Encounterlogs
Matthews Odd Encounter Sr Ash 240828
In a well-appointed fraternity lounge known as Forbearance House, Matthew encounters a nervously unsettled delivery man named Matt Lennens, who reluctantly seeks help with a mysterious box he was paid to deliver. Despite expressing unease about the contents, influenced by concerning stories he'd heard about the town and a suspicious task given by someone named Arkwright, the delivery man decides to trust Matthew with the package. Upon opening the box, a sinister, black, smoky entity bursts out, revealing the box to contain odd items such as pet food, snacks, DVDs about the Salem Witch Trials, and a partially wrapped demonic statuette. The smoke demon attempts to possess Matthew and another bystander, Lisandar, but instead forcefully enters the delivery man, causing him physical torment as it tries to reshape his body for its use.
Matthew, alongside Lisandar, attempts to confront the demonic presence, utilizing his innate abilities and a golden sunlight glow to exorcise the demon back into the statuette, effectively sealing it once more. The ordeal leaves the delivery man critically injured but alive, thanks to Matthew's quick actions and the proximity to a campus clinic where he ensures the man receives immediate care. Post-exorcism, Matthew decides to take responsibility for the box's contents, specifically intending to safely deliver the sealed demonic statuette to the Museum of Oddities, aware of its potentially dangerous nature. The encounter concludes with Matthew reflecting on the eerie and life-threatening event, and his own crucial role in thwarting the demonic possession that endangered them all.
(Matthew's odd encounter(SRAsh):SRAsh)
[Sun Aug 11 2024]
In Living Room
This well-appointed fraternity lounge is illuminated via ambient lighting from antique brass fixtures with blue light, lending an air of academic refinement. Bookshelves line the mahogany-paneled walls, housing an extensive collection of leather-bound volumes. Plush leather armchairs and sofas are strategically arranged for scholarly discussions. An oak table stands to one side, adorned with a polished wooden chess set and several scholarly journals.
It is night, about 88F(31C) degrees, There is a waxing gibbous moon.
(Your target witnesses a demon possession and must figure out how to banish the demon from the innocent victim before it's too late. They can either confront the demon directly or seek out a local priest or witch for assistance.)
Matthew looks as if he's just recently gotten out of the shower after a long day and has come down to the lounge of Forbearance House to decompress, tapping idly at his phone and seeming unpressed for the moment, occasionally combing a hand through his damp hair as if to try and sort it out.
Matthew may be surprised to find a stranger walking in. A man with broad shoulders, braids, and an annoyed look comes in, carrying a large cardboard box. But, upon seeing Matthew, he stops short. "Oh... uh, hello... you're, uh... part of the frat?" He looks around, and there's clearly a look of uncertainty on his face, or embarrassment... like he just got caught doing something. Yes, guilt, in how he half-steps back, but... he doesn't flee or make excuses. He doesn't look Matthew in the eye, looking down at the box instead.
Matthew lets out a little 'hm?' as the man approaches, his eyes drifting down to the box he's carrying, then back up with a quizzical, appraising them curiously, before he gives a nod or two. "Um.. Yeah.", he states casually, looking him over for a moment, as if trying to discern his intent. "Everything alright?", he wonders.
The man flickers with a slight smile, before explaining to Matthew, "W-well, they told me no one would be home... no, no. That's wrong... I mean, it sounds wrong. I'm not... I was told that I needed to deliver some things here, and that I could just walk right in and leave it in the pantry, but... well, something about this job just...." His eyes flicker from Matthew to the box then back. "Actually, can we... can I do this with you? I'm not from this town, but I've heard horror stories, so I don't want... I don't want to spend too long here? Especially on this campus... dunno if you've heard the stories, man, or if you're...." The more he speaks, the more nervous he seems to get, until he decides to simply put the box down on the ground. "Can you... open it for me, man? I'm not supposed to deliver it all *here*, just the food and snacks, but... I..." He doesn't finish, glancing to the side, reluctant. He begins to fidget, slightly, picking at a loose string on his denim jeans pocket.
Matthew lifts his brows to the man, crossing his arms loosely as he looks back to the box with curiosity. "There are certainly -stories- of.. well, things around here. Stories.", he iterates, evidently not giving away anything on that front, his eyes narrowing slightly as they drift to the box when he begins fidgeting and sets the box down. "But you..?", he states then, as if expectant of him to finish that sentence that he'd trailed short of finishing.
The man shifts from one foot to another and back before sighing. He says something quietly, a mumble, then sighs again. Matthew doesn't have to ask him to speak up, he repeats himself, though is voice is still quiet, reluctant... afraid, even. "I just... I don't want to open it. I should be relieved that you're here, really... I just worried that I must look like a burglar, or something, because I didn't knock. I mean, I thought about it... now I wish I did. This job was just... wrong from the beginning, you know? Shady guy comes in, says that he needs me to make a delivery... has the box all ready. Seemed sus, but he said it was pet food, some snacks, a present for a friend of his, and a few DvDs. Maybe I should have been worried there, who sends DvDs these days?" He seems to have a great *urge* to explain, and the words keep coming. His hands free, he gestures with them as he talks. He has a band wristband on one, some metal band with an illegible name, and a smartwatch on the other, that flickers when he turns his wrist so that it faces up.
"Anyways," he continues, "He said to deliver to Haven, and I'm thinking, 'Man, Gran said never go there,' you know? I ain't *scared* of the stories she'd tell me about how she got driven out of town - most of them are crazy, but ain't no one have a *good* story about Haven, y'know? So I'm thinking, 'maybe I can get someone else to handle this', but then the guy leans close, and slaps two hundred bucks on the counter. He says, 'Please, I need this done today', like he knew somehow that I didn't want to. And... idunno, for some reason, I was totally happy to do it, you know? Like, the money is great, but I didn't even think about it after that. I was already here before I thought that that was weird. I just got paid extra on Friday, have bills and stuff handled, and Frankie needs the money... why didn't I just send it off to them?" He finally pauses in his rambling, and sighs, before saying to Matthew, "Anyways, this job ain't the vibe, man. Can you just open it for me? And we can put the shit away? I can share some of it with you... I am just *so* ready to go now, you know?"
That man shifts from one foot to another and back before sighing. He says something quietly, a mumble, then sighs again. Matthew doesn't have to ask him to speak up, he repeats himself, though is voice is still quiet, reluctant... afraid, even. "I just... I don't want to open it. I should be relieved that you're here, really... I just worried that I must look like a burglar, or something, because I didn't knock. I mean, I thought about it... now I wish I did. This job was just... wrong from the beginning, you know? Shady guy comes in, says that he needs me to make a delivery... has the box all ready. Seemed sus, but he said it was pet food, some snacks, a present for a friend of his, and a few DvDs. Maybe I should have been worried there, who sends DvDs these days?" He seems to have a great *urge* to explain, and the words keep coming. His hands free, he gestures with them as he talks. He has a band wristband on one, some metal band with an illegible name, and a smartwatch on the other, that flickers when he turns his wrist so that it faces up.
"Anyways," he continues, "He said to deliver to Haven, and I'm thinking, 'Man, Gran said never go there,' you know? I ain't *scared* of the stories she'd tell me about how she got driven out of town - most of them are crazy, but ain't no one have a *good* story about Haven, y'know? So I'm thinking, 'maybe I can get someone else to handle this', but then the guy leans close, and slaps two hundred bucks on the counter. He says, 'Please, I need this done today', like he knew somehow that I didn't want to. And... idunno, for some reason, I was totally happy to do it, you know? Like, the money is great, but I didn't even think about it after that. I was already here before I thought that that was weird. I just got paid extra on Friday, have bills and stuff handled, and Frankie needs the money... why didn't I just send it off to them?" He finally pauses in his rambling, and sighs, before saying to Matthew, "Anyways, this job ain't the vibe, man. Can you just open it for me? And we can put the shit away? I can share some of it with you... I am just *so* ready to go now, you know?" (fix)
Matthew squints over at the man, nodding occasionally as he listens to them explain their situation. "That -does- seem weird. Did you get a name from the guy that sent the package..?", he wonders idly, before standing up and walking over to stand before him. "Ummm.. Well, I guess, like, it's already here and all that. Do you know who the intended recipient is, too?", he asks as well, evidently finding the whole situation rather curious, before adding, "...And why are you so nervous about opening it? You're the one that brought it in."
Matthew likely notices him make a face at that last bit, saying, "I don't know, man. Vibe's just off. And some fancy name, like Arkham... no, not Batman... Arkite? Ark something. Arnold Arkite, maybe? Food's for someone named... man, I'm shit with names, hold on." He looks annoyed but pulls out his phone. A few taps, and he pulls it up, with a frown. "The fuck? The sender's blank. But the delivery list says one here for an Ash Starling for the pet food, the DvDs to the library? Guess that makes sense. Snacks go to an apartment unit, no name, just an address. The present goes to the Museum of Oddities, it seems." He glances over to Matthew, saying anxiously, "Anything weird about that? Am I just being paranoid? Maybe I just ate something bad... I'm calling in sick tomorrow, for sure...." He turns his phone off with a squeeze, then slides it back into his pocket.
"Mm. Arkwright.", Matthew quietly supposes conclusively, before giving a little shrug as if to feign uncertainty. "Buuuuuut.. That doesn't seem, like.. too weird, I guess? And.. Well, makes sense for the most part." He looks the man over for a moment, then deciding idly on moving forward. "Did they, like, give any specifics on opening it? Nothing fragile on top or anything of the sort?", he wonders, slipping an intricate looking knife out of his bag as he kneels down beside the box, checking it out a bit closer.
Shaking his head, the man informs Matthew, "Nah. He said he doesn't want his present broken... which I guess is the museum delivery? But didn't give any special instructions, and didn't carry it in like it was glass or something." He shrugs, taking a step back, then squats forearms on his knees. He could roll onto his knees easily to get within reach of the box, but maintains a casual distance, for now. He seems calmer now that Matthew is taking action, but the gaze he gives is still nervous, and his distance, casual or no, says enough.
Matthew gives the man a skeptic look as he slips out his knife, looking at carefully cutting any tape or seal binding the box flaps. "No worries.", he supposes easily enough, working then at getting the box open as he looks occasionally back to the other man. "So, you've never been to Haven before?", he asks, making idle conversation. "It's.. an interesting place."
Lisandar looks at Matthew. "...Boss?"
Matthew looks over to Lisandar curiously, tilting his head. "Mm? Um.. I was just helping this guy get this box open.", he supposes idly, just about to cut open its seal.
Lisandar looks at the box.
is a man, squatting with Matthew next to a box that the latter is opening. In response to something said, he shakes his head, looking up at Matthew, happy for the distraction. "Nah, never been in my life. I'm from Middleton - nothing too fancy happens there. Work in Boston, though." He startles when he sees Lisandar walk in, almost falling over, but he doesn't seem as bothered as he did when he first saw Matthew. "Oh, hey, sorry... just a delivery guy... name's Matt. He, ah... yeah, helping me. With the box." This is a normal explanation, surely.
Lisandar says "Matt? Nice to meet you."
Lisandar smiles, keeping his lips tightly closed.
"I'm also Matt.", Matthew supposes with a flash of his brows, before popping open the box with the tip of his knife, lifting a hand to wave with his fingers to Lisandar as he squints at the box, evidently curious as to what awaits.
Lisandar leans in slightly as well, staring at the box expectantly.
Lisandar says "Any idea of whats inside?"
"Oh, um, supposed to be some snacks, some DVDs, some pet food, and, like, some other stuff, just with, like, different destinations and all that.", Matthew recalls, looking up to Lisandar. "He came here from out of town; kind of interesting he ended up coming here specifically.", he states as well, as if the man weren't right beside him for a moment, a little smile on his lips for a moment. "My understanding is, the shipment had a nice payment attached with it though so hopefully our package-bearing acquaintance will at least have something to show for his journey to our lovely little town.", he states breezily.
Lisandar shrugs slightly, leaning back against the wall and watching. "Must be some damn good pet food."
gives Lisandar a nod, turning back to Matthew and the box. Then after a moment, he turns back, twisting his torso at the waist. "Are you part of this frat, as well?" His curiosity, no doubt a distraction from his... sadly justified fears, is his downfall. As from the box bursts open, a black, acrid smoke surges forth. It seems sentient, alive, as it springs towards Matthew However, it falls back, as if it bounced off of something. It twists, aiming for Lisandar, but pauses, as if sensing something. Delivery Matt, not seeing it initially, loses his chance to move back, and instead turns back to Matthew with a growing smile. He doesn't get to say shit about any coincidences, as he instead gets a mouth full of acrid, black smoke. The intangible gas funnels into him viciously, causing his eyes to roll back, his body to stiffen, and then even lifting him up into the air. It fills him up thoroughly, his body bulging almost cartoonishly as the gas flows through organ walls as if they didn't exist, filling veins and muscles with smoke.
And the box is left open. Inside is a couple of bags of dried fruits and bugs labelled Lemurlong Lemur Food! Theres several bags of jerky, as well, and some DVDs, all on the Salem Witch Trials. The last thing, likely the source of the smoke, is some partially wrapped statuette. It was likely fully wrapped, once, with paper seals, but they've started burning away near the top, revealing part of the face of a hideous demon.
Delivery Matt gives Lisandar a nod, turning back to Matthew and the box. Then after a moment, he turns back, twisting his torso at the waist. "Are you part of this frat, as well?" His curiosity, no doubt a distraction from his... sadly justified fears, is his downfall. As from the box bursts open, a black, acrid smoke surges forth. It seems sentient, alive, as it springs towards Matthew However, it falls back, as if it bounced off of something. It twists, aiming for Lisandar, but pauses, as if sensing something. Delivery Matt, not seeing it initially, loses his chance to move back, and instead turns back to Matthew with a growing smile. He doesn't get to say shit about any coincidences, as he instead gets a mouth full of acrid, black smoke. The intangible gas funnels into him viciously, causing his eyes to roll back, his body to stiffen, and then even lifting him up into the air. It fills him up thoroughly, his body bulging almost cartoonishly as the gas flows through organ walls as if they didn't exist, filling veins and muscles with smoke.
And the box is left open. Inside is a couple of bags of dried fruits and bugs labelled Lemurlong Lemur Food! Theres several bags of jerky, as well, and some DVDs, all on the Salem Witch Trials. The last thing, likely the source of the smoke, is some partially wrapped statuette. It was likely fully wrapped, once, with paper seals, but they've started burning away near the top, revealing part of the face of a hideous demon. (fix)
Lisandar watches the smoke cooly. "Really original demon right here. Yeah, I'm Lisandar, room one. Why are we opening demonboxes again?"
Lisandar is acting calm, but his eyes are darting around the room, lips peeled back slightly to reveal the points of long canines.
Matthew's eyes widen slightly as the smoky entity springs forward at him and falls back, where he holds his knife somewhat close to him thereafter, only for him to turn over to Lisandar and Delivery Matt. "H-hey.. Look - " He begins, and then poor Delivery Matt is catching a mouth full of smoke that fills him up, which causes Matthew's expression to darken. "F-fuck. That's not good.", he murmurs, before squinting in thought. "Do you know anything about... these things?", he supposes vaguely to Lisandar, giving a gesture to the afflicted man. "We.. Might need to call someone, otherwise.", he adds on, pushing the box to his side as he stands up, eyes flitting to that statuette for a moment with vague curiosity.
Lisandar shifts slightly. "Sort of, but I've never dealt with a demon before." He moves to stand next to Matthew, crouching down to grab the statuette and lift it from the box.
Floating up in the air, Delivery Matt is helpless as his body begins to contort, flesh popping like a balloon here and there as the entity inside attempts to force a shape. Puffs of smoke leak out, only to get sucked back in, inflating the limbs beyond the body's ability to stretch, with smoke filling the gaps. From his forehead bursts one, two... five horns, two in an almost stereotypical position, long and sharp, and three shorter but no less sharp ones in an inverted V, in between. Blood drips from the rips and tears, and bits of bone and flesh fall off of his face. Tusks grow from between his lips, and Demon Delivery Matt laughs, his voice hoarse and scratchy, yet faint. Clearly made like the same smoke posessing the man. "Fools! You have released me! That damned Arkwright, arrogant as the rest of them! He left a gap, and that was all it took! Now, at last, the Earthworld is mine! I *WILL* become Thirteen!"
The exposition is a bit comical, like he trained on Disney movies or adventure novels, but that does not change that a very obvious demon is posessing this man. He continues to fleshform the body to suit his needs, to Delivery Matt's physical torment, so its possible that he's merely trying to distract the two men.
(You have 30 minutes to exorcise this demon)
Lisandar says "Um... Shit."
Matthew squints, exhaling from his nose, before he looks at the box, then at the statuette that Lisandar is lifting from the box. "...I've a feeling it's something to do with that.", he murmurs, looking over to Delivery Matt with concern before looking back to note the seal partially covering the statuette. "Maybe give that here for a moment."
Lisandar nods, passing the statue to Matthew.
(You have 30 minutes to exorcise this demon)
(You have 25 minutes to exorcise this demon)
"I remember hearing that blood has power." Matthew recalls quietly, before pricking one of his fingers with his knife and tapping it to what remains of the seal, in an apparent attempt to reinforce it. "Leave him be!", he calls out to the smoky demon possessing Delivery Matt.
Lisandar begins chanting a ritual of mind warding, directing the spell at the possessed man.
Lisandar hisses suddenly, turning and fleeing from the room, the ritual fizzling.
Demon Delivery Matt growls, "Don't you touch that, you unworthy worm!" He reaches out, but is still trapped in the air, his body still bulging and contorting, as if the process is seperate from the one trying to control the body. So, instead, he sends out a coil of smoky energy, shaped into a point like a spear, sending it hurtling towards Matthew. Alas, however, the boy applies his blood before it hits, and the smoke recoils. The demon makes an inhuman sound, and the smoke spear dissipates... neither going back to the demon, nor continuing to Matthew. "Sunlight! How *dare* you!" There's no evident sunlight in the room, but the demon wails, shuddering. even Lisandar seemed to recoil, fleeing.
The blood bubbles and boils against the statue, and eats at the polished, hard material, as if it was made of chocolate. The head of the statue caves in, and Matthew's blood spreads, slowly but surely filling in the gaps between the seals.
(You have 10 minutes to exorcise this demon)
(You have 10 minutes to exorcise this demon)
(You have 5 minutes to exorcise this demon)
Matthew stares defiantly towards the demonically possessed Delivery Matt, clutching that statuette that's decaying like chocolate, before he begins to glimmer. "I dare, because I am.", he states, brightening - and then, that lack of evident sunlight fades, for a short time at least, as he warms and glows alight. "My worthiness is innate."
Matthew glows, and so does his blood, glowing golden as it spreads, boiling and eating away at the statue, until it is flush with the paper seals. It instantly hardens, right there, like a golden wax seal. As it does so, the smoke dissipates from within Delivery Matt, his body falling limp. Some of the smoke gets sucked back into the statue, a funnel of black smoke forces into the lopsided statuette, but a number is simply boiled away, the sunshine in the room evoking a scream as the demon is exorcised by the divine essence of the sun.
At last, Delivery Matt falls to the ground, crumpling, as his ruptured muscles and bleeding limbs the result of the demon's posession.
All is quiet.
Matthew exhales quietly from his nose, before he sets the now golden sealed statuette gingerly back in the box, so as not to disturb it further, before walking over to Delivery Matt to assess his wounds, slipping out a set of bandages from his bag for immediate care and to stabilize him.
Fortunately, no organs seem to be damaged, though the cuts are plentiful, and the head wounds seem to be the worse. Triage skills are, fortunately, enough to stop much of the flow - at least enough to get him to the Campus clinic. Truly, if they were not so close to one, the man would have had no chance. As it is, Matthew is able to secure his wounds, and take him to the clinic safely. The man is unconscious the entire time, but the clinic attendants thank Matthew when he arrives, rushing the man in. If he stays around long enough, the doctor will inform him that he truly saved the man's life. "Matt Lennens owes his life to you, son. Though... I can't promise he'll be mobile anytime soon to give you thanks himself." The doctor looks perturbed, but this clinic is probably the only one in the area to have seen these types of wounds. With a nod, the doctor goes back into the back, and Matthew is left alone with his memories of the incident, and the items in the box.
In making his way to the clinic, Matthew is particularly speedy, not taking any chances with getting Delivery Matt there. When he arrives, after leaving him with the clinic attendants, he does stand by for a time, evident concern on his expression, before the doctor checks in with him. He quietly nods to the doctor, letting out a sigh of relief. "Thank you.", he states simply, not elaborating further, and making his way back towards Forbearance House.
Matthew squints at the box as he returns. "Hm. I.. Think I remember where this stuff goes.", he murmurs. "....Probably especially important to I get that statue in, at least. The Museum of Oddities, he said, right..?", he says with a squint. "Though I'll probably want to see if I can get it into someone's hands that can... well, keep it safe." He proceeds to go about getting some of the items delivered - though notably keeping the snacks here - after all, no address, no sense letting them go to waste, right?
Matthew, alongside Lisandar, attempts to confront the demonic presence, utilizing his innate abilities and a golden sunlight glow to exorcise the demon back into the statuette, effectively sealing it once more. The ordeal leaves the delivery man critically injured but alive, thanks to Matthew's quick actions and the proximity to a campus clinic where he ensures the man receives immediate care. Post-exorcism, Matthew decides to take responsibility for the box's contents, specifically intending to safely deliver the sealed demonic statuette to the Museum of Oddities, aware of its potentially dangerous nature. The encounter concludes with Matthew reflecting on the eerie and life-threatening event, and his own crucial role in thwarting the demonic possession that endangered them all.
(Matthew's odd encounter(SRAsh):SRAsh)
[Sun Aug 11 2024]
In Living Room
This well-appointed fraternity lounge is illuminated via ambient lighting from antique brass fixtures with blue light, lending an air of academic refinement. Bookshelves line the mahogany-paneled walls, housing an extensive collection of leather-bound volumes. Plush leather armchairs and sofas are strategically arranged for scholarly discussions. An oak table stands to one side, adorned with a polished wooden chess set and several scholarly journals.
It is night, about 88F(31C) degrees, There is a waxing gibbous moon.
(Your target witnesses a demon possession and must figure out how to banish the demon from the innocent victim before it's too late. They can either confront the demon directly or seek out a local priest or witch for assistance.)
Matthew looks as if he's just recently gotten out of the shower after a long day and has come down to the lounge of Forbearance House to decompress, tapping idly at his phone and seeming unpressed for the moment, occasionally combing a hand through his damp hair as if to try and sort it out.
Matthew may be surprised to find a stranger walking in. A man with broad shoulders, braids, and an annoyed look comes in, carrying a large cardboard box. But, upon seeing Matthew, he stops short. "Oh... uh, hello... you're, uh... part of the frat?" He looks around, and there's clearly a look of uncertainty on his face, or embarrassment... like he just got caught doing something. Yes, guilt, in how he half-steps back, but... he doesn't flee or make excuses. He doesn't look Matthew in the eye, looking down at the box instead.
Matthew lets out a little 'hm?' as the man approaches, his eyes drifting down to the box he's carrying, then back up with a quizzical, appraising them curiously, before he gives a nod or two. "Um.. Yeah.", he states casually, looking him over for a moment, as if trying to discern his intent. "Everything alright?", he wonders.
The man flickers with a slight smile, before explaining to Matthew, "W-well, they told me no one would be home... no, no. That's wrong... I mean, it sounds wrong. I'm not... I was told that I needed to deliver some things here, and that I could just walk right in and leave it in the pantry, but... well, something about this job just...." His eyes flicker from Matthew to the box then back. "Actually, can we... can I do this with you? I'm not from this town, but I've heard horror stories, so I don't want... I don't want to spend too long here? Especially on this campus... dunno if you've heard the stories, man, or if you're...." The more he speaks, the more nervous he seems to get, until he decides to simply put the box down on the ground. "Can you... open it for me, man? I'm not supposed to deliver it all *here*, just the food and snacks, but... I..." He doesn't finish, glancing to the side, reluctant. He begins to fidget, slightly, picking at a loose string on his denim jeans pocket.
Matthew lifts his brows to the man, crossing his arms loosely as he looks back to the box with curiosity. "There are certainly -stories- of.. well, things around here. Stories.", he iterates, evidently not giving away anything on that front, his eyes narrowing slightly as they drift to the box when he begins fidgeting and sets the box down. "But you..?", he states then, as if expectant of him to finish that sentence that he'd trailed short of finishing.
The man shifts from one foot to another and back before sighing. He says something quietly, a mumble, then sighs again. Matthew doesn't have to ask him to speak up, he repeats himself, though is voice is still quiet, reluctant... afraid, even. "I just... I don't want to open it. I should be relieved that you're here, really... I just worried that I must look like a burglar, or something, because I didn't knock. I mean, I thought about it... now I wish I did. This job was just... wrong from the beginning, you know? Shady guy comes in, says that he needs me to make a delivery... has the box all ready. Seemed sus, but he said it was pet food, some snacks, a present for a friend of his, and a few DvDs. Maybe I should have been worried there, who sends DvDs these days?" He seems to have a great *urge* to explain, and the words keep coming. His hands free, he gestures with them as he talks. He has a band wristband on one, some metal band with an illegible name, and a smartwatch on the other, that flickers when he turns his wrist so that it faces up.
"Anyways," he continues, "He said to deliver to Haven, and I'm thinking, 'Man, Gran said never go there,' you know? I ain't *scared* of the stories she'd tell me about how she got driven out of town - most of them are crazy, but ain't no one have a *good* story about Haven, y'know? So I'm thinking, 'maybe I can get someone else to handle this', but then the guy leans close, and slaps two hundred bucks on the counter. He says, 'Please, I need this done today', like he knew somehow that I didn't want to. And... idunno, for some reason, I was totally happy to do it, you know? Like, the money is great, but I didn't even think about it after that. I was already here before I thought that that was weird. I just got paid extra on Friday, have bills and stuff handled, and Frankie needs the money... why didn't I just send it off to them?" He finally pauses in his rambling, and sighs, before saying to Matthew, "Anyways, this job ain't the vibe, man. Can you just open it for me? And we can put the shit away? I can share some of it with you... I am just *so* ready to go now, you know?"
That man shifts from one foot to another and back before sighing. He says something quietly, a mumble, then sighs again. Matthew doesn't have to ask him to speak up, he repeats himself, though is voice is still quiet, reluctant... afraid, even. "I just... I don't want to open it. I should be relieved that you're here, really... I just worried that I must look like a burglar, or something, because I didn't knock. I mean, I thought about it... now I wish I did. This job was just... wrong from the beginning, you know? Shady guy comes in, says that he needs me to make a delivery... has the box all ready. Seemed sus, but he said it was pet food, some snacks, a present for a friend of his, and a few DvDs. Maybe I should have been worried there, who sends DvDs these days?" He seems to have a great *urge* to explain, and the words keep coming. His hands free, he gestures with them as he talks. He has a band wristband on one, some metal band with an illegible name, and a smartwatch on the other, that flickers when he turns his wrist so that it faces up.
"Anyways," he continues, "He said to deliver to Haven, and I'm thinking, 'Man, Gran said never go there,' you know? I ain't *scared* of the stories she'd tell me about how she got driven out of town - most of them are crazy, but ain't no one have a *good* story about Haven, y'know? So I'm thinking, 'maybe I can get someone else to handle this', but then the guy leans close, and slaps two hundred bucks on the counter. He says, 'Please, I need this done today', like he knew somehow that I didn't want to. And... idunno, for some reason, I was totally happy to do it, you know? Like, the money is great, but I didn't even think about it after that. I was already here before I thought that that was weird. I just got paid extra on Friday, have bills and stuff handled, and Frankie needs the money... why didn't I just send it off to them?" He finally pauses in his rambling, and sighs, before saying to Matthew, "Anyways, this job ain't the vibe, man. Can you just open it for me? And we can put the shit away? I can share some of it with you... I am just *so* ready to go now, you know?" (fix)
Matthew squints over at the man, nodding occasionally as he listens to them explain their situation. "That -does- seem weird. Did you get a name from the guy that sent the package..?", he wonders idly, before standing up and walking over to stand before him. "Ummm.. Well, I guess, like, it's already here and all that. Do you know who the intended recipient is, too?", he asks as well, evidently finding the whole situation rather curious, before adding, "...And why are you so nervous about opening it? You're the one that brought it in."
Matthew likely notices him make a face at that last bit, saying, "I don't know, man. Vibe's just off. And some fancy name, like Arkham... no, not Batman... Arkite? Ark something. Arnold Arkite, maybe? Food's for someone named... man, I'm shit with names, hold on." He looks annoyed but pulls out his phone. A few taps, and he pulls it up, with a frown. "The fuck? The sender's blank. But the delivery list says one here for an Ash Starling for the pet food, the DvDs to the library? Guess that makes sense. Snacks go to an apartment unit, no name, just an address. The present goes to the Museum of Oddities, it seems." He glances over to Matthew, saying anxiously, "Anything weird about that? Am I just being paranoid? Maybe I just ate something bad... I'm calling in sick tomorrow, for sure...." He turns his phone off with a squeeze, then slides it back into his pocket.
"Mm. Arkwright.", Matthew quietly supposes conclusively, before giving a little shrug as if to feign uncertainty. "Buuuuuut.. That doesn't seem, like.. too weird, I guess? And.. Well, makes sense for the most part." He looks the man over for a moment, then deciding idly on moving forward. "Did they, like, give any specifics on opening it? Nothing fragile on top or anything of the sort?", he wonders, slipping an intricate looking knife out of his bag as he kneels down beside the box, checking it out a bit closer.
Shaking his head, the man informs Matthew, "Nah. He said he doesn't want his present broken... which I guess is the museum delivery? But didn't give any special instructions, and didn't carry it in like it was glass or something." He shrugs, taking a step back, then squats forearms on his knees. He could roll onto his knees easily to get within reach of the box, but maintains a casual distance, for now. He seems calmer now that Matthew is taking action, but the gaze he gives is still nervous, and his distance, casual or no, says enough.
Matthew gives the man a skeptic look as he slips out his knife, looking at carefully cutting any tape or seal binding the box flaps. "No worries.", he supposes easily enough, working then at getting the box open as he looks occasionally back to the other man. "So, you've never been to Haven before?", he asks, making idle conversation. "It's.. an interesting place."
Lisandar looks at Matthew. "...Boss?"
Matthew looks over to Lisandar curiously, tilting his head. "Mm? Um.. I was just helping this guy get this box open.", he supposes idly, just about to cut open its seal.
Lisandar looks at the box.
is a man, squatting with Matthew next to a box that the latter is opening. In response to something said, he shakes his head, looking up at Matthew, happy for the distraction. "Nah, never been in my life. I'm from Middleton - nothing too fancy happens there. Work in Boston, though." He startles when he sees Lisandar walk in, almost falling over, but he doesn't seem as bothered as he did when he first saw Matthew. "Oh, hey, sorry... just a delivery guy... name's Matt. He, ah... yeah, helping me. With the box." This is a normal explanation, surely.
Lisandar says "Matt? Nice to meet you."
Lisandar smiles, keeping his lips tightly closed.
"I'm also Matt.", Matthew supposes with a flash of his brows, before popping open the box with the tip of his knife, lifting a hand to wave with his fingers to Lisandar as he squints at the box, evidently curious as to what awaits.
Lisandar leans in slightly as well, staring at the box expectantly.
Lisandar says "Any idea of whats inside?"
"Oh, um, supposed to be some snacks, some DVDs, some pet food, and, like, some other stuff, just with, like, different destinations and all that.", Matthew recalls, looking up to Lisandar. "He came here from out of town; kind of interesting he ended up coming here specifically.", he states as well, as if the man weren't right beside him for a moment, a little smile on his lips for a moment. "My understanding is, the shipment had a nice payment attached with it though so hopefully our package-bearing acquaintance will at least have something to show for his journey to our lovely little town.", he states breezily.
Lisandar shrugs slightly, leaning back against the wall and watching. "Must be some damn good pet food."
gives Lisandar a nod, turning back to Matthew and the box. Then after a moment, he turns back, twisting his torso at the waist. "Are you part of this frat, as well?" His curiosity, no doubt a distraction from his... sadly justified fears, is his downfall. As from the box bursts open, a black, acrid smoke surges forth. It seems sentient, alive, as it springs towards Matthew However, it falls back, as if it bounced off of something. It twists, aiming for Lisandar, but pauses, as if sensing something. Delivery Matt, not seeing it initially, loses his chance to move back, and instead turns back to Matthew with a growing smile. He doesn't get to say shit about any coincidences, as he instead gets a mouth full of acrid, black smoke. The intangible gas funnels into him viciously, causing his eyes to roll back, his body to stiffen, and then even lifting him up into the air. It fills him up thoroughly, his body bulging almost cartoonishly as the gas flows through organ walls as if they didn't exist, filling veins and muscles with smoke.
And the box is left open. Inside is a couple of bags of dried fruits and bugs labelled Lemurlong Lemur Food! Theres several bags of jerky, as well, and some DVDs, all on the Salem Witch Trials. The last thing, likely the source of the smoke, is some partially wrapped statuette. It was likely fully wrapped, once, with paper seals, but they've started burning away near the top, revealing part of the face of a hideous demon.
Delivery Matt gives Lisandar a nod, turning back to Matthew and the box. Then after a moment, he turns back, twisting his torso at the waist. "Are you part of this frat, as well?" His curiosity, no doubt a distraction from his... sadly justified fears, is his downfall. As from the box bursts open, a black, acrid smoke surges forth. It seems sentient, alive, as it springs towards Matthew However, it falls back, as if it bounced off of something. It twists, aiming for Lisandar, but pauses, as if sensing something. Delivery Matt, not seeing it initially, loses his chance to move back, and instead turns back to Matthew with a growing smile. He doesn't get to say shit about any coincidences, as he instead gets a mouth full of acrid, black smoke. The intangible gas funnels into him viciously, causing his eyes to roll back, his body to stiffen, and then even lifting him up into the air. It fills him up thoroughly, his body bulging almost cartoonishly as the gas flows through organ walls as if they didn't exist, filling veins and muscles with smoke.
And the box is left open. Inside is a couple of bags of dried fruits and bugs labelled Lemurlong Lemur Food! Theres several bags of jerky, as well, and some DVDs, all on the Salem Witch Trials. The last thing, likely the source of the smoke, is some partially wrapped statuette. It was likely fully wrapped, once, with paper seals, but they've started burning away near the top, revealing part of the face of a hideous demon. (fix)
Lisandar watches the smoke cooly. "Really original demon right here. Yeah, I'm Lisandar, room one. Why are we opening demonboxes again?"
Lisandar is acting calm, but his eyes are darting around the room, lips peeled back slightly to reveal the points of long canines.
Matthew's eyes widen slightly as the smoky entity springs forward at him and falls back, where he holds his knife somewhat close to him thereafter, only for him to turn over to Lisandar and Delivery Matt. "H-hey.. Look - " He begins, and then poor Delivery Matt is catching a mouth full of smoke that fills him up, which causes Matthew's expression to darken. "F-fuck. That's not good.", he murmurs, before squinting in thought. "Do you know anything about... these things?", he supposes vaguely to Lisandar, giving a gesture to the afflicted man. "We.. Might need to call someone, otherwise.", he adds on, pushing the box to his side as he stands up, eyes flitting to that statuette for a moment with vague curiosity.
Lisandar shifts slightly. "Sort of, but I've never dealt with a demon before." He moves to stand next to Matthew, crouching down to grab the statuette and lift it from the box.
Floating up in the air, Delivery Matt is helpless as his body begins to contort, flesh popping like a balloon here and there as the entity inside attempts to force a shape. Puffs of smoke leak out, only to get sucked back in, inflating the limbs beyond the body's ability to stretch, with smoke filling the gaps. From his forehead bursts one, two... five horns, two in an almost stereotypical position, long and sharp, and three shorter but no less sharp ones in an inverted V, in between. Blood drips from the rips and tears, and bits of bone and flesh fall off of his face. Tusks grow from between his lips, and Demon Delivery Matt laughs, his voice hoarse and scratchy, yet faint. Clearly made like the same smoke posessing the man. "Fools! You have released me! That damned Arkwright, arrogant as the rest of them! He left a gap, and that was all it took! Now, at last, the Earthworld is mine! I *WILL* become Thirteen!"
The exposition is a bit comical, like he trained on Disney movies or adventure novels, but that does not change that a very obvious demon is posessing this man. He continues to fleshform the body to suit his needs, to Delivery Matt's physical torment, so its possible that he's merely trying to distract the two men.
(You have 30 minutes to exorcise this demon)
Lisandar says "Um... Shit."
Matthew squints, exhaling from his nose, before he looks at the box, then at the statuette that Lisandar is lifting from the box. "...I've a feeling it's something to do with that.", he murmurs, looking over to Delivery Matt with concern before looking back to note the seal partially covering the statuette. "Maybe give that here for a moment."
Lisandar nods, passing the statue to Matthew.
(You have 30 minutes to exorcise this demon)
(You have 25 minutes to exorcise this demon)
"I remember hearing that blood has power." Matthew recalls quietly, before pricking one of his fingers with his knife and tapping it to what remains of the seal, in an apparent attempt to reinforce it. "Leave him be!", he calls out to the smoky demon possessing Delivery Matt.
Lisandar begins chanting a ritual of mind warding, directing the spell at the possessed man.
Lisandar hisses suddenly, turning and fleeing from the room, the ritual fizzling.
Demon Delivery Matt growls, "Don't you touch that, you unworthy worm!" He reaches out, but is still trapped in the air, his body still bulging and contorting, as if the process is seperate from the one trying to control the body. So, instead, he sends out a coil of smoky energy, shaped into a point like a spear, sending it hurtling towards Matthew. Alas, however, the boy applies his blood before it hits, and the smoke recoils. The demon makes an inhuman sound, and the smoke spear dissipates... neither going back to the demon, nor continuing to Matthew. "Sunlight! How *dare* you!" There's no evident sunlight in the room, but the demon wails, shuddering. even Lisandar seemed to recoil, fleeing.
The blood bubbles and boils against the statue, and eats at the polished, hard material, as if it was made of chocolate. The head of the statue caves in, and Matthew's blood spreads, slowly but surely filling in the gaps between the seals.
(You have 10 minutes to exorcise this demon)
(You have 10 minutes to exorcise this demon)
(You have 5 minutes to exorcise this demon)
Matthew stares defiantly towards the demonically possessed Delivery Matt, clutching that statuette that's decaying like chocolate, before he begins to glimmer. "I dare, because I am.", he states, brightening - and then, that lack of evident sunlight fades, for a short time at least, as he warms and glows alight. "My worthiness is innate."
Matthew glows, and so does his blood, glowing golden as it spreads, boiling and eating away at the statue, until it is flush with the paper seals. It instantly hardens, right there, like a golden wax seal. As it does so, the smoke dissipates from within Delivery Matt, his body falling limp. Some of the smoke gets sucked back into the statue, a funnel of black smoke forces into the lopsided statuette, but a number is simply boiled away, the sunshine in the room evoking a scream as the demon is exorcised by the divine essence of the sun.
At last, Delivery Matt falls to the ground, crumpling, as his ruptured muscles and bleeding limbs the result of the demon's posession.
All is quiet.
Matthew exhales quietly from his nose, before he sets the now golden sealed statuette gingerly back in the box, so as not to disturb it further, before walking over to Delivery Matt to assess his wounds, slipping out a set of bandages from his bag for immediate care and to stabilize him.
Fortunately, no organs seem to be damaged, though the cuts are plentiful, and the head wounds seem to be the worse. Triage skills are, fortunately, enough to stop much of the flow - at least enough to get him to the Campus clinic. Truly, if they were not so close to one, the man would have had no chance. As it is, Matthew is able to secure his wounds, and take him to the clinic safely. The man is unconscious the entire time, but the clinic attendants thank Matthew when he arrives, rushing the man in. If he stays around long enough, the doctor will inform him that he truly saved the man's life. "Matt Lennens owes his life to you, son. Though... I can't promise he'll be mobile anytime soon to give you thanks himself." The doctor looks perturbed, but this clinic is probably the only one in the area to have seen these types of wounds. With a nod, the doctor goes back into the back, and Matthew is left alone with his memories of the incident, and the items in the box.
In making his way to the clinic, Matthew is particularly speedy, not taking any chances with getting Delivery Matt there. When he arrives, after leaving him with the clinic attendants, he does stand by for a time, evident concern on his expression, before the doctor checks in with him. He quietly nods to the doctor, letting out a sigh of relief. "Thank you.", he states simply, not elaborating further, and making his way back towards Forbearance House.
Matthew squints at the box as he returns. "Hm. I.. Think I remember where this stuff goes.", he murmurs. "....Probably especially important to I get that statue in, at least. The Museum of Oddities, he said, right..?", he says with a squint. "Though I'll probably want to see if I can get it into someone's hands that can... well, keep it safe." He proceeds to go about getting some of the items delivered - though notably keeping the snacks here - after all, no address, no sense letting them go to waste, right?