Encounterlogs
Liams Odd Encounter Sr Victoria 250118
On a seemingly uneventful afternoon in the cozy, newly revamped living room of Apartment 104, Liam and Rowan find their quiet moment shattered by the persistent and desperate knocking of a man named James. Bursting into their life with the urgency of a storm, James, disheveled and wild-eyed, claims refuge on their loveseat, his presence a concoction of panic and determination. Asserting himself with an almost frantic urgency, he reveals a tangled story of demonic entities evidenced by a photograph he's captured, fixating on the red-eyes of a woman in the image as undeniable proof of the supernatural. Despite his conviction, Liam and Rowan remain skeptical, challenging James's assertion with logic and possible alternatives, suggesting the woman could simply be someone with cosmetic eye modifications.
The interaction intensifies as James, driven by both desperation and the fear of disbelief, implores Liam and Rowan for validation of his claims. Despite their skepticism, they engage with his narrative, questioning his motives and the potential implications of his actions. James's resolve begins to waver under the weight of reality's skepticism and the practical challenges his “discovery” presents. In a surprising turn, he offers the camera and all it contains to Liam and Rowan for safekeeping, a gesture that hints at his underlying need for allies or perhaps a means to divest himself of a burden too heavy to bear. As they accept, providing James a semblance of reassurance, he hastily departs, leaving behind a cryptic business card with Liam, the words “You don't find me, I will find you” etched on its surface. This abrupt exit leaves Liam and Rowan in the wake of an odd encounter that stitches the fabric of their day with threads of mystery, skepticism, and a peculiar sense of foreboding about the true undercurrents of Haven.
(Liam's odd encounter(SRVictoria):SRVictoria)
[Fri Jan 17 2025]
In the newly painted Living Room of Apartment 104
The small, unassuming living room now feels refreshingly inviting after a
thorough clean-up. The aged furniture has been carefully arranged, giving the
room a sense of balance. Any fixable blemishes have been meticulously
addressed, with scratches in the paneling smoothed out and surfaces polished to
a subtle shine. Though the ceiling still bears some blotchy discoloration from water stains , a few strategically placed houseplants draw the eye away and
bring in a touch of nature.
A crisp, fresh coat of white paint covers the walls, illuminating the space
with a newfound brightness. The once-dated decor has been carefully integrated
into the rooms aesthetic: the green-glass table lamp now adds a quirky vintage
charm, while the overly floral watercolor painting is offset by modern,
minimalist touches a soft gray throw on the couch and a sleek wooden coffee
table. The overall result is a charming blend of old and new, with the
apartment feeling lived-in but lovingly cared for.
It is afternoon, about 32F(0C) degrees, and there are a few dark grey stormclouds in the sky.
(An amateur paranormal investigator has stumbled onto the truth of the supernatural world and has evidence. Your target and their allies are tasked with containing the situation.
)
Liam leans against the arm of a loveseat Rowan sits in in their shared Elm apartment, having a quiet conversation with her about this or that, a melancholy look on his face.
Rowan is seated on the loveseat, reclining back, legs crossed. Her phone sits in her lap, messages pulled up, while she has an ongoing conversation with Liam, which seems to have taken a solemn turn.
It is a seemingly normal afternoon in the sleepy town of Haven. Liam and Rowan are enjoying a quiet time together, talking and relaxing. Despite the cold weather outside, the apartment feels cozy. The charm of the decor and the warmth radiating from within the walls create the perfect atmosphere for unwinding and enjoying each other's company.
It is a peaceful afternoon, one that seems to stretch on perfectly, right up until it suddenly isnt. Theres something about Haven, a peculiar nature to the town, that ensures peace is never long-lasting. Just as the tranquility settles in, something always seems to disturb it. This time, it begins with the unmistakable sound of a sharp rapping of knuckles on the front door. The sound cuts through the stillness, sudden and jarring, followed by a heavy, almost unnerving pause.
Suddenly, the knocking comes again, this time louder and more relentless, echoing through the apartment with an urgency that cannot be ignored. "Hey!" a voice calls out, sharp and panicked, tinged with both indignation and a sense of desperation. "Open the door!" The words are accompanied by the unmistakable sound of fists pounding against the door, as though the person outside is using every bit of strength to demand entry. The rapid, forceful blows intensify, creating a rhythm of frantic insistence, as if they believe there is no time to waste.
With each moment, The pounding continues, each strike more desperate than the last. The sound rattles the doorframe, vibrating through the walls, and making it clear that the person on the other side will not be easily deterred.
Liam pauses, looking over at the door with wide eyes. "Don't suppose you were expecting guests, Rowan?" Liam begins to wince at the loudness of each knock, and shifts away from the loveseat to meander over to the door and place a hand on it, near the lock. He glances back to Rowan, raising his eyebrows questioningly.
Rowan responds to a message before slipping her phone away, and looks to Liam, opening her mouth to reply to whatever he had last said. It's at that precise point that the knocking begins. She looks to the man beside her with much the same question on her face, before the knocking begins to intensify, and she pushes to her feet. "I was not expecting guests" she confirms, "One second." She makes her way into the bedroom, and emerges with a steel khopesh in hand, making her way to the other side of the door, across from Liam. "You can open it."
Liam can be assumed to do so, unlocking the door and taking a few steps back as it'd no doubt be swinging open.
Once that door swings open, both Liam and Rowan can see that standing there is a man, disheveled, wild-eyed, and clearly in distress. His clothes are torn in places, his face flushed with panic, and his hands are still raised, ready to strike the door again if they need to.
The unnamed man wastes no time, rushing past Liam and Rowan as though he has every right to be there. With a quick, jerky movement, he claims the plaid loveseat where they had been sitting just moments before and plopping down with a sense of ownership, as if the space was his for the taking. His actions are frantic, but there's a certain boldness to them, as though he expects no resistance.
Without missing a beat, he reaches up to smooth his hair, though the effort proves completely futile. The brown strands stick out in every direction, adding to the disheveled look that gives him an air of frantic energy. He's a tall man, his frame thin and lanky, with angular features and dark, almost haunting eyes that dart around the room with a restless, searching quality. His outfit is entirely black, a long coat, tight jeans, and boots, so much so that he could almost blend into the shadows if it weren't for the obvious tension surrounding him. Its an appearance that might strike most as out of place, if they werent in Haven, where strange things seem to be the norm. In one hand he clutches a small camera. "It's about time," he complains. "Have you SEEN what is out there?"
Liam glances at Rowan, expressing his skepticism with an arched eyebrow, before gently closing the door with a c'thunk. He steps over towards the stolen loveseat, and slides his hands into the pocket of his hoodie, the picture of relaxation opposed to this bundle of tension. "Can we like, help you, man?"
Rowan steps in front of the door after the man rushes inside, and closes it behind him, sliding the deadbolt locked. She turns back to the stranger then, taking in his features for a moment, and sniffing the air. Then, she marches over to him, and, weapon in hand, hopefully proving to lessen his resistance, makes to snatch the camera from his hands.
James, the man states flatly, as if his name should explain everything, though his eyes never leave the door. His posture is tense, and its clear he's bracing for something, waiting for someone or something to come through that door.
The reaction to Rowan is immediate. He lifts both hands in the air, palms out, his fingers still wrapped around the camera as if it's an extension of himself. Oh hey, calm down, yeah? he says quickly, his voice carrying a strange mix of urgency and an attempt at nonchalance. Im not the problem.
Jamess finger points to the camera in his opposite hand, and he shifts his gaze between Rowan and Liam, his expression tense yet laced with a hint of excitement, or perhaps desperation. I needed to make sure they can't find me, he says, his voice low, as if sharing a secret he believes is vital. His eyes dart back to the door before he continues, his words rushed. I finally got a photo! Ive been chasing them for ages.
The red-eyes, he adds after a moment, almost whispering the phrase, as though the very mention of it could draw unwanted attention. His gaze flicks nervously to the door again, then back to the pair in front of him.
"James," the man states flatly, as if his name should explain everything, though his eyes never leave the door. His posture is tense, and its clear he's bracing for something, waiting for someone or something to come through that door.
The reaction to Rowan is immediate. He lifts both hands in the air, palms out, his fingers still wrapped around the camera as if it's an extension of himself. "Oh hey, calm down, yeah?" he says quickly, his voice carrying a strange mix of urgency and an attempt at nonchalance. "Im not the problem."
Jamess finger points to the camera in his opposite hand, and he shifts his gaze between Rowan and Liam, his expression tense yet laced with a hint of excitement, or perhaps desperation. "I needed to make sure they can't find me," he says, his voice low, as if sharing a secret he believes is vital. His eyes dart back to the door before he continues, his words rushed. "I finally got a photo! Ive been chasing them for ages."
"The red-eyes,' he adds after a moment, almost whispering the phrase, as though the very mention of it could draw unwanted attention. His gaze flicks nervously to the door again, then back to the pair in front of him. (fix)"
"..." Liam slowly frowns at James, the bearded man's tension rising up notch from sub-zero at both the failed camera grab and the crazy man on their loveseat. He tilts his head, murmuring "Red-eyes? What, like, you got someone with reflective pupils like in those old photos? C'mon man, you seem tense. Why don't you hang there for just a minute? Is there someone we can call for you?" Liam steps back from the loveseat and pulls out his phone, but even though he begins scrolling idly through it Jame's interest has him look at the front door with some caution, sharing his attention between that and Rowan's reaction.
Liam was most certainly wearing that the whole time.
When Rowan's attempt to grab the camera fails, she simply groans and takes a step back, lowering her weapon to her side. "James" she says, her tone low and even, "You cannot run into someone elses home without warning, with a camera pointed at them." She points the blade at him and continues, "You could have been dangerous, though I can see now you clearly are not. Slow down and explain further what you've been chasing, and who is chasing you."
"They're DEMONS," James says with a sudden burst of enthusiasm, his voice rising with a mix of excitement and mania as he looks directly at Liam. His eyes gleam with a kind of wild certainty, as though hes finally had the revelation he's been waiting for. Not human. I've always known about them. Now I can prove it."
His gaze flits back to the camera in his hand, and he glances at it almost possessively, his fingers tightening around the device as if it's the only thing standing between him and some greater truth. "Finally caught one without those damn glasses," he mutters to himself, his voice dripping with frustration, but also triumph. He seems almost to be speaking more to the camera than to them, as if the device is a companion in his obsession.
James's fingers twitch nervously against the camera, and his eyes narrow briefly as he looks at Rowan, a flicker of suspicion crossing his features. For a moment, the intensity in his gaze shifts, as if weighing whether he can trust them, or whether he even should."
Rowan rolls her eyes and makes her way over to a wall, laying her weapon up against it and releasing it, now it's clear there's no threat, or at least, no threat of violence. "Not human. Demons" she echoes, looking to James with an analytical gaze. Then, after a moment, she seems to decide upon something, and says "Oh I see" with a nod to Liam, strolling back over to the seat, arms crossed, "He's crazy."
Liam freezes, going entirely still at this reveal. He takes a few moments to process this information, slides his phone back into a pocket without calling anyone, then stalks up to stand paired at Rowan's side. He has no sword to point at James, but his sudden change of expression implies he rather wishes he did. The man angles himself to ensure there is minimal possibility for James to sneak away, and leans a heavy hand on the arm of the loveseat. "You know, she's right. You shouldn't be running into random houses like this-we're in an apartment building. Why choose our door, James?"
"I just ran until they couldn't see me anymore," James replies with a shrug of his shoulders, as if the simple explanation should clear everything up. His tone is matter-of-fact, almost casual, though there's still a nervous edge to it. His eyes dart around the room, never settling in one place for long, as if he's expecting something or someone to jump out at any moment. "This place is weird," he continues, his voice growing more animated, "but you know what? I'm going to expose this. Im going to show everyone the truth." He pauses, a wide grin spreading across his face, as though the idea has just dawned on him in that very moment. "And maybe I'll end up rich!"
Excitement passed, James's gaze refocuses on Liam and Rowan. "You were the first door I came to when I was properly out of sight," he explains.
Rowan takes another step forward, imposing herself further on James. She looms over him, scrutinizing him for a moment. Then she looks sidelong at Liam, into his eyes, as if trying to gauge something, before she says, back to James, "If you've really got footage of something special, you can show us" she unfolds her arms to gesture with a hand to the camera, "You don't even need to let go of that if you don't want to, just play the video."
"Uh huh." Liam says, skeptically. He eyes the sword, set aside against the wall for a moment, then sighs, pulling back and away from James and simply giving the man a pitying look. "Listen, James. This plan you're cooking up, here? There's two possible outcomes." Liam holds up a pair of fingers. "One, you get laughed out of the business. You're declared mentally unstable, the image photoshopped, and your career up til this point a fluke." Liam begins, the continues with "Two, you actually out some hidden society of fucking demons, man. Like, from Hell. You're already running scared, you think you could even use any of that money you're aiming for if you tried to cash this in?" Liam argues, before nodding to Rowan. "Lets actually see the damn thing, before we can know its a problem, yeah."
James appears to hesitate for a moment, uncertainty flickering across his face. He seems doubtful about whatever decision he's just made, but after a brief pause, he takes a deep breath and switches the camera on. With a quiet tap on the screen, he presses something that causes the device to hum softly. Slowly, he turns the camera toward the pair, allowing them to see the image that's displayed on the screen. Its a photo of a woman, and at first, she looks much like anyone else you might encounter in a casual snapshot. There's nothing particularly striking about her appearance at first glance, except for one glaring detail that immediately catches the eye. Her eyes, in stark contrast to her fair skin and the golden blonde of her hair, are an unnatural, vivid crimson. The boldness of the color is almost jarring, giving her a look that feels out of place, almost otherworldly. Even within the confines of this simple photograph, she exudes an aura of something distinctly foreign. The woman stands on a beach, her sunglasses dangling carelessly from one hand while the other casually brushes a strand of hair from her face, a soft breeze catching her hair. The location, though, is unexpected for a tourist, especially at this time of year when few would consider such a place as their destination.
"See?" James frowns, before a flick of his wrist turns the camera away and a hand is run through in another attempt to smooth his haphazard locks. "Only one thing with that eye color, boys and girls."
Rowan raises a single brow as the screen of the video camera is turned towards her and Liam. She leans in a little to get a better look at the tiny screen, and then watches as the footage plays. She remains still, her expression even and unshifting, as it ticks through the video, taking it in its entirety, until finally James turns the camera away again. "Okay, she has red eyes, so what?" she says, doing her best to act unconvinced, "You know they do eye color changes for a thousand dollars a procedure at the clinic. They install permanent contacts, its not even that hard to get done" she says, "And besides, let's say this actually a 'demon'. Like Liam says, from Hell. What are you even going to do? What's your plan? What do you think they'll do to you once they find out? Are you prepared for that?"
"A cosplayer?" Liam suggests, in answer to James' question. "Its not like you caught this woman ascending from a flaming portal to the afterlife, man. Rowan has a point, you've just creepshotted a picture of some gal who's had some work done." Liam sighs.
James's look of doubt deepens, his uncertainty growing more apparent as a flicker of panic crosses his face. His expression shifts, turning almost frantic as the weight of his concerns becomes too much to bear. "But my boss will kill me if it's fake," he sighs, his voice tinged with frustration. He pauses for a moment, as if trying to steady himself, before continuing, his words coming out in a rushed, pleading tone. "Listen, I know they exist. I's not crazy! Please, just tell me where to find a real one," he begs, his eyes wide with desperation, clearly grasping at anything that might give him some assurance or a sense of direction.
He assesses Liam and Rowan carefully, fingers loosening on his camera. "Why would you downpl-" his voice cuts off with a sudden swallow. "I think I should go," he states carefully, looking pale.
Rowan leans away from James then, closing her eyes and exhaling a sigh as the doubt appears to creep in for him. She tries not to let the relief of making him think the whole thing is fake show on her features though, they remain otherwise quite still. "I don't know where to find what you're looking for, if what you're looking for is even real" she says with a shrug. Then, though, poor James seems to switch up his thinking, no doubt questioning /their/ normality. She raises both brows at him when he asks to leave, and slowly shifts her gaze to James, letting one brow drop and the other stay raised, a sidelong look that screams 'How do we handle this now'.
"Your boss would kill you...? I don't guess that means you've already sent it to him then, James?" Liam asks, raising his eyebrows. "Whats got you so convinced theres demons out there to be found, anyway? Got a burning bush moment while high on some shrooms or somethin?" Liam smiles tightly, providing an answer to both Rowan and James with "Oh, I don't think you need to be in any rush. Worst come to worst, this woman comes to find you, knocking at our door, to take offense at you snagging a picture without her permission. Maybe she hits up your company-'what is that, by the way?' and tries to sue."
Looking every bit the picture of someone who might have just indulged in mind-altering substances, James frowns, his features tightening as the lines of stress tug his mouth downward. He seems to be slowly realizing that he may have made a mistake, that he might have stumbled into the wrong apartment entirely. He takes a breath, trying to steady himself, and his voice comes out nervous, the words tinged with uncertainty as he attempts to keep things light. "Listen..." he says, his tone faltering slightly. "You know Haven, it's... weird around here." His attempt at levity falls flat, and he lets out a short, nervous laugh thats more of a strained exhale than anything remotely funny. The laugh quickly fades, and he waves the camera in the air in a half-hearted gesture.
"Boss doesnt do the technology," he continues, his voice slightly more earnest now as he turns his attention to Liam. "I have to show him everything in person. Cant be too careful." He scratches the back of his neck in a thoughtful gesture, as if a sudden idea has occurred to him. "Hey, why dont you two hang on to this for now? Maybe you'll recognize her in town. You can get back to me if you do?" His eyes flicker between them, almost pleading for reassurance, as if handing off the task might somehow lighten the pressure he's feeling.
Rowan notes James' growing fear impassively. She makes no attempt to comfort him or dissuade them. Perhaps, right now, fear can be useful. "Weird..." she echoes, staring at him for a long moment with her wide green gaze. Then James seems to change up his tactic, offering the camera, or the footage, or perhaps both, to them to 'hold on to'. She blinks, surprised that the man would offer up what seemed to be his prized possession and catch of a lifetime, but perhaps, she ponders, he's realised the danger he's really in, and this is his way of escaping it. Or perhaps he's particularly quick to trust. "That sounds good, James" she says calmly, holding out a hand, "Give us your number, and we'll get back to you. Maybe you'll even be able to get an interview."
Liam simply nods his head at James, pulling his phone back out to get a contact sheet pulled up. "I'll even text yah right now. Make sure it works and theres no... mistakes." Liam agrees, chuckling at James as he prepares to hand over the camera.
A vast look of relief sweeps across Jamess face, the tension easing from his shoulders as if a great weight has been lifted. His hand moves instinctively to his pocket, fingers brushing the edges of something, and with a quiet, almost ceremonial gesture, he withdraws a business card, holding it carefully between two fingers. Without a word, he thrusts the camera into Rowan's hands, his smile brief but appreciative, offering no further explanation. Meanwhile, his other hand slowly lifts the card in front of Liam, his gaze shifting with a particular intensity, his eyes lingering on the bearded man as if trying to read something deeper. The look seems deliberate, almost as if hes gauging something about Liam, as if he is sizing him up for some unknown reason.
"Youll find everything on here," James states, his voice steady but carrying an undertone of urgency. The moment the words leave his mouth, he watches as Rowan and Liam both begin to focus on the camera and the contact sheet in their hands. Satisfied that their attention is elsewhere, he seizes the opportunity. With a swift motion, he slips between them, his movements fluid and almost too quick to follow. In the blink of an eye, his hand reaches for the doorknob, and with a quiet click, the door swings open. He vanishes through it just as suddenly as he had appeared, leaving nothing behind but the faint echo of his hasty departure.
Should Liam accept the business card, he will find no telephone number, no address. One side of the card states the man's name as James X., and when turned over, the card simply reads, 'You don't find me, I will find you.'
The interaction intensifies as James, driven by both desperation and the fear of disbelief, implores Liam and Rowan for validation of his claims. Despite their skepticism, they engage with his narrative, questioning his motives and the potential implications of his actions. James's resolve begins to waver under the weight of reality's skepticism and the practical challenges his “discovery” presents. In a surprising turn, he offers the camera and all it contains to Liam and Rowan for safekeeping, a gesture that hints at his underlying need for allies or perhaps a means to divest himself of a burden too heavy to bear. As they accept, providing James a semblance of reassurance, he hastily departs, leaving behind a cryptic business card with Liam, the words “You don't find me, I will find you” etched on its surface. This abrupt exit leaves Liam and Rowan in the wake of an odd encounter that stitches the fabric of their day with threads of mystery, skepticism, and a peculiar sense of foreboding about the true undercurrents of Haven.
(Liam's odd encounter(SRVictoria):SRVictoria)
[Fri Jan 17 2025]
In the newly painted Living Room of Apartment 104
The small, unassuming living room now feels refreshingly inviting after a
thorough clean-up. The aged furniture has been carefully arranged, giving the
room a sense of balance. Any fixable blemishes have been meticulously
addressed, with scratches in the paneling smoothed out and surfaces polished to
a subtle shine. Though the ceiling still bears some blotchy discoloration from water stains , a few strategically placed houseplants draw the eye away and
bring in a touch of nature.
A crisp, fresh coat of white paint covers the walls, illuminating the space
with a newfound brightness. The once-dated decor has been carefully integrated
into the rooms aesthetic: the green-glass table lamp now adds a quirky vintage
charm, while the overly floral watercolor painting is offset by modern,
minimalist touches a soft gray throw on the couch and a sleek wooden coffee
table. The overall result is a charming blend of old and new, with the
apartment feeling lived-in but lovingly cared for.
It is afternoon, about 32F(0C) degrees, and there are a few dark grey stormclouds in the sky.
(An amateur paranormal investigator has stumbled onto the truth of the supernatural world and has evidence. Your target and their allies are tasked with containing the situation.
)
Liam leans against the arm of a loveseat Rowan sits in in their shared Elm apartment, having a quiet conversation with her about this or that, a melancholy look on his face.
Rowan is seated on the loveseat, reclining back, legs crossed. Her phone sits in her lap, messages pulled up, while she has an ongoing conversation with Liam, which seems to have taken a solemn turn.
It is a seemingly normal afternoon in the sleepy town of Haven. Liam and Rowan are enjoying a quiet time together, talking and relaxing. Despite the cold weather outside, the apartment feels cozy. The charm of the decor and the warmth radiating from within the walls create the perfect atmosphere for unwinding and enjoying each other's company.
It is a peaceful afternoon, one that seems to stretch on perfectly, right up until it suddenly isnt. Theres something about Haven, a peculiar nature to the town, that ensures peace is never long-lasting. Just as the tranquility settles in, something always seems to disturb it. This time, it begins with the unmistakable sound of a sharp rapping of knuckles on the front door. The sound cuts through the stillness, sudden and jarring, followed by a heavy, almost unnerving pause.
Suddenly, the knocking comes again, this time louder and more relentless, echoing through the apartment with an urgency that cannot be ignored. "Hey!" a voice calls out, sharp and panicked, tinged with both indignation and a sense of desperation. "Open the door!" The words are accompanied by the unmistakable sound of fists pounding against the door, as though the person outside is using every bit of strength to demand entry. The rapid, forceful blows intensify, creating a rhythm of frantic insistence, as if they believe there is no time to waste.
With each moment, The pounding continues, each strike more desperate than the last. The sound rattles the doorframe, vibrating through the walls, and making it clear that the person on the other side will not be easily deterred.
Liam pauses, looking over at the door with wide eyes. "Don't suppose you were expecting guests, Rowan?" Liam begins to wince at the loudness of each knock, and shifts away from the loveseat to meander over to the door and place a hand on it, near the lock. He glances back to Rowan, raising his eyebrows questioningly.
Rowan responds to a message before slipping her phone away, and looks to Liam, opening her mouth to reply to whatever he had last said. It's at that precise point that the knocking begins. She looks to the man beside her with much the same question on her face, before the knocking begins to intensify, and she pushes to her feet. "I was not expecting guests" she confirms, "One second." She makes her way into the bedroom, and emerges with a steel khopesh in hand, making her way to the other side of the door, across from Liam. "You can open it."
Liam can be assumed to do so, unlocking the door and taking a few steps back as it'd no doubt be swinging open.
Once that door swings open, both Liam and Rowan can see that standing there is a man, disheveled, wild-eyed, and clearly in distress. His clothes are torn in places, his face flushed with panic, and his hands are still raised, ready to strike the door again if they need to.
The unnamed man wastes no time, rushing past Liam and Rowan as though he has every right to be there. With a quick, jerky movement, he claims the plaid loveseat where they had been sitting just moments before and plopping down with a sense of ownership, as if the space was his for the taking. His actions are frantic, but there's a certain boldness to them, as though he expects no resistance.
Without missing a beat, he reaches up to smooth his hair, though the effort proves completely futile. The brown strands stick out in every direction, adding to the disheveled look that gives him an air of frantic energy. He's a tall man, his frame thin and lanky, with angular features and dark, almost haunting eyes that dart around the room with a restless, searching quality. His outfit is entirely black, a long coat, tight jeans, and boots, so much so that he could almost blend into the shadows if it weren't for the obvious tension surrounding him. Its an appearance that might strike most as out of place, if they werent in Haven, where strange things seem to be the norm. In one hand he clutches a small camera. "It's about time," he complains. "Have you SEEN what is out there?"
Liam glances at Rowan, expressing his skepticism with an arched eyebrow, before gently closing the door with a c'thunk. He steps over towards the stolen loveseat, and slides his hands into the pocket of his hoodie, the picture of relaxation opposed to this bundle of tension. "Can we like, help you, man?"
Rowan steps in front of the door after the man rushes inside, and closes it behind him, sliding the deadbolt locked. She turns back to the stranger then, taking in his features for a moment, and sniffing the air. Then, she marches over to him, and, weapon in hand, hopefully proving to lessen his resistance, makes to snatch the camera from his hands.
James, the man states flatly, as if his name should explain everything, though his eyes never leave the door. His posture is tense, and its clear he's bracing for something, waiting for someone or something to come through that door.
The reaction to Rowan is immediate. He lifts both hands in the air, palms out, his fingers still wrapped around the camera as if it's an extension of himself. Oh hey, calm down, yeah? he says quickly, his voice carrying a strange mix of urgency and an attempt at nonchalance. Im not the problem.
Jamess finger points to the camera in his opposite hand, and he shifts his gaze between Rowan and Liam, his expression tense yet laced with a hint of excitement, or perhaps desperation. I needed to make sure they can't find me, he says, his voice low, as if sharing a secret he believes is vital. His eyes dart back to the door before he continues, his words rushed. I finally got a photo! Ive been chasing them for ages.
The red-eyes, he adds after a moment, almost whispering the phrase, as though the very mention of it could draw unwanted attention. His gaze flicks nervously to the door again, then back to the pair in front of him.
"James," the man states flatly, as if his name should explain everything, though his eyes never leave the door. His posture is tense, and its clear he's bracing for something, waiting for someone or something to come through that door.
The reaction to Rowan is immediate. He lifts both hands in the air, palms out, his fingers still wrapped around the camera as if it's an extension of himself. "Oh hey, calm down, yeah?" he says quickly, his voice carrying a strange mix of urgency and an attempt at nonchalance. "Im not the problem."
Jamess finger points to the camera in his opposite hand, and he shifts his gaze between Rowan and Liam, his expression tense yet laced with a hint of excitement, or perhaps desperation. "I needed to make sure they can't find me," he says, his voice low, as if sharing a secret he believes is vital. His eyes dart back to the door before he continues, his words rushed. "I finally got a photo! Ive been chasing them for ages."
"The red-eyes,' he adds after a moment, almost whispering the phrase, as though the very mention of it could draw unwanted attention. His gaze flicks nervously to the door again, then back to the pair in front of him. (fix)"
"..." Liam slowly frowns at James, the bearded man's tension rising up notch from sub-zero at both the failed camera grab and the crazy man on their loveseat. He tilts his head, murmuring "Red-eyes? What, like, you got someone with reflective pupils like in those old photos? C'mon man, you seem tense. Why don't you hang there for just a minute? Is there someone we can call for you?" Liam steps back from the loveseat and pulls out his phone, but even though he begins scrolling idly through it Jame's interest has him look at the front door with some caution, sharing his attention between that and Rowan's reaction.
Liam was most certainly wearing that the whole time.
When Rowan's attempt to grab the camera fails, she simply groans and takes a step back, lowering her weapon to her side. "James" she says, her tone low and even, "You cannot run into someone elses home without warning, with a camera pointed at them." She points the blade at him and continues, "You could have been dangerous, though I can see now you clearly are not. Slow down and explain further what you've been chasing, and who is chasing you."
"They're DEMONS," James says with a sudden burst of enthusiasm, his voice rising with a mix of excitement and mania as he looks directly at Liam. His eyes gleam with a kind of wild certainty, as though hes finally had the revelation he's been waiting for. Not human. I've always known about them. Now I can prove it."
His gaze flits back to the camera in his hand, and he glances at it almost possessively, his fingers tightening around the device as if it's the only thing standing between him and some greater truth. "Finally caught one without those damn glasses," he mutters to himself, his voice dripping with frustration, but also triumph. He seems almost to be speaking more to the camera than to them, as if the device is a companion in his obsession.
James's fingers twitch nervously against the camera, and his eyes narrow briefly as he looks at Rowan, a flicker of suspicion crossing his features. For a moment, the intensity in his gaze shifts, as if weighing whether he can trust them, or whether he even should."
Rowan rolls her eyes and makes her way over to a wall, laying her weapon up against it and releasing it, now it's clear there's no threat, or at least, no threat of violence. "Not human. Demons" she echoes, looking to James with an analytical gaze. Then, after a moment, she seems to decide upon something, and says "Oh I see" with a nod to Liam, strolling back over to the seat, arms crossed, "He's crazy."
Liam freezes, going entirely still at this reveal. He takes a few moments to process this information, slides his phone back into a pocket without calling anyone, then stalks up to stand paired at Rowan's side. He has no sword to point at James, but his sudden change of expression implies he rather wishes he did. The man angles himself to ensure there is minimal possibility for James to sneak away, and leans a heavy hand on the arm of the loveseat. "You know, she's right. You shouldn't be running into random houses like this-we're in an apartment building. Why choose our door, James?"
"I just ran until they couldn't see me anymore," James replies with a shrug of his shoulders, as if the simple explanation should clear everything up. His tone is matter-of-fact, almost casual, though there's still a nervous edge to it. His eyes dart around the room, never settling in one place for long, as if he's expecting something or someone to jump out at any moment. "This place is weird," he continues, his voice growing more animated, "but you know what? I'm going to expose this. Im going to show everyone the truth." He pauses, a wide grin spreading across his face, as though the idea has just dawned on him in that very moment. "And maybe I'll end up rich!"
Excitement passed, James's gaze refocuses on Liam and Rowan. "You were the first door I came to when I was properly out of sight," he explains.
Rowan takes another step forward, imposing herself further on James. She looms over him, scrutinizing him for a moment. Then she looks sidelong at Liam, into his eyes, as if trying to gauge something, before she says, back to James, "If you've really got footage of something special, you can show us" she unfolds her arms to gesture with a hand to the camera, "You don't even need to let go of that if you don't want to, just play the video."
"Uh huh." Liam says, skeptically. He eyes the sword, set aside against the wall for a moment, then sighs, pulling back and away from James and simply giving the man a pitying look. "Listen, James. This plan you're cooking up, here? There's two possible outcomes." Liam holds up a pair of fingers. "One, you get laughed out of the business. You're declared mentally unstable, the image photoshopped, and your career up til this point a fluke." Liam begins, the continues with "Two, you actually out some hidden society of fucking demons, man. Like, from Hell. You're already running scared, you think you could even use any of that money you're aiming for if you tried to cash this in?" Liam argues, before nodding to Rowan. "Lets actually see the damn thing, before we can know its a problem, yeah."
James appears to hesitate for a moment, uncertainty flickering across his face. He seems doubtful about whatever decision he's just made, but after a brief pause, he takes a deep breath and switches the camera on. With a quiet tap on the screen, he presses something that causes the device to hum softly. Slowly, he turns the camera toward the pair, allowing them to see the image that's displayed on the screen. Its a photo of a woman, and at first, she looks much like anyone else you might encounter in a casual snapshot. There's nothing particularly striking about her appearance at first glance, except for one glaring detail that immediately catches the eye. Her eyes, in stark contrast to her fair skin and the golden blonde of her hair, are an unnatural, vivid crimson. The boldness of the color is almost jarring, giving her a look that feels out of place, almost otherworldly. Even within the confines of this simple photograph, she exudes an aura of something distinctly foreign. The woman stands on a beach, her sunglasses dangling carelessly from one hand while the other casually brushes a strand of hair from her face, a soft breeze catching her hair. The location, though, is unexpected for a tourist, especially at this time of year when few would consider such a place as their destination.
"See?" James frowns, before a flick of his wrist turns the camera away and a hand is run through in another attempt to smooth his haphazard locks. "Only one thing with that eye color, boys and girls."
Rowan raises a single brow as the screen of the video camera is turned towards her and Liam. She leans in a little to get a better look at the tiny screen, and then watches as the footage plays. She remains still, her expression even and unshifting, as it ticks through the video, taking it in its entirety, until finally James turns the camera away again. "Okay, she has red eyes, so what?" she says, doing her best to act unconvinced, "You know they do eye color changes for a thousand dollars a procedure at the clinic. They install permanent contacts, its not even that hard to get done" she says, "And besides, let's say this actually a 'demon'. Like Liam says, from Hell. What are you even going to do? What's your plan? What do you think they'll do to you once they find out? Are you prepared for that?"
"A cosplayer?" Liam suggests, in answer to James' question. "Its not like you caught this woman ascending from a flaming portal to the afterlife, man. Rowan has a point, you've just creepshotted a picture of some gal who's had some work done." Liam sighs.
James's look of doubt deepens, his uncertainty growing more apparent as a flicker of panic crosses his face. His expression shifts, turning almost frantic as the weight of his concerns becomes too much to bear. "But my boss will kill me if it's fake," he sighs, his voice tinged with frustration. He pauses for a moment, as if trying to steady himself, before continuing, his words coming out in a rushed, pleading tone. "Listen, I know they exist. I's not crazy! Please, just tell me where to find a real one," he begs, his eyes wide with desperation, clearly grasping at anything that might give him some assurance or a sense of direction.
He assesses Liam and Rowan carefully, fingers loosening on his camera. "Why would you downpl-" his voice cuts off with a sudden swallow. "I think I should go," he states carefully, looking pale.
Rowan leans away from James then, closing her eyes and exhaling a sigh as the doubt appears to creep in for him. She tries not to let the relief of making him think the whole thing is fake show on her features though, they remain otherwise quite still. "I don't know where to find what you're looking for, if what you're looking for is even real" she says with a shrug. Then, though, poor James seems to switch up his thinking, no doubt questioning /their/ normality. She raises both brows at him when he asks to leave, and slowly shifts her gaze to James, letting one brow drop and the other stay raised, a sidelong look that screams 'How do we handle this now'.
"Your boss would kill you...? I don't guess that means you've already sent it to him then, James?" Liam asks, raising his eyebrows. "Whats got you so convinced theres demons out there to be found, anyway? Got a burning bush moment while high on some shrooms or somethin?" Liam smiles tightly, providing an answer to both Rowan and James with "Oh, I don't think you need to be in any rush. Worst come to worst, this woman comes to find you, knocking at our door, to take offense at you snagging a picture without her permission. Maybe she hits up your company-'what is that, by the way?' and tries to sue."
Looking every bit the picture of someone who might have just indulged in mind-altering substances, James frowns, his features tightening as the lines of stress tug his mouth downward. He seems to be slowly realizing that he may have made a mistake, that he might have stumbled into the wrong apartment entirely. He takes a breath, trying to steady himself, and his voice comes out nervous, the words tinged with uncertainty as he attempts to keep things light. "Listen..." he says, his tone faltering slightly. "You know Haven, it's... weird around here." His attempt at levity falls flat, and he lets out a short, nervous laugh thats more of a strained exhale than anything remotely funny. The laugh quickly fades, and he waves the camera in the air in a half-hearted gesture.
"Boss doesnt do the technology," he continues, his voice slightly more earnest now as he turns his attention to Liam. "I have to show him everything in person. Cant be too careful." He scratches the back of his neck in a thoughtful gesture, as if a sudden idea has occurred to him. "Hey, why dont you two hang on to this for now? Maybe you'll recognize her in town. You can get back to me if you do?" His eyes flicker between them, almost pleading for reassurance, as if handing off the task might somehow lighten the pressure he's feeling.
Rowan notes James' growing fear impassively. She makes no attempt to comfort him or dissuade them. Perhaps, right now, fear can be useful. "Weird..." she echoes, staring at him for a long moment with her wide green gaze. Then James seems to change up his tactic, offering the camera, or the footage, or perhaps both, to them to 'hold on to'. She blinks, surprised that the man would offer up what seemed to be his prized possession and catch of a lifetime, but perhaps, she ponders, he's realised the danger he's really in, and this is his way of escaping it. Or perhaps he's particularly quick to trust. "That sounds good, James" she says calmly, holding out a hand, "Give us your number, and we'll get back to you. Maybe you'll even be able to get an interview."
Liam simply nods his head at James, pulling his phone back out to get a contact sheet pulled up. "I'll even text yah right now. Make sure it works and theres no... mistakes." Liam agrees, chuckling at James as he prepares to hand over the camera.
A vast look of relief sweeps across Jamess face, the tension easing from his shoulders as if a great weight has been lifted. His hand moves instinctively to his pocket, fingers brushing the edges of something, and with a quiet, almost ceremonial gesture, he withdraws a business card, holding it carefully between two fingers. Without a word, he thrusts the camera into Rowan's hands, his smile brief but appreciative, offering no further explanation. Meanwhile, his other hand slowly lifts the card in front of Liam, his gaze shifting with a particular intensity, his eyes lingering on the bearded man as if trying to read something deeper. The look seems deliberate, almost as if hes gauging something about Liam, as if he is sizing him up for some unknown reason.
"Youll find everything on here," James states, his voice steady but carrying an undertone of urgency. The moment the words leave his mouth, he watches as Rowan and Liam both begin to focus on the camera and the contact sheet in their hands. Satisfied that their attention is elsewhere, he seizes the opportunity. With a swift motion, he slips between them, his movements fluid and almost too quick to follow. In the blink of an eye, his hand reaches for the doorknob, and with a quiet click, the door swings open. He vanishes through it just as suddenly as he had appeared, leaving nothing behind but the faint echo of his hasty departure.
Should Liam accept the business card, he will find no telephone number, no address. One side of the card states the man's name as James X., and when turned over, the card simply reads, 'You don't find me, I will find you.'