The curious newcomer

The scene opens in the Library

{Notes Text by me in quotations are continuations of a telepathic voice that only one character is hearing.}

DrArtemis: Hello, Miss Turner. How are you?
Heockius: -Sophie waves to the doctor as she walks in- Hey, Doctor.
DrArtemis: Miss Turner, there was some concern expressed over your... patrols.
DrArtemis: People are worried about you.
Heockius: Eh?
Heockius: -Sophie blinks- I've... I had a load of homework... I haven't been out of the dorm much. Well. Except for having coffee with Tula the other night.
DrArtemis: It can be dangerous after dark, you know.
Heockius: I know.
Heockius: -Sophie stares at the table quietly-
DrArtemis: OOC: If you're wondering why I'm quiet, it's because I'm trying to convert a file to PDF.
DrArtemis: OOC: And I have no idea what I'm doing.
Heockius: (It's cool. My brain kind of fizzled out on me. And yeah, I'm not sure how to do that conversion myself.)
DrArtemis: OOC: I've done it before, but it's not working now. Maybe downloading the latest version will help

With that warning, the Doctor steps out briefly to handle some business
.
Heockius: (Hoi)
Rhyaad: ~Catburt slinks into the library and deftly climbs up the book shelves to the very top, where can stare down at the people imperiously, slowly closing and opening his eyes.~
Heockius: -Sophie is drawing quietly-
Rhyaad: ~Catburt stretches and licks himself~
Rhyaad: ~Catburt silently wishes that an arty mouse were here.~
Heockius: -Sophie glances up from her drawing for a moment-
AngelaPerritaDepaja: *High heels click in a rhythm on the stone steps as a woman enters the library, to stand in the doorway looking around for a long moment*
Heockius: -Sophie glances towards the sound-
AngelaPerritaDepaja: *The woman gives a little huff, as if flustered or perhaps dissappointed, before she deigns to enter. She hardly notices the mousy woman in the brown jacket as she goes up to the front desk and taps her long black fingernails on the wooden surface.*
Heockius: -Sophie's eyes narrow slightly as she tracks the woman- The doctor had to step out.
AngelaPerritaDepaja: *She turns and regards the woman for the first time* "Oh? And who is this Doctor? I was looking for a librarian."
Heockius: Doctor Artemis is the librarian here.
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "Oh. He is a professor of letters, then?"
Heockius: I think he has several doctorates.
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "Oh? His head must be bigger than a harvest pumpkin, yes?" She snickers. "Will this great Doctor return soon?"
Heockius: It seemed rather important when he stepped out.
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "Hrmf! Well, I guess I'll just go powder my nose", she smirks and heads off for the ladies room.
Rhyaad: ~Catburt yawns, showing off his teeth~
Heockius: -Sophie tilts her head slightly-
AngelaPerritaDepaja: *The woman emerges from the bathroom and makes her way over to the table. "I suppose I could wait for a while". She takes a seat, not too close to the other woman, but not too far either.
Heockius: What is it that you're looking for?
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "Something historical and local. I am new to Arkham, but I have heard about the legends."
Heockius: -Sophie blinks- Legends?
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "Oh, you know", she grins. "Ghost stories. Spooks. Witches. Things that go !bump! in the night."
Rhyaad: ~Catburt closes his eyes and puts his head down~
MerulaMors: -college student with red ginger hair and black doll eyes enters the library-
Heockius: -Sophie blinks- I see...
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "you do? Oh, dearie, it would be very interesting if you did.", she grins slightly.
MerulaMors: -walks over to the group sitting at the table-
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "Are you girls students here?"
MerulaMors: -smiles warmly at them- Pardon me, but do you know where the Librarian is?
Heockius: Uh. He stepped out.
Heockius: And yes. I am a student.
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "She says the professor with the giant brain had to step out for something more important than us." She indicates the woman in the brown jacket. "Oh. What do you study?"
MerulaMors: -giggles at the joke-
Heockius: Art and Architecture
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "meh..." she utters.
MerulaMors: I like those too.
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "I'm more interested in history and the occult."
MerulaMors: It is funny how both Art and Architecture can go hand in hand.
MerulaMors: -giggles- Those as well.
Heockius: -Sophie tilts her head- It is interesting.
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "Not really. They've gone together for thousands of years. The art and archetecture of a culture are always connected."
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "like the Gothic period. All those serious frocked Christians and their tall, pointy churches."
MerulaMors: which Occult are you interested in Miss Depaja?
AngelaPerritaDepaja: She blinks. "How did you know my name?"
MerulaMors: [sorry delete]
MerulaMors: which Occult are you interested in?
AngelaPerritaDepaja: There are a lot of occult legends about Arkham. Monsters, ghoulies, strange things. But I would be most interested in witchcraft and the strange cults.
Rhyaad: ~Catburt's paws twitch and his whiskers quiver as he dreams~
MerulaMors: Oh, such as the Occult with the lowercase t's? I always thought they were quite strange.
Heockius: -Sophie listens to them-
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "Lowercase T's?", she blinks.
MerulaMors: Yes, -she nods- the ones who burned Witches?
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "Oh, no, no, I mean the cults that would welcome the witches. That would be the witches."
MerulaMors: Oh
MerulaMors: nevermind then.
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "Rumor has it that there were such cults running amok in Arkham just a while ago, but hay!, now they are just scattered crazy women. Where is a real bruja when you want one?""
MerulaMors: Exactly, they must all be in hiding.
AngelaPerritaDepaja: I think so. I want to find them.
MerulaMors: Just remember when you find one, make sure you have a gift ready for them. Out of respect.
AngelaPerritaDepaja: A gift... that's an idea... yes. Thank you, I will.
MerulaMors: -nods, smiling warmly- You're welcome.
AngelaPerritaDepaja: " I suppose a nice sharp knife would be just the thing?" Now it is her turn to smile.
Heockius: -Sophie raises an eyebrow-
MerulaMors: Oh, why a knife?
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "Oh, you know... cultists and knives and blood..."
Heockius: -Sophie glances over at her a moment-
MerulaMors: um...
AngelaPerritaDepaja: *Angela grins wickedly at the mousy girl.*
MerulaMors: I was thinking something more pretty
Heockius: -Sophie narrows her eyes and grits her teeth- Do you wanna go or something?
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "Like what? How you know what such a person would prefer?"
MerulaMors: I don't know exactly. I just don't think a knife would do it.
AngelaPerritaDepaja: She glances at the woman in brown. "Eh?", then returns her gaze to the other. "Well, then, what thing would such a person want?"
Heockius: -Sophie clenches her fists slightly-
MerulaMors: -pulls a sugar cookie out of her aparon pocket. it is shaped like a white rabbit's head- Maybe this?
MerulaMors: apron*
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "A cookie? Well, dearie, we are talking about people that wear hoods and robes and play with knives and do rituals."
MerulaMors: It all depends on what you wish to ask the Bruja.
MerulaMors: or occult
AngelaPerritaDepaja: Perhaps. I need to learn more. That is why I desire to meet them.
MerulaMors: -offers the sugar cookie to both women-
Heockius: I'm not hungry. -Sophie stands and gathers her sketch book-
AngelaPerritaDepaja: Angela stares at it. "Would this make me fat?"
Heockius: -Sophie turns and walks out.- I'm so glad the gym is open late...
MerulaMors: Bye Miss.
MerulaMors: -blinks twice at the woman next to her- If you don't want it, I will eat it then.
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "Adios, llanura raton piquenya", Angela smiles a saccherine smile as she leaves.
MerulaMors: -munches on the cokkie like a mouse-
MerulaMors: cookie*
AngelaPerritaDepaja: *giggles and takes little mousy bites out of her cookie*
Heockius: -There is a sound of fluttering cloth from the stairwell-
AngelaPerritaDepaja: There must be a breeze...
MerulaMors: -stops munching and listens-
Rhyaad: ~Catburt wakes and looks at the entrance~
Heockius: -A figure soon emerges. A robed woman. A cloak fluttering behind her as she walked across and paused by the table-
AngelaPerritaDepaja: Angela leans over to whisper to the other woman. "Now she looks like a bruja."
MerulaMors: Oh My, You are so pretty today.
Heockius: -I smile to them- Good evening. -I hang my cloak over a chair before taking a seat-
AngelaPerritaDepaja: Angela nods her head. "Good evening, Miss. Our friend here has cookies."
MerulaMors: -pulls out two different shaped cookies. One rabbit, and one heart shaped-
Heockius: Oh? Just don't get crumbs everywhere. -I pull a book out of my bag and set it on the table-
MerulaMors: Would you care for one?
DrArtemis: *enters, with dog*
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "I was just asking about Arkham and it's stories and legends. Both old and modern. Witches amd cults especially. I thought the university library might be a good place for information." She looks up. "Is that the Librarian now?"
DrArtemis: Merula... We do not eat at the tables.
DrArtemis: THat's what the parlour area is for.
Rhyaad: ~Catburt stares down haughitly at Bruno from the very tip top of the shelves~
Heockius: -I glance up at the woman for a moment- Interesting subject of study.
MerulaMors: Aww Doctor, you ruined the surprise.
DrArtemis: *I look at the young lady* Yes, I am the librarian. May I help you?
DrArtemis: Surprise?
MerulaMors: I came in disguise today -chuckles maniacly-
DrArtemis: Oh, people change their hair color twice a week around here.
Heockius: Your voice gave it away, Merula. I just played along.
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "Oh, you must be the so very intelligent professor that the mousy womam told me about", she smiles. "I am new to Arkham, and I am intrested it its history, especially where witches and cults and the ocult are involved."
Heockius: Mousey woman? -I blink-
DrArtemis: *I blink*
AngelaPerritaDepaja: She left
DrArtemis: I'm afraid I don't know any mouse women.
MerulaMors: -waves her hand-
AngelaPerritaDepaja: Angela giggles.
MerulaMors: I'll go change then.
MerulaMors: -gets up and goes to the bathroom-
Heockius: Wait... Mousey? You mean the rather ticked looking brunette I passed on my way in?
DrArtemis: Arkham is steeped in History, Miss... ?
AngelaPerritaDepaja: Arkham has been a place with tales and rumors of the occult and magic. In the past and just recent time. Legends of ghouly people and witches. Just a while ago the stories in the newspapers about cultists with daggers cutting out the hearts of people!
MerulaMors: -Merula steps back out in her normal black attire-
DrArtemis: *I look uncomfortable at the mention of cultists*
MerulaMors: -sits down next to Selene-
Heockius: -I watch the new woman now carefully- Quite the morbid interest...
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "Oh... Depaja. I am Angela Perrita Depaja. But you can call me Angela" She gives the doctor a coy little smile.
DrArtemis: Indeed.
MerulaMors: -stretches her arms- much better.
AngelaPerritaDepaja: Oh, but these things, they are gonig on for all history. The Azteca, the witches of Europe.
DrArtemis: Nice to meet you, Miss Depaja. *pronounces it de-Pah-hah* Are you a student here?
Heockius: -I study her quietly- You're not doing research. You're seeking something.
DrArtemis: *I look at Selene suddenly*
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "No, sir. I can't affoard the university."
AngelaPerritaDepaja: She looks at Selene. "What if I am?"
DrArtemis: *I look back at Angela*
Heockius: Then I would advise this. Be careful what you wish for.
AngelaPerritaDepaja: ( her aura would be perfectly normal for a human, and yet somehow disturbing, as if a dark cloud hung about her )
DrArtemis: There were three witchcraft trials held in Arkham in between 1692 and 1704.
AngelaPerritaDepaja: She nods. "Oh, yes, I know. Curiosity got the cat. But I will be carefull."
Rhyaad: ~Catburt stares~
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "I would like to read a history of the local witches, if you have one that is about Arkham."
MerulaMors: -looks up at the shelves- I did not realize there was a kitty here.
Rhyaad: "Prrrt?"
MerulaMors: -gets up again and walks over to the bottom of the ladder-
MerulaMors: Hello Kitty
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "Witches, beasties, all that goes bump in the night. But especially the later happenings. The cults in Arkham of this and last year."
Rhyaad: Catburt looks at her. "MrrrrrRow?"
MerulaMors: May I come up to you please?
Rhyaad: "mmmmrrrrrrRowMrrRrrrrr"
DrArtemis: Keziah Mason, Abigail Prinn, and Goodwife Watkins were all accused and imprisoned.
DrArtemis: OOC: Sorrry. I had to go and look up two of those names.
MerulaMors: -climbs the ladder halfway before stopping to make sure it was safe-
DrArtemis: Miss Heockius, your cat has followed you in here again.
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "Oh, fabulous!" Angela puts her hands together in glee. "I would just love to read about them. Especially Keziah Mason! She was quite the Bruha, yes?"
DrArtemis: Uh... well...
Rhyaad: Catburt stares at Merula....
DrArtemis: I'm surprised you heard of her. It's a rather obscure bit of history.
Heockius: -I raise an eyebrow-
MerulaMors: -climbs to the top of the ladder-
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "Didn't she cast spells that worked in higher order dimentions, or something like that?"
Xenophile: Hi
DrArtemis: *I look at Angela and widen my eyes*
MerulaMors: Hello -waves tot he new person who enetered-
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "Oh, yes.... it's hard to find. But I dig for that."
Heockius: -I watch her-
Rhyaad: Catburt mrrows curiously at Merula....
DrArtemis: What... How did you come by such a story?
AngelaPerritaDepaja: It wasn't easy... that's all I can say. Just this: my dear old aunt was good for something afterall.
MerulaMors: -Merula reaches out her hand towards the kitty so that it could sniff her first-
Rhyaad: Catburt sniffs at her hand.
DrArtemis: *I only look at Angela for a moment*
MerulaMors: -gently scratches under the cat's chin-
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "Martha. She raised me. She was into witchcraft and collected books and clippings and whatever she could find."
Rhyaad: Catburt purrs....
DrArtemis: Well, I can not vouch for your aunt's research skills...
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "I always thought she was crazy when I was a child. It wasn't until later that I came to appreciate her." Angela nods.
DrArtemis: ...But there is no historical record of Keziah Mason after the night she escaped from the Arkham gaol.
MerulaMors: -stops scratching and pets the kitt's back twice-
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "Oh, but there is!" She beams. "Recently!"
DrArtemis: And only... rumors, about anything else.
DrArtemis: *surprised* There is? Such as what?
AngelaPerritaDepaja: My old auntie said she appeared in Maine a few years ago.
DrArtemis: OOC: *laughs*
MerulaMors: [what's so funny doc?]
DrArtemis: I... can hardly believe such a thing. Are you saying your aunt saw a ghost?
DrArtemis: OOC: Just realized who I'm talking to, Merula.
MerulaMors: [lol]
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "Could be, professor. Thay did take her away. But I think she knows what she was talking about."
Heockius: (It's fairly obvious)
Rhyaad: ~Catburt purrs~
DrArtemis: And why is that?
AngelaPerritaDepaja: She came from a very old family. She really believed in that stuff. I know a lot, maybe most of what she said was crazy, but not this.
MerulaMors: come here kitty -gently picks up the cat and places him next to her on the perch-
DrArtemis: That's rather vague.
Rhyaad: Catburt wiggles and looks nervously down at Bruno
DrArtemis: Where in Maine was this apparition spotted?
AngelaPerritaDepaja: Well, we don't go around talking too much about the kind of things my auntie said, Doctor.
MerulaMors: Stay up here with me kitty and the puppy won't hurt you. - says warmly-
DrArtemis: *Bruno eyes Catburt like a hawk*
AngelaPerritaDepaja: And I will have to look in my notes. Auntie Martha babbled about a lot of places and things and people. Collinsport was one of her favorite places.
Rhyaad: Catburt looks to Merula for asurance. "MmmrrrrRrrrrrRrrrrrrT?"
DrArtemis: Collinsport... I figured as much.
MerulaMors: -kisses the top of the kitty's soft head-
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "Oh, you've heard of it?" She seems pleased.
DrArtemis: My family took our summers there for several years, when I was a boy.
DrArtemis: And I have friends there, to this day.
DrArtemis: So I'm quite familiar with the town.
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "Oh, you've *been* there! How fabulous! That town has its own legends too."
DrArtemis: ...You could say that.
AngelaPerritaDepaja: ~Angela puts her fingers to her mouth like fangs and giggles~
DrArtemis: *I recoil at the gesture*
AngelaPerritaDepaja: ~This only makes her giggle more~
Rhyaad: ~Catburt purrs and lets Merula hold him~
MerulaMors: -smiles sinisterly at Angela's humor-
DrArtemis: Miss Depaja, you seem to have heard a number of amusing anecdotes, but I do not believe you understand the nature of what you are looking for.
DrArtemis: I suggest you leave it be.
MerulaMors: -continues to pet, scratch, give the kitty attention however he wants it-
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "Not yet, my dear Doctor, but I intend to." her laughter fades. "I didn't move to Arkham to serve coffee."
Rhyaad: ~Catburt purrs loudly and enjoys the attention~
DrArtemis: You moved here? THat's rare for anyone not a student.
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "Do you have newspaper records? I'd like to see all the reports about the cultists killing people in the park and the dismembered hearts." She nods. "Well, I told you, I do not have the money for your university. It is very expensive."
DrArtemis: Really, Miss Depaja, is that the sort of thing you want to hear about? It's a beastly business.
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "Oh, but I so adore beasly business." That little smile returns.
DrArtemis: *sigh*
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "Come now, Doctor, you look like a brave and handsome man. Surely you are not squeamish?"
DrArtemis: Very well. We have copies of the Arkham Advertiser and the Arkham Gazette on microfiche.
MerulaMors: -chuckles maniacly-
DrArtemis: *I turn and look up at Merula*
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "Oh!! Fabuloso!" she puts her hands together again.
Heockius: -I rub my head slightly-
DrArtemis: *I show Angela how to operate the microfiche viewer*
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "I should like to get to know you too, Miss.... ?" Angela looks at Selene.
Heockius: Selene. Selene Heockius. I'm a librarian at the county library. Part timing here when I'm needed.
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "Oh, thank you". Angela leans a bit closer to Artemis than necessary. "Oh! Muy Fabuloso!" She exclaims to Selene. "You are a librarian too!"
DrArtemis: *I smile at Selene*
MerulaMors: -nuzzles the kitty gently- so soft and happy
Heockius: -I giggle- Yeah.
DrArtemis: *I pull slightly away from Angela*
Rhyaad: Catburt purrs and puts his paws on Merula, kneeding her.
AngelaPerritaDepaja: Angela smiles that devious little smile again at Artemis.
MerulaMors: -merula's heart skips a beat feeling happy. lets the kitty kneed her with his paws-
Heockius: -I watch angela quietly-
AngelaPerritaDepaja: Angela examines the microfiche and coos. "Oh!! Here it is! Yes. The cutting out of the hearts."
DrArtemis: Dear lord.
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "Well, it is interesting, is it not?" She says without looking up, fascinated with her reading.
MerulaMors: -snickers at Angela's words-
Heockius: -I grimace as I remember the stories-
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "But the name.... the name of this cult. And the members. I wish there was real information on them."
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "If only they had captured them alive..."
Heockius: Hm
MerulaMors: -rolls a Drachme coin across her fingers of her left hand-
Rhyaad: ~Catburt grabs at the coin with his paws~
MerulaMors: -lets Catburt take the coin from her fingers-
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "This park, it seems to be where most of the cult activity happens, yes?"
Rhyaad: ~Catburt plays with the coin and tries to bite it~
DrArtemis: That park... *shudders* ...far too much happened there.
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "Oh?" Angela looks aup from her reading at Artemis, suddenly intrigued.
MerulaMors: -watches him play with the Drachme-
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "tell me... what happened in the park?"
DrArtemis: *changes the subject* Do you recal exactly when these murders occurred? That will help your search go faster.
DrArtemis: ^ recall
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "No, sadly... But I will keep reading. I'm sure it is here." She goes back to reading the records...
DrArtemis: Very well.
DrArtemis: *I return to my desk*
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "Where do these cultist come from, that is the important thing. And who... who was their leader?"
Rhyaad: ~Catburt accidnetly drops the coin, and it falls to the floor to ring loudly~
Heockius: -There is a story of a quintuple murder. A very brutal scene. The suspect was never caught-
DrArtemis: *I do not answer*
DrArtemis: *Bruno runs to investigate the coin*
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "oh... That is very interesting..... cultists killing cultists! Oh, yes!" She seems excited as if she was reading a wonderful story...
DrArtemis: *I look at Angela suspiciously*
Heockius: -I look over at the doctor with a worried expression-
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "Wouldn't it be ironic if one was taking out the other, taking care of things. HA ha!" She seems gleeful.
DrArtemis: *now I look at Selene, thinking the same thing*
AngelaPerritaDepaja: Angela's eyes are glued on the microfiche she is reading....
DrArtemis: *I take out my phone and send a text to the security staff*
AngelaPerritaDepaja: ( and have you guessed who Angela is yet? )
Heockius: (It was quite easy early on, Rhy. :p)
AngelaPerritaDepaja: ( she is going to help you bring back Sylvia ! )
Heockius: A voice would whisper in her head. "Help...Me...."
AngelaPerritaDepaja: Angela starts and looks up with wide eyes. "Who said that?"
Heockius: -I glance back over to her and furrow my brow.-
Heockius: "Park..." The voice is faint and distant
AngelaPerritaDepaja: Angela looks around, confused...
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "Park"... Angela stands up, looking perplexed.
DrArtemis: *I watch Angela carefully from across the library*
MerulaMors: -grins sinisterly- Anegla becareful that you don't overload
DrArtemis: Merula!
MerulaMors: -looks down at the Drachme, Catburt had dropped-
AngelaPerritaDepaja: She quickly finishes with the microfiche machine. "Er... Yes... I should not read too much in one night. I should be going now. Thank you, Doctor Artemis. I will be back another day to read more, I assure you."
DrArtemis: *I go over to her*
DrArtemis: Are you sure there's nothing mor---
Heockius: -I watch quietly-
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "I... I feel like I have to go out.... I can't explain it."
DrArtemis: So soon? We hardly had a chance to discuss your research.
DrArtemis: In fact, we could even discuss having you apply for a student loan.
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "I... I would like that, Doctor. I really would." She seems to be hesitating...
DrArtemis: There's several forms to fill out, and documents to be approved. Shouldn't take more than a few weeks to get your approval. If you qualify.
Heockius: "Help..." The distant voice sounds like it is pained...
AngelaPerritaDepaja: Angela jumps suddenly. "No... No... I mean yes! Yes, I will fill out the papers! I will. But I must go now! I have to go now!" She seems disturbed. "I will see you again, Doctor."
DrArtemis: As you wish, Miss Depaja. Vaya con Dios.
DrArtemis: *I walk back to Selene...*
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "Dios no hay nada para hacer lo." Angela gets her purse and heads out of the door, looking confused.
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "Good night, Doctor. Selene. I will see you again soon."
DrArtemis: *nods* As I thought.
AngelaPerritaDepaja: Angela makes her way out in a hurry....
DrArtemis: *I lean over and whisper to Selene*
Heockius: -I look up-
DrArtemis: *whispers* I want to follow her.
Heockius: Be careful... -I glance outside-
DrArtemis: *I wait, then take out after Angela*
DrArtemis: *before leaving, I glance back at Selene*
DrArtemis: *departs*

Angela rushes to the park to follow the voice. But someone follows her

AngelaPerritaDepaja: ~ Angela arrives in a beat up old dodge van and bounds out. She just stands there looking confused for a moment, then strides into the park ~
DrArtemis: *I arrive at the park and stay in the shadows, searching...*
Heockius: The distant voice drifts through her mind again. "You... can hear me?... Help... In the woods..."
AngelaPerritaDepaja: She walks slowly from the parking area towards the lighted benches near the gazebo, then suddenly freezes. "the woods.... the woods... where?" she says with desperation edging her voice...
DrArtemis: *as Angela enters the lighted area, I spot her*
AngelaPerritaDepaja: Angela stares towards the woods in the darkness and heads that way, coming towards Artemis.
Heockius: The voice did not speak again. But she would feel drawn to the old hiking trail
DrArtemis: OOC: If I could move my avatar, I would be behind the stone wall, hiding.
DrArtemis: *hides behind stone wall, watching her*
AngelaPerritaDepaja: Angela peers into the dark woods. "the trail", he says, not noticing Artemis watching her. She heads off into the woods in search of a trail.
DrArtemis: *I wait until she passes... then I slowly follow her*
AngelaPerritaDepaja: [ and it is a search ]
Heockius: (And I just put a spot in place. :p)
DrArtemis: OOC: Thank you!
AngelaPerritaDepaja: Reaching the edge of the woods, Angela realizes she will have too much trouble with her high heels. She pulls them off and discards them, going on in her bare feet...
DrArtemis: *I put on my UNIT-issued nightvision goggles*
Heockius: -The deeper they head into the woods, they would start to feel an ominous preassure.-
AngelaPerritaDepaja: [ I think I found it ]
DrArtemis: *start to wish he had Bruno with him*
AngelaPerritaDepaja: At first Angela has a hard time finding her way in the dark woods, she stumbles several times but plods on, doggedly. [ :P ]
DrArtemis: *I follow her into the woods, despite my apprehension*
AngelaPerritaDepaja: Finally in the distance she spies a strange, erie light... she heads towards it, amazed and excited at what must surely be a magical apparition. She approaches the circle without hesitation.
DrArtemis: *I stop as I see the lighted area... and glad she has stopped as well*
Heockius: -The closer they drew to the circle... The greater the sense of dread became. The air was heavy. It was the kind of atmosphere that would send goosbumps along one's skin.-
DrArtemis: *I feel around and gain comfort fro the butt of the Glock in my coat and the elixir in my pocket*
DrArtemis: ^ from
AngelaPerritaDepaja: Angela tingles all over, feeling goosebumps on her skin, but she does not hesitate. This is exactly what she has always hoped for. She gathers her courage and steps up tp the edge of the circle, staring wide eyed at the runic symbols and especially at the tome and dagger in the center.
Heockius: -Angela would see the corner of a ragged book as encased in a plastic ziploc bag. As well as a knife that gleamed in the hints of moonlight-
DrArtemis: *I move a bit closer, hoping to see more*
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "where.... Where are you?" Angela looks around and speaks outloud as if she expects some invisible person to answer her.
DrArtemis: *I cringe, thinking I've been spotted*
Heockius: "The... book... "
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "The book", she nods and boldly steps into the circle, reaching for the book.
DrArtemis: *I realize she's not talking to me and move even closer*
AngelaPerritaDepaja: Nervously she removes the book from its bag and examines it...
DrArtemis: *I move slowly and silently, getting up close behind her...*
Heockius: -In the moonlight it was hard to make out. The pages seemed to be covered in what seemed like random scrabbling. Some words here and there, but each page bore the same signs of madness.-
DrArtemis: *I look at the symbols drawn on the ground...*
DrArtemis: OOC: Do I recognize any of these symbols?
DrArtemis: OOC: I do recognize a couple of them as being signs of the Zodiac.
Heockius: Considering Artemis has read the Necronomicon (Or at least some of it.) He might likely recognize the dedication to Yog-sothoth in the runes.
AngelaPerritaDepaja: Angela kneels in fascination to turn the pages of the book. "Amazing..." Then her attention is drawn to the dagger. She takes the pommel in her hand.
Heockius: I picked this as it seemed the most fitting for a circle used for elder things.
DrArtemis: *I pant as I recognize certain symbols*
Heockius: "That's... The key" The distant voice said.
DrArtemis: I think it looks great.
AngelaPerritaDepaja: She holds up the dagger and its blade gleams with light reflected from the glowing symbols of the circle. "The key..." she intones, staring at it.
DrArtemis: *I quietly pull out my pistol, in case it will be needed*
Heockius: "Yes... It unlocks... many... secrets..."
AngelaPerritaDepaja: Angela looks around for the source of the voice...
DrArtemis: OOC: I need to know if she spots me.
Heockius: "I... can't... Keep up... Sacrafice...-
DrArtemis: OOC: I'm probably not quite this close.
AngelaPerritaDepaja: [ was waiting to see what Artemis would do ]
AngelaPerritaDepaja: [ but there is no cover for him ]
DrArtemis: OOC: So far, I'm waiting.
Heockius: (It is dark. And the only lighting is the moonlight.)
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "Sacrafice?" Angela peers into the distance, thinknig she might have seen something. "Hello?"
DrArtemis: OOC: Moonlight is plenty bright, although it's a cresent, IRL.
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "Is somebody there?"
DrArtemis: *I freeze, wondering if it's me she sees*
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "Is that you?"
DrArtemis: OOC: Is she looking directly at me?
Heockius: "Run..." The voice seems to plead now
AngelaPerritaDepaja: Angela peers in the direction of Artemis, then suddenly jumps. "Not you!" She grabs the book and runs with the book and dagger, away from Artemis.
DrArtemis: Miss Depaja! Stop!
DrArtemis: *I chase after her*
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "No! No! She needs me!" Angela flees from Artemis, the 24 year old woman being much faster then him....
DrArtemis: Damn it!
DrArtemis: An-Angela! She'll use you! She feed... feeds on... on people like you!
AngelaPerritaDepaja: Angela runs into the deep dark woods and hides....
DrArtemis: *I stop after a hundred feet or so...*
DrArtemis: *I lean against a tree, feeling my heart pounding in my chest*
AngelaPerritaDepaja: She crouches behind a tree and holds very still, clutching the book close to her...
DrArtemis: *after a minute, I continue on, but not running*
DrArtemis: Angela... listen to me... I want to help you.
AngelaPerritaDepaja: Angela hears Artemis in the distance, but does not answer. She hides, now gripping the dagger.
DrArtemis: *I find my way to the road, having lost her trail*
Heockius: "He'll... stop...you..." The voice grows more faint with each word.
DrArtemis: OOC: I'm playing this like a man who had a heart attack two months ago.
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "don't leave me", Angela whispers desperately to the night...
DrArtemis: *I walk down the road...*
Heockius: -A pair of headlights illuminate the doctor. The source was a large black suv.-
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "I.... I won't let him stop me. I promise. I will find out what you want of me...." Angela heads off into the deeper woods, away from the park and the road and people...
DrArtemis: *I spot the vehicle and move further off the road, looking for caver*
DrArtemis: ^ cover
Heockius: -The SUV slows and the window rolls down. A familiar blonde sits in the driver's seat-
AngelaPerritaDepaja: [ uh oh, doc is in trouble now :P ]
DrArtemis: OOC: The reporter?
Heockius: (Rosa)
DrArtemis: *I breathe a sigh of relief, as her vehicle looked like those of the Higher Order*
DrArtemis: Agent Wood! Am I glad to see you.
Heockius: -Rosalina pulls the vehicle off the road and leaves the engine idling-
Heockius: Trouble, Doctor?
DrArtemis: OOC: Is this pickup supposed to be under the road?
DrArtemis: You could say that.
Heockius: (I think I put it out of sight just incase I needed it at some point)
DrArtemis: *I remove my goggles*
Heockius: The more she clutched the dagger, the more she would feel a desire in it
Heockius: -Rosalina glances to him fully now- What is going on?
DrArtemis: *I briefly explain about the wanabe cultist and the magic circle*
DrArtemis: ...But then I lost her in the woods.
Heockius: -Rosalina's expression went serious- You did...
AngelaPerritaDepaja: Angela pauses to grip the dagger tightly. She feels excited by the desire it brings to her...
DrArtemis: *still breathing a little heavy* I'm not as young as I used to be.
Heockius: Hop in.
DrArtemis: Thank you. Tell you the truth, I'm a bit lost.
DrArtemis: *I get in*
AngelaPerritaDepaja: Angela imagines what it might be like to stab the beautiful dagger into someone's chest...
Heockius: -Rosalina pulls out a notepad and turns on the cabin light- Describe her again for me?
DrArtemis: Miss Depaja is under the influence of Lilith and the so-called Higher Power.
AngelaPerritaDepaja: [ liar! ]
DrArtemis: Strikingly attrative, light brown skin, shoulder length black hair, dressed all in black.
DrArtemis: OOC: I'm going with my interpretation. That is not a lie.
Heockius: "Yes... That is the lock... Dedicate it... Yog-Sothoth" The ever softening voice managed. It almost sounded like somone screaming from quite the distance.
Heockius: (Hee hee)
Heockius: -Rosalina froze as she took down the description- Higher... Power?
DrArtemis: The Higher Power once murdered several members of a rival cult. I think they were connected to the Whateley family.
DrArtemis: They were the ones who left behind that circle and the book....
AngelaPerritaDepaja: Angela gives up looking for a source to the voice in her head and just nods. She mouths the strange name: "Yog Sothoth".
DrArtemis: But... how could no one have found it until now?
Heockius: -The pencil in Rosa's hand snapped as she clenched her fist- Then this just became a high priority.
DrArtemis: *I notice Rosalina's strong response*
DrArtemis: ^ reaction
DrArtemis: You've heard of them??
Heockius: -Rosalina nods- Mister Harker and I uncovered a hidden base of theirs under the ruins of a Tricell Lab... Mister Harker retrieved some data from there, but I have been lax in asking just what he found out.
DrArtemis: Tricell... *I say the name as if it's distasteful* I crossed swords with them before. In Scarlet Creek.
Heockius: "Yes... Dedicate it... To him..."
Heockius: -Rosalina nods- I have read some reports on their operations...
DrArtemis: Tricell is connected to Lilith. We discovered that years ago.
AngelaPerritaDepaja: "to him .... sacrifice... yes... I understand." She grips the dagger in the darkness. Then stands up strait, a new boldness, a sense of dedication coming to her.
AngelaPerritaDepaja: [ straight - ack ]
DrArtemis: They funded an operation to unearth a meteorite in Egypt... The same meteor that brought the first vampire infection to Earth.
DrArtemis: It... still infected people. With just a touch, they would become mutated.
Heockius: -Rosalina's normally stoney expression cracked. A hint of fear crossed her features as he explained the connections between tricell and lilith-
DrArtemis: And Tricell... they forced the mutations on those poor people.
Heockius: -Rosalina looked over at him and listened-
DrArtemis: *sighs* We were able to stop them that time....
Heockius: Good.
DrArtemis: But just recently, Tricell was involved with kidnapping a sasquatch from the Sanctuary.
AngelaPerritaDepaja: Angela decides to head away from civilization and avoid anybody who might be looking for her...
DrArtemis: We believe they were hoping to use him to create a new form of monstrosity....
DrArtemis: We managed to rescue him, however.
Heockius: -Rosalina looks at the broken pencil in her hand for a moment and opened the glove box to try and find another- So they were behind that incident.
DrArtemis: There were other encounters as well... but you get the gist.
DrArtemis: Yes.
AngelaPerritaDepaja: Clutching her new prize possessions closely, creeping stealthily through the murky shadows between the faintest moonbeams, Angela Depaja slips away into the dark forests of the night, where nameless tigers burn.
Heockius: Doctor... There is something I should tell you...
DrArtemis: OOC: Tigers do WHAT??
Heockius: (Reference to a poem I think)
DrArtemis: *I look at Rosalina* ...Yes?
Rhyaad: [ If you were a fan of Ursula K LeGuin, you would get both references ]
Heockius: When I revealed my... Augmented nature to you. You made guesses at my origin.
DrArtemis: OOC: Star Trek and Doctor WHo are as close to hard sci-fi as I get.
DrArtemis: Yes... I suppose I did.
Heockius: -Rosalina looked out of the windshield- It was Tricell...
DrArtemis: *my eyes widen*
DrArtemis: Tricell? They...? You're... one of their creations??
Heockius: Creation?... No. EX employee and test subject.
DrArtemis: *I pause...*
DrArtemis: So that's where you got the SUV.
Heockius: No. Government issue.
Rhyaad: [ A Trip to the Head is hardly "hard" SciFi. More like psychadelic fantasy. And of course, "Tiger, Tiger, burning bright, in the forests of the night. WWhat immortal hand or eye dared frame thy fearful symmetry?"... ]
Heockius: -Rosalina motioned with her thumb to a few lockers in the back of the Suv.- I had to get something I could keep my kit in.
DrArtemis: What kind of kit?
Heockius: Slayer kind.
Rhyaad: ~ A liittle bat flits around the SUV, attrected to the bugs attracted to the headlights ~
DrArtemis: Abraham Van Helsing settled for a satchel full of wooden stakes. But I guess times change.
Heockius: Indeed.
DrArtemis: *I see the bat and it makes me nervous*
Heockius: -Rosalina winds the windows up and lowers her head- I was intended as part of an operation to retrieve the nexus...
DrArtemis: *I open the window a little... then it goes back up*
DrArtemis: Nexus? THe one under Harker Manor?
Heockius: -Rosalina nods- That very one, Doctor.
DrArtemis: The Nexus can be moved?
Heockius: Not that I'm aware of.
DrArtemis: Then... how could you retrieve it?
Heockius: You, Mister De'annar, and a few others in Arkham were listed as close associates of the Harkers. I worked to get to Arkham through the SIA. To get to you. By extension to find an IN to take the Harker Estate.
Heockius: -Rosalina snorts slightly- A half mad vampire and a quite intelligent doctor inspired other ideas.
DrArtemis: *pull away slightly*
DrArtemis: You... jumped ship?
Heockius: Indeed.
DrArtemis: *I reach over...*
DrArtemis: *I depress the horn for 20 seconds*
Heockius: -Rosalina glanced over at him and raised an eyebrow-
DrArtemis: *I watch the bat*
DrArtemis: OOC: Needing the bat's response here.
Rhyaad: The bat flees...
DrArtemis: *I sigh in relief*
Heockius: -Rosalina smirks- You could have asked me.
DrArtemis: Good. For a moment, I was afraid that was Count Goranak.
Heockius: That would have been quite the cap to the evening you've had.
DrArtemis: Agent Wood, no matter what you think of Tricell and the Higher Power...
Heockius: I want them destroyed.
DrArtemis: Lilith's greatest power is her ability to control every vampire on Earth.
Rhyaad: [ cough ]
DrArtemis: I believe she must be in visual contact to establish control... but once it's established, her control lasts for years.
DrArtemis: I think the only vampire who might not be under her influence would be Rhyaad de'Annar. But he's not of this Earth.
Heockius: Her effects can even be felt by Slayers. To a degree...
DrArtemis: *I look at her* They can?
Heockius: She tried to control me.
DrArtemis: Well... she's a vampire. They potentially have hypnotic control over any human.
Heockius: She said she created the Slayers...
DrArtemis: *I look stunned*
Heockius: Most likely a lie... Accompanied by images and temptations.
DrArtemis: ...True.
Rhyaad: [ oh, oh, but from buffyverse.... slayers and vampires come from the same place. Your power comes from the darkness... muhahaha ]
Heockius: -Rosalina shakes her head- Now you know enough about me to question who's side I'm on. But such is only fair.
DrArtemis: *I reach over and take her hand* Sometimes I don't have to question.
Heockius: -Rosalina glanced over. There was a rare sight. A small smile- Thank you, Doctor.
DrArtemis: *I smile back*
DrArtemis: OOC: Can we wrap it up there? I need to bail.
DrArtemis: OOC: I hope someone posts this. It's been a great game.
Heockius: Where too. -Rosalina put her hands on the wheel-
Heockius: (I will~)
DrArtemis: My townhouse, unless you want to get coffee.
Heockius: It's late. I think I should call this one in.
Heockius: So I'll take you to your home.
DrArtemis: Oh... You might pull a few strings to have an APB put out for anyone matching Miss Depaja's description.
Heockius: I will. -Rosalina puts the vehicle into gear and starts to drive-
DrArtemis: Arkham doesn't have a large hispanic community, so she should be easy to spot.
Heockius: -Rosalina nods-
DrArtemis: At the risk of being accused of profiling.
Heockius: If this is as Dire as you suggest. A risk worth taking.
DrArtemis: *I nod*
Heockius: (And so they drive off and the screen fades to credits?)
DrArtemis: OOC: *applause*
Heockius: (:3 -bows-)
Rhyaad: [ yay ]

The credits roll.