Balamel

// Wanderer

Balamel flicked an ear and glanced over as he heard a rather familiar shout from the entryway, spotting the very animated Immanu first, then his traveling companion second. Seeing the bounty hunter had the fur along the back of his neck bristling slightly, but it was mostly out of wariness. He turned his attention back to the stranger approaching the nearby bar, listening to the order of some strange drink whose name he wasn't sure he caught the name of correctly. The dual-toned voice definitely got his attention, gaze lingering on the viper's-head mask for a moment before he parroted one of the orders he'd heard to the bartender and accepted the drink, nursing it rather than drinking outright. He still wasn't entirely sure what was in it.

Iphae

// Bounty Hunter

Eventually Iphae made his way over to the bar. That was what he was really here for. He had to basically drag Seethe along. The little immanu was scampering about, trying to take everything in. Iphae had to keep a hand on the collar of his shirt to keep him from running off.

Iphae’s gaze settled on the bar once he felt he had a good grip on Seethe. He did take notice of Balamel, narrowing his eyes ever so slightly. What was he doing here? Iphae hadn’t anticipated meeting a past victim here. At least not that victim.

Regardless, he was going to hold his ground. He had a high standing here and trying to talk Seethe into leaving would be too much of a hassle.

Iphae leaned against the bar a few stools down from Balamel. He did his best to avoid eye contact but he was very aware of the ptheran’s presence. The leyr lifted a hand, catching the bartender’s attention.

Seethe

// Scientist

Seethe was doing his best to take everything in and not go skipping off. He wanted to get his little grubby hands on everything. Iphae’s hand on his collar truly was the only restraint keeping him from doing so.

Seethe definitely took note of the Viper. The mask and the get up were especially interesting to him. He waved joyously as Iphae dragged him along towards the bar.

Once at the bar, however, Seethe caught sight of Balamel and all restraint was gone. “Balamel!!” He squeaked out before skittering over to where the giant ptheran was standing. “It’s great to see you again!!” The immanu reached out and grasped one of Balamel’s hands in his own, patting it happily with his other hand.

Ruin

// Sen’Reu Bounty Hunter

After a few minutes, Ruin entered through the garish doorways to the bar proper, freezing, like a cat caught on the counter. Fuck this place was spacy. And fancy. Ugh. Rich folk.

He made his way blindly to the bar, sitting a stool from Iphae, between him and Balamel, without looking at either, and ordered whiskey on the rocks, a cigarette tucked behind his ear as his tail twitched irritably. He felt the Vipers gaze on him, and he hated it.

The Viper

// Night Club Owner

The Viper observed Iphae and his.... Charge, come to the bar, waving his fingers at the Immanu, before turning his attention to Ruin briefly. Hmm, interesting. With a wave of his hand, he beckoned toward his Morningstar though, and ensured Iphaes drink had a little extra something to it, as a treat for his status. He did take note of Balamel, though for now, he seems content to simply watch, a few stools from that whole company.

Balamel

// Wanderer

Both of Balamel's ears jerked upward at the shout of his name, but he barely had time to turn before the Immanu had grabbed his free hand. He stood a bit awkwardly to avoid tugging the Immanu off his feet before moving to sit at one of the taller barstools with his tail flicking at his side. His hand was almost awkwardly still in the other's grasp, as if he wasn't quite sure what to do with it, as he set his drink on the bar. "Been a while, hm?" The flash of cyan from Ruin's hair caught his gaze for a brief second, but he said nothing about it.

Iphae

// Bounty Hunter

Iphae noticed a second too late that Seethe had slipped away. He frowned deeply, watching the little white immanu walk over to Balamel. It seemed like they knew each other. Though how Iphae had no idea.

Before he could inject himself into their conversation Ruin came over and stood between them. Iphae narrowed his gaze at the newcomer. He didn’t know who he was but he did recognize him as the human that had been standing outside of the club prior to Iphae’s entrance.

He huffed softly before turning back to the bartender. He’d wait for his drink and then go collect his Immanu. Hopefully, Seethe could avoid getting killed until then.

Seethe

// Scientist

“Been a while? It’s been far too long!” Seethe laughed, giving Balamel’s hand another pat before he freed it from his grasp. He placed his hands on his hips, craning his neck back to look up at the ptheran’s face. “I had no idea you were in town, you should have stopped by my place. We could have had a word or two over dinner.” He snickered at the underlying meaning to those words. His stubby little tail swayed back and forth behind him as he stood there. He was happy and the vibe oozed from him in every possible way.

Ruin

// Sen’Reu Bounty Hunter

Ruin catches Iphae looking towards him, and bares his teeth a little, a deep rumble rising in his throat, like a grumpy tiger.

When his drink arrived, he knocked half of it back instantly, baring his sharp fanged teeth fully and hissing, enjoying the burn. He takes to scowling in The big Leyrs general direction.

Rihele

// Entertainer & Healer

Observing, observing, observing. It seemed that that was all her boss decided to do when he had a bit of a full house. Rihele couldn't exactly complain. It was better to have a watchful eye than a negligent one. Still. For being out in the open, she was surprised he wasn't having one of his more 'showy' moments. How he did love showing off at times. It had to be because he had his Morningstars to impress. Couldn't exactly be a showman when you likely had a deal to go down later in the night.

Today was one of the less physically-demanding nights for Rihele's schedule. Some of the other entertainers had asked to switch shifts, and she had been more than happy to trade off with them. Besides, if people left a mess on the tables that she had to bus, it would be more than likely that those individuals would not be returning anytime soon. Such was how the Viper's Den ran. You make problems for the workers, you make problems for yourself.

Passing by the bar as she weaved her way across the floor, Rihele shot a cordial smile to the Viper himself, giving a bit of a shoulder raise in leu of a wave as she made her way past. Following suit, she allowed herself a chance to visually asses those around him. The larger Leyr had to be none other than Iphae. She'd heard about him and his exploits, but never had encountered him in person. The vibrant-haired human on the other hand, she couldn't exactly place. With the way the two were narrowing eyes at eachother, she could only hope that an intervention wouldn't have to happen. They were doing so good on 'Days Without A Fight Breaking Out On The Floor' counter.

Iphae

// Bounty Hunter

The growl definitely caught Iphae’s attention and the scowl Ruin shot his way basically demanded Iphae to reprimand his blatant disrespect.

Iphae leaned casually against the bar, folding one arm over the other. Both were intimidating but the glint of his metal gauntlet in the light of the bar made it look all the more deadly.

“How are you feeling?” Iphae opened up with, his eyes sweeping over Ruin as he checked him over. “You look alright. Not banged up at all. No bruise on your forehead or drop of blood.” He hummed thoughtfully, tail swishing back and forth behind him. “Strange, clearly you must be suffering from some sort of concussion or severe brain damage if you think you can growl and grovel at me and get off scot-free.”

Iphae’s drink arrived just in time. He lifted it and took a sip, removing his intimidating gaze from Ruin for the time being. “Fix your attitude or I’ll have to adjust it for you.”

Balamel

// Wanderer

Balamel arched a brow when he caught Iphae's remarks, the tufted tips of his ears twitching upward just slightly. Oh, this ought to be fun to watch. He half-listened to Seethe as he sized up the fight about to break out, tail flicking idly at his side even as slightly-longer talons clicked against the metallic support for his seat.

Midas

// Performer

Midas watched the floor with an amused gaze from the mainstage. The performer knew the music by heart and what was happening down there was much more interesting to watch. His eyes flickered from patron to patron, sizing up the brewing conflict. And we just sweeped the floors, too. Shame.

Ruin

// Sen’Reu Bounty Hunter

Ruins scowl twisted into a toothy crooked smile as Iphae addressed him. His tail curled up behind him with pleasure, as he laughed shortly.

"Who the feck made ye king, whelp? Ye gotta problem with my attitude, then get a thicker hide n' get over yerself. Respect is earned, not given, so if ye want mine, earn it" he says with a sneer, his eyes and tail markings glowing brightly, challenging.

The Viper

// Night Club Owner

The Viper watches the brewing conflict with interest, though the viper mask winks at Rihelle as she passes, a holographic tongue flicking out towards her as he shifts a little.

If it were anyone but Iphae, he'd step in, but this time he was keen to watch. No one else would dare interfere in his Morningstar. Though the audacity of this very stupid small man was almost laughable. he'd heard of this one.... Seeing that ones red halo spiking angrilly in the Inner Sanctum. To allow such rabble.... But even kings need entertainment.

Iphae

// Bounty Hunter

Iphae held a finger up to Ruin as the smaller man went off. He tilted his head back and finished off his drink before bringing the glass back down on the bar.

“Alright, this shouldn’t take too long.” Iphae said with a soft sigh as he turned to face Ruin. He ran a hand along his metal arm as he flexed his fingers. As much as he had hoped for a relaxing evening it seemed as though he couldn’t go anywhere without someone stepping forward to challenge him.

Iphae moved quickly, a flash of orange and a glint of metal. The outstretched claws of his gauntlet flew towards Ruin’s neck. Lagging a second behind was his other arm, hand balled up into a fist aimed towards Ruin’s stomach.

Balamel

// Wanderer

Arching a brow as he saw the first blow, Balam pulled his drink off the counter and stood once more, taking a half-step back. His gaze was on the two about to duke it out the entire time, though he did use a wing to nudge Seethe slightly further away from the pair.

"...might want to watch this."

Rihele

// Entertainer & Healer

Well, there went the counter.

Rihele didn't exactly need to stick around to watch a fight, but she did feel at least a little compelled to help scrape the loser's corpse off the floor. Maybe if he lived, she could help stick the poor bastard back up. Regardless, she had work to do. The little holographic tongue flick from her boss [and a little bit more] was amusing, yes, but the tonal shift behind him was jarring.

Excusing herself from the situation for the time being, Rihele made her way across the floor to run the bus tub to where it needed to be. She could poke her head out and watch things unfold in a few minutes. Hopefully nobody would be rent asunder in the time she was gone.

Midas

// Performer

My money's on the big one Midas thought to himself, humming along with what the band was playing. They'd likely all stop if the fight got too rough but for now there was no harm in continuing. He watched Rhiele tuck away from the action, making a mental note to ask if she needed help after his music shift was over.

Seethe

// Scientist

“Oh?” Seethe turned on his heel, looking towards the cause of the commotion. He watched as the fight ensued between Iphae and this random cyan-haired fellow. “Oh!”

He hadn’t anticipated a fight tonight but it seemed Iphae attracted violence whenever he went. Lucky for Iphae, Seethe had brought along some spare vials just in case. He knew his partner well enough to keep a small stash on hand.

“I’ll talk to you after the fight! Gotta be an attentive sidekick.” Seethe saluted Balamel before he scampered off to the side. He needed to stick close to Iphae in case he was called on, though he doubted that would happen in this fight. It was sad but true.

Ruin

// Sen’Reu Bounty Hunter

As soon as he felt Iphae's claws around his throat, Ruins Feline paws came up to meet the fist imbedding itself in his stomach. Breathless, he winced and gasped, kicking up with his clawed feet, attempting to snarl as his hands gripped at the Leyr's metal arm. Well, unexpected.

He tried futilely to claw at the metal arm. while kicking at the other, hoping to at least prevent a second punch to the gut and perhaps rend some flesh if he managed to hook his claws into his foe.

"F...fuck y......ou" He wheezed out, barely audible really, hatred burning in his eyes.

Iphae

// Bounty Hunter

Once he had a secure grip on Ruin’s neck he did proceed to lift the man off the ground. Not before getting another punch in. He didn’t care if Ruin blocked it, he just wanted to do it again.

Ruin’s feet were soon dangling several feet off the ground as Iphae held him just above his eye line. “Fuck me?” He repeated Ruin’s wheezed words, a sadistic smile tugging at his lips. “Nah, fuck you.”

With that he brought Ruin down on the bar, face first. The force alone caused several glasses to go flying, shattering against the concrete floor. Iphae lifted Ruin only to bring him back down against the surface again, and again and again.

Seethe

// Scientist

“Give him a left! And a right!” Seethe pumped his fists in the air as he encouraged Iphae from the side lines, hopping from one foot to the other. “And a- or that.” He paused his motions as he watched Iphae smack Ruin against the counter. “That works. That works too.”

Iphae

// Bounty Hunter

When Iphae had his fill of beating Ruin senseless against the bar he took a step back, taking Ruin with him. His talons clicked against the stone beneath his feet with every step, mirroring the blood dripping from Ruin’s face.

“Next time,” He spoke, turning and lifting Ruin up so that they could see eye to eye. “Try and start shit with someone a bit closer to your level, you blue-haired fuck.”

With that said he took Ruin and threw him at the bar. The poor guy went flying into the fancy shelves of alcohol. No doubt shattering a good portion of those on display. Oh well. Vesper could afford to buy more.

Balamel

// Wanderer

He winced, lip curling slightly round his teeth. That had to hurt. Taking a few more steps away from the beatdown, Balamel found himself nearer to Seethe's excited cheering. The sight of him jumping around got the ghost of a smile from him before he turned his attention back to the cascade of broken glass and alcohol, blinking. That looked...rough. And very expensive. He glanced over Ruin, silently gauging exactly what kind of condition that'd left him in, and continued watching the two over the rim of his glass.

Okay, this drink wasn't the greatest thing he could've ordered, but it'd do.

Midas

// Performer

The band screeched to a halt at the sound of shattering glass, many members wincing at the beatdown at the bar. Midas let out an airy sigh, looking between the glass and alcohol spread out on the floor and the Viper. He'd most likely have to clean as one of the newest hires, but he didn't dare leave the stage until instructed.

First order would either be start playing again, or toss the poor guy outside. Maybe if the man was lucky Rhiele or one of the other workers would patch him up.

Ruin

// Sen’Reu Bounty Hunter

oh, everything hurt.... Ruins heart pounded in his chest, his blood roared in his ears. His nose was definately shattered, and he couldn't see out of one eye, swollen shut. Glass was littered around him as he dizzily opened his eyes, his tail stirring as he gathered what bearings he could.

It took him a good five minutes of crunching glass, and slipping on alcohol, and slowly, shakingly, picking himself up off the floor to lean on the bar.

He fixed Iphae with one, hateful eye, spitting... Well, spewing, in his direction. A wide spray of his own blood, with only a hope that some might Actually Hit his target.

"......f......... fucking......enti.... Entitled.... child" he staggers out, half slumping onto the bar counter, as he coughs wretchedly.

Author's Notes

TO BE CONTINUED