Encounterlogs
Ritsukas Odd Encounter Sr Illyana 241223
In a tranquil shrine house amidst a snowy landscape, Ritsuka, a shrine guardian with connections to the supernatural world, faces an unexpected visit from the State Police's supernatural division, led by Agent Verity Gallows. They are investigating a rogue faeborn known as the Kitsune, a dangerous entity with connections to Ritsuka's past. Despite the cold reception and refusal to allow the agents into her home, Ritsuka hears of her friend Maxine's death, offering a moment of vulnerability. Eventually, Ritsuka agrees to cooperate, and after answering their questions, it's clear her involvement with the Kitsune is only a tangential connection forced by coincidence and bureaucratic necessity. The agents leave, having found no reason to detain her, while Ritsuka grapples with the news of her friend and the constant intrusion of the supernatural affairs into her life.
Elsewhere, Illyana, another enigmatic figure with a deep connection to the supernatural realm, embarks on a solitary mission into the forest to rescue a lost girl, the daughter of an acquaintance. Navigating the treacherous landscape through her unique ability to traverse nightmares, Illyana faces the strange and eerie phenomena of the forest, including an encircling threat of unicorns drawn to the girl's purity. In a blend of determination and supernatural prowess, Illyana successfully locates and retrieves the girl, confronting the surreal guardianship of the unicorns and the lurking dangers of an otherworldly forest. Her mission concludes with the safe return of the girl, albeit with a fresh reminder of the perils and wonders hidden within the shadows of the world they inhabit.
(Ritsuka's odd encounter(SRIllyana):SRIllyana)
[Sun Dec 22 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 dawn, about -10F(-23C) degrees, and there are a few dark grey stormclouds in the sky.
(Someone has sent the state police after your target. Perhaps they're a real criminal or perhaps they've been framed, in either case it's up to them to get their arrest warrant handled and removed.
)
Ritsuka is just waking up and settles down by the table. She makes to yawn and glances down to her phone. Yesterday was pretty busy. Today it is just her right now. The other person is still sleeping.
It is sunday morning, and outside of Ritsuka's shrine home, the snow steadily falls, blanketing the world in a fresh, crisp sheating of soft, obscurative snow. The weather outside is chilling; It is below zero, and this in lays the delicate dichotomy of the Haven township. The whightness itself is beautiful, like the monsters that enhabit this landscape. It hides what is unseen. It disguises the red ribbons of bloody running rivulets, caressing the world with the mask of secrecy so issential for the supernatural world to survive-- It is the cloak that parts the reality of existance, dividing mundanity from realism. The snow drifts with grace. It floats and it cavorts, a merry winter dance of gentility, but so too is it frozen; A arctic miasma of dark intent, that burns with the lack of heat. It, like the creatures hiding in the shadows-- Like Ritsuka is not symbiotic, but parasitic, feeding on the life of the weaker /things/ within the world. Like the feeding of a supernatural, its touch, though calm, cool and deliberate can suck the life from the soul. It renders humanity mute. It absorbs heat, causes the rot which can cause a sickness of its own. It drives lips blue with its uncaring, unfeeling maliciousness, and it can even kill, if one is not ready for it. It heralds winter, and like the now past Frostcaller, the eidolon Vaelys, for some, that frigid zone of apathetic glacial cold is comforting. But inside Ritsuka's home, there is comfort. Ritsuka shares her home with her girlfriend; The relationship is new, but such christmas gifts are rare, and Ritsuka gets to enjoy that warmth. In her relaxation, Ritsuka is comforted. The heating is on, and the morning rituals that Ritsuka undertakes are soothing and mundane, the general activity of a sunday morning within Haven. But because of that, and because Ritsuka isn't expecting it, it might come as a shock when Ritsuka's mundane sunday morning is interupted. First through that godly divine gift; A wish to be home and warm- But also by the sounds of the house settling being broken by booted foot falls in the courtyard. The slamming of a car door, the grinding of an engine shutting off. Then comes the knocking on Ritsuka's shrine gates. The sound comes from the kitchen, of course, and though muted, Ritsuka can just about hear the sounds of a police radio. What then could this be?
It is perhaps a little unfortunate for any police related bit that... well, the other side of the street holds many of her own now. The single building that, by design, was finished, intended to be a weapon's vendor, was also the singular place that also held many of her own. Some call it a gang, she just calls it a group. The Iron Camellia lives and breathes, and it is more than likely that some of them will come out, with a window overlooking both, the corner where the new road curves, but also gazing out over forest avenue in every direction of the road, including just outside her home.
She makes for a light sigh, rises to her feet, moves into the bedroom and gets the vest onto herself, hiding it under her clothing, though the top that would cover her collar bones would still show, and she takes the blade along anyway, as well, her katana, with which she had once taken a life in self defense. And then it goes to the front door. She places the blade down by the side of the door, not really in sight, but available for someone that is quick like her. Then Ritsuka opens the door, slowly, and takes to look.
She makes the faintest dip of her head. "Ohayo, is there anything I can help with?"
(repost 1) From what Ritsuka recalls, there is no memory of why the HSD would be knocking on her door; After all, Zubaki is active, and technically within the forest. The HSD do not deal with gang activity or the supernatural at the best of times, and the pharmacy is lucrative and legitimate. Ritsuka's criminal activity likewise is not public knowledge. What could be is of course covered by the accords. What isn't is obscured by the Hanshin group to whom Ritsuka has affiliation. Yet, that knocking persists, and there are guests. Ritsuka dons her armor, dresses and gathers her blade; She is ready for anything. So too is the /group/ across the way, though for now, none of them make themselves known. In the cold, where the wind blows and the snow falls to cover the eves of the buildings, and blanket the ground in the soft pouder of snow, no one wishes to be out in it. The view is picturesque and beautiful. The whiteness covers the branches of the trees and coats the dirt road, but more elegant is Ritsuka's courtyard. It is soft, white and largely untouched. The shrines to either side have banked snow that Ritsuka will need to tidy later, but for the time being, it is decorative and wonderful to behold. Indeed, even as far as the road, there is no sign of trafic traveling up or down Forest View Drive. The snow has fallen too thickly, as is only to be expected at this time of year.
(Second repost) What Ritsuka sees then is a black government issue SUV, its windows tinted, its hood and roof piled high with the still falling snow. It is staggeringly clean, freshly waxed and devoid of the specks of dirt one might expect from such a servicable vehicle, so from that, Ritsuka can assume that this is either a special case, or deployed after it has been reserviced. The doors are closed, though quite naturally, the three sets of booted foot prints leading to Ritsuka's doorway from the road propper are likewise government issue; A blond-haired woman and two dark-haired men, each in thick winter coats, snow boots and official looking black suits. Each wear unmarked black sunglasses, and from her experience, Ritsuka can note that they are all armed with various weapons. None are drawn though. To the contrary, the woman, who appears to be in charge holds out a coffee to Ritsuka A beverage from Starbucks from Haven propper. In her other, a walleted ID card that reads 'Agent Verity Gallows: State Police - Supernatural affairs.' "Miss Shimomi," Verity asks, "May we come in?"
"You may not come in," Ritsuka answers, making a light shake of her head. Her own, golden gaze wanders over the three agents, and she for her own, compared to all three of them, is very lightly clad. The cold bites at her skin, and though she does not mind, she can still feel the bite. "If there is trouble you may contact Hanshin lawyers and they will handle whichever it is you need, and beyond of that, I do not see why you would come all the way out here to find me from Boston and you have yet to tell me why you are here, Officer Gallows."
Of course, state police being armed is not surprising, but there is the van, and vans are very often used to kidnap people, trace on communications. Though she destroyed her old phones recently and barely a soul has her new number, so it can't be that. There could be another team in there, so it would be either that, or trying to drag her somewhere, and neither is something she desires. There is a point to make and so she curls her lips, smiles with a sudden spark of mischief. "I am not going with you."
"Very well." Verity shrugs; Something hard to tell under the thick layers of the winter coat. The snow continues to fall, and though Ritsuka refuses, even expressing her own demands of not going with them, the woman and her two companions don't appear all that bothered. They are in fact, indifferent. As Ritsuka doesn't accept the drink, Verity places it to her own lips. Inhaling the scent, she smiles gently, the steam rising up around her face. "You're missing out." the agent tells Ritsuka, taking a sip. "Dairy free. Asians have that intolerance to cow protene. But fair enough." Slipping her ID away; Ritsuka has seen it now and knows who the three are, she introduces her two companions. "Agent Dear and agent Park." Smirking, Verity points once more to Agent Dear. "We call him Happy." Conspiratorially, she stage whispers to Ritsuka, "He's not. He's a grouchy son of a gun." To Ritsuka's point however, she nods. "You're correct. I haven't told you why we're here. I just introduced myself." Stepping back unthreateningly, she goes on, "This is official business, I'm afraid. But if you'd like this talk with us in the freezing cold and you with all the power and at the door, we're not going to force the issue." There's a winning smile, and Verity gestures to the SUV. "We don't have room for you in there anyway. So we're not going to try to kidnap you- In fact, we'd like to all be home. Park's got a new baby daughter, I would rather be back up-state with my folks, and Happy needs to wrap gifts for the orphans." Indeed, what Verity says is impassive. Ritsuka can sense that they'd rather not be here. "Your women across the street are also noticed, but they're not why we're here. We're looking for a rogue faeborn from the Hand who calls herself the Kitsune. So this is a professional thing as we have it on record that you have some connection to a wildling fox shifter who died some time ago. Then there's your mixed heritage and the oriental kitsune theme you use-- The mask and so on for the psychic operations you take part in. We actually didn't suspect this nir-do-well was you, but you know how it is. We need to dot our I's and cross our Ts."
"Maxine is dead?" Ritsuka asks, giving the trio an upset stare. This is new news for her, and it has her slowly breathe out, shaking her head. "No, one half of my is of kitsune ancestry but I do not possess a disguise that is unknown to people and beyond certain members of the Hanshin Group, I am not associated with the Hand." She bits her lower lip, Maxine dead is really not something she likes at all. "Maxine's mother, as far as I am understanding, was a kitsune. I do not know if it was her, but there could be someone that is posing as one to distract. But I do not have information on her." Now, it is that she does open the door. She picks up the saya with the sheathed katana from besides the door. "Remove your shoes at the entrance." Before walking a little further into the building. "I like the snow, but you three don't look too happy with it. If it is only questions you wish answered, I can do that. I do not trust American governmental people too much. Too much red and blue and people are unreasonable and difficult and far too vulgar sometimes."
At the mention of the name Maxine, Verity looks to Agent Park who shakes his head-- Evidently this is not the person they meant. At Ritsuka's invite though, the three nod, and following Verity's lead, they each step in. The two men do not speak; Only Verity Gallows, which appears to be by design. "Thank you." the agent smiles again, nodding to Ritsuka. Taking her boots off, followed by the other two agents, Dear and Park, Verity tells Ritsuka, "You have a lovely home here." Then, without intruding any further into the building, the officer begins to quick fire statements, waiting for Ritsuka's answers. The sheathed weapon doesn't bat an eye; These officials are likely used to such things. "Can you tell us where you were on the night of the nineteenth of december, twenty-twenty four? Where were you on the twelth of november, twenty-twenty four? Are you aware of the activities that took place in Haven's werehouse district four nights previous? Have you ever interacted with a gentleman who goes by the name of Donovan Park?" On and on the questions go, but quite naturally, Ritsuka either doesn't know, or has an excuse that can be verified. It's nothing all too sinister, though by the end of the questioning, Ritsuka becomes aware that this Kitsune person was an escaped fae from the Hand's Keepers. Considered dangerous and always armed, she is known to be a category four supernatural, and is judged to be a WMD level threat. Though the Hand's loyalty team were hunting her, she vanished shortly after Ritsuka's scheme with the female gang members three weeks back, hence the loose connection that they were forced to investigate. The connection between the Kitsune and Ritsuka though was tentative, and though the state police supernatural devision had to look into the situation, Ritsuka's involvement was never really in question. The bureaucratic engine though is a machine of paperwork and contingencies, and with the curious coincidence of two kitsune themed supernaturals in the area, their team was deployed. Ritsuka is warned that the avenue across the way is under observance, but there is no team (that Verity is aware of) looking into them right now. This entire thing was funded by Antonio, a powerful vampire serving the Duke of Boston, so with the levels upon levels of corruption within the ranks of the government, strings were pulled ad thepuppets danced. Such is the nature of the supernatural world. Soon after, the agents leave.
Ritsuka is exonerated of all charges, Verity Gallows, Park and Dear leave, and Ritsuka is allowed to return to her life once more, now with a little insight into some of the more shadey dealings within the supernaturally controled government.
(Your target's been contacted to help find a civilian who's become lost in the woods.
)
Having left home this morning to travel to the White Oak institute, Illyana decided to get ahead on the next semester's course work; The lecture work is up on the intranet, so going to Illyana's room in Repentance house was paramount to this. To such ends, after texting with a few people, then getting to work, Illyana spent the next couple of hours researching and making notes. After all, Illyana has nothing better to do, and it is coming up to christmas-- Illyana has no family, so that's alone time enough to spend working.
Snow slowly descends on its way outside of the building, covering and coveting for all to turn a soft white. Beautiful. Though the vehicles of the city had already turned much of it black on the streets, an uncomfortable mess, and in other places it piles and piles to keep off the streets and off the roads. Even White Oak has some of it shoveled to the side, piled up and out of the way. And at even more places, along the streets and roads, amount of salts has been used to keep it from freezing and become slippery where steps briefly warm and melt the delicate flocks.
Some people live outside, in the forest, rurally, partly disconnected from the troubles of city life. Inside, it is warmer, with heating being turned on where it is, and the sun that has risen and might warm the world where it is not covered by the grey clouds above. Today they do. Illyana is alone in the learning room when her phone makes three little beeps, and a small message begins to display on her phone. Someone has gone missing out in the forest, someone unaware. Daughter of someone that is aware, some distant friend Illyana may have made back in the Hand. And he is asking Illyana for help, and does do her the favor of providing all that he himself could track down as it is. The last tracing signal was somewhere northwest, though it's been considered dangerous to go to. Rumors about a snow leopard that has been stalking the area, and also that of a White Stag that had made his home in the area. Let alone the boars and other creatures that may appear and kidnap someone from the forest, but this friend is certain that the scried image implies a place on earth in the forest.
Pausing in her research, Illyana picks up her phone and reads the text over. She could egnore it, but no one should be lost this close to christmas-- Or at least, that's what people keep telling her, and Illyana is a good listener (when she cares to). To such ends, Illyana collects her coat, boots and a scarf, and heads out towards the forest. This should be pretty easy. Illyana has Hand training, and knows exactly how to avoid such issues and dangers; They do not enter the nightmare, but Illyana can. And so, taking her bike to a good location close to the edge of the forest, Illyana leaves it next to a building with a mirror. Then, she enters the nightmare and begins to walk the forest with impunity. The monsters of Haven's forests don't know how to look into, or even interact with the nightmare, so beginning Illyana's hunt, Illyana steps off the road, aiming for the last known location. -- Not many people are aware, but scents actualy drift between the real and the nightmare, and so, even within the nightmare, Illyana can begin to track this man's daughter. And so Illyana does, with acute smell, acute vision and a strong perception ready to spot anything, even as acute hearing listens out for any issues-- Unlike the last time Illyana needed to find someone, she's alone, and so she can be more cunning, now.
The nightmare drifts in, and even here, at least today, Illyana does not find herself safe or at ease or rescued from the cold, and even here, in the nightmare, a sort of snowfall seems to descend from nowhere above. Illyana makes her way through the forest, not actually quite through, but from the nightmare. She sees boar-headed creatures, three of them, ut they wander off somewhere to the southwest. They are probably just prowling around, looking for prey to take with them but there is also those hunting and they might just choose to take them down anyway. Illyana makes her way towards where the last traced location was - It is just in the forest still. Between two bushes, partly uncovered from snow, it is where she finds the modern looking latest model of an iphone lying there. At least she can see it. The image is distorted by the essence of the nightmare itself and she cannot reach out to reality without a mirror.
And then, just beyond, a short distance along further, there is a small hill, a sort of singular clearing in the forest, where a white stag stands, but it is not where Illyana's nose leads her to, her acute sense for smell implies that the girl was wearing some sort of perfume, and there is another smell but it is... sweet? Animalistic? Weird that mixes into it and dwells further and deeper into the forest. Eventually it leads to a simple place where an unconscious girl lies.
Grinning, Illyana mouths, "Bingo." And then, with the callousness of an angel who's had enough of this shit, and is cold, Illyana reaches into her reserves; There's a tug-- A pull on the girl, And Illyana nightmare pulls her. The curious thing about how sanctuary and the nightmare interacts is that pulling someone would, most often, if one does not deliberately choose to not attack, begin combat, but an unconscious target arrives already downed. This, as one might understand nullifies the curious combative nature of the nightmare itself, and so long as Illyana doesn't randomly or psychotically decide to beat the girl around for fun (which is, admittedly, a toss-up), she wont be harmed and wont be drawn into a conflict. So that's what Illyana does; The intention is simple, draw her in, then walk back to the road, but for now, Illyana simply draws her in. The fact she's unconscious is useful, for right now, Illyana wont need to hypnotise her-- So that can be left to her father on return to Haven. As for the phone? Who cares. Primary professionals, most Hand operatives are wealthy enough to replace phones. That's not even an issue if the idiot girl doesn't walk back in, which really, if she does, that's all on her if she chooses to be stupid. So Illyana pulls her into the nightmare, then waits, kneeling to check on her condition before daring to move her; After all, she might be injured, and Illyana might have to bandage her or emergency tend to her with the exceptionally base level of understanding Illyana has-- Which is to say, none bar slapping bandages on people and burning wounds closed. Healing is what someone does.
Grinning, Illyana mouths, "Bingo." And then, with the callousness of an angel who's had enough of this shit, and is cold, Illyana reaches into her reserves; There's a tug-- A pull on the girl, And Illyana nightmare pulls her. The curious thing about how sanctuary and the nightmare interacts is that pulling someone would, most often, if one does not deliberately choose to not attack, begin combat, but an unconscious target arrives already downed. This, as one might understand nullifies the curious combative nature of the nightmare itself, and so long as Illyana doesn't randomly or psychotically decide to beat the girl around for fun (which is, admittedly, a toss-up), she wont be harmed and wont be drawn into a conflict. So that's what Illyana does; The intention is simple, draw her in, then walk back to the road, but for now, Illyana simply draws her in. The fact she's unconscious is useful, for right now, Illyana wont need to hypnotise her-- So that can be left to her father on return to Haven. As for the phone? Who cares. Primary professionals, most Hand operatives are wealthy enough to replace phones. That's not even an issue if the idiot girl doesn't walk back in, which really, if she does, that's all on her if she chooses to be stupid. So Illyana pulls her into the nightmare, then waits, kneeling to check on her condition before daring to move her; After all, she might be injured, and Illyana might have to bandage her or emergency tend to her with the exceptionally base level of understanding Illyana has-- Which is to say, none bar slapping bandages on people and burning wounds closed. Healing is what Ritsuka does.
There is the clamper of hoofs on the ground after Illyana saves the girl into the nightmare. Some simply and purposeful steps onto earthen ground, and it is four unicorns, out of everything, that step out from their hiding and look down to where the girl was. It is one of those secrets that not many are aware of... but sometimes, when someone feels eyes on them, when they feel stalked, all it in truth is is nothing more than a unicorn... watching. They are, in a very literal sense of the word, creeps, that stalk on virgins all across the world wherever they may tread. And the inner forest around Haven, so close to a gate to the godrealms... well, how can they resist such a trip? The purity is intoxicating for them, and in extension, Illyana, if she is aware of it, may realize that these little hoofed creeps probably knocked the girl down, that she is a virgin and dragged her along to here. That also means that the girl is, fortunately, not injuried. Illyana checks her condition, maybe moves her, but the girl is physically fine. Though there is a harsh bump on the side of her head that is definitely swollen, but beyond that, there is nothing at all that looks off.
The unicorns neigh at each other, staring, and then circle around, as if looking. A gang of unicorns may perhaps be a very accurate way to describe these four, between their neighs and their looking around, the subtle interactions between four horned horses, until they all start into a slight gallop south-bound. Perhaps that means looking for their next victim.
Unicorns? Illyana cant help but to "Awwww." at seeing them, but they are indeed dangerous creatures, and unlike what the mundane might expect an MLP unicorn to be. Still, as most things in the supernatural world are, Illyana knows them to be beautiful, even though they are narcissistic, violent beasts with an evil temperament and a virgin fetish. Good job Illyana has pulled the girl into the forest then, else things might very well go wrong. That would be unfortunate. But aside from the bump on the bonts, she's fine-- It might even be an excuse. So with little more preamble, Illyana hefts her over a shoulder like a sack of potatoes, and begins to head back to the road. This isn't of course over just yet, but at least the objective is in hand. She can be delivered. Maybe Illyana should tell Fiona or Lily about this; Vampires do like virgins, after all. As much, if not more than unicorns: Thoughts for later. For now, Illyana needs to make her way carefully back for the road. Why carefully? Quite simply, Illyana can run easily at thirty miles per hour with bursts of seventy five, but the mundane/unaware are not designed for that, so in spite of Illyana running here, and her perception being enough to avoid dream doors, Illyana now has a normal in hand, so the walk back is going to be slow, cold and uncomfortable, even in the relitive safety of the nightmare.
The cold clings and bites at Illyana relentlessly, and the White Stag watches her from outside the dream as Illyana passes by again. There life around it seems much more living, brighter, as if nature itself responds to its every move. There was a snow leopard that playfully bit its butt last week, but Illyana does not know that, and the Stag only watches. The way back, though much much longer now, is particularly tranquil, one could say comfortable, if it is not for the freezing weather...
A small and little eel slithers its way across, close to where Illyana transitioned into the nightmare at. It wiggles its way at the exact location, circles around, and then opens its mouth as horrendous sharp teeth show. And somehow, it is both in the nightmare and not, for when Illyana draws near in the nightmare, it eeks, fletches its teeth and then tries to slither its way away...
Illyana might remember it, on a report. It is a part of one of those nightmare creatures that existed on the second lab of the underground laboratory. This thing still lives and breathes. It escaped. Or maybe it hasn't... and it just wiggled its way out from the buried ruins?
Illyana has a charg in hand. To that end, she cant go after the repulsive creature. If she did, then the girl might be endangered. Also, Illyana is pissed off by being cold and damp. The fact it's cold really isn't an issue, but it's not comfortable being wet. So of course, with the girl being helpless, Illyana walks into the building she parked beside, brings the girl with her, then casually walks out. Dumping her on the seat in front of Illyana, slumped and unconscious, Illyana drives to the Webstor, depositing her in the recovery room with the story. Texting her father, Illyana informs him where the girl is, her condition and where she was. The report is short and easily understood; There's not much to it. Then, Illyana goes to feed because nightmare pulling is tiring and she's already magically hampered by being virtuous when she really isn't.
(Someone has sent the state police after your target. Perhaps they're a real criminal or perhaps they've been framed, in either case it's up to them to get their arrest warrant handled and removed.
)
Kathlynn was just relaxing in the kitchen of her sorority after getting back from a heart to heart with Penny over at the Trove. They were speaking about her ghostly encounters that she just experienced as well as her conversations afterwards with Sam and Emmeline. She is finally starting to get over the shock of how the world really is, and how she isnt crazy.
Kathlynn relaxes on the couch eating her sandwich.
In this cold midday of December, with not as much light as one would hope for the middle of the day given the dark stormclouds covering the sky, Kathlynn lounges around in the kitchen of the Delta Delta Delta sorority, having gone about her day as usual, probably enjoying her day not only because of the fact that it was Sunday, but also because tomorrow, Monday, there would be no classes or lectures at White Oak, finally the time for festivities had come and classes were over, at least for a little while.
But in Haven there is always something to do, or something to disrupt the peace. No one stays still for too long. And the redhead can probably see two officers walk towards the west from the window in the kitchen. Two men, one of them taller than the average - At least for the rest of the world, men around Haven seemed huge for the most part-, with short brown hair and green eyes. The other a bit shorter, though not below average by any means, this one looking more rugged, and definitely buff, with brown eyes.
And just a minute or two later, with the rise of the mists, the sound of the sorority doors can be heard. Then some mild discussing at the entrance, and, from the other end of the door, the two deputies seem to show again, one of them heading upwards, the other, the shorter one, lingering for a bit longer down the hall, turning to look around to his sides, and in the act, spotting Kathlynn, clearing his throat and walking over into the kitchen, his voice coming out strong and low in tone, but not too loud "Miss... Kathlynn? Student at White Oak, from the Delta Delta Delta sorority?" He asks almost to confirm, even if by the context the answer was evident
Kathlynn looks up puzzled. "Um...yes? I just registered it, if thats your worry. I didn't know where to put the registration since it doesn't have a glove box... but I have it in the back cargo thingy at the moment."
Up close the view of the shorter deputy is much more imposing, standing at 5'11 and wearing a full uniform. Clearly having rolled up his sleeves since he entered the building, since Kathlynn could have sworn they were rolled down just outside the window. There is a lot of muscle in those arms. Brown eyes to match his brown hair, with sharp facial features and a prominent chin.
The officer crosses his arms, making them puff slightly "We- No..." He shakes his head, before looking over to check his lack of partner, presumably since he had just gone up "No, we are here to take you over to the Sheriff's for a couple questions, right around the corner" Kathlynn had probably seen the department a couple times by now, being located just by the entrance of White Oak, right in front of the clinic and to a side of the professor dedicated rooms "We have a couple questions about something that happened... Around a week ago, during the full moon"
Kathlynn looks puzzled at him, her gaze mildly distracted by his very attractive arms. "Um... okay sure. Anything I can do to help." She smiles warmly to him as she gets up and hands him her purse. "You should probably keep this for a while. It has my self-defense revolver in it."
The officer quirks his eyebrow at the handed purse, but there is some appreciation in his expression at the act and the cooperation, uncrossing both arms to take ahold of the purse. Opening it too peer inside while he mentions "You wouldn't be able to use it in any case, with Sanctuary protecting us- But it is appreciated"
"Officer Brown, it should just be a couple questions, if you are cooperative we might not even need to move to the department..." He says in that low voice, eyes more focused on the inside of the purse than on the woman herself, trying to spot said weapon though probably getting a glimpse of anything else in there in the process "Does the name Phil Gibson sound familiar to you, miss?"
Kathlynn eyes widen as he says the word "sanctuary". Shaking her head to his question. "No... I haven't heard the name officer." She looks him in the eyes as they speak, bringing her voice low, "Do you know about the weird stuff in the town?" she asks, trying to be surrupticiously. "I don't mind if we chat here or there... but there might be more private."
There is an odd look cast from officer Brown to Kathlynn "You really are new in town..." He says almost to himself, more than to the redhead right in front of him. There is a sigh, and then one of those huge arms of his moves to leave the purse on top of a table "Everyone enrolled in White Oak is aware- And everyone working for the Sheriff department is as well- Deputies are one of the main forces covering up the existence of the supernatural" There is a brief explanation there, almost as if to make sure the woman understands this, probably as to avoid any trouble with hidding information from him.
"We have a warrant to take you over to the station an interrogate you about his disappearance..." And as he speaks, the other deputy seems to come down the stairs, looking around and spotting his partner, he soon comes into the kitchen as well. This second officer completely in uniform as well, same brown hair, but with piercing green eyes, much taller, at around 6'3, and unlike officer Brown who is built like a tank, with as much muscle as possible in as little space, the unnamed deputy is much more lean, packing everything nicely while keeping somewhat of a figure.
But there's not much time for appreciation, as the rugged man continues explaining "Normally there's not much to look into when it comes to full moons... But we have a witness or two that mention someone with your description with the man, last Saturday, coming out of the Lodge"
Kathlynn eyes widen, "Everyone? But my room mate, didn't know about ghosts either... but she just got here a week ago or so herself..." She realizes she is missing the point. Then his words catch up with her. "Oh, his name was Phil? Yeah, this is going to sound crazy... wait... you understand. Wow,, it is like SO nice to have people believe me here. Back home they told me I was crazy." She shakes her head trying to refocus. "Sorry... yeah... he was like totes possessed by a mom ghost. She wanted me to follow her to her daughters grave, so I did. It was really nice helping her move on. But like then he freaked out thinking I had done something to him." Her shoulders slump over at the memory.
Much more quietly Kathlynn continues, "He ran through the forest. I...i..." she shudders at the memory, "I heard a wolf attack him. I freaked out at ran. I think he was eaten."
"I...im sorry, I just didn't know what to do..." Kathlynn sobs, letting it all out. "I didn't think anyone would believe me..."
Both deputies look between themselves as Kathlynn starts to go off the rails with her own train of thought, officer Brown interjecting at the first question and simply answering "Yes, everyone... And if not fully knowledgeable, they are here to be taught, White Oak is made for the aware" He once again goes into explaining mode, letting out a sigh, his gaze once more directed towards his partner, maybe in a way to say 'might be too much of a newbie' without stating it out loud.
The partner on the other hand, nod at Kathlynn, focusing a bit more on her "We believe you- On the ghosts part at least, we still need to verify a couple more things on the whole- Well, I'm sure you understand... Take your time" He says as he watches the redhead start to sob, his voice a bit more comforting but giving her some space, while creating, just maybe a bit of an awkward scene "Officer Johnson by the way" He adds, now both of them named "So you say he was possessed by a ghost... Took you to a grave and then the man ran off and got attacked by wolves?"
Elsewhere, Illyana, another enigmatic figure with a deep connection to the supernatural realm, embarks on a solitary mission into the forest to rescue a lost girl, the daughter of an acquaintance. Navigating the treacherous landscape through her unique ability to traverse nightmares, Illyana faces the strange and eerie phenomena of the forest, including an encircling threat of unicorns drawn to the girl's purity. In a blend of determination and supernatural prowess, Illyana successfully locates and retrieves the girl, confronting the surreal guardianship of the unicorns and the lurking dangers of an otherworldly forest. Her mission concludes with the safe return of the girl, albeit with a fresh reminder of the perils and wonders hidden within the shadows of the world they inhabit.
(Ritsuka's odd encounter(SRIllyana):SRIllyana)
[Sun Dec 22 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 dawn, about -10F(-23C) degrees, and there are a few dark grey stormclouds in the sky.
(Someone has sent the state police after your target. Perhaps they're a real criminal or perhaps they've been framed, in either case it's up to them to get their arrest warrant handled and removed.
)
Ritsuka is just waking up and settles down by the table. She makes to yawn and glances down to her phone. Yesterday was pretty busy. Today it is just her right now. The other person is still sleeping.
It is sunday morning, and outside of Ritsuka's shrine home, the snow steadily falls, blanketing the world in a fresh, crisp sheating of soft, obscurative snow. The weather outside is chilling; It is below zero, and this in lays the delicate dichotomy of the Haven township. The whightness itself is beautiful, like the monsters that enhabit this landscape. It hides what is unseen. It disguises the red ribbons of bloody running rivulets, caressing the world with the mask of secrecy so issential for the supernatural world to survive-- It is the cloak that parts the reality of existance, dividing mundanity from realism. The snow drifts with grace. It floats and it cavorts, a merry winter dance of gentility, but so too is it frozen; A arctic miasma of dark intent, that burns with the lack of heat. It, like the creatures hiding in the shadows-- Like Ritsuka is not symbiotic, but parasitic, feeding on the life of the weaker /things/ within the world. Like the feeding of a supernatural, its touch, though calm, cool and deliberate can suck the life from the soul. It renders humanity mute. It absorbs heat, causes the rot which can cause a sickness of its own. It drives lips blue with its uncaring, unfeeling maliciousness, and it can even kill, if one is not ready for it. It heralds winter, and like the now past Frostcaller, the eidolon Vaelys, for some, that frigid zone of apathetic glacial cold is comforting. But inside Ritsuka's home, there is comfort. Ritsuka shares her home with her girlfriend; The relationship is new, but such christmas gifts are rare, and Ritsuka gets to enjoy that warmth. In her relaxation, Ritsuka is comforted. The heating is on, and the morning rituals that Ritsuka undertakes are soothing and mundane, the general activity of a sunday morning within Haven. But because of that, and because Ritsuka isn't expecting it, it might come as a shock when Ritsuka's mundane sunday morning is interupted. First through that godly divine gift; A wish to be home and warm- But also by the sounds of the house settling being broken by booted foot falls in the courtyard. The slamming of a car door, the grinding of an engine shutting off. Then comes the knocking on Ritsuka's shrine gates. The sound comes from the kitchen, of course, and though muted, Ritsuka can just about hear the sounds of a police radio. What then could this be?
It is perhaps a little unfortunate for any police related bit that... well, the other side of the street holds many of her own now. The single building that, by design, was finished, intended to be a weapon's vendor, was also the singular place that also held many of her own. Some call it a gang, she just calls it a group. The Iron Camellia lives and breathes, and it is more than likely that some of them will come out, with a window overlooking both, the corner where the new road curves, but also gazing out over forest avenue in every direction of the road, including just outside her home.
She makes for a light sigh, rises to her feet, moves into the bedroom and gets the vest onto herself, hiding it under her clothing, though the top that would cover her collar bones would still show, and she takes the blade along anyway, as well, her katana, with which she had once taken a life in self defense. And then it goes to the front door. She places the blade down by the side of the door, not really in sight, but available for someone that is quick like her. Then Ritsuka opens the door, slowly, and takes to look.
She makes the faintest dip of her head. "Ohayo, is there anything I can help with?"
(repost 1) From what Ritsuka recalls, there is no memory of why the HSD would be knocking on her door; After all, Zubaki is active, and technically within the forest. The HSD do not deal with gang activity or the supernatural at the best of times, and the pharmacy is lucrative and legitimate. Ritsuka's criminal activity likewise is not public knowledge. What could be is of course covered by the accords. What isn't is obscured by the Hanshin group to whom Ritsuka has affiliation. Yet, that knocking persists, and there are guests. Ritsuka dons her armor, dresses and gathers her blade; She is ready for anything. So too is the /group/ across the way, though for now, none of them make themselves known. In the cold, where the wind blows and the snow falls to cover the eves of the buildings, and blanket the ground in the soft pouder of snow, no one wishes to be out in it. The view is picturesque and beautiful. The whiteness covers the branches of the trees and coats the dirt road, but more elegant is Ritsuka's courtyard. It is soft, white and largely untouched. The shrines to either side have banked snow that Ritsuka will need to tidy later, but for the time being, it is decorative and wonderful to behold. Indeed, even as far as the road, there is no sign of trafic traveling up or down Forest View Drive. The snow has fallen too thickly, as is only to be expected at this time of year.
(Second repost) What Ritsuka sees then is a black government issue SUV, its windows tinted, its hood and roof piled high with the still falling snow. It is staggeringly clean, freshly waxed and devoid of the specks of dirt one might expect from such a servicable vehicle, so from that, Ritsuka can assume that this is either a special case, or deployed after it has been reserviced. The doors are closed, though quite naturally, the three sets of booted foot prints leading to Ritsuka's doorway from the road propper are likewise government issue; A blond-haired woman and two dark-haired men, each in thick winter coats, snow boots and official looking black suits. Each wear unmarked black sunglasses, and from her experience, Ritsuka can note that they are all armed with various weapons. None are drawn though. To the contrary, the woman, who appears to be in charge holds out a coffee to Ritsuka A beverage from Starbucks from Haven propper. In her other, a walleted ID card that reads 'Agent Verity Gallows: State Police - Supernatural affairs.' "Miss Shimomi," Verity asks, "May we come in?"
"You may not come in," Ritsuka answers, making a light shake of her head. Her own, golden gaze wanders over the three agents, and she for her own, compared to all three of them, is very lightly clad. The cold bites at her skin, and though she does not mind, she can still feel the bite. "If there is trouble you may contact Hanshin lawyers and they will handle whichever it is you need, and beyond of that, I do not see why you would come all the way out here to find me from Boston and you have yet to tell me why you are here, Officer Gallows."
Of course, state police being armed is not surprising, but there is the van, and vans are very often used to kidnap people, trace on communications. Though she destroyed her old phones recently and barely a soul has her new number, so it can't be that. There could be another team in there, so it would be either that, or trying to drag her somewhere, and neither is something she desires. There is a point to make and so she curls her lips, smiles with a sudden spark of mischief. "I am not going with you."
"Very well." Verity shrugs; Something hard to tell under the thick layers of the winter coat. The snow continues to fall, and though Ritsuka refuses, even expressing her own demands of not going with them, the woman and her two companions don't appear all that bothered. They are in fact, indifferent. As Ritsuka doesn't accept the drink, Verity places it to her own lips. Inhaling the scent, she smiles gently, the steam rising up around her face. "You're missing out." the agent tells Ritsuka, taking a sip. "Dairy free. Asians have that intolerance to cow protene. But fair enough." Slipping her ID away; Ritsuka has seen it now and knows who the three are, she introduces her two companions. "Agent Dear and agent Park." Smirking, Verity points once more to Agent Dear. "We call him Happy." Conspiratorially, she stage whispers to Ritsuka, "He's not. He's a grouchy son of a gun." To Ritsuka's point however, she nods. "You're correct. I haven't told you why we're here. I just introduced myself." Stepping back unthreateningly, she goes on, "This is official business, I'm afraid. But if you'd like this talk with us in the freezing cold and you with all the power and at the door, we're not going to force the issue." There's a winning smile, and Verity gestures to the SUV. "We don't have room for you in there anyway. So we're not going to try to kidnap you- In fact, we'd like to all be home. Park's got a new baby daughter, I would rather be back up-state with my folks, and Happy needs to wrap gifts for the orphans." Indeed, what Verity says is impassive. Ritsuka can sense that they'd rather not be here. "Your women across the street are also noticed, but they're not why we're here. We're looking for a rogue faeborn from the Hand who calls herself the Kitsune. So this is a professional thing as we have it on record that you have some connection to a wildling fox shifter who died some time ago. Then there's your mixed heritage and the oriental kitsune theme you use-- The mask and so on for the psychic operations you take part in. We actually didn't suspect this nir-do-well was you, but you know how it is. We need to dot our I's and cross our Ts."
"Maxine is dead?" Ritsuka asks, giving the trio an upset stare. This is new news for her, and it has her slowly breathe out, shaking her head. "No, one half of my is of kitsune ancestry but I do not possess a disguise that is unknown to people and beyond certain members of the Hanshin Group, I am not associated with the Hand." She bits her lower lip, Maxine dead is really not something she likes at all. "Maxine's mother, as far as I am understanding, was a kitsune. I do not know if it was her, but there could be someone that is posing as one to distract. But I do not have information on her." Now, it is that she does open the door. She picks up the saya with the sheathed katana from besides the door. "Remove your shoes at the entrance." Before walking a little further into the building. "I like the snow, but you three don't look too happy with it. If it is only questions you wish answered, I can do that. I do not trust American governmental people too much. Too much red and blue and people are unreasonable and difficult and far too vulgar sometimes."
At the mention of the name Maxine, Verity looks to Agent Park who shakes his head-- Evidently this is not the person they meant. At Ritsuka's invite though, the three nod, and following Verity's lead, they each step in. The two men do not speak; Only Verity Gallows, which appears to be by design. "Thank you." the agent smiles again, nodding to Ritsuka. Taking her boots off, followed by the other two agents, Dear and Park, Verity tells Ritsuka, "You have a lovely home here." Then, without intruding any further into the building, the officer begins to quick fire statements, waiting for Ritsuka's answers. The sheathed weapon doesn't bat an eye; These officials are likely used to such things. "Can you tell us where you were on the night of the nineteenth of december, twenty-twenty four? Where were you on the twelth of november, twenty-twenty four? Are you aware of the activities that took place in Haven's werehouse district four nights previous? Have you ever interacted with a gentleman who goes by the name of Donovan Park?" On and on the questions go, but quite naturally, Ritsuka either doesn't know, or has an excuse that can be verified. It's nothing all too sinister, though by the end of the questioning, Ritsuka becomes aware that this Kitsune person was an escaped fae from the Hand's Keepers. Considered dangerous and always armed, she is known to be a category four supernatural, and is judged to be a WMD level threat. Though the Hand's loyalty team were hunting her, she vanished shortly after Ritsuka's scheme with the female gang members three weeks back, hence the loose connection that they were forced to investigate. The connection between the Kitsune and Ritsuka though was tentative, and though the state police supernatural devision had to look into the situation, Ritsuka's involvement was never really in question. The bureaucratic engine though is a machine of paperwork and contingencies, and with the curious coincidence of two kitsune themed supernaturals in the area, their team was deployed. Ritsuka is warned that the avenue across the way is under observance, but there is no team (that Verity is aware of) looking into them right now. This entire thing was funded by Antonio, a powerful vampire serving the Duke of Boston, so with the levels upon levels of corruption within the ranks of the government, strings were pulled ad thepuppets danced. Such is the nature of the supernatural world. Soon after, the agents leave.
Ritsuka is exonerated of all charges, Verity Gallows, Park and Dear leave, and Ritsuka is allowed to return to her life once more, now with a little insight into some of the more shadey dealings within the supernaturally controled government.
(Your target's been contacted to help find a civilian who's become lost in the woods.
)
Having left home this morning to travel to the White Oak institute, Illyana decided to get ahead on the next semester's course work; The lecture work is up on the intranet, so going to Illyana's room in Repentance house was paramount to this. To such ends, after texting with a few people, then getting to work, Illyana spent the next couple of hours researching and making notes. After all, Illyana has nothing better to do, and it is coming up to christmas-- Illyana has no family, so that's alone time enough to spend working.
Snow slowly descends on its way outside of the building, covering and coveting for all to turn a soft white. Beautiful. Though the vehicles of the city had already turned much of it black on the streets, an uncomfortable mess, and in other places it piles and piles to keep off the streets and off the roads. Even White Oak has some of it shoveled to the side, piled up and out of the way. And at even more places, along the streets and roads, amount of salts has been used to keep it from freezing and become slippery where steps briefly warm and melt the delicate flocks.
Some people live outside, in the forest, rurally, partly disconnected from the troubles of city life. Inside, it is warmer, with heating being turned on where it is, and the sun that has risen and might warm the world where it is not covered by the grey clouds above. Today they do. Illyana is alone in the learning room when her phone makes three little beeps, and a small message begins to display on her phone. Someone has gone missing out in the forest, someone unaware. Daughter of someone that is aware, some distant friend Illyana may have made back in the Hand. And he is asking Illyana for help, and does do her the favor of providing all that he himself could track down as it is. The last tracing signal was somewhere northwest, though it's been considered dangerous to go to. Rumors about a snow leopard that has been stalking the area, and also that of a White Stag that had made his home in the area. Let alone the boars and other creatures that may appear and kidnap someone from the forest, but this friend is certain that the scried image implies a place on earth in the forest.
Pausing in her research, Illyana picks up her phone and reads the text over. She could egnore it, but no one should be lost this close to christmas-- Or at least, that's what people keep telling her, and Illyana is a good listener (when she cares to). To such ends, Illyana collects her coat, boots and a scarf, and heads out towards the forest. This should be pretty easy. Illyana has Hand training, and knows exactly how to avoid such issues and dangers; They do not enter the nightmare, but Illyana can. And so, taking her bike to a good location close to the edge of the forest, Illyana leaves it next to a building with a mirror. Then, she enters the nightmare and begins to walk the forest with impunity. The monsters of Haven's forests don't know how to look into, or even interact with the nightmare, so beginning Illyana's hunt, Illyana steps off the road, aiming for the last known location. -- Not many people are aware, but scents actualy drift between the real and the nightmare, and so, even within the nightmare, Illyana can begin to track this man's daughter. And so Illyana does, with acute smell, acute vision and a strong perception ready to spot anything, even as acute hearing listens out for any issues-- Unlike the last time Illyana needed to find someone, she's alone, and so she can be more cunning, now.
The nightmare drifts in, and even here, at least today, Illyana does not find herself safe or at ease or rescued from the cold, and even here, in the nightmare, a sort of snowfall seems to descend from nowhere above. Illyana makes her way through the forest, not actually quite through, but from the nightmare. She sees boar-headed creatures, three of them, ut they wander off somewhere to the southwest. They are probably just prowling around, looking for prey to take with them but there is also those hunting and they might just choose to take them down anyway. Illyana makes her way towards where the last traced location was - It is just in the forest still. Between two bushes, partly uncovered from snow, it is where she finds the modern looking latest model of an iphone lying there. At least she can see it. The image is distorted by the essence of the nightmare itself and she cannot reach out to reality without a mirror.
And then, just beyond, a short distance along further, there is a small hill, a sort of singular clearing in the forest, where a white stag stands, but it is not where Illyana's nose leads her to, her acute sense for smell implies that the girl was wearing some sort of perfume, and there is another smell but it is... sweet? Animalistic? Weird that mixes into it and dwells further and deeper into the forest. Eventually it leads to a simple place where an unconscious girl lies.
Grinning, Illyana mouths, "Bingo." And then, with the callousness of an angel who's had enough of this shit, and is cold, Illyana reaches into her reserves; There's a tug-- A pull on the girl, And Illyana nightmare pulls her. The curious thing about how sanctuary and the nightmare interacts is that pulling someone would, most often, if one does not deliberately choose to not attack, begin combat, but an unconscious target arrives already downed. This, as one might understand nullifies the curious combative nature of the nightmare itself, and so long as Illyana doesn't randomly or psychotically decide to beat the girl around for fun (which is, admittedly, a toss-up), she wont be harmed and wont be drawn into a conflict. So that's what Illyana does; The intention is simple, draw her in, then walk back to the road, but for now, Illyana simply draws her in. The fact she's unconscious is useful, for right now, Illyana wont need to hypnotise her-- So that can be left to her father on return to Haven. As for the phone? Who cares. Primary professionals, most Hand operatives are wealthy enough to replace phones. That's not even an issue if the idiot girl doesn't walk back in, which really, if she does, that's all on her if she chooses to be stupid. So Illyana pulls her into the nightmare, then waits, kneeling to check on her condition before daring to move her; After all, she might be injured, and Illyana might have to bandage her or emergency tend to her with the exceptionally base level of understanding Illyana has-- Which is to say, none bar slapping bandages on people and burning wounds closed. Healing is what someone does.
Grinning, Illyana mouths, "Bingo." And then, with the callousness of an angel who's had enough of this shit, and is cold, Illyana reaches into her reserves; There's a tug-- A pull on the girl, And Illyana nightmare pulls her. The curious thing about how sanctuary and the nightmare interacts is that pulling someone would, most often, if one does not deliberately choose to not attack, begin combat, but an unconscious target arrives already downed. This, as one might understand nullifies the curious combative nature of the nightmare itself, and so long as Illyana doesn't randomly or psychotically decide to beat the girl around for fun (which is, admittedly, a toss-up), she wont be harmed and wont be drawn into a conflict. So that's what Illyana does; The intention is simple, draw her in, then walk back to the road, but for now, Illyana simply draws her in. The fact she's unconscious is useful, for right now, Illyana wont need to hypnotise her-- So that can be left to her father on return to Haven. As for the phone? Who cares. Primary professionals, most Hand operatives are wealthy enough to replace phones. That's not even an issue if the idiot girl doesn't walk back in, which really, if she does, that's all on her if she chooses to be stupid. So Illyana pulls her into the nightmare, then waits, kneeling to check on her condition before daring to move her; After all, she might be injured, and Illyana might have to bandage her or emergency tend to her with the exceptionally base level of understanding Illyana has-- Which is to say, none bar slapping bandages on people and burning wounds closed. Healing is what Ritsuka does.
There is the clamper of hoofs on the ground after Illyana saves the girl into the nightmare. Some simply and purposeful steps onto earthen ground, and it is four unicorns, out of everything, that step out from their hiding and look down to where the girl was. It is one of those secrets that not many are aware of... but sometimes, when someone feels eyes on them, when they feel stalked, all it in truth is is nothing more than a unicorn... watching. They are, in a very literal sense of the word, creeps, that stalk on virgins all across the world wherever they may tread. And the inner forest around Haven, so close to a gate to the godrealms... well, how can they resist such a trip? The purity is intoxicating for them, and in extension, Illyana, if she is aware of it, may realize that these little hoofed creeps probably knocked the girl down, that she is a virgin and dragged her along to here. That also means that the girl is, fortunately, not injuried. Illyana checks her condition, maybe moves her, but the girl is physically fine. Though there is a harsh bump on the side of her head that is definitely swollen, but beyond that, there is nothing at all that looks off.
The unicorns neigh at each other, staring, and then circle around, as if looking. A gang of unicorns may perhaps be a very accurate way to describe these four, between their neighs and their looking around, the subtle interactions between four horned horses, until they all start into a slight gallop south-bound. Perhaps that means looking for their next victim.
Unicorns? Illyana cant help but to "Awwww." at seeing them, but they are indeed dangerous creatures, and unlike what the mundane might expect an MLP unicorn to be. Still, as most things in the supernatural world are, Illyana knows them to be beautiful, even though they are narcissistic, violent beasts with an evil temperament and a virgin fetish. Good job Illyana has pulled the girl into the forest then, else things might very well go wrong. That would be unfortunate. But aside from the bump on the bonts, she's fine-- It might even be an excuse. So with little more preamble, Illyana hefts her over a shoulder like a sack of potatoes, and begins to head back to the road. This isn't of course over just yet, but at least the objective is in hand. She can be delivered. Maybe Illyana should tell Fiona or Lily about this; Vampires do like virgins, after all. As much, if not more than unicorns: Thoughts for later. For now, Illyana needs to make her way carefully back for the road. Why carefully? Quite simply, Illyana can run easily at thirty miles per hour with bursts of seventy five, but the mundane/unaware are not designed for that, so in spite of Illyana running here, and her perception being enough to avoid dream doors, Illyana now has a normal in hand, so the walk back is going to be slow, cold and uncomfortable, even in the relitive safety of the nightmare.
The cold clings and bites at Illyana relentlessly, and the White Stag watches her from outside the dream as Illyana passes by again. There life around it seems much more living, brighter, as if nature itself responds to its every move. There was a snow leopard that playfully bit its butt last week, but Illyana does not know that, and the Stag only watches. The way back, though much much longer now, is particularly tranquil, one could say comfortable, if it is not for the freezing weather...
A small and little eel slithers its way across, close to where Illyana transitioned into the nightmare at. It wiggles its way at the exact location, circles around, and then opens its mouth as horrendous sharp teeth show. And somehow, it is both in the nightmare and not, for when Illyana draws near in the nightmare, it eeks, fletches its teeth and then tries to slither its way away...
Illyana might remember it, on a report. It is a part of one of those nightmare creatures that existed on the second lab of the underground laboratory. This thing still lives and breathes. It escaped. Or maybe it hasn't... and it just wiggled its way out from the buried ruins?
Illyana has a charg in hand. To that end, she cant go after the repulsive creature. If she did, then the girl might be endangered. Also, Illyana is pissed off by being cold and damp. The fact it's cold really isn't an issue, but it's not comfortable being wet. So of course, with the girl being helpless, Illyana walks into the building she parked beside, brings the girl with her, then casually walks out. Dumping her on the seat in front of Illyana, slumped and unconscious, Illyana drives to the Webstor, depositing her in the recovery room with the story. Texting her father, Illyana informs him where the girl is, her condition and where she was. The report is short and easily understood; There's not much to it. Then, Illyana goes to feed because nightmare pulling is tiring and she's already magically hampered by being virtuous when she really isn't.
(Someone has sent the state police after your target. Perhaps they're a real criminal or perhaps they've been framed, in either case it's up to them to get their arrest warrant handled and removed.
)
Kathlynn was just relaxing in the kitchen of her sorority after getting back from a heart to heart with Penny over at the Trove. They were speaking about her ghostly encounters that she just experienced as well as her conversations afterwards with Sam and Emmeline. She is finally starting to get over the shock of how the world really is, and how she isnt crazy.
Kathlynn relaxes on the couch eating her sandwich.
In this cold midday of December, with not as much light as one would hope for the middle of the day given the dark stormclouds covering the sky, Kathlynn lounges around in the kitchen of the Delta Delta Delta sorority, having gone about her day as usual, probably enjoying her day not only because of the fact that it was Sunday, but also because tomorrow, Monday, there would be no classes or lectures at White Oak, finally the time for festivities had come and classes were over, at least for a little while.
But in Haven there is always something to do, or something to disrupt the peace. No one stays still for too long. And the redhead can probably see two officers walk towards the west from the window in the kitchen. Two men, one of them taller than the average - At least for the rest of the world, men around Haven seemed huge for the most part-, with short brown hair and green eyes. The other a bit shorter, though not below average by any means, this one looking more rugged, and definitely buff, with brown eyes.
And just a minute or two later, with the rise of the mists, the sound of the sorority doors can be heard. Then some mild discussing at the entrance, and, from the other end of the door, the two deputies seem to show again, one of them heading upwards, the other, the shorter one, lingering for a bit longer down the hall, turning to look around to his sides, and in the act, spotting Kathlynn, clearing his throat and walking over into the kitchen, his voice coming out strong and low in tone, but not too loud "Miss... Kathlynn? Student at White Oak, from the Delta Delta Delta sorority?" He asks almost to confirm, even if by the context the answer was evident
Kathlynn looks up puzzled. "Um...yes? I just registered it, if thats your worry. I didn't know where to put the registration since it doesn't have a glove box... but I have it in the back cargo thingy at the moment."
Up close the view of the shorter deputy is much more imposing, standing at 5'11 and wearing a full uniform. Clearly having rolled up his sleeves since he entered the building, since Kathlynn could have sworn they were rolled down just outside the window. There is a lot of muscle in those arms. Brown eyes to match his brown hair, with sharp facial features and a prominent chin.
The officer crosses his arms, making them puff slightly "We- No..." He shakes his head, before looking over to check his lack of partner, presumably since he had just gone up "No, we are here to take you over to the Sheriff's for a couple questions, right around the corner" Kathlynn had probably seen the department a couple times by now, being located just by the entrance of White Oak, right in front of the clinic and to a side of the professor dedicated rooms "We have a couple questions about something that happened... Around a week ago, during the full moon"
Kathlynn looks puzzled at him, her gaze mildly distracted by his very attractive arms. "Um... okay sure. Anything I can do to help." She smiles warmly to him as she gets up and hands him her purse. "You should probably keep this for a while. It has my self-defense revolver in it."
The officer quirks his eyebrow at the handed purse, but there is some appreciation in his expression at the act and the cooperation, uncrossing both arms to take ahold of the purse. Opening it too peer inside while he mentions "You wouldn't be able to use it in any case, with Sanctuary protecting us- But it is appreciated"
"Officer Brown, it should just be a couple questions, if you are cooperative we might not even need to move to the department..." He says in that low voice, eyes more focused on the inside of the purse than on the woman herself, trying to spot said weapon though probably getting a glimpse of anything else in there in the process "Does the name Phil Gibson sound familiar to you, miss?"
Kathlynn eyes widen as he says the word "sanctuary". Shaking her head to his question. "No... I haven't heard the name officer." She looks him in the eyes as they speak, bringing her voice low, "Do you know about the weird stuff in the town?" she asks, trying to be surrupticiously. "I don't mind if we chat here or there... but there might be more private."
There is an odd look cast from officer Brown to Kathlynn "You really are new in town..." He says almost to himself, more than to the redhead right in front of him. There is a sigh, and then one of those huge arms of his moves to leave the purse on top of a table "Everyone enrolled in White Oak is aware- And everyone working for the Sheriff department is as well- Deputies are one of the main forces covering up the existence of the supernatural" There is a brief explanation there, almost as if to make sure the woman understands this, probably as to avoid any trouble with hidding information from him.
"We have a warrant to take you over to the station an interrogate you about his disappearance..." And as he speaks, the other deputy seems to come down the stairs, looking around and spotting his partner, he soon comes into the kitchen as well. This second officer completely in uniform as well, same brown hair, but with piercing green eyes, much taller, at around 6'3, and unlike officer Brown who is built like a tank, with as much muscle as possible in as little space, the unnamed deputy is much more lean, packing everything nicely while keeping somewhat of a figure.
But there's not much time for appreciation, as the rugged man continues explaining "Normally there's not much to look into when it comes to full moons... But we have a witness or two that mention someone with your description with the man, last Saturday, coming out of the Lodge"
Kathlynn eyes widen, "Everyone? But my room mate, didn't know about ghosts either... but she just got here a week ago or so herself..." She realizes she is missing the point. Then his words catch up with her. "Oh, his name was Phil? Yeah, this is going to sound crazy... wait... you understand. Wow,, it is like SO nice to have people believe me here. Back home they told me I was crazy." She shakes her head trying to refocus. "Sorry... yeah... he was like totes possessed by a mom ghost. She wanted me to follow her to her daughters grave, so I did. It was really nice helping her move on. But like then he freaked out thinking I had done something to him." Her shoulders slump over at the memory.
Much more quietly Kathlynn continues, "He ran through the forest. I...i..." she shudders at the memory, "I heard a wolf attack him. I freaked out at ran. I think he was eaten."
"I...im sorry, I just didn't know what to do..." Kathlynn sobs, letting it all out. "I didn't think anyone would believe me..."
Both deputies look between themselves as Kathlynn starts to go off the rails with her own train of thought, officer Brown interjecting at the first question and simply answering "Yes, everyone... And if not fully knowledgeable, they are here to be taught, White Oak is made for the aware" He once again goes into explaining mode, letting out a sigh, his gaze once more directed towards his partner, maybe in a way to say 'might be too much of a newbie' without stating it out loud.
The partner on the other hand, nod at Kathlynn, focusing a bit more on her "We believe you- On the ghosts part at least, we still need to verify a couple more things on the whole- Well, I'm sure you understand... Take your time" He says as he watches the redhead start to sob, his voice a bit more comforting but giving her some space, while creating, just maybe a bit of an awkward scene "Officer Johnson by the way" He adds, now both of them named "So you say he was possessed by a ghost... Took you to a grave and then the man ran off and got attacked by wolves?"