[M] Chained to the Dead of Night [Chaotic Cam & ZeeBat]

[Chaotic Cam]

Ammon was hidden in the back, eyeing the spectacle before him with equal hints of disgust and fascination. He'd heard of these 'auctions' many times before, but never before had he attended one. However, he'd finally been convinced to go (more like dragged) by the colleague he had come to New York City to see in the first place. You see, he was a very busy man - if you could call Ammon a man at all - and he had just finished his work in the Underground here. Apparently Romeo decided it was time to finally take a break. So, when in Rome.

The humans came out in drivels, led forth by their temporary masters, looking to sell each and every one of them to the highest bidder. And oh did the humans dance and wow, selling themselves so the auctioneers barely had to do a thing. No likely under threat from their vampire sellers to either preform or die. They showed their skills, they showed their bodies, they danced and sung for their supper. Oh look at me! I'm so beautiful, I'd look lovely in your bed! Oh, no, look at me! I'm great for laborious work! Bite me anytime, you big, strong man! Ammon rolled his eyes at the lot of them. Their prices were inflated, he could just as well hire a fucking repairman or whore.

"Why did I ever agree to come here," Ammon sighed, massaging his temples as the next slave came out. "I swear, I'm leaving after this one."

[ZeeBat]

Stepping out timidly as he was led onto the platform a young man looked around with wary eyes before lowering them as he walked forward. He had short glossy black hair than shined under the glaring lights that bathed his lithe body. Under the gaze of the predators than passed as the audience he felt rather exposed in what little he had been allowed to clothe himself with.

The sheer fabric of the coat he wore concealed little and only the white shorts actually did anything that might be considered preserving his modesty. A steel collar sat tightly against his pale neck, though he could not remember it ever not being there.

His memories were gone. He knew nothing of himself or about anything except for his name and what seemed to be the muscle memory of how to live. His amnesia was not the kind found after an accident but what it was from he didn't know. Those that had called themselves his 'masters', those things called vampires were rather amused with his condition once it was found that he wasn't reduced to a state of complet uselessness.

At least he had his name as his own.

Reflet.

What it meant he didn't know but it was his. No matter what had happened to him, no matter how his body shivered when one of the vampires stepped too close. No matter what he was or what this situation was he had at least his name to his own.

Looking around at the other humans on the stage Reflet held his right arm nervously as he fidgeted. One of those people watching might buy him. The thought terrified him. He didn't know anything about the world beyond his captivity by these flesh merchants. Would they be worse? Better? Would he even be able to tell?

Quietly taking a deep breath to steady himself Reflet began to move as he closed his eyes. Like this he was able to focus on only his own body as he began his own dance. It was a sinious movement, not meant to entice but to draw the eye nonetheless, one of flowing containtained movements that highlighted the form over all. One he felt was missing something, like how empty his hands felt.

Still he just had to finish this and maybe he would be left alone.

[Chaotic Cam]

Ammon felt bored, resting his head on the back of his seat as he waited for whatever was going on to end. "Ammon, look," Romeo muttered next to him. Romeo's voice was breathless, so, intrigued, Ammon looked. He watched as the boy danced, his lithe limbs graceful as he moved like water and wind. He painted with his feet, he made love to the sky with his eyes. He did it all effortlessly - and while beautiful, it wasn't just this that attracted Ammon to the boy - it was the fact that he wasn't boastful, or assured of himself like any skilled dancer would be. Most artists always took some sort of pride in their abilities, even if they claimed to be humble. Yet, somehow, it felt like the boy was doing this for the first time, for he seemed so unsure of himself and yet that should have been impossible.

"You said there was a brochure for this auction?" Ammon asked Romeo, his boredom now washed away. Romeo looked surprised for once, but nodded and handed the fancy paper to the other vampire. Ammon almost scoffed at the ridiculous extravagance that went into the brochure alone, but instead ran his eyes down until he found what he was looking for, matching the head shot to the information about the boy. Of course there was the blood type, body type, age, and skills. He wasn't interested in any of that, however. "Reflet," he hummed.

"Are you seriously thinking of doing what I think you're thinking of doing?" Romeo muttered as the auction finally ended, and several people left while others went to talk to the sellers. "I sort of brought you here as arm candy," Romeo half-joked. "I didn't expect you to buy."

"Oh please, Romeo, if anyone's going to be on an arm, it's you on mine," Ammon said distractedly, brochure still in hand as he headed towards the back, where the sellers, slaves, and potential buyers had convened. There was a lot of shop talk going on, and someone was arguing with a man in another corner about price. Meanwhile, Ammon's eyes scanned for the man currently occupying his mind.

"I swear boy, if you don't get sold this time around, I'll just drink you myself! This is the third auction! The third!" Ammon heard one of the sellers hissing.

"Now now, no need for that," Ammon said with a smile, suddenly appearing right by the two in a blink of the eye.

"Oh! Mr. Ammon, Sir, I didn't realize you were here! I was just -"

"Oh, I know what you were just doing. Please, go on. No? Alright then," Ammon quickly turned on his feet, and was now facing the boy, and the blunt of the sellers anger only a few minutes ago. "Hello, boy. My name is Ammon. I quite enjoyed your dance. Where did you learn it?" The seller glared at Reflet behind Ammon's back.

[ZeeBat]

Hugging his arms as he stood in front of the man that owned him Reflet listened to the angry refrain with empty grey eyes. There was a bright spark of fear within him but aside from instinct he was unsure if he cared overmuch about his fate. After all he had no control over this, he knew how the creature before him saw his worth.

It was true that compared to many others he had seen sold Reflet was beautiful, even for a male. But he was also meeker than most, and many passed over his quieter nature in favor of the more eye-catching displays the others did. His dance today was something he rarely did, it felt far too intimate to him to show before the beasts that eyed him like nothing more than some sort of animal or bug.

The dances his body naturally flowed through were one of the only clues he had about who he might have been before whatever happened to him robbed him of his memory. They were his. Only the threat of pain had moved Reflet to dance tonight, for even if they had made sure that his skin was unmarked and untouched the vampires were experienced at what they did. Something about them frightened him and that dread kept him docile.

When the other vampire interuoted Reflet tightebed his grip on himself as his body flinched in fear at the sudden apearance. This new man was handsome he could see, and seemed to be well off. But then that was a given for such was this place. Though the deference the man was given was new.

Dropping his eyes to the floor submissively when he was adressed Reflet bowed his head, trying to hide himself beneath his short fringe. What could he say here but the truth? These creatures tended to know when the other humans lied and punished them harshly. He didn't even know why the man was interested in him but Reflet didn't want to be bought.

Still what could he do but answer?

"I don't know, sir. I can't remember anything..." He answered after taking a shaky breath.

[Chaotic Cam]

Ammon's eyebrows shot up at that, his interest only heightened. "An amnesiac?" he breathed, looking towards the seller. "That wasn't in the brochure."

"I I'm sorry, Mr. Ammon, it must have been an oversight," the seller, Horace, replied. He attempted a charming smile. Ammon replied with a sickly sweet one of his own, enjoy the way the vampire twitched. Honestly, he didn't care about the 'oversight'. He just decided he hated this piece of filth. In fact, just for the hell of it, Ammon decided he'd kill him later. Maybe his new pet would like that. Yes, a sort of present if you will.

"I'll buy him," Ammon said crisply, as Horace's eyes widened in surprise. "I'll send for my lawyer to draw the paperwork and address payment. Afterwards, I expect him to be cleaned up and be brought to me no later then 8 pm. I'm staying in the Chatwal Hotel, Suite 307. And please, I know some of our kind can be dim, but have the common sense to realize that humans reside there, and as such, dress and act appropriately."

Ammon then turned back to the boy, his eyes glittering. Ammon could tell there was an unease there, but then again, what else was there to expect? He was a human, and now there was a vampire buying him. The boy didn't know him, didn't know what kind of a creature Ammon was. Ammon would like to say he'd assure him, but he wasn't a saint. The boy intrigued him, yes, but he was still a soulless bastard, according to many. If this little... test run, so to say, didn't go well - well, he'd have a snack for a rainy day. His eyes took one last glance at the boy, then he left.

Not a half an hour later a beautiful redhead entered the room. She was as tall as she was skinny (and she was really tall) with ivory skin and lips and nails to match her red, red hair. She wore a professional black suit and carried a binder in her arms. "Mr. Horace, I am Lady Claire, you may address me as Lady. I am Mr. Ammon's Lawyer, Assistant, and anything else he needs me to be. I assume you know what I am here for?" she asked in a no-nonsense voice.

"Of course, of course, here are the papers," he explained, showing them to her.

"And this is the boy?" she asked, looking over at Reflet critically. Scanning the man with her eyes, she couldn't deny the man had a certain... charm about him. But he wasn't something you'd pick out of a model magazine, either. Definitely not her type, but for her boss she assumed he was acceptable. "He hasn't been cleaned up yet, has he?" she asked, pursing her lips. If he had then she wouldn't be recommending this particular auction to anyone ever again.

"Ah, no, no my Lady. We will be doing that as soon as you leave. And we will have him to Mr. Ammon much earlier than 8 pm! We are very prompt!" Lips still pursed, Lady Claire scrutinized him with her eyes, staring him down as she finished signing the paper without looking and handing him the briefcase full of cash. She then turned around and strode out, heels clacking against the marble floor.

As soon as she was out of sight Horace's smile slid of his slimy face. "You! Slave!" he snapped. "I told her we were punctual! Get into the cleaners, now!" he yelled, grabbing the boy roughly by the arm and dragging him across the space. He then opened a plain black door with a silver plaque that read 'Cleaners' before throwing him into it. "High paying client! One hour and he's done! Afterwards, take him here," Horace instructed the person inside, giving him a card with the information on it. He then closed the door.

[ZeeBat]

Catching himself before he ended on his knees from the rough shove Reflet looked up blearily at the attendant, not really seeing them as he was roughly dragged again. Dazed at what had just happened the male just let himself be dragged through the motions of whatever was happening as he tried to process the latest change in his life.

Some vampire had actually bought him!

A fairly important or powerful one given the state of the merchant after meeting that man and his strange...assistant? Reflet didn't know if that woman was a vampire as well but the way she spoke and moved showed power. It was a skill he had learned quickly, to identify those that might be too dangerous to offend or even be noticed by.

Though he had no choice now did he? Not since...

Gritting his teeth to stop a gasp from escaping him when cold water poured down on him Reflet was broken from his thoughts as he eyed the almost military washroom stall he was in. The attendants were roughly scrubbing him, washing his hair and doing who knows what else. It smelled faintly of pleasant flowers but it all just made his skin itch in distaste, and not just because they were spraying something on him.

Closing his eyes for a second the man returned to his thoughts, it was easier to ignore the alien environment and let his body just follow their commands automatically than anything else. Still, he kept thinking about how now some vampire had bought him and he didn't know anything about what this new 'master' might be like.

He knew the stories. Practically all the humans that had been kept as merchandise for vampires did. They all heard what some of the bloodsuckers wanted for their pets. Sometimes it was fairly simple, just normal housework or someone that could do bothersome tasks. Other stories...

So consumed by his thoughts Reflet only snapped out of it when he was told to dress after everything was taken care of. Looking into a nearby mirror he almost jumped out of his skin in shock at the stranger standing in his place. It wasn't thatdifferent but he just looked alien to himself. His deep black hair now had a glossy sheen and his eyebrows had been sculpted along with the rest of him.

Privately he felt he looked like some sort of drawing or doll than himself.

Strangely the clothes he was given covered far more than he thought they would. They were simple but fine enough not to cause offense and covered the collar he had securely. The oddities continued when he was led out of the room by the attendant to a door out the back where a nondescript car was waiting. A car he had to be forcefully shoved into because Reflet had been looking around with wide eyes.

He had never seen the outside like this before. Now he felt torn between the continuously building fear in his gut and the wonder at the strange sights before him. He was ordered to keep silent as the drive continued, though he was almost glued to the window, taking in the alien sights of all the people and cars around. So many people...

Were they humans? Vampires? He couldn't tell...

Shortly after they arrived to a new place Reflet was firmly grasped by the attendant after a chilling warning not to make a scene or else. Led through the lobby and up the human could feel himself shiver lightly in fright as he waited at a door.

[Chaotic Cam]

"Leave us," a deep voice echoed from within, before the door opened as if it had a will of it's own. Reflet was pushed inside, and that was that. There was a blur of motion, as if the colors in the room were blending together in a straight line, and then Ammon was in front of him. His expression was sparkling with curiosity as he stared down Reflet, a slight open smirk rested on his lips, parting them just barely enough to reveal the tips of his fangs. He then began to circle him slowly, drinking him in as his nostrils flared, his eyes hooded as if already drunk on blood. He moved sensually, slowly, and yet he was also a predator, something to be feared as he left no room to escape.

They were close now, and yet Ammon still hadn't touched him. He wanted to, he wanted to get as close as he could. His face was inches away from Reflet's neck as he breathed him in, enjoying the way the humans heartbeat changed as his fangs were only inches away from an artery. He enjoyed the way the humans skin raised as he turned to face him, as his golden eyes bore deep into his. Their lips were so close Ammon could feel the humans breath on him, and for a moment Ammon was tempted to kiss him. But he didn't.

Ammon felt as if his skin was crackling with electricity, he could feel some sort attraction to the man, but of what kind he didn't know. Sexually, oh yes, there was no denying that he wanted him. His blood also smelled like cherries and desire, something he'd enjoy most greatly and bathe in if he could. But he wouldn't. Because for some reason, he felt thrilled at the thought of just being near the boy more than taking any of it.

He suddenly cracked a grin. "Hello," he whispered, breaking the trance. He then moved over to a beautiful lounge chair and sat. In fact, everything in the room was beautiful and luxurious. It was clear that Ammon like lovely things. He then picked up two tumblers and filled them with whiskey. One he kept for himself, the other he held out to Reflet. "Drink," he ordered.

He leaned back in his chair, swirling the liquid in his glass as he mused to himself. He really still had no idea why he bought the human. What would he even do with him? He already had assistants to do his bidding, and he really was actually quite busy with his work. He sighed, looking at his watch. He had a few hours to kill still. "Well. I'm Ammon, I believe we've been over that. You, however, will only call me Master," Ammon declared, suddenly feeling rather awkward. Look, it's not like he'd ever done this before. He tapped his knee.

"Tell me, what is the first thing you remember? You intrigue me, boy. They say you're an amnesiac? How the hell is it that you wound up in your situation? Not just anyone ends up finding the Vampiric Underground, let alone ending up with smugglers instead of ending up as someone's snack right away."

[ZeeBat]

It all happened so fast it was as if he had suddenly been plunged into a nightmare. Freezing with fear running through his veins like ice Reflet looked at the man that owned him now while not daring to move. The look in the man's eyes was not that of a human, nor of anything that he could understand. But his insticts screamed of a danger, a fear he could not escape. So he froze like some helpless rabbit.

For that was what he was before this man wasn't he?

Trying not to close his eyes when the vampire leaned close to his neck the man couldn't help but breathe shallowly as the dread and terror in his gut rose again. It was almost a relief when the vampire moved away, even if he was unsure as to why. Though it might just be a prelude to something worse...

When the vampire spoke Reflet flinched even as he continued to look nervously. Taking the offered glass he inwardly recoiled at the strong smelling liquid. He didn't want to drink it, he didn't even really know what it was but given what he had been ordered the human forced himself to swallow it.

Reflet really didn't like it. He didn't like the taste nor the strange feeling in his head after it.

Still trying to swallow past the bitter aftertase in his mouth Reflet lowered his eyes down to the glass in his hands at the vampire's question. He didn't want to answer. He didn't want to revisit what passed for his first memories. But...however congenial this vampire was being now it didn't change the fact that this Ammon was a merciless predator like all the rest and resisting wouldn't net him anything good.

"I...don't remember how I ended up there at the stables with everyone else M-master." He began, licking his lips nervously. "My first memory is being in a room with blood on my body as a vampire stood over me with a grin. I was chained then already, and I remember pain. So much pain..."

"My skin was on fire it felt like. My throat so raw I couldn't even whimper any longer..." Eyes tightening at the memory Reflet forced himself to push on. "I remember the sensation of claws at my neck, on my waist, on my wrists..."

"I-I...t-they..." Feeling like his throat was closing up the you man tried to steady himself and push the ghostly sensations back down. This creature in front of him was dangerous and he couldn't afford to rouse it's predatory instincts. He felt like a sheep before the wolf.

[Chaotic Cam]

Ammon watched as the child took the glass, looking on in amusement as he sipped the whiskey, clearly not enjoying it. He pursed his lips however as the child said he didn't know how he ended up there in the first place. Ammon felt a flash of anger, followed by disappointment. He liked puzzles, and Reflet was just another puzzle to him. Not having all the pieces was incensing. He listened to the boy moan on and on about the things that happened to him after he woke up, well aware of how smugglers treated their newfound luggage. He nodded, trying to present a sympathetic face.

"Yes, I understand quite well, child. Many of my kind are quite cruel. They revel in torture, they enjoy the pain. Vampires are known for drinking blood, but we can withhold the thirst. Many just like seeing it spill. Seeing it drip, drop by drop," he said, popping the pronunciation of the p's. "They laugh at screams, revel at tears, clap at the smell of flesh burning. Torture is an art, pain and suffering is entertainment."

Ammon then stood up and walked towards Reflet, taking the glass from his hands and putting them both on the floor, he then guided him to a couch, sitting them down. "But, rest assured, you're in safe hands now," he explained. "Any normal human is never safe. They can be grabbed at any moment and be sucked dry, or tortured for amusement - but not you. You have a master now," Ammon said reassuringly, speaking to Reflet as he would an actual child, as he petted his hair, his fingers stroking through the soft locks. "No one can touch you but me. You're safe here, do you understand? Much safer than out there. Just be good to me, and I'll be good to you." Ammon smiled, his dark mind already gleefully thinking up ways to... play, with his new pet. "Do you understand?"

[ZeeBat]

Keeping his eyes down even as he let the vampire guide him down to the couch Reflet could feel his body tense in fear at how close the other man was. He knew now that his lack of memory was likely of interest to the other, but what could he say? He truly had no memory of anything before that. Just faint impressions and skills that he had never remembered learning. Whoever he had been was a stranger to him, and he knew to not expect any sympathy from anyone.

Flinching at the vampire's words he couldn't help but wonder if this Ammon was any different from the rest of his kind, he didn't think so. But perhaps he could hold onto some measure of hope that at least this one woudln't be as cruel? It was strange as it was to be treated this gently. To be talked to instead of talked at. But the gaze in the other's eyes was far from comforting. They were cold as a reptile's eyes when looking at a piece of meat and debating wether or not to bite.

Even so...

Even so...

Reflet coudln't help himself from finding comfort on the gentle pets of his hair. Being touched without pain or discomfort was not something he had experienced before so this almost soothing touch was something he wanted to enjoy, even if it was just some illusion.

"I...understand Master." Reflet said quietly, still looking down. "But...are other humans really not anyone's? All those people that were outside were human...?"

The idea was something that he had never considered. All humans he had known were some vampire's property and all vampires made sure that they knew that they were only just that. Slaves or pets at best, mere property like food or furniture at worst. It was one of the reasons why Reflet had always been terrified of anyone ever bying him.