Shepards Vampires 12-2

[23:12]	<[GM]Mary>	A week passes. Shepard visits your taken home increasingly infrequently, stopping only to tell you the news (usually, "no luck") and simply to check up on you. Sometimes, he'll stop to talk to Joule about the world events in the past forty years, asking about recent war, human relations and the like.
[23:13]	<[GM]Mary>	He returns once again, this time with a mission. He calls Judith and Leticia to the table to discuss.
[23:14]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Finally back again, eh, Boss?"
[23:15]	<Shepard>	Hmhm. No rest for the wicked, right?
[23:16]	<Shepard>	Anyway. I have a simple thing for you to do.
[23:20]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"And what simple thing would that be?"
[23:20]	* Shepard	smiles.
[23:20]	<Shepard>	Treasure hunting.
[23:20]	* [Tess]Joule	walks by, humming a tune and carrying an electrostatic generator.
[23:23]	<[huh]Letty>	Treasure, master? What kind?
[23:24]	* [Tess]Joule	walks back off but then returns with an electric engine, seeming to be in a generally good mood.
[23:27]	<Shepard>	One thing I've neglected thus far is the power of money, and that we'll soon need. Throughout the years I've made investments in valuable stones, gold, and other such things, and I've stored these in hidden locations all over Europe. I'll only need you to collect from one, it's only about two hour's ride on horseback from here.
[23:29]	<Shepard>	Bring them back to me, and I'll begin making arrangements to turn them to usable funds. Once we've done that, we'll be moving again, so prepare for that as well.
[23:29]	<[huh]Letty>	Already?
[23:30]	* [Tess]Joule	walks by again, with a small gatling weapon over her shoulder and an evil smile on her face.
[23:32]	<Shepard>	Of course. Frankly, I believe we've stayed far too long, and a larger residence would be more comfortable for all of us.
[23:32]	<Shepard>	Why? Do you fancy this town?
[23:32]	* [huh]Letty	shakes her head.
[23:33]	<[huh]Letty>	No, not particularly. I simply thought it was rather sudden.
[23:35]	<Shepard>	Hm. Well, anyway...
[23:36]	* Shepard	retrieves a small, hand-made map.
[23:39]	<Shepard>	The location is a cave of sorts. It's very well hidden, and the entrance only opens on the opposite side. You'll have to disintegrate yourselves to pass through, though you should be able to open it on your way out. Can't haul diamonds when you're made of thin air, can you?
[23:41]	<Shepard>	Joule, you may accompany them if you wish, but it is not necessary.
[23:43]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"I don't know, maybe she has some way to move the loot without any of us expending our own energy. She looks the type to come up with that kind of thing anyway."
[23:43]	* [Tess]Joule	walks back over.
[23:44]	<[Tess]Joule>	If there isn't a problem, I'll be going. What's the entrance like?
[23:44]	<Shepard>	All that matters to me is that it gets done tonight. I have my own arrangements to make, so I won't be here when you get back.
[23:46]	* [huh]Letty	bows, holding out a hand for the map.
[23:46]	<[huh]Letty>	Very well then, master.
[23:46]	<[Pyg]Judith>	Eh, I already figured you'd be out.
[23:46]	<Shepard>	To say the truth, I'm not completely certain. This location was created as an assignment for one of my past servants, quite a long dead one. I'd imagine something simple like a camouflage and a physical barrier to stop mortal thieves.
[23:47]	* Shepard	gives up the map to Leticia.
[23:49]	<Shepard>	Anymore questions?
[23:49]	<[Tess]Joule>	Hm... I'll take a few tools and see what I can do when I get there. You said it was diamonds?
[23:51]	<Shepard>	A variety of crafted materials that keep their value over time. I recall investing a lot in jewelry and gold and such things, you'll have to see for yourself.
[23:54]	<[Tess]Joule>	Easy enough; for most people those things never get old. I wonder if there are materials there worth using for plating...?
[23:55]	<[huh]Letty>	Plating?
[23:56]	* [Tess]Joule	turns to Letty.
[23:56]	<[Tess]Joule>	Covering a metal piece in another metal for conductivity or something like that. Gold and silver tend to be good for these things.
[23:57]	<Shepard>	Regardless, the contents should leave us with a very healthy sum. Once I establish an economic presence, you can simply purchase such things.
[23:58]	<Shepard>	I'm off. Try to find somewhere safe and close to store it all.
[23:58]	<[Pyg]Judith>	Well, we'd better take off too, the night won't last forever.
[23:58]	<[Tess]Joule>	Alright, well, if you say so.
[23:59]	* Shepard	leaves, crouching near the fireplace for a moment, then turning into a large bat and zooming straight up the chimney.
[00:01]	* [huh]Letty	opens the map to figure their headings.
[00:02]	* [Tess]Joule	looks quizzically at the map, adjusting her glasses.
[00:03]	<[huh]Letty>	So that should be...
[00:03]	* [huh]Letty	points in a direction.
[00:03]	<[huh]Letty>	This way, then, correct?
[00:05]	<[Tess]Joule>	Yeah, that seems about right. Can you tell how far away it is?
[00:08]	<[GM]Mary>	Readers: It's actually a little further than Shepard implied, but it could be halved by flight. The path is a little winding, with a lot of forest surrounding.
[00:08]	<[huh]Letty>	I'm not even sure if it's drawn to scale...
[00:10]	<[Pyg]Judith>	I can scout ahead, if you want.
[00:11]	<[huh]Letty>	No need. It's easier if we just all stay together.
[00:11]	<[Tess]Joule>	Just checking... are you two planning on flying or something like that?
[00:12]	<[huh]Letty>	Probably, yes. It's quicker as the crow flies, if you'll excuse the expression.
[00:14]	<[Tess]Joule>	I, uh... can't. Heh. And I don't think someone running across the town's roofs is an image we're after.
[00:15]	* [huh]Letty	looks at Judith.
[00:15]	<[huh]Letty>	Should we walk?
[00:16]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"A two hour walk? Are you kidding me, Letty?"
[00:18]	<[huh]Letty>	Eh...
[00:21]	<[huh]Letty>	So what's your idea, then?
[00:23]	* [Tess]Joule	looks a little confused.
[00:23]	<[Tess]Joule>	Me?
[00:25]	<[huh]Letty>	Either of you.
[00:26]	* [Tess]Joule	falls into a chair, avoiding eye contact with the other two.
[00:26]	<[Tess]Joule>	...How much weight can you carry...?
[00:30]	<[huh]Letty>	I'd say... maybe 200lbs?
[00:31]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Hmm, how much do you weigh, Joule?"
[00:35]	<[Tess]Joule>	I haven't really given that a close study, 30... 40 kilograms maybe?
[00:35]	<[huh]Letty>	Only that?
[00:35]	<[Tess]Joule>	Maybe even less.
[00:36]	<[huh]Letty>	Judith or I could easily carry you.
[00:37]	<[Tess]Joule>	I guess that solves things. Which of you would be kind enough?
[00:39]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"I will, Letty can handle the map."
[00:39]	<[huh]Letty>	As you wish.
[00:42]	<[GM]Mary>	The team makes their flight, landing in a clearing before what should be marked on the map.
[00:44]	* [Tess]Joule	adjusts her bowtie upon landing, taking a look around.
[00:44]	<[GM]Mary>	The surrounding area is mostly dense forest, though there's a tall hill before you and there are likely some treaded paths around. Listening closely, you can hear running water, perhaps from a small stream nearby.
[00:46]	<[huh]Letty>	It should be around here...
[00:48]	* [Pyg]Judith	's bats circle around before finally bunching up to reform her regular body.
[00:48]	<[Pyg]Judith>	Where is it marked?
[00:49]	* [huh]Letty	consults the map...
[00:50]	<[GM]Mary>	The only obvious hint towards the treasure's location would be the cresting hill, but it is quite large, covering probably a good one-hundred square meters.
[00:59]	* [huh]Letty	is looking in the completely wrong direction.
[01:00]	<[GM]Mary>	Joule: you find the "hidden entrance". It's a cave under the hill surrounded by a lot of foliage. You wouldn't have noticed it were it not for the cool draft coming from it.
[01:01]	<[GM]Mary>	Judith: You notice tracks around the area, those of human's feet. Guessing from local weather and pattern, they appear to be recent.
[01:02]	* [Pyg]Judith	becomes more alert of her surroundings after finding the foot prints.
[01:04]	* [Tess]Joule	moves off towards the entrance, and finds it after a while. She inspects the bars first, but then calls out.
[01:04]	<[Tess]Joule>	Hey! Found it!
[01:04]	<[GM]Mary>	Everybody: You hear a gunshot crack from the other side of the hill.
[01:05]	* [huh]Letty	turns.
[01:05]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Damn, looks like we're not alone out here."
[01:06]	* [Pyg]Judith	breaks into a swarm of bats. The cloud rises up to survey the area.
[01:07]	* [Tess]Joule	immediately whirls to look and listen for anomalies, her eyes beginning to glow very slightly.
[01:08]	<[huh]Letty>	It never is that easy, is it?
[01:09]	<[GM]Mary>	Judith: following the sound over the hill, you find two people fighting with blade and bullet, though you can't tell much else in your current form.
[01:13]	* [Pyg]Judith	's cloud returns back down to her companions, the bats begin squeaking and sounding like human words.
[01:13]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Looks like two people are fighting it out for their right to the plunder."
[01:17]	<[huh]Letty>	If they're so eager, perhaps we should show them a real fight.
[01:18]	<[Tess]Joule>	Ah, boy...
[01:21]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"FollOW mE..."
[01:22]	* [Pyg]Judith	circles the pair before fluttering over to where she last saw the combatants.
[01:23]	* [huh]Letty	shatters into ravens once more, carrying Joule with her.
[01:23]	* [Tess]Joule	chuckles, with a clear streak of madness.
[01:24]	<[Tess]Joule>	Perhaps their conductivity may make an interesting study...
[01:27]	<[GM]Mary>	Everyone: You're brought near the scene, about a hundred feet away.
[01:28]	<[GM]Mary>	Some foliage gives you concealment.
[01:28]	<[Tess]Joule>	So... how to deal with this little problem?
[01:29]	* [Tess]Joule	adjusts her cufflinks, eying the fight from behind cover.
[01:33]	<[huh]Letty>	The same way one deals with any problem. We eliminate it.
[01:34]	<[Tess]Joule>	How delightfully practical.
[01:37]	<[huh]Letty>	I aim for efficiency.
[01:38]	<[GM]Mary>	You notice a few things in particular about the fighters. One, they're both women, two, one of them is a vampire(black cloak, dark hair, yellow eyes, black sword, has been gunshot, carrying a sack, three, the other's a vampire hunter(white hair, blue eyes, wears what appears to be a maid dress reinforced with leather and chained steel, and brandishing a strange claw weapon and revolver).
[01:39]	<[GM]Mary>	Judith: you also notice that the black one is the same vampire you met at the castle.
[01:40]	* [Pyg]Judith	's bats return to human form as her eyes grow wide at the familiar girl.
[01:41]	<[Pyg]Judith>	Oh damn...
[01:42]	<[Tess]Joule>	What?
[01:43]	* [Mry]Vampire	attacks with a lightning-fast hard swing, and at first, the blow seems to strike her pursuer perfectly across the neck. However, something akin to deja-vu strikes the three of you, and you witness that the hunter does in fact parry and retaliate with her revolver.
[01:44]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Looks like we have a hunter in our midst."
[01:44]	<[huh]Letty>	A hunter, huh...
[01:44]	* [Mry]Vampire	fires point-blank into her torso, sending gore out from behind the vampire.
[01:45]	<[Tess]Joule>	Judging from your reaction, I would presume that bad.
[01:45]	<[Mry]Vampire>	[derp, forget i said that]
[01:45]	* Susanna	fires point-blank into her torso, sending gore out from behind the vampire.
[01:46]	* [Mry]Vampire	yells, retreating backwards, assuming a defensive position. The fight does not seem to be going in her favor.
[01:49]	<Susanna>	Hmph... Your time's running out, vampire. How many more hits can you take? I still got four shots left. The next one's going into your head.
[01:49]	<[huh]Letty>	We should simply let one kill the other, then finish the remaining one off.
[01:50]	<[huh]Letty>	...we should, but...
[01:50]	* [Pyg]Judith	ignores what Leticia is saying and moves behind the bushes quietly to get into a position behind the hunter.
[01:53]	* [Mry]Vampire	notices Judith's advance, and tries to capture the hunter's attention while she moves.
[01:55]	* [Pyg]Judith	resumes her movement through the bushes after freezing upon stepping on a twig.
[01:56]	<[Mry]Vampire>	ch-heh... Try it, bitch. Petty blows of mortal steel won't bring me down.
[01:56]	<Susanna>	Is that so...
[01:57]	* Susanna	fetches into one of her pockets, brandishing an obviously holy-anointed bullet. It stings your eyes a little just to look at it.
[01:57]	* [Mry]Vampire	ffffffffffffffreezes.
[01:58]	<[Tess]Joule>	Damn... what is that...
[01:59]	* [Pyg]Judith	can feel the presence of a holy artifact in the air.
[01:59]	* [Pyg]Judith	makes her move, parting the bushes and ready to lunge at the hunter from behind.
[02:03]	<Susanna>	heh... That's what I thought...
[02:05]	<[Mry]Vampire>	[Joule: Your attack is successful, she didn't notice you until your hand was in her throat. Or at least that's what happened the first time. You find yourself mid-attack once more, only this time, she dodges and retaliates with a kick.]
[02:05]	<[Mry]Vampire>	[er. Judith. darn it]
[02:07]	* [Pyg]Judith	tumbles backwards after getting punted aside.
[02:08]	<Susanna>	Another?
[02:08]	* [Mry]Vampire	takes this chance to amscray!
[02:08]	<Susanna>	...shit!
[02:10]	* Susanna	tries to make aim at the fleeing vampire, but she can't make a good shot in the failing moonlight. She quickly returns her attention back to Judith.
[02:12]	* [Pyg]Judith	sits back up after recovering from the attack, grinning at the hunter who now looks at her.
[02:19]	<Susanna>	Damn... He had friends?
[02:20]	* [huh]Letty	strikes while the hunter's back is turned, her claws piercing clothing and body. Her poisonous blood mixes with that of her prey.
[02:22]	* Susanna	expression goes from contemplative to shock, feeling a barb pierce through her side where her armor fails her. She quickly rolls back, getting some distance between herself and her attackers while clutching her wound.
[02:23]	* [huh]Letty	licks the blood off her fingers.
[02:24]	<Susanna>	Eengh... I can't believe I let myself... damn...
[02:24]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Thanks, Letty."
[02:25]	<[huh]Letty>	Anything for you, Judith.
[02:25]	* Susanna	stands up, a little surprised that the pain hasn't subsided.
[02:25]	<Susanna>	Two of you...
[02:26]	* [Pyg]Judith	gets up.
[02:29]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Think you can handle this one? I think the other one might have taken off with our loot."
[02:30]	<[huh]Letty>	I can manage.
[02:41]	* [Tess]Joule	walks up to join the other two, but takes to following Judith. Should be fine, Letty said she could handle it.
[02:43]	<Susanna>	Nngh... Are you after him too? What's your purpose here? You're definitely no "Fidei Defensor"...
[02:45]	<[huh]Letty>	Him?
[02:47]	<Susanna>	ch... damn, what did you do to me...
[02:48]	* [Pyg]Judith	breakes into a run, hoping that the little vampire hasn't gotten very far yet.
[02:49]	<Susanna>	argh... Alright... Just you and me now, is it?
[02:49]	<[huh]Letty>	Indeed.
[02:50]	<Susanna>	Heh... That was a bad idea. You should have killed me while you had me surrounded.
[02:50]	<[huh]Letty>	Oh, and you should get your wound checked. My blood should be running its course, and it wouldn't be good to leave it untreated for too long.
[02:51]	<Susanna>	Poison...? So, I gotta beat you before the poison runs its course... No problem. I have a little extra time on my hands.
[02:53]	* Susanna	smiles, brandishing a rather large stopwatch. She twirls the revolver around her finger and assumes a very open stance, not giving to any particular direction, aims at Letty, and pulls back the hammer...
[03:02]	* Susanna	fires a shot, and it just barely misses, going through Leticia's clothes but missing the skin by a millimeter. Leticia's head-on rush meets Suzie quite quickly, but as soon as the first blow is struck, she finds herself standing right where she was before she made her move. This time, Suzie corrects her aim, and shoots Letty dead-center.
[03:08]	* [huh]Letty	stops for a second, confused.
[03:09]	<Susanna>	Heh... So, you can't move like that again, huh? Or else, you already would have. One-trick pony... Though I suppose it's a good combination with the poison. What's the antidote? Your blood? Ch-heh, I wouldn't chance it.
[03:10]	<[huh]Letty>	If you wanted, I could suck the poison out for you...
[03:10]	<[huh]Letty>	Though I'm afraid I'd take quite a bit of your blood with it...
[03:11]	<Susanna>	I bet you would. You know what? I'm feeling generous. C'mere, flunky, I'll give you something to suck on.
[03:12]	* Susanna	, in spite her bold words, looks like shit.
[03:13]	<[huh]Letty>	We'll see.
[03:16]	* [huh]Letty	attacks a second time, only to glance off her opponent's armor.
[03:17]	<[huh]Letty>	thc.
[03:18]	* Susanna	does the same trick, shooting Letty right in the head this time.
[03:18]	* [huh]Letty	clutches the bleeding hole.
[03:19]	<[huh]Letty>	Insolence...
[03:19]	* Susanna	, despite her success, scrunches her face into displeased look.
[03:21]	<Susanna>	Damn...
[03:21]	<[huh]Letty>	Something the matter?
[03:26]	<Susanna>	I think... Time's running out.
[03:26]	<[huh]Letty>	Poor dear. I'll give you a proper funeral.
[03:28]	<Susanna>	engh... Perhaps some other time. I'm afraid I can't attend.
[03:29]	<Susanna>	I'll die some other day, if that's fine with you.

[03:29]	<[GM]Mary>	[The meido! Stop time! Tune in tomorrow, kids.]
[TheMary]               [And time resumes!]

[00:16]	* Susanna	's breathing becomes more and more irregular, sweat accumulating on her skin and dripping down her body.
[00:17]	<[huh]Letty>	My, I'm surprised you can even stand.
[00:17]	<[huh]Letty>	You shouldn't move too much, it just makes the poison spread quicker.
[00:17]	<Susanna>	There's a lot of things I can do...hah...
[00:18]	<[huh]Letty>	I'm sure.
[00:18]	* Susanna	fumbles at her pockets, producing that light-emitting round she showed off before, and holds it by the rim between her fingers.
[00:20]	<[huh]Letty>	Oh?
[00:20]	<[huh]Letty>	Are you going to shoot me with that?
[00:21]	* Susanna	barely smiles, and shakes her head.
[00:23]	<[huh]Letty>	No?
[00:27]	<[huh]Letty>	I wonder what you're going to do with it, then...
[00:27]	* Susanna	presses on the bullet's tip with her thumb, her fist shaking slightly from the exertion, until the bullet pops from the cartridge. She holds the bullet alone in her fingers now, holstering her gun and using her now free hand to make a whistle.
[00:28]	<[huh]Letty>	Oh?
[00:52]	* Susanna	, with expert precision, takes the shining bullet between her fingers and flicks it to the ground, which bursts into a bright display of light. Immediately after, she runs back into the forest, trying to cross over into the trail.
[00:56]	* [huh]Letty	manages to shield her eyes from the light. However, the hunter still has a distance advantage.
[01:01]	* [huh]Letty	doesn't bother to follow. She'll be dead before she even leaves the forest.
[01:09]	* Susanna	's whistle was apparently for the horse, but she never makes it. Before crossing the threshold of trees, Leticia sees her drop before it.
[01:11]	* [huh]Letty	walks casually over to the body.
[01:14]	<Susanna>	...egh...
[01:17]	* Susanna	isn't quite dead yet, but is on the ropes.
[01:18]	<[huh]Letty>	I'm sorry, I'd offer you a second chance as one of my kindred, but I'm afraid my blood isn't suitable for such things.
[01:20]	<Susanna>	hah... I'd rather be left for the wolves... damn...
[01:21]	<[huh]Letty>	I at least admire your courage. In vain, maybe, but admirable nonetheless.
[01:24]	<[huh]Letty>	It's too bad, but I'm afraid this is your end.
[01:24]	<Susanna>	Wait...
[01:25]	* [huh]Letty	stops.
[01:25]	<[huh]Letty>	Yes?
[01:30]	* Susanna	, with great effort, crawls to her horse, pulling herself half-way up from the ground by the saddle, and putting something around the horn from her neck. She falls over on the back, apparently finished with her task.
[01:30]	<Susanna>	Ugh!... hah... hah...
[01:31]	* [huh]Letty	examines the item.
[01:33]	<[GM]Mary>	It's a silver cross on a small chain, typically worn like a necklace. About two inches long and inch wide, there's nothing particularly outstanding about it.
[01:33]	* [huh]Letty	takes it.
[01:34]	<Susanna>	Engh... You said... admirable? Would you honor that with a last request?
[01:34]	<[huh]Letty>	I would.
[01:34]	<[huh]Letty>	Though... it depends on the request.
[01:35]	<Susanna>	Put that cross back and send the horse down the trail... she'll find her way...
[01:39]	<[huh]Letty>	If it's something like that, I'll do it. Rest in peace, I'm a person of my word.
[01:40]	<Susanna>	...
[01:43]	<Susanna>	I only hope... she understands.
[01:44]	* [huh]Letty	places the chain back on the saddlehorn, and gives the horse a slap to send it off.
[01:48]	<Susanna>	aaah... Well? What're you waiting for?
[01:49]	* Susanna	looks to Leticia with tired eyes, still lying on the ground.
[02:08]	* [huh]Letty	kneels and lifts her foe up almost tenderly, brushing her hair away from her neck.
[02:09]	<[huh]Letty>	I'll try to make this as painless as possible.
[02:09]	<Susanna>	ah... I guess this is the last time...
[02:09]	* [huh]Letty	leans down and feeds.
[02:09]	* Susanna	closes her eyes, not giving any resistance.
[02:16]	* [huh]Letty	finishes, laying the girl's body up against a tree.
[02:37]	* [huh]Letty	thinks for a moment, than slips her hand into one of the girl's pockets and draws out a watch.]
[02:37]	<[huh]Letty>	I'm sorry, but I don't think you'll be needing this anymore.

@@Meanwhile...

[00:09]	<[GM]Mary>	Judith and Joule: You follow the dark figure through the forest. Though she's quick, her wounds are slowing her down.
[00:11]	* [PYG]Judith	picks up the pace, her eyes locked on the quarry as she makes her way through the brush.
[00:13]	* [Tess]Joule	runs through the forest at high speed, jumping through, over and around obstacles to try and catch the figure.
[00:19]	* [PYG]Judith	waits until she thinks she can make the jump and then leaps for the other Vampire.
[00:24]	* [GM]Vampire	hears the sound, looks ahead, and tries to stop, but instead fumbles over and crashes into Judith.
[00:25]	* [PYG]Judith	tumbles backwards, catching the Vampire in her grasp.
[00:25]	* [Tess]Joule	runs up to the two, trying to find an opening in case she needs to attack.
[00:26]	<[PYG]Judith>	"Well, good evening, child."
[00:28]	<[GM]Vampire>	G-gah! Dammit! won't you just leave me alone?
[00:30]	* [GM]Vampire	tries to wrestle away from Judith's grip.
[00:31]	<[PYG]Judith>	"I'd like to ask what you're doing out here though."
[00:35]	* [Tess]Joule	looks from the vampire at Judith, silently asking if she needs anything.
[00:37]	<[GM]Vampire>	I could ask you the same question! Are you stalking me or something? Did I earn a spot in that big, fat, soft heart of yours? Dammit, let go of me!
[00:42]	* [GM]Vampire	struggles weakly.
[00:43]	* [PYG]Judith	maintains her hold while giving the vampire a smirk.
[00:43]	<[PYG]Judith>	"Ohh? What if I had?"
[00:44]	<[GM]Vampire>	Judith: in the vampire's struggle, you notice something you had not before: an Adam's apple.
[00:46]	* [PYG]Judith	's grin only grows wider upon her new discovery.
[00:50]	* [GM]Vampire	doesn't look too happy about that.
[00:50]	<[GM]Vampire>	W-what're you smiling about?
[00:51]	<[PYG]Judith>	"Hmhm, wouldn't you like to know?"
[00:52]	<[Tess]Joule>	What curiosity did you find, Judith?
[00:53]	<[PYG]Judith>	"I'll tell you later, Joule."
[00:53]	* [PYG]Judith	says, giving her colleague a wink.
[00:54]	<[PYG]Judith>	"So, child, what do you have in that sack of yours?"
[00:55]	* [Tess]Joule	smiles, bemused.
[00:58]	* [GM]Vampire	frowns, not amused.
[01:00]	<[GM]Vampire>	What's it to you?
[01:03]	<[Tess]Joule>	Well, it helps us decide what to do with you. Considering the psychology of our reactions and the antagonism you sow through hostility, it is far more likely your assailants will be lenient if you are cooperative.
[01:08]	<[GM]Vampire>	...What?
[01:11]	<[Tess]Joule>	You know, psychological theory. If you react adversely your assailants, which are me and my associate, will have less of a reason to be lenient with you or refrain from attacking to obtain the information you withhold.
[01:11]	<[PYG]Judith>	"Uh, yeah, whatever she said."
[01:12]	<[PYG]Judith>	"Answer the question, and I might give you something nice..."
[01:13]	<[GM]Vampire>	Shit...
[01:14]	* [GM]Vampire	drops the bag, various pieces of fine jewelry and gold spilling to the ground.
[01:16]	<[PYG]Judith>	"I see. So you did get to it before us."
[01:16]	<[Tess]Joule>	Oh, it figures... Judith, what should we do about this?
[01:16]	<[PYG]Judith>	"Hate to break it to you, child, but this isn't exactly yours to take.
[01:16]	<[PYG]Judith>	"
[01:16]	<[GM]Vampire>	If ya want it, go ahead and take it! There's a hundred times that still left in that cave. All I want is enough to pay off some loans, and maybe get myself a fine place or two in America...
[01:18]	* [Tess]Joule	smiles, her irises beginning to glow ever so slightly.
[01:21]	<[PYG]Judith>	"That's not what I mean, child."
[01:21]	<[PYG]Judith>	"Everything, even in that cave belongs to our boss."
[01:23]	* [PYG]Judith	thinks for a moment.
[01:24]	<[GM]Vampire>	Your "boss"? I knew it! You're a fucking lackey vampire. How does the scum between his toes taste, huh? If you tell me they're human, I think I'll throw up.
[01:29]	* [GM]Vampire	looks to Joule.
[01:29]	<[GM]Vampire>	What about you, tall, scary, and ugly? I never knew the undead got along so well. I bet you got suckered into her coven, didn't you?
[01:29]	* [PYG]Judith	sighs.
[01:29]	<[PYG]Judith>	"You really don't understand a thing, child."
[01:29]	<[PYG]Judith>	"Guess I won't give you your nice thing anymore."
[01:30]	* [Tess]Joule	cocks an eyebrow at the vampire.
[01:36]	<[Tess]Joule>	I have reason to believe my actions were rational, but that is too subjective to contemplate in a discussion like this one. For now, I think it would be in your... interests to avoid provoking us to act.
[01:37]	<[PYG]Judith>	"Joule, could you get all those things back in the sack? We should get back to Letty now that we've caught our little friend here."
[01:38]	<[GM]Vampire>	Argh, I'm getting sick of that!
[01:39]	* [Tess]Joule	proceeds to collect everything, but continues to talk.
[01:39]	<[Tess]Joule>	Sick of what?
[01:39]	* [GM]Vampire	disappears into a cloud of mist, leaving Judith with only a dark cloak to clutch.
[01:40]	* [PYG]Judith	frowns as her "friend" takes his leave.
[01:40]	* [PYG]Judith	looks at the cloak left in her hands.
[01:40]	<[PYG]Judith>	"Well, he'll have to come back for this some time, right?"
[01:41]	* [GM]Vampire	reforms moments later, sans cloak about ten meters away.
[01:44]	* [PYG]Judith	notices the vampire in the distance. She puts the cloak on across her shoulders and gives the little vampire a wave.
[01:44]	<[Tess]Joule>	I suppose that's true then.
[01:45]	* [Tess]Joule	's eyes glow more strongly, at the same time the temperature drops a little.
[01:47]	* [GM]Vampire	gives Judith the middle finger.
[01:54]	* [Tess]Joule	grins maniacally, and runs to close some of the distance before firing a bolt of lightning at the vampire from her hand.
[01:54]	* [PYG]Judith	simply laughs at the juvenile gesture.
[01:56]	* [GM]Vampire	reflexively dodges, but can't outdo the speed of light just yet. Her middle finger suffers a horrible electric burn.
[01:56]	<[GM]Vampire>	G-Gaaaaaagh!
[01:56]	* [PYG]Judith	calls out to Joule.
[01:56]	<[PYG]Judith>	"Don't be too rough!"
[01:57]	* [GM]Vampire	clutches his electrified arm.
[01:57]	<[GM]Vampire>	Youuuu....
[01:58]	<[GM]Vampire>	Bitch...
[01:58]	<[GM]Vampire>	I'm gonna... I'm gonna...
[01:58]	* [GM]Vampire	has something catch in his throat.
[01:59]	<[Tess]Joule>	Ahahahaha!
[01:59]	<[GM]Vampire>	*sniff* I'm gonna... k-kill you...
[02:00]	* [GM]Vampire	's voice breaks, as he keeps trying to wipe something from his eyes.
[02:01]	* [PYG]Judith	catches sight of the vampire reaching for his face.
[02:01]	<[PYG]Judith>	"Hey, I just said not too rough."
[02:01]	* [PYG]Judith	quickly makes her way over to the two.
[02:02]	* [GM]Vampire	turns away from the two, trying to hide his sobs.
[02:02]	<[Tess]Joule>	All I did was give him a shock, didn't think he'd take it that hard to be honest.
[02:02]	* [Tess]Joule	's composure gradually changes to one of curiosity.
[02:04]	* [GM]Vampire	mumbles a variety of things under his quivering breath, none of which are very nice.
[02:05]	<[PYG]Judith>	"My, oh my, what a crybaby. I thought you were such a proud and mighty vampire."
[02:07]	<[GM]Vampire>	sh-shut up! ssn- you don't know what it's like...
[02:11]	* [PYG]Judith	keeps her distance.
[02:12]	<[PYG]Judith>	"You're right, maybe I haven't."
[02:13]	<[PYG]Judith>	"But I have to wonder why you'd let me...us, see that side of you."
[02:15]	* [Tess]Joule	crosses her arms, waiting to see how the vampire reacts.
[02:16]	* [GM]Vampire	shouts,
[02:16]	<[GM]Vampire>	What difference does it make!?
[02:16]	<[GM]Vampire>	You got what you came for, just leave me alone...
[02:17]	* [PYG]Judith	sighs.
[02:17]	<[PYG]Judith>	"You really are a child."
[02:18]	<[PYG]Judith>	"You could have ran off much farther away, and yet here you are, materializing while still within my line of sight."
[02:19]	<[GM]Vampire>	N-no... I can't...
[02:19]	* [Tess]Joule	lets her arms down by her sides, but doesn't do anything and continues to observe.
[02:19]	<[PYG]Judith>	"Can't what?"
[02:21]	<[GM]Vampire>	I can't... go that far yet...
[02:21]	* [GM]Vampire	is trying really hard to stop those tears.
[02:24]	* [PYG]Judith	steps up a little closer, but still maintains a bit of distance. She reaches out to place a hand on his head.
[02:25]	<[GM]Vampire>	stop...
[02:26]	* [PYG]Judith	pulls her hand back at the word. Guess not. She takes a small step backwards.
[02:27]	* [Tess]Joule	walks up next to Judith, watching the figure closely.
[02:32]	<[Tess]Joule>	What's holding you back?
[02:39]	* [GM]Vampire	breathes deeply a few times, calming his sniveling down a bit. He sits quiet for a moment, then stands up and looks at the pair. His face is still flushed from crying, but his wounds from battle have now almost completely healed.
[02:41]	<[GM]Vampire>	Nothing.
[02:42]	* [Tess]Joule	sighs.
[02:44]	<[PYG]Judith>	"In that case, you don't get your fancy little cloak back."
[02:44]	<[Tess]Joule>	I don't intend to serve as an alienist, but I will mention that suppressing these emotional responses won't rid you of them; if anything they will just be more difficult to bear. Give it some thought.
[02:44]	* [Tess]Joule	turns, going to the bag that the vampire was carrying.
[02:45]	<[PYG]Judith>	"Until I think you're worthy of our kin, I'll be holding onto this for you."
[02:46]	<[GM]Vampire>	Go on and take it. I have no intention of befriending the likes of vampires or ghosts anyway.
[02:46]	* [GM]Vampire	picks the black sword from the ground near his feet and points the blade to Joule.
[02:47]	* [Tess]Joule	turns to face him, an unaltered expression on her face.
[02:48]	<[GM]Vampire>	Next time we meet... I'll fuel this blade with your soul.
[02:48]	<[GM]Vampire>	Don't try to follow me. You'll never catch me.
[02:49]	<[Tess]Joule>	Such an attempt would be a very unwise idea, sir. And I do not intend to follow you or attack unless I find reason for such action.
[02:49]	* [GM]Vampire	leaves, with a leaping step much unlike his previous pace.
[02:49]	<[PYG]Judith>	"Sure, I can. If you can only go as far as you can like you did now, I can certainly lap you twice around the world."
[02:49]	<[PYG]Judith>	"Be seeing you!"
[02:49]	* [PYG]Judith	calls out, as the vampire departs.
[02:51]	* [Tess]Joule	turns back to Judith.
[02:51]	<[Tess]Joule>	Well, should we finish our business here? There seems to be little left to take care of and opportunities only last so long.
[02:53]	<[PYG]Judith>	"Yeah, let's get back to Letty and get that loot moving."
[03:00]	<[GM]Mary>	Session End!