Plotlogs
An Out Of Town Mission 241013
The mission's setting was the bustling yet shadow-clad streets of Boston, where a team assembled for an out-of-town task under the gleaming skyline. Their objective: navigate through the city's underbelly and retrieve the enigmatic Eye of Darkness, guided by Elias but much left to their coordination and skills.
Sienna, eager yet cautious, had hoped for a mission that suited her tech-savvy finesse, expressing disdain for curses and chaotic confrontations. The team, consisting of Victoria, Juniper, Kah, Ash, Nico, and herself, found themselves entwined with the local mob's muscle, Luca, as they ventured into the adult club 'Titty City' for a briefing with the boss, Bruno. Despite the gritty surroundings, their focus remained sharp on the task, navigating through ancient wards and security protocols with a mix of modern hacking and age-old secrecy.
The plan, however, spiraled into chaos as Sienna's attempt to disable the alarms went awry, setting off the museum's security system during their heist. The situation escalated rapidly, forcing Kah to reveal his formidable might against a security guard in a moment of visceral urgency. This action, along with Ash's daring smash into the display case, secured the artifact but not without attracting more attention.
Their escape was a blend of panic and precision, with Juniper disarming guards with the fluidity of a seasoned martial artist and Nico laying down suppressive fire to protect their exit. The tension crescendoed as Elias, heedless of the caution voiced by Kah and others sensitive to the object's malevolence, secured the Eye within his pocket, trusting in preparations made but oblivious to the profound unease it evoked in the more supernaturally attuned members of his crew.
What followed was a desperate retreat through Boston's labyrinthine alleys, their path hampered by both mortal and mystical hindrances. Despite the lethal confrontation and the palpable threat of the artifact they now possessed, the team managed a harrowed return to safety, the Eye of Darkness in tow, its secrets and dangers cradled within the folds of Elias's jacket.
The mission concluded not with the satisfaction of success but with an air of foreboding, as the team contemplated the true nature and potential ramifications of the artifact they had risked so much to acquire. Kah's warning to Elias to handle the Eye with utmost care reflected a mutual recognition of the unknown and possibly perilous power they had unearthed - a sentiment echoed by the unnerved reactions of Victoria and the apprehensive agreement of Juniper, emphasizing the lingering unease that surrounded the Eye's retrieval.
(An out of town mission:SRElias)
[Sat Oct 12 2024]
On The mean streets of Boston
In the shadows of Bostons gleaming skyline, where cobblestone streets give way to crumbling pavement, the slums once stood as a stark contrast to the citys wealth and grandeur. These were neighborhoods where history seemed forgotten, buildings sagging under the weight of neglect, their brick facades peeling like old paint weathered by too many winters.
It is night, about 60F(15C) degrees, There is a waxing gibbous moon.
Sienna pouts her lips at Victoria.
Victoria grins impishly to Sienna and waves a hand in greeting.
Victoria says "Hey, Kah."
Sienna breathes out a soft sigh, stretching her limbs high above her head. "Here's to hoping this mission is more my speed, rather than pew pew pew city with curses and hexes flung left and right," she tells Juniper.
"I was rather hoping it'd be your time to shine, if I'm being honest," Juniper tells Sienna with a bit of a smirk but an acknowledging nod. "This may take more finesse and some gadget expertise. Not the demolition derby style of Dean."
Victoria flits eyes to Juniper for a moment, then chews her lower lip. "I think this might be a little easier physically, not so much mentally perhaps."
The shape of Kah coalesces into the shadows of an old, abandoned tenament building as the giant man steps through them to find himself some distance away from where he'd begun. Noting Victoria and Sienna, the bronzed mountain will flit from shadow to shadow without ever really moving until he's close enough to close the distance without having to cross too much distance publicly. He's not subtle, after all no matter where he find himself. The greeting gets a silent wave of a hand, and a quick smile flashed at Sienna as his chin lifts.
Traversing the weaved pathes through the shadowy realm, you find yourself pathing into a back alley in Boston. Boston this evening is a crisp and cool evening with the sounds of traffic and sirens in the distance. This is the place that Elias had told you all to go, but he didn't say who you all were looking for, but only that you should be nice to his associates. Looking to your direct surroundings, there is trash strewn about this alleyway, but it opens up to a degree leading to a the back of a building with a clearly rear entrance. Over the door, there is a sign hanging over it, with the words STAFF ONLY. The backdoor of a building appears to be guarded by a man with serious intent. The man a literal mountain of muscle and what one would imagine an enforcer of the mob would look like. An Italian man who stands roughly six foot, three inches tall and has to be at least two hundred and fifty pounds of muscle. Dressed in a white wife beater with a leather coat tossed over it, often a large caliber pistol can be seen sticking out from his jacket from a shoulder holster. Crowning the mans head is a baseball cap depicting the imagine of the Boston Red Socks. The mobster seems alarmed at the sudden appearance of people in the alleyway, so he calls out to everyone in a gruff manner, "What are you fuckers doing out there? Come into the light so I can get a good look at you. Who are you all anyway?"
It's always amusing to Kah to approach a man who is large, but not compared to him. A single, long stride will bring him to the edges of the shadows but not quite into the light. HIs shadow, and the silouhette of his frame though, may be outlined by whatever dingy lighting is offered up here in the confines of the inner city alley. He hopes to let this be a silent distraction for the man who may be surprised to see something so large, so that his companions can take care of business in the span of moments that will follow.
Sienna bobs her head softly toward Juniper, tapping a hand lightly at her backpack. "That's my hope," she sighs toward the older woman, chin ticking up in quiet regard to Kah. "Hi, big guy," she whispers, though her attention becomes laser focused on the emergent situation that awaits them. Almost immediately, her attention switches over toward Ash, mouthing, "Do the thing."
Ash steps towards the others, speaking quietly with a scrambled, androgynous voice, "Food names only. New guy is Taffy for now." Stepping up just behind Kah, still in the shadows, they ask the man, "Were you not expecting us?"
Juniper might have been looking at the mobster with a moment's consideration before she snorts out a surprised laugh at whatever Victoria whispers in her ear. It changes her overall energy, shifting it to something more relaxed and nonplussed as she steps into the light as requested by the mountain of meat. "Hey," she calls out to the mobster with a tick up of her chin. "If you don't know and Elias then we're probably going to have beef."
The target of Victoria's gaze quickly becomes that man speaking to all of them after leaning to whisper something to Juniper. Her eyes narrow and there's a look of faint amusement as she regards the Italian. She remains silent, arms crossed over her chest.
Juniper said, "don't know AN* Elias."
"Ho-leeey fucking shit. Is the eeN Bee EEhhh in town? Shack doesn't have shit on that." The thug says as he looks up at Kah as he approaches. He pauses for a moment as Ash approaches into the light. A glimmering of light hits their ring which draws the big Italian's attention before looking over to Juniper as she approaches too, "Oh, you are Elias' crew for the job. You look like.... Well, he knows how to pick 'em. Is he doing a heist or are we filming a Tee-Vee show? You girls are fucking hot." He looks back to Kah, holding out his hand to Ash, "Name's Luca. Yeah, I was expectin' ya's."
Nico remains standing behind Juniper, rifle slung loosely over his shoulder as his gaze shifts to the mobster. He tilts his head ever so slightly to the side, acting all the part like the silent, faceless shock trooper from any game or movie. An intimidating presence, if nothing else.
Sienna slips back away from the group and drops to a knee, unshouldering her backpack to pull out her slim laptop. The screen is flicked open, fingers flying quietly over the keys as she begins clicking through programs while the group engage with Luca.
Ash holds a hand out to the man, nodding. "Call me Pix. Good to hear that we're all friends. And yeah, the crew is pretty fab." They nod over their head at the sexy trio, before turning back to the man. "Alright, Luca, give us the rundown. What's the deal, here?"
"Thank you," Juniper replies leisurely, as if the compliment were old news, accepting on behalf of the other women too it seems. "You can call me Spice," she replies and then pauses for Ash's introduction and following question, flicking her eyes over to them to show Luca the answer can be given to Ash.
Both of Victoria's brows lift subtly at Luca's words. There's a tiny shake of her head, perhaps in disbelief, though she looks entirely nonplussed.
As things take a turn for the non-violent the frame and silouhette of Kah relaxes a hair. He steps forward enough to be seen, and whatever expectations meat-head has they're probbably met. He sidles over toward Sienna to stand somewhat protectively over her as she turns her attention away from her surroundings and toward the computer in her hands. He doesn't provide a name at all. Doesn't speak, just looms until he does eventually roll his neck. The soft night is broken with the faint sound of pops, cracks, and crackles.
"Alright, lets go in and meet with the boss. He has been expecting you guys." The big thug (but not as big as Kah of a man that is Luca says to those gathered, opening up the backdoor into the 'establishment'. For those that want to follow along, stepping into the back areas of the adult club known as 'Titty City' bares all the hallmarks of such an business. The worn down structure has seen better years and that much is obvious to all stepping into the hallway. Old dingy carpet covers the floors and the overwhelming recipe of the scent of sweat, stale booze, and with a small pinch of shame for a hint of seasoning to it. There are 'performers' walking around in their panties topless between their times on the stage. Hooking a right into an office, Luca guides everyone into the office before he steps out closing the door. Inside the office, there is old nineteen seventies era shag carpeting that was likely once a vibrant green, but now is only a dingy brown with faint green hues. There is an old red couch with various 'mystery' stains left behind from long ago or perhaps even more recently, it is hard to know for sure. Adjacent to the couch is an old oak table with another Italian man leaning up against it. He is a well-build man with short, dark greasy hair of Italian decent. With dark eyes, the man has a very strong jaw-line covered in a dense stubble. He stands overall roughly six foot tall and has a scent of strong cologne about him. He wears a dark blue button up shirt, only buttoned up two-thirds of the way, revealing dark curly chest hair and the clich gold chain necklace. Tucked into his belt-line on clear display is a large caliber pistol. The mobster gestures over to the couch, offering "Please, have a seat and we can discuss the plan. Fo...." The man takes a pause, before correcting himself, "Elias. He is already scouting ahead, but the plan should go like clockwork. Name's Bruno and I run things around here. Of course we are going to get our cut out of this, but if it all goes right, it will be easy in and easy out, not a smash and grab. I expect you all to be professionals." Bruno picks up a pack of cigarettes form the desk, offering them to anyone interested before taking for himself, taking a long drag from it before continuing, "So, we will be the ones getting you in, but after that, you are on your own. Some of the boys will be standing by if things go south, but it shouldn't. Paid off one of the guards there and he let us know on any shift, there is fifteen guards on duty, but they are heavily armed. He said he would turn off the surveillance cameras and he gave us the code for the side door, five five three seven."
For her part, Victoria stays closely behind Juniper, taking in the surroundings while chewing absently on one corner of her lower lip.
Ash nods to Bruno, drawling through the voice scrambler, "You can call me Pixie, a real pleasure, sir. Five Five Three Seven. You got the plans for the place?" They glance over their shoulder at Sienna, since there's no hiding that she's the tech person. They don't clarify if they're talking to her or Bruno, leaving either to answer. "We're professionals. Is there something we need to pick up for your cut, or has that been handled?" They have more questions, but they pause, unwilling to drown the guy in words as they have a habit of doing.
Juniper would follow Luca in, naturally, seeming to have no qualms with whatever Elias has set up for the team or perhaps just simply a little too confident in the might of the team at her side and flank. She politely refuses to take a seat on that mystery stained couch and just offers a thin smile to Bruno instead. Content to let Ash continue their questioning spree, she inspects her nails instead - a deflection tactic disguised as a lazy habit.
Sienna follows Luca and the other sinto the dingy back areas of Titty City, her nose wrinkling slightly at the overwhelming scent of sweat, booze, and something else that lingers in the air. Her steps are cautious as she takes in the worn-down structure, eyes flickering over the performers moving between their shifts. Once inside the office, she hesitates for a moment before slipping toward the statined couch, expression unreadable and head ducked low while she closes the lid on her laptop and reconfigures it into a tablet, the screen flickering back to life. "I've got the whole schematics, secured areas and all," she announces quietly, head lifting to look across toward the mobster with a faint smile. "Where's the control point for the survellience system? And where are your men going to be staged? What's the exit plan, and back up plan, if shit goes left?"
Kah this part of the meeting is easy enough for me. He stays in the back of the group while greater minds and sharper thinkers handle the business negotiation portion of things. He's content to keep to himself, quiet in the background as he watches, and listens. This he does well, however, carefully paying attention to each and everything this bruno says as he watches the man.
Nico follows the others into the office with long, measured strides, still staying silent. Just a looming, faceless thug. As the others speak, he casts his gaze around the dingy office, eyes coming back to rest on the apparent 'boss'.
Addressing 'Pixie' Bruno takes a long drag from his cigarette, almost finishing it in one go before he answers them, "A map? Are we James Bonding this? Double-O whatever? You just go through the door, hang a right through the Egyptian room, and back into that Indian display back there. You can't miss it, the stupid thing dominates the room. It is like a big black eye. Just not the kind you get from grabbing Luca's sister's ass though. Like the stone kind." And when he looks at Sienna, all her questions seem to go right over Bruno's head and he answers, "Yeah, that shit. Good job." The Italian mob lieutenant glances over to Kah, but says nothing as he goes back to Ash, "That answer your questions?"
The corners of Victoria's mouth turn downwards in a somewhat disgusted frown, her nose wrinkling momentarily as she listens to Bruno. Eventually curiosity overtakes her expression and she glances toward Juniper, then turns her gaze to Sienna with a nod of her head.
Ash hums before asking, "Are you Aware? You know of any extra protections? And are there mirrors in that room?" There's a hint of finality here, to suggest that this is the last of their questions. They look towards the exit, then their mask looks in the direction of the others, as if to ask, 'Y'all got anything?' They're readjusting their equipment, leaning on a back foot so that they can spin away.
"Aware of the Hand, your merc group, or magic shit? I mean, that is more Elias' thing with all that. That Museum might have ties with one of the circles though, magic shit ends up in there way more than you would think. But I don't know any of that voodoo. Nothing like a lead slug to the brow to get some fucker to leave you be." The mob boss explains to Ash, "Elias might have already gotten it figured out, I don't know. Just send the new kid of the group in first. They gotta earn their place somehow." Bruno doesn't point out who that is in the group, how would he even know?
Ash chuckles to Bruno, nodding. "Fair enough. Thank you for your time and help, Bruno." Turning to the rest, they ask, "Anything, from y'all? I'm ready to head over, otherwise."
"I've been in the room, seen the artifact, Pix," Juniper speaks up then, casting a glance to the rest of the 'team'. "Elias and I were there last night," she explains with a slid glance over Bruno, making a quiet assessment. "This help with the shifts and the surveillance is more than I thought we'd have. Our thanks, Bruno."
"You didn't think that was something vital you could've told us all before we arrived?" Sienna hushedly asks of Juniper low under her breath, slipping over, careful to keep her eyes low.
Juniper quirks her brow at Sienna. "We arrived in Bruno's lap, we haven't had the time, Shug."
Ash waves a hand to Sienna, softly saying, "A conversation for en route. Anything for Bruno before we go?"
"Good choice of words there," Victoria grimaces to Juniper.
Sienna levels an ice-eyed stare in Ash's direction.
"Enough wasting time." Bruno says gruffly, grinding the cigarette out on the side of his desk sending ashes down into the disgraced shag carpeting. Waiting out back as four black SUVs pull up. Several mobsters start loading into the vehicle with Bruno stating to the adventurers, "Get in the cars, it is time to make some money." And with that, after those that want to get into the vehicles do and the SUVs pull out of the alleyway and out onto the streets. While it is evening, in many ways the city is still alive but less so than at more reasonable hours, but it will have to do. The SUVs break off, parking a few blocks away from the Boston Museum of Natural History. Bruno, who is in front of the SUV, motions out the door, "Text me if shit goes sideways, but it will probably get obvious if that is the case." And once everyone piles out of the SUV, a familiar looking dark haired man wearing a black suit approaches the van, "Good evening." He says with an easy smile crossing his face as he shifts his gray-blue eyes over towards the Museum across the street, "Hopefully this will go like clock work, in and out." And of course for those that know him, quickly know that this is Elias. He does tap on the window, just to offer a small wave to Bruno before focusing back on the rest, "So, the layout isn't too bad, the security system is state of the art, but I greased some palms so if everything goes as it should, it will be easy. But nothing ever does, so just keep that in mind. Bruno give you guys the code? Anyway, any questions before we go in and get the Eye?"
Juniper gives a quick glance at Kah and Victoria with a more serious set to her jaw before they move to follow Bruno.
Kah was paused and didn't realize it, so he's scrolling and catching up. Assume he's just on board with everyone's stuff for a minute!
Nico inclines his head, falling in behind Juniper, letting her take the lead.
Sienna piles into a seat in one of the available SUVs, keeping silent but watchful as they rumble through the city streets. She tugs a black cap over her blonde hair, adjusting it low to shadow her bespectacled eyes as they near the museum. Once parked, she swings her backpack over her shoulder, her gaze sweeping over the group with quiet set of her mouth. With a deep breath inhaled, she remains wordless, gesturing in silence that she has nothing further to ask.
Kah is climbing into the back of one as well, squeezing himself into the confines of the vehicle as they all proceed to get on the move. Glances are exchanged between himself and Juniper first, then the rest of his allies and friends before giving a quick lift of his chin at each of them. A silent pulse check to make sure they know he's still on alert, and watching their back.
Ash follows into the SUV as bidden, checking their phone as they do. "The scouts have your trip recorded, it seems. Saves time explaining." They share the mix of animated video, text, and drawings from the scout report with Sienna, if she is inclined, on the short ride over. "So... huh, I hope you enjoy the Egyptian exhibit, Kah. Did you see any mirrors, June?"
When they arrrive, they greet Elias, leaning in to murmur to him, "Five five Three Seven." Leaning back, they ask him the same question. "Did you see any mirrors? Perhaps native ones?" They turn off their phone, the scout logs not fully observed, only up until someone started to express how unnatural and bad the Eye made her feel, how it's magic felt destructive - something that Kah may also have picked up if he looked over the logs, with them.
"I figured some of us could go into the Nightmare, and others could go in the Real, but it's your mission." They shrug to someone, giving their thoughts and input.
Ash follows into the SUV as bidden, checking their phone as they do. "The scouts have your trip recorded, it seems. Saves time explaining." They share the mix of animated video, text, and drawings from the scout report with Sienna, if she is inclined, on the short ride over. "So... huh, I hope you enjoy the Egyptian exhibit, Kah. Did you see any mirrors, June?"
When they arrrive, they greet Elias, leaning in to murmur to him, "Five five Three Seven." Leaning back, they ask him the same question. "Did you see any mirrors? Perhaps native ones?" They turn off their phone, the scout logs not fully observed, only up until Juniper started to express how unnatural and bad the Eye made her feel, how it's magic felt destructive - something that Kah may also have picked up if he looked over the logs, with them.
"I figured some of us could go into the Nightmare, and others could go in the Real, but it's your mission." They shrug to someone, giving their thoughts and input.
Ash follows into the SUV as bidden, checking their phone as they do. "The scouts have your trip recorded, it seems. Saves time explaining." They share the mix of animated video, text, and drawings from the scout report with Sienna, if she is inclined, on the short ride over. "So... huh, I hope you enjoy the Egyptian exhibit, Kah. Did you see any mirrors, June?"
When they arrrive, they greet Elias, leaning in to murmur to him, "Five five Three Seven." Leaning back, they ask him the same question. "Did you see any mirrors? Perhaps native ones?" They turn off their phone, the scout logs not fully observed, only up until Juniper started to express how unnatural and bad the Eye made her feel, how it's magic felt destructive - something that Kah may also have picked up if he looked over the logs, with them.
"I figured some of us could go into the Nightmare, and others could go in the Real, but it's your mission." They shrug to Elias, giving their thoughts and input.
Juniper seems content with whatever response she received from Kah and his presence, though it doesn't compare to the evident relaxation of her shoulders when a familiar face in a black suit raps on the window. Once she has unfolded herself from the back of the SUV, she takes her place close to someone' shoulder without making any overt gestures of affection. "I'm good on the question front," she at least provides as response to the man, only starting to seem slightly more on edge once again as thoughts turn to what awaits them inside.
Juniper seems content with whatever response she received from Kah and his presence, though it doesn't compare to the evident relaxation of her shoulders when a familiar face in a black suit raps on the window. Once she has unfolded herself from the back of the SUV, she takes her place close to Elias's shoulder without making any overt gestures of affection. "I'm good on the question front," she at least provides as response to the man, only starting to seem slightly more on edge once again as thoughts turn to what awaits them inside.
Nico clambers on into the back of an SUV, resting his rifle between his knees, barrel to the roof. He glances around at the others, raising a brow as he glances down at his phone, before snapping his gaze up. "Worst to worst, I can post up outside, keep an eye out for any unexpected guests. But, if y'all decide you want a gun on the inside, that's also an option."
Victoria slides out of a seat in the SUV shortly after Juniper, stretching her arms momentarily. "All good here, no questions," she states softly with a shake of her head from side to side as she finishes her stretch.
"Yeah, it really isn't going to be an option in there. The structure is lined with a warding circle. They seem almost invisible, but pathing and the nightmare isn't going to work in there. I thought about the same thing, but that is why I had to spend hard earned cash to buy the code." Elias says as he slips his arm around Juniper's waist almost instinctively at this point, "I don't think there is much more as wards go though, not that I noticed. The rest of it is physical security. The cameras are disabled right now as part of the bribe, but the alarms are still active. But that is why Sienna came, right?" He asks, looking over to Sienna with a grin on his face as if they had discussed it previously... But it seems likely they did not.
"What about edges around the door" Kah says quietly. If they run into a door they cannot pass, Kah offers the question curiosly as he doesn't have to think about being quiet to speak quietly. "Or if neccesary I could attempt to drop the warding in an emergency. I would prefer not to" he says flat and firm. He will if it means the difference between success and failure however.
Sienna listens quietly as Elias talks, her expression tightening when he mentions her name. Her eyes narrow slightly, clearly not thrilled by the surprise role being thrust upon her, but she says nothing in protest, resigned to her job. Instead, she adjusts the straps of her backpack, giving Kah a quick glance when he mentions the wards. "I'll do what I can with the alarms," she finally promises, her tone clipped, then adds, "but if the wards around the door are as strong as he says, we might need a backup plan." She palms at her face, tapping her fingers against the side of her backpack. "I did bring Arachne with me in case we need it, but the guy said it was pretty straight forward. When you reconned yesterday, was there anything significant we need to be warned about before we head in?" she asks Elias and Juniper.
"June said that she felt something from it, but I didn't feel anything... It is interesting, but overall I don't know." Elias says to Sienna with a shrug before addressing the issues with the wards and doors, "So, there are warding runes covering the walls in there. There isn't much we are going to do about it without someone noticing. The Museum has ties with the Order and the White Circle. I mean, I am not sure they know what they have, I barely know what it is, but I do know it is on the tablet to show me the way."
Juniper waits for Elias's take on it, watching him with intent hazel gaze before she makes a small frown and looks to Sienna in turn. "I don't know if you'll feel what I did.... since Elias didn't. But regardless of what you feel or not- it's /there/." The blonde woman voices this with a seriousness perhaps not similarly portrayed by the dark-haired and suited man beside her. "Interesting is /not/ what I would call it. I'm not a magic user, and perhaps I'm overreacting but... just know. It may be dormant but it does not mean it is benign."
The larger man merely nods. "I will .. give you what insight I can when we get closer." The benefit of the knowledge forced upon the big man is that he has two perspectives when it comes to things like this. "I think we will be able to take this in measure. Let us get this done. Sooner started, sooner finished" he suggests as Kah grows quiet once more. He doesn't seem impatient though, despite the words. Preperation leads to success, after all.
Sienna presses her mouth into a pensive line, her green eyes shifting instinctively toward Kah, seeking his silent assessment as Juniper and Elias speak. She crosses her arms over her chest, tension clear in the set of her shoulders. "I'll keep that in mind," she responds softly, her gaze flickering from Victoria, Nico, and Ash before returning back to Juniper and Elias. "We do need to get started though. Dormant doesn't mean safe, you're right on that. Eyes pealed and watching each other's sixes once we're instead, right?"
Ash asks carefully, leaning in slightly, "They're anti-nightmare, anti-pathing wards, but not alarm wards? So, theoretically, once Sugar cuts the alarm, we should be clear so long as we avoid the guards, yes?" They stretch, getting ready before adding, "So, Kahrob can scout ahead as a scarab. Give us what your signal will be for incoming guards, if you don't think you can just shift in and out." To Sienna, they request, "Let's see those floorplans, Sugar? We should take a path that gives us hiding space. Are you going in, or waiting out here and using comms? Taffy should stay with you if so, but we could use your skill inside."
Ash talks a mile a minute, but whether it's impatience or efficiency is yet to be seen.
"I can do this" Kah offers easily. "I can make the change more quickly with that form" he explains quietly toward Ash. "though it takes more concentration. Hopefully I will be able to return and report without incident. "
Ash nods to Kah.
Pointing a finger down on the map, Elias explains, "Right here, the side door of the build, we can get with the code. This will get us right into the Egyptian Exhibit. Then over there to the north." He trails his finger on the map, pointing to the north parts of the map, "This is the Indigenous People's Exhibit where the Eye is displayed." He clarifies, before continuing, "Pathing and the nightmare access is restricted, alarm wards might not be much of an option because you can't tag all the visitors during the day and I doubt you can get many to get those to turn on and off with a light switch as it were. I would probably have done it similarly, but it doesn't mean it is the best method. It is possible I also missed some wards when inspecting the place because it was in broad daylight and it is hard to get close looks at all the runes."
"So then Sienna is right," Victoria notes. "We get in, we watch each other's backs, and we expect the unexpected. Standard stuff for a Saturday night, yeah?" She leans over Elias to glance at where he points to on the map, brows knitting together in thought.
Sienna digs out her jail-broken iPhone from an inner pocket of her jacket, quickly pinging everyone's phones with a clean, easy-to-read version of the museum's map at Ash's request. As she listens to everyone, and Elias points out things, her fingers move deftly across the screen, updating the map live with his new information, marking the side door and the path through the Egyptian Exhibit to the Indigenous People's Exhibit. "When you and Auntie Spice," she pauses, glancing between Elias and Juniper, with a distracted smile cast in sidelong agreement to Victoria. "-- When you and Auntie Spice were in there, did you see anything that looked like alarms?"
"I mean. There was some lasers there. I think there might have been some wires attached to the glass of the case." Elias answers probably unhelpfully to Sienna for what she is looking to know, but he continues never the less, "I think there was like one of those security panels, but the cameras should be turned off. I mean, that is a bonus right?"
Ash can't facepalm in their mask, but they try, and learned the hard way.
Juniper also stares at someone with a pained expression. That expression gets turned on Sienna with apology written in it. "I'm sorry, Shug. I was only making physical radius measurements and checking on surveillance. I'm... not the best at knowing what else there is on hand."
Juniper also stares at Elias with a pained expression. That expression gets turned on Sienna with apology written in it. "I'm sorry, Shug. I was only making physical radius measurements and checking on surveillance. I'm... not the best at knowing what else there is on hand."
Sienna squeals in excitement, quickly slapping her hand over her mouth to stifle the sound, her eyes gleaming with a mix of thrill and mischief. She can barely contain herself as she starts to sway from side to side, her hips switching in an excited little dance. "Ive always wanted to do something like this!" she whispers over toward Elias, quickly pulling the strap down on her backpack to show it laden with homebrew - and by homebrew, professionally made, Sienna-approved - equipment. "I've got this. Put me in, coach!" she demands of Ash.
Ash can't show her a smile, but they nod to Sienna, drawling with amusement that might be heard through the scrambler. "Yeah, get to work, Genius! Remember to say the magic words when you're set."
"Well, that settles it, lets get in there and our gadget girl can take care of it all." And with that, Elias starts crossing the street to make his way towards the alleyway on the side of the Museum. Punching in the code to the side door, chirps open and the door unlocks. Pulling the door open and heading in, the room opens up to a massive exhibit room that holds all kinds of Egyptian artifacts, mummy replicas and sarcophagi are displayed, with plaques explaining the intricate mummification process and the Egyptians' beliefs about the afterlife. Canopic jars, once used in burial rituals to store internal organs, are showcased, accompanied by descriptions of their symbolic meanings. Ancient tools and technologies highlight Egyptian innovations in areas such as construction, medicine, and astronomy, while stone tablets and papyrus scrolls offer a glimpse into the world of hieroglyphics and early writing. The room itself is roughly one hundred feet by one hundred feet with cream colored walls and well-maintained tile floor. Everything is concealed in glass cases to prevent people from touching the artifacts and each are labeled with signs with history of the pieces. While this on its own could take up an afternoon inspecting the items on display, that is not what you are here for. To the north, there is a sign above the archway that reads Indigenous People Exhibit. Elias gestures in that direction, whispering, "That is where the eye is being held." And of course it seems like as soon as the dark haired man speaks up, the movement of a flashlight beyond the archway is spotted. It seems like a security guard is coming around on their patrol.
Nico lets out a rumbling laugh at Sienna's visible excitement, doing a quick function test of his rifle before snapping his gaze up. Following the others through the side door, he casts a glance around, wandering away from the door, before pressing himself against a nearby wall as the flashlight is spotted. Letting his rifle hang loose, he instead draws his knife, apparently entirely willing to punish some poor nine-to-fiver for being in the absolutely wrong place at the wrong time.
As they enter the building, Kah puts on a look of concentration as he suddenly shrinks in size as ther group of them begin to enter the building and soon it's a small golden beetle barely noticeable in the dimmer light that follows along with the rest of the group. While they potentially begin to deal with the oncoming guard, Kah can try to slip past and scout ahead toward the room that they're heading toward. He'll try to travel that way and discern what he can before returning to the rest of them. Depending on how they deal with it he will remain hidden until he can safely return to his human shape.
Sienna can barely suppress her giddiness, bouncing lightly on the balls of her feet as they enter the Egyptian exhibit. Her eyes flicker over the artifacts for a fleeting second, captivated by the history, but then she snaps back to focus, reminded of their mission. And it is absolutely, without a doubt, that this girl is off humming Mission Impossible and Indiana Jones-style music low under her breath. She slips away from the group like a thief - wait, she is a thief - to approach the security panel that Elias had described to her early on. She kneels down, her fingers gliding over her tools, pulling out a small hacking device from her bag.
Fate's magic tinkles in the air, and her wrist burns white hot as her mind begins to engage, clarity sharpening while she inspects everything, tracing the circuits with her fingers to ensure she can disable them without triggering any alarms.
Brace for impact.
"GODDAMN IT, PIXIE STIX!!" Sienna hisses irritably under her breath.
And boy does it go horribly wrong. When Sienna screams out against the misfortune, Ash takes a few steps back and bumps into one of the displays which of course, causes a Canopic jar to go tumbling to the ground and smashing it. And with a sudden burst of sound and flashing lights, the alarm system goes off. A loud, ringing bell like an old time bank robbery alarm. The flashlight beam turns and coming through the doorway is a security guard in a black uniform and a MP-5 hanging at the ready, "Hands up!" He shouts, raising the submachine gun at the intruders. Of course, Elias turns to the others, "What the hell just happened?!"
As things begin to go awry, Kah(Kheper Beetle) can't help but curse the luck of it inside his mind. He'll try to make his way toward that guard trying to flitter behind him. If he can make it there without being seen, he'll change back to his human form and try to take the guard by surprise!
While everyone busies themselves with their respective efficiencies, Juniper decides it might be on her to stand point with the approaching guard. She is making stealthy movements to try and- well, when all hell breaks loose, there's no more need for stealth and the blonde at the doorway just considers 'to hell with it' and with some practiced movements, makes to disarm the security guard. "Taffy!" she barks, as if he should get in here to help subdue the fellow.
Nico rolls his eyes behind his mask. Of course. Well, no such thing as a good time to fuck up. Driving himself forward, as the guard's aim is focused on the others, drives forward. Sparing the blade, for the moment, he lunges forward and attempts to drive the pommel of his knife into the side of the guard's noggin.
Ash walks in carefully, quietly, having gained at least a little more skill with stealth since their last sneaky mission. Their masked eyes looks around the care, as they try to keep out of sight, and looking out for Kah. When Sienna takes point to work on the security for the next exhibit, they stand guard against the wall. When she starts hissing for some reason, their head snaps to her, as if surprised, then they slink into the shadows between the wall and an exhibit, ready for whatever comes next. They reach under their suit's gloves, pulling out their charm bracelet. However, Sienna suddenly screams after that, and they flinch back. Freaking out, they suddenly shift- and flit up along the wall.
Keeping closer to Juniper, Victoria draws a slender knife into her hand silently, eyes fixed on the current threat at hand.
Ash(bat) walks in carefully, quietly, having gained at least a little more skill with stealth since their last sneaky mission. Their masked eyes looks around the care, as they try to keep out of sight, and looking out for Kah. When Sienna takes point to work on the security for the next exhibit, they stand guard against the wall. When she starts hissing for some reason, their head snaps to her, as if surprised, then they slink into the shadows between the wall and an exhibit, ready for whatever comes next. They reach under their suit's gloves, pulling out their charm bracelet. However, Sienna suddenly screams after that, and they flinch back. Freaking out, they suddenly shift- and flit up along the wall.
Sienna assumes Ash hit that enter button twice by accident.
Ash didn't shift back, of course, nor did they do anything else twice.
The poor poor security guard doesn't even see it coming as Kah advances on him. While he seems to be far more skilled that one would expect for a Museum, it is nothing compared to the centuries Kah has under his belt. On top of this, Ash's illusionary display, the guard has no hope of noticing Kah before it is too late and with a swift move, either the guard is put to sleep or his neck is broken, whatever Kah had intended to do. Elias gestures over to Juniper and Victoria, "Smash and grab, plan B. It is time to get out of here!"
with caution to the wind now, Kah appears before them all, behind that guard and an enormous hand grips the man's head from the trip like one might palm a basketball. His hand squeezes with a simple motion, and there's a crunching, sickening POP sound like when someone breaks open a melon. The blood and matter spray, but the man hardly blinks as the vitae and grey matter speckle his face. His hand is covered in gore but he barely notes it. "Time to move faster." He says before lifting his chin. "We must be cautious. Even I have never felt something ... worse than myself."
Victoria freezes shortly after Elias speaks, and for a moment her eyes seem to go out of focus as she frowns. She finally shakes her head hard once, attempting to clear her head of whatever she's wrestling with as she turns to Juniper with a worried expression.
Ash flies into the room, heading towards the prominent display of the Eye of Darkness. And, in a moment of chaotic shenanigans, they shift up in the air over the display, letting gravity and their kevlar work in tandem to try and break open the display.
Sharply, Juniper looks to Kah, her suspicions confirmed as Victoria too looks at her with that expression. "Don't touch it, Kah, Vic," she warns with a small growl. "I don't..." Then Ash is potentially throwing themselves at the display in a chaotic move and the blonde's eyes go to Sienna next. "Sugar? You feel /anything/? Fall behind Kah if you can." Whipping her head to Nico next she asks, "What about you? Anything? I don't want that thing sucking you dry and leaving us with a cute but truly useless husk."
Sienna winces at the sickening sound of the guard's fate, though she doesn't stop working on the security systems. "Plan B," she mutters to herself, fingers flying faster over the panel, cutting the last of the alarm systems. She steals a quick glance at the others as they react to Kah's gruesome efficiency, her face paling slightly as the gravity of the situation sets in. The alarms are silenced at long last as she straightens up, woozily, before she swings her bag over a shoulder and takes off.
The sound of gunshots can be heard from outside, like security is fighting someone else as well. Ash appears in midair and free falls onto the case. Indeed, their plan to use themselves as a bludgeoning object to break the glass indeed works. Smashing painfully into the display, even though the kevlar takes the blunt of the impact, it still feels like they used their body as a big hammer. The stone rolls onto the floor as it lays there watching everyone. Elias doesn't hesitate like the others are about the Eye, seemingly unaware of what Kah and Juniper are talking about. He tucks the eye into his pocket of his jacket just as more security guard flashlights are coming, "We are running out of time. The police will respond soon enough too."
Nico shakes his head, the guard apparently no longer his problem to deal with, though he keeps his rifle up regardless. He glances over to Juniper, his low drawl muffled by the mask. "I'm basically deaf on the arcane end of things. I'm not getting anything, but I'm not a great reference point either." Shifting his aim towards the incoming flashlights, he drops to a knee behind a spot of cover. Holding his fire, for now, he primes himself to drop them as they come, finger on the trigger.
Ash gets up with a groan, pushing themselves over to the others, they limp their way back as quickly as they can, drawling to the rest, "We can path as soon as we get out."
Ash(bat) turns into a bat - still injured, but at least it's faster moving. They try to get to Nico, to hang upside down on his tactical vest as the group makes their exit. Should more guards get in view of them, they repeat the same illusions as before.
Juniper makes a pained expression at the way Elias scoops up the 'eye' and stores it against his body. The blonde gives her partner an unusually wide berth now as she gathers up with the rest to slink back out the way they came (presumably) with Nico offering cover fire. She keeps to the shadows and the edges, trying to keep just one step ahead of the perception of any guards heading their way so that she may be swift enough to disarm and/or trip them before he compadres can descend.
Moving quickly to follow in her position just behind and to the side of Juniper, Victoria's frown deepens as Elias takes the item and moves along, keeping it with him. She opens her mouth as if to speak, then closes it again, deciding it not to be the best time, and casts a look over one shoulder cautiously.
"Elias!" Kah barks out sharply, but it's too late. In his pocket now, Kah just glances about quickly. "Let us go" he says in agreement as things start to go apeshit now. The giant of a man steps over the body on the floor but then thinks better of it. He picks it up and slings the headless thing over his shoulder. He looks for who is tkaing point and he's falling in. He's in no place and no mood to be lollygagging about over this.
Nico lets off rounds towards the oncoming security guards, seemingly aiming more to suppress or maim rather than kill. Keeping pace with the rest of the group, he falls back, cover by cover, always pivoting back to keep the guard's heads down. Making sure he's the last man in the stack, he continues bringing up the rear as the rest of the group makes their way outward.
As everyone starts to make their way out the door with Nico following up the rear. There are some security guards that come in, though some are distracted by Ash(bat)'s illusions, the remainder are suppressed by Nico's fire. Heading out the door with Juniper taking point, a guard appears to just about to enter the building from the outside and Juniper trips him with her martial art abilities and in the same fell swoop, she ends up with his MP-5 in her hands. The guard himself is groaning on the ground, holding his head as blood trickles down from it. Outside, the mobsters seem to be in a firefight with the security and how it is going is hard to tell. One thing is for sure now though, the ability of pathing has opened up once you leave the building.
Kah meanwhile uses his larger frame to put in between any incoming fire and the others to help avoid any of the rest of them trying to catch a bullet at the least, and he's keeping himself in motion though he tries to keep himself somewhat apart from Elias right now. ONce they make it outside, It's likely that many of them will start focusing trying to pull up their focus but Kah will point quickly to whatever wall exsits on the other side of that alley! "Come to me!" He says to them urgently.
Juniper would only apply a hit hard enough to knock out the guard on the ground rather than spatter this one's brains before she's slinking out with stolen weapon still in hand (hey, could be useful for the supply shed) and falling on Kah as he barks his own order this time.
Victoria strides quickly toward Kah, nodding her head and casting a glance over to Elias with an uneasy look as she does so. A small grin is given to Juniper as she watches her with the stolen gun in hand.
Ash(bat) just keeps hanging to Nico's vest, climbing around the other side to avoid fire if they have to. They let Kah or someone open the Path, just resting and relying on Nico and the others. They did their thing.
Ash(bat) just keeps hanging to Nico's vest, climbing around the other side to avoid fire if they have to. They let Kah or Juniper open the Path, just resting and relying on Nico and the others. They did their thing.
It may take focus, but Kah tries to gather his allies close around him to follow. He tries to extend his focus, going so far as to reach out, grab people by the collars, scruffs anything he can to get them as close to him as possible. Then he's trying to phase them all through the other wall, to move them out of sight from whoever may pursue and leave no trace. It may work it may not, He's never attempted to take so many with him in this way.
Kah glares at the attempt.
Nico falls back to Kah as the walking relic calls out, shouting as he clears the doorway, "Last man!" With that, he falls in behind the others, small bat in tow. He lets out a quiet "Erk!" of protest at the sudden grab.
Between various sources of magic, pathing, and other techniques (including the hard concrete ground of the alleyway), everyone is able to make it away through the back alleys of Boston. The sounds of the gunshots in the distance end to the sound of sirens through the street. It is apparent that what is going on in the distance is dying down and while it went rough, the objective was completed, the Eye of Darkness was freed.
When they're finally safe enough to slow, Kah will finally look to his hand. Blinking, the man just searches for somewhere he can try to clean off the mess that isn't his own clothing. Not a perfect job, but at least it won't be dripping from the gore. Waiting until others are ready, it's Ash(bat) and Sienna that he'll stand closest to, though Juniper and Victoria are added under that watchful eye soon after. He glances to Elias often , a look of concern over his face. "I do not know what rests within that, but you must be cautious. Cover the eye when you are not studying it." He doesn't know quite why this seems like a good idea. But he knows it is.
"Trust me, I've made no small request in regards to how that thing is treated," Juniper assures Kah, butting in before perhaps someone can answer. "He may not feel the urgency of it, but I certainly hope he can take my word as concern enough."
"Trust me, I've made no small request in regards to how that thing is treated," Juniper assures Kah, butting in before perhaps Elias can answer. "He may not feel the urgency of it, but I certainly hope he can take my word as concern enough."
Ash(bat) is a bat.
Victoria recoils a bit, wrapping her arms around herself. "I don't like it," she states, shaking her head and blinking. "That's the first time I've ever felt...that."
Nico rolls his shoulders, slinging his rifle over his shoulder as the group re-forms. "Regardless of how it's formed, let's get it the hell out of here, hey?"
Nico says "Stored, rather."
Kah nods at Juniper as they take a more timely approach toward getting home, now, without people in immediate pursuit and if nobody else, Kah will begin calling up the shadowy path that will lead us home.
"Oh, I do. I prepared a container for it which is warded after June's words, while I do not sense what you are speaking of, it has to be something, however it is interesting that you two sense it." Elias notes between Juniper and Kah, "I wonder if it is more about your bloodlines." And with that, he prepares to path back with Juniper as well.
Sienna, eager yet cautious, had hoped for a mission that suited her tech-savvy finesse, expressing disdain for curses and chaotic confrontations. The team, consisting of Victoria, Juniper, Kah, Ash, Nico, and herself, found themselves entwined with the local mob's muscle, Luca, as they ventured into the adult club 'Titty City' for a briefing with the boss, Bruno. Despite the gritty surroundings, their focus remained sharp on the task, navigating through ancient wards and security protocols with a mix of modern hacking and age-old secrecy.
The plan, however, spiraled into chaos as Sienna's attempt to disable the alarms went awry, setting off the museum's security system during their heist. The situation escalated rapidly, forcing Kah to reveal his formidable might against a security guard in a moment of visceral urgency. This action, along with Ash's daring smash into the display case, secured the artifact but not without attracting more attention.
Their escape was a blend of panic and precision, with Juniper disarming guards with the fluidity of a seasoned martial artist and Nico laying down suppressive fire to protect their exit. The tension crescendoed as Elias, heedless of the caution voiced by Kah and others sensitive to the object's malevolence, secured the Eye within his pocket, trusting in preparations made but oblivious to the profound unease it evoked in the more supernaturally attuned members of his crew.
What followed was a desperate retreat through Boston's labyrinthine alleys, their path hampered by both mortal and mystical hindrances. Despite the lethal confrontation and the palpable threat of the artifact they now possessed, the team managed a harrowed return to safety, the Eye of Darkness in tow, its secrets and dangers cradled within the folds of Elias's jacket.
The mission concluded not with the satisfaction of success but with an air of foreboding, as the team contemplated the true nature and potential ramifications of the artifact they had risked so much to acquire. Kah's warning to Elias to handle the Eye with utmost care reflected a mutual recognition of the unknown and possibly perilous power they had unearthed - a sentiment echoed by the unnerved reactions of Victoria and the apprehensive agreement of Juniper, emphasizing the lingering unease that surrounded the Eye's retrieval.
(An out of town mission:SRElias)
[Sat Oct 12 2024]
On The mean streets of Boston
In the shadows of Bostons gleaming skyline, where cobblestone streets give way to crumbling pavement, the slums once stood as a stark contrast to the citys wealth and grandeur. These were neighborhoods where history seemed forgotten, buildings sagging under the weight of neglect, their brick facades peeling like old paint weathered by too many winters.
It is night, about 60F(15C) degrees, There is a waxing gibbous moon.
Sienna pouts her lips at Victoria.
Victoria grins impishly to Sienna and waves a hand in greeting.
Victoria says "Hey, Kah."
Sienna breathes out a soft sigh, stretching her limbs high above her head. "Here's to hoping this mission is more my speed, rather than pew pew pew city with curses and hexes flung left and right," she tells Juniper.
"I was rather hoping it'd be your time to shine, if I'm being honest," Juniper tells Sienna with a bit of a smirk but an acknowledging nod. "This may take more finesse and some gadget expertise. Not the demolition derby style of Dean."
Victoria flits eyes to Juniper for a moment, then chews her lower lip. "I think this might be a little easier physically, not so much mentally perhaps."
The shape of Kah coalesces into the shadows of an old, abandoned tenament building as the giant man steps through them to find himself some distance away from where he'd begun. Noting Victoria and Sienna, the bronzed mountain will flit from shadow to shadow without ever really moving until he's close enough to close the distance without having to cross too much distance publicly. He's not subtle, after all no matter where he find himself. The greeting gets a silent wave of a hand, and a quick smile flashed at Sienna as his chin lifts.
Traversing the weaved pathes through the shadowy realm, you find yourself pathing into a back alley in Boston. Boston this evening is a crisp and cool evening with the sounds of traffic and sirens in the distance. This is the place that Elias had told you all to go, but he didn't say who you all were looking for, but only that you should be nice to his associates. Looking to your direct surroundings, there is trash strewn about this alleyway, but it opens up to a degree leading to a the back of a building with a clearly rear entrance. Over the door, there is a sign hanging over it, with the words STAFF ONLY. The backdoor of a building appears to be guarded by a man with serious intent. The man a literal mountain of muscle and what one would imagine an enforcer of the mob would look like. An Italian man who stands roughly six foot, three inches tall and has to be at least two hundred and fifty pounds of muscle. Dressed in a white wife beater with a leather coat tossed over it, often a large caliber pistol can be seen sticking out from his jacket from a shoulder holster. Crowning the mans head is a baseball cap depicting the imagine of the Boston Red Socks. The mobster seems alarmed at the sudden appearance of people in the alleyway, so he calls out to everyone in a gruff manner, "What are you fuckers doing out there? Come into the light so I can get a good look at you. Who are you all anyway?"
It's always amusing to Kah to approach a man who is large, but not compared to him. A single, long stride will bring him to the edges of the shadows but not quite into the light. HIs shadow, and the silouhette of his frame though, may be outlined by whatever dingy lighting is offered up here in the confines of the inner city alley. He hopes to let this be a silent distraction for the man who may be surprised to see something so large, so that his companions can take care of business in the span of moments that will follow.
Sienna bobs her head softly toward Juniper, tapping a hand lightly at her backpack. "That's my hope," she sighs toward the older woman, chin ticking up in quiet regard to Kah. "Hi, big guy," she whispers, though her attention becomes laser focused on the emergent situation that awaits them. Almost immediately, her attention switches over toward Ash, mouthing, "Do the thing."
Ash steps towards the others, speaking quietly with a scrambled, androgynous voice, "Food names only. New guy is Taffy for now." Stepping up just behind Kah, still in the shadows, they ask the man, "Were you not expecting us?"
Juniper might have been looking at the mobster with a moment's consideration before she snorts out a surprised laugh at whatever Victoria whispers in her ear. It changes her overall energy, shifting it to something more relaxed and nonplussed as she steps into the light as requested by the mountain of meat. "Hey," she calls out to the mobster with a tick up of her chin. "If you don't know and Elias then we're probably going to have beef."
The target of Victoria's gaze quickly becomes that man speaking to all of them after leaning to whisper something to Juniper. Her eyes narrow and there's a look of faint amusement as she regards the Italian. She remains silent, arms crossed over her chest.
Juniper said, "don't know AN* Elias."
"Ho-leeey fucking shit. Is the eeN Bee EEhhh in town? Shack doesn't have shit on that." The thug says as he looks up at Kah as he approaches. He pauses for a moment as Ash approaches into the light. A glimmering of light hits their ring which draws the big Italian's attention before looking over to Juniper as she approaches too, "Oh, you are Elias' crew for the job. You look like.... Well, he knows how to pick 'em. Is he doing a heist or are we filming a Tee-Vee show? You girls are fucking hot." He looks back to Kah, holding out his hand to Ash, "Name's Luca. Yeah, I was expectin' ya's."
Nico remains standing behind Juniper, rifle slung loosely over his shoulder as his gaze shifts to the mobster. He tilts his head ever so slightly to the side, acting all the part like the silent, faceless shock trooper from any game or movie. An intimidating presence, if nothing else.
Sienna slips back away from the group and drops to a knee, unshouldering her backpack to pull out her slim laptop. The screen is flicked open, fingers flying quietly over the keys as she begins clicking through programs while the group engage with Luca.
Ash holds a hand out to the man, nodding. "Call me Pix. Good to hear that we're all friends. And yeah, the crew is pretty fab." They nod over their head at the sexy trio, before turning back to the man. "Alright, Luca, give us the rundown. What's the deal, here?"
"Thank you," Juniper replies leisurely, as if the compliment were old news, accepting on behalf of the other women too it seems. "You can call me Spice," she replies and then pauses for Ash's introduction and following question, flicking her eyes over to them to show Luca the answer can be given to Ash.
Both of Victoria's brows lift subtly at Luca's words. There's a tiny shake of her head, perhaps in disbelief, though she looks entirely nonplussed.
As things take a turn for the non-violent the frame and silouhette of Kah relaxes a hair. He steps forward enough to be seen, and whatever expectations meat-head has they're probbably met. He sidles over toward Sienna to stand somewhat protectively over her as she turns her attention away from her surroundings and toward the computer in her hands. He doesn't provide a name at all. Doesn't speak, just looms until he does eventually roll his neck. The soft night is broken with the faint sound of pops, cracks, and crackles.
"Alright, lets go in and meet with the boss. He has been expecting you guys." The big thug (but not as big as Kah of a man that is Luca says to those gathered, opening up the backdoor into the 'establishment'. For those that want to follow along, stepping into the back areas of the adult club known as 'Titty City' bares all the hallmarks of such an business. The worn down structure has seen better years and that much is obvious to all stepping into the hallway. Old dingy carpet covers the floors and the overwhelming recipe of the scent of sweat, stale booze, and with a small pinch of shame for a hint of seasoning to it. There are 'performers' walking around in their panties topless between their times on the stage. Hooking a right into an office, Luca guides everyone into the office before he steps out closing the door. Inside the office, there is old nineteen seventies era shag carpeting that was likely once a vibrant green, but now is only a dingy brown with faint green hues. There is an old red couch with various 'mystery' stains left behind from long ago or perhaps even more recently, it is hard to know for sure. Adjacent to the couch is an old oak table with another Italian man leaning up against it. He is a well-build man with short, dark greasy hair of Italian decent. With dark eyes, the man has a very strong jaw-line covered in a dense stubble. He stands overall roughly six foot tall and has a scent of strong cologne about him. He wears a dark blue button up shirt, only buttoned up two-thirds of the way, revealing dark curly chest hair and the clich gold chain necklace. Tucked into his belt-line on clear display is a large caliber pistol. The mobster gestures over to the couch, offering "Please, have a seat and we can discuss the plan. Fo...." The man takes a pause, before correcting himself, "Elias. He is already scouting ahead, but the plan should go like clockwork. Name's Bruno and I run things around here. Of course we are going to get our cut out of this, but if it all goes right, it will be easy in and easy out, not a smash and grab. I expect you all to be professionals." Bruno picks up a pack of cigarettes form the desk, offering them to anyone interested before taking for himself, taking a long drag from it before continuing, "So, we will be the ones getting you in, but after that, you are on your own. Some of the boys will be standing by if things go south, but it shouldn't. Paid off one of the guards there and he let us know on any shift, there is fifteen guards on duty, but they are heavily armed. He said he would turn off the surveillance cameras and he gave us the code for the side door, five five three seven."
For her part, Victoria stays closely behind Juniper, taking in the surroundings while chewing absently on one corner of her lower lip.
Ash nods to Bruno, drawling through the voice scrambler, "You can call me Pixie, a real pleasure, sir. Five Five Three Seven. You got the plans for the place?" They glance over their shoulder at Sienna, since there's no hiding that she's the tech person. They don't clarify if they're talking to her or Bruno, leaving either to answer. "We're professionals. Is there something we need to pick up for your cut, or has that been handled?" They have more questions, but they pause, unwilling to drown the guy in words as they have a habit of doing.
Juniper would follow Luca in, naturally, seeming to have no qualms with whatever Elias has set up for the team or perhaps just simply a little too confident in the might of the team at her side and flank. She politely refuses to take a seat on that mystery stained couch and just offers a thin smile to Bruno instead. Content to let Ash continue their questioning spree, she inspects her nails instead - a deflection tactic disguised as a lazy habit.
Sienna follows Luca and the other sinto the dingy back areas of Titty City, her nose wrinkling slightly at the overwhelming scent of sweat, booze, and something else that lingers in the air. Her steps are cautious as she takes in the worn-down structure, eyes flickering over the performers moving between their shifts. Once inside the office, she hesitates for a moment before slipping toward the statined couch, expression unreadable and head ducked low while she closes the lid on her laptop and reconfigures it into a tablet, the screen flickering back to life. "I've got the whole schematics, secured areas and all," she announces quietly, head lifting to look across toward the mobster with a faint smile. "Where's the control point for the survellience system? And where are your men going to be staged? What's the exit plan, and back up plan, if shit goes left?"
Kah this part of the meeting is easy enough for me. He stays in the back of the group while greater minds and sharper thinkers handle the business negotiation portion of things. He's content to keep to himself, quiet in the background as he watches, and listens. This he does well, however, carefully paying attention to each and everything this bruno says as he watches the man.
Nico follows the others into the office with long, measured strides, still staying silent. Just a looming, faceless thug. As the others speak, he casts his gaze around the dingy office, eyes coming back to rest on the apparent 'boss'.
Addressing 'Pixie' Bruno takes a long drag from his cigarette, almost finishing it in one go before he answers them, "A map? Are we James Bonding this? Double-O whatever? You just go through the door, hang a right through the Egyptian room, and back into that Indian display back there. You can't miss it, the stupid thing dominates the room. It is like a big black eye. Just not the kind you get from grabbing Luca's sister's ass though. Like the stone kind." And when he looks at Sienna, all her questions seem to go right over Bruno's head and he answers, "Yeah, that shit. Good job." The Italian mob lieutenant glances over to Kah, but says nothing as he goes back to Ash, "That answer your questions?"
The corners of Victoria's mouth turn downwards in a somewhat disgusted frown, her nose wrinkling momentarily as she listens to Bruno. Eventually curiosity overtakes her expression and she glances toward Juniper, then turns her gaze to Sienna with a nod of her head.
Ash hums before asking, "Are you Aware? You know of any extra protections? And are there mirrors in that room?" There's a hint of finality here, to suggest that this is the last of their questions. They look towards the exit, then their mask looks in the direction of the others, as if to ask, 'Y'all got anything?' They're readjusting their equipment, leaning on a back foot so that they can spin away.
"Aware of the Hand, your merc group, or magic shit? I mean, that is more Elias' thing with all that. That Museum might have ties with one of the circles though, magic shit ends up in there way more than you would think. But I don't know any of that voodoo. Nothing like a lead slug to the brow to get some fucker to leave you be." The mob boss explains to Ash, "Elias might have already gotten it figured out, I don't know. Just send the new kid of the group in first. They gotta earn their place somehow." Bruno doesn't point out who that is in the group, how would he even know?
Ash chuckles to Bruno, nodding. "Fair enough. Thank you for your time and help, Bruno." Turning to the rest, they ask, "Anything, from y'all? I'm ready to head over, otherwise."
"I've been in the room, seen the artifact, Pix," Juniper speaks up then, casting a glance to the rest of the 'team'. "Elias and I were there last night," she explains with a slid glance over Bruno, making a quiet assessment. "This help with the shifts and the surveillance is more than I thought we'd have. Our thanks, Bruno."
"You didn't think that was something vital you could've told us all before we arrived?" Sienna hushedly asks of Juniper low under her breath, slipping over, careful to keep her eyes low.
Juniper quirks her brow at Sienna. "We arrived in Bruno's lap, we haven't had the time, Shug."
Ash waves a hand to Sienna, softly saying, "A conversation for en route. Anything for Bruno before we go?"
"Good choice of words there," Victoria grimaces to Juniper.
Sienna levels an ice-eyed stare in Ash's direction.
"Enough wasting time." Bruno says gruffly, grinding the cigarette out on the side of his desk sending ashes down into the disgraced shag carpeting. Waiting out back as four black SUVs pull up. Several mobsters start loading into the vehicle with Bruno stating to the adventurers, "Get in the cars, it is time to make some money." And with that, after those that want to get into the vehicles do and the SUVs pull out of the alleyway and out onto the streets. While it is evening, in many ways the city is still alive but less so than at more reasonable hours, but it will have to do. The SUVs break off, parking a few blocks away from the Boston Museum of Natural History. Bruno, who is in front of the SUV, motions out the door, "Text me if shit goes sideways, but it will probably get obvious if that is the case." And once everyone piles out of the SUV, a familiar looking dark haired man wearing a black suit approaches the van, "Good evening." He says with an easy smile crossing his face as he shifts his gray-blue eyes over towards the Museum across the street, "Hopefully this will go like clock work, in and out." And of course for those that know him, quickly know that this is Elias. He does tap on the window, just to offer a small wave to Bruno before focusing back on the rest, "So, the layout isn't too bad, the security system is state of the art, but I greased some palms so if everything goes as it should, it will be easy. But nothing ever does, so just keep that in mind. Bruno give you guys the code? Anyway, any questions before we go in and get the Eye?"
Juniper gives a quick glance at Kah and Victoria with a more serious set to her jaw before they move to follow Bruno.
Kah was paused and didn't realize it, so he's scrolling and catching up. Assume he's just on board with everyone's stuff for a minute!
Nico inclines his head, falling in behind Juniper, letting her take the lead.
Sienna piles into a seat in one of the available SUVs, keeping silent but watchful as they rumble through the city streets. She tugs a black cap over her blonde hair, adjusting it low to shadow her bespectacled eyes as they near the museum. Once parked, she swings her backpack over her shoulder, her gaze sweeping over the group with quiet set of her mouth. With a deep breath inhaled, she remains wordless, gesturing in silence that she has nothing further to ask.
Kah is climbing into the back of one as well, squeezing himself into the confines of the vehicle as they all proceed to get on the move. Glances are exchanged between himself and Juniper first, then the rest of his allies and friends before giving a quick lift of his chin at each of them. A silent pulse check to make sure they know he's still on alert, and watching their back.
Ash follows into the SUV as bidden, checking their phone as they do. "The scouts have your trip recorded, it seems. Saves time explaining." They share the mix of animated video, text, and drawings from the scout report with Sienna, if she is inclined, on the short ride over. "So... huh, I hope you enjoy the Egyptian exhibit, Kah. Did you see any mirrors, June?"
When they arrrive, they greet Elias, leaning in to murmur to him, "Five five Three Seven." Leaning back, they ask him the same question. "Did you see any mirrors? Perhaps native ones?" They turn off their phone, the scout logs not fully observed, only up until someone started to express how unnatural and bad the Eye made her feel, how it's magic felt destructive - something that Kah may also have picked up if he looked over the logs, with them.
"I figured some of us could go into the Nightmare, and others could go in the Real, but it's your mission." They shrug to someone, giving their thoughts and input.
Ash follows into the SUV as bidden, checking their phone as they do. "The scouts have your trip recorded, it seems. Saves time explaining." They share the mix of animated video, text, and drawings from the scout report with Sienna, if she is inclined, on the short ride over. "So... huh, I hope you enjoy the Egyptian exhibit, Kah. Did you see any mirrors, June?"
When they arrrive, they greet Elias, leaning in to murmur to him, "Five five Three Seven." Leaning back, they ask him the same question. "Did you see any mirrors? Perhaps native ones?" They turn off their phone, the scout logs not fully observed, only up until Juniper started to express how unnatural and bad the Eye made her feel, how it's magic felt destructive - something that Kah may also have picked up if he looked over the logs, with them.
"I figured some of us could go into the Nightmare, and others could go in the Real, but it's your mission." They shrug to someone, giving their thoughts and input.
Ash follows into the SUV as bidden, checking their phone as they do. "The scouts have your trip recorded, it seems. Saves time explaining." They share the mix of animated video, text, and drawings from the scout report with Sienna, if she is inclined, on the short ride over. "So... huh, I hope you enjoy the Egyptian exhibit, Kah. Did you see any mirrors, June?"
When they arrrive, they greet Elias, leaning in to murmur to him, "Five five Three Seven." Leaning back, they ask him the same question. "Did you see any mirrors? Perhaps native ones?" They turn off their phone, the scout logs not fully observed, only up until Juniper started to express how unnatural and bad the Eye made her feel, how it's magic felt destructive - something that Kah may also have picked up if he looked over the logs, with them.
"I figured some of us could go into the Nightmare, and others could go in the Real, but it's your mission." They shrug to Elias, giving their thoughts and input.
Juniper seems content with whatever response she received from Kah and his presence, though it doesn't compare to the evident relaxation of her shoulders when a familiar face in a black suit raps on the window. Once she has unfolded herself from the back of the SUV, she takes her place close to someone' shoulder without making any overt gestures of affection. "I'm good on the question front," she at least provides as response to the man, only starting to seem slightly more on edge once again as thoughts turn to what awaits them inside.
Juniper seems content with whatever response she received from Kah and his presence, though it doesn't compare to the evident relaxation of her shoulders when a familiar face in a black suit raps on the window. Once she has unfolded herself from the back of the SUV, she takes her place close to Elias's shoulder without making any overt gestures of affection. "I'm good on the question front," she at least provides as response to the man, only starting to seem slightly more on edge once again as thoughts turn to what awaits them inside.
Nico clambers on into the back of an SUV, resting his rifle between his knees, barrel to the roof. He glances around at the others, raising a brow as he glances down at his phone, before snapping his gaze up. "Worst to worst, I can post up outside, keep an eye out for any unexpected guests. But, if y'all decide you want a gun on the inside, that's also an option."
Victoria slides out of a seat in the SUV shortly after Juniper, stretching her arms momentarily. "All good here, no questions," she states softly with a shake of her head from side to side as she finishes her stretch.
"Yeah, it really isn't going to be an option in there. The structure is lined with a warding circle. They seem almost invisible, but pathing and the nightmare isn't going to work in there. I thought about the same thing, but that is why I had to spend hard earned cash to buy the code." Elias says as he slips his arm around Juniper's waist almost instinctively at this point, "I don't think there is much more as wards go though, not that I noticed. The rest of it is physical security. The cameras are disabled right now as part of the bribe, but the alarms are still active. But that is why Sienna came, right?" He asks, looking over to Sienna with a grin on his face as if they had discussed it previously... But it seems likely they did not.
"What about edges around the door" Kah says quietly. If they run into a door they cannot pass, Kah offers the question curiosly as he doesn't have to think about being quiet to speak quietly. "Or if neccesary I could attempt to drop the warding in an emergency. I would prefer not to" he says flat and firm. He will if it means the difference between success and failure however.
Sienna listens quietly as Elias talks, her expression tightening when he mentions her name. Her eyes narrow slightly, clearly not thrilled by the surprise role being thrust upon her, but she says nothing in protest, resigned to her job. Instead, she adjusts the straps of her backpack, giving Kah a quick glance when he mentions the wards. "I'll do what I can with the alarms," she finally promises, her tone clipped, then adds, "but if the wards around the door are as strong as he says, we might need a backup plan." She palms at her face, tapping her fingers against the side of her backpack. "I did bring Arachne with me in case we need it, but the guy said it was pretty straight forward. When you reconned yesterday, was there anything significant we need to be warned about before we head in?" she asks Elias and Juniper.
"June said that she felt something from it, but I didn't feel anything... It is interesting, but overall I don't know." Elias says to Sienna with a shrug before addressing the issues with the wards and doors, "So, there are warding runes covering the walls in there. There isn't much we are going to do about it without someone noticing. The Museum has ties with the Order and the White Circle. I mean, I am not sure they know what they have, I barely know what it is, but I do know it is on the tablet to show me the way."
Juniper waits for Elias's take on it, watching him with intent hazel gaze before she makes a small frown and looks to Sienna in turn. "I don't know if you'll feel what I did.... since Elias didn't. But regardless of what you feel or not- it's /there/." The blonde woman voices this with a seriousness perhaps not similarly portrayed by the dark-haired and suited man beside her. "Interesting is /not/ what I would call it. I'm not a magic user, and perhaps I'm overreacting but... just know. It may be dormant but it does not mean it is benign."
The larger man merely nods. "I will .. give you what insight I can when we get closer." The benefit of the knowledge forced upon the big man is that he has two perspectives when it comes to things like this. "I think we will be able to take this in measure. Let us get this done. Sooner started, sooner finished" he suggests as Kah grows quiet once more. He doesn't seem impatient though, despite the words. Preperation leads to success, after all.
Sienna presses her mouth into a pensive line, her green eyes shifting instinctively toward Kah, seeking his silent assessment as Juniper and Elias speak. She crosses her arms over her chest, tension clear in the set of her shoulders. "I'll keep that in mind," she responds softly, her gaze flickering from Victoria, Nico, and Ash before returning back to Juniper and Elias. "We do need to get started though. Dormant doesn't mean safe, you're right on that. Eyes pealed and watching each other's sixes once we're instead, right?"
Ash asks carefully, leaning in slightly, "They're anti-nightmare, anti-pathing wards, but not alarm wards? So, theoretically, once Sugar cuts the alarm, we should be clear so long as we avoid the guards, yes?" They stretch, getting ready before adding, "So, Kahrob can scout ahead as a scarab. Give us what your signal will be for incoming guards, if you don't think you can just shift in and out." To Sienna, they request, "Let's see those floorplans, Sugar? We should take a path that gives us hiding space. Are you going in, or waiting out here and using comms? Taffy should stay with you if so, but we could use your skill inside."
Ash talks a mile a minute, but whether it's impatience or efficiency is yet to be seen.
"I can do this" Kah offers easily. "I can make the change more quickly with that form" he explains quietly toward Ash. "though it takes more concentration. Hopefully I will be able to return and report without incident. "
Ash nods to Kah.
Pointing a finger down on the map, Elias explains, "Right here, the side door of the build, we can get with the code. This will get us right into the Egyptian Exhibit. Then over there to the north." He trails his finger on the map, pointing to the north parts of the map, "This is the Indigenous People's Exhibit where the Eye is displayed." He clarifies, before continuing, "Pathing and the nightmare access is restricted, alarm wards might not be much of an option because you can't tag all the visitors during the day and I doubt you can get many to get those to turn on and off with a light switch as it were. I would probably have done it similarly, but it doesn't mean it is the best method. It is possible I also missed some wards when inspecting the place because it was in broad daylight and it is hard to get close looks at all the runes."
"So then Sienna is right," Victoria notes. "We get in, we watch each other's backs, and we expect the unexpected. Standard stuff for a Saturday night, yeah?" She leans over Elias to glance at where he points to on the map, brows knitting together in thought.
Sienna digs out her jail-broken iPhone from an inner pocket of her jacket, quickly pinging everyone's phones with a clean, easy-to-read version of the museum's map at Ash's request. As she listens to everyone, and Elias points out things, her fingers move deftly across the screen, updating the map live with his new information, marking the side door and the path through the Egyptian Exhibit to the Indigenous People's Exhibit. "When you and Auntie Spice," she pauses, glancing between Elias and Juniper, with a distracted smile cast in sidelong agreement to Victoria. "-- When you and Auntie Spice were in there, did you see anything that looked like alarms?"
"I mean. There was some lasers there. I think there might have been some wires attached to the glass of the case." Elias answers probably unhelpfully to Sienna for what she is looking to know, but he continues never the less, "I think there was like one of those security panels, but the cameras should be turned off. I mean, that is a bonus right?"
Ash can't facepalm in their mask, but they try, and learned the hard way.
Juniper also stares at someone with a pained expression. That expression gets turned on Sienna with apology written in it. "I'm sorry, Shug. I was only making physical radius measurements and checking on surveillance. I'm... not the best at knowing what else there is on hand."
Juniper also stares at Elias with a pained expression. That expression gets turned on Sienna with apology written in it. "I'm sorry, Shug. I was only making physical radius measurements and checking on surveillance. I'm... not the best at knowing what else there is on hand."
Sienna squeals in excitement, quickly slapping her hand over her mouth to stifle the sound, her eyes gleaming with a mix of thrill and mischief. She can barely contain herself as she starts to sway from side to side, her hips switching in an excited little dance. "Ive always wanted to do something like this!" she whispers over toward Elias, quickly pulling the strap down on her backpack to show it laden with homebrew - and by homebrew, professionally made, Sienna-approved - equipment. "I've got this. Put me in, coach!" she demands of Ash.
Ash can't show her a smile, but they nod to Sienna, drawling with amusement that might be heard through the scrambler. "Yeah, get to work, Genius! Remember to say the magic words when you're set."
"Well, that settles it, lets get in there and our gadget girl can take care of it all." And with that, Elias starts crossing the street to make his way towards the alleyway on the side of the Museum. Punching in the code to the side door, chirps open and the door unlocks. Pulling the door open and heading in, the room opens up to a massive exhibit room that holds all kinds of Egyptian artifacts, mummy replicas and sarcophagi are displayed, with plaques explaining the intricate mummification process and the Egyptians' beliefs about the afterlife. Canopic jars, once used in burial rituals to store internal organs, are showcased, accompanied by descriptions of their symbolic meanings. Ancient tools and technologies highlight Egyptian innovations in areas such as construction, medicine, and astronomy, while stone tablets and papyrus scrolls offer a glimpse into the world of hieroglyphics and early writing. The room itself is roughly one hundred feet by one hundred feet with cream colored walls and well-maintained tile floor. Everything is concealed in glass cases to prevent people from touching the artifacts and each are labeled with signs with history of the pieces. While this on its own could take up an afternoon inspecting the items on display, that is not what you are here for. To the north, there is a sign above the archway that reads Indigenous People Exhibit. Elias gestures in that direction, whispering, "That is where the eye is being held." And of course it seems like as soon as the dark haired man speaks up, the movement of a flashlight beyond the archway is spotted. It seems like a security guard is coming around on their patrol.
Nico lets out a rumbling laugh at Sienna's visible excitement, doing a quick function test of his rifle before snapping his gaze up. Following the others through the side door, he casts a glance around, wandering away from the door, before pressing himself against a nearby wall as the flashlight is spotted. Letting his rifle hang loose, he instead draws his knife, apparently entirely willing to punish some poor nine-to-fiver for being in the absolutely wrong place at the wrong time.
As they enter the building, Kah puts on a look of concentration as he suddenly shrinks in size as ther group of them begin to enter the building and soon it's a small golden beetle barely noticeable in the dimmer light that follows along with the rest of the group. While they potentially begin to deal with the oncoming guard, Kah can try to slip past and scout ahead toward the room that they're heading toward. He'll try to travel that way and discern what he can before returning to the rest of them. Depending on how they deal with it he will remain hidden until he can safely return to his human shape.
Sienna can barely suppress her giddiness, bouncing lightly on the balls of her feet as they enter the Egyptian exhibit. Her eyes flicker over the artifacts for a fleeting second, captivated by the history, but then she snaps back to focus, reminded of their mission. And it is absolutely, without a doubt, that this girl is off humming Mission Impossible and Indiana Jones-style music low under her breath. She slips away from the group like a thief - wait, she is a thief - to approach the security panel that Elias had described to her early on. She kneels down, her fingers gliding over her tools, pulling out a small hacking device from her bag.
Fate's magic tinkles in the air, and her wrist burns white hot as her mind begins to engage, clarity sharpening while she inspects everything, tracing the circuits with her fingers to ensure she can disable them without triggering any alarms.
Brace for impact.
"GODDAMN IT, PIXIE STIX!!" Sienna hisses irritably under her breath.
And boy does it go horribly wrong. When Sienna screams out against the misfortune, Ash takes a few steps back and bumps into one of the displays which of course, causes a Canopic jar to go tumbling to the ground and smashing it. And with a sudden burst of sound and flashing lights, the alarm system goes off. A loud, ringing bell like an old time bank robbery alarm. The flashlight beam turns and coming through the doorway is a security guard in a black uniform and a MP-5 hanging at the ready, "Hands up!" He shouts, raising the submachine gun at the intruders. Of course, Elias turns to the others, "What the hell just happened?!"
As things begin to go awry, Kah(Kheper Beetle) can't help but curse the luck of it inside his mind. He'll try to make his way toward that guard trying to flitter behind him. If he can make it there without being seen, he'll change back to his human form and try to take the guard by surprise!
While everyone busies themselves with their respective efficiencies, Juniper decides it might be on her to stand point with the approaching guard. She is making stealthy movements to try and- well, when all hell breaks loose, there's no more need for stealth and the blonde at the doorway just considers 'to hell with it' and with some practiced movements, makes to disarm the security guard. "Taffy!" she barks, as if he should get in here to help subdue the fellow.
Nico rolls his eyes behind his mask. Of course. Well, no such thing as a good time to fuck up. Driving himself forward, as the guard's aim is focused on the others, drives forward. Sparing the blade, for the moment, he lunges forward and attempts to drive the pommel of his knife into the side of the guard's noggin.
Ash walks in carefully, quietly, having gained at least a little more skill with stealth since their last sneaky mission. Their masked eyes looks around the care, as they try to keep out of sight, and looking out for Kah. When Sienna takes point to work on the security for the next exhibit, they stand guard against the wall. When she starts hissing for some reason, their head snaps to her, as if surprised, then they slink into the shadows between the wall and an exhibit, ready for whatever comes next. They reach under their suit's gloves, pulling out their charm bracelet. However, Sienna suddenly screams after that, and they flinch back. Freaking out, they suddenly shift- and flit up along the wall.
Keeping closer to Juniper, Victoria draws a slender knife into her hand silently, eyes fixed on the current threat at hand.
Ash(bat) walks in carefully, quietly, having gained at least a little more skill with stealth since their last sneaky mission. Their masked eyes looks around the care, as they try to keep out of sight, and looking out for Kah. When Sienna takes point to work on the security for the next exhibit, they stand guard against the wall. When she starts hissing for some reason, their head snaps to her, as if surprised, then they slink into the shadows between the wall and an exhibit, ready for whatever comes next. They reach under their suit's gloves, pulling out their charm bracelet. However, Sienna suddenly screams after that, and they flinch back. Freaking out, they suddenly shift- and flit up along the wall.
Sienna assumes Ash hit that enter button twice by accident.
Ash didn't shift back, of course, nor did they do anything else twice.
The poor poor security guard doesn't even see it coming as Kah advances on him. While he seems to be far more skilled that one would expect for a Museum, it is nothing compared to the centuries Kah has under his belt. On top of this, Ash's illusionary display, the guard has no hope of noticing Kah before it is too late and with a swift move, either the guard is put to sleep or his neck is broken, whatever Kah had intended to do. Elias gestures over to Juniper and Victoria, "Smash and grab, plan B. It is time to get out of here!"
with caution to the wind now, Kah appears before them all, behind that guard and an enormous hand grips the man's head from the trip like one might palm a basketball. His hand squeezes with a simple motion, and there's a crunching, sickening POP sound like when someone breaks open a melon. The blood and matter spray, but the man hardly blinks as the vitae and grey matter speckle his face. His hand is covered in gore but he barely notes it. "Time to move faster." He says before lifting his chin. "We must be cautious. Even I have never felt something ... worse than myself."
Victoria freezes shortly after Elias speaks, and for a moment her eyes seem to go out of focus as she frowns. She finally shakes her head hard once, attempting to clear her head of whatever she's wrestling with as she turns to Juniper with a worried expression.
Ash flies into the room, heading towards the prominent display of the Eye of Darkness. And, in a moment of chaotic shenanigans, they shift up in the air over the display, letting gravity and their kevlar work in tandem to try and break open the display.
Sharply, Juniper looks to Kah, her suspicions confirmed as Victoria too looks at her with that expression. "Don't touch it, Kah, Vic," she warns with a small growl. "I don't..." Then Ash is potentially throwing themselves at the display in a chaotic move and the blonde's eyes go to Sienna next. "Sugar? You feel /anything/? Fall behind Kah if you can." Whipping her head to Nico next she asks, "What about you? Anything? I don't want that thing sucking you dry and leaving us with a cute but truly useless husk."
Sienna winces at the sickening sound of the guard's fate, though she doesn't stop working on the security systems. "Plan B," she mutters to herself, fingers flying faster over the panel, cutting the last of the alarm systems. She steals a quick glance at the others as they react to Kah's gruesome efficiency, her face paling slightly as the gravity of the situation sets in. The alarms are silenced at long last as she straightens up, woozily, before she swings her bag over a shoulder and takes off.
The sound of gunshots can be heard from outside, like security is fighting someone else as well. Ash appears in midair and free falls onto the case. Indeed, their plan to use themselves as a bludgeoning object to break the glass indeed works. Smashing painfully into the display, even though the kevlar takes the blunt of the impact, it still feels like they used their body as a big hammer. The stone rolls onto the floor as it lays there watching everyone. Elias doesn't hesitate like the others are about the Eye, seemingly unaware of what Kah and Juniper are talking about. He tucks the eye into his pocket of his jacket just as more security guard flashlights are coming, "We are running out of time. The police will respond soon enough too."
Nico shakes his head, the guard apparently no longer his problem to deal with, though he keeps his rifle up regardless. He glances over to Juniper, his low drawl muffled by the mask. "I'm basically deaf on the arcane end of things. I'm not getting anything, but I'm not a great reference point either." Shifting his aim towards the incoming flashlights, he drops to a knee behind a spot of cover. Holding his fire, for now, he primes himself to drop them as they come, finger on the trigger.
Ash gets up with a groan, pushing themselves over to the others, they limp their way back as quickly as they can, drawling to the rest, "We can path as soon as we get out."
Ash(bat) turns into a bat - still injured, but at least it's faster moving. They try to get to Nico, to hang upside down on his tactical vest as the group makes their exit. Should more guards get in view of them, they repeat the same illusions as before.
Juniper makes a pained expression at the way Elias scoops up the 'eye' and stores it against his body. The blonde gives her partner an unusually wide berth now as she gathers up with the rest to slink back out the way they came (presumably) with Nico offering cover fire. She keeps to the shadows and the edges, trying to keep just one step ahead of the perception of any guards heading their way so that she may be swift enough to disarm and/or trip them before he compadres can descend.
Moving quickly to follow in her position just behind and to the side of Juniper, Victoria's frown deepens as Elias takes the item and moves along, keeping it with him. She opens her mouth as if to speak, then closes it again, deciding it not to be the best time, and casts a look over one shoulder cautiously.
"Elias!" Kah barks out sharply, but it's too late. In his pocket now, Kah just glances about quickly. "Let us go" he says in agreement as things start to go apeshit now. The giant of a man steps over the body on the floor but then thinks better of it. He picks it up and slings the headless thing over his shoulder. He looks for who is tkaing point and he's falling in. He's in no place and no mood to be lollygagging about over this.
Nico lets off rounds towards the oncoming security guards, seemingly aiming more to suppress or maim rather than kill. Keeping pace with the rest of the group, he falls back, cover by cover, always pivoting back to keep the guard's heads down. Making sure he's the last man in the stack, he continues bringing up the rear as the rest of the group makes their way outward.
As everyone starts to make their way out the door with Nico following up the rear. There are some security guards that come in, though some are distracted by Ash(bat)'s illusions, the remainder are suppressed by Nico's fire. Heading out the door with Juniper taking point, a guard appears to just about to enter the building from the outside and Juniper trips him with her martial art abilities and in the same fell swoop, she ends up with his MP-5 in her hands. The guard himself is groaning on the ground, holding his head as blood trickles down from it. Outside, the mobsters seem to be in a firefight with the security and how it is going is hard to tell. One thing is for sure now though, the ability of pathing has opened up once you leave the building.
Kah meanwhile uses his larger frame to put in between any incoming fire and the others to help avoid any of the rest of them trying to catch a bullet at the least, and he's keeping himself in motion though he tries to keep himself somewhat apart from Elias right now. ONce they make it outside, It's likely that many of them will start focusing trying to pull up their focus but Kah will point quickly to whatever wall exsits on the other side of that alley! "Come to me!" He says to them urgently.
Juniper would only apply a hit hard enough to knock out the guard on the ground rather than spatter this one's brains before she's slinking out with stolen weapon still in hand (hey, could be useful for the supply shed) and falling on Kah as he barks his own order this time.
Victoria strides quickly toward Kah, nodding her head and casting a glance over to Elias with an uneasy look as she does so. A small grin is given to Juniper as she watches her with the stolen gun in hand.
Ash(bat) just keeps hanging to Nico's vest, climbing around the other side to avoid fire if they have to. They let Kah or someone open the Path, just resting and relying on Nico and the others. They did their thing.
Ash(bat) just keeps hanging to Nico's vest, climbing around the other side to avoid fire if they have to. They let Kah or Juniper open the Path, just resting and relying on Nico and the others. They did their thing.
It may take focus, but Kah tries to gather his allies close around him to follow. He tries to extend his focus, going so far as to reach out, grab people by the collars, scruffs anything he can to get them as close to him as possible. Then he's trying to phase them all through the other wall, to move them out of sight from whoever may pursue and leave no trace. It may work it may not, He's never attempted to take so many with him in this way.
Kah glares at the attempt.
Nico falls back to Kah as the walking relic calls out, shouting as he clears the doorway, "Last man!" With that, he falls in behind the others, small bat in tow. He lets out a quiet "Erk!" of protest at the sudden grab.
Between various sources of magic, pathing, and other techniques (including the hard concrete ground of the alleyway), everyone is able to make it away through the back alleys of Boston. The sounds of the gunshots in the distance end to the sound of sirens through the street. It is apparent that what is going on in the distance is dying down and while it went rough, the objective was completed, the Eye of Darkness was freed.
When they're finally safe enough to slow, Kah will finally look to his hand. Blinking, the man just searches for somewhere he can try to clean off the mess that isn't his own clothing. Not a perfect job, but at least it won't be dripping from the gore. Waiting until others are ready, it's Ash(bat) and Sienna that he'll stand closest to, though Juniper and Victoria are added under that watchful eye soon after. He glances to Elias often , a look of concern over his face. "I do not know what rests within that, but you must be cautious. Cover the eye when you are not studying it." He doesn't know quite why this seems like a good idea. But he knows it is.
"Trust me, I've made no small request in regards to how that thing is treated," Juniper assures Kah, butting in before perhaps someone can answer. "He may not feel the urgency of it, but I certainly hope he can take my word as concern enough."
"Trust me, I've made no small request in regards to how that thing is treated," Juniper assures Kah, butting in before perhaps Elias can answer. "He may not feel the urgency of it, but I certainly hope he can take my word as concern enough."
Ash(bat) is a bat.
Victoria recoils a bit, wrapping her arms around herself. "I don't like it," she states, shaking her head and blinking. "That's the first time I've ever felt...that."
Nico rolls his shoulders, slinging his rifle over his shoulder as the group re-forms. "Regardless of how it's formed, let's get it the hell out of here, hey?"
Nico says "Stored, rather."
Kah nods at Juniper as they take a more timely approach toward getting home, now, without people in immediate pursuit and if nobody else, Kah will begin calling up the shadowy path that will lead us home.
"Oh, I do. I prepared a container for it which is warded after June's words, while I do not sense what you are speaking of, it has to be something, however it is interesting that you two sense it." Elias notes between Juniper and Kah, "I wonder if it is more about your bloodlines." And with that, he prepares to path back with Juniper as well.