[LOGS] Dundee Game: Day Five (1/3)
* Now talking in #theytalkin
It's early morning; breakfast is not yet served. However, there's a tray of cookies, some of which have been taken, if any of you are super hungry yet
* Kazuki has a BIG GLASS OF WATER. Also sure, cookies.
* Sera wanders down to the kitchen to look at the cookies with an expression of general unhappiness.
* Ashton also has water. Chews a cookie.
...oh... morning, you two.
The cookies are chocolate chip. They appear to have been baked last night.
...morning, Sera.
Ah-- morning! Did you hear back from him...?
...
* Sera nods.
* Ashton looks curious!
They figured out who Sidney is. Um.
* Shuri coming downstairs and looking around for people la la la -- oh what, people are talking about things?? ...Hovering outside beside the door!
...he's Asmodeus, the prince of Hell. Um. It's a problem.
--we found that out last night, too.
Aaaah, yeah. Last night me and Ashton did too... we couldn't help ourselves, so we looked up stuff on the computer. He's-- well, you know.
* Sera takes a cookie. ._.
...at least everyone is on the same page.
Yeah. We found out his weaknesses too! Like water. And fish.
* Kazuki ...sips a little of his glass pointedly.
...I wish you'd asked me if you were going to look stuff up online, I could've checked to see if there were keyloggers...
* Shuri ...EAVESDROPPING INTENTLY
...mm.
I know, I didn't want to, but we just got sort of caught up... right, Ashton?
Y-yeah...
It'd probably take really powerful water magic to hurt him, even if he's weak to that... I mean, my specialty's ice, but I don't think I could.
...what about fish, though?
He's a Christian demon though, so holy water could do it. And we have a bible too!
* Sera envisions the Ashton-and-Kazuki fight strategy of throwing fish at the prince of hell.
...um.
Well, there was one other thing...
Yeah?
...seriously, though, do we have anyone who could bless water?
...isn't John a priest?
. . . he never mentioned it!
Then we'll ask that John guy!
He's wearing... I think that's what it's supposed to be, anyway...
O-okay. ...what was the other thing?
But yeah, there was talk about how an exorcist shouldn't wear a hat in front of... the butler, and say "You are... his name", in order to get power over him.
Oh right, and you keep your feet on the floor at all times.
...I don't think it'll be that easy, with John. It's not like Sidney hesitated to bring him here... and... huh.
...Lord Mayfair used powerful artifacts to control demons. I don't think we have any of those, though. Lucia... might? But...
I don't think she's exactly offer them to us.
John walks in, Jez, in dog form, padding at his side.
--morning!
Ah-- hi!
Morning everyone.
Hi, John. Hi, Jez.
Ah, is there a reason for Shuri to be waiting outside the doorway?
......
* Shuri ... sob.
...
* Kazuki GOES OUT OF THE DOOR TO FACE SHURI
Ahhh--!!
What are you doing?!
...
I'm just--I'm listening! I'm listening to what you're saying, okay!
...Shuri, you could have just come in...
* Shuri comes in the kitchen sheepishly. ;;
* Kazuki drags Shuri inside!!
* Sera hands Shuri a cookie.
* Shuri ...accepts the cookie.
Jez scratches herself, sitting by a chair and looking up at John, making a little wuffle noise.
* John^Brown goes to the fridge to see what's there to eat for him and Jez
How much did you hear? Ah, John, right? You should listen too.
* Kazuki ...also eyes Jez.
I heard about who he is and what to do and--[glances at Jez]
Jez tilts her head.
H... Hi!
* John^Brown stares at some of the labels in the fridge before closing his eyes, getting some beef and offering it to Jez.
Jez wags her tail and comes over, tearing into it, absorbed in this task.
A... Anyway...
...maybe we could try the manor again. I wouldn't mind seeing it...
...Do any of us know the way?
Mayfair Manor?
...sure! I'd like to get a better look too.
I--don't remember...
Is the pit still there? You guys never really talked about what it was like.
* Kazuki also turns to John, "You're a priest, right? Can you make holy water?"
We didn't see it...
Uh, most of it is in ruins, except the underground stuff.
It was all in ruins and half of it was underwater.
* Sera winces.
We went down some stairs into a hallway and then Ururun froze the hallway because it was damp.
And then it broke.
...the hallway broke...?
Uh-huh.
And spilled us into a big watery cave with something in the water.
A-And then it fell down into a pool...
Then we found a door out.
Huh.
And we found an altar thing and that bone monster and...
...and the bone dragon was still...? Wow. I guess things have really hung around.
...I wonder what Lucia even wants us to do today.
...I don't know.
I guess she's not awake yet...?
* Ashton shrugs.
Was she in a good mood last night, when you two went off, Shuri?
Uh--yes--well it was a normal mood? Or maybe not actually.
* John^Brown nods "I can make holy water."
* Kazuki still talking to John, but sort of listening in, "You wouldn't mind making any, right?"
* Ashton has left the barrel in his room, by the way.
I don't mind.
Maybe not...?
I mean when she picked us up, she seemed sort of concerned, but you know.
I think, I mean, I don't know how she's feeling right now, since I haven't talked to her since last night??
* Kazuki looks around for a bottle of some kind
Jez glances over at Shuri, looking suspicious.
* Shuri eeps.
Kazuki, there's some used soda bottles in the recycling.
* Sera nods at Shuri.
* Kazuki takes out three or so bottles, and looks over at John, "So if I just filled these up, you could do it?"
I'll need to bless the water before putting them into the bottles. And I'll need salt.
...I-I don't think this is any better than your last plan...
* Ashton looks for salt!
Is this water supposed to kill him or something??
* Shuri ... wait, Jez is still there. ERRR
Jez hears the word kill and starts to growl.
* Sera just... eats another cookie, SOB
I--I'm just asking a question! I'm not the one doing this!
* John^Brown reaches down to pet Jez to calm her down
* Shuri RAISES HIS HANDS IN THE AIR IN SURRENDER POSE
* Kazuki to Sera, "Look, I know it's unlikely, but it's just a precaution!"
Jez leans into the touch, but her dockeded ears are back.
There is salt here, yes.
* Sera feels bad to be the negative one, but.
* Shuri keeping his hands in the air... "Are you really..."
* Ashton hands the salt to John. "Here."
Ah, thank you.
* Kazuki pats Sera on the shoulder reassuringly, "We're not going to do it this way, but it's in case any other plans fall through. I'm not stupid enough to believe everything off the internet or an old book."
Mm.
* John^Brown goes to get a bowl to start the holy water making process!
* Shuri looks like he wants to say something, but is still sort of nervous with Jez in the room. :(
* Kazuki looks to Jez, "Hey, do you know Pox?"
Jez transforms, crouched at John's side, looking... nervous. "Yes."
* Kazuki .....staaaares. And feels kind of wrong. In his pants, "W-we met him last night!"
"So?"
* Kazuki FORCES HIMSELF TO LOOK AWAY and stare at the ceiling. "Um. J-Just wondering."
"He's a kid," Jez says disdainfully
Who's Pox?
He's another hellhound who we met last night.
Ohhhh...
Oh... I met him briefly too.
* John^Brown is making holy water
* Kazuki feels like crying a little.
...Ehhh, are you okay...
I'M FINE!!!!!
Uwah.
Jez scratches her chin.
However, when John starts to bless the water, she scrambles away.
...Ah... is that what it does?
* John^Brown looks at Jez... kinda expecting this
* Kazuki ...doesn't look to Jez, but kind of... talks at her... "You don't like it?"
"It *hurts*," she growls, baring... way, way too many sharp teeth for a human mouth.
Does it burn~?
* Sera leans closer to the water, curious.
She gives him a betrayed, searing look.
* Shuri handwaves. "We're not going to test it on you."
* John^Brown finishes the blessing and looks towards Kazuki "The bottles please."
But that's not really enough to do much more than be really annoying, you know. What exactly are you guys trying to do?
Whatever we can...!
* Kazuki gives John the bottles!!
Jez is backing away, the hair literally standing up at the back of her neck.
Um. ...Why?
Do you really have to ask?
* John^Brown fills them up and covers them
I don't really like him at all, but what are you going to achieve by...
* Sera hops down from the table and goes over to Jez.
There's been murders happening. He's probably connected, but on top of that I made a promise.
What's the promise?
* John^Brown kinda stands there, conflicted on whether or not to go over to Jez
* Kazuki takes the bottles back, and indicates for John to go.
Jez growls at Sera but doesn't move away.
* John^Brown hesitantly walks towards Jez...
* Sera crouches down next to her and reaches out a hand to pet her hair, slowly, so that she can move away if she wants.
Do you know the closet monster from last game?
Jez's growling deepens; it's neither a human nor dog sound at this point.
* John^Brown pauses
* Shuri ...pauses at Jez's growling... "Yes, I heard..."
* Sera lets her hand fall and waits.
"Why," Jez asks.
Why what?
"*That*."
...we're scared of you guys. You're pretty scary, for humans.
Licks of flame curl around Jez's lips.
* Ashton eyes Jez warily.
* Shuri ...makes sure he is standing behind all of the people that are nearer to Jez.
* Sera is probably closest. Watches.
She looks back and forth among all of them. "Humans," she says, finally.
A bunch of different things, but mostly human.
On average.
* Sera looks rueful.
* Kazuki lets Sera do the talking.
* John^Brown continues walking towards Jez.
Jez watches John narrowly. "..."
* Sera sits back to give John and Jez more space.
* John^Brown walks slowly...
"What," she asks him, abruptly.
You're mad at me, right?
"Yes."
...don't be mad at him. He didn't do anything but what I asked, so be mad at me instead.
* Kazuki looks a little resigned to the fact that all the girls are going to hate, or at least sort of dislike, him.
She swivels to glare at him too.
* John^Brown looks at Kazuki "I didn't have to do what you asked..."
You did it because you're a nice guy though, right?
"It's a weapon," Jez says, and turns on her heel.
It doesn't really matter why you made it. What are you going to do with it now?
* Kazuki shrugs. "Keep it on me until I need it, I guess."
* Kazuki ...doesn't stop Jez from heel-turn and going.
* Shuri ...shrugs also.
A lot of us have already been armed, so it doesn't really change much in my opinion, then!
Besides, if we're going to be sent to dangerous places with dangeous spirits, it's good to have.
* John^Brown debates following Jez.
* Sera looks at him. "...if you think it's a good idea..."
Don't just go around attacking everything though!
* Kazuki huffs, "What gave you that idea?!"
I'm just making sure!
* Kazuki ...also sighs and looks at John, "You probably want to follow her."
... I will...
You know these are all basically people that we know now.
Also, unfortunately, from my experience, some spirits are stronger then the safety that holy water offers.
Yeah, I know.
* Kazuki also gives Shuri an irritated look
...Shuri's right.
* Shuri gives him an annoyed look back.
I didn't say he wasn't.
* John^Brown nods "If you need anything else, just let me know." and goes to follow Jez.
* Sera rubs her face. "...there's more than one level to this. Lucia, at least, brought us here because... she thinks of us as friends. Or wants to."
* Shuri ...nods.
* Kazuki waves bye a little, but is kind of sulking/think, "Mmm, look, I have nothing against Lucia. I'll explain, just give me a minute."
* Sera glances at Shuri :/
* Shuri glances at Sera :x
* Sera gives him a tiny nod. :x
* Kazuki then nods to himself, "Alright, I'll tell you everything."
...?
To start with, I was summoned here by Elli, in an old manor-- I think it was that Mayfair one you guys were talking about. He's investigating some murders with some other guys, but was interrupted at summoning all of us. According to Ashton, Lucia tried summoning us at the same time, so that's probably what happened.
* Kazuki pauses, letting them take that in!
* Sera nods.
...well, I don't know for sure, but it's likely--?
...Really? --In the ruined manor?
Yeah, it's likely, whatever.
It was ruined, for sure.
* Sera ... gets up and goes to stand by the door to watch for anyone walking in on this conversation.
Go on.
Long story short, he we went back to a hotel and he told us about murders and demons, and things being connected, you also being summoned here-- by Lucia and Sidney, and all sorts of stuff. What happens next is how I got to McDonalds!
I wasn't lying when I said I walked out of a closet in the library. But the thing is, I fell asleep and David was there-- the closet monster.
* Shuri ...blinks
Shouldn't he be in--the house?
...I remember him.
Basically, what's happened is that the butler has moved his body with them. He leeches off David's... I don't know, something, and David is having a really hard time protecting Lucia from him, he's blocked off. Been talking about how she's been acting a lot more tired, stressed out, as if she can't take much anymore... that kind of thing. Sorta worried he's leeching off Lucia too.
The butler, I mean.
...Ah...
* Shuri looks worried.
...
...is his body still alive?
It was alive in the previous house.
Does Lucia know about this?
Yeah, it probably needs to be in order for that butler to use it.
...mm.
I don't know, probably not. She probably thinks he's just there to help her nightmares.
...So why doesn't someone tell her?
Last time I tried telling her about David, she freaked out. And now she hates me!
...last game... remember when she heard his voice on the microphone? She said something like "You told me" to Sidney...
...I wonder what he told her. That ghosts weren't real? I doubt that. That he was protecting her from him?
I don't know...
Maybe.
We--We should talk to Lucia, anyway!
Your funeral. I'm just here to keep a promise to David-- to get that guy away from Lucia. I'm not here to hurt her, y'know.
* Kazuki looks a bit put-out
...
What do you mean funeral?? Of course if something is going on with her we have to tell her.
Does David know anything about how Sidney is bound?
He just told me to find his weaknesses. I tried, you heard them, that's all I've got.
Shuri... she might not believe us, and get angry, I think. I don't think you're wrong, but it's not without risk.
She got angry when i tried to tell her, even when she kind of liked me.
* Shuri looks annoyed.
Well, we don't even know everything about the situation.
And talking to her is basically the only way we can find out.
If you want to ask her how she met the Butler, go for it.
Fine.
That's how it is. She's not likely to trust anything from me, isn't she? But she likes you. ...probably a lot.
* Sera nods. "...I really doubt that's as equal a relationship as... the twins were. The way those two met... anyone would know exactly what they were getting into. It worries me, for Lucia."
* Kazuki wiggles eyebrows a bit at Shuri
* Shuri ...blushes.
Ah--right. I mean, yes, Sera. That's right.
* Kazuki friendly pats Shuri's shoulder, "Good man."
Eh, what--how--
* Shuri miniflail
You're looking out for a girl that likes you. Even if you were annoying before, that gets you brownie points.
E-Eh, I mean, I guess... D-Don't call me annoying, hey!
* Kazuki grins
* Sera looks sort of amused on top of the worried. "...okay. I guess that's it, then."
I'm worried about that dog... Jez, right? let's hope John sorts it out.
Yeah...
...She's probably going to tell that butler, right?
* Shuri composing self
Probably.
Well, it's not like the butler didn't know I was against him already.
So hopefully only I'll be blamed.
I mean... I guess he does sort of know we all hate him...
But he brought us here anyway.
Yeah...
I wonder if I can get in contact with David. He said he's wherever the Butler isn't.
...So why don't you... just go outside or something.
No, it has to be where somewhere I'm scared. That's how David works, ever since he got turned into a monster by the demon... it's the only way he can talk to people.
So... get... scared...?
...so...closets?
That might be easy for you. Ah, maybe you should try talking to him! Aaah, but you'd get really freaked out...
* Kazuki dfkjsdhgkljf GLARES AT ASHTON
* Ashton is still oblivious.
* Kazuki sweats a little, 'W-well, he usually does stuff in there...'
...there's a closet with blood in it upstairs? I don't know if that'd count as somewhere Sidney isn't, though.
...H-Hey...
...You haven't even cleaned up the blood?
I guess we can check that closet out...
Mmh.
I don't know if anyone did or not.
I'll show you, anyway, Kazuki. It's where we thought Konatsu had disappeared at first.
...great.
* Sera gestures him over to the door to follow her.
Are you guys coming too?
Do you want us to?
* Kazuki looks to Ashton and Shuri
...Shuri, maybe you'd better wait for Lucia...?
...I'll come, sure.
--Ah, that's right.
Maybe she's in her room...?
Maybe...
I-it's not that I particularly want you to or anything! You guys can do what you want.
* Kazuki marches out the door.
* Sera ...follows him to show him her bff the closet.
D-Don't be like that, I'm just trying to--! ...
* Ashton looks at Shuri. "Do you think you'd do better alone with Miss Lucia?"
* Shuri ... heads towards Lucia's room instead--"U-Um! I! Maybe?!"
I don't know??
...Okay, I'll leave you to that then. Good luck!
O-Okay.
* Ashton SUPPORTIVE THUMBS-UP
* Shuri h-hahhhhh. Waves.
* Ashton runs after Sera and Kazuki.
You make it to Lucia's room Shuri.
* Shuri knocks on the door.
It opens. Mr. Sidney stands there, in his suit pants and shirt. "Mr. Oak."
* Shuri has an inner moment of lskdjflsk. "Um! ...Hello!"
"Can we help you?"
* Shuri ...tries to look past Mr. Sidney to see if Lucia is there. "Ummm..."
Lucia is standing near the window. At Shuri's voice, she turns, in the middle of pinning her hair up. She's just wearing her nightgown. "--Shuri??"
Y-Yes! Ah, it's me.
Mr. Sidney waits patiently in the doorway.
* Shuri ...alternates between glancing at Sidney and Lucia... "I waaas wondering if I could talk to Lucia but ummm...?"
"You can talk to me . . ." Lucia says, sliding a housecoat on over her nightgown, moving towards the door. "Is something the matter?"
Mr. Sidney steps aside. "Shall I leave, Miss Lucia?"
* Shuri enters the room, giving Lucia a glance like YES PLEASE MAKE HIM GO AWAY.
Lucia frowns a little, but nods to Sidney. "If you wouldn't mind checking on the others . . ."
"Of course." He gives a small bow and heads out.
Jez stops, glaring back at him with one foot on the stairs up, smoke curling out of her mouth.
You're mad at me for blessing the water, right?
"Yes"
I'm sure that they don't want to hurt you...
"Then don't build a weapon that targets us."
... I'm sorry.
She growls pointedly at him.
I... don't mind that you're angry at me.
"Of course you don't. You're a priest." She sounds disgusted.
It didn't seem like you minded me being a priest before.
"I should have known you wouldn't care." Her voice turns dismissive.
I wouldn't have done it if I thought they were going to hurt you.
"Who will you kill?"
* John^Brown pauses... "I don't want to kill anyone..."
"Then don't make weapons!"
I didn't think about what making it would do to you...
"Weapons are used to hurt. To kill. If you didn't plan to use them you wouldn't make them." She spits a small flame. "Are you going to stop me from reporting this?"
You're going to tell Lucia? ...Or Sidney?
"What difference will it make to you?"
I was just curious...
"Are you going to stop me?"
Will you reporting this hurt the others?
"That's not my decision. Will your making the holy water hurt any of us?"
I'm not sure... I believe they only had me make it just in case.
"Then the rest of us should be informed. Just in case."
... would you let me know if any of the others are put in danger because of this?
She shrugs. "I'm not responsible to you," she says.
* John^Brown pauses
She cocks her head.
.... Did me blessing the water hurt you?
"I don't like prayer."
I'm sorry, again.
"Regardless," she says bluntly, "I have a master."
I know.
"Do you really?"
...
"Do you understand what that means?" she asks.
... you have to do what your master says, right?
"I'm a loyal dog."
Hm, I figured.
She gives him a long look. "....well..."
Are you going to be mad at me for a while?
She shrugs. "We'll see," she says, and takes up the stairs.
Are you going to tell them right now?
"Yes." And she's gone.
(Where would you like to head, John?)
(to the kitchen to see if anybody else is still there)
(Sure, head into #omnomnom. A lot of time passed on the stairs while you were arguing though, just a fyi)
#totallyclosetted
...why are we always the ones...
...I'd like to know that too.
* Kazuki looks to Ashton who is now also coming with us, "You decided to come?"
* Sera nods to Ashton.
Shuri thought he might deal better with Miss Bellcourt alone, so--!
...let's hope he doesn't mess up.
...he'll do his best. We all will.
* Kazuki passes a holy water bottle to Ashton and Sera. :x
Mmhm! I have faith in Shuri.
* Ashton 's dragons snarl irritably at the bottle, but Ashton takes it.
* Sera shakes her head. "I wouldn't think to go for that first, anyway."
* Kazuki shrugs, "Suit yourself."
Thanks, though...
It's okay.
In anycase, Ashton you had some experiences with David too, right? So it looks like everyone who has is here.
Mm.
I never talked to him directly; I think you're the only one who's really had a conversation with him.
...I think I yelled at him. I was mad at him for scaring you.
* Kazuki looks like he wants to yell he wasn't scared, but. :x
You guys should try talking to him and getting scared this time!
I-I don't scare as easily from things like that, but I'm scared now, anyway...
* Ashton grins a little. "I get scared pretty easily, sure."
* Kazuki looks quizzically at Sera, but nods, "You guys want to be careful. I can take it, but he might injure you just to make you more scared, if he feels like you're not scared enough."
H...haaah. Like last time?
...that'd just make Varnani mad...
Yeah. Just... try to keep yourself pretty scared, but not so scared that you can't handle a conversation. Right?
I'm pretty lucky, that it's closets...
...if...um...
Do you think if I was scared but the dragons weren't, that would work?
I dunno. Maybe if the dragons were scared for you it'd work.
...it doesn't work that way. I scare much more easily than they do.
* Ashton looks embarrassed.
...you just go in first and see if he's there. You're best at this.
No, I meant, if they were scared something would happen to you because you were scared. Y'know?
* Kazuki ...feels a little put upon that he's the best at getting scared.
* Ashton sighs, and Gyoro croaks something to him, then leans down to be petted.
You're good at... communicating.
We can work something out if we have to go in too. Okay.
Riiight... maybe I should have read that 'communicating with ghosts' section of that book.
There is a closet! Do you go in?
* Kazuki hates EVERYTHING, but goes in.
* Sera waits outside.
* Ashton waits with Sera.
#kazukisotp
#highwaytohell
Needless to say, after the prison, your clothes are wrecked. Still inside, your sense starts to return -- but you feel odd, high still; nobody, nothing can stop you. The feeling is almost overwhelming to your previous attachments.
(You need new clothes again.)
(Something black this time, please?) Konatsu asks, meticulously cleaning the blade of his sword.
(Where will we get it?) The sword seems almost ecstatic.
* Konatsu smiles at the blade, caressing its length almost lovingly. (Nothing left here would be of any use. Somewhere nearby. If not a store, a home would be suitable.)
(A home.) he latches onto this. (Yes. An apartment building. The more we can do the better.) He sounds very eager. (If you want to reach your goals, kill and kill.)
(Would that satisfy you? What of the Church?)
(Do you feel prepared to attack a Church?) There's a sense of the demon rooting through Konatsu's feelings, trying to find where his lines are currently drawn.
(I would slaughter them to the last. That would give us power, wouldn't it?)
(It would.)
(Enough to slay Him? Enough to see him suffer?)
You get a sudden feeling of swelling *ambition*. (It might be. It just might be...)
(Then why do we waste our time among those who can no longer aid our cause?) Konatsu sheathes the sword, returning it to the case.
(True.) The demon walks him out of the prison, past the dead guards at the gate, up to the bike.
* Konatsu shoulders the case and mounts the bike again. (Lead the way, demon.)
#putyourdemoninatube
Kaname, Rayfell, and Germany leave with Tristan. Elli looks around at the rest in her group and draws a deep breath.
"Right. Here's the situation, as simply as I can put it."
"1. We came here originally on the tail of an evil sword that possessed my brother and caused him to murder my family." Her expression is cold. "It was last seen when Konatsu used it to stab the demon Luka, who was wearing my brother's corpse. Luka possessed me because he needed a vessel and has been with me since."
"Hi," she adds in a milder tone, lifting a hand. (con't, don't reply yet.)
"2," she continues in her previous determined tone. "I assumed the sword was destroyed with the rest of the house and Luka and I went off to reevaluate our life -- this led us to becoming exorcists. But I kept track of local news and a few months ago serial killings, of the type my brother committed, started up again here in Dundee."
"We did not immediately return as we were on a case at the time, and then were tracking what seemed like demonically-related killings in the California region. At the time some of you were with this Sidney and Lucia and we wondered if it was related." (con't again)
"3. A few weeks ago the murders stopped in California and the ones in Dundee doubled. We discovered, thanks to texts from Sera and Robin, as well as later Kazuki who somehow ended up with their group, that Sidney and Lucia came out here with a collection of demons."
"And also that she is a collector. My instinct suggests that some of her demons - Sidney or others -- are killing people in the area she's in. I also think she was maybe trying to track this sword in order to get it. obviously I don't want it falling into anyone's hands if this is the case."
"So that's two things. The sword, and Lucia and Sidney. The Sword... I don't know where it is right now. Tracking the murders has not been very successful as whoever took it is moving around a lot."
"Sidney... it turns out is an incredibly powerful demon lord." She breathes out. "I'll stop for questions here before going on with what *we* know about Asmodeus."
I'm not surprised she's a collector considering some of the activities we were asked to take part in during the wolf game.
Especially given which rare items she wanted most, out of everyone's suggestions.
"Demonic?" Elli asks.
* Belphegor smiles. "Not quite. I linked her to some ancient torture devices. It's in a similar vein, I suppose."
She pulls a bit of a face. "Ugh. Okay."
"Now," she says. "Asmodeus and... the rest."
"We need to hear back from the group with the demonologist, Mr. Knight, before we can necessarily have all the plans," she cautions. "But Luka is a demon, if one with no personal experience with Asmodeus."
She leans back a little, face calming. "He's not someone I want to mess with," Luka says. "I agree with Tristan, it's dangerous. Very dangerous. I avoid the Fallen when I can and you don't cross titled nobility. But if we're going to do this we need an action plan."
"What I know about him is that he has been commanded by humans in the past, including King Solomon. He's a Demon Prince of Lust and holds a Dukedom in which he runs the casinos back home. He likes women, he's fine on men, and he likes gambling. Supposedly, for a demon prince, he's pretty pleasant." Luka doesn't sound like he believes it entirely.
"He's also incredibly powerful. A direct assault probably won't work. But all demons have weaknesses. Hopefully Kieran can help tell us some of this one's. In the meantime, we need to prepare a basic strategy."
"So. We have some friends there -- around eight. There's a ghost who feeds off other people but also wants Sidney gone. Lucia may not be evil but she holds a lot of demons. So, we have a host of demons there, as well as a demon prince whose weakness we don't yet know."
"So. Help me out. What can we do with this?"
I'm wondering how much control Lucia has over her demons - and whether they're ultimately loyal to her, or to Sidney.
Elli nods. "It's hard to say. If she has the Seal of Solomon, then they'd answer to her, theoretically..."
Hm. During the game there was a box. There was a trick to unlocking it--something like a logic puzzle. I solved it and the butler immediately came to take it away. I don't know if it's significant, but I thought it worth mentioning.
Along the same line of questionable significance, they used a lot of different kinds of codes and ciphers for the clues.
* Itachi nods in agreement.
Did you have to locate the box first, or was it already in their possession?
They already had it.
What were the clues for?
The daily clue that names two sheep and a wolf.
Oh, one more thing. Kaname saw parts of her collection. I don't know what items, exactly.
Ah, all right. I wasn't sure if they dealt with the box or not.
"Hmm." Elli considers it. "The sword was in a box originally. I don't know if it's the same one."
How large was the box? What shape?
The box's puzzle was a random exercise unrelated to clues.
* Itachi describes the box and the puzzle.
* Raidou nods. "I'd just been wondering if they'd had the means or the knowledge to open it themselves, and if so why they hadn't."
* Belphegor shrugs.
Sorry for the tangent.
"It might be relevant," Elli says.
Lucia thanked me for opening it. I assumed they hadn't been able to previously.
"At the least, it might have been part of what gave her access to more demons. We can't know," Elli says.
* Itachi nods.
"If she had control over the demons, do you think we might be able to get her to hold them back?" Elli muses. "You -- well, some of you -- know her better than I."
That depends on what she's using them for /personally/ and who she'd actually listen to.
Who would she be most likely to listen to?
* Belphegor grins. "Not me."
Possibly Kaname.
Yes. She seemed to have a soft spot for Kaname.
"That's good to know," Elli says. "Did you guys meet any of her other demons, or just the big one?"
Just that one.
For the most part, he was the only one around at all. Lucia didn't show herself to anyone but the wolves till probably the third day.
"He's probably the demon she uses the most..." Elli hesitates. "or is closest too. OR she didn't get the others until later, but if she was hiding out she could have kept them away too."
They seemed close. He was certainly displeased when Shuri made her cry.
* Belphegor has to hold back a snicker at the recollection.
"Shuri... yeah, okay." Elli rubs her forehead with a sigh. "So maybe we can use one of them to get the other to behave? We still need to figure out a weakness, but...."
Sera could also hold some sway with her. They got along well toward the end, and Sera /is/ a demon.
Yes.
"Sounds like we should let Sera in on what we're doing when we've decided," Elli says.
* Belphegor nods.
I wonder how well he gets along with the other princes of Hell...
"Why?" Luka asks him.
There's the question of whether he can rely on them as allies. Alternatively, how he'd react upon meeting another universe's version of one of them.
* Belphegor glances at Raidou. "Those are demons you have. Do you have other princes of Hell, then?"
Beelzebub.
Cool.
Luka looks impressed.
* Belphegor directs at Raidou again, since he'd just commented on the allegiance thing, "Will he do anything you tell him to, even against another prince?"
* Raidou nods.
We've fought other princes and Goetic demons.
Then it sounds like the only issue here is power levels between universes.
"Yeah. Or if Our Beelzebub has issues with Your Beelzebub or something," Luka adds.
It would still help to know if Sidney has any specific weaknesses, admittedly.
Just in case.
It always helps to know the enemy's weakness.
* Raidou nods.
Wasn't it already stated that's still unknown?
"Hopefully Mr. Knight can find something in the demonology texts," puts in Madison, who has been sitting quietly in a corner so far.
* Belphegor nods. "I wonder how different these demon princes' weaknesses are from universe to universe." He glances at Raidou, who never specified which princes he fought.
That's what I'm wondering as well.
If enough of the ones you know match what the texts say...
* Raidou smiles faintly. "I'd still prefer to fight just the one here."
Not the point. It'd mean what you and your demons know of your version could come in handy if the texts are lacking.
Well, yes.
"Do you know anything about Asmodeus?" Elli asks Raidou curiously. "From your world?"
Unfortunately, he's not one of the ones I've met. Belphegor, Astaroth, Lucifer, yes, but not Asmodeus.
* Belphegor glances over at that. "How funny."
The humor is not lost on me.
Too bad I'm only a prince, not the demon prince.
"Too bad" Madison echoes, sympathetically.
Elli rubs her forehead. "So that's a no-go," she says. "Hmm..."
Unfortunate.
#kazukisotp
* Kazuki HATES EVERYTHING
David loves it when you hate everything, baby. The first words you hear breathed down your neck are, "You're a bit of an idiot."
* Kazuki replies through gritted teeth, "The day I get to hit you for real will be a glorious one."
"I thought you liked me." A heavy weight settles beside Kazuki.
Just because I like you doesn't mean I don't want to hurt you sometimes.
"That's love, I guess," David agrees. There is a flickering laugh, a hissing sound.
* Kazuki grumbles an "I guess" back.
So? Do you know what's going on?
"There was a massacre in the town last night."
* Kazuki perks up, "That's good to know. Still no clue to who the murderer really is out there?"
David . . . sounds dryly amused. "It's good to know that there was a massacre? Your priorities are odd."
* Kazuki scratches his head, "I guess I'm still in tune with where I originally came from. That kinda thing leads to clues."
"It was at a prison, this time."
* Kazuki hums, and files that information away, "Anything else? Cause I have stuff to tell you too."
"You go ahead . . ." David seems interested.
Soo that butler, I found out his name. And some off his weaknesses, but I don't know how much I wanna trust that info. He's, uh, he's not like Beetlejuice or bloody mary or anything right, say his name and he shows up?
David snickers a little. "Probably not. But demon names have power. All names have power."
* Kazuki may be nervous at the thought, and a little scared-- not so much for his safety, but David's and not being able to keep his promise.
Right! Right. It's Asmodeus. Weaknesses: Water, fish, standing in front of him with both feet on the ground while not wearing a hat and telling him who he is.
David is silent for a long moment. Then, "Religious propaganda can be really fucked up."
He's shifting restlessly, the movement making the closet seem to warp around Kazuki.
Woah-- what the fuck?
* Kazuki t-tries to get his bearings, but closet warping is sort of freaking him out, yes.
"And how does my sister have control of him? Or does she?"
Shuri's asking her about that sort of stuff... but I think it's more likely he's controlling her.
* Kazuki shifts a bit nervously, the closet space starting to get to him, "Anyway, Ashton and Sera were going to try talking to you as well."
"I can try," David says doubtfully. "But--"
Suddenly, there is a whoooooshing feeling, like the air being sucked out of a vacuum. You feel a sense of panic.
"--he's here, I have to leave--"
* Kazuki panics too, realizing, "Go!"
Darkness and silence.
* Kazuki ...t-tries to reach out for the door to the closet
#happeningthings
You meet up in the study in the early morning. The others don't seem to be around, currently.
Good morning.
* Koizumi^Risa still looks sleepy.
Mmmm.
Ah, hello, Vaan.
Ahh
Good morning....
Did you sleep well?
Very!
Lucky...
Not really.
Ah...
Ah, anyway.
What's going on?
I guess I was so tired from yesterday . . .
Not much... at least, not yet.
Yes, I need to find Ashton and Kazuki eventually
... they were around last night with a little... horned demon thing.
Oh, did he have 12 of them?
one?
Ah...I went to sleep pretty early.
Oh... I thought it might have been Pox. He was very friendly.
... that's his name, yeah
Oh, good.
What else are we supposed to do here, anyway.
We got our things.
I guess it depends on Lucia... she was really upset last night.
It's all Konatsu's fault.
There's something else that's bothering me...
. . .?
Risa, you saw him, right?
* Robin^Sena glances at the computer screen.
... last night at the gallery.
* Robin^Sena turns back to Risa. "You did??"
Yeah.
What happened...?
He...
* Koizumi^Risa looks like she doesn't want to say much.
He killed one of the guards the spotted us.
* Robin^Sena inhales sharply.
But... but why...
--!!
I don't know, okay!
He just... he said that the guard would have killed us otherwise but it's not true!
And then I ran off and left him with Shuri and then Shuri came out of the gallery without him cause he ran off again.
If we're all here because we're waiting for him, then... I'd rather not wait.
* Koizumi^Risa looks angry but also a little distraught about having to recall the incident
Are you saying we should go find him?
... no, it's not right. None of it's right.
No, I don't.
Ah--. What should we do then?
What do you mean?
Well, we're just sitting around here right now...
Are you saying he had a reason to murder the poor guard?
... did Sera tell you about the text we received last night? About Sidney?
...No.
... what about him?
... ah.
* Robin^Sena clasps her hands in her lap. "We received a text from Elli and Luka. It said... 'Sidney - Sidonai - Asmodeus.' Sidney is Asmodeus."
... who?
...Who's Asmodeus?
One of the most powerful demons to ever reign in Hell.
. . .
. . .
. . .
.....
... we- we were talking last night.
There are legends about him... about what he's capable of.
A-ah...
...
I was asking him..
We should probably get out of here, then.
he said he doesn't have any pacts with Lucia.
You asked Sidney that?
And that... he was tied up previous to this whole thing.
Yeah, I did
And I asked him if he was the master of the... others around here.
That's what's bothering me. Why would Asmodeus willingly serve a human girl? What purpose does she serve? And even if we get out of here... he can just as easily bring us back. I can't imagine anything holding him back.
like Jez and Cherry.
But, he did say that... they'd listen to her instead of him, apparently.
....Maybe Lucia is a demon......
I don't think so.
* Vaan scratches his nose.
... you guys are sure about the ass... as..
...
the fancy name
If she were, Sera would know... and Sera is very close to Lucia. But no matter what, she has some use to him.
...
A-ah.
I don't doubt Elli and Luka on this... I think they'd know better than any of us.
I'd ask him but somehow, I think it might be a bad idea.
No kidding...
But then again... I mean, even if I asked a direct approach,
Whatever he could do, he would have done anyway, you know what I mean?
He's clearly got the upper hand and us knowing wouldn't... really change things, if he's that powerful
* Robin^Sena nods.
It's not like saying his name will summon him... probably.
* Robin^Sena glances around.
I think we're alright.
... you know.
Lucia said some of the objects we collected were... holy.
She did?
Which is why she had to get us to do it.
That rock sure didn't seem holy....
... oh, maybe that's why-- yes.
So maybe she ...
And... and when we rang the bell, the one that was with us... left.
... sort of.
Has some connection to all this stuff that's been going on? Besides actually ...
Bell?
Yeah.
...
Do you know where she keeps her things?
Probably her bedroom...?
You want to take a look at them?
... One of us should get it, just in case.
The others should... probably find... Sidney and distract him.
* Koizumi^Risa nods.
Would that work...?
What if she's in her room?
.....I've done this before....not with people around, though.
Knock first, make.. something up, I don't know.
...Yeah I'll do it.
Will you be okay?
I've done stuff like this before, don't worry about me!
I'll be back soon.
Alright... be careful, Vaan.
I will.
... let's try and find Sidney.
* Koizumi^Risa nods to Robin.
... Okay, but... what would we even do...?
... uhm.
I'll figure it out when we do.
* Robin^Sena thinks about this.
... okay.
... Let's head to the kitchen first, I'm starving.
* Robin^Sena nods, and stands.
Oh, one more thing. Risa, that letter you got from the Manor? The one from Christian? I think it was in code.
...
What?
Some of the words were capitalized where they didn't need to be.
Oh... no.
...
He writes like that.
* Koizumi^Risa nods.
Really?
That's odd...
It came up in the first game.
Huh.
* Vaan has been listening somewhat. Mostly been thinking.
Yeah, I'm pretty sure it's nothing.
Vaan, you ok?
I'm fine, I just hope this'll work.
What am I looking for, again?
Me too.
The bell?
It's a small ornamental bell.
Robin and Risa, how about #omnomnom
Vaan, as you approach Lucia's room, you hear voices inside. Do you still enter?
........
* Vaan knocks. "Hello? Lucia?"
Head into #theytalkin
#totallyclosetted
* Sera tries to hear anything from inside the closet just in case it all goes TERRIBLY WRONG.
* Ashton :|b FOLLOWING SERA'S LEAD, keeping very quiet.
You hear muffled voices.
* Sera whispers "Maybe it's working?"
Maybe!
* Ashton :|a.
Mr. Sidney walks in.
Hello.
"Hello," he says genially. "How are you this morning?"
Per...perfectly fine, sir.
Very subtle Ashton. Mr. Sidney quirks a brow. "Did you sleep well?"
I'm fine.
* Sera nods.
* Ashton also nods. The dragons eye Sidney balefully.
"What are you up to this morning?"
Oh, we were just...chatting!
We were down in the kitchen for a while.
"I'm sorry I haven't started breakfast yet," he says, and looks at the closet.
It's all right.
* Sera was standing in front of the closet door, and... still is...
"May I ask what you are doing now, though?" he inquires.
Still chatting.
* Ashton is next to Sera. CLOSET GUARD.
Kazuki wanted to figure out how Konatsu disappeared, the other day, before he took the car? So he asked us to keep everyone out of the closet for a while.
Jez found a trail leading in here, you know.
"Yes, I'd heard that. Is Kazuki in there right now?"
* Sera nods, since she figures there's no way that he actually doesn't know.
"Investigating in the dark?" Mr. Sidney sounds bemused.
* Ashton ventures, "He's very good in the dark?"
If something weird happened, being in the dark or alone is probably better...
...that's how it's been with other supernatural things we've seen in this world, anyway.
"Really," Sidney says. "Some sort of supernatural force you believe is lurking in this house..."
Er, well, you kind of have a lot of demons around.
I mean.
We don't know. All we know is that the thing with Konatsu vanishing that time was... strange.
* Ashton vague hand gesture.
* Sera nods!
"Do you think it was David's doing somehow?" Sidney asks, politely.
* Ashton looks honestly blank this time.
* Sera looks politely doubtful!
"I'm just asking because I'm not sure why else Kazuki would be talking to him in there, if they're discussing Konatsu's disappearance," Mr. Sidney explains.
I doubt David could operate that freely with you around... but maybe he knows about things that lurk in closets.
* Ashton ... decides it is a very good idea to let Sera do the talking here, and keeps looking blank.
"I doubt he'd like to," Sidney agrees.
* Sera shrugs.
He moves closer, reaching for the closet door. "May I?"
We'd really rather you not.
Please don't.
"That's very unfortunate," he says. "I have no intention of killing David, you realize."
Why not? You didn't want Lucia to believe he was around, during the last game...
You know that's really vague, right.
"That's quite different."
The door to the closet opens behind you guys, Kazuki's hand on the knob.
Sidney, who was reaching for it, smiles patiently at him.
"Well?" he asks. "What's the news?"
H-hi.
* Kazuki blinks dumbly
What...?
Sidney was wondering if David knew anything about how Konatsu disappeared out of this closet.
Since you wanted to find out about that...
* Ashton nods furiously.
...nah, he wasn't able to give any news about that.
* Kazuki ...didn't ask, after all.
"What a leading conversation," Sidney murmurs.
* Kazuki wonders if he should've. O-OH WELL.
--wait a second, you know about David and the closets and stuff?
T-that's that, I guess.
"Please," Mr. Sidney says gently. "I'm quite aware. Do give him my regards next you talk."
. . .
It's just last time you acted all... nevermind. Got it.
That was in front of Lucia.
* Ashton nods politely at Sidney. "Was...was that all?"
"Lucia does not wish to have David around her," Sidney says. "Please understand."
* Kazuki just gives a sharp nod, "That doesn't mean I can't talk to him though, right?"
...it's hard to understand rather than accept something without knowing more about it, but I'd rather ask her, if you don't want to tell us why.
"It was a decision she has made in the past," Sidney says. "If you'll excuse me, I must start breakfast. It's getting late."
* Kazuki moves out of the closet completely, and doesn't say anything else.
* Sera nods. "All right. Thank you."
He heads off.
* Sera lets out a long breath and leans on Ashton.
* Ashton squeezes Sera's shoulder.
* Kazuki scrubs his face a little
W-what did David say...
There was a massacre at the prison. And the weaknesses we found are most likelr religious propoganda. That's all I could ask about before he panicked and left because of the butler.
...damn.
* Sera nods, unsurprised
* Ashton ... looks up at a squawk from the dragons. His expression goes unfocused for a second.
...besides, if Lucia really didn't want David around, and the butler really was working in her best interests, they probably wouldn't keep David's body so close. He can't go too far from it.
...guys, I know she might not be up yet, but do you mind if I go check on Risa?
Do we know where David's body is, here?
* Kazuki blinks, "Ah. Right, go for it. We should probably find Vaan and fill him in too."
--no, Ashton, go ahead...
No clue.
Mmhm.
* Ashton slips out.
That's what we should've been asking... too late now.
Maybe Pox would know... for now let's just go check how Shuri's doing.
...mm.
* Kazuki TO LUCIA'S ROOM?
* Sera WHY NOT
It's early morning; breakfast is not yet served. However, there's a tray of cookies, some of which have been taken, if any of you are super hungry yet
* Kazuki has a BIG GLASS OF WATER. Also sure, cookies.
* Sera wanders down to the kitchen to look at the cookies with an expression of general unhappiness.
* Ashton also has water. Chews a cookie.
...oh... morning, you two.
The cookies are chocolate chip. They appear to have been baked last night.
...morning, Sera.
Ah-- morning! Did you hear back from him...?
...
* Sera nods.
* Ashton looks curious!
They figured out who Sidney is. Um.
* Shuri coming downstairs and looking around for people la la la -- oh what, people are talking about things?? ...Hovering outside beside the door!
...he's Asmodeus, the prince of Hell. Um. It's a problem.
--we found that out last night, too.
Aaaah, yeah. Last night me and Ashton did too... we couldn't help ourselves, so we looked up stuff on the computer. He's-- well, you know.
* Sera takes a cookie. ._.
...at least everyone is on the same page.
Yeah. We found out his weaknesses too! Like water. And fish.
* Kazuki ...sips a little of his glass pointedly.
...I wish you'd asked me if you were going to look stuff up online, I could've checked to see if there were keyloggers...
* Shuri ...EAVESDROPPING INTENTLY
...mm.
I know, I didn't want to, but we just got sort of caught up... right, Ashton?
Y-yeah...
It'd probably take really powerful water magic to hurt him, even if he's weak to that... I mean, my specialty's ice, but I don't think I could.
...what about fish, though?
He's a Christian demon though, so holy water could do it. And we have a bible too!
* Sera envisions the Ashton-and-Kazuki fight strategy of throwing fish at the prince of hell.
...um.
Well, there was one other thing...
Yeah?
...seriously, though, do we have anyone who could bless water?
...isn't John a priest?
. . . he never mentioned it!
Then we'll ask that John guy!
He's wearing... I think that's what it's supposed to be, anyway...
O-okay. ...what was the other thing?
But yeah, there was talk about how an exorcist shouldn't wear a hat in front of... the butler, and say "You are... his name", in order to get power over him.
Oh right, and you keep your feet on the floor at all times.
...I don't think it'll be that easy, with John. It's not like Sidney hesitated to bring him here... and... huh.
...Lord Mayfair used powerful artifacts to control demons. I don't think we have any of those, though. Lucia... might? But...
I don't think she's exactly offer them to us.
John walks in, Jez, in dog form, padding at his side.
--morning!
Ah-- hi!
Morning everyone.
Hi, John. Hi, Jez.
Ah, is there a reason for Shuri to be waiting outside the doorway?
......
* Shuri ... sob.
...
* Kazuki GOES OUT OF THE DOOR TO FACE SHURI
Ahhh--!!
What are you doing?!
...
I'm just--I'm listening! I'm listening to what you're saying, okay!
...Shuri, you could have just come in...
* Shuri comes in the kitchen sheepishly. ;;
* Kazuki drags Shuri inside!!
* Sera hands Shuri a cookie.
* Shuri ...accepts the cookie.
Jez scratches herself, sitting by a chair and looking up at John, making a little wuffle noise.
* John^Brown goes to the fridge to see what's there to eat for him and Jez
How much did you hear? Ah, John, right? You should listen too.
* Kazuki ...also eyes Jez.
I heard about who he is and what to do and--[glances at Jez]
Jez tilts her head.
H... Hi!
* John^Brown stares at some of the labels in the fridge before closing his eyes, getting some beef and offering it to Jez.
Jez wags her tail and comes over, tearing into it, absorbed in this task.
A... Anyway...
...maybe we could try the manor again. I wouldn't mind seeing it...
...Do any of us know the way?
Mayfair Manor?
...sure! I'd like to get a better look too.
I--don't remember...
Is the pit still there? You guys never really talked about what it was like.
* Kazuki also turns to John, "You're a priest, right? Can you make holy water?"
We didn't see it...
Uh, most of it is in ruins, except the underground stuff.
It was all in ruins and half of it was underwater.
* Sera winces.
We went down some stairs into a hallway and then Ururun froze the hallway because it was damp.
And then it broke.
...the hallway broke...?
Uh-huh.
And spilled us into a big watery cave with something in the water.
A-And then it fell down into a pool...
Then we found a door out.
Huh.
And we found an altar thing and that bone monster and...
...and the bone dragon was still...? Wow. I guess things have really hung around.
...I wonder what Lucia even wants us to do today.
...I don't know.
I guess she's not awake yet...?
* Ashton shrugs.
Was she in a good mood last night, when you two went off, Shuri?
Uh--yes--well it was a normal mood? Or maybe not actually.
* John^Brown nods "I can make holy water."
* Kazuki still talking to John, but sort of listening in, "You wouldn't mind making any, right?"
* Ashton has left the barrel in his room, by the way.
I don't mind.
Maybe not...?
I mean when she picked us up, she seemed sort of concerned, but you know.
I think, I mean, I don't know how she's feeling right now, since I haven't talked to her since last night??
* Kazuki looks around for a bottle of some kind
Jez glances over at Shuri, looking suspicious.
* Shuri eeps.
Kazuki, there's some used soda bottles in the recycling.
* Sera nods at Shuri.
* Kazuki takes out three or so bottles, and looks over at John, "So if I just filled these up, you could do it?"
I'll need to bless the water before putting them into the bottles. And I'll need salt.
...I-I don't think this is any better than your last plan...
* Ashton looks for salt!
Is this water supposed to kill him or something??
* Shuri ... wait, Jez is still there. ERRR
Jez hears the word kill and starts to growl.
* Sera just... eats another cookie, SOB
I--I'm just asking a question! I'm not the one doing this!
* John^Brown reaches down to pet Jez to calm her down
* Shuri RAISES HIS HANDS IN THE AIR IN SURRENDER POSE
* Kazuki to Sera, "Look, I know it's unlikely, but it's just a precaution!"
Jez leans into the touch, but her dockeded ears are back.
There is salt here, yes.
* Sera feels bad to be the negative one, but.
* Shuri keeping his hands in the air... "Are you really..."
* Ashton hands the salt to John. "Here."
Ah, thank you.
* Kazuki pats Sera on the shoulder reassuringly, "We're not going to do it this way, but it's in case any other plans fall through. I'm not stupid enough to believe everything off the internet or an old book."
Mm.
* John^Brown goes to get a bowl to start the holy water making process!
* Shuri looks like he wants to say something, but is still sort of nervous with Jez in the room. :(
* Kazuki looks to Jez, "Hey, do you know Pox?"
Jez transforms, crouched at John's side, looking... nervous. "Yes."
* Kazuki .....staaaares. And feels kind of wrong. In his pants, "W-we met him last night!"
"So?"
* Kazuki FORCES HIMSELF TO LOOK AWAY and stare at the ceiling. "Um. J-Just wondering."
"He's a kid," Jez says disdainfully
Who's Pox?
He's another hellhound who we met last night.
Ohhhh...
Oh... I met him briefly too.
* John^Brown is making holy water
* Kazuki feels like crying a little.
...Ehhh, are you okay...
I'M FINE!!!!!
Uwah.
Jez scratches her chin.
However, when John starts to bless the water, she scrambles away.
...Ah... is that what it does?
* John^Brown looks at Jez... kinda expecting this
* Kazuki ...doesn't look to Jez, but kind of... talks at her... "You don't like it?"
"It *hurts*," she growls, baring... way, way too many sharp teeth for a human mouth.
Does it burn~?
* Sera leans closer to the water, curious.
She gives him a betrayed, searing look.
* Shuri handwaves. "We're not going to test it on you."
* John^Brown finishes the blessing and looks towards Kazuki "The bottles please."
But that's not really enough to do much more than be really annoying, you know. What exactly are you guys trying to do?
Whatever we can...!
* Kazuki gives John the bottles!!
Jez is backing away, the hair literally standing up at the back of her neck.
Um. ...Why?
Do you really have to ask?
* John^Brown fills them up and covers them
I don't really like him at all, but what are you going to achieve by...
* Sera hops down from the table and goes over to Jez.
There's been murders happening. He's probably connected, but on top of that I made a promise.
What's the promise?
* John^Brown kinda stands there, conflicted on whether or not to go over to Jez
* Kazuki takes the bottles back, and indicates for John to go.
Jez growls at Sera but doesn't move away.
* John^Brown hesitantly walks towards Jez...
* Sera crouches down next to her and reaches out a hand to pet her hair, slowly, so that she can move away if she wants.
Do you know the closet monster from last game?
Jez's growling deepens; it's neither a human nor dog sound at this point.
* John^Brown pauses
* Shuri ...pauses at Jez's growling... "Yes, I heard..."
* Sera lets her hand fall and waits.
"Why," Jez asks.
Why what?
"*That*."
...we're scared of you guys. You're pretty scary, for humans.
Licks of flame curl around Jez's lips.
* Ashton eyes Jez warily.
* Shuri ...makes sure he is standing behind all of the people that are nearer to Jez.
* Sera is probably closest. Watches.
She looks back and forth among all of them. "Humans," she says, finally.
A bunch of different things, but mostly human.
On average.
* Sera looks rueful.
* Kazuki lets Sera do the talking.
* John^Brown continues walking towards Jez.
Jez watches John narrowly. "..."
* Sera sits back to give John and Jez more space.
* John^Brown walks slowly...
"What," she asks him, abruptly.
You're mad at me, right?
"Yes."
...don't be mad at him. He didn't do anything but what I asked, so be mad at me instead.
* Kazuki looks a little resigned to the fact that all the girls are going to hate, or at least sort of dislike, him.
She swivels to glare at him too.
* John^Brown looks at Kazuki "I didn't have to do what you asked..."
You did it because you're a nice guy though, right?
"It's a weapon," Jez says, and turns on her heel.
It doesn't really matter why you made it. What are you going to do with it now?
* Kazuki shrugs. "Keep it on me until I need it, I guess."
* Kazuki ...doesn't stop Jez from heel-turn and going.
* Shuri ...shrugs also.
A lot of us have already been armed, so it doesn't really change much in my opinion, then!
Besides, if we're going to be sent to dangerous places with dangeous spirits, it's good to have.
* John^Brown debates following Jez.
* Sera looks at him. "...if you think it's a good idea..."
Don't just go around attacking everything though!
* Kazuki huffs, "What gave you that idea?!"
I'm just making sure!
* Kazuki ...also sighs and looks at John, "You probably want to follow her."
... I will...
You know these are all basically people that we know now.
Also, unfortunately, from my experience, some spirits are stronger then the safety that holy water offers.
Yeah, I know.
* Kazuki also gives Shuri an irritated look
...Shuri's right.
* Shuri gives him an annoyed look back.
I didn't say he wasn't.
* John^Brown nods "If you need anything else, just let me know." and goes to follow Jez.
* Sera rubs her face. "...there's more than one level to this. Lucia, at least, brought us here because... she thinks of us as friends. Or wants to."
* Shuri ...nods.
* Kazuki waves bye a little, but is kind of sulking/think, "Mmm, look, I have nothing against Lucia. I'll explain, just give me a minute."
* Sera glances at Shuri :/
* Shuri glances at Sera :x
* Sera gives him a tiny nod. :x
* Kazuki then nods to himself, "Alright, I'll tell you everything."
...?
To start with, I was summoned here by Elli, in an old manor-- I think it was that Mayfair one you guys were talking about. He's investigating some murders with some other guys, but was interrupted at summoning all of us. According to Ashton, Lucia tried summoning us at the same time, so that's probably what happened.
* Kazuki pauses, letting them take that in!
* Sera nods.
...well, I don't know for sure, but it's likely--?
...Really? --In the ruined manor?
Yeah, it's likely, whatever.
It was ruined, for sure.
* Sera ... gets up and goes to stand by the door to watch for anyone walking in on this conversation.
Go on.
Long story short, he we went back to a hotel and he told us about murders and demons, and things being connected, you also being summoned here-- by Lucia and Sidney, and all sorts of stuff. What happens next is how I got to McDonalds!
I wasn't lying when I said I walked out of a closet in the library. But the thing is, I fell asleep and David was there-- the closet monster.
* Shuri ...blinks
Shouldn't he be in--the house?
...I remember him.
Basically, what's happened is that the butler has moved his body with them. He leeches off David's... I don't know, something, and David is having a really hard time protecting Lucia from him, he's blocked off. Been talking about how she's been acting a lot more tired, stressed out, as if she can't take much anymore... that kind of thing. Sorta worried he's leeching off Lucia too.
The butler, I mean.
...Ah...
* Shuri looks worried.
...
...is his body still alive?
It was alive in the previous house.
Does Lucia know about this?
Yeah, it probably needs to be in order for that butler to use it.
...mm.
I don't know, probably not. She probably thinks he's just there to help her nightmares.
...So why doesn't someone tell her?
Last time I tried telling her about David, she freaked out. And now she hates me!
...last game... remember when she heard his voice on the microphone? She said something like "You told me" to Sidney...
...I wonder what he told her. That ghosts weren't real? I doubt that. That he was protecting her from him?
I don't know...
Maybe.
We--We should talk to Lucia, anyway!
Your funeral. I'm just here to keep a promise to David-- to get that guy away from Lucia. I'm not here to hurt her, y'know.
* Kazuki looks a bit put-out
...
What do you mean funeral?? Of course if something is going on with her we have to tell her.
Does David know anything about how Sidney is bound?
He just told me to find his weaknesses. I tried, you heard them, that's all I've got.
Shuri... she might not believe us, and get angry, I think. I don't think you're wrong, but it's not without risk.
She got angry when i tried to tell her, even when she kind of liked me.
* Shuri looks annoyed.
Well, we don't even know everything about the situation.
And talking to her is basically the only way we can find out.
If you want to ask her how she met the Butler, go for it.
Fine.
That's how it is. She's not likely to trust anything from me, isn't she? But she likes you. ...probably a lot.
* Sera nods. "...I really doubt that's as equal a relationship as... the twins were. The way those two met... anyone would know exactly what they were getting into. It worries me, for Lucia."
* Kazuki wiggles eyebrows a bit at Shuri
* Shuri ...blushes.
Ah--right. I mean, yes, Sera. That's right.
* Kazuki friendly pats Shuri's shoulder, "Good man."
Eh, what--how--
* Shuri miniflail
You're looking out for a girl that likes you. Even if you were annoying before, that gets you brownie points.
E-Eh, I mean, I guess... D-Don't call me annoying, hey!
* Kazuki grins
* Sera looks sort of amused on top of the worried. "...okay. I guess that's it, then."
I'm worried about that dog... Jez, right? let's hope John sorts it out.
Yeah...
...She's probably going to tell that butler, right?
* Shuri composing self
Probably.
Well, it's not like the butler didn't know I was against him already.
So hopefully only I'll be blamed.
I mean... I guess he does sort of know we all hate him...
But he brought us here anyway.
Yeah...
I wonder if I can get in contact with David. He said he's wherever the Butler isn't.
...So why don't you... just go outside or something.
No, it has to be where somewhere I'm scared. That's how David works, ever since he got turned into a monster by the demon... it's the only way he can talk to people.
So... get... scared...?
...so...closets?
That might be easy for you. Ah, maybe you should try talking to him! Aaah, but you'd get really freaked out...
* Kazuki dfkjsdhgkljf GLARES AT ASHTON
* Ashton is still oblivious.
* Kazuki sweats a little, 'W-well, he usually does stuff in there...'
...there's a closet with blood in it upstairs? I don't know if that'd count as somewhere Sidney isn't, though.
...H-Hey...
...You haven't even cleaned up the blood?
I guess we can check that closet out...
Mmh.
I don't know if anyone did or not.
I'll show you, anyway, Kazuki. It's where we thought Konatsu had disappeared at first.
...great.
* Sera gestures him over to the door to follow her.
Are you guys coming too?
Do you want us to?
* Kazuki looks to Ashton and Shuri
...Shuri, maybe you'd better wait for Lucia...?
...I'll come, sure.
--Ah, that's right.
Maybe she's in her room...?
Maybe...
I-it's not that I particularly want you to or anything! You guys can do what you want.
* Kazuki marches out the door.
* Sera ...follows him to show him her bff the closet.
D-Don't be like that, I'm just trying to--! ...
* Ashton looks at Shuri. "Do you think you'd do better alone with Miss Lucia?"
* Shuri ... heads towards Lucia's room instead--"U-Um! I! Maybe?!"
I don't know??
...Okay, I'll leave you to that then. Good luck!
O-Okay.
* Ashton SUPPORTIVE THUMBS-UP
* Shuri h-hahhhhh. Waves.
* Ashton runs after Sera and Kazuki.
You make it to Lucia's room Shuri.
* Shuri knocks on the door.
It opens. Mr. Sidney stands there, in his suit pants and shirt. "Mr. Oak."
* Shuri has an inner moment of lskdjflsk. "Um! ...Hello!"
"Can we help you?"
* Shuri ...tries to look past Mr. Sidney to see if Lucia is there. "Ummm..."
Lucia is standing near the window. At Shuri's voice, she turns, in the middle of pinning her hair up. She's just wearing her nightgown. "--Shuri??"
Y-Yes! Ah, it's me.
Mr. Sidney waits patiently in the doorway.
* Shuri ...alternates between glancing at Sidney and Lucia... "I waaas wondering if I could talk to Lucia but ummm...?"
"You can talk to me . . ." Lucia says, sliding a housecoat on over her nightgown, moving towards the door. "Is something the matter?"
Mr. Sidney steps aside. "Shall I leave, Miss Lucia?"
* Shuri enters the room, giving Lucia a glance like YES PLEASE MAKE HIM GO AWAY.
Lucia frowns a little, but nods to Sidney. "If you wouldn't mind checking on the others . . ."
"Of course." He gives a small bow and heads out.
Jez stops, glaring back at him with one foot on the stairs up, smoke curling out of her mouth.
You're mad at me for blessing the water, right?
"Yes"
I'm sure that they don't want to hurt you...
"Then don't build a weapon that targets us."
... I'm sorry.
She growls pointedly at him.
I... don't mind that you're angry at me.
"Of course you don't. You're a priest." She sounds disgusted.
It didn't seem like you minded me being a priest before.
"I should have known you wouldn't care." Her voice turns dismissive.
I wouldn't have done it if I thought they were going to hurt you.
"Who will you kill?"
* John^Brown pauses... "I don't want to kill anyone..."
"Then don't make weapons!"
I didn't think about what making it would do to you...
"Weapons are used to hurt. To kill. If you didn't plan to use them you wouldn't make them." She spits a small flame. "Are you going to stop me from reporting this?"
You're going to tell Lucia? ...Or Sidney?
"What difference will it make to you?"
I was just curious...
"Are you going to stop me?"
Will you reporting this hurt the others?
"That's not my decision. Will your making the holy water hurt any of us?"
I'm not sure... I believe they only had me make it just in case.
"Then the rest of us should be informed. Just in case."
... would you let me know if any of the others are put in danger because of this?
She shrugs. "I'm not responsible to you," she says.
* John^Brown pauses
She cocks her head.
.... Did me blessing the water hurt you?
"I don't like prayer."
I'm sorry, again.
"Regardless," she says bluntly, "I have a master."
I know.
"Do you really?"
...
"Do you understand what that means?" she asks.
... you have to do what your master says, right?
"I'm a loyal dog."
Hm, I figured.
She gives him a long look. "....well..."
Are you going to be mad at me for a while?
She shrugs. "We'll see," she says, and takes up the stairs.
Are you going to tell them right now?
"Yes." And she's gone.
(Where would you like to head, John?)
(to the kitchen to see if anybody else is still there)
(Sure, head into #omnomnom. A lot of time passed on the stairs while you were arguing though, just a fyi)
#totallyclosetted
...why are we always the ones...
...I'd like to know that too.
* Kazuki looks to Ashton who is now also coming with us, "You decided to come?"
* Sera nods to Ashton.
Shuri thought he might deal better with Miss Bellcourt alone, so--!
...let's hope he doesn't mess up.
...he'll do his best. We all will.
* Kazuki passes a holy water bottle to Ashton and Sera. :x
Mmhm! I have faith in Shuri.
* Ashton 's dragons snarl irritably at the bottle, but Ashton takes it.
* Sera shakes her head. "I wouldn't think to go for that first, anyway."
* Kazuki shrugs, "Suit yourself."
Thanks, though...
It's okay.
In anycase, Ashton you had some experiences with David too, right? So it looks like everyone who has is here.
Mm.
I never talked to him directly; I think you're the only one who's really had a conversation with him.
...I think I yelled at him. I was mad at him for scaring you.
* Kazuki looks like he wants to yell he wasn't scared, but. :x
You guys should try talking to him and getting scared this time!
I-I don't scare as easily from things like that, but I'm scared now, anyway...
* Ashton grins a little. "I get scared pretty easily, sure."
* Kazuki looks quizzically at Sera, but nods, "You guys want to be careful. I can take it, but he might injure you just to make you more scared, if he feels like you're not scared enough."
H...haaah. Like last time?
...that'd just make Varnani mad...
Yeah. Just... try to keep yourself pretty scared, but not so scared that you can't handle a conversation. Right?
I'm pretty lucky, that it's closets...
...if...um...
Do you think if I was scared but the dragons weren't, that would work?
I dunno. Maybe if the dragons were scared for you it'd work.
...it doesn't work that way. I scare much more easily than they do.
* Ashton looks embarrassed.
...you just go in first and see if he's there. You're best at this.
No, I meant, if they were scared something would happen to you because you were scared. Y'know?
* Kazuki ...feels a little put upon that he's the best at getting scared.
* Ashton sighs, and Gyoro croaks something to him, then leans down to be petted.
You're good at... communicating.
We can work something out if we have to go in too. Okay.
Riiight... maybe I should have read that 'communicating with ghosts' section of that book.
There is a closet! Do you go in?
* Kazuki hates EVERYTHING, but goes in.
* Sera waits outside.
* Ashton waits with Sera.
#kazukisotp
#highwaytohell
Needless to say, after the prison, your clothes are wrecked. Still inside, your sense starts to return -- but you feel odd, high still; nobody, nothing can stop you. The feeling is almost overwhelming to your previous attachments.
(You need new clothes again.)
(Something black this time, please?) Konatsu asks, meticulously cleaning the blade of his sword.
(Where will we get it?) The sword seems almost ecstatic.
* Konatsu smiles at the blade, caressing its length almost lovingly. (Nothing left here would be of any use. Somewhere nearby. If not a store, a home would be suitable.)
(A home.) he latches onto this. (Yes. An apartment building. The more we can do the better.) He sounds very eager. (If you want to reach your goals, kill and kill.)
(Would that satisfy you? What of the Church?)
(Do you feel prepared to attack a Church?) There's a sense of the demon rooting through Konatsu's feelings, trying to find where his lines are currently drawn.
(I would slaughter them to the last. That would give us power, wouldn't it?)
(It would.)
(Enough to slay Him? Enough to see him suffer?)
You get a sudden feeling of swelling *ambition*. (It might be. It just might be...)
(Then why do we waste our time among those who can no longer aid our cause?) Konatsu sheathes the sword, returning it to the case.
(True.) The demon walks him out of the prison, past the dead guards at the gate, up to the bike.
* Konatsu shoulders the case and mounts the bike again. (Lead the way, demon.)
#putyourdemoninatube
Kaname, Rayfell, and Germany leave with Tristan. Elli looks around at the rest in her group and draws a deep breath.
"Right. Here's the situation, as simply as I can put it."
"1. We came here originally on the tail of an evil sword that possessed my brother and caused him to murder my family." Her expression is cold. "It was last seen when Konatsu used it to stab the demon Luka, who was wearing my brother's corpse. Luka possessed me because he needed a vessel and has been with me since."
"Hi," she adds in a milder tone, lifting a hand. (con't, don't reply yet.)
"2," she continues in her previous determined tone. "I assumed the sword was destroyed with the rest of the house and Luka and I went off to reevaluate our life -- this led us to becoming exorcists. But I kept track of local news and a few months ago serial killings, of the type my brother committed, started up again here in Dundee."
"We did not immediately return as we were on a case at the time, and then were tracking what seemed like demonically-related killings in the California region. At the time some of you were with this Sidney and Lucia and we wondered if it was related." (con't again)
"3. A few weeks ago the murders stopped in California and the ones in Dundee doubled. We discovered, thanks to texts from Sera and Robin, as well as later Kazuki who somehow ended up with their group, that Sidney and Lucia came out here with a collection of demons."
"And also that she is a collector. My instinct suggests that some of her demons - Sidney or others -- are killing people in the area she's in. I also think she was maybe trying to track this sword in order to get it. obviously I don't want it falling into anyone's hands if this is the case."
"So that's two things. The sword, and Lucia and Sidney. The Sword... I don't know where it is right now. Tracking the murders has not been very successful as whoever took it is moving around a lot."
"Sidney... it turns out is an incredibly powerful demon lord." She breathes out. "I'll stop for questions here before going on with what *we* know about Asmodeus."
I'm not surprised she's a collector considering some of the activities we were asked to take part in during the wolf game.
Especially given which rare items she wanted most, out of everyone's suggestions.
"Demonic?" Elli asks.
* Belphegor smiles. "Not quite. I linked her to some ancient torture devices. It's in a similar vein, I suppose."
She pulls a bit of a face. "Ugh. Okay."
"Now," she says. "Asmodeus and... the rest."
"We need to hear back from the group with the demonologist, Mr. Knight, before we can necessarily have all the plans," she cautions. "But Luka is a demon, if one with no personal experience with Asmodeus."
She leans back a little, face calming. "He's not someone I want to mess with," Luka says. "I agree with Tristan, it's dangerous. Very dangerous. I avoid the Fallen when I can and you don't cross titled nobility. But if we're going to do this we need an action plan."
"What I know about him is that he has been commanded by humans in the past, including King Solomon. He's a Demon Prince of Lust and holds a Dukedom in which he runs the casinos back home. He likes women, he's fine on men, and he likes gambling. Supposedly, for a demon prince, he's pretty pleasant." Luka doesn't sound like he believes it entirely.
"He's also incredibly powerful. A direct assault probably won't work. But all demons have weaknesses. Hopefully Kieran can help tell us some of this one's. In the meantime, we need to prepare a basic strategy."
"So. We have some friends there -- around eight. There's a ghost who feeds off other people but also wants Sidney gone. Lucia may not be evil but she holds a lot of demons. So, we have a host of demons there, as well as a demon prince whose weakness we don't yet know."
"So. Help me out. What can we do with this?"
I'm wondering how much control Lucia has over her demons - and whether they're ultimately loyal to her, or to Sidney.
Elli nods. "It's hard to say. If she has the Seal of Solomon, then they'd answer to her, theoretically..."
Hm. During the game there was a box. There was a trick to unlocking it--something like a logic puzzle. I solved it and the butler immediately came to take it away. I don't know if it's significant, but I thought it worth mentioning.
Along the same line of questionable significance, they used a lot of different kinds of codes and ciphers for the clues.
* Itachi nods in agreement.
Did you have to locate the box first, or was it already in their possession?
They already had it.
What were the clues for?
The daily clue that names two sheep and a wolf.
Oh, one more thing. Kaname saw parts of her collection. I don't know what items, exactly.
Ah, all right. I wasn't sure if they dealt with the box or not.
"Hmm." Elli considers it. "The sword was in a box originally. I don't know if it's the same one."
How large was the box? What shape?
The box's puzzle was a random exercise unrelated to clues.
* Itachi describes the box and the puzzle.
* Raidou nods. "I'd just been wondering if they'd had the means or the knowledge to open it themselves, and if so why they hadn't."
* Belphegor shrugs.
Sorry for the tangent.
"It might be relevant," Elli says.
Lucia thanked me for opening it. I assumed they hadn't been able to previously.
"At the least, it might have been part of what gave her access to more demons. We can't know," Elli says.
* Itachi nods.
"If she had control over the demons, do you think we might be able to get her to hold them back?" Elli muses. "You -- well, some of you -- know her better than I."
That depends on what she's using them for /personally/ and who she'd actually listen to.
Who would she be most likely to listen to?
* Belphegor grins. "Not me."
Possibly Kaname.
Yes. She seemed to have a soft spot for Kaname.
"That's good to know," Elli says. "Did you guys meet any of her other demons, or just the big one?"
Just that one.
For the most part, he was the only one around at all. Lucia didn't show herself to anyone but the wolves till probably the third day.
"He's probably the demon she uses the most..." Elli hesitates. "or is closest too. OR she didn't get the others until later, but if she was hiding out she could have kept them away too."
They seemed close. He was certainly displeased when Shuri made her cry.
* Belphegor has to hold back a snicker at the recollection.
"Shuri... yeah, okay." Elli rubs her forehead with a sigh. "So maybe we can use one of them to get the other to behave? We still need to figure out a weakness, but...."
Sera could also hold some sway with her. They got along well toward the end, and Sera /is/ a demon.
Yes.
"Sounds like we should let Sera in on what we're doing when we've decided," Elli says.
* Belphegor nods.
I wonder how well he gets along with the other princes of Hell...
"Why?" Luka asks him.
There's the question of whether he can rely on them as allies. Alternatively, how he'd react upon meeting another universe's version of one of them.
* Belphegor glances at Raidou. "Those are demons you have. Do you have other princes of Hell, then?"
Beelzebub.
Cool.
Luka looks impressed.
* Belphegor directs at Raidou again, since he'd just commented on the allegiance thing, "Will he do anything you tell him to, even against another prince?"
* Raidou nods.
We've fought other princes and Goetic demons.
Then it sounds like the only issue here is power levels between universes.
"Yeah. Or if Our Beelzebub has issues with Your Beelzebub or something," Luka adds.
It would still help to know if Sidney has any specific weaknesses, admittedly.
Just in case.
It always helps to know the enemy's weakness.
* Raidou nods.
Wasn't it already stated that's still unknown?
"Hopefully Mr. Knight can find something in the demonology texts," puts in Madison, who has been sitting quietly in a corner so far.
* Belphegor nods. "I wonder how different these demon princes' weaknesses are from universe to universe." He glances at Raidou, who never specified which princes he fought.
That's what I'm wondering as well.
If enough of the ones you know match what the texts say...
* Raidou smiles faintly. "I'd still prefer to fight just the one here."
Not the point. It'd mean what you and your demons know of your version could come in handy if the texts are lacking.
Well, yes.
"Do you know anything about Asmodeus?" Elli asks Raidou curiously. "From your world?"
Unfortunately, he's not one of the ones I've met. Belphegor, Astaroth, Lucifer, yes, but not Asmodeus.
* Belphegor glances over at that. "How funny."
The humor is not lost on me.
Too bad I'm only a prince, not the demon prince.
"Too bad" Madison echoes, sympathetically.
Elli rubs her forehead. "So that's a no-go," she says. "Hmm..."
Unfortunate.
#kazukisotp
* Kazuki HATES EVERYTHING
David loves it when you hate everything, baby. The first words you hear breathed down your neck are, "You're a bit of an idiot."
* Kazuki replies through gritted teeth, "The day I get to hit you for real will be a glorious one."
"I thought you liked me." A heavy weight settles beside Kazuki.
Just because I like you doesn't mean I don't want to hurt you sometimes.
"That's love, I guess," David agrees. There is a flickering laugh, a hissing sound.
* Kazuki grumbles an "I guess" back.
So? Do you know what's going on?
"There was a massacre in the town last night."
* Kazuki perks up, "That's good to know. Still no clue to who the murderer really is out there?"
David . . . sounds dryly amused. "It's good to know that there was a massacre? Your priorities are odd."
* Kazuki scratches his head, "I guess I'm still in tune with where I originally came from. That kinda thing leads to clues."
"It was at a prison, this time."
* Kazuki hums, and files that information away, "Anything else? Cause I have stuff to tell you too."
"You go ahead . . ." David seems interested.
Soo that butler, I found out his name. And some off his weaknesses, but I don't know how much I wanna trust that info. He's, uh, he's not like Beetlejuice or bloody mary or anything right, say his name and he shows up?
David snickers a little. "Probably not. But demon names have power. All names have power."
* Kazuki may be nervous at the thought, and a little scared-- not so much for his safety, but David's and not being able to keep his promise.
Right! Right. It's Asmodeus. Weaknesses: Water, fish, standing in front of him with both feet on the ground while not wearing a hat and telling him who he is.
David is silent for a long moment. Then, "Religious propaganda can be really fucked up."
He's shifting restlessly, the movement making the closet seem to warp around Kazuki.
Woah-- what the fuck?
* Kazuki t-tries to get his bearings, but closet warping is sort of freaking him out, yes.
"And how does my sister have control of him? Or does she?"
Shuri's asking her about that sort of stuff... but I think it's more likely he's controlling her.
* Kazuki shifts a bit nervously, the closet space starting to get to him, "Anyway, Ashton and Sera were going to try talking to you as well."
"I can try," David says doubtfully. "But--"
Suddenly, there is a whoooooshing feeling, like the air being sucked out of a vacuum. You feel a sense of panic.
"--he's here, I have to leave--"
* Kazuki panics too, realizing, "Go!"
Darkness and silence.
* Kazuki ...t-tries to reach out for the door to the closet
#happeningthings
You meet up in the study in the early morning. The others don't seem to be around, currently.
Good morning.
* Koizumi^Risa still looks sleepy.
Mmmm.
Ah, hello, Vaan.
Ahh
Good morning....
Did you sleep well?
Very!
Lucky...
Not really.
Ah...
Ah, anyway.
What's going on?
I guess I was so tired from yesterday . . .
Not much... at least, not yet.
Yes, I need to find Ashton and Kazuki eventually
... they were around last night with a little... horned demon thing.
Oh, did he have 12 of them?
one?
Ah...I went to sleep pretty early.
Oh... I thought it might have been Pox. He was very friendly.
... that's his name, yeah
Oh, good.
What else are we supposed to do here, anyway.
We got our things.
I guess it depends on Lucia... she was really upset last night.
It's all Konatsu's fault.
There's something else that's bothering me...
. . .?
Risa, you saw him, right?
* Robin^Sena glances at the computer screen.
... last night at the gallery.
* Robin^Sena turns back to Risa. "You did??"
Yeah.
What happened...?
He...
* Koizumi^Risa looks like she doesn't want to say much.
He killed one of the guards the spotted us.
* Robin^Sena inhales sharply.
But... but why...
--!!
I don't know, okay!
He just... he said that the guard would have killed us otherwise but it's not true!
And then I ran off and left him with Shuri and then Shuri came out of the gallery without him cause he ran off again.
If we're all here because we're waiting for him, then... I'd rather not wait.
* Koizumi^Risa looks angry but also a little distraught about having to recall the incident
Are you saying we should go find him?
... no, it's not right. None of it's right.
No, I don't.
Ah--. What should we do then?
What do you mean?
Well, we're just sitting around here right now...
Are you saying he had a reason to murder the poor guard?
... did Sera tell you about the text we received last night? About Sidney?
...No.
... what about him?
... ah.
* Robin^Sena clasps her hands in her lap. "We received a text from Elli and Luka. It said... 'Sidney - Sidonai - Asmodeus.' Sidney is Asmodeus."
... who?
...Who's Asmodeus?
One of the most powerful demons to ever reign in Hell.
. . .
. . .
. . .
.....
... we- we were talking last night.
There are legends about him... about what he's capable of.
A-ah...
...
I was asking him..
We should probably get out of here, then.
he said he doesn't have any pacts with Lucia.
You asked Sidney that?
And that... he was tied up previous to this whole thing.
Yeah, I did
And I asked him if he was the master of the... others around here.
That's what's bothering me. Why would Asmodeus willingly serve a human girl? What purpose does she serve? And even if we get out of here... he can just as easily bring us back. I can't imagine anything holding him back.
like Jez and Cherry.
But, he did say that... they'd listen to her instead of him, apparently.
....Maybe Lucia is a demon......
I don't think so.
* Vaan scratches his nose.
... you guys are sure about the ass... as..
...
the fancy name
If she were, Sera would know... and Sera is very close to Lucia. But no matter what, she has some use to him.
...
A-ah.
I don't doubt Elli and Luka on this... I think they'd know better than any of us.
I'd ask him but somehow, I think it might be a bad idea.
No kidding...
But then again... I mean, even if I asked a direct approach,
Whatever he could do, he would have done anyway, you know what I mean?
He's clearly got the upper hand and us knowing wouldn't... really change things, if he's that powerful
* Robin^Sena nods.
It's not like saying his name will summon him... probably.
* Robin^Sena glances around.
I think we're alright.
... you know.
Lucia said some of the objects we collected were... holy.
She did?
Which is why she had to get us to do it.
That rock sure didn't seem holy....
... oh, maybe that's why-- yes.
So maybe she ...
And... and when we rang the bell, the one that was with us... left.
... sort of.
Has some connection to all this stuff that's been going on? Besides actually ...
Bell?
Yeah.
...
Do you know where she keeps her things?
Probably her bedroom...?
You want to take a look at them?
... One of us should get it, just in case.
The others should... probably find... Sidney and distract him.
* Koizumi^Risa nods.
Would that work...?
What if she's in her room?
.....I've done this before....not with people around, though.
Knock first, make.. something up, I don't know.
...Yeah I'll do it.
Will you be okay?
I've done stuff like this before, don't worry about me!
I'll be back soon.
Alright... be careful, Vaan.
I will.
... let's try and find Sidney.
* Koizumi^Risa nods to Robin.
... Okay, but... what would we even do...?
... uhm.
I'll figure it out when we do.
* Robin^Sena thinks about this.
... okay.
... Let's head to the kitchen first, I'm starving.
* Robin^Sena nods, and stands.
Oh, one more thing. Risa, that letter you got from the Manor? The one from Christian? I think it was in code.
...
What?
Some of the words were capitalized where they didn't need to be.
Oh... no.
...
He writes like that.
* Koizumi^Risa nods.
Really?
That's odd...
It came up in the first game.
Huh.
* Vaan has been listening somewhat. Mostly been thinking.
Yeah, I'm pretty sure it's nothing.
Vaan, you ok?
I'm fine, I just hope this'll work.
What am I looking for, again?
Me too.
The bell?
It's a small ornamental bell.
Robin and Risa, how about #omnomnom
Vaan, as you approach Lucia's room, you hear voices inside. Do you still enter?
........
* Vaan knocks. "Hello? Lucia?"
Head into #theytalkin
#totallyclosetted
* Sera tries to hear anything from inside the closet just in case it all goes TERRIBLY WRONG.
* Ashton :|b FOLLOWING SERA'S LEAD, keeping very quiet.
You hear muffled voices.
* Sera whispers "Maybe it's working?"
Maybe!
* Ashton :|a.
Mr. Sidney walks in.
Hello.
"Hello," he says genially. "How are you this morning?"
Per...perfectly fine, sir.
Very subtle Ashton. Mr. Sidney quirks a brow. "Did you sleep well?"
I'm fine.
* Sera nods.
* Ashton also nods. The dragons eye Sidney balefully.
"What are you up to this morning?"
Oh, we were just...chatting!
We were down in the kitchen for a while.
"I'm sorry I haven't started breakfast yet," he says, and looks at the closet.
It's all right.
* Sera was standing in front of the closet door, and... still is...
"May I ask what you are doing now, though?" he inquires.
Still chatting.
* Ashton is next to Sera. CLOSET GUARD.
Kazuki wanted to figure out how Konatsu disappeared, the other day, before he took the car? So he asked us to keep everyone out of the closet for a while.
Jez found a trail leading in here, you know.
"Yes, I'd heard that. Is Kazuki in there right now?"
* Sera nods, since she figures there's no way that he actually doesn't know.
"Investigating in the dark?" Mr. Sidney sounds bemused.
* Ashton ventures, "He's very good in the dark?"
If something weird happened, being in the dark or alone is probably better...
...that's how it's been with other supernatural things we've seen in this world, anyway.
"Really," Sidney says. "Some sort of supernatural force you believe is lurking in this house..."
Er, well, you kind of have a lot of demons around.
I mean.
We don't know. All we know is that the thing with Konatsu vanishing that time was... strange.
* Ashton vague hand gesture.
* Sera nods!
"Do you think it was David's doing somehow?" Sidney asks, politely.
* Ashton looks honestly blank this time.
* Sera looks politely doubtful!
"I'm just asking because I'm not sure why else Kazuki would be talking to him in there, if they're discussing Konatsu's disappearance," Mr. Sidney explains.
I doubt David could operate that freely with you around... but maybe he knows about things that lurk in closets.
* Ashton ... decides it is a very good idea to let Sera do the talking here, and keeps looking blank.
"I doubt he'd like to," Sidney agrees.
* Sera shrugs.
He moves closer, reaching for the closet door. "May I?"
We'd really rather you not.
Please don't.
"That's very unfortunate," he says. "I have no intention of killing David, you realize."
Why not? You didn't want Lucia to believe he was around, during the last game...
You know that's really vague, right.
"That's quite different."
The door to the closet opens behind you guys, Kazuki's hand on the knob.
Sidney, who was reaching for it, smiles patiently at him.
"Well?" he asks. "What's the news?"
H-hi.
* Kazuki blinks dumbly
What...?
Sidney was wondering if David knew anything about how Konatsu disappeared out of this closet.
Since you wanted to find out about that...
* Ashton nods furiously.
...nah, he wasn't able to give any news about that.
* Kazuki ...didn't ask, after all.
"What a leading conversation," Sidney murmurs.
* Kazuki wonders if he should've. O-OH WELL.
--wait a second, you know about David and the closets and stuff?
T-that's that, I guess.
"Please," Mr. Sidney says gently. "I'm quite aware. Do give him my regards next you talk."
. . .
It's just last time you acted all... nevermind. Got it.
That was in front of Lucia.
* Ashton nods politely at Sidney. "Was...was that all?"
"Lucia does not wish to have David around her," Sidney says. "Please understand."
* Kazuki just gives a sharp nod, "That doesn't mean I can't talk to him though, right?"
...it's hard to understand rather than accept something without knowing more about it, but I'd rather ask her, if you don't want to tell us why.
"It was a decision she has made in the past," Sidney says. "If you'll excuse me, I must start breakfast. It's getting late."
* Kazuki moves out of the closet completely, and doesn't say anything else.
* Sera nods. "All right. Thank you."
He heads off.
* Sera lets out a long breath and leans on Ashton.
* Ashton squeezes Sera's shoulder.
* Kazuki scrubs his face a little
W-what did David say...
There was a massacre at the prison. And the weaknesses we found are most likelr religious propoganda. That's all I could ask about before he panicked and left because of the butler.
...damn.
* Sera nods, unsurprised
* Ashton ... looks up at a squawk from the dragons. His expression goes unfocused for a second.
...besides, if Lucia really didn't want David around, and the butler really was working in her best interests, they probably wouldn't keep David's body so close. He can't go too far from it.
...guys, I know she might not be up yet, but do you mind if I go check on Risa?
Do we know where David's body is, here?
* Kazuki blinks, "Ah. Right, go for it. We should probably find Vaan and fill him in too."
--no, Ashton, go ahead...
No clue.
Mmhm.
* Ashton slips out.
That's what we should've been asking... too late now.
Maybe Pox would know... for now let's just go check how Shuri's doing.
...mm.
* Kazuki TO LUCIA'S ROOM?
* Sera WHY NOT