The old casino, Gambler's Luck, loomed in the stench fogged air of the West End district. Flickering street lamps were coming to life as the sun was setting on the seedy side of Rhydin. Ivy couldn't be happier to be walking among the cat calls of lusting men after the local corner girls and the grumblings of drunks getting run out of the bars.

Ivy's silvery duster swirled around his knees, contrasting with the charcoal gray suit slacks, his suit jacket peeking through the slit of his duster. Dress boots, shined and only slightly scuffed made little sound on the grimy streets. He grinned, showing a bare hint of fangs as the 4th and Drew girl, Lonni, sent a flirtatious smile his way. Ivy touched his lips and blew her a kiss. Lonni was one of many of the street girls to fall into his employ. They enjoyed the easy work. Listen, remember, and tell Ivy what is going on and they get a handsome payment every time.

One may find the site of Ivy in the West End district as odd. Maybe he was a business man slumming around for an adventure, or maybe he was drunk. Ivy was neither. His pale hazels took stock of every single brick, paving stone, and flaking piece of mortar this district had. His master was quite pleased to hear that he had acquired the old casino. Members from their Earth branch of Hollows Bio Cell were in the casino remodeling it for lab use. Soon, the bio drugs, pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies would flow.

Reaching the Gamblers Luck, he gave a cocky salute to the sign showing a man playing his cards close to his chest with a few aces slid in. Stepping in through the casinos front doorway, he paused to note the new door a few Weres were prepping. They saw Ivy and stepped aside to allow him to inspect the new door. Squatting with ease, he ran his light ebony fingers over the fake wood grain door. Few would know that it was reinforced titanium and he could feel the sleeping ward runes that would stop a master vampire cold in its tracks.

"Good work gentlemen. I want this door installed in the next 20 minutes. I will through in a few tasty hookers for your trouble." he stood, his voice smoky ash.

The Weres stepped back into their work, their pace quickening in anticipation of ravaging a few of the locals. Ivy walked deeper into the casino. Plush and gaudy carpets were ripped up and rolled into tight rolls for disposal. Several men were stripping the wood floors, a few others were laying in real granite tiling. The old gambling tables were gone, now in there place was computer terminals, desks, and cubicles going up. A look up to the rafters and he grinned. A few pixies were flitting in and out, trailing wires behind them. A few new security cameras were now mounted in ideal locations.

Few of the workers looked in Ivy's direction. It was safer just to accept that the man was here and not to ask questions. He paid well. Ivy walked to the rear of the casino and took a pair of stairs, coated in dry wall dust to the basement floor. Here, the renovations were nearly complete. Banks of clean rooms were put up, their thick, transparent walls allowing all activities to be monitored. Lab equipment gleamed coldly in the white light. Technicians and a few alchemists bustled about in red lab coats working away to get the first batches of pharmaceuticals ready.

Everything was running smoothly so far. Reaching the end of the sterile hallway, he walked through a heavily reinforced door. A huge Were, standing guard stiffened once then relaxed ushering Ivy through a secondary door that was a foot thick of steel. It's security panel deactivated for the time being. Beyond the door, Ivy walked through a similar room except the equipment was more bizarre and the technicians wore self contained haz-mat suits. This was where the real power lay in his company.

Pausing to look over the many lab cells, he smiled. Turning he stepped back out of the room. His dress boots making no sound as he passed through the sterile hallway and up the stairs. Ivy passed by the step off of the ground floor and went up to the second floor, his floor. The second floor wasn't quite as sophisticated as a New York Condo, but it was close. Stepping past a recess that marked off a ten foot area by the stair way, Ivy slowly took off his duster with a muffled clinking. Draping the metal garment on the arm of a gray leather couch arm, he walked for his desk. It was mahogany, with a thick, glass top covering. A myriad of paper clippings were placed under the glass. Most of them from Earth, but the lower right corner had newer, unyellowed paper from several of Rhydins news publications.

Turning his gray leather office chair, he sat with relief. Soon one boot, then the other boot was stripped off. Flexing his toes, he pulled himself to his desk and over several documents collected from the local licensing departments. Most of the requirements were now met and the other remaining ones would be finished by tomorrow afternoon. Signing several of the papers, Ivy moved them over to his left. An envelope lay on his desk. Noting the name attached, he smiled a little cruelly. Ripping open the envelope, he pulled out the letter. Soon he was chuckling.

"Ah, Icesong, you're doing well for a beginner. I wonder if you have felt the telling signs of hunger. A need for something you don't understand." he folded the letter, opened the top right side drawer and placed it withing. Opening the bottom drawer he pulled out a thick folder, a row of discs lined up behind it. Closing the drawer, he flicked open the folder.

"Play Rob Zombies Little Dead Girl." Ivy's voice came out smooth like silk. As Rob Zombie blared out, his pale hazels fell on the listings of all of the medical facilities in Rhydin and close by. Quite a few of them. He would start in the morning to contact a few of them. Pulling an orange highlighter from a mug full of pens, he began to highlight his top priority marks. That done, he closed the file, and put it back in the lower drawer.

Standing, he stretched, then walked to a small fridge. He pulled out a cold Bad Sider. He would have to agree that it was one of the few beers in this city that he liked. Twisting the cap off and taking a sip, his mind began to work on his night job. Setting the beer down on an oak wood coffee table, he stripped out of the suit jacket. Rob Zombie just died out as he slipped out of his slacks. Sugar Rays Abracadabra came to life as he moved to his closet, the image in the mirror filled with hard muscles and light ebony skin.

Soon Ivy was decked in leather pants, and light plum silk shirt. He pulled out a pair of well worn leather boots with a few hidden surprises in them, and pulled them on. Taking the black duster from the closet he slid into it. A quick glance at a few hats and he grimaced. Not tonight. Instead, he grabbed a pair of slim profiled, ruby tinted glasses. Then he slipped on a studded leather bracer onto each wrist, stepping out of the closet, he was greeted with ZZ Tops Sharped Dressed Man. Oh yes, he was a sharp dressed man.

"Off." he commanded, then stepped out to the stairs. The recess he stepped over slammed two heavy security grates in place. Booted feet whispering down the stairs he headed to the front door. Ah, the Were's had everything finished. Opening the new door, he grinned feeling the new weight and the power of the runes. Closing the door, Ivy stepped out into the twilight of Rhydin. Time for some business and pleasure.

Ivy could hear the commotion from the floor below. He was sitting at his mahogany desk, looking over a few more zoning licenses. Seems the Rhydin City Zoning Commission was having a field day with his requisition to turn a gambling casino into a pharmaceuticals company. Ivy thought that bringing in legitimate funding into the West Side sector would be more appreciated. But, like any civilization, persistence and a little coin slipped to the right people made the gears turn smoothly.

Hearing the scuffing of the Weres coming up the stairs, he wasn't surprised to see Icesong in front of his desk. Cinnamon perfume wafted around him. Ivy let a small slice of white grin show on his face. Seems she remembered his lesson on how to use the perfume bottle.

"Mr. Yovin. This lady just strolled right in here. She claims she knows you." the lead Were whined.

"Trevor." Ivy said with cool, but stern voice. "Whining is not becoming of a Were Alpha. I do know Icesong as well as she know me. I am more concerned with the fact that you did nothing to keep her from just waltzing up to my office. Please see to it that your security team is more persuasive with people not having an appointment. Now leave."

Trevor bowed once, turned and pulled the other Were security officers with him. Ivy dropped the bundle of license forms on the glass top and stood with ease.

"Good morning Icesong." Pale hazels taking in her attire for the day. An eyebrow rose slightly in amusement. "I see you have more information for me." He walked around the desk and put his light ebony hands behind his back. His black business suit, replete with crimson dress shirt and burgundy tie, made him look like a professional who had a lot to offer and much to hint at.

"I see you enjoy the perfume I gave you. Would you like a drink? What type of music do you like?" He asked coolly, stepping for the small fridge, awaiting her answer.

Reaching in for a cool bottle of orange juice and pulling a bottle of pomegranate for himself. Closing the small refrigerator, Ivy made his way over to where Icesong sat on his leather couch. He sat the bottles on the oak wood coffee table.

"Play Van Morrisons Wonderful Night for a Moon Dance." his voice soothing. Suddenly the song was playing in the room. Taking a seat by Icesong, his body slowly sinking as the leather cushion deflated, Ivy took in the cinnamon perfume again.

"I take pleasure in getting my hard working employees gifts. You seem to enjoy the perfumes scent. And yes, I do have few business matters for you to attend to. However, it seems you received a less than satisfactory greeting by Trevor. Would you like a tour of the company you work for?" he cracked his usual Ivy charmer grin.

Opening the pomegranate juice, he took a long sip. Thoughts trailing back to the previous night when he tucked in a very confused, very high Icesong. The tingle of dragon blood was still in the back of his throat. Another sip and waited for Icesongs reply. Maybe a nip later. Taking blood before 5pm was considered quite crass.

Finishing his pomegranate juice, Ivy stood with ease watching Icesongs curvy, but professionally clad body.

"The even with Trevor will be the last one. The receptionist for the lobby will be here tomorrow. Check in with him when come to report to me. Some of my business meetings are best often kept private. Now then, follow me and I will give you the tour." A faint hint of his canines slipping below his teeth.

Taking the dust covered stairs to the ground floor, he made sure his pace was slow enough for Icesong.

"Upstairs is my office, as you have seen, as well as my private quarters. Here on the ground level is where most of our other offices are being housed." he encompassed the maze of cubicles to the left and the right of renovated casino floor.

Ivy walked up to a newly raised wall, still gray with fresh drywall. Opening the glass door he ushered her through them. The flooring was finished in the smaller entry room. Tiled in lavender, with a pattern of red tiles forming three interlocking rings and a splash of green and black tiles to form a sleepy looking hollow erupting from red circles. To the right of the room, a desk with a comfy chair, and closed off from the rest of the world by bullet proof glass stood as a silent sentry.

"This is our lobby. A few potted palm trees will help liven up the place. The receptionist, Brent, I believe is his name will be sitting at the desk. An electronic lock is being installed this afternoon in the door we just passed." He spun slowly and walked back into the office section.

"You can have a cubicle office if you wish, but I am sure you'd enjoy the second story view. I can have a desk brought up, your choice of style, placed next to mine." Reaching the stairs again, he headed for the basement.

Making sure she was with him, he punched in a code into a new looking security system in a transparent door. Ivy smiled as the door clicked open. Pixy. When you want something electronic installed correctly and quickly, they knew how to do it. He held the door open for her to enter. Beyond she would see rows of small cell like rooms with a lot of equipment, lab coated workers, and a lot of transparent glass.

Pausing in the glass door way he took a look at Icesong for a brief moment. He knew of quite a few housing developments in Rhydin. Regaining his train of logic, Ivy nodded his head at the rows of rooms.

"This is the heart of Hollows Bio Cell. Our mother company in Earth has sent us the equipment, files, and enough materials to start producing an impressive stock in Bio and Genetic drugs. We make everything on site, and can even delve into custom or new pharmaceuticals that our future clients may want." he turned and ushered her back upstairs being sure to avoid indicating the door further back.

Reaching his office floor, Ivy walked to his desk making no sound. Sitting in his chair, he opened the left hand top drawer. His light ebony hands withdrew a few pamphlets held together with a rubber band. Laying the pamphlets on the glass top of his desk, he pulled out a small pouch that clinked as it fell to the glass top by the pamphlets.

"I will have a desk similar to mine made for you. As for a private conference room, I do not have one set up yet. As soon as business thrives, I'll be adding a third floor. Now, to your housing needs. What I have before me is several housing developments, all boasting new homes, just built. Take a look through them and pick out one you like. I will even advance you the deposit for buying the house." He let a white smile show.

Opening the lower left hand drawer, Ivy withdrew a small package and laid it by the pamphlets and coin pouch.

"This package has several brochures, listings of the pharmaceuticals we offer, business cards, and two dozen pens with our business name. As soon as we get our stock manufactured, I'll be adding small samples for you to hand out, but only after some training on what they do." He laid his hand on the small package and slowly shoved it forward to touch the pamphlets.

He leaned back and watched Icesong, wondering what she would do.

Reclining in his desk chair, Ivy kept a level gaze on Icesong.

"No need for a drink. For now, I would like you to go and find a suitable briefcase of your liking. Once you have it, I want you to go to and look at the houses available in those pamphlets. Look them all over. While at the houses, collect information as usual, and if anyone is interested in our pharmaceuticals, give them one business card, one brochure, and one pen. If you need more supplies, then return here." his instructions were given slowly.

That said, Ivy pulled his scheduler over to him and flipped it open. Looking at his time slots he smiled. "I have a meeting in 10 minutes with one of our suppliers. You may return to the office after 2 pm, Icesong."

Closing the planner he gave Icesong a look that said, 'Run along and enjoy your bosses order to go shopping.'

After Icesong left the second floor, Ivy quietly stepped over to the window and parted two of the horizontal blinds. Once he saw that she was out of the building he turned to his desk. His pale hazels fastened on the glass top for the moment in thought. The meeting was soon.

Pulling two Bad Siders out of the small fridge, he sat the bottles on his desk, then leaned his right hip against the desktop. Crossing his arms, he looked at his watch. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, footsteps were heard on the steps coming up to his floor. Feeling the presence of someone watching him, Ivy feigned ignorance and made the person wait while he stared at his watch. Then Ivy dropped his arms and looked up.

"I see you're impeccable sense of time has not changed, Armand. I do hope you like beer." Ivy gave the man a sharp smile.

Returning to his desk, Ivy sat in his desk chair and waved Armand over. Armand, dressed in a severe looking black suit, tie, and dark sunglasses, moved to the second chair opposite Ivy. Sitting with a slight stiffness that matched the mans stern visage.

"I see you still have difficulties dealing with superiors Ivan." tilting his head to consider the Bad Sider, Armand's stern face seemed to grow more severe. "Drinking at mid-day? Honestly Ivan, do you not take the business ventures of Lord Baron Velsp seriously? Now then, I am here to discuss what you need and how to get it to you."

Ivy still wore his smile, though the feelings of hatred were burning inside. "Yes. Good to hear that Armand. How much Brimstone can I expect to get from you within a month?"

"Two hundred kilos, Ivan. If it were up to me, you wouldn't get 5 grams much less two k. Now then, have you given any thought to what method of distribution you want to use?" Armand leaned forward slightly like a predatory hawk.

"I have indeed. I want the delivery brought in the following four configurations. 50 kilos in quick dissolve tablet form. 50 kilos in a hard candy format, what flavor and kind I do not care. Surprise me. 50 kilos in a mint flavored chewing gum. The last 50 kilos I want uncut, and ready for mixing." Ivy gave his request with ease.

Armand leaned back into the guest chair with a very small look of surprise trying to live on his hostile face. "You want Brimstone in candy form? Have you lost your mind? Are you peddling Brimstone to children now?"

"Hardly Armand. A lot of the Inderlanders I have seen in this city are naive enough to take candy. The candy is merely a spearhead to get the Inderlanders here hooked. Then, when they have tried everything possible to remove the subtle, annoying addiction, they will seek out my sellers for undiluted Brimstone. Clever?" Ivy raised his thin eyebrows.

Armand went quiet for a moment in cold calculating thought. "Wouldn't you seem highly suspicious just doling out free candy that was suddenly making non-humans absolutely nuts?"

"Maybe, maybe not. The level of chaos and sheer weirdness this city has sunk to may let me dole out the candy with ease. I will experiment tonight with the small supply of Brimstone laced candy we have made, then I will know if a direct public route is feasible. If not, then I will simply have my growing network of dock workers and delivery people mixing the tainted candy in with the regular fare they have here." Ivy took one Bad Sider and took a long sip.

"I am curious as to why you want uncut Brimstone. Your facility doesn't have the containment needed to deal with it's raw state." Armand asked, a look in his eyes said he thought he had a way to nix this shipment to Ivan.

"I do have a facility that will handle the drug. As to the nature of my plans for the uncut variation, let's just say that a sweet smelling rose can have thorns that sting as well. Now then, when can I expect my delivery, Armand?" Ivy's pale hazels hovered above the open beer bottle.

Armand stood stiffly and turned to leave. "In one week. You know where and when. It sound's like you've finally taken something serious. Your plan has some merit. Better than peddling Bio drugs and cures for cancer. Philanthropy doesn't seem to suit you. Good day, Ivan. Lord Baron Velsp will be watching you closely as usual." Armand left laughing hard.

As Armand left, Trevor appeared at the doorway. He had containers of food in his large hands. Ivy raised an eyebrow at Trevor.

"Ms. Icesong bought you lunch and wanted you to eat it." Trevor said with mild annoyance.

Ivy sat the beer down and waved Trevor to put the food on the desk. When the Were was closer, Ivy leaned close to him.

"Armand thinks himself above us, Trevor. On Earth, that may have been the case, but I am Master Velsp's scion. Not him. I have a job for you." Ivy's voice was a mix of wood ash and glowing coals.

Trevor grinned quite nastily. "You do, do you? Would this entail the disappearance of a House Vampire?"

Ivy just grinned. "Yes. When the delivery is made, see to it that Armand is quite comfortable Rhydin. He'll be staying for a very long time. Now leave. I am quite famished. Tonight will be another hunt."

Trevor grinned from ear to ear. "As you wish. You know, you could just drain that little bitch of an assistant. I see the look in her eyes. She smells of desire. Any nose dead Inderlander can see that."

The beer that Armand refused to touch was found smashing against Trevors forehead. If Trevor wasn't a Were the huge, bleeding gash would have to have been stitched but only if his neck didn't snap. On either count, Trevor just held his fore head for a brief moment, glaring at Ivy. Then, Trevor dropped his gaze to the ground.

"I apologize Ivan. I stepped out of place. I will go clean up now." Trevor turned and left.

Settling back and brushing a few bits of glass from his shoulder, Ivy took the nearest container and began to eat quite savagely. He knew damned well Icesong wanted him. Who didn't? He had more important things to deal with than biting and love. Icesong just made a convenient hostage against Icer. Ivy had a feeling that that dragon was going to be reoccurring thorn in his side.

"Trevor, that is enough." Ivy's voice flowed smoothly into the room behind the Were.

Trevor gritted his teeth then remembered he had some business to attend to and left. Ivy watched the Were and as Trevor passed him, some shifted in Ivy's eyes as if a silent message was exchanged between the two. Ivy continued past Trevor and stood by Icesong.

"How was your foray, Icey?" Ivy's voice smooth as black silk.

A thought flickered in his mind. It really wasn't his, but the mental connection his master shared with him. Giving her a nickname are we? My dear Ivy. Tread carefully. This one has many ties to her that could ruin the business. Be very cautious. A slight, thin pressed smile was on Ivy's face. Oh, he knew. He was going to be making a trip to Rhydins reservoir of knowledge, the public library. He was going to be looking in dragons a lot.

"You can have the rest of the day off Icey. I do love that nickname. I have a few out of office appointments to make. I will see you in the morning." Ivy's voice was soft and soothing.

Then he returned to his office upstairs to plan things out for the night.

A loud knock resonates from the door sill to Ivy's floor. Ivy's pale hazels drift from a few supply reports to see Trevor filling the doorway. An eyebrow rose slightly as he saw that the Were was a bit annoyed. Leaning back in his desk chair he glanced to a digital clock on the wall. 10 am was brightly lit. The smaller mahogany desk to his right was still empty. Ivy steeples his fingers together.

"Morning Trevor. I am guessing your annoyance is about my missing assistant?" He asked calmly.

Trevor blinked for a moment. The only sign that Ivy's statement had caught him off guard. Oh yes, Ivy was aware of his surroundings at all times. The fact that Icesong was late normally would have been attributed to sickness or a delay during travel. Ivy knew better. She was a dragon in human form. He doubt she would get sick easily and delays in travel in Rhydin is a joke.

"Yes, Ivan. Ms. Icesong has not reported in. I sent Tony to check on her. She's not at the new apartment nor has anyone seen her at the Inn." Trevor reported professional courtesy. The Were was still not too impressed with the little dragon thing that has Ivy's attention.

"That is nothing new Trevor." Ivy held up the Rhydin post. One of the articles, though small, was titled ~Hatchling Reported To Be Missing. Maybe Kidnapped.~

Trevor nodded. Tony had heard a few mothers and patrons at the Inn discussing the disappearance. Ivy laid the paper down and stared out the window to the left of his desk. His lips were a razor thin line of pink almost lost on his light ebony face. Trevor shuffled his feet in nervousness. He had never seen Ivy look so deep in concentration nor had he seen the Vamp go so quiet.

"Trevor, contact Rolmo. Have him come here immediately and tell him that I need him to run the office for a few days. Some personal business has come up. Also, have Brent take messages for all calls today. He is tow work closely with Rolmo." Ivy's voice was steady, but something in his voice was white hot like a coal.

Trevor nodded and turned to go down stairs to relay information. Just as he was ready to step down, he looked over his broad shoulder. He caught the sight of Ivan suddenly standing by the rooms closet, the door flung open. A shudder went through Trevor. Ivan was throwing an aura that was seeping through the entire building that could freeze the undead. But that wasn't what had Trevor edgy. Ivan was replacing his business suit with leather armor. Armor old, well maintained and sporting the crests of a long dead Czar. The boss was going hunting, personally. May hell have pity on the poor sod that nabbed Icesong.