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Post by Blaze on Mar 14, 2022 0:55:48 GMT -8
Perhaps surprisingly for Lotus Eater, Blaze doesn't look half as bad as she did when they parted ways. It was bound to come up eventually, and so the Torrent decides to just get ahead of it and control the narrative in the process. She has since calmed down enough that she doesn't need to fake the usual stoic demanour.
"Apologies for the delay, we had a very... enlightening discussion with the Spring relief effort."
She declines the fried chicken with a glare, but if no one else reaches out for it, she will take the Amaranthine from Fawkes. The healing effect would be wasted on her right now, but it's worth holding onto for the future, if only for the small bite of Glamour it would provide. And Blaze doesn't want to kick herself if/when Fawkes decides to bail again. Which is exactly what happens and Blaze stifles a curse. Forget guns and Goblin Fruit, the one piece of equipment they are missing is a toddler harness.
"If we just need to move, couldn't we use bathroom mirrors? Blocking off a bathroom for a minute sounds easier than sneaking into a changing room. They probably have those watched for creeps, fans and reporters." She says. At this point she's interested in the path of least resistance and lowest likelihood of getting spotted. They raised enough alarms for one night "Although if we do need to go there, we may try to slip something to the guard to look the other way. There's probably good money in allowing those three groups a sneak peek."
The grunge outfit she needed to change into made her look like a time traveller from the 90s. Ideal for playing a misfit, especially here.
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Hua Yuan
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Presence 2 - Nostalgic; SL 1 - Flawless
Posts: 304
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Post by Hua Yuan on Mar 14, 2022 22:33:22 GMT -8
The Beast grabbed the prized chicken and sank his teeth into it without any regard for the presence of others. "Blaze is just mad because Komi asked her to pay for the healing. I think she'd have preferred he left her to die. Mitch said he'd give us a blessing to help evade the Huntsmen, though," he added between two mouthfuls. He barely had time to enjoy the impromptu meal before Fawkes vanished between folds of space. "He's also taking care of smoothing things over on the mortal side." Whatever private hell Yuan was enduring remained just that - private. For all Lotus knew, he could have had the best time since she left.
He followed the directions to the bar with a spring in his step, a sort of playful languor that contrasted heavily with the night's events. "I don't really need to know how the Rites work. I just need you to come up with alternatives to human sacrifice, since it has been outlawed."
Yuan burst into laughter when the Elemental mentioned the bathroom mirror. "It's not exactly regal, yeah? Even I don't particularly like the idea of squeezing in there. Besides, between the four of us we'll find a way to get past security."
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Post by Fawkes on Mar 15, 2022 9:51:38 GMT -8
"Or we can clear the bar," Fawkes offered. It was unclear whether the group wanted to portal or summon someone. They seemed in a hurry and Lamassu had netted three days, so the entity wasn't exactly chomping at the bit to guide them.
"If you don't want to sacrifice a life, you would need to either dismantle the warding system, bleed enough to satisfy the trade, or do something interesting like murder your motley and then kill yourself and rebound on the timeline. You wouldn't benefit from it, but the Freehold in the world you left would. Enough powerful Freeholders would need to be up for it."
Fawkes tilted his head back and forth at he mulled other options. "Or you can restore a Huntsman and sacrifice them instead."
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Lotus Eater
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Presence (4) Capable |Rigid Mask | Winter Mantle | Status (Licensed Security) | Autumn Goodwill (1)
Posts: 74
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Post by Lotus Eater on Mar 17, 2022 11:55:51 GMT -8
Lotus Eater sat sipping a cup of coffee, one leg crossed over the other as she listened to the conversation.
The wizened took note of the conversation, following it with silent interest. Human sacrifices, self-sacrifice, killing, and resurrecting huntsmen. The most straightforward option was to get off the moral high horse and handle it the way things were. But she kept the thought of herself.
"Clearing the bar isn't much of an option without more cash than any of us can burn at the moment. As for backstage, talking our way back would be easier. And I could stand to watch to ensure there are no interruptions."
She remarks, glancing towards the back area. The pretense of visiting a performer or having a private moment in the back area would be easy. A little money and some smooth-talking should clear that.
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Lotus Eater
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Presence (4) Capable |Rigid Mask | Winter Mantle | Status (Licensed Security) | Autumn Goodwill (1)
Posts: 74
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Post by Lotus Eater on Mar 22, 2022 10:48:06 GMT -8
After a brief discussion of a plan, the team set into motion the best method to clear the bar and gain access to some privacy. Yuan broached the establishment staff, asking to speak to the manager. His charm eased the team of any worries or perhaps defensive responses. At the same time, Blaze brought a sense of professional and serious tone to the conversation. Meanwhile, Lotus took a moment to scan the area, take in the layout, and jot down important information about the building after a quick search on google. Lastly, she texted Roger, asking for the latest contact information for the Autumn Cleaner, Victor. Once the manager was called, Lotus approached. "Good Evening, I am Miss Brick" She flashed her security badge, just fast enough to look official, too short for accurate details. "With the city. We got a call from another establishment in the building regarding a gas leak."She presented the case clearly, concisely with a no-bullshit attitude. A leak had been found and was being handled in another part of the building. Protocols, however, required the safety of staff and customers for everyone to leave. Before the manager could protest, she quickly informed him his compensation would be provided (how much was not stated) and that she appreciated his understanding and compliance. It was a bit masterful watching as the Winter Courtier, supported by Blaze and Yuan, pushed their agenda smoothly and firmly. As the bar began to clear, she gave Blaze and Yuan the go-ahead. "Get things started; I will make a call to keep this going and ensure some privacy."
She picked up the phone and gave Victor a call.
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Hua Yuan
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Presence 2 - Nostalgic; SL 1 - Flawless
Posts: 304
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Post by Hua Yuan on Mar 23, 2022 20:21:27 GMT -8
Grabbing the piece of charcoal and the candle from Lamawkes, Yuan sprung into action with purpose and lightness in his step. This was all a big game, entertainment from the drudge of the daily. While people were clearing out, he slipped into the area restricted for staff.
His eyes slid over every reflective surface, looking for the mirror where the waitresses would give themselves a once over before the start of their shift. He was thoughtlessly picking his teeth with his claw in search of leftover chicken when he spotted what he had been looking for.
Concentrating on remembering the pattern traced by the Sun Banisher at the beginning of the night, he attempted to repeat the same gestures with the charcoal. He then lit up the candle and placed it at the base of the mirror.
Yuan had summoned King Samedi.
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Post by Victor on Mar 23, 2022 23:48:12 GMT -8
True to his reputation, Victor had a very short list of professional and non-intrusive questions before he promised to be on it. Lotus had given him a very good starting point- not only was a gas leak a very easy thing to make look legitimate, but there was a decency here in calling him to prevent something from being seen, rather than to have him try to cover something up after the fact. He took a few minutes to weave the wyrd in his favor before he begun to dial up the other businesses implicated, putting them on alert so that the story would be solid across the board. Then it was a call to a black-hat colleague to pinpoint where any security footage from the bar might end up, and to ensure that a call to the gas company would be logged, but the order to send a crew out would go missing. He texted back that he would be on standby to fix anything in-person, should it be necessary, before he went out to prepare the van in case.
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Post by Blaze on Mar 24, 2022 10:36:08 GMT -8
Blaze did her part in clearing the bar, and then proceeded to watch the place as Yuan prepared the summoning. Nothing more remained to be said at that point, so she obliged the silence and didn't disturb it with words. Finally, they're about to get some payoff for everything that happened tonight.
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Post by Samedi on Mar 24, 2022 14:43:33 GMT -8
Yuan picked his way into the kitchen, nibbling on forgotten dishes before thoughtlessly clambering onto the countertops to engage the large ceiling mirror that allowed the kitchen staff to check one another's progress. Blaze caught a pan that slid from his activity out of reflex, noting the Spring courtier had had a significant shift of being tiredly cautious and overly concerned about decorum, to acting like a Courser fresh out of the Hedge. The entity piloting Fawkes had watched the Winters clear the bar with flicking eyes as they finished their food, leaning into the rigidity of the Elemental's Mask to conceal any slight disappointment that their adventure hadn't been dragged out with Yuan's demands. They drummed the edge of the tabletop, before following after the Beast with an innate curiosity on what the other Emerald was getting up to. As they traced the sigil and watched the candle light with the flame of one of the burners, a huff of surprise escaped their lips as Fawkes' mien suddenly looked less confident.
"What, here?" they muttered, glancing around as if suddenly self conscious and even smoothing their hair. The glass buzzed in sympathy of whatever sonic pitch was emanating from Fawkes. Blaze wanted none of it, clipping the wings of a new ridiculous distraction by shoving an uneaten pie in the entity's hands, and asking the former Verdant Queen inanely what her opinion was to keep her attention. The way her voice pitched up like a valley girl caused Yuan to snort a laugh, already leaning to be included.
Victor's actions were rolling in the background, where the security footage wouldn't be swept until Lotus gave the OK to third party security and the Fairest had the heads up that mundie hands were welcome. He would oversee the footage itself to prevent any surprises, and knew his Chimera gifts were only a shift away from stealing memories of the Wyrd and Strange. Lotus frowned as she saw Yuan already practicing the occult before she was 100% certain the zone was cleared, but the Wizened had to accept the speed the Torrents and Beasts were moving.
The mirror reflected a world that slowly drained of light, before plunging to the realm of the void. Reality soon followed suit, as the kitchen felt like it was pulling towards the mirror and snuffing sources of illumination. Fawkes slammed down the plate, mouth twisting as the familiar bronzed mask of the Witch King emerged from a distance, sliding down the mirror to the edge to regard the group. Wet, black claws as large as child-limbs snaked from the netherworld to cling to the edge of their gathering, flexing against the metal as if to haul oneself from water. The wall dented and groaned from the invasion, as thread-fine tendrils of spider-silk cut out the world in black, with the mirror now the outline of Baron Samedi as He lumbered onto the countertop and proceeded to take up most of the space. Maybe it was just the Mantle, but the group felt the need to press themselves against the wall. Yuan audibly hissed as his pupils almost disappeared to slits, prompting more than one subtle swat to his arm to show some respect.
Lamassu shook themselves, stepping forward with the clear indication that they were going to greet the King with courage and familiarity, before the Ogre's hand swept at imperceptible speed to engulphed the Elemental's form. Popping sounds ensued, like a boot had crunched a layer of thin ice and red sand started running from the colossal fingertips as Papa Saturday hefted the curiosity and brought it closer to the void.
"What is this? This abomination?"
His soft voice trembled, barely perceptible until the edge of hysteria begged the question. Whatever was going on with the ancient monarch, He was clearly affected by witnessing His dead motleymate's Mantle. Lamassu's head lolled, shock clear as they coughed wet sand and molten gold glanced at the others for help. Teeth split across the Fall King's shadowy mien, revealing rows of grinding razors deep and large enough to shred things larger than a Changeling.
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Hua Yuan
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Presence 2 - Nostalgic; SL 1 - Flawless
Posts: 304
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Post by Hua Yuan on Mar 25, 2022 21:12:41 GMT -8
The Cat swatted at whoever was trying to get his attention, annoyed at the constant wordless nagging. Reality hurt to look at, like pressure from diving too deep. Still, they had come to talk. He nodded at Lotus and Blaze and took a confident step forward. Yuan bowed low, showing the Witch King the Face and respect he deserved.
"Your Majesty, my apologies for bothering you outside of open court." He waited for the King to acknowledge his presence. "As far as we know, they are a dream entity of some sort that claims to be the previous Spring Monarch. They bartered for assistance in meeting their old motley, claiming to have a way to help with the impending invasion. Even if they are dead, to body they are borrowing is a member of our freehold. I ask for your mercy - please, hear them out."
Lamassu's Mantle fed into and enhanced the Playmate's connection to Spring. Yuan felt confidence and possibility surge out of his mouth with every word, cautiously optimistic about the outcome.
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Post by Blaze on Mar 26, 2022 14:00:58 GMT -8
Blaze tenses up, and not just because of Samedi's Mantle's crushing effect. The sudden inclusion of violence into the equation and the soft voice that she couldn't help but perceive as subtly threatening (the way most things Ogres do carry a subtle hint of savagery, no matter how unintentional). Lamassu deserved every bit of brutal treatment for its blatant disregard for life and safety, but Fawkes did not - the Elemental's teeth clench for a moment as a fist closes around the Sun Banisher's body.
Yuan seems to have the diplomatic side of events well in hand, leaving Blaze to stay silent and watch their surroundings - the bar may have been cleared, but any number of threats mundane and fae can materialize at any moment. The Torrent would rather know about them before they happen to neutralize them as needed.
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Post by Krakenbox on Mar 27, 2022 12:55:04 GMT -8
Limp feet dragged over one of the fangs, and Lamassu blinked a few times as they contemplated the state of Fawkes' spine, eyes starting to roll from the shock. They hadn't experienced pain in a good long time, and an unsure chuckle welled somewhere between the popping blood vessels and cracking bones of the Mask; the ceiling bloomed with a deadly peony of angling shards. The Token of another culture that passed for Samedi's face twisted and loomed over Yuan while he spoke, dropping the mannequin to clang against the floor as the hand landed to balance the Ogre's sheer weight. The Playmate thought he heard static starting to buzz in his ears until he realized it was the Mantle blasting his nerves into a Freeze response. The wave of adrenaline crashed and ebbed without Yuan bailing on the meeting, other instincts nailing him to the wall as he tracked the crushed Elemental underneath the Fall behemoth. The two Winters dodged the nightmare by keeping themselves busy with periphery checks, where it was noted Victor was working his staff outside and far from the commotion. The mouth hung open, tugging into a slight frown as a quiet 'ah' emerged from the twitching rows of teeth and sinew. "I do not know what this is," He whispered in a hiss, surprised with Himself. Fawkes gurgled an elated chuckle, like the statement of outwitting the Witch King was a personal victory. Yuan was pressed for details as the Ogre unceremoniously tore open his arm with an onyx talon and dumped a bucket's worth of smoking blood on the Elemental, prompting a gasp as soon as the entity was no longer chocking on their own fluids and punctured organs. As they moved to sit up, Yuan was still being grilled for details, and the talon slowly pressed the entity back to prone by the throat. Lamassu rolled their eyes, quite literally showing their throat as they waited for the interrogation to be over and done with, and apparently over the near death experience like it never had happened. The mask bent to regard the Not-Sunbanisher, sounding almost child-like in His grief. "You abandoned us."Lamassu's attention briefly trailed to the other three Lost, before rolling back to smile at their former motleymate, voice discordant as it purred in an alien frequency. "I achieved everything."
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