Encounterlogs
Ashs Odd Encounter Sr Ritsuka 240913
In an unexpected turn of events, Illyana and Ash, the cross fox newly named Hermes, find themselves embroiled in a dark plot unfolding within the mystical town of Haven. Their adventure begins in the early hours, when the peace of their domestic scene is shattered by the arrival of a mysterious letter, thrust under their door by an unseen messenger. This letter, penned by a desperate defector of the sinister cult known as The Black Flame, reveals plans for a midnight ritual poised to unleash chaos by inviting the ominous King in Yellow into their world. With the balance of supernatural forces at stake, Illyana and Hermes must decide whether to heed the call to action or dismiss the letter as a mere whisper in the vast cacophony of Haven’s hidden wars. Despite initial misgivings and lighthearted detours—including Illyana's playful banter and Hermes' brief confusion over his role in detecting poisons—both decide to venture deeper into the mystery.
Their investigative journey leads them to the local library, where with a blend of cunning and scholarly research, they uncover the dire significance of the King in Yellow—a mythical play known to drive its readers to madness, and its connection to an otherworldly entity of the same name. Armed with this knowledge, but recognizing the limits of their own abilities to confront such a threat directly, Illyana and Hermes opt to inform the Hand, a powerful society capable of mobilizing resources to counteract the ritual. In doing so, they play a pivotal role in advancing the society's efforts to thwart the Black Flame's intentions. The story concludes on an unresolved note, with the fate of the defector unknown and the broader impact of their interference left to the imagination. Nonetheless, Illyana and Hermes have, for the moment, averted a crisis that could have reshaped Haven’s fragile balance, underscoring their place in the ongoing saga of this hidden, mystical society.
(Ash's odd encounter(SRRitsuka):SRRitsuka)
[Thu Sep 12 2024]
In the Entry Hallway
Entering the apartment, one is greeted by a simple mat for wiping one's feet.
The walls are painted a soft cream, the floor is carpeted in a thick blue shag, and of course, it has the requisit coat hooks. Aside from this though, it does little more than offer an easy view to the simple livingroom to the east and the empty room to the west.
It is dawn, about 60F(15C) degrees,
(A member of The Black Flame, having recently defected, approaches your target and their allies in a desperate plea for help. The defector reveals that the cult is planning a major ritual at the stroke of midnight that will cause a shift in the balance of power between the supernatural beings in Haven, potentially causing untold chaos and destruction. The defector doesn't know all the details but is sure that the ritual will take place in an abandoned building on the outskirts of town. The characters must decide whether to trust this individual and, if they do, how best to intervene to prevent the ritual. This could involve direct confrontation with the cult, stealthily sabotaging the ritual, or finding a way to warn and mobilize other supernatural entities in Haven to stand against The Black Flame.)
"I'm renaming you." Illyana decides, considering the fox Ash(cross fox). "Hermes. Also, you poop outside." Illyana tells Ash(cross fox), likely not as shocked as could be expected, but then again, she knows Rachel and Korina, not to mention a bunch of werewolves.
Ash(cross fox) whines, going on all fours to express his displeasure. His ears turn back, and his tail flops limp behind him. Though, not to Hermes, based on when he reacts, but the last part.
Ash(cross fox) is lying at the feet of Illyana on this adventuresome night, a fox ready for praise and adventure, but sorely lacking in the former. For the second... who knows?
Illyana crosses her arms, as smugly pleased with the reaction as a hybrid demonborn could be.
Ash(cross fox) sniffs at the air, looking confused for a moment before twirking a red ear. He flicks it before lifting the other, then his head lifts. He glances around, as if sensing something, but not clear of what, exactly. He raises himself up on all fours again, his tail straight out.
The early morning light filters softly through the half-open window somewhere, casting golden beams into the building where Illyana and Ash each occupy their space, quietly preoccupied with their own play. Outside, a subtle bustle permeates the aira city waking up to a new day. The muted clatter of footsteps echoes through the hallway, a blend of hurried professionals and sleepy commuters just beginning their routines. The morning feels fresh, alive with possibility, yet routine hangs in the air like a familiar scent. The wind outside carries with it the scent of damp streets and distant rain, faint but present, a prelude to a possible change in the weather. Occasionally, a sharp gust rattles the apartments door, accompanied by the low whistle of air forcing its way through the cracks. Somewhere further in the distance, a dog barkssharp, insistentand its followed by a faint, indistinct shout. The city is full of these sounds, layered in a way that could either blend into the background or suggest something more sinister, depending on ones state of mind. Theres a sudden change in the rhythm. Quick footsteps outside the apartment door break the relative quiet, hurried and deliberate. They pause for just a moment, then a sharp bang rattles the door, reverberating through the walls. The unexpected sound lingers in the air, creating a ripple of unease. The faint rustle of paper follows, and soon after, an envelope slips silently through the narrow crack beneath the door, its edges slightly frayed from its journey across the rough floor. The silence that follows is thick, the city sounds seemingly more distant for a moment, as if the outside world has receded, leaving only the mysterious letter at a focus.
Looking down at Ash(cross fox), Illyana notices the signs, asking them, "What's wrong girl, is Timmy trapped down a well again? Well he can fucking stay there. It's the sixth time this week and it's only thursday." She does notice the door however, pausing long enough to look towards it. She doesn't open it of course. There's a fox in the apartment. That would draw a lot of attention, so instead, she waits, and thankfully, that letter is pushed through. "Right cocaine bear," Illyana tells Ash(cross fox). "Check it for poison?"
Ash(cross fox) eyes Illyana, judging her. Is it because foxes aren't too unusual in this area, as a pet or otherwise? Is it because he really wants to help Timmy? Is it her fashion choices? Maybe because she can't tell a bear from a fox? No... no, it's probably the poison. The poison on the letter. The poison that may or may not be on the letter. The letter's poison. That poison. That poison that... probably isn't there. They sniff it anyways - they know a vet.
The vet is Illyana.
She may or may not know that she's the vet, but she is.
Illyana waits a long... long moment after Ash(cross fox) sniffs the letter, and apparently, she has no idea how wildlife and cities work; Foxes are hunted to near extinction in the UK, after all, so this is a novelty, and Ash(cross fox) really likely doesn't care about little Timmy-- No one cares about Timmy. Hell, Lassy likely didn't even care about Timmy come the end. - After Ash(cross fox) doesn't die, and Illyana finishes being silly and assuming every part of the township of Haven is out to get her, Illyana nods. "You're still alive. That's great."
Ash(cross fox) yips sharply, agreeing - most likely. They pick up the paper in their teeth and hand it - mouth it? - to Yana.
An enveloped letter keeps lying there, innocuous on the surface, its edges slightly frayed from being pushed under the door and it is both unsealed and no attempt has been made to glue it shut on the back where the envelope would usually be closed. As Illyana and Ash(cross fox) check for poisons, the faint sound of the clocktower in the distance breaks the stillness, its deep chime reverberating through the walls, marking the hour as if reminding them that time, and decisions, wait for no one.
Of course, a letter like this could be laced with hidden dangers. Even though Ash(cross fox) finds that theres no obvious smellno sharp, acrid scent that would give away a crude toxin poisons dont always announce themselves so plainly. Some are silent, subtle killers. A letter could be dusted with a fine layer of poison, one that activates on touch or is absorbed through the skin. Belladonna, perhapsjust a dusting of its potent leaves could be enough to cause dizziness, confusion, even death, and no one would ever smell it. Or something more insidious like arsenic, odorless and colorless, yet lethal when absorbed through prolonged contact.
The clocktower chimes again, its second strike marking another moment in which they have yet to act. The footsteps outside, which had rushed to their door just moments before, now echo in the hallway, growing fainter as the messenger flees. Whoever delivered the letter had no intention of waiting for a response, no confrontation desired. Their work appears done, and now, the burden of the decision lay solely with Illyana and Ash(cross fox).
Even the simplest message could carry a threatpoison wasnt the only danger. A thin needle, perhaps laced with curare or ricin, could be hidden within the fold of the paper, springing out the moment its unfolded. Theres no clear indication of danger, yet the very absence of obvious threat might feel like a trap in itself.
Outside, the city continues to hum and thrum, unaware of the small, potentially deadly dilemma unfolding inside. The bark of the dog is now distant, the morning rush of the streets still audible and muted by the walls.
Right now, the letter remains plain and unassuming. They could burn it, and, of course, forego the mystery entirely, avoid any possible dangers. But burning it means losing whatever information lies within. And then there's always the chance that the threat lies in its absenceperhaps they are meant to fear it more than anything it actually contains.
As Ash(cross fox) picks up the paper and moves it to Ash(cross fox), there is no immediate reaction to being poisoned, no dizziness, no ill feeling. The surface at least might be free of poisons, but who knows what lies within?
Holding the letter now, Illyana considers, tapping her lip with a pink-painted nail. "Think we should open it, or should I go kidnap the messenger? I could get them before they get to the lift." Illyana suggests to Ash(cross fox).
Ash(cross fox) barks twice, indicating the second option.
Ash(cross fox) chooses violence.
Agreeing with Ash(cross fox), Illyana opens the door. There's a burst of angelborn speed, and Illyana rushes down the hall. There's a single double-handed *thwack* to the messenger's skull, then with a continuation of that burst of motion, Illyana returns, laying the letter's former owner down and kicking the door shut. They had no chance, obviously and Ash(cross fox) and Illyana both know the person can have their memory wiped with little fuss anyway, so why risk anything. Then the apartment is quiet again, and Illyana wakes the messenger, locking eyes with them the moment their eyes open with a compulsion to open and read the letter calmly- Then, to wait equally calmly for Ash(cross fox) and Illyana to decide what to do; Ah Haven, even the citizens are monsters. The normal boring humans of the world just have no option when confronted by such overwhelming shows of strength. Tragic, really. But they shuld learn their place.
Ash(cross fox) watches the Flash-like speed with which Illyana yoinks the messenger without much response but his whiskers fluttering in the breeze she causes. Then he stretch, tail curling up and over his back as he does, before wandering in a circle around the messenger. He sniffs and eyes them with bright golden eyes, with hints of hazel, trying to uncover this mysteriously with their completely useless form.
"You could shift back." Illyana suggests to Ash(cross fox). "Not like this dude's going to do much of anything for a bit." How callous. Just treating people like cattle, but that's the hand. Illyana appears to think it's perfectly fine though. Which makes her own hesitation over people she knows all the more curious...
Ash(cross fox) tilts their head, as if having no idea what she's talking about. This is their life now, this is who they are, deep, deep down inside. This is who they've always been: sly, sleek, silent....
"I guess you and Jay can sniff each other's buts easier this way." Illyana mentions to Ash(cross fox) as an aside.
Ash(cross fox) is a deadly predator, with fiery passion and yet a cold, black heart. They are... shocked. Absolutely shocked at Illyana's accusation!
With a human in tow, though quite uncertain if it is the same person, after all no face was seen before and the smells mix up, and after the psychic treatment, the human does abide. They take the letter out of the envelope, and begins to read and read:
"To the Esteemed Illyana Howlett
I pen this letter not with ink, but with trembling hand, for the weight of worlds presses upon me. The Black Flame has marked me as its own, yet the shadows of its purpose coil too tightly around my soul. A terrible choice stirs in the depths of time: the unmaking of all things, or a fragile rebellion against the yawning abyss. I have chosen the latter, though it may seal my doom.
Tonight, at the stroke of midnight, beneath the cold, indifferent gaze of the stars, a ritual will begina summoning that, if left unchecked, shall rend the veil between worlds and bid the King in Yellow walk among us. I cannot bear it. The thought of His arrival turns my blood to frost, my mind to madness. I have seen too much, borne witness to horrors untold in the service of the Black Flame, and now my heart wails in anguish. I dare not remain silent.
I beg of you, Illyana, with all the desperation that remains in my shattered soul, aid me in thwarting this dread ceremony. Beneath the twisted boughs of the forest northwest of Haven, in a cursed glade encircled by ancient stones, the gate shall be opened if we do not act. Time flees from us like a dying breath; every moment draws the abyss closer.
I shall wait, a ghost among the trees, at the edge of the forest near the Institute. Speak not of this number save to call: 543-6-708. I will not answerdo not be alarmed. It is but a signal, a mark that you will come. Let us meet there, before the night swallows the world whole.
In dread sincerity, A defector"
Both Illyana and Ash(cross fox) do not recognize any entity with the name 'King in Yellow'.
"This." Illyana gestures around, "Is likely why Nikolai think we're not serious enough." the bohemian mentions, still as an aside after Ash(cross fox)'s look of shock. It's almost as though taking things seriously is hard for a fey fox and a hybrid who feeds off of emotion.
With a human in tow, though quite uncertain if it is the same person, after all no face was seen before and the smells mix up, and after the psychic treatment, the human does abide. They take the letter out of the envelope, and begins to read and read:
'To the Esteemed Illyana Howlett
I pen this letter not with ink, but with trembling hand, for the weight of worlds presses upon me. The Black Flame has marked me as its own, yet the shadows of its purpose coil too tightly around my soul. A terrible choice stirs in the depths of time: the unmaking of all things, or a fragile rebellion against the yawning abyss. I have chosen the latter, though it may seal my doom.
Tonight, at the stroke of midnight, beneath the cold, indifferent gaze of the stars, a ritual will begina summoning that, if left unchecked, shall rend the veil between worlds and bid the King in Yellow walk among us. I cannot bear it. The thought of His arrival turns my blood to frost, my mind to madness. I have seen too much, borne witness to horrors untold in the service of the Black Flame, and now my heart wails in anguish. I dare not remain silent.
I beg of you, Illyana, with all the desperation that remains in my shattered soul, aid me in thwarting this dread ceremony. Beneath the twisted boughs of the forest northwest of Haven, in a cursed glade encircled by ancient stones, the gate shall be opened if we do not act. Time flees from us like a dying breath; every moment draws the abyss closer.
I shall wait, a ghost among the trees, at the edge of the forest near the Institute. Speak not of this number save to call: 543-6-708. I will not answerdo not be alarmed. It is but a signal, a mark that you will come. Let us meet there, before the night swallows the world whole.
In dread sincerity, A defector'
Both Illyana and Ash(cross fox) do not recognize any entity with the name 'King in Yellow'.
Ash(cross fox) recognizes the name King in Yellow immediately, yipping in surprise!
"Oh. Is that all..." Illyana bids the messenger stand, asking them with another compulsion to speak the truth only; "Are you the writer of this message?" She continues to hold their gaze, taking the letter and placing it before Ash(cross fox) so they can read it over again. "Call it in you think, or shall we go to the White Oak and see what we find first?"
Ash(cross fox), however, is a fox, and doesn't have any Lovecraft tomes on their bookshelf, yet. Nor any of his predecessors - they may not even have Edgar Allen Poe, at that. And now, instead of worrying about how to explain to Illyana who the very well known King in Yellow is, amongst members of the occult and its grand group of wannabes, they're worrying about their library, and how sad and pathetic it is. They whine sadly, before paying attention to the matter. They consider for a moment, before yipping just the once.
As much as they'd love to go into this themself, they are but a fox, and Illyana is... not an arcanist. Though, there's always just going there and beating everyone up... Illyana can do that just fine. They can also show her the exact book needed to look it up. If it's White Oak, instead of the Haven Library, they probably are even allowed to walk in as they are and do so! They give a second bark after they think.
The messenger does as they are bid and says a clear "No, know not who penned and wrote the letter. I saw no face and no gaze, but a mask made of golden lace."
That's it then; This person is unutterably useless. There's only one thing for it... And that thing is obvious. Illyana has no choice-- or desire to let it be. Manhandling this poor person again, Illyana tosses them out the door and back to where they were. With a final hypnotic command "Forget the encounter entirely. You forgot a few minutes of your day, lost in thought as you waited to descend from the building. Your letter was delivered." With that non-issue dealt with and with a surprising lack of violence (yet), Illyana suggests to Ash(cross fox), "Walk to the library? We should pass this to the president, but best we can give him as much info as possible."
Ash(cross fox) nods to Illyana, hopping up so that they can walk close next to her - though, she could easily lift them as well. They seem excited - no doubt at the chance to fox around in public. This fire red and charcoal black cross fox is ready to see the world!
Or, at least, the hallway, the elevator, then then short walk to the college campus and its library.
As the duo makes their way to the campus and its library, and search through the files with the corresponding name and entity, there is some information that comes together. There is a play called the king in yellow, but an exact copy, if there is one, is unavailable. There is also an entity known as the king in yellow. The play is said to drive people mad when they read it. The play is linked in a nebulous and horrible fashion with an entity known as the king in yellow, which is considered an alien god whose 'scalopped tatters must hide Yhtill forever.' The kind is in tun linked in some way with 'Carcosa, where black stars hang in the heavens; where the shadows of men's thoughts lengthen in the afternoon, when the twin suns sink in the lake of Hali'. The king's nature, motives and procedure are unclear; but he is said to have animated dead bodies or possessing those that read the play to claim those that have eluded him. To read the play is to be exposed to the king and to fall under his influence while going mad in the meantime.
and Ash(cross fox) then walk to the library. The plan is simple; Walk in, find the library where the aware staff will let a student walk in with an actual fox, find the book, then meet this defecter and hear the full story. - Besides, if Illyana and Ash(cross fox) don't like what they hear about the ritual or this mysterious and unknown King in Yellow, they can just punch a hole through the mysteriously masked person. Ash(cross fox) could likely have fun with that golden mask, after all. Jay would love it as a gift. So off they go! Will it be an easy walk? Who knows, but it's already decided- They're off. Fox in toe, Illyana grabs her bag, student card and education must follow.
Thanks to Ash(cross fox), Illyana reads that information. Using Ash(cross fox)'s knowledge on the subject, the bohemian makes notes, mentions to the fox, "You know, this would be a great gift for Fayad if we could find the entire play. Maybe Emmy can read it to him for a bed time story." Once the notes are taken, she follows Ash(cross fox)'s lead; Foxes are well known for their cunning. In fact, it's said that all foxs come from Oxford university of Cunningham with a masters in cunning, so this must surely be the case here, and Ash(cross fox), being a fox must have a very cunning plan. For now though, research, and possibly birthday gifts later (Why would there be anything wrong with giving cursed plays to *friends*).
Ash(cross fox) immediate goes to show Illyana the book The King in Yellow the book, by Robert Chambers... from there, they can uncover what the school knows of the Real King in Yellow... which seems to be exactly what's already apparent in the story. Illyana probably could have found this out on Wikipedia... if she had thought to look it up in this modern age. But, it's not like Ash(cross fox) had thought of it, either... and certainly didn't have the phone to look it up on.
When Yana mentions those two men, Ash(cross fox) growls... then yips softly, amused instead at Illyana's suggetsions. And then... they fall quiet. Are they remembering these words from when they read them? So long ago now, in a different life, before Haven... or are they hearing things anew? They don't think about whether or not Illyana hears it - they are not sure that they are hearing with their ears at all, though the red triangles flick around.
Looking up from her research; Illyana is typing everything up for a report for the President of the Hand and the agents that will be sent to deal with this ritual, Illyana notices Ash(cross fox). "Everything okay?"
Ash(cross fox) tilts their head, unsure if everything is 'okay' or not. They're too focused on The Raven - that is, The King in Yellow - to give Illyana a proper response. That, and they are a fox. No matter their response, 'proper' would not be the... 'proper' term. They instead just think on the nonsense, tail moving languidly from one side to another. Is it a portent? It *does* so well fit the situation. The Black Flames thinking inviting danger into this world... then, the fox yawns.
Illyana Passes on everything she's learned, a scan of the letter, the fact Ash(cross fox) solved the entire mystery, and the times and types of rituals they are likely to use; Illyana has been looking into rituals, after all, even performing one as part of banishing some spirits in the Arkwright cemetery the other day with Jodie and Novel. Naturally, Ash(cross fox) cant protest. They are a fox and haven't got the ability to do so right now, so they get good they points, as does Illyana for sending it.
Illyana writes the report and with Ash(cross fox)'s help goes through the possible options for rituals. And today, it seems, nothing is going wrong, as if the fortune of Fate itself is siding with both Illyana and Ash(cross fox) for the moment. The report is made, and some operatives are assigned to handle the situation.
Ash(cross fox) takes all the credit, as they must - though, being the expert on the occult they are, they *did* have a grand role to play. And would have played it better in a different form, perhaps, but they are finding themself rather comfortable in this one, reluctant to leave it just yet. Really, there's just one person they want to show, and then they will go right to sleep. They nuzzle against Illyana as she does the paperwork, trying to stay awake.
Illyana finishes the report in full, sits back, and seems to listen to something. Her head cants to one side and mouths along with the words she hears; Some kind of prophecy? Some kind of portent or an extract of the play? Regardless, she types this up, too. It's appended to the mail and sent right along with the former.
"Shall we get you home?" Illyana asks Ash(cross fox), scratching them behind the ears. "I think the operatives can handle all of this."
Ash(cross fox) makes a soft rummbling sound quite like a purr as they are scratched, then nod, after a moment.
Later Illyana and Ash(cross fox) may hear that the situation was resolved by operatives, but that some escaped, and nothing of what became of the Defector. But for now, the situation has resolved.
The plan is handed off to the Hand. Illyana and Ash(cross fox) don't have the power to deal with a summon of something like the King in Yellow, but the society resources of one of the big three do. Ash(cross fox) gets to go to bed, Illyana gets on with her day and the SR is thanked for running a fun scene.
Their investigative journey leads them to the local library, where with a blend of cunning and scholarly research, they uncover the dire significance of the King in Yellow—a mythical play known to drive its readers to madness, and its connection to an otherworldly entity of the same name. Armed with this knowledge, but recognizing the limits of their own abilities to confront such a threat directly, Illyana and Hermes opt to inform the Hand, a powerful society capable of mobilizing resources to counteract the ritual. In doing so, they play a pivotal role in advancing the society's efforts to thwart the Black Flame's intentions. The story concludes on an unresolved note, with the fate of the defector unknown and the broader impact of their interference left to the imagination. Nonetheless, Illyana and Hermes have, for the moment, averted a crisis that could have reshaped Haven’s fragile balance, underscoring their place in the ongoing saga of this hidden, mystical society.
(Ash's odd encounter(SRRitsuka):SRRitsuka)
[Thu Sep 12 2024]
In the Entry Hallway
Entering the apartment, one is greeted by a simple mat for wiping one's feet.
The walls are painted a soft cream, the floor is carpeted in a thick blue shag, and of course, it has the requisit coat hooks. Aside from this though, it does little more than offer an easy view to the simple livingroom to the east and the empty room to the west.
It is dawn, about 60F(15C) degrees,
(A member of The Black Flame, having recently defected, approaches your target and their allies in a desperate plea for help. The defector reveals that the cult is planning a major ritual at the stroke of midnight that will cause a shift in the balance of power between the supernatural beings in Haven, potentially causing untold chaos and destruction. The defector doesn't know all the details but is sure that the ritual will take place in an abandoned building on the outskirts of town. The characters must decide whether to trust this individual and, if they do, how best to intervene to prevent the ritual. This could involve direct confrontation with the cult, stealthily sabotaging the ritual, or finding a way to warn and mobilize other supernatural entities in Haven to stand against The Black Flame.)
"I'm renaming you." Illyana decides, considering the fox Ash(cross fox). "Hermes. Also, you poop outside." Illyana tells Ash(cross fox), likely not as shocked as could be expected, but then again, she knows Rachel and Korina, not to mention a bunch of werewolves.
Ash(cross fox) whines, going on all fours to express his displeasure. His ears turn back, and his tail flops limp behind him. Though, not to Hermes, based on when he reacts, but the last part.
Ash(cross fox) is lying at the feet of Illyana on this adventuresome night, a fox ready for praise and adventure, but sorely lacking in the former. For the second... who knows?
Illyana crosses her arms, as smugly pleased with the reaction as a hybrid demonborn could be.
Ash(cross fox) sniffs at the air, looking confused for a moment before twirking a red ear. He flicks it before lifting the other, then his head lifts. He glances around, as if sensing something, but not clear of what, exactly. He raises himself up on all fours again, his tail straight out.
The early morning light filters softly through the half-open window somewhere, casting golden beams into the building where Illyana and Ash each occupy their space, quietly preoccupied with their own play. Outside, a subtle bustle permeates the aira city waking up to a new day. The muted clatter of footsteps echoes through the hallway, a blend of hurried professionals and sleepy commuters just beginning their routines. The morning feels fresh, alive with possibility, yet routine hangs in the air like a familiar scent. The wind outside carries with it the scent of damp streets and distant rain, faint but present, a prelude to a possible change in the weather. Occasionally, a sharp gust rattles the apartments door, accompanied by the low whistle of air forcing its way through the cracks. Somewhere further in the distance, a dog barkssharp, insistentand its followed by a faint, indistinct shout. The city is full of these sounds, layered in a way that could either blend into the background or suggest something more sinister, depending on ones state of mind. Theres a sudden change in the rhythm. Quick footsteps outside the apartment door break the relative quiet, hurried and deliberate. They pause for just a moment, then a sharp bang rattles the door, reverberating through the walls. The unexpected sound lingers in the air, creating a ripple of unease. The faint rustle of paper follows, and soon after, an envelope slips silently through the narrow crack beneath the door, its edges slightly frayed from its journey across the rough floor. The silence that follows is thick, the city sounds seemingly more distant for a moment, as if the outside world has receded, leaving only the mysterious letter at a focus.
Looking down at Ash(cross fox), Illyana notices the signs, asking them, "What's wrong girl, is Timmy trapped down a well again? Well he can fucking stay there. It's the sixth time this week and it's only thursday." She does notice the door however, pausing long enough to look towards it. She doesn't open it of course. There's a fox in the apartment. That would draw a lot of attention, so instead, she waits, and thankfully, that letter is pushed through. "Right cocaine bear," Illyana tells Ash(cross fox). "Check it for poison?"
Ash(cross fox) eyes Illyana, judging her. Is it because foxes aren't too unusual in this area, as a pet or otherwise? Is it because he really wants to help Timmy? Is it her fashion choices? Maybe because she can't tell a bear from a fox? No... no, it's probably the poison. The poison on the letter. The poison that may or may not be on the letter. The letter's poison. That poison. That poison that... probably isn't there. They sniff it anyways - they know a vet.
The vet is Illyana.
She may or may not know that she's the vet, but she is.
Illyana waits a long... long moment after Ash(cross fox) sniffs the letter, and apparently, she has no idea how wildlife and cities work; Foxes are hunted to near extinction in the UK, after all, so this is a novelty, and Ash(cross fox) really likely doesn't care about little Timmy-- No one cares about Timmy. Hell, Lassy likely didn't even care about Timmy come the end. - After Ash(cross fox) doesn't die, and Illyana finishes being silly and assuming every part of the township of Haven is out to get her, Illyana nods. "You're still alive. That's great."
Ash(cross fox) yips sharply, agreeing - most likely. They pick up the paper in their teeth and hand it - mouth it? - to Yana.
An enveloped letter keeps lying there, innocuous on the surface, its edges slightly frayed from being pushed under the door and it is both unsealed and no attempt has been made to glue it shut on the back where the envelope would usually be closed. As Illyana and Ash(cross fox) check for poisons, the faint sound of the clocktower in the distance breaks the stillness, its deep chime reverberating through the walls, marking the hour as if reminding them that time, and decisions, wait for no one.
Of course, a letter like this could be laced with hidden dangers. Even though Ash(cross fox) finds that theres no obvious smellno sharp, acrid scent that would give away a crude toxin poisons dont always announce themselves so plainly. Some are silent, subtle killers. A letter could be dusted with a fine layer of poison, one that activates on touch or is absorbed through the skin. Belladonna, perhapsjust a dusting of its potent leaves could be enough to cause dizziness, confusion, even death, and no one would ever smell it. Or something more insidious like arsenic, odorless and colorless, yet lethal when absorbed through prolonged contact.
The clocktower chimes again, its second strike marking another moment in which they have yet to act. The footsteps outside, which had rushed to their door just moments before, now echo in the hallway, growing fainter as the messenger flees. Whoever delivered the letter had no intention of waiting for a response, no confrontation desired. Their work appears done, and now, the burden of the decision lay solely with Illyana and Ash(cross fox).
Even the simplest message could carry a threatpoison wasnt the only danger. A thin needle, perhaps laced with curare or ricin, could be hidden within the fold of the paper, springing out the moment its unfolded. Theres no clear indication of danger, yet the very absence of obvious threat might feel like a trap in itself.
Outside, the city continues to hum and thrum, unaware of the small, potentially deadly dilemma unfolding inside. The bark of the dog is now distant, the morning rush of the streets still audible and muted by the walls.
Right now, the letter remains plain and unassuming. They could burn it, and, of course, forego the mystery entirely, avoid any possible dangers. But burning it means losing whatever information lies within. And then there's always the chance that the threat lies in its absenceperhaps they are meant to fear it more than anything it actually contains.
As Ash(cross fox) picks up the paper and moves it to Ash(cross fox), there is no immediate reaction to being poisoned, no dizziness, no ill feeling. The surface at least might be free of poisons, but who knows what lies within?
Holding the letter now, Illyana considers, tapping her lip with a pink-painted nail. "Think we should open it, or should I go kidnap the messenger? I could get them before they get to the lift." Illyana suggests to Ash(cross fox).
Ash(cross fox) barks twice, indicating the second option.
Ash(cross fox) chooses violence.
Agreeing with Ash(cross fox), Illyana opens the door. There's a burst of angelborn speed, and Illyana rushes down the hall. There's a single double-handed *thwack* to the messenger's skull, then with a continuation of that burst of motion, Illyana returns, laying the letter's former owner down and kicking the door shut. They had no chance, obviously and Ash(cross fox) and Illyana both know the person can have their memory wiped with little fuss anyway, so why risk anything. Then the apartment is quiet again, and Illyana wakes the messenger, locking eyes with them the moment their eyes open with a compulsion to open and read the letter calmly- Then, to wait equally calmly for Ash(cross fox) and Illyana to decide what to do; Ah Haven, even the citizens are monsters. The normal boring humans of the world just have no option when confronted by such overwhelming shows of strength. Tragic, really. But they shuld learn their place.
Ash(cross fox) watches the Flash-like speed with which Illyana yoinks the messenger without much response but his whiskers fluttering in the breeze she causes. Then he stretch, tail curling up and over his back as he does, before wandering in a circle around the messenger. He sniffs and eyes them with bright golden eyes, with hints of hazel, trying to uncover this mysteriously with their completely useless form.
"You could shift back." Illyana suggests to Ash(cross fox). "Not like this dude's going to do much of anything for a bit." How callous. Just treating people like cattle, but that's the hand. Illyana appears to think it's perfectly fine though. Which makes her own hesitation over people she knows all the more curious...
Ash(cross fox) tilts their head, as if having no idea what she's talking about. This is their life now, this is who they are, deep, deep down inside. This is who they've always been: sly, sleek, silent....
"I guess you and Jay can sniff each other's buts easier this way." Illyana mentions to Ash(cross fox) as an aside.
Ash(cross fox) is a deadly predator, with fiery passion and yet a cold, black heart. They are... shocked. Absolutely shocked at Illyana's accusation!
With a human in tow, though quite uncertain if it is the same person, after all no face was seen before and the smells mix up, and after the psychic treatment, the human does abide. They take the letter out of the envelope, and begins to read and read:
"To the Esteemed Illyana Howlett
I pen this letter not with ink, but with trembling hand, for the weight of worlds presses upon me. The Black Flame has marked me as its own, yet the shadows of its purpose coil too tightly around my soul. A terrible choice stirs in the depths of time: the unmaking of all things, or a fragile rebellion against the yawning abyss. I have chosen the latter, though it may seal my doom.
Tonight, at the stroke of midnight, beneath the cold, indifferent gaze of the stars, a ritual will begina summoning that, if left unchecked, shall rend the veil between worlds and bid the King in Yellow walk among us. I cannot bear it. The thought of His arrival turns my blood to frost, my mind to madness. I have seen too much, borne witness to horrors untold in the service of the Black Flame, and now my heart wails in anguish. I dare not remain silent.
I beg of you, Illyana, with all the desperation that remains in my shattered soul, aid me in thwarting this dread ceremony. Beneath the twisted boughs of the forest northwest of Haven, in a cursed glade encircled by ancient stones, the gate shall be opened if we do not act. Time flees from us like a dying breath; every moment draws the abyss closer.
I shall wait, a ghost among the trees, at the edge of the forest near the Institute. Speak not of this number save to call: 543-6-708. I will not answerdo not be alarmed. It is but a signal, a mark that you will come. Let us meet there, before the night swallows the world whole.
In dread sincerity, A defector"
Both Illyana and Ash(cross fox) do not recognize any entity with the name 'King in Yellow'.
"This." Illyana gestures around, "Is likely why Nikolai think we're not serious enough." the bohemian mentions, still as an aside after Ash(cross fox)'s look of shock. It's almost as though taking things seriously is hard for a fey fox and a hybrid who feeds off of emotion.
With a human in tow, though quite uncertain if it is the same person, after all no face was seen before and the smells mix up, and after the psychic treatment, the human does abide. They take the letter out of the envelope, and begins to read and read:
'To the Esteemed Illyana Howlett
I pen this letter not with ink, but with trembling hand, for the weight of worlds presses upon me. The Black Flame has marked me as its own, yet the shadows of its purpose coil too tightly around my soul. A terrible choice stirs in the depths of time: the unmaking of all things, or a fragile rebellion against the yawning abyss. I have chosen the latter, though it may seal my doom.
Tonight, at the stroke of midnight, beneath the cold, indifferent gaze of the stars, a ritual will begina summoning that, if left unchecked, shall rend the veil between worlds and bid the King in Yellow walk among us. I cannot bear it. The thought of His arrival turns my blood to frost, my mind to madness. I have seen too much, borne witness to horrors untold in the service of the Black Flame, and now my heart wails in anguish. I dare not remain silent.
I beg of you, Illyana, with all the desperation that remains in my shattered soul, aid me in thwarting this dread ceremony. Beneath the twisted boughs of the forest northwest of Haven, in a cursed glade encircled by ancient stones, the gate shall be opened if we do not act. Time flees from us like a dying breath; every moment draws the abyss closer.
I shall wait, a ghost among the trees, at the edge of the forest near the Institute. Speak not of this number save to call: 543-6-708. I will not answerdo not be alarmed. It is but a signal, a mark that you will come. Let us meet there, before the night swallows the world whole.
In dread sincerity, A defector'
Both Illyana and Ash(cross fox) do not recognize any entity with the name 'King in Yellow'.
Ash(cross fox) recognizes the name King in Yellow immediately, yipping in surprise!
"Oh. Is that all..." Illyana bids the messenger stand, asking them with another compulsion to speak the truth only; "Are you the writer of this message?" She continues to hold their gaze, taking the letter and placing it before Ash(cross fox) so they can read it over again. "Call it in you think, or shall we go to the White Oak and see what we find first?"
Ash(cross fox), however, is a fox, and doesn't have any Lovecraft tomes on their bookshelf, yet. Nor any of his predecessors - they may not even have Edgar Allen Poe, at that. And now, instead of worrying about how to explain to Illyana who the very well known King in Yellow is, amongst members of the occult and its grand group of wannabes, they're worrying about their library, and how sad and pathetic it is. They whine sadly, before paying attention to the matter. They consider for a moment, before yipping just the once.
As much as they'd love to go into this themself, they are but a fox, and Illyana is... not an arcanist. Though, there's always just going there and beating everyone up... Illyana can do that just fine. They can also show her the exact book needed to look it up. If it's White Oak, instead of the Haven Library, they probably are even allowed to walk in as they are and do so! They give a second bark after they think.
The messenger does as they are bid and says a clear "No, know not who penned and wrote the letter. I saw no face and no gaze, but a mask made of golden lace."
That's it then; This person is unutterably useless. There's only one thing for it... And that thing is obvious. Illyana has no choice-- or desire to let it be. Manhandling this poor person again, Illyana tosses them out the door and back to where they were. With a final hypnotic command "Forget the encounter entirely. You forgot a few minutes of your day, lost in thought as you waited to descend from the building. Your letter was delivered." With that non-issue dealt with and with a surprising lack of violence (yet), Illyana suggests to Ash(cross fox), "Walk to the library? We should pass this to the president, but best we can give him as much info as possible."
Ash(cross fox) nods to Illyana, hopping up so that they can walk close next to her - though, she could easily lift them as well. They seem excited - no doubt at the chance to fox around in public. This fire red and charcoal black cross fox is ready to see the world!
Or, at least, the hallway, the elevator, then then short walk to the college campus and its library.
As the duo makes their way to the campus and its library, and search through the files with the corresponding name and entity, there is some information that comes together. There is a play called the king in yellow, but an exact copy, if there is one, is unavailable. There is also an entity known as the king in yellow. The play is said to drive people mad when they read it. The play is linked in a nebulous and horrible fashion with an entity known as the king in yellow, which is considered an alien god whose 'scalopped tatters must hide Yhtill forever.' The kind is in tun linked in some way with 'Carcosa, where black stars hang in the heavens; where the shadows of men's thoughts lengthen in the afternoon, when the twin suns sink in the lake of Hali'. The king's nature, motives and procedure are unclear; but he is said to have animated dead bodies or possessing those that read the play to claim those that have eluded him. To read the play is to be exposed to the king and to fall under his influence while going mad in the meantime.
and Ash(cross fox) then walk to the library. The plan is simple; Walk in, find the library where the aware staff will let a student walk in with an actual fox, find the book, then meet this defecter and hear the full story. - Besides, if Illyana and Ash(cross fox) don't like what they hear about the ritual or this mysterious and unknown King in Yellow, they can just punch a hole through the mysteriously masked person. Ash(cross fox) could likely have fun with that golden mask, after all. Jay would love it as a gift. So off they go! Will it be an easy walk? Who knows, but it's already decided- They're off. Fox in toe, Illyana grabs her bag, student card and education must follow.
Thanks to Ash(cross fox), Illyana reads that information. Using Ash(cross fox)'s knowledge on the subject, the bohemian makes notes, mentions to the fox, "You know, this would be a great gift for Fayad if we could find the entire play. Maybe Emmy can read it to him for a bed time story." Once the notes are taken, she follows Ash(cross fox)'s lead; Foxes are well known for their cunning. In fact, it's said that all foxs come from Oxford university of Cunningham with a masters in cunning, so this must surely be the case here, and Ash(cross fox), being a fox must have a very cunning plan. For now though, research, and possibly birthday gifts later (Why would there be anything wrong with giving cursed plays to *friends*).
Ash(cross fox) immediate goes to show Illyana the book The King in Yellow the book, by Robert Chambers... from there, they can uncover what the school knows of the Real King in Yellow... which seems to be exactly what's already apparent in the story. Illyana probably could have found this out on Wikipedia... if she had thought to look it up in this modern age. But, it's not like Ash(cross fox) had thought of it, either... and certainly didn't have the phone to look it up on.
When Yana mentions those two men, Ash(cross fox) growls... then yips softly, amused instead at Illyana's suggetsions. And then... they fall quiet. Are they remembering these words from when they read them? So long ago now, in a different life, before Haven... or are they hearing things anew? They don't think about whether or not Illyana hears it - they are not sure that they are hearing with their ears at all, though the red triangles flick around.
Looking up from her research; Illyana is typing everything up for a report for the President of the Hand and the agents that will be sent to deal with this ritual, Illyana notices Ash(cross fox). "Everything okay?"
Ash(cross fox) tilts their head, unsure if everything is 'okay' or not. They're too focused on The Raven - that is, The King in Yellow - to give Illyana a proper response. That, and they are a fox. No matter their response, 'proper' would not be the... 'proper' term. They instead just think on the nonsense, tail moving languidly from one side to another. Is it a portent? It *does* so well fit the situation. The Black Flames thinking inviting danger into this world... then, the fox yawns.
Illyana Passes on everything she's learned, a scan of the letter, the fact Ash(cross fox) solved the entire mystery, and the times and types of rituals they are likely to use; Illyana has been looking into rituals, after all, even performing one as part of banishing some spirits in the Arkwright cemetery the other day with Jodie and Novel. Naturally, Ash(cross fox) cant protest. They are a fox and haven't got the ability to do so right now, so they get good they points, as does Illyana for sending it.
Illyana writes the report and with Ash(cross fox)'s help goes through the possible options for rituals. And today, it seems, nothing is going wrong, as if the fortune of Fate itself is siding with both Illyana and Ash(cross fox) for the moment. The report is made, and some operatives are assigned to handle the situation.
Ash(cross fox) takes all the credit, as they must - though, being the expert on the occult they are, they *did* have a grand role to play. And would have played it better in a different form, perhaps, but they are finding themself rather comfortable in this one, reluctant to leave it just yet. Really, there's just one person they want to show, and then they will go right to sleep. They nuzzle against Illyana as she does the paperwork, trying to stay awake.
Illyana finishes the report in full, sits back, and seems to listen to something. Her head cants to one side and mouths along with the words she hears; Some kind of prophecy? Some kind of portent or an extract of the play? Regardless, she types this up, too. It's appended to the mail and sent right along with the former.
"Shall we get you home?" Illyana asks Ash(cross fox), scratching them behind the ears. "I think the operatives can handle all of this."
Ash(cross fox) makes a soft rummbling sound quite like a purr as they are scratched, then nod, after a moment.
Later Illyana and Ash(cross fox) may hear that the situation was resolved by operatives, but that some escaped, and nothing of what became of the Defector. But for now, the situation has resolved.
The plan is handed off to the Hand. Illyana and Ash(cross fox) don't have the power to deal with a summon of something like the King in Yellow, but the society resources of one of the big three do. Ash(cross fox) gets to go to bed, Illyana gets on with her day and the SR is thanked for running a fun scene.