Prompt 3 - Shakedown, Takedown - our_magic_place

[her_own_sword]

No matter how the race is run it always ends the same.
Another room without a view awaits downtown.
You can shake me for a while,
live it up in style.
No matter what you do I'm gonna take you down.The Longchamp Racecourse in Paris is home to some of the most famous races in Europe. The Prix La Force, run in the Spring of each year, is not one of

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[civ_barbarian]

When Cody had lost the bodyguard as she hunted down Marilyn, he reported it in immediately. Lars and a couple of the other men headed straight away to her last known point while Andy gave the news to Hsu. He excused himself from the de Rocheforts and the trainer they had been talking to and followed Andy. T

The search was already ongoing when they got there, the men going through each stable one by one, and Hsu moved ahead of them. It was then he felt a buzz...no, two buzzes. Signalling Andy and Lars only to follow him, he followed the feeling, hand rested on the sword hidden beneath his coat. As they got closer they could hear the clash of swords. Then he saw the two women fighting, recognizing the other instantly, his eyes growing immediately cold. If there was one type of person he hated above all others, it was a traitor, and that bitch was the worst of all. Andy also recognized Marilyn, aiming his gun straight at her, but Hsu motioned for him to lower it. This was Cody's battle.

Of course, if at any time it looked like Cody was in serious trouble, well the rule about non-interference had never meant a whole lot to him anyway. But it was her fight. She was fighting with Sorsha's blade, and such revenge would be very sweet indeed.

Then it was done. The bitch beheaded, and he could feel the energy of the Quickening build up around Cody. He signalled Andy and Lars back, but he stood there, on the periphery of the storm, watching the beautiful and splendid sight as Marilyn's lifeforce raged and then entered her vanquisher. And when it finally subsided, he stepped forward into plain view, waiting for her to recover.

(OOC: Gah!! Sorry, I totally forgot about this!)

[her_own_sword]

She was wringing wet with sweat, her hair and sweater clinging to her. The Quickening had finally forced her to her knees in the deserted barn, and as it ended, she was there, trying to breath and regain her bearings. That was when she became aware of Hsu's quickening, and she struggled to her feet, then turned to face him.

Had he known, all that time ago, in Dubai, that she could be this woman? This fighter? With the five years that he had been gone, she had wondered if he still felt as invested in her. But now, flush with victory that was sweet for them both, she didn't worry about all those things. All she felt was pride. The bloody sword was still in her hand as she stood there looking at him.

Cody walked over, her boots echoing on the floor, to where Marilyn's body laid. She knelt and wiped her sword off on the dead woman's back, a rudimentary cleaning till she could get home and polish the blade properly. Cody sheathed the blade back in her coat, and walked back over to where Hsu stood, right in front of him. "You might want to get a room for us, instead of us staying at the Chateau. Unless you want the de Rocheforts to hear me making you scream."

The grin she gave him was woman, not child, but still cocky and filled with lust, pride, arrogance and triumph. She knew she did well, the little brat, and was hopeful for a bit of reward for it. After all, this was no ordinary challenge. She was like a kitten who killed their first real rat, waiting for the petting and preening that was her due. This was what she had been training for.

[civ_barbarian]

Hsu didn't move as she came towards him. Only the corners of his mouth curled ever so slightly into what passed for a smile. It never reached his eyes, but there was undeniable satisfaction and pride along with his own arrogance. This was what he had seen in her that day in his Dubai office. Yes, there was also the fact that the Guild wanted her, but that was not why he had become her mentor.

That smile of sorts remained as she stood right before him. "Assuming you could get me to scream, I'm sure it won't be anything Sebastien and Frances haven't heard before. But if you insist." He ran a hand across her chin knowing that post-quickening her skin, her senses would be so alive, and he knew where that energy was channeling. He kissed her deeply and hard. With this as a 'taster' on the drive back to, well, wherever, she wouldn't be able to keep her hands off of him

[her_own_sword]

"Oh, I can make you scream." Cody was basking in the glow of the look he was giving her. To the casual observer, it wasn't much, but she knew him, knew his expressions and it was better than anything, to see that look in his eyes. The touch of his hand, and that deep kiss, had her primed and ready for something much more physical.

She looked over Hsu's shoulder, when they broke the kiss, to grin at Lars and Andy. This was their victory, too. Marilyn Toscado had her dirty little fingers in a lot of the messes they had all dealt with, and her death was an enormous blow to the Guild. It was Marlyn who had led them to many of the pre-Immortal children. She had helped set up the attack on Cody, and betrayed Sorsha. This victory was not just the vanquishing of a hated enemy, but a real triumph in how well Frances, Hsu and the men had trained her as a weapon.

They had come to the track in limos, with the men in SUV's. Cody Jean's eyes sparkled at the thought of the limo ride back to a hotel. Leaning up close to Hsu's ear, so only he could hear, she whispered, "I can't wait to have your cock in my mouth" and then she back up, looking oh-so-very-innocently at him.

[civ_barbarian]

Behind Hsu, the two lieutenants smiled back at her, Andy winking. It was a job very well done, and very needed. He would also make sure that word got back to the Guild of who was responsible. It would let them know just what an enemy they had made of her. They peeled away, leaving Hsu and Cody to the own business and called in some men for the cleaning crew.

"You're greedy," he growled, but it was not condemnation by far. The Quickening still seemed to sizzle around her, and he could almost taste the power in it. A powerful aphrodisiac for himself as well as her own heightened arousal. Besides, she was so alive and beautiful like this and her more mature sexuality seductive on its own.

He guided her to the limo, not much being said until they climbed in when he looked at her with a smirk. "I remember when you couldn't even say cock without blushing." He pulled her between his legs as he sat down. The smoked glass separating them from the driver was down, but Hsu didn't seem to care. "So where are we going?"

[her_own_sword]

Cody Jean just laughed when he said that. "I guess I am. But I think I deserve it, since I'm not usually a greedy girl." She was flying high, even without any drugs, though she was craving coke and champagne for this one. This was a celebration of more than a win in a challenge. This was a brilliant flash of victory, when they had suffered such painful losses recently. "Did you see? The rope. Andy taught me that. Take out their feet, and the rest is cake. I did it! I beat her, fair and square. Do you think Sorsha would be pleased?" She was nearly bouncing as she walked, sighing at the nice breeze that cooled her skin.

In the limo, she purred on his lap, even as she pulled out her cellphone. To the driver, she spoke firmly, "Hotel le Meurice.". The driver nodded and closed the glass with a discreet grin, as she dialed. In very, very good French, which she had been studying, she called and secured the Belle Etoile Suite, which was the finest suite in the entire city. Cody had seen it once, while in Paris with Frances, and she thought it was the most beautiful hotel suite in the world. The terrace, the bath, the view...it was spectacular, and she had dreamed of having the chance to take Hsu there, to luxuriate and even seduce him under the stars, in view of the Eiffel Tower. Why, yes, she had been having erotic fantasies about it for some time, indeed. She crisply, professionally, ordered for fine Scotch and a very good champagne to be ready for them when they arrived, along with strawberries, and some nibbles, because she was starving. She snapped the phone shut and dropped to her knees, not smiling at him, but just running her hand up his thigh to glide over his cock under his trousers.

"Someday, I want to be with you when you have a Quickening. Better yet, when we both do, together. I love this, love winning with you there." Her fingers reached for his buckle, and she deftly, confidently, slid open the zipper of his trousers. "I remember when you had to make me say the word sex. You taught me everything that matters, Hsu."

Cody knew that behind the scenes, wheels would go into motion and they would get to the hotel with Hsu's people taking care of what they needed to. Right now, she had something on her mind that was more her job. Flipping her hair to one side, she freed his cock from his pants and silk boxers, and took him deep into her warm, wet mouth, and moaned softly at the wonderful taste of him in her mouth. She planned on a very, very long celebration.

[civ_barbarian]

Hsu nodded. He had seen the rope, and she had done it well. Her training had paid off well, the mix of classic swordsmanship and more unconventional methods would really catch opponents off guard, which was good as she would never have the build for a fair fight. "Sorsha would have been thrilled. Her spirit was likely watching, shouting on her revenge."

In the car, Hsu nodded his approval of her hotel choice. He was very familiar with it. And she had clearly thought about taking him there before today, which made him smirk, as she ordered the drinks and the nibbles. They would all be ready when they arrived, with no need to be interrupted by anyone.

He shifted as her hand rubbed over him, settling back into the leather seat as she undid his pants. His hand coiled into her hair, loving the contrast of her blonde locks against his tanned skin. Yes, a Quickening was a powerful aphrodisiac, not only for the one who received it, but the vibes still coming off her were thrilling...enticing. "I'll be sure to schedule one when you're available. And a double Quickening? I hear that those are extremely powerful..." There was a warning there, but underlying that was the distinct impression that the lure of such a thing was highly appealing.

"And you remember that I have." He relaxed as she took him, giving her one of his purring growls as he watched her head move up and down as she sucked on him, taking him deeply.

[her_own_sword]

Cody felt a thrill of pride, when he talked about Sorsha. The fight was all the more important because of who she took out. A traitor. A betrayer of her own kind. It was much more than a challenge. It was a battle in a war.

And, of course, to the victor goes the spoils. Cody Jean could only imagine what Hsu was like after a Quickening. Just thinking about it made her shiver, as his hand played with her hair and she sucked him down. He tasted so good, she moaned at the pleasure of his length sliding down her throat, and then came up off to lick and tease him. A double Quickening? The very thought made her moan again. They would be brutal, almost violent, which was erotic in itself.

As they drove, she concentrated on him, not just in pleasuring him, but the pleasure it gave to her. Cody loved this, couldn't get enough of it.

[civ_barbarian]

With one hand in her hair, Hsu rested his head back against the seat, just savouring the pleasure of her throat around him and growling when she teased. He knew, even after his absence that he was still the central figure in her life. She'd had lovers, maybe even loved one, and she would have more, but nothing would be greater than him. That gave him immense satisfaction. Nothing to do with love and everything to do with loyalty, pride, and power. And not just his own.

Caught up in those thoughts, he began thrusting. Holding her head now, he pushed himself deep. In this state especially, she wouldn't mind it so rough. It didn't take him long like this, and soon enough he groaned as his release crashed through him.

[her_own_sword]

She was so much more, now, than she was before. Cody had grown, in a myriad of ways, while he was gone, but always with him in the back of her mind. Right now, she was sure that they would never have any disagreements or distance between them, because they were so on the same page.

When he began to thrust, she chuckled low in her throat, and took it, loved it, loved the challenge. Rough was good, at times like this. His release tas savored, as she sucked harder and swallowed greedily. God, she loved pleasuring him this way. Some people might think it was submissive, but she didn't think so. It was power, complete power, and trust, which was one of the cornerstones of their relationship.

After she had licked him clean, she zipped him back up and climbed back up in his lap, they were pulling up to the hotel, and she kissed him fiercely as they parked. In short order, and with a great deal of service, they were up in the suite. Cody took off her coat and ran out onto the terrace, arms out wide. "I'm the Queen of the whole WORLD!" She spun around, high from the power of a battle well fought and the fact that he was there to see it. She felt achievement and pride, and for a girl who spent all of her childhood beaten down by abject poverty and ignorance, this was heady stuff.

The Eiffel Tower was there, in their view, and the room service waiter popped open the Cristal, then discreetly withdrew, leaving them with the food and drinks. She grabbed a tiny chicken salad finger sandwich and nibbled it as she spun and danced more. She hadn't felt this happy in a long time, and he was there...really there...to share this triumph with her.

[civ_barbarian]

Most times a good orgasm would sate ones appetite, and sometimes a great orgasm only fueled the fire for more, and once she was back in his lap, his kiss was fiercely given. He knew how wound up Cody was feeling, and the thought of her releasing that to him, like before...well, her first time, was highly arousing in itself.

Up in the suite, he was far more reserved that she was, but after taking off his coat, he followed her to the terrace and merely raised an eyebrow in answer to her triumphant yell. But beneath that doubtful look, there was pride in her for coming into her own and winning a battle against a true enemy, and pride in himself for bringing her to this point.

He came up behind her, pressing her back against him as they both looked out over to the Eiffel Tower. "Several years ago, there was a huge Quickening from the top. It knocked out power to much of the city. Imagine the power that must have been in that." He kissed Cody's neck, growling softly. "Just like what's buzzing around in you now."

[her_own_sword]

"Really?" Pressed back against his hard body, she stared up at the lights of the famous landmark. "Who? I mean, do you know who the Immortal was?" She couldn't imagine fighting up there. It had to be so scary, but still thrilling. Losing would suck, but winning would be amazing.

Turning around to face him, she beamed, as the light breeze blew her hair. "I bet you've seen some awesome battles. You've probably taken the heads of some really strong Immortals, huh? What's the best fight you ever had?"

Cody moved over to the bar, and poured a glass of the champagne and a generous portion of Scotch in a glass for him. She came back to hand him his, and hold hers up for a toast. "Here's to winning and power. To us, and all the things we will build, all the things we will take and all that we will destroy of our enemies." With a big smile, she clinked her crystal flute against his glass, and sipped.

[civ_barbarian]

Hsu nodded at her question, kissing her neck just below her ear again. "Duncan MacLeod, and he took the head of a very good client of mine by the name of Kalas. Kalas was a Game player and his luck ran out, and MacLeod, well, he likes to think of himself as Immortal's moral compass, and if you don't match up to his standards."

Her questions surprised him. There had been so many battles, so many fights against both mortals and immortals that it wasn't something that he really thought about often. A fight was a fight. Looking down at her, he was silent for a couple of moments, thinking. "The first time I took a head, that burst of raw power. I didn't even know what a Quickening was, and I so nearly became addicted to it. Then there was Bleda, but the satisfaction there came from just killing him, not his Quickening. The best fight, though, would have been against Caspian, and it was a good thing we were just sparring, else he would have had my head."

By now, he had followed her back inside, and once he had his glass in his hand, he raised it to her toast, watching as crystal clinked clearly against crystal. "Every last one of them," he added before taking his own sip. His face was close to hers, but he made no move to kiss her.

[her_own_sword]

Cody Jean snorted, lightly. "I don't need a moral compass. I have you, and I have my own brain. I doubt this MacLeod guy and I would get along." She chuckled and shivered at the feeling of his lips on her neck. Damn him...he hadn't forgotten all the things she liked.

She listened to him, as he spoke. Hsu was a man of few words, so for him to be this open and tell stories, it was a real treat. She didn't only listen to the words, filing away the name of Caspian for the future. Cody Jean also watched his face, as he remembered times past. She wondered if she would ever have so many stories that it was hard to pick one. "This Caspian? Is he your friend? A good Immortal?"

"Every...last...one." She drained her glass, her own voice mirroring the certainty in his. How could they possibly lose? Maybe she was feeling cocky, and maybe she was turned on by his nearness. But it occurred to her that while she had sparred with Sebastien, Frances and others, while he had been gone. But in all their time together, they had never crossed swords. Cody couldn't think of a more interesting foreplay, especially as wound up as she was. The terrace was completely private, with no one able to see onto it, so she smirked and set down her empty glass. The charge, electric and alive, made her a little reckless, even though she knew she was safe with him.

Cody walked over and pulled her sword from her coat, and lifted an eyebrow daringly. "So, old man, feeling lucky?"

[civ_barbarian]

There was satisfaction in his eyes at hearing what she said about MacLeod. "You would dazzle him and bend him round your finger. Not only is he a judgemental prig, but he's your typical White Knight when it comes to women."

The corner of Hsu's lip curled into something vaguely resembling a small smile at the thought of Caspian being a good Immortal. "A friend, yes. An old one, but I'm almost certain that he would find being thought of as good highly amusing." He wasn't going to get into explaining about the Horsemen, not right now. "He's a psychopath with tastes that have no great appeal even for me, but like me, he values loyalty greatly. And he's a great host."

He drained his glass and set it down also once it became clear exactly what she doing, raising an eyebrow at her challenge. And he quite liked the idea, especially given the way her energy must be singing, he liked her intent. Moving to his coat, he drew his large scimitar from its folds and shrugged out of his jacket while loosening his tie and shirt. He gave it a easy twirl as he followed her out onto the terrace. "I'm surprised no one taught you not to be too cocky."

He stood ready, but with the sword at his side, allowing her to make the first attack.

[her_own_sword]

"Cockiness? No. Just confidence. Never, ever let an opponent think you doubt yourself. I learned that from Frances." Cody was shifting on her feet, mentally calculating the elements of where they were. The surface beneath her boots, versus the heel size and sturdiness. The space, and all of the chairs and other impediments. It looked, to a casual observer, as though she were only watching him, but she had learned, while he was gone. Every potential element was weighed, measured, noted and kept in her mind.

Then, of course, she sized up her "enemy". His height, inebriation, personality as she knew him, history of times she had watched him spar, his mannerisms and quirks...all of it like a little computer in her brain. It was her quickness in evaluating data, even the most minute of subjects, that made her outstanding in arguing law, or so her professor said. She never just charged in. A small girl, and one who had been forced to scrap her way up, couldn't just dominate by strength. Her gifts were elsewhere. Cody was actually quite clever, in honing in on the one thing that could turn a situation to her favor.

The cool breeze felt good, but the still present surge of the Quickening sparked and danced inside her. She calculated the space between them, and the difference in their height. Knowing that she could never start high, she instead took three long steps, and swung in an upward arc towards his midsection, the power coming from her legs in a solid stance.