NationStates Jolt Archive

((OOC: Open; See sign up thread: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=532462 ))

Hello Darkness my old friend, I’ve come to talk with you again…

Flagg Street sat quiet and still under orange tinted streetlights. Silent, except for the whining winter wind; empty, save the lone figure striding briskly down the cracked sidewalk.

The man wore a black trench coat, turned up at the collar to hide most of his face; only his silver hair and keen eyes were distinguishable in the midnight darkness. He walked down this small, slummy New Salem street at a steady, deliberate pace; relying heavily on a wooden cane clutched in his left hand. The man’s eyes stayed fixed on the ground in front of him, oblivious to the rundown tenements that leaned over him on both sides.

Because a vision softly creeping, left its seeds while I was sleeping...

“Bad time to go for a stroll, my man,” said a greasy voice that seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once.

The man stopped and straightened his back, lifting his cane slightly. He glanced towards the alley a few feet ahead of him, and moved tentatively toward it.

“Who’s there?” he asked in a firm commanding tone which was muffled only slightly by his coat.

“You’ll see…” replied the voice, full of amusement.

The man in the trench coat took a few more steps before a pale, fat hand grabbed him by the shoulder and yanked him into the alleyway. Before he could react he was thrown onto ground; a dirty sneaker planted itself on his chest.

“Hello there,” growled the attacker, a fat man in a wifebeater tee and ripped jeans. The lank hair which hung around his flabby face like a frame looked as greasy as his voice.

“What do you want?” asked trench coat, grabbing for his cane.

“Dinner…” laughed the fat man, displaying a row of sharp cannibal teeth. The canines were particularly long, and filed to razor edges. The monster leaned down and ripped the coat off of his victim, revealing the notched collar of a priest… and a silver crucifix on a chain. There was a soundless flash of white light as the fat man was hurled into the brick wall behind him.

The priest stood slowly, holding his cane loosely in his left hand and clutching the cross in his right. A faint white glow emanated from the holy symbol, illuminating the haughty, slightly wrinkled face of its user.

The fat man staggered to his feet, hissing and holding his pawish hands in front of his face.

“Bad choice of meals tonight, my friend,” said the priest in a rich, deep, almost mocking baritone. He took a deliberate step forward, holding the cross out before him.

“What do you want!!?” screeched the fat monster as he backed against the wall, his face contorted in pain.

“Information, my friend. And then I’ll put the cross away.”

“LIAR!!” howled the beast.

The priest advanced; the illuminated cross flared.

“Ok, ok ok ok okokokokkokokokkokkokokkok j-just put the cross away!”

“Not until you tell me whose leading you filthy bloodsuckers, there’s a new boss in town…don’t deny it.”

“Go fuck yourself, shaman.”

"In the name of the Fath-“

“OK, OK! Stop! Its- his name is Kane, Alex Kane I think.”

“Vampire?”

“No, no….something else…”

“Don’t lie to me…”

“I’m not lying… he looks like a man, like anybody and no-one really… he can change his face…he calls himself ‘we’ a lot… put that down!”

Without a word, the priest stepped forward and plunged the bottom of his cane into the fat man’s chest. There was a spurt of blood, and then the body collapsed in a heap of black ash.

Sighing, Cardinal DeGrasse brushed the vampire dust from his clothes, picked up his torn trench coat, and stepped out of the alley. He produced a cell phone from his pocket and quickly dialed.

"Yes Patricia? Sorry to wake you, my dear...but we have a rather serious problem on our hands... I need you to make the appropriate phone calls. Thank you, I'll speak with you in the morning."

***

The Next Morning, Our Lady of Serenity Rectory, the Cardinal's Office

Cardinal DeGrasse smiled thinly at the woman opposite him. His keen, ocean blue eyes sparkled in the morning sun which poured into the room from the large window behind the clergyman. The office itself was spacious; towering bookshelves full of ancient looking tomes, relics, and artifacts lined walls adorned with expensive artwork. DeGrasse sat behind a broad mahogany desk; his hands were folded primly. Across the desk, Patricia Ryan- Chief of the New Salem PD, sat looking tired, angry, and a little nervous.

"I took the day off so I could work on this with you," she said in her sharp, autocratic voice, "I called Dr. Bond and Ed Pierce... they both said they'd be here this afternoon. I think Bond took the Red Eye out."

DeGrasse nodded and leaned forward in his chair, wrinkling his black cassock.

"What of Tabitha O'Kane?" he asked. His rich baritone, a voice that made his sermons famous, was slightly strained this morning.

"I wasn't able to track her down, but I found a bounty hunter in Florida- St. Croix? He knows her, and apparently worked for her late husband. He said he would come as soon as he could, I told him to be here this afternoon."

"Jerico... yes I know of him," the Cardinal said thoughtfully, "I never liked Tabitha, nor her husband....neither of them were fond of me either. But they were good at what they did; hopefully St. Croix is as well."

"Um, Father," Patricia began, (she was one of the few DeGrasse permitted to call him Father instead of the formal 'Your Emminence'), "Why are we doing this, what are the Damned up to?"

"That," Andre said, "Is part of the problem...I don't know... but I do know they have a new leader, and I think he is a Greater Demon...."

Why is it always so far? You'd think that I'd have gotten used to the seats by now. Oh well, at least I had gotten an exit row. Edward Seamus Pierce was a tall man, well proportioned and of that strong, calculating appearance. It belied his somewhat brash nature, but such was life. At least the cab wasn't too cramped. He took his trunk and entered the church. He knew he was early, but the Cardinal had called for him. It was unusual, but not abnormal. Edward remembered when he had met the man at the Vatican, nigh over 9 years back when Ed was a college student and DeGrasse a bishop in the Order.

It puzzled Ed a little as he entered the vestibule and signed himself. Techincally speaking, as a Mage and Knight-Bachelor of the Societas Cruce Custodes, Edward was honor bound to follow where the secretaries assigned him. He had been told, however, that Cardinal DeGrasse had requested him, and as both a Cardinal and a Senior Warden, DeGrasse had that perogative. He found his way to the office, and knocked politely, waiting to enter.

Sam stepped down from the Bus and looked around.

Heh.. New Salem... looks just as run down as Old Salem. I wonder if they still burn witches here... they haven't burned a witch yet... what makes you think they'll start now?
He sighed. looked around and made his way down the dark street.

"Gotta be a motel somewhere..."

He turned the collar of his trench coat up against the downpour. needy soul at 10:00.

He looked into the door way of a furniture store and saw a man huddled against the cold. Sighing, he reached into his trenchcoat and laid a think blanket over the man and placed an apple next to his head. Turning away, Sam continued down the street.
An apple? just one apple? what would Theresa think...
He took a couple of steps... paused... then with a soft growl, he turned around and put a coupon for a free meal at one of the local diners. the coupon would be distributed in the morning paper... but what the heck. he also tucked a $10 bill under the apple and walked away.
well... that's a start... but it won't last.
Man's a drunk... he'll spend it on booze and be right back where he started. You don't know that...

again, Sam stopped in the rain and stared out into the darkness. ok... maybe you do. but hope...

"Doesn't always work... now where is that motel..."

The Motel... guess it's supposed to be a 9, but the damaged sign made it into a 0. He opened the door and entered the lobby. Inside a young couple argued with the night desk clerk. Behind them a Sleezy man waited his turn. Sam got behind him to wait, dripping water slowly pooled around his feet.
more people needing help...
"Comon man, my wallet was stolen, We just need a room for the night..."

"I'm sorry mister, but without a credit card, the deposit is $100 dollars not counting the rental fee."

"Look, My brother is wiring us the money tomorrow. I'll pay you then."

"then you can have the room... Tomorrow!"

Sam sighed. He reached into his pocked and produced 4 $100 bills. He coughed, shouldered his way past the sleezy man and slapped the money on the counter. "Here... this is for three rooms and their first nights. now give them the key and let them go so they can make like bunnies. then you can give me my key so I can get some shuteye and give the creep behind me his key so he can watch his porn and wank off. /.\

The clerk and the couple were startled by Sam's interruption. the couple smiled as they realized what Sam just offered and the clerk sniffed as he tested the crisp bills. He then shoved the registration book at the couple and slid them their key.

After a moment, Sam signed in and grabbed his key and started to walk out.

"Hey... wait... you're fifty short."

"No I'm not. HE," Sam nodded at the sleezy man "isn't staying the night." SAM... what are you planning...

"Right?" Sam growled at the man.

"yeah... just a couple of hours..." the sleezy man looked strangly at Sam.

"but someone's gotta clean up the mess..." The clerk mumbled.

Sam Sighed. "look, if there's gonna be any extra charge, then you can bill me in the morning. but right now... just give him his key and let me sleep!" With that, Sam walked out and made his way to his room. Once in there, he threw his drenched trench coat over the chair and flopped into bed. There's no need to ruin the upholstery of this fine establishment. at least hang your coat in the bath tub.
"Good NIGHT!" Sam growled into the darkness. As the rhythmic thumping of the next door's bed began banging his wall. Sam sighed and tried to fall deep asleep before the Ambulance came for the other man who would just now be slipping on the frozen puddle he left in the lobby...




We are going to have a loooong talk tomorrow Sam...

Kartosh walked slowly though the downpour. He smiled to himself. I love days like this. he thought. An man lay on the sidewalk, an apple and 10 doller bill laying next to him. Kartosh reached down and stole the apple, the bill, and the blanket off the man. He won't miss what he never knew he had. He came to a rundown hotel and walked in, passng right in front of the clerk, who didn't see him. Kartosh silently opened a hotel door. A couple was in there, having sex. They didn't see hm until it was too late...Kartosh sat in the room, wiping blood off his mouth. The man and women's blood-drained bodies lay curled around each other, growing stiff and cold. Gradually Kartosh fell asleep in the chair as the bodies began to decay.
OOC: My last post for two weeks.

Enescal sat in a room sipping a red substance from a glass, nearby on the floor lay the corpse of a werewolf. Enescal drained the glass and placing it on a table rose from his seat and began to explore the house he was in. This had not initially been his plan, he had wanted to make friends with some of the supernatural presence in this city before making enemies, but things rarely went to plan. He had introduced himself to this werewolf and followed him to this building, where it became apparent that he was not part of an organised group as he had claimed, but was alone and trying to con him.

Enescal had been forced to kill the beast, it had not been much of a challenge, his much boasted strength had turned out to be much a lie as everything else, but still Enescal had harvested its blood and used it to feed the burning desires of the demon that still plagued him. It had been many years since the pact he had made with the demon and he had gradually been able to control and absorb most of its awareness, but its basest urges for carnage and destruction remained. This is why he consumed the werewolves blood, he had found that the blood of living creatures, especially those of a supernatural nature, helped to sate those desires... and had other uses.

Still, all was not lost, at least he had a place to stay for now, and it was not a bad sort all things considered, compact, slightly shabby and a complete mess, but it would serve and with a bit of clean up would look reasonable. To that end he dragged the corpse of the man to the fireplace and after emptying his pockets, tossed some of the scattered rubbish atop him and set the man alight magically. Then returned to his seat and refilled the glass from a jug on the table and sat watching the flames consume the body and considering his next move.

Rain again? It always bloody rains, thought Taylor to himself as he stepped off the bus into the pouring rain. It was beginning to feel like one of those days.

In truth, all recent years had felt like “one of those days”, ever since that run-in with that damned werewolf. He’d only just managed to escape from the creature with his life, but that hadn’t meant he wasn’t changed for good. Taylor had fled England once he, and many others, had found out the fact he was now a werewolf. The USA had seemed the best bet, as, being English, he knew the language and vague facts about the culture, and he could loose himself amongst the large population and territory it covered. At first, being an English werewolf in the US had been fun, as the benefits of being a lycanthrope had made life a lot easier.

However, his conscience had, to a point, come through in the end and now he was constantly moving around the nation, so that his identity as a werewolf wasn’t worked out.

He walked out of the rain and into the shelter provided the over hang of a building, were he lit a cigarette, not really caring if there were any laws prohibiting it.

Not like there’s anyone about to stop me, he thought. Alex knew he’d have to find somewhere proper to spend the night soon, as the weather was taking a turn for the worst. He walked on into the night, stopping only to buy a burger from a late-night vendor with his last few dollars, whilst considering what had made him get off the bus in New Salem. The city was really no different to any other along the route of the bus, but something about the place had called him, he felt.

Taylor threw away the remnants of the burger wrapper and shrugged to himself, mentally dismissing the idea that there had been something about this place which had called to him. If anything, it’s probably the bloody name. Salem’s the place you’d expect werewolves and the like to hang out, the thought giving him a slight smile as he trudged along in the rain.

Franklin Pierce looked up as th smoke parted and his summons was answered. And then proceeded to run smack into an invisible barrier. The apparition roared an unearthly scream, and tried again, bouncing off a barrier that sent black shocks out from the point of impact. It was a strange creature, basically bipedal, but with a grotesque feline face and inhumanly sharp nails on disjointed fingers. "Myrndharrith, please, why must you fight what you already know is a sealed summons?"

The demon, tried one last time, then stopped, composed itself, and addressed Franklin in a calm and collected manner with a slight southern Tennessee accent. "Franklin Pierce, yes? You know that I am bound to fight any compulsion laid upon by your kind. Nonetheless, I see that you have prepared, and thus I only prolong my stay by fighting. I will press on no further in that futile endeavor. Why have you summoned me?"

"I need to know going on's, and you're going to help me. Some of my raised servants have been a little less than up to par, and that happens when thing roil down below. What's roiling?"

The demon shrugged. "There is an eternal war, Mr. Pierce, and we are merely doing what we do. It need not concern you." Pierce merly arched his eyebrows as he picked up on object and removed the cloth cover. It concealed a bowl full of what was easily blood. Having already put a pass gate on the barrier, Frank simply slid it across the metal board the bridged the line marking the barrier, offering it to the demon. He smelled it like a wine taster. "Blood of a traitor, Mr. Pierce? You indulge me. This is ripe with his sins."

"Tell me what's causing the effects disturbing the metaphysical band widths that pass directly through the proximal source planes."

The demon, having drunk the blood and wiped his chin with a napkin, returned the bowl, then stood. "I am under direct compulsion to not reveal that. However, should you make an appropraite offer, like that one, I can tell you this if you swear by your talents to release me when I am finished."

Franklin stood back and thought, before nodding in reply, "Fine, your release contingent upon divulgement of personally useful information. What say you?"

The demon smiled. "I'm a rather low level messenger. One with much more to offer than I comes for you soon. Be prepared for his invitation." Once he had finished, Franklin waited, then nodded.

'Go back, ye spawn of the netherrealm. I have paid my debt, and you go with nothing owed from me." Even as he finished, the creature vanished in the smoke that had brought it in. Franklin waited, then left the small room. "This had better be worth that."

((This is Old Atlantia))

Cardinal's Office...

"Mr. Pierce, I called you hear because of your reputation in Rome," said the Cardinal in his rolling, formal, slightly condescending tone "As you know, New Salem is a rather...unique...location; for reasons we do not know, the denizens of Hell are much more active here than in most other cities. For the last several decades the Order of Witch Hunters, with the help of other Church institutions, has managed to hold the Damned at bay...but the situation has become more complicated."

DeGrasse paused for a moment, folding and unfolding his well manicured hands. His keen eyes regarded the mage opposite his desk with a mixture of curiosity and cautious hope.

"I have called several other outsiders here to help me- but you are the only member of the Church, and so I will trust you with... sensitive information," the clergyman glanced around his office for a moment, regarding his bookshelves thoughtfully, "The vampires and lycanthropes have stopped fighting, the Damned are much too quiet... they are organizing for something, Mr. Pierce, and I believe they are being led by a Greater Demon- you are here to help me, and the Brothers and Sisters of the Order, fight this abomination."

Avery District, Downtown New Salem...

"Enescal Verdantis, come out with your hands up!" came a harsh, marshal voice over a loudspeaker.

The door to Verdantis' temporary abode began to rock on it's hinges as SWAT soldiers beat it down.

"You are under arrest for the murder of Peter D. Sayre, come out with your hands up!"

Special Agent Victor Creedy calmly lit a cigarette as he watched SWAT teams rush the squalid, two story tenement. His dark eyes, hidden behind sunglasses, regarded the violent scene with mild interest.

The agent, dressed in the cheap black suit which was the hallmark of FBI and Secret Service agents everywhere, stood across the street, beyond the circle of police cruisers and armored cars that surrounded Verdantis' "home." His cell phone buzzed in his pocket; Creedy smiled a small, humorless smile, revealing yellow teeth and rotting gums.

"Talk to me," he said into his phone, his smile widened.

Yessir, they're taking him now.

Indeed we shall, indeed we shall.

I'll be in touch when I have more to report.

Thank you."

Enescal had been resting in the chair when he heard the noise of cars outside and a number of people piling out. Rising from the chair he moved to look out the rooms window, but before he had even taken two steps he heard his name shouted from a megaphone. He paused, perplexed at how they knew his name and how they knew where to find him.

While weighing the options of trying to find a way to escape or letting himself be taken in order to discover the answer, he heard the front door being smashed open and made his choice. Making use of the short time they would give him to comply he saw by the light from the remains of the still burning corpse a long leather coat and gloves resting on a table in the room that appeared to be the right size. He quickly put these on and raising his hands in a supplicant gesture walked slowly out of the room and towards the door. If he needed to, he was confident he could escape, but for now he was intrigued.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Some ten minutes earlier Vardoc was leaning heavily on his cane as he walked hunched over against the cold pausing for a moment to watch a large number of police cars streak past, presumably on the way to stop some crime or other.

He glanced at the small scrap of paper that had been given to him as a lead to follow by an old friend, it had directed him to New Salem and described a church where various people, some of whom may be able to help him would meet. However, the note did not give a name and he had wandered the streets of New Salem identifying where it was not. He had asked some pedestrians for help, but for the most part their directions had been sketchy and ultimately useless. Overall he had a sense of foreboding about this place that had been reinforced by the mistrust people he met had demonstrated.

He carefully returned the paper to his pocket and walked over to a small, almost deserted hotel. The manager was surprised, but pleased to see a customer and quickly gave Vardoc an overpriced room on the second floor.

He wearily mounted the steps and upon reaching the room did not even bother noting its various flaws and tossed his coat and bag aside, propped his cane against the wall and sat on the bed. After a moment he took out a basic map of the city he had found and drew a line across another set of roads and plotted where he would look tomorrow before putting it away and preparing for a night of sleep.

((The church where the good guys are is a big cathedral, it shouldnt be too difficult to find, but it is in the nicer part of town))

"Mr. Verdantis," said a wavery, almost weak voice as Cal was led out of the building.

Enescal looked up too see a tall, thin man with carefully parted black hair and slightly yellowed skin smiling thinly at him. The man was dressed in a neat black suit, and had a cigarrette butt smouldering in the corner of his mouth.

"I am Special Agent Creedy; come with me."

Instantly the police holding Verdantis' arms let go, and they unlocked his handcuffs. Creedy nodded at his underlings, and motioned for Enescal to follow him. The agent led him out of the circle of police cars and down the road bit, where a black cadillac sat idling.

"I must admit I expected you to put more of a fight Mr. Verdantis, part of the reason my Employer choose to contact you this way was to test your skills," Victor said in his peculiar, wavering voice, "But no matter, he is pleased you have come to New Salem."

Without any indication that he was going to clarify who or what he was talking about, Creedy discarded his cigarette and motioned for Enescal to get in the car.

Parted plump moist crimson lips formed a small sphere of blackness and out rushed a cool breath of minty breeze. She leaned closer and brushed his delicate ear.

Her voice sultry, but barely audible as she whispered, “You are mine.”

His callused fingers scratched at the curves of hips.

She dipped her head back so he could see her eyes.

Those eyes.

Those eyes could take a hold of you.

Those eyes could suck you in.

Those eyes.

She slowly moved her soft delicate fingers up his back and then to caress his pectoral muscles and inched closer to rest on his jaw line, embracing his chiseled face.

His bright blues eyes dimmed as they connected within her black abyss.

He gasped and coughed.

His eyes locked in terror and his grip around her waist tightened and blood began to pool around his fingers.

She laughed; no human would laugh like it. It was mystical, whimsically even, but the undertone was haunting.

She shook her head and to him it appeared that she moved so fast that all he saw or remembered was a blur replacing her face.

Insignificant seconds later his weight slumped against her and she flopped his head to the side exposing his neck and specifically the carotid vein. Her red tongue licked at her teeth, and her white teeth glistened with saliva.

Her canine teeth were especially sharp and very useful.

She brought the man up her mouth and she pierced his skin.

As she slowly went in deeper the anticipation excited her nerves.

As soon as she could feel the warm liquid fill her mouth she felt soothed.

She finished moments later and as she stood up he dropped with a thump to the ground.
She closed her eyes and smiled. It was such a stimulating experience for her every time she feed.

She opened her eyes, striking vibrant green and wrinkled her button nose.

She slapped her hands together and smiled, “All in a day’s work.”

She gathered her things and headed back her to humble home out to the forest which was south to the city, New Salem.

((I thought as much, but wasn't sure, he'll find his was there sooner or later.))

Enescal had to admit that he found this entire experience highly unusual and followed the thin man with a frown on his face, he was decididly nonplussed, but was still interested in finding out who had arranged this. said in a low voice; "Curiosity got the better of me. Perhaps if you hadn't called my name i might have been more energetic in my response. As it was, i chose the path of least resistance and seem to be no worse off for it."

He paused outside the Cadillac and looked Creedy in the eye before stepping into the car and taking a seat. He waited for Creedy to enter as well before saying; "It is apparent that you are not going to explain who he is, but would you be able to at least indulge my curiosity and tell me how he knew where to find me?"

Sam woke up with a headache. Headaches were rare for his kind, but he knew what exactly caused his headache.
[Singing] Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healty, wealthy and wise, Good morning to you...
sighing, Sam waited for his throbbing head to stop pounding. past his curtain, he saw a young woman push a cart past his window. then there was a soft tap on his door.

"Cleaning lady!"

"BUSY!... come back in a few!" Sam winced as he shouted his reply. As his power always showed, all her hopes and desires were laid out before him. Her desire to be with her sick child, the want of a better paying job... and the fear of INS finding her. He could almost hear the nagging voice already...
another needy soul Sam.
Tapping into the dark powers that gave his kind their abilities, Sam produced a small stack of bills. $10,000 to be exact. he wrote a small note. "this should cover your son's treatment, or tuition. it's really up to you how you use it. Choose wisely." He placed the note and the bills under the mattress and proceeded to soil the bedsheet.
SAM... HOW COULD YOU!!! O.O
Now she will have to change the sheet... and thus will find the money. besides, she needs obvious hints about cleaning... I mean I can practically smell the rotting meat she didn't pick up yesterday.

Sam ripped off his clothes and hopped into the shower. After a long hot bath, and now feeling closer to being human than other. Sam stared long into the mirror.
... you're not thinking what I know you're thinking.
Now that was a stupid question... as Sam shifted from a wirely thin man to a voluptous blonde bombshell.
You know I hate it when you look like that Sam.
and that's why I like using this form... tho I think the police are still looking for this particular form in New York... so...
>.<
A little while later, a sexy Chinese woman walks out of the hotel room, locking the door after making sure the room key was on the T.V. He paid his bill, infact, he more than paid since Sleezy didn't even use his room.
SAM! You're not going to lead men into sin again!
hey... if they profess themselves to be above such obvious temptation...
=.= Theresa won't...
"What? Theresa loved to play with people's minds... with all those riddles, Tongue Twisters, and wordplay. it's not like I'm actually going out there to Fu..." WATCH YOUR LANGUAGE WHEN SPEAKING TO ME!!!

Great... Sam looked at his... her heel that snapped off when he... she stumbled down the last couple of steps.

"Ma'am... you ok?" A buisness man looked worriedly at her as he stood next to his car.

"Fine thanks." Sam spoke in a light voice. "But my heel is a casualty..." Sam pouted for effect.
Do you HAVE to do that? o.O'
"Here, I'll drive you to a store I know. it's not out of the way."

"Oh sir, don't bother. I'll be ok."

"please... let me. it's not a problem for me."

Sam thought about it for a moment then smiled. "That is very kind of you sir."

"Please. Call me George."

"And I'm Samatha... call me Sam."

===

“Well Sam, those new shoes look good on you.” George said as he paid the bill.

“You didn’t need to buy them for me”

“it’s no problem. I just hate seeing a person in need and not do anything about it.”

You too? Sam giggled and stared at her new shoes.

“Really tho. These look like something someone would give to their Mistress or perhaps their wife for their anniversary…”

George gave Sam a strange look as she studied her shoes. “yeah… Anniver…” He turned to the sales lady. “another pair like that… but in a half size larger… and could you…”

“Gift wrap it sir?” The saleslady smiled. “No problem… would just take a moment.”

He turned back to see Sam walking out the door. Sam looked back at the man and winked. Then Sam proceeded to walk away.
Anniversary… clever… but he didn’t need help. ^.^
He was honestly a good man. He didn’t look at me like a piece of meat in this form. So I didn’t think Theresa would mind a bit of tweeking on her wish. Besides… Sam looked towards the airport. I really don’t think he should make his flight…
If something is going to happen...
[singing] "Not my problem." Sam turned down a long, damp Alleyway.
but those people need help
"Do they? or are they destined to be removed off of this world to stand before your God?" Sam practically skipped down the deserted strip between two buildings.
Not all of them are ready. O.O
"Not my problem... " hm... by now, George should be finding his keys locked in his rental...
But Theresa's wish...
"...Will be honored should I meet anyone else going on that flight." Sam leaned against a door jam. posing like a street walker... on an empty street.
And you are not going to meet anyone like that leaning here in this... oh you nasty creature! X(
*Grin* "I yam wot I Yam."

Our Lady of Serenity Rectory, Offices of the Lord Cardinal.

Edward nodded as DeGrasse brought him in on the initial goings on of the city. He looked at the lady standing next to the desk, and offered his hand. "Police Chief Ryan, I presume? We spoke on the phone, and it is a pleasure to meet you." Having made the appropriate salutation, he sat opposite the cardinal for the first time.

"Your Emminence, I don't know if you remember, but about ten years ago we met at the Vatican, just after I had been initiated into my own Order. If there is anything specific that you wish me to act upon, you have only to say the word. In absence of a direct order, I'll be available to your call and otherwise occupy myself with my usual methods of investigation. By your leave, your Emminence," Ed finished as he stood, respectfully asking for his dismissal to get started.

DeGrasse's Office...

"You are free to go," the Cardinal said, "I will call you should I require anything. You are free to stay in the Rectory basement, Sister Agnes will give you the access codes on your way out. Hopefully you'll find it well supplied. Until next time, Mr. Pierce."

Creedy's car...

The agent smiled his thin, unhappy smile as he put the car into drive and pulled away from the ring of cop cars. Enescal saw that the authorities were currently arresting someone else in his place...

"My Employer is Alex Kane...perhaps you've heard of him, perhaps not- it matters little. He has just arrived in New Salem, and is recruiting all of the help he can get," Victor said, "You are far too trusting, Mr. Verdantis, or perhaps far too confident in your own abilities. Either way...."

Creedy trailed off as they came to a stoplight. The agent produced a pack of cigarettes from his jacket pocket and lit one.

"Either way you have little choice now, you will serve him or met a...grisly... end."

DeGrasse's Office...

"You are free to go," the Cardinal said, "I will call you should I require anything. You are free to stay in the Rectory basement, Sister Agnes will give you the access codes on your way out. Hopefully you'll find it well supplied. Until next time, Mr. Pierce."

Creedy's car...

The agent smiled his thin, unhappy smile as he put the car into drive and pulled away from the ring of cop cars. Enescal saw that the authorities were currently arresting someone else in his place...

"My Employer is Alex Kane...perhaps you've heard of him, perhaps not- it matters little. He has just arrived in New Salem, and is recruiting all of the help he can get," Victor said, "You are far too trusting, Mr. Verdantis, or perhaps far too confident in your own abilities. Either way...."

Creedy trailed off as they came to a stoplight. The agent produced a pack of cigarettes from his jacket pocket and lit one.

"Either way you have little choice now, you will serve him or met a...grisly... end."

Enescal scowled at Creedys comments before giving him a cynical smile "Any confidence in my abilities would be more than deserved and this Alex Kane... you claim he seeks all the help he can get and yet he can afford to be picky?" He didn't like being told that he had no choice, but he was still interested and decided to wait for the moment.

Then his voice turned flippant: "This is becoming oh so intriguing, I wonder what he might be planning, something big no doubt." He grinned with an almost childlike exuberance before his face again turned serious and he gave Creedy a stare full of contempt.

"I will see what your boss has to offer, and if it doesn't interest me... well, lets just say that i will do my best to take at least you with me if i'm to suffer a 'grisly end' as you put it."

12:30 Am, entering New Salem...

A lone vehicle, being black Suburban sped through the night on a deserted road, goverment tags on the front and rear. Inside the SUV sat agent David Lesley, a twenty four year old field agent that drove from New York on an assignment given to him by the director of that agency to investigate "strange" occurances that had been reported quite afew times and for a long time. David read the file before he left, inside were complaints about vampires, werewolves, ghosts and other things which he didn't believe to be true....

Everything can be explained and well, this couldn't...so..it was BULLSHIT...in Lesleys mind, if it were true then it would require more agents than just himself to go down there..the director wasn't buying it either obviously, just humoring local law enforcement by sending an agent down to "assist" in on-going investigation.

David turned off at his exit and rubbed his eyes , he had been on the road for hours putting the pedal to the metal the whole way...he had to get some sleep before reporting to the police department around here letting them know of his arrival in New Salem. Agent Lesley drove down one of the main roads spotting a run down motel on the side of the road,

Good a place as any...

David pulled into the parking lot, got out of the truck and went inside approaching the counter...

"Excuse me...i was wondering if you have any vacancys..."

The man behind the counter looked grimey and smelled like an out house when he moved closer to the counter,

"Yup.."

David hesitated waiting for the man to say more but there was silence,

"Uhh...can i get one please?"

"Yup.."

David took out his credit card payed for the room, the man turned around took a key off the wall and tossed it on the table.....

"Thanks! have a good night.."

"Yup.."

Lesley shook his head once he got outside,

Interesting fellow...

Once David got in his room he closed the door and locked it behind him, then he dropped onto the bed and kicked his shoes off..

Uhhh! this feels great..

He lay there looking up at the ceiling, David was too lazy to get his stuff from the SUV tonight so he would leave it till morning. Lesley sat up removing his jacket and shoulder holster tossing them on the bed beside him, he flicked on the television and lay back, David could feel himself nodding off then...darkness...

OOC: Local law enforcement can contact David at this point, they got his cell #...he should be expected..

Michael
Dr. Michael Horatius Bond didn't look a thing like what you'd expect. When one thought about an individual with a triple-doctorate, one pictured a shrivelled up little oldster with poofy white hair and wire-frame glasses...

Not a six foot even, muscular man who was presently engaged in slamming a much larger man into a wall...

"Come on, Johnny. You can talk to me, my friend, or you can talk to the wall again. Who's it gonna be?"

Johnny squealed in pain, "Alright! Alright, I'll talk...just...put me down. Unnatural bastard..."

Michael Bond, sometimes Horatius, just smiled...and Johnny spilled his guts.

Which was why a short half-day later, Dr. Michael Bond was on his way to New Salem via stupid-fast plane. Being senior investigator for the Institute had its perks...but they were entirely in concordance with his capabilities.

He was, after all, Michael Horatius Bond, who'd faced off against -- and defeated, if just barely, a rather not at all weak ancient demigod by the name of 'Hrash-Vikrndgrath' at the tender young age of sixteen...and not let up since that time. Exactly how many years that had been, he wasn't at all sure.

Quite some time...

He smiled at the passing stewardess, waited patiently, reading from blankly labelled periodical which verged into only one novel -- it was a fairly short flight, but Michael Bond was a very fast reader, something that was very useful, though extremely painful on his book budget.

He filed off the plane with a suppressed grin, shook the pilot's hand, then stepped back onto something at least connected to terra firma, and was the better for it. A portion of his power, call it a fourth, required him to be more-or-less on the ground in some matter or another.

He picked up his luggage and headed into a bathroom, wherein he had the privacy needed to refit his shoulder rig. It would just not be on to be caught by something easily dispatchable by a bullet from his Smith and Wesson 1076 -- still one of the most powerful compact firearms in the game.

Then it was a simple matter of accepting the keys from the institute lackey who gave them to him, sliding into the magnificent 2007 Cadillac XLR Roadster...because Senior Special Investigators required a bit of bling to keep them happy. and taking off.

The Institute-customized vehicle was a more powerful beast than standard, slightly more powerful than the -V series XLR, but only slightly. Much of the difference was in the roadster's computer system. It didn't appear much different, but the LCD for the GPS navigation system had been replaced with a true multi-function display. It wasn't a replacement for a good laptop, but it worked well enough for simple tasks, such as checking his 'working' e-mail.

Which lead to a sort of surprised look, but not too surprised. He'd worked with Church authorities before...and found that the quality thereof varied wildly. The best were almost as good as the Institute's top people -- almost as good as one Dr. Michael Horatius Bond. The worst, though, were very, very bad...still, it should be interesting.

He brought the Cadillac to a smooth stop before the rectory he'd been directed to in the e-mail and hit the hardtop toggle...which was probably one of his favorite things about this particular vehicle -- powered hardtops were wonderful things. That done, he checked his 1076 and the two spare mags that went with it, then reached over to his bag and opened up a side compartment.

He was wearing casual dress, which was prohibitive to the usual array of items he would carry about him when he was expecting action, but he rather disliked not carrying a knife, and so he clipped a Boker KAL folder into his pocket...then he stepped out of the Roadster, closed the door behind him, and secured the vehicle with a button-push. Wasn't a stock security system, either.

A slight smile flashed across his face, and then he was heading towards the entrance...

----

Caleb

"I've arrived. Yes, I understand."

Words spoken by a trusted agent to that agent's superior...

"Thank you...I'll be careful."

Not so much, but, then the Archon's relationship to his Justicar went beyond professional. They were family. When it came down to the line, Archon and Justicar knew that they could rely on each other, something that was fleetingly rare in this world gone to hell...and all the more precious because of it.

Caleb snapped his cell-phone shut and dropped it into his left front pants pocket. Then he began walking, smiling as he reflected on his relationship with the man, and Aleksander Kalon was a man, who had become the father that he, Caleb, had never had...

The funny thing was, they were related. It was distant -- Caleb was considerably older than he looked, but Aleksander Kalon remembered the Roman Empire...but it was there. And it mattered.

Caleb, Archon Kalon, was a tall, powerfully built man. Six foot two inches and only just on the 'neat' side of two hundred pounds, and he wasn't at all fat. His clothing -- tight black t-shirt, black six-pocket cargo pants, dark gray duster -- had the virtue of being slightly more socially acceptable than the tactical gear he had stowed back at the safehouse...

Nice safehouse, too. Old Victorian in a good part of town, restored, reinforced...it was a well disguised bunker, when you got right down to it. Fully stocked three-car garage, too...but Caleb wasn't actually going anywhere, and he felt like walking.

So he walked.

David opened his eyes to see the sun shining in through the curtians. He sat up on the bed and ran his fingers through his hair then rubbed his eyes and glanced at his watch...

I should go cheak in and let them know im in town..

Agent Lesley went outside fetching his luggage from the Suburban and brought it back into the hotel room, set up his lap top then got in the shower to freshen up for the day. Once David had finished in the shower, he got ready and went outside to the vehicle and looked around in the daylight...

Well..it looks kinda creepy..

He got in the SUV and turned it over, the engine roared to life, David backed out of the parking lot and sped off down the road pressing buttons on the GPS in front of him...

"New Salem Police department..."

He said and looked at the screen to see directions had appeared,

Alright...there we go..

David turned on the radio putting it to the classic rock station. This part of town looked run down and not very plesent to live in but as he drove on the grass started to get greener, people walked their dogs while others jogged, a pretty normal looking town....

David seen a corner store then pulled over and went inside. There was noone at the counter, agent Lesley strolled around the store grabbing random munchies for his breakfast but still noone had come out to the counter, once David got everything he needed and it was on the counter he spoke out,

"Hello.....? HELLO.."

What the fuck...some service.. he said to himself..

He leaned over the counter slightly trying to see into the back room,

For Christ's sake..

The FBI agent walked around the counter and was going to scan the items himself and leave the cash there when he heard a loud crash that came from out back, immeaditly he figured thought somthing was wrong. David pushed the door open a little more making his way into the dimly lit hallway, suddenly the sound of the bells above the door sounded signaling somebody had entered the store, Lesley spun around but noone was there..

Alright..enough of this..

he turned back around to be looking right in the face of a young woman,

"Ahh!"

He jumped and his hand went right on the grip of the Glock.18,

"Err..sorry, sorry..i was just looking for the clerk to pay for that stuff..there on the counter"

The girl stood there and smiled,

"I work here, i was outside but never seen you come in..."

David chuckled and relaxed,

"Excuse me.."

He moved out of the doorway to the back room and to the other side of the counter getting some cash out of his wallet quickly as the girl scanned the items,

"That will be $22.50..."

He gave her the money, smiled, collected his bags and left the store rather quickly. Agent Lesley tossed his stuff in the SUV and got in but sat there on the corner for a second thinking..

That girl never saw me come in..but..where was she when i got here? there are no allys..vehicles..where did she come from? and..i never heard her walk up on me..she was close..so close and i never heard a sound..

David shook his head and grinned,

"All this talk about ghosts and shit got me thinking, it's not real.."

He laughed and turned the key to the vehicle looking at the store once more, the girl was in the window looking at him....

**Screeeeech....**

The tires of the Suburban squeeled as David sped off down the road,

No more stops...right to the police station..

David tryed to figure out why the girl was acting the way she was, maybe she didn't like FEDS for some reason....it was obvious David was an agent for the F.B.I., it said so on his jacket and the plates on the Suburban were restricted, what ever the reason it didn't matter now....

Sam sauntered into the store and picked up a bottle of water. She made her way to the counter, picking up a sandwich and a Fruit snack cup. the employee an older woman was on her cell phone. she was very aggitated.

"I can't leave now... Shelly is out sick and there's no one to mind the store."
The woman motioned to Sam for patience as she continued her conversation.
"I'll try to be there as soon as I can, but... oh shit!" the woman stared at her cell phone as the battery gave up it's Last erg of energy and died.

"Is there a problem?" Sam conjured up a trusting aura to entice the woman to speak to her.

"My husband just got into an accident. he's ok, but he needs someone to pick him up."
You can help here Sam
"I know. I can watch your store for you. here. I know I'm a stranger and all, but take my licence. that way, if anything is damaged, you can give this to the police. prints and all."

The store owner looked dubiously at Sam, who smiled calmly back.

"you are worried... go and check up on your husband. you can close your store, but why loose the revenue?" Sam tapped into her memories and subtly shifted his appearance just enough to remind her of an old friend she knew in college. "Go." Sam ushered her out with the same mannerisms of her old friend. Bolstered by the familiarity, the store owner looked at Sam and smiled.

"I'll be right back." the owner dashed to her car and drove off.
That was kind of you
Sam smiled as she drove away. So what should it be... rats in the basement? a cockroach infestation?
YOU WOULDN'T?! O.O'
"I mean, if she's going to trust her store to anyone..."

Sam wandered into the back office and after tweeking the camera to show her familiarizing herself with the store products, she looked around the sparse office.

hehehehe... computer virus... irritating, but also nasty!
SAM, I'm warning you...
Sam sat at the computer and turned off the firewall, Virus Scanner, and pop up blockers. then she started to surf the net and visited as many porn sites as the computer speed would allow. Accepting cookies and clicking on every link she could find.

"Hello.....? HELLO.."

"Oh Shit!" Thank God!

Sam sat at the desk, and looked at the security camera.

Hmm... a nice looking man... FBI, so a puffed up collection of letters... Shit, he's coming back here...

Reaching out with her ability, Sam knocked over some trash cans to distract the nosy customer.

Persistant little bastard arn't you.
You should know. <.<
Let's see how unflappable our Untouchable really is.
Sam... don't hurt him. o.0
Who said Hurt, I'm just having some fun. Sam smirked as he caused the door bells to ring, then he 'slid' between the seconds to reposistion himself infront of Mr Suit here.

"Ahh!" not that unflappable are we?

Sam noted where his hand went and she smiled disarmingly...

"can I help you?"
You're the one that needs help.
"Err..sorry, sorry..i was just looking for the clerk to pay for that stuff..there on the counter"

"I work here, i was outside but never seen you come in..."
q.p
"Excuse me..." Sam said when the suit chuckled.

He moved out of the way and Sam rang up the items and bagged them.

"That will be $22.50..."

Sam recived his money and watched as the agent left. She then went back to the computer, turned the firewall and all the other protections on then changed the dates and times of the sites she went to to make it appear that those sites were visited day, weeks and months ago.

Maybe Mr FBI is investingating them for child pornography... or would if they really do keep track of where people go on the internet.
SAM!
She winced as her head throbbed and she sat back to read the paper.

about 3 minutes later, the owner pulled up and and both she and her husband dashed into the store.

Gee, you'd think they didn't trust me.
I wonder what gave them THAT impression.
"oh, you're back. um.. had one customer... I didn't know how to work the register, so I did a manual recipt," Sam pushed a pad with the items and their prices written down. including the tax calculated out. "the money is right here." she indicated the $22,50, "and that's pretty much it."

The owner's husband rang up the sale and put the money into the till as his wife patrolled the store to see if anything is missing. satisfied that nothing was taken. after all, with what Sam was dressed in, the only thing she could take would have to fit in a small purse, or down her clevage (ample) or up her... *cough*. She gratefully gave sam a bag containing more sandwiches and let her take two bottles of beverages.

Sam cheerfully walked out the store and looked around.
Sam... you won't fullfill Theresa's wish if you keep doing things like that.
"And I just gotta be me."

Sam smiled as she randomly chose a direction and headed off to see what else this day held.

OOC: Haha NICE! i like the way you fit your charactor in there, didn't expect that!

David had told himself no more stops but seen a Starbucks and had to pull over,

Now..i hope i can get a coffie without anything interesting happening

He got out of the SUV and went in the store ordering his beverage, he walked back out after getting it and opened the door to the SUV. Leaning in David placed the Coffie in the holder and went to put on his sun glasses and a person walking down the street caught his eye......

What the hell...she..

It was the woman from the store just strolling down the sidewalk,

"What the fuck is going on here..."

Agent lesley walked slowly over trying to get a better look to be sure that was indeed the woman who he had paid for the items at the store, he called out....

"HEY! Miss...hold on a second!"

David wasn't sure what was going on here, he had seen this woman moments ago in a deserted store and was unsure of where she had come from...after he spoke with her he would have to go back to the store and ensure everything was in order and they wern't in any....trouble...? this did not make any sence what so ever...

While he continued to walk towards her he remembered she hadn't even used the cash register...that was also strange..

Taylor was woken by the sound of police sirens, sadly not an unfamiliar occurrence for him. He pulled himself up from under the tree where he’d spent most of the night, having been unable to afford even a cheap hotel or find an abandoned building that wasn’t completely ruined. Or already occupied by something nastier than himself. It paid to be cautious, even for a creature of the night. So it’d been a night in the middle of a rather overgrown garden in the grounds of some old house somewhere.

For a moment, he paused for a moment, trying to work out where the sirens were coming from, in case they were coming for him. Taylor had had to leave a fair few towns too quickly to be respectable, and police and other law enforcement agencies often asked questions about that sort of thing, especially as he was illegally residing in the nation.

As the sirens were going in the opposite direction, pulled on his jacket, which had been a makeshift blanket during the rather uncomfortable night under the tree. Taylor sniffed the air, the heightened sense of smell a werewolf had even during the day not entirely dulled by smoking. He grinned to himself as he lit a hand-rolled cigarette.

Time for breakfast…

Creedy's Car...

The agent chuckled at Cal's statement and produced his cellphone.

"It's Creedy, I've got him.

We'll be there in a few minutes.

What is it?

David Lesley... got it. Are you sure? I didn't send a request to Langley...

Musta been Ryan- that bitch has her head so far up DeGrasse's cassock i-

Ok, I understand, goodbye."

As the cadillac wound through New Salem, the surrounding buildings slowly became more upscale. Creedy spent the entire ride on his cellphone, barking at police underlings and trying to figure who David Lesley was and why he was here. He seemed to have forgotten his guest completely. Finally, after a short ride through New Salem's King District-the financial heart of the city- the agent double parked in front of a ritzy, forty storey hotel with the name Hotel Nero written in fancy caligraphy across the lobby floor.

"This is where you get out," Victor growled at Cal, "Go to the 40th floor, the Presidential Suite. Knock, and wait to be called in. If you decide to run before that.... heh, good luck. Now get out."

The agent pulled away before Verdantis could fully exit the car, and as a result left the sorcerer sprawling on the asphalt.

DeGrasse's Office

"Doctor Bond," exclaimed the Cardinal, rising from his chair, "Good of you to come."

DeGrasse shook Bond's hand and sat; the clergyman's keen eyes regard the doctor cautiously.

"It is rare that I get to work with members of the Institute, it is an honor to meet someone as...renowned...as yourself. Now, down to business... do you know why I've asked you here? Has the Institute any idea of what is happening in this unusual city?"

New Salem Outskirts, Aamon District

"JESUS SAVES," shouted the old man; his green eyes wild with lunacy, "Repent, or die- can you say hallelujah?!"

The preacher, a seventy something man dressed in dirty blue jeans and a dirtier tee-shirt, grinned madly (displaying a severe case of gingivitis) as he watched Taylor emerge from behind a ramshackle Victorian mansion.

"Morning brother!" screeched the fanatic as he handed the werewolf a pamphlet describing God's hatred of homosexuals, "Tis a glorious day here in purgatory...."

SinClair's Pub, New Salem

Edward dropped his things in his room. It was small and had only Spartan furnishings, but it was enough. He could feel the ground around him, the power attuned to his faith, the presence of something that his belief told him was his one true God. He unpacked, and then dressed himself for the initial tasks that lay ahead.

He departed from the back of the chapel proper, having taken the time to say the Lord's Prayer once before exiting. Walking two blocks, he hailed a cab, and asked to be taken to the party district. The cabby looked at him with one of those "it's your funeral" looks, but took him anyways. When he got close enough, he disembarked, paid his fair, and approached the old warehouse that had caught his eye.

Ever since he had been a child, he had been attuned to certain things, those sensory jolts that couldn't be identified by the five traditional senses. He had been trained to See, to Listen, to Feel, to Smell, and to Taste, part of the skill set that most wizards required. For mages, those like Edward whose specialty was on-the-fly magic, better known as evocation, it came more naturally. He could see the muted trails of a magical gathering spot in this warehouse. Inside, somebody had put in a stomping ground, and the circle on each side of the door meant one thing, and one thing only.

Neutral Ground. No quarrel was to be harbored here, and any conflict was to be taken outside in consideration of others. For Edward, places like this provided information to be gotten nowhere else. More than once, an opponent had been ferreted out from information gleaned from places like this. Some were truly the pinnacle of debauchery, others quite subdued.

The universal truths of them applied. The overssers were often themselves neutral, and had tied themselves to their holdings so that any situation could be resolved by them, if need be. Home field advantage played a large role in magical and metaphyscial mechanics. While robbing them of versatility out and about, overssers in their establishments were the ultimate authority on what went on, so long as the rules weren't broken.

Edward entered the entry way, guarded by a dark man of small height and build. He raised his eyes as Ed entered. "Weapons to be checked before further admittance. And proof of merit to enter is to be presented here."

Edward gestured. The symbol of the Order appeared on a blank piece of paper before vanishing. His identity established, he then pulled back his trench coat, unclasped his belt, and lay his sword down on the side table, along with his staff, hand still on both. "Your word, upon your honor, the honor of this house, and the honor of it's master that they will not be touched, examined, tampered with, or contacted in any way during my visit to this house, and that they will be returned to me in the exact same condition upon my wish to depart?" It was an important question. First, it showed that Edward knew and expected the full treatment under Hospitality, and second, it forced the business to accept those terms if it wished to continue its existence. Having one's word and honor blackened was equivalent to being tarred, feathered, and exiled from the magical community. nobody would associate with that person afterwards without risking the same.

The man assented. "My word is given, for both me, and in proxy for this house and its master. Enter under Hospitable welcome." Only then did Edward leave his staff and sword. He entered to find a quiet, elegant gathering place, with high walls and booth curtains for privacy. It was the kind of place that Edward preferred.

Michael smiled as he shook the Cardinal's hand, "Please, call me Michael. And just assume that I don't know anything -- that isn't true, and it is quite possible that I know more than you do in certain areas, but let's assume I know nothing. Give me the whole story, and we'll see where to go. Then I'll work up a list of things I'll be needing and we'll get this little issue wrapped up before anybody gets too hurt, hmm?"

He wasn't really as cocky as he seemed, you didn't manage the things he'd managed by being cocky...but if he had been, his record would have justified it. He really was very, very good at what he did...

Sam strolled down the street... her head pounding from the abuse it was currently receiving.
...and further more, you HAVE to go to the hospital to check on that man last night...
"Stow it. That man was going to order his usual bitch from his private dating service. I spared that 13 year old several nights free from his pawing."
... what?! .... wait.... you did? really? he was that much of a lost soul? o.0
as far as you kno... oh shit... Sam winced as she remembered that her 'conscience' resided in her mind... and thus is privy to her surface thoughts.
AND THAT BRINGS UP THE CONSTANT LYING!!!!! >.<
OK... how's this for an act of charity... Sam gave her two sandwiches and drinks to a couple of homeless people. they profusely thanked her as she continued to walk on.
That will do... FOR A START!!!! >.<
Sam staggered and leaned heavily against the wall. She waited for a moment then with a sigh, continued on... trying to ingore the nagging that was happening.

Great... this just can't get any better...

"HEY! Miss...hold on a second!"

why does that voice sound so fam... Sam turned around and barely surpressed a groan.

Et Tu Karma? Sam placed a heart melting smile on her face and sashayed to the Flappable Untouchable.
AND WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING TO DO NOW!
Gonna test my pain tolerance... see if it went up ever since you saddled yourself in my head.

"Yes Agent? Is there something you want me to do to you?"

Enescal rose, brushing himself off as he watched the car drive away with a sneer. He hadn't minded being ignored in the car and had made a mental note of the names which were mentioned, but the undignified way he had been left outside this building called for some means of vengeance, but the car was already some distance away and he would have his chance another time. Turning to the large building he frowned, the demon mind in the back of his seemed to be hiding as if it recognised whatever was in this building and was scared of it.

Cal merely shrugged as he entered the lobby and admired the impressive workmanship for a moment before striding to an open, if somewhat crowded elevater and pressing the button for 40th floor. He waited patiently as it made several stops on the way up to drop off the hotels visitors and ignored their exited chatter.

Eventually, the elevator cleared and he reached the 40th floor alone. He stepped out into the short corridor and easily found the door to the presidential suite. He knocked three times on the door and waited with one hand on the knob to enter.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Vardoc awoke in a cold sweat, something about this place put him on edge and he wasn't enjoying it. He quickly showered and dressed, then gathering his things left the hotel and grabbed a burger from a fast food shop he passed.

He had decided to change his approach, instead of trying to find each church individually, he would just head to the biggest one in town and see if they knew anything about what he was looking for. With this in mind he examined the small map and set off toward what looked to be the towns center, it seemed as good a place as any to start his search and he was bound to find someone who could point him in the right direction.

DeGrasse's Office...

The Cardinal smiled primly and stroked his pointed, greying goatee thoughtfully. Bond was a man confident in himself; perhaps overly so...time would tell. DeGrasse stifled the urge to inform the good doctor that while the Institute had been fighting the Darkness for a half century, the Church had been doing so for over two millenia.

"Doctor," said the clergyman, masking his annoyance in his rolling, fluid baritone, "The vampires and lycanthropes have made peace, the vampire houses no longer quarrel amongst each other. The Brothers and Sisters of my Order have been exceedingly busy in the past few months combating an assortment of necromancers and sorcerers who would never have revealed themselves in...normal circumstances. Somone-something- is emboldening these witches and heretics, it has united the vampire houses and brought peace to the streets of the city- a peace I do not welcome since the werewolves and undead now are united against us. I believe a Greater Demon has come to New Salem, and is planning- in one way or another- to drag the whole city into Hell."

Hotel Nero, 40th Floor

"Come on in, my man," said an almost gleeful voice on the other side of the door. Cal entered the room and frowned...this was almost anticlimactic.

Sitting on the large bed in the center of the suite was a handsome, slim man with black hair and a broad, welcoming grin. The man wore a white silk suit and a slightly loosened black tie; his grey eyes gleamed at Verdantis.

"Howwwddy, kiddo," he exclaimed, "Please allow me to introduce myself- I'm Alex Kane, the sheriff 'round these parts. You must be Enescal, gladtameetcha."

Cal examined the man and wondered what was so important or powerful about this man, though he inclined his head in greeting and to show respect. "I am indeed Enescal, pleased to meet you Mr Kane, it is not often that i'm requested by anyone of such authority." He proffered a hand waiting for Alex to shake it.

The mans cheery attitude and the way he had been treated by Creedy were beggining to annoy him and he wanted to get straight to the point: "If you don't mind me asking, how did you know where to find me so easily and why have you asked me here?"

Taylor sighed to himself. There was a time when he’d probably have just ignored the man and carried on with his morning. However, times had changed. Not that he really cared about the pamphlet’s fairly obnoxious views, but because, as a creature counted as in league with the devil, there were things one had to do.

He gave the man a grin which was distinctly feral.

“Good morning to you too, brother. It is definitely a fine day for us sinners. Bit of a shame that this particular creature is kind of beyond salvation.”

The preacher looked slightly puzzled for a moment, trying to work out where the werewolf was going with this. Taylor simply looked up and down the street, checking no-one was looking, before giving the man a hefty whack on the jaw. He quickly patted down the preacher’s pockets.

“Thanks for giving to the Werewolf Benevolent Fund,” he muttered.

He paused, thinking of making the preacher himself breakfast. But no… the man was probably diseased or something. Better stick to some real food.

Aamon District...

The preacher screeched a high, hysterical giggle as he, with suprising agility, hopped to his feet.

"We all serve His purposes in our own ways, brother," he gibbered, before bounding off (again with astounding speed for a man of seventy) into a derelict warehouse nearby.

One of the old loon's leaflets fluttered to Taylor's feet...and something unusual caught the werewolf's eye.

In almost childlike handwriting Tonight, After Sundown, Hotel Nero, King District, wear something nice, Taylor... your pal, AK was written in pen on the back of the pamphlet- over a cartoon of an angry looking Christ.

(Kitab, I saw your post. I'll reply later... can't think of how to best respond at the moment)

"Nightwalkers behaving themselves? Well, we can't have that. But before we get any further, I want to make sure that you understand that my faith is not your own, and that you won't be...offended...by that fact. I'd hate for there to be any sort of...uncomfortable situations...due to that."

The was a slight pause, then a shrug...

"Anyways. You should already have my cell phone number, and I'm sure I can manage to get a-hold of you, should that prove necessary...and I can provide most of the basics for myself, the Institute has a nicely appointed safe-house in town...but we don't have any field personnel, save for myself..."

Another pause, then a grin.

"We need to start somewhere, hmm? Suggest you give me some people and we go check out the local nightwalker dives, see about getting some easy info. If that doesn't pan out, we'll get into the classic method -- summoning and whatnot...but I'd rather not go there, eh?"

DeGrasse's Office...

"Doctor, I fully understand your disagreement with the, ah, Catholic position...and this should not be a barrier to us working together- however, understand that our Opponent will very likely attempt to use our disagreements to his advantage," said the Cardinal solemnly, "We must not let him succeed. As for your lodging, you are free to stay in the Rectory basement, we are well stocked with all manner of weapons and equipment you should require. I would rather you stay with us, Doctor Bond... it is safer that we are all together."

DeGrasse paused, he stroked his goatee thoughtfully for a moment.

"The Nightwalker clubs and safehouses are a good place to start...see what you can dig up about our foe and his plans. The most famous- and perhaps perilous- nightclub is downtown in King District. Mortals call it DreamCatcher; the damned call it something so despicable I will not utter it. If you are really as good as you think you are, Doctor, I suggest you go there. We will be in touch."

Hotel Nero...

"To answer the first question, my man," Kane stated, flashing a bright grin at Cal, "I know everything that happens in this city... it's mine, after all. The the second, I require your, shall we say, unique skills. Ya see, my boss...the Big Man Downstairs...wants a foothold in this world, a place literally both in Hell and on Earth at once. Why he wants this is his business, it's our job to help him get it. Now, contrary to what you may have heard, you have a choice... you can serve me, you can help me do my job, and you will be rewarded with unimaginable power. Or you can refuse. It's a lot to take in at once, I know...but we have all the time in the world, you and I."

Michael nodded lightly, he wasn't exactly un-used to people with selective hearing. It didn't really bother him...and he didn't really need a second for a straight intel op like this was, but that didn't mean he liked working alone -- he didn't. It was always easier to have somebody watching your back.

"Alright, fine. I'll check that place out. As for my lodgings -- there are things that you are unlikely to be able to provide for me. However, I suppose that I can simply perform any workings that require those things at the safehouse and stay with your people, that will only be a minor inconvenience, and as you say, there is some safety in numbers."

Michael appeared thoughtful, "Find somebody to back me up, call me with the information. I'll be leaving for the club in one hour."

That said, he left. The drive to safehouse was uneventful, but it took a good ten minutes for the initial handshakes that would allow him access. It wouldn't take more than a few seconds the next time he had to enter, but establishing that he was who he said he was was a rather tricky procedure, indeed.

Once inside, he changed his clothes out for something a little more current and tight, something that included a jacket, then slipped on his shoulder rig and right spring-brace...then he selected a particularly well crafted silver-capped cane...and a pair of designer sunglasses (Oakleys) and a silver ear clasp completed the outfit.

He looked like a young businessman, which fit with the car he was driving...and should make this particular game easy enough to play. Checking his watch (a rather expensive dive watch,) he found that he was nearly twenty minutes ahead of schedule...which gave him time to do a bit of research...

The Coven Den, New Salem.

Franklin sighed as he entered the club. The outside appearance was that of an old building, subtley maintained to that point of balance between beeing too inviting and too attractive of urban blight opponents.

The inside was the usual den for those that traveled the dark circles. Technically, all could come, but this place wasn't so strict, and the reputation that it had only helped bring in those that would maintain that same reputation. An endless, self-feeding cycle, one that upheld the status quo, and only invited those that would already be comfortable. The music was loud but not obnoxious, the place dark, techno lights flashing around. Those that wanted entertainment on the mystic scale found it, either by observing, or providing.

Demonstrations were the main draw. You came to watch as a vampire demonstrated its agility or a wizard cast a particular spell. Frank found an empty table, where a barmaid brought him a drink. Her eyes and her steps showed that she was lycanthropic. When the really bad fights broke out, that was when the house broke in. Moderate stuff, though, was at your own peril. A reputation that only brought in those willing to maintain it.

Tonight, After Sundown, Hotel Nero, King District, wear something nice, Taylor... your pal, AK
And the plot thickens Taylor thought to himself, watching the preacher leg it around the corner. He now felt almost guilty about hitting the man… no, guilty wasn’t the right word. Apprehensive. That suited word best described his feelings now, especially as he knew he’d not given his name to anyone and had generally been surly and uncommunicative. He decided it probably wasn’t the best course of action to follow the old man.

He took the dog-end of his cigarette out from behind his ear and re-lit it, sucking on the slightly foul tobacco as he thought about this morning’s development. He took out his wallet and poked through.

Something nice, eh?, he thought. Better find a clothes shop, then

OOC: Poor post, sorry.

An old Pontiac GTO, faded black in color, rolled slowly into New Salem. The windows were tinted to about 5%, nearly opaque in the dying light. The engine, however, was still plenty powerful. Like its owner, the paint might be a little faded, but it was what was inside that counted. After a few turns, gliding through a few stop-lights, and rounding a few corners the vehicle pulled into an empty parking space outside the large cathedral headed by Cardinal DeGrasse. Tabitha didn't have any work for him that month, so she'd sent him to one of her associates.

Jerico St. Croix wasn't as young as he used to be, and it was beginning to show. The wounds of battle didn't heal as quickly, getting thrown through a brick wall hurt as much as ever, and it was getting harder and harder to maintain that level of fitness he'd come to expect from himself. He had, however, become a better shot and his expeirence was second to none. He wasn't just the angry old bounty hunter who'd been fired a disgrace from the NYPD and settled in Florida. No, Jerico did a little of everything. He'd hunted vampires, werewolves, demons, a lot of other crazy shit he didn't like to talk about. Not that anyone would believe him if he did.

The door to the GTO slammed shut as Jerico made his way towards the arched doorway. Jerico was outfitted like usual, the Liger gunbelt held a lower-back Bianchi custom holster-sheath in the horizontal, below which was a Cold Steel Black Bear Classic knife. He had two double magazine pouches up front on his left side. The pistol in the holster was a Springfield Armory Trophy Match, stainless steel with his custom set of grips in place of the factory rosewood. The weapon itself had been tweaked considerably for enhanced performance, mostly better feeding of the specialized ammunition needed by his current profession. Hollowpoints never did feed well in the 1911 platform, but a highly polished feed ramp usually took care of that issue.

His clothing wasn't exactly something that one would wear to church, either. Black tactical pants, jump boots, a white,and a loose-fitting Underarmor Cold-Gear long-sleeved shirt under a black concealed carry vest that fit close but didn't print his pistol-rig. Tactical fingerless gloves completed a rather odd look. The agnostic bounty-hunter strode through the pews towards the doors in the back, ignoring the confused looks of those still praying in the cathedral. Slowly, he made his way up the spiral staircase towards Cardinal DeGrasse's office. He'd need to report in before he knew what would be asked of him...

Sam strolled down the street... her head pounding from the abuse it was currently receiving.
...and further more, you HAVE to go to the hospital to check on that man last night...
"Stow it. That man was going to order his usual bitch from his private dating service. I spared that 13 year old several nights free from his pawing."
... what?! .... wait.... you did? really? he was that much of a lost soul? o.0
as far as you kno... oh shit... Sam winced as she remembered that her 'conscience' resided in her mind... and thus is privy to her surface thoughts.
AND THAT BRINGS UP THE CONSTANT LYING!!!!! >.<
OK... how's this for an act of charity... Sam gave her two sandwiches and drinks to a couple of homeless people. they profusely thanked her as she continued to walk on.
That will do... FOR A START!!!! >.<
Sam staggered and leaned heavily against the wall. She waited for a moment then with a sigh, continued on... trying to ingore the nagging that was happening.

Great... this just can't get any better...



why does that voice sound so fam... Sam turned around and barely surpressed a groan.

Et Tu Karma? Sam placed a heart melting smile on her face and sashayed to the Flappable Untouchable.
AND WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING TO DO NOW!
Gonna test my pain tolerance... see if it went up ever since you saddled yourself in my head.

"Yes Agent? Is there something you want me to do to you?"

David smiled then he had realized what she had just said to him...

"Yes Agent? Is there something you want me to do to you?"[/

Wow..wow..what did she say..

Agent Lesley grinned and replyed,

"Uhh..well..i..don't..i mean that uh.." He stuttered..

"I have afew questions for you..reguarding the store? it will only take a minute of your time..well..yeah..so..here they are.."

After a brief pause he continued..

"First off, when i entered the store..you were nowhere in sight, then you randomly appear behind me.. where were you?..i heard no approach..secondly if you were at work, why are you not...now?"

"See..where i am from that would look really suspisious to law enforcement officals..."

He stood there waiting for her to reply. David thought she was attractive and flirtatious..or she had just come across like that, but who asks what one wants to do to them if they arn't trying to flirt or come across as interested....

Sam blinked winsomely at the Agent as she awaited his reply.

"Uhh..well..i..don't..i mean that uh.." He stuttered..

"I have afew questions for you..reguarding the store? it will only take a minute of your time..well..yeah..so..here they are.."

After a brief pause he continued..

"First off, when i entered the store..you were nowhere in sight, then you randomly appear behind me.. where were you?..i heard no approach..secondly if you were at work, why are you not...now?"

"See..where i am from that would look really suspisious to law enforcement officals..."

"Uhm... let's see... " Sam's brow furrowed with concentration.

"here's some questions right back at you. maybe they might sort out your questions."

"First. Did you search the entire store or just 'glance around.' if you recall, that store had several rows of shelves. that's why there's a bell that rings when someone passes through the doorway..."
There was?
"Second... it's apparent you didn't hear me call out 'Hello' since you never replied back. which would explain why you never heard the bell nor did you hear me walking up to you. Hard to be sneaky in these pumps."
but you always manage to find a way...
"Third, who says I am employed there. I was just minding the store while the owner had to deal with a minor emergency. is it now against the law to be kind and generous to strangers?"
*cough*
tsking at the agent, Sam turned to walk away. "I really think you should get your eyes and ears checked Agent. if such obvious... obersvational skills are beyond you... I mean, if you didn't sound so serious, I would've taken this whole thing as a cheap come on and an exscuse to 'frisk me'" She winked at the agent over her shoulder. "I mean... what, if I could just dissapear and reappear anywhere, would I spend the time walking in these ankle killers?"

Sam waved his hand and sent a fragrance of Lillacs and Lavender waifting to him. it dulled his mind just enough for Sam to slip between the seconds and duck around the next building... giving the agent yet another case of the dissappeaing woman... also Sam changed his coffee into rich hot chocolate.
Saaammmm....
Hey... not my fault if he's not that observant. besides... it seemed to me that he had too much caffiene in his system.
so you give him sugar?
Better than that bout of LUST that was raging through his system. hey, I steered him away from temptation... does that count?
not when YOU provided the temptation sam... it doesn't work that way.
Shi...
LANGUAGE!!!

Edward went to the bar. The man tending it looked up, and asked for his drink. "Sour mash whiskey, on the rocks." Ed took the drink, payed, moved to the main floor. He could that a couple of other, rather small time magicians were clustered around various tables. Finding a table half filled, he asked for a seat, and was given a blank nod of welcome.

"Rare to find a full mage in here recently," one of them said. "Means you want something. What'll it be?"

"Namely,' replied Ed, "why are guys like me a rarity now?" Two of them looked up at him. One spoke very carefully.

"You know, a mage that can't find out stuff like that has no business calling himself a mage. Ask through the usual channels, see what comes up."

Ed nodded. "You're right. Problem is, certain tenets of Faith make that a wee bit difficult." More of them looked at him, and the first speaker slid him a napkin. Ed waved his hand over it. His mark of Knight Mage appeared.

"You're with Societas Cruce Custodes? We've no business that pertains to you. I think it would be best if you left."

Ed nodded, and stood. "Very well. I understand. You turn me away with impoliteness unbecoming of any practitioner. I feel insulted."

"There will be no need for that," came the other speaker, with some of the others nodding in agreement. "We simply have nothing to offer regarding why your presence is unique. We have no wish to hear calls for satisfaction here."

Ed smiled. They weren't ones to willingly go against him. But somebody was leaning on them. Hard. Time to lean back. "Very well. Simply tell me who, or what, has caused the recent downturn in activity. I see magicians abound, but for some reason, they all have wards and veils up. And no mages. Any recent arrivals I should know about? Tell me that, and then I will be satisfied."

The second looked at the first, and a silent nod passed between them. "All we know is that certain necromancers have been quiet, and have been discussing things over dinner with both werewolves and vampires. And we don't want to get involved. Go to the DreamCatcher. You may find more there." Ed thanked them, and left. Degrasse was right. There was entirely too much pressure being put down around here.

The Coven Den... looks interesting...
Saaaamm... You really shouldn't be drinking you know.
Yep... very intersting... Maybe I should go inside...
What are those two doing in the corner back there?!? O.O;
Maybe not... this place looks to sinful and nasty...
*sigh* nice to know you're learning some things...
Sam saunters in, she makes her way to the bar and sits down at an open seat. she swivels around to check out the other club denizens.
>= [
"Ahhh... this is more like it... Hey, can I have a... *Chuckles* club soda with just a splash of gin?"