Encounterlogs
Ritsukas Odd Encounter Sr Illyana 241020
Ritsuka's tranquil morning routine in her shrine home is disrupted when she taps into the Order's communications, learning of a potent vampiric presence in Haven that's causing havoc. She's drawn into a conflict over the radio, accused of negligence by an irate operative named Greg, who believes her inaction allowed a vampire incursion. This accusation is particularly galling because Ritsuka, as a Sword of the Order, deals with direct threats, not surveillance or patrol duties. Her preparations for the day take a dark turn as she decides to confront these accusations head-on, suiting up and heading into the heart of the city on her motorcycle, ready to face whatever awaits at the Order's base beneath the Haven History museum.
Upon arrival, Ritsuka quickly uncovers a deep-seated treachery within the Order. Greg, the operative who had pointed fingers at her, is revealed to be under the malevolent influence of the Black Flame, a cult known for its dark sacrifices to eldritch horrors. Through a series of tense confrontations, Ritsuka discerns the reality of Greg's condition: he's been branded by the cult, turned into a pawn in their scheme to capture her for a ritual. With the assistance of the Order's arcanists, they manage to contain the immediate threat, removing the brand from Greg and resolving the vampire predicament. Ritsuka's actions solidify her standing within the Order, not just saving Greg from a fate worse than death but also preventing a dangerous being from being unleashed upon Haven. The aftermath leaves the Order's ranks shaken but reaffirmed in their duty, with Greg resigning, acknowledging his vulnerability to such profound manipulation. As the dust settles, Ritsuka's day resumes its interrupted serenity, though now marked by a stark reminder of the continuous shadow war waged against the darkness encroaching upon their world.
(Ritsuka's odd encounter(SRIllyana):SRIllyana)
[Sat Oct 19 2024]
In The Heart of a Shrine House
Soft sunlight filters through narrow wooden slats along the ceiling, casting dappled patterns on the polished wooden floors. A branch of a tree seems to carry along just enough above one slat by the side, and some green, mistletoe, manages to just peer into the room. At the room's center is a low, circular table made of rich, dark wood, surrounded by zabuton cushions arranged with precise care. Hanging scrolls adorned with calligraphy of sacred Shinto prayers and natural landscapes line the walls.
In the northeast corner of the room rests a larger kamidana, its small torii gate framing the sacred space. Fresh offerings of water and evergreen sprigs sit before the altar, paying homage to the kami that protect the home. A subtle scent of burning sandalwood incense lingers in the air, and the rhythmic tinkling of a nearby wind chime adds a layer allows for an occasional peaceful sound.
An elaborate and expensive looking statue of a nine-tailed kitsune stands right besides the altar in a resting position. A small ball of golden light shimmers from between its ears and a bowl with dry rice stands besides it.
It is morning, about 48F(8C) degrees, and there are a few dark grey clouds in the sky.
(A member of The Black Flame has infiltrated your target's circle of friends and is sowing discord in an attempt to isolate and weaken them. The group must uncover the infiltrator before they can complete their mission, which is to perform a ritual that will make your target a sacrificial offering to the eldritch horrors they worship.)
Ritsuka stretches out as she had just gotten up. She has just chosen a couple of clothes and not even had the opportunity to wash up yet, and so she is in the middle of her way to the hot spring that hides through the door to the south. She does yawn and hides it behind the back of a hand mid-step.
It is a saturday morning in the Haven township; and as Ritsuka wakes, secure in the sanctuary of her shrine home and readies herself for the activity of the day, the world creeps inevitably onward towards its destined end within just under thirteen years. The sun is rising- Not fully over head yet, it is still dark enough with the autumnal weather to be aware of the waining gibbous moon that hangs, almost unseen within the heavens above. The monsters that dwell within Haven's nights are now slumbering, recovering their strength as the world of night gives way to the world of day, where humanity stands sentinel, bastion against the evils of the world; And so to do the Order, though it is somewhat curious. For as a Sword, Ritsuka could be expected to be up to date, though the chatter over the faction coms is a buzz. Though in the knowledge of Ritsuka's involvement, she has not been recognized. Even in spite of her good standing, and this continues. As Ritsuka gets ready to bathe, she hears the sounds of conflict over the coms, and as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the swords are dealing with what is apparently a powerful supernatural threat. The operatives are working as one to deal with the issue, but really, they should have asked Ritsuka for aid at the very least. And then she hears it; One of them points this out, for another to tell the group that there is a reason that Ritsuka should not be involved in this issue, and all will be explained when they go to Ritsuka's home to confront her about this problematic issue that lead to the need to capture the vampiric threat who was endangering Havenites in the south side by the history museum.
Ritsuka lets out another yawn again by the other door, she does listen to the chatter on comms, but it's too early for all the arguing, and so, while she leaves it on, she does not have much to say to her communicators, no more than an 'Ohayo everyone'. And so she goes on to wash up, clean through. Was this about her signing an employment contract to become a member of the Golden Shadow invited in a dreamworld yesterday? Or is it because Viktorin leaving? But in reality, she does not care, there is one she answers to and that is the Warden, not anyone else. And she has not brought up any of those questions, and so she slides into the bath to go on and wash up for the day.
As Ritsuka continues to listen in on coms and bathe for the day, she hears the end of the story. Chatter is, as expected, nothing but bickering between the operatives, the notification that the vampire is subdewed and restrained. As Ritsuka continues to ready herself for the day, the story comes into full view; In the early hours, a master vampire from the Hand by the name of Antonio was spotted in Haven. There was no conflict; Antonio is well known to be professional above all else. He does not and has never endangered the accords- Why would he? He is a master vampire, and to reach such heights of power, he must be careful, even though he is an unquestioned monster. Order intel has it that he braught with him two thralls and it is these who apparently created this issue. Though they try to hide it, some operatives, including an up-and-coming Sword by the name of Greg is saying that it is Ritsuka's job to have dealt with Antonio and the upset that took place. A vampire living in Haven forest; Apparently an enemy of Antonio decided, for what ever reason to go after the master vampire's minions. Unfortunately, this was spotted, and a conflict took place before the vampire and his minions could return to New York. As he puts it, Antonio was readying himself and his underlings to path back to NY when the vampire from the forest attacked. Noting the threat, Antonio attempted to end it before events could escalate, but the younger vampire, finding Antonio too strong for it to fight, ran off into the historic district of Haven. The problem is; He took one of Antonio's minions. Seeing this as an acceptable loss, Antonio and the remaining thrall returned to the vampire court of New York, leaving the Orderites to deal with the missing thrall and the wild, vengeful vampire. This is apparently, according to Greg where Ritsuka is at falt. The operative claims that Ritsuka should have been monitering the forest, and should have known about the vampire. -- Luckily though, Antonio's man was recovered, but the Order Swords, including Greg were lead on a chace through Haven's south side where they finally captured the vampire. Even now, the clean up crews are aiding the harmed innocents and the situation is being covered over. That then is when Ritsuka is asked, over the coms to come to the Order base under Haven History museum to go over what could be improved.
"I am not understanding, I am no scout, my duty is not to monitor anyone and I only answer to the Warden with no Master Sword in place currently," Ritsuka asks on her comms, having gone through the basic cleaning process for herself, she does dress into the clothes she picked - the red pullover and some jeans, and some other items, of course. "I pursue enemies, not hunt down run-away vampires. The protection falls mainly to the shields, and as most of you should be well aware, I was assisting the Warden directly yesterday. So why am I pointlessly dragged into this? This is as confusing as Roger deciding to be a Shield, but a Sword if I was to be the next Master Sword without understandable reason."
There is some more squabbling over the coms before someone (Greg again) speaks up. "It's your job to make sure this shit doesn't happen." he says. "Viktorin might have, but he's out." The squabbling and complaining continues, and apparently not everyone agrees with Greg. Ritsuka's agents speak up until eventually, one of the older members interjects. He asks everyone to meet at the history museum where they can talk this over and resolve the issue like adults. He agrees with Ritsuka Shields defend, Swords are on the front lines. There was a lack of communication in the Order and before this turns into childish bickering, the Order, as a united front have a vampire they need to take care of, and a mystery to solve. Greg protests; He is apparently being a dick today. The older agent sends Ritsuka a text asking her to please come. And the coms go quiet. After a moment, the older agent sends Ritsuka another text; Looking into Greg, there are some incongruities with his background check. The research team is working on it, but with Ritsuka being the party Greg has taken issue with, it would help to resolve it if they can get any information out of him. The text has an attached info file on the vampire. It explains, once Ritsuka reads it, that the vampire is known to have ties with the Black Flame, selling kidnapped Havenites and thralls as potential sacrifices. Ritsuka being one of their best might be able to get some answers. But more worrying, Greg apparently had history with the vampire, who once kidnapped him, though Greg was freed.
Ritsuka rolls her eyes, cleaning the shrines will have to wait until later, but then she looks over her messages on her phone, clears them and then, she goes on back into the bedroom, and removes her pullover and grabs the lighter protective vest from her items and throws it on, and then covers it with her pullover. She also takes along her backpack that holds her weapons, just in case. She leaves the home, stretches out again, makes sure her hair sits at the right place and sits down atop of her sportsbike, a new needed investment seeing as the heavy mist a couple of days ago did see her car break. She does drive into the city, keeping her head low, and does wear the right kind of helmet, of course, for her own safety.
Once there, she does take the steps up into the museum, and just before entering, she places the white kitsune mask over her gaze, and only then proceeds to join the others at base. She is mostly quiet as she does so, and her eyes browse over Greg when she can sight him, though her expression is, naturally almost entirely concealed behind the mask.
Ritsuka's drive is uneventful. The streets of Haven are quiet, filled with the sights and sounds of saturday morning life. She sees a few known supernaturals, though they are not a danger right now. Ritsuka's trek to the museum is easily made and without mist, it is rather senic. As she ascends the steps into the building and takes the appropriate path, Ritsuka notices a number of things; The Order have agents all around. Swords and Shields both, though they are all seemingly waiting for something. And then, as Ritsuka enters the base, she notes a few things. The older agent, a man in his fifties nods professionally to Ritsuka. He and Ritsuka's team are standing around the table aside from the sparring area and the cell is filled; The vampire is in it and yes, Ritsuka notices that it does indeed have the flame symbology of the Black Flame cultists on its shabby clothing. Greg's look is hostile though. It is out of character, as usually, when working with Greg, Ritsuka has known him to be a very capable and reasonable agent. Today though, his gaze is darting and he keeps glancing between the caged vampire and Ritsuka. The other Orderites don't appear to have noticed this yet though. As everyone takes their seats, Ritsuka is invited to sit beside the older agent and she notices that he too is looking at Greg as though he were a threat. And not just Ritsuka, but the majority of people here are armed and armored. Some look like they just arrived and others are splattered with dust and other signs of battle from where they captured the vampire. Antonio's thrall sits in one corner, not getting involved, though the older agent leans in to explain to Ritsuka that the thrall will be given the choice to remain free in Haven, or will be returned to Antonio as a peace offering if that's what's decided on. Curiously, without Viktorin around, the meeting goes smoothly and the issues are layed on the table. Greg thinks that Ritsuka should have made sure the vampire couldn't have entered town-- But that's not quite right. Ritsuka can see that Greg keeps looking over to the vampire and there's something else... Greg usually wears a combat suit that hides his neck, but now he's in a sweater that reveals his neck, and half-hidden, apparently not noticed by anyone other than Ritsuka and the older agent, Greg has the sign of a brand- And yes, this brand sports the flame logo of the Black Flame cultists.
Ritsuka rises to her feet again, and she does let out a sigh before she simply asks into the room. "Remind me, what is the procedure to get rid of a Brand again? I suppose it might become a little expensive." She does rise to her feet again. "Can hardly allow the Order to be compromised by the Black Flame. I will answer the Warden if it is necessary later." She says into the room, her eyes settle onto Greg, though her expression is hidden by her mask. "We could wait for her all day if you would like. All of you know that I am not of insignificant standing with the Order. I have been recognized by my peers, and I would request of all of you, a moment of your trust."
As Ritsuka stands, every eye there turns to her. That is, all except Greg. He looks to Ritsuka, then the vampire, and then around the room. Beside Ritsuka, the older agent stands, his hand moving to rest unthreateningly on his sheathed knightstick. There is a fuss for a moment, but when Ritsuka asks for a moment of trust, they all listen; These are Ritsuka's team. They are her friends and peers. They listen to Ritsuka's words. And then, Greg's mouth drops open and he slides his chair back. Standing, he slams his hands atop the table, face read with anger as he all but spits, "How dare you accuse me of being compromized!" But Ritsuka did no such thing, did she? Ritsuka asked a very simple question. She didn't point fingers. "There are a couple of methods, but they are costly in resources." the older agent explains to Ritsuka. "It's not my area of expertese, but I know from my youth that it costs around fifteen thousand dollars to remove them." That though is when Greg moves; He reaches for a knife and makes to leap across the table at Ritsuka, the brand glowing. That knife though looks to be a sacrificial dagger, so if Ritsuka is any judge, this is an open and closed case. The vampire branded Greg. Greg created the issue to bring Ritsuka to the meeting where what? Greg would sacrifice Ritsuka to summon something from the void? That doesn't happen though, as two agents grab Greg and shove him back into his chair. Greg struggles, but in doing so, it becomes clear that the brand on his neck is glowing, and even more so now. Greg stares at Ritsuka and his eyes roll back as the brand glows brighter and brighter and Ritsuka hears another voice from Greg's lips. It's cold, inhuman and dangerous. "You were chosen." it rasps. There's an attempt to jump for the dagger, but someone- an arcanist looks at it where it fell on the table and tells the room that it's cursed. It will take the soul of who ever it cuts and channel it into a gateway to summon something from the void. - The older agent snaps some order and the Orderite members from upstairs burst in and Greg is bound to the chair as he keeps speaking. "Your blood is issential for bringing forth our god. It will save us all. But if we cant have you, you cant have your ally back." The rune glows brighter and Greg's skin begins to smoke; The agents holding his shoulders step back and one of them looks through the window into the holding cell. The vampire is doing something, and apparently that is puppeting Greg. Every agent looks to Ritsuka for orders now; The threat is revealed. Greg was branded and was meant to create conflict to alienate Ritsuka so he could kidnap her, deliver her to the vampire where she would be sacrificed to summon a being of the void. But that was not successful. Now Greg is being puppeted and even as Ritsuka looks on, Greg begins to smoke, then flame.
"I know it is very expensive, have the Scrolls remove the brand, we do protect our own. Quickly," Ritsuka instructs, now put far too much into the center. She purses her lips, she is not much of an arcanist at all, knows some of the ritual magic, but as most of these things like the Brand are, they are mythological in a sense, and so it probably needs someone more experienced in the field, which the Scrolls would be. "It will have to come from the Order's resources, I will report to the Warden about it later. She will not disapprove." She says that last part with certainty.
Four arcanists step forward, each known members of the Scrolls chapter in the Order. As Ritsuka gives the order to spend the resources and remove the brand, they begin to work; It cant be done here, but it can be done. So they put Greg in a stasus field before hastily pathing away with him. The vampire, now enraged begins to pound on the cell. He's a strong one and for a moment, it looks as though the monster would break free; He wasn't neutralized. That too was likely Greg's doing. But hold it does, and after some evaluation, it is clear that this is a beast that cant be allowed back into society. The vampire is executed for the safety of the citizens of Haven township and the accords, and slowly, things return to normal. Ritsuka is given many apologies from those who followed Greg's orders; They were fooled by him and had no idea. Everyone was on edge with all of the activity in Haven of late with the Disruptors, the Golden Shadow, the Black Flame and so on. But Ritsuka does have standing, and so things return to how they were. Over the next few days, Ritsuka receives a visitor; Greg, who was mindhacked, branded and imprinted into loyalty towards the Black Flame. He thanks Ritsuka for saving him and for all of the chaos he caused. He simply didn't know. He hands in his equipment and resigns; Being compromised as he was, he couldn't risk that happening again. And thus, Ritsuka has stopped an Order infiltration attempt, saved innocents and rid the world of an unsavable monster. She can return to her life and safety.
(Your target's been contacted to help find a civilian who's become lost in the woods.
)
"Also, giving flowers is not sexual harrassment, or I would have to claim it of Berlin often," Tabitha jokes lightly.
"I am very careful about it, Tabi-sama," Ritsuka quietly says and she does gesture around, and then to the kitsune statue that holds that glimmering light over it between its ears. "To be honest, that is a star ball," she gestures to the light. "It houses a kitsune's soul, or in this case, what lingers of the kitsune. A last gift given to me when I helped it pass on to the beyond. If you had not reached out, I would have worked to attempt awaken her to become a kami. Kitsune try to never break a promise and a promise of protection is what I would have asked for, and if it all went well, I had formed a cult around her. Virtuous, a bit like the Order, not quite, because it would allow people with some corruption, too. Like Vengeance does, but more harsher."
"I don't mind the way it happened with me joining Vengeance at all. I offered my help, and there is honor in keeping your word. And how could I be unhappy about helping people that do pursue noble goals? In that way I am glad." She does smile to Tabitha "Just got to always be a little careful with more powerful entities. Percy mentioned power, but while I wish I had more, it does not draw or attract me." And then she adds on Flowers "And I think so, too. I think Flowers are nice, he does put in a lot of effort into his. Made a circlet of them for me and it is very beautiful. I should wear it more often."
It was perfectly peaceful in the shrine, where Tabitha and Ritsuka converse, only to be disturbed by Ritsuka's phone ringing, rather incessantly. As if someone is attempting to ring her several times in a row.
"I will be trying to reach out to Alabaster again, soon, so that we can finish the initiation, also, but it will likely not be until tomorrow. But I am grateful that you decided to give Vengeance a chance." Tabitha considers that sentence and chuckles at herself. "That sounds worse than it is, really." When Ritsuka's phone begins to ring, the redhead falls quiet after one question, "Everything ok?"
Ritsuka looks down to her phone, more looking if she recognizes the number, but as it keeps ringing through, maybe half of her words, she does furrow her bows "I honestly don't know, Tabi-sama," She says pursing her lips together "Tomorrow might be fine but I will be more busy again at the usual time, or I can be there but then that is an exception and I will be a lot slower to respond." She looks back to her phone and says "Let me take a look. I hope it is not a scammer." She slides the green icon up to pick up the call up, saying "Moshi moshi-" into her white phone.
"Ritsuka? Is that you?," comes a rather frazzled and harried female voice over the line. Perhaps on speaker phone as well so that Tabitha can hear the conversation. "Sorry to ring you on your day off and all. But you remember Lina? You know the new girl we just hired on at the pharmacy?," the voice continues, "Well she's not reported in. I mean... she was going to. Said she'd be in, that it wouldn't take her more than half an hour. But that was over an hour ago! I texted her see," the voice goes on to explain, "to make sure she'd be on time for her shift. She being so new to Haven and all, I just wanted to make sure she knew her way to the pharmacy. And she said she did, that she'd be on time, but now I can't seem to reach her. I was wondering if you've heard anything."
Ritsuka either slipped it to speaker by accident or on purpose, maybe, but it doesn't matter because it is indeed on speaker.
Upon arrival, Ritsuka quickly uncovers a deep-seated treachery within the Order. Greg, the operative who had pointed fingers at her, is revealed to be under the malevolent influence of the Black Flame, a cult known for its dark sacrifices to eldritch horrors. Through a series of tense confrontations, Ritsuka discerns the reality of Greg's condition: he's been branded by the cult, turned into a pawn in their scheme to capture her for a ritual. With the assistance of the Order's arcanists, they manage to contain the immediate threat, removing the brand from Greg and resolving the vampire predicament. Ritsuka's actions solidify her standing within the Order, not just saving Greg from a fate worse than death but also preventing a dangerous being from being unleashed upon Haven. The aftermath leaves the Order's ranks shaken but reaffirmed in their duty, with Greg resigning, acknowledging his vulnerability to such profound manipulation. As the dust settles, Ritsuka's day resumes its interrupted serenity, though now marked by a stark reminder of the continuous shadow war waged against the darkness encroaching upon their world.
(Ritsuka's odd encounter(SRIllyana):SRIllyana)
[Sat Oct 19 2024]
In The Heart of a Shrine House
Soft sunlight filters through narrow wooden slats along the ceiling, casting dappled patterns on the polished wooden floors. A branch of a tree seems to carry along just enough above one slat by the side, and some green, mistletoe, manages to just peer into the room. At the room's center is a low, circular table made of rich, dark wood, surrounded by zabuton cushions arranged with precise care. Hanging scrolls adorned with calligraphy of sacred Shinto prayers and natural landscapes line the walls.
In the northeast corner of the room rests a larger kamidana, its small torii gate framing the sacred space. Fresh offerings of water and evergreen sprigs sit before the altar, paying homage to the kami that protect the home. A subtle scent of burning sandalwood incense lingers in the air, and the rhythmic tinkling of a nearby wind chime adds a layer allows for an occasional peaceful sound.
An elaborate and expensive looking statue of a nine-tailed kitsune stands right besides the altar in a resting position. A small ball of golden light shimmers from between its ears and a bowl with dry rice stands besides it.
It is morning, about 48F(8C) degrees, and there are a few dark grey clouds in the sky.
(A member of The Black Flame has infiltrated your target's circle of friends and is sowing discord in an attempt to isolate and weaken them. The group must uncover the infiltrator before they can complete their mission, which is to perform a ritual that will make your target a sacrificial offering to the eldritch horrors they worship.)
Ritsuka stretches out as she had just gotten up. She has just chosen a couple of clothes and not even had the opportunity to wash up yet, and so she is in the middle of her way to the hot spring that hides through the door to the south. She does yawn and hides it behind the back of a hand mid-step.
It is a saturday morning in the Haven township; and as Ritsuka wakes, secure in the sanctuary of her shrine home and readies herself for the activity of the day, the world creeps inevitably onward towards its destined end within just under thirteen years. The sun is rising- Not fully over head yet, it is still dark enough with the autumnal weather to be aware of the waining gibbous moon that hangs, almost unseen within the heavens above. The monsters that dwell within Haven's nights are now slumbering, recovering their strength as the world of night gives way to the world of day, where humanity stands sentinel, bastion against the evils of the world; And so to do the Order, though it is somewhat curious. For as a Sword, Ritsuka could be expected to be up to date, though the chatter over the faction coms is a buzz. Though in the knowledge of Ritsuka's involvement, she has not been recognized. Even in spite of her good standing, and this continues. As Ritsuka gets ready to bathe, she hears the sounds of conflict over the coms, and as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the swords are dealing with what is apparently a powerful supernatural threat. The operatives are working as one to deal with the issue, but really, they should have asked Ritsuka for aid at the very least. And then she hears it; One of them points this out, for another to tell the group that there is a reason that Ritsuka should not be involved in this issue, and all will be explained when they go to Ritsuka's home to confront her about this problematic issue that lead to the need to capture the vampiric threat who was endangering Havenites in the south side by the history museum.
Ritsuka lets out another yawn again by the other door, she does listen to the chatter on comms, but it's too early for all the arguing, and so, while she leaves it on, she does not have much to say to her communicators, no more than an 'Ohayo everyone'. And so she goes on to wash up, clean through. Was this about her signing an employment contract to become a member of the Golden Shadow invited in a dreamworld yesterday? Or is it because Viktorin leaving? But in reality, she does not care, there is one she answers to and that is the Warden, not anyone else. And she has not brought up any of those questions, and so she slides into the bath to go on and wash up for the day.
As Ritsuka continues to listen in on coms and bathe for the day, she hears the end of the story. Chatter is, as expected, nothing but bickering between the operatives, the notification that the vampire is subdewed and restrained. As Ritsuka continues to ready herself for the day, the story comes into full view; In the early hours, a master vampire from the Hand by the name of Antonio was spotted in Haven. There was no conflict; Antonio is well known to be professional above all else. He does not and has never endangered the accords- Why would he? He is a master vampire, and to reach such heights of power, he must be careful, even though he is an unquestioned monster. Order intel has it that he braught with him two thralls and it is these who apparently created this issue. Though they try to hide it, some operatives, including an up-and-coming Sword by the name of Greg is saying that it is Ritsuka's job to have dealt with Antonio and the upset that took place. A vampire living in Haven forest; Apparently an enemy of Antonio decided, for what ever reason to go after the master vampire's minions. Unfortunately, this was spotted, and a conflict took place before the vampire and his minions could return to New York. As he puts it, Antonio was readying himself and his underlings to path back to NY when the vampire from the forest attacked. Noting the threat, Antonio attempted to end it before events could escalate, but the younger vampire, finding Antonio too strong for it to fight, ran off into the historic district of Haven. The problem is; He took one of Antonio's minions. Seeing this as an acceptable loss, Antonio and the remaining thrall returned to the vampire court of New York, leaving the Orderites to deal with the missing thrall and the wild, vengeful vampire. This is apparently, according to Greg where Ritsuka is at falt. The operative claims that Ritsuka should have been monitering the forest, and should have known about the vampire. -- Luckily though, Antonio's man was recovered, but the Order Swords, including Greg were lead on a chace through Haven's south side where they finally captured the vampire. Even now, the clean up crews are aiding the harmed innocents and the situation is being covered over. That then is when Ritsuka is asked, over the coms to come to the Order base under Haven History museum to go over what could be improved.
"I am not understanding, I am no scout, my duty is not to monitor anyone and I only answer to the Warden with no Master Sword in place currently," Ritsuka asks on her comms, having gone through the basic cleaning process for herself, she does dress into the clothes she picked - the red pullover and some jeans, and some other items, of course. "I pursue enemies, not hunt down run-away vampires. The protection falls mainly to the shields, and as most of you should be well aware, I was assisting the Warden directly yesterday. So why am I pointlessly dragged into this? This is as confusing as Roger deciding to be a Shield, but a Sword if I was to be the next Master Sword without understandable reason."
There is some more squabbling over the coms before someone (Greg again) speaks up. "It's your job to make sure this shit doesn't happen." he says. "Viktorin might have, but he's out." The squabbling and complaining continues, and apparently not everyone agrees with Greg. Ritsuka's agents speak up until eventually, one of the older members interjects. He asks everyone to meet at the history museum where they can talk this over and resolve the issue like adults. He agrees with Ritsuka Shields defend, Swords are on the front lines. There was a lack of communication in the Order and before this turns into childish bickering, the Order, as a united front have a vampire they need to take care of, and a mystery to solve. Greg protests; He is apparently being a dick today. The older agent sends Ritsuka a text asking her to please come. And the coms go quiet. After a moment, the older agent sends Ritsuka another text; Looking into Greg, there are some incongruities with his background check. The research team is working on it, but with Ritsuka being the party Greg has taken issue with, it would help to resolve it if they can get any information out of him. The text has an attached info file on the vampire. It explains, once Ritsuka reads it, that the vampire is known to have ties with the Black Flame, selling kidnapped Havenites and thralls as potential sacrifices. Ritsuka being one of their best might be able to get some answers. But more worrying, Greg apparently had history with the vampire, who once kidnapped him, though Greg was freed.
Ritsuka rolls her eyes, cleaning the shrines will have to wait until later, but then she looks over her messages on her phone, clears them and then, she goes on back into the bedroom, and removes her pullover and grabs the lighter protective vest from her items and throws it on, and then covers it with her pullover. She also takes along her backpack that holds her weapons, just in case. She leaves the home, stretches out again, makes sure her hair sits at the right place and sits down atop of her sportsbike, a new needed investment seeing as the heavy mist a couple of days ago did see her car break. She does drive into the city, keeping her head low, and does wear the right kind of helmet, of course, for her own safety.
Once there, she does take the steps up into the museum, and just before entering, she places the white kitsune mask over her gaze, and only then proceeds to join the others at base. She is mostly quiet as she does so, and her eyes browse over Greg when she can sight him, though her expression is, naturally almost entirely concealed behind the mask.
Ritsuka's drive is uneventful. The streets of Haven are quiet, filled with the sights and sounds of saturday morning life. She sees a few known supernaturals, though they are not a danger right now. Ritsuka's trek to the museum is easily made and without mist, it is rather senic. As she ascends the steps into the building and takes the appropriate path, Ritsuka notices a number of things; The Order have agents all around. Swords and Shields both, though they are all seemingly waiting for something. And then, as Ritsuka enters the base, she notes a few things. The older agent, a man in his fifties nods professionally to Ritsuka. He and Ritsuka's team are standing around the table aside from the sparring area and the cell is filled; The vampire is in it and yes, Ritsuka notices that it does indeed have the flame symbology of the Black Flame cultists on its shabby clothing. Greg's look is hostile though. It is out of character, as usually, when working with Greg, Ritsuka has known him to be a very capable and reasonable agent. Today though, his gaze is darting and he keeps glancing between the caged vampire and Ritsuka. The other Orderites don't appear to have noticed this yet though. As everyone takes their seats, Ritsuka is invited to sit beside the older agent and she notices that he too is looking at Greg as though he were a threat. And not just Ritsuka, but the majority of people here are armed and armored. Some look like they just arrived and others are splattered with dust and other signs of battle from where they captured the vampire. Antonio's thrall sits in one corner, not getting involved, though the older agent leans in to explain to Ritsuka that the thrall will be given the choice to remain free in Haven, or will be returned to Antonio as a peace offering if that's what's decided on. Curiously, without Viktorin around, the meeting goes smoothly and the issues are layed on the table. Greg thinks that Ritsuka should have made sure the vampire couldn't have entered town-- But that's not quite right. Ritsuka can see that Greg keeps looking over to the vampire and there's something else... Greg usually wears a combat suit that hides his neck, but now he's in a sweater that reveals his neck, and half-hidden, apparently not noticed by anyone other than Ritsuka and the older agent, Greg has the sign of a brand- And yes, this brand sports the flame logo of the Black Flame cultists.
Ritsuka rises to her feet again, and she does let out a sigh before she simply asks into the room. "Remind me, what is the procedure to get rid of a Brand again? I suppose it might become a little expensive." She does rise to her feet again. "Can hardly allow the Order to be compromised by the Black Flame. I will answer the Warden if it is necessary later." She says into the room, her eyes settle onto Greg, though her expression is hidden by her mask. "We could wait for her all day if you would like. All of you know that I am not of insignificant standing with the Order. I have been recognized by my peers, and I would request of all of you, a moment of your trust."
As Ritsuka stands, every eye there turns to her. That is, all except Greg. He looks to Ritsuka, then the vampire, and then around the room. Beside Ritsuka, the older agent stands, his hand moving to rest unthreateningly on his sheathed knightstick. There is a fuss for a moment, but when Ritsuka asks for a moment of trust, they all listen; These are Ritsuka's team. They are her friends and peers. They listen to Ritsuka's words. And then, Greg's mouth drops open and he slides his chair back. Standing, he slams his hands atop the table, face read with anger as he all but spits, "How dare you accuse me of being compromized!" But Ritsuka did no such thing, did she? Ritsuka asked a very simple question. She didn't point fingers. "There are a couple of methods, but they are costly in resources." the older agent explains to Ritsuka. "It's not my area of expertese, but I know from my youth that it costs around fifteen thousand dollars to remove them." That though is when Greg moves; He reaches for a knife and makes to leap across the table at Ritsuka, the brand glowing. That knife though looks to be a sacrificial dagger, so if Ritsuka is any judge, this is an open and closed case. The vampire branded Greg. Greg created the issue to bring Ritsuka to the meeting where what? Greg would sacrifice Ritsuka to summon something from the void? That doesn't happen though, as two agents grab Greg and shove him back into his chair. Greg struggles, but in doing so, it becomes clear that the brand on his neck is glowing, and even more so now. Greg stares at Ritsuka and his eyes roll back as the brand glows brighter and brighter and Ritsuka hears another voice from Greg's lips. It's cold, inhuman and dangerous. "You were chosen." it rasps. There's an attempt to jump for the dagger, but someone- an arcanist looks at it where it fell on the table and tells the room that it's cursed. It will take the soul of who ever it cuts and channel it into a gateway to summon something from the void. - The older agent snaps some order and the Orderite members from upstairs burst in and Greg is bound to the chair as he keeps speaking. "Your blood is issential for bringing forth our god. It will save us all. But if we cant have you, you cant have your ally back." The rune glows brighter and Greg's skin begins to smoke; The agents holding his shoulders step back and one of them looks through the window into the holding cell. The vampire is doing something, and apparently that is puppeting Greg. Every agent looks to Ritsuka for orders now; The threat is revealed. Greg was branded and was meant to create conflict to alienate Ritsuka so he could kidnap her, deliver her to the vampire where she would be sacrificed to summon a being of the void. But that was not successful. Now Greg is being puppeted and even as Ritsuka looks on, Greg begins to smoke, then flame.
"I know it is very expensive, have the Scrolls remove the brand, we do protect our own. Quickly," Ritsuka instructs, now put far too much into the center. She purses her lips, she is not much of an arcanist at all, knows some of the ritual magic, but as most of these things like the Brand are, they are mythological in a sense, and so it probably needs someone more experienced in the field, which the Scrolls would be. "It will have to come from the Order's resources, I will report to the Warden about it later. She will not disapprove." She says that last part with certainty.
Four arcanists step forward, each known members of the Scrolls chapter in the Order. As Ritsuka gives the order to spend the resources and remove the brand, they begin to work; It cant be done here, but it can be done. So they put Greg in a stasus field before hastily pathing away with him. The vampire, now enraged begins to pound on the cell. He's a strong one and for a moment, it looks as though the monster would break free; He wasn't neutralized. That too was likely Greg's doing. But hold it does, and after some evaluation, it is clear that this is a beast that cant be allowed back into society. The vampire is executed for the safety of the citizens of Haven township and the accords, and slowly, things return to normal. Ritsuka is given many apologies from those who followed Greg's orders; They were fooled by him and had no idea. Everyone was on edge with all of the activity in Haven of late with the Disruptors, the Golden Shadow, the Black Flame and so on. But Ritsuka does have standing, and so things return to how they were. Over the next few days, Ritsuka receives a visitor; Greg, who was mindhacked, branded and imprinted into loyalty towards the Black Flame. He thanks Ritsuka for saving him and for all of the chaos he caused. He simply didn't know. He hands in his equipment and resigns; Being compromised as he was, he couldn't risk that happening again. And thus, Ritsuka has stopped an Order infiltration attempt, saved innocents and rid the world of an unsavable monster. She can return to her life and safety.
(Your target's been contacted to help find a civilian who's become lost in the woods.
)
"Also, giving flowers is not sexual harrassment, or I would have to claim it of Berlin often," Tabitha jokes lightly.
"I am very careful about it, Tabi-sama," Ritsuka quietly says and she does gesture around, and then to the kitsune statue that holds that glimmering light over it between its ears. "To be honest, that is a star ball," she gestures to the light. "It houses a kitsune's soul, or in this case, what lingers of the kitsune. A last gift given to me when I helped it pass on to the beyond. If you had not reached out, I would have worked to attempt awaken her to become a kami. Kitsune try to never break a promise and a promise of protection is what I would have asked for, and if it all went well, I had formed a cult around her. Virtuous, a bit like the Order, not quite, because it would allow people with some corruption, too. Like Vengeance does, but more harsher."
"I don't mind the way it happened with me joining Vengeance at all. I offered my help, and there is honor in keeping your word. And how could I be unhappy about helping people that do pursue noble goals? In that way I am glad." She does smile to Tabitha "Just got to always be a little careful with more powerful entities. Percy mentioned power, but while I wish I had more, it does not draw or attract me." And then she adds on Flowers "And I think so, too. I think Flowers are nice, he does put in a lot of effort into his. Made a circlet of them for me and it is very beautiful. I should wear it more often."
It was perfectly peaceful in the shrine, where Tabitha and Ritsuka converse, only to be disturbed by Ritsuka's phone ringing, rather incessantly. As if someone is attempting to ring her several times in a row.
"I will be trying to reach out to Alabaster again, soon, so that we can finish the initiation, also, but it will likely not be until tomorrow. But I am grateful that you decided to give Vengeance a chance." Tabitha considers that sentence and chuckles at herself. "That sounds worse than it is, really." When Ritsuka's phone begins to ring, the redhead falls quiet after one question, "Everything ok?"
Ritsuka looks down to her phone, more looking if she recognizes the number, but as it keeps ringing through, maybe half of her words, she does furrow her bows "I honestly don't know, Tabi-sama," She says pursing her lips together "Tomorrow might be fine but I will be more busy again at the usual time, or I can be there but then that is an exception and I will be a lot slower to respond." She looks back to her phone and says "Let me take a look. I hope it is not a scammer." She slides the green icon up to pick up the call up, saying "Moshi moshi-" into her white phone.
"Ritsuka? Is that you?," comes a rather frazzled and harried female voice over the line. Perhaps on speaker phone as well so that Tabitha can hear the conversation. "Sorry to ring you on your day off and all. But you remember Lina? You know the new girl we just hired on at the pharmacy?," the voice continues, "Well she's not reported in. I mean... she was going to. Said she'd be in, that it wouldn't take her more than half an hour. But that was over an hour ago! I texted her see," the voice goes on to explain, "to make sure she'd be on time for her shift. She being so new to Haven and all, I just wanted to make sure she knew her way to the pharmacy. And she said she did, that she'd be on time, but now I can't seem to reach her. I was wondering if you've heard anything."
Ritsuka either slipped it to speaker by accident or on purpose, maybe, but it doesn't matter because it is indeed on speaker.