Plotlogs
Elegance In Shadows Pt 2 Sr Illyana 250121
In the heart of a clandestine laboratory nestled beneath the bustling streets of East London, a trio of adventurers—Novel, Sae-byeok, and Ritsuka—embark on a dangerous mission. Their goal: to thwart the machinations of Hilaina Strahd, a vampire scientist notorious for her experimentations in mass hypnosis and the creation of lethal creatures known as Haemophages. The mission begins under the cover of darkness, with the team navigating the eerie silence of Wanstead Flats and descending into the bowels of the city through a hidden sewer grate.
Guided by Antonio, a vampire with a vested interest in their success, and forewarned by Kiernan, Hilaina's disillusioned descendant, the trio is informed of the dangers that lie ahead. The sewers, a forgotten labyrinth beneath London's surface, are now home to the monstrous Haemophages—once humans, now twisted beyond recognition by Hilaina's cruel experiments.
Undeterred, Novel, Sae-byeok, and Ritsuka venture deeper, their journey illuminated by the flickering lights of their own determination and the eerie glow of arcane runes. They encounter remnants of those who have tried and failed before them, including a tragic tableau of Temple demolishers brutally slain. Their grim discovery serves as a stark reminder of the formidable obstacles they face.
As they make their way into Hilaina's laboratory, they are confronted not only by the physical manifestations of her dark ambitions but by Hilaina herself, who appears as a specter on the monitors. She taunts them with her vision of a new world order, one shaped by her twisted experiments and unholy alliances. But our heroes are not easily swayed. With quick thinking and a refusal to succumb to her psychological warfare, they manage to download crucial data from her servers, and begin preparing for their escape.
In a race against time and facing the imminent threat of being overrun by Haemophages, the trio decides to path out. Ritsuka, drawing upon her deep reserves of power, crafts a magical exit. Amidst the chaos of the collapsing lab and the howls of Hilaina's monstrous creations, they make their daring escape, leaving the lab—and its nightmares—behind.
Their mission, however, is far from over. With the information they've obtained, they've set the stage for a showdown with Hilaina Strahd. But more importantly, they've proven themselves a formidable team, capable of facing the darkness with unwavering courage. As they regroup in Haven, the weight of their adventure settles upon them, a reminder of the battles fought and the battles yet to come in their fight against the shadows encroaching upon their world.
(Elegance in shadows PT2(SRIllyana):SRIllyana)
[Mon Jan 20 2025]
On Beside the Wanstead flats in Forest Gate, London
Wanstead Flats, nestled on the edge of East London, is a vast expanse of open green space that forms part of the larger Epping Forest. This tranquil area is a favorite among local residents and wildlife alike, featuring rolling meadows, scattered woodlands, and shimmering ponds. As night descends, the Flats take on a different character. The sounds of rustling leaves and distant owls creating a serene backdrop, while the faint glow of streetlights casts long shadows across the grass.
Along the edges of Wanstead Flats, a winding path meanders through the landscape, bordered by clusters of trees and the occasional park bench. At night, the path is quiet, illuminated only by the soft, flickering light of nearby lamps. The air is cool, and the scent of damp earth mingles with the fresh, crisp aroma of grass. A gentle breeze stirs, carrying the whispers of the night.
As you walk along this path, your footsteps crunch softly on the gravel, breaking the stillness of the night. The faint rustling of small creatures
as they scurry through the underbrush-- offers a reminder of the life that thrives in this natural haven, even after dark. The moon hangs low in the sky, casting a silvery sheen over the landscape, revealing the outlines of trees and the contours of the open fields.
At a certain point, the path leads to an inconspicuous manhole, partially hidden by tufts of grass, a profusion of weeds and the encroaching shadows. The manhole cover is heavy and unyielding, marked with the worn insignia of the citys utility services. It serves as a gateway to the vast, unseen world below
a labyrinth of sewers and drainage systems that snake beneath the Flats. The air around it is slightly cooler, a reminder of the depths below, where water flows silently and the citys remnants are hidden from view.
At a certain point, the path leads to an inconspicuous manhole, partially hidden by tufts of grass, a profusion of weeds and the encroaching shadows. The manhole cover is heavy and unyielding, marked with the worn insignia of the citys utility services. It serves as a gateway to the vast, unseen world below
a labyrinth of sewers and drainage systems that snake beneath the Flats. The air around it is slightly cooler, a reminder of the depths below, where water flows silently and the citys remnants are hidden from view.
It is afternoon, about 12F(-11C) degrees,
Novel did not in fact bring a couch with him.
(*I have 3 establishing emotes, then I'll give you all time to process and emote before we continue*) To begin this trek, Novel, Sae-byeok and Ritsuka each receive a text. It is from Antonio, a high-ranking vampire from the vampire court in Boston. Antonio is also, from what was researched, Kiernan's sire, and is so invested in the success of this venture. He does not follow you, however. He tells you that he is offering the service for ease-- And because he was payed well to do so, but on arrival, he will leave you to your task, then meet with his child. With the party gathering in Howl at the Moon's secretive back room, Antonio delivers you safely, the walk through the haunting, dark forest of pathing smooth and uninterupted. It doesn't take long; Adept as he is, Antonio's navigation through the paths is hasty-- More than you might expect, and so in almost the blink of an eye, Sae-byeok, Ritsuka and Novel arrive in the east of London, materialising behind a small store that sells stuffed pastries. So far, the area is devoid of obstruction or people, and as you make your way onto the street, you are able to begin making your way to the appointed meeting location: An inconspicuous manhole cover a short distance from the Winstead flats. From what you were all told, Hilaina Strahd was working on a method of mass hypnosis. But also, you were told that the vampire scientist planned on doing so from a location outside of London, Summerset, another part of the UK. For what ever reason, plans have changed, and with the sudden notification of this summons, it must be important.
Nestled in the vibrant tapestry of East London, Forest Gate is a neighborhood where the pulse of the city meets the whispers of suburban tranquility. As Ritsuka, Novel and Sae-byeok wander through its streets from the path used to arrive, the air is tinged with the earthy aroma of nearby parks and the scent of diverse cuisines wafting from local eateries, a fragrant note of its multicultural heartbeat. The architecture here tells stories of time-- Victorian terraced houses, their bricks worn smooth by years of weather, stand proudly alongside more modern constructions. Each home, with its unique door and window frames, reflecting the individuality of its inhabitants. As the sun sets, these facades glow warmly, casting long shadows across the pavements, where the laughter of children playing echoes through the evening air. Parks like Wanstead Flats and the serene Forest Gate Marsh offer a lush escape from urban life. Here, ancient oaks stand sentinel, their leaves rustling softly in the breeze, while the calls of birds provide a natural symphony. Families gather for picnics on sun-dappled grass, and joggers weave through the trails, their rhythmic footfalls punctuating the serene atmosphere. In the distance, the faint sound of a train can be heard, a reminder of Londons ever-present connectivity. The local markets hum with life, vibrant stalls overflowing with fresh produce, exotic spices, and handmade crafts. The sounds of bartering and laughter blend seamlessly with the chatter of friends meeting for coffee in cozy cafes. Each corner of Forest Gate seems to reveal a hidden gem; a vintage shop bursting with nostalgia or a street artist painting vivid murals that breathe life into the urban landscape. As twilight descends, the neighborhood transforms. Streetlamps flicker to life, casting a golden glow over the streets, inviting evening strolls. The mix of cultures is palpable, from the aromatic spices of Indian cuisine to the comforting scent of traditional English fish and chips. Pubs exude warmth and camaraderie, where locals gather to share stories and laughter, their voices mingling with the clinking of glasses. Forest Gate is a microcosm of London, where the vibrant energy of the city meets the comforting embrace of community. It's a place where history and modernity coalesce, creating an aesthetic that is both dynamic and inviting-- a neighborhood that welcomes exploration and connects its residents in a rich tapestry of life. Beneath though.
As the sun sinks low on the horizon, the sky above Forest Gate begins to darken, casting a muted glow over the Wanstead Flats. The expanse of grass, vibrant under the day light, now appears shrouded in an eerie twilight. Families and joggers, who had filled the space with laughter and life, gradually retreate leaving behind a silence that feels more pronounced with each passing moment. The wind, a subtle whisper, rustles through the branches of the trees, their silhouettes stretching like gnarled fingers against the fading light as Novel, Ritsuka and Sae-byeok walk. Among the familiar landmarks, a nondescript sewer grate lays half-hidden beneath a patch of weeds. It is an ordinary sight, perhaps overlooked by most, yet under the encroaching night, its presence grows more sinister. The grate's metal surface glints dully, reflecting the last remnants of daylight, but shadows pool around it, deepening as the sun continues its descent. As the air grows chillier, a faint, metallic scent begins to drift up from the grate; a scent that carries with it an unsettling weight. To the living, it might have been dismissed as the odor of stagnant water mingled with decay, yet beneath the veil of the mundane, something darker stirs. The supernatural, those who walked between worlds, can sense the undercurrents of something far more sinister; an echo of blood, a whisper of violence that clings to the air like smoke. With the last light extinguished, the Flats transform. The playful shadows lengthening into grotesque shapes, and the sounds of the night morphing from the benign chirping of birds to the rustle of unseen things in the darkness. The once-open space feels claustrophobic, as if the very grass and trees conspire to keep secrets buried beneath their roots. The scent intensifies a coppery tang rising from the depths of the sewer, beckoning those who could hear the call. A chill creeps through the air, wrapping around the grate like a shroud. The ground seeming to pulsate with a forgotten melody, a rhythm that echoes the heartbeat of something malevolent lurking just out of sight. Tendrils of fog begin to unfurl, curling around the grating, as if seeking to draw forth whatever lays dormant beneath.
"So." Sae-byeok whispers at a tone to be heard through keen hearing as she passes Ritsuka a plastic bottle of tea, walking through the dry parts of the sewer as her nose clogs from the sewage. The keen sense of smell brings more stuffy than disgusted, as sewage has a complex scent to it. "We looking for scientist who doing research out here- annnnnnd, manhole cover- weird, annnnd.. Blood."
Ritsuka has somehow ended up here, with far too little dressage with the freezing weather all around, and now that there might be some remembering, yeah, she definitely forgot her coat somewhere along the trip. Probably at the Howl, and that does give with a shiver that does run through her and a grimace. On her back, she does also have her backpack, where she usually keeps her equipment.
Once at the garden she does take a glance around, and Sae-byeok hands her some tea, that she does sip from. "I feel like I put on the completely wrong outfit and lost my coat." Oh that has her roll her eyes and very lightly shake her head. "But it will just have to make do. Yeah, there is some interest for me in the data. How... prepared are you both?"
Sae-byeok looks a little sallow. It's not abnormal, but rather a consequence of her craft as she shivers at increments. A *POP* *pop* *pop...* Echoes down the chamber as she opens a can of pepsi.
Sae-byeok points at the side of her head with sass, "Girl mindwarded, bring mandrake, and eat breakfast- so, she prepared. I not think I could carry spear or gun or something through yeongguk- ehhh.. Britainland, so like- just a knife."
Novel sniffs the air. Once, twice, "Oh shit pasteries," the man immediately gets distracted getting a hazelnut-chocolate croissant. Which he then munches on the way through jogging, dressed as he is in the most generic of generic wears, recognizable across nearly all countries:
That of a man dressed to go for a jog. He also spends much of the day just goofing off - there's spices, and things to find, and he spends a lot of time haggling and arguing and bickering with street vendors, loading up bags to take back to the Starlight Lounge to try and perform new recipes while making it all happen on either the Anarchs's or Yana's own dime. Between idly torturing people for no particular reason by sticking his leg out to cause pile ups or traffic problems or pretending to be a loud, dumb American and talking about politics in front of certain merchants so he can watch their soul slowly wither away in horror.
The day's a party, and before evening hits, he finds somewhere to wind down and nap before dark hits on a park bench. Then he stirs from it, when the chill hits, straightening himself up. It's go time. And everyone's out and hunting and your boy's EXCITED and wearing his kevlar. His bags and boxes have been packed and sent back.
Novel glances at Sae-byeok and casually lifts his hoodie, revealing the knives, the kevlar, and about a dozen different vials of some wicked poisonous liquid that gleams with black and promises nothing good. "No." And then he slides the hoodie back down.
Novel definitely couldn't have gotten all of that through airport security.
Ritsuka raises her hands along of a shrug. She reaches around for the backpack, and puts on the kevlar that hides in it. This one looks like, to be worn underneath clothing usually, and it is where it goes. Under her dress, though the top of her massive tiddies are covered up by it, and that means it shows at the top. Then, she does withdraw her katana from it, and if this is far away enough from any notice, lights up a golden flame over the palm of one hand for the briefest moment. "My katana is still augmented for silver."
"Mmmm." Sae-byeok hums. Sae-byeok' been a pedestrian to awful as she shadows Novel around on the daytrip. Making people feel suicidal, making people feel confused, making people empathetic when she describes the issues in her relationship with Novel, and why he won't fuck her. It's not bliss, but it's passably close.
But returning to now: "Oh." She says as she stares at what is either the sword of the omikami or ilbon torture blade. From her perspective, at least.
"Kay. Well- look for weird runes, kay? My teacher and I break into temple with 'kill' runes or something once. I can identify them if you find them, but like- girl is blind."
Those wisps of fog coalesce into a form; a familiar figure to Ritsuka, Sae-byeok, and Novel. It's the vampire, Kiernan, though since the last time Novel has seen her, she looks far healthier, with spun golden hair well put together and dressed casually in jeans and a jacket. She gestures to the group, and without preamble, she steps closer. Kiernan nods to the grate, stating, "You will find Hilaina's work through there. I won't be going with you, of course. I am to meet my /true/ Master. I am aware of what you'll find down there, though." The woman pauses, then, looking at Ritsuka, Sae-byeok, and Novel with an assessing gaze. "There are creatures down there guarding her labs. She calls them Haemophages. They're blood slaves, twisted and transformed by her experiments. The lab itself is below the sewer, in the old World War shelter's tunnels." Kiernan curles her lip, annoyed. "I'd expected her to move to a home by now, though understandably, Mistress has had interest from the Chinese, Japanese, and both the Temple and the Hand for her latest interests. To such ends, plans had changed, and she relocated." Crossing her arms, Kiernan sniffs the air, grimacing. "There's no guards up here, but with the scent of blood coming from down there, the experiments might be loose in the sewers themselves, not just the tunnels and lab. Mistress also has a knowledge of technology, so beware of cameras, explosives, or other technological traps. That said, I didn't see any on my way up, and I've been lingering down their until the sun went down." She waits then, perhapse for questions. Possibly to say more, though she waits for Novel, Ritsuka and Sae-byeok to make the next move. By this time of the evening, there are few people left outside, it is nearly nine PM, and only cars and public transport, along with the rumble of the underground break the group's ruminations.
Ritsuka asks perhaps the most important of the questions. "How dangerous are the Haemophages? I might burn them a little bit. What is the plan of the sewers, do you have a map, Kiernan?"
Sae-byeok stares between Kiernan and Novel, looking like a creepy doll in street clothes with her unblinking dots and combat boots. The effort put into her makeup and the effort of her ensemble are polarizing- but the cold is anything but humid, so at least she doesn't sweat through her foundation.
Sae-byeok asks perhaps the least important questions, "So. How you two.. Are doing, seeing each other again?"
Sae-byeok says "Like, ehhh.. Have fun morning?"
"Sweet, I should have brought my sword in a bag." Novel frowns at his own bad planning, studying Ritsuka's katana with obvious envy. His hand flexes, as if he was trying to wish his corrupt and horrific sword back into existence. Oh, well. At least he's had a nap.
"Hey, Kiernan, you don't look like shit," Novel greets the vampiress with pleasant warmth, even if the words that pour out of his mouth are those of an asshole. Also, the fact he looks completely different since the last time Kiernan saw him, and a more seductive, smoky bass instead of the higher-pitched fast-paced talking brought on by too many drugs. But it's still the same way of talking, deliberately cadenced to piss Hilaina off.
Then he settles in to listen to her, his mouth puckering into sour expression, though it smooths out as he settles in to listen - and looks even excited? Hmmm. He scratches his head.
He gives Sae-byeok a glance and sort of rolls his eyes behind the sunglasses.
Novel picks up, "Mo-Hilaina is smart but she never accounts for raw fucking stupidity and mayhem. If the critters got loose there's probably not that many traps because they broke them and she doesn't give a fuck. There might be a death trap around anything important," He concedes. "So... afterwards. Cameras, maybe." He purses his lips in thought. "I mean, we could make the Haemophages into an advantage instead of a problem."
Sae-byeok says "That word translate to 'blood infection.' Like- to spread infection. We need to be worried?"
Sae-byeok doesn't seem confident on her translation.
The golden-haired vampire shifts her weight slightly, the faintest hint of reluctance in her posture as she decides to share more. The dim light flickered around the vampire, Novel, Sae-byeok and Ritsuka, casting elongated shadows against the walls of the sewer's enterence from the stuttering street lamp above. She glances at Ritsuka, and lets out a soft sigh, as if resigning herself to the inevitable. With a casual flick of her wrist, Kiernan produces a small hand-held device that glows with a blinking arrow. It is compact, almost innocuous, but there is an air of significance surrounding it conveyed viat the symbology of its handover. "I was planning on just letting you find it," she says, her tone light but laced with an undercurrent of seriousness, "but seeing as you asked." She hands the device over to Ritsuka, her fingers brushing against Ritsuka's for a fleeting moment. The blinking arrow seems to beckon, promising answers hidden in the depths of the unknown. Kiernan turns her attention to Novel before addressing Sae-byeok, the demonborn and Ritsuka properly. Offering a faint smile that barely touches her lips, "Have you ever seen Alien?" she asks, her voice dropping slightly as if they were sharing a secret. The question hangs in the air, waiting for a response. "Better yet, Aliens," she continues, her eyes glimmering with a hint of mischief. "The Haemos are roughly that, except real, less dramatic, and one of them ripped apart a Temple Demolisher team sent from Bermingham last week. "They're lethal," she continues, her voice dropping to a whisper, as if the walls themselves could betray their conversation. "The Haemos are not just your average monster; theyre cunning, and they know how to hunt. The team that was sent to deal with Hilaina? well, they didnt stand a chance.""
Sae-byeok says, hissing, "Prototype blood-ling watch his fucking mouth when he talk to mother of his child!"
Sae-byeok collects herself flush, biting her lip. "Kay. Sae-byeok seen Alien movies but we probably not talking about green things. I armed with knife and probably going to die if I get shot by moonbeam. So- I don't know, I loot a dead body down there and use what they used."
Ah, that might have been a mistake, to brush against her hand, because it is then something that Ritsuka makes and allows to linger, golden eyes that settle onto Kiernan's own, and the tilt of her head, the sweetest tender smile, and the briefest longing. Food. Of course that is not obvious, and there would be no way she would let a vampire bite. Does not mean she would not feed.
Ritsuka's eyes glance over the device, more or less to find out what it is. "I did not watch this Alien. What is this Alien movie?"
Novel simply laughs. There's not even a pink palm-print. Unfair, as he goes back to casually grinning and setting a hand on his hi, watching the interaction. between the two people with actual charisma skills. "Yeah, the cat was the best character." He has by way of incredibly unhelpful input, though his expression sobers some as she continues and his shoulder squares to ready himself. "Okay, so." He ponders. "Don't fight them." He concludes eventually with a shrug.
He sighs and fills Sae-byeok and Ritsuka in, his own form stepping forwards - and dragging them in. "Horror movie about things that lay eggs in your chest and have their babies eat their way out of you. They're humanoid things with buglike shells. Spikes and spiky tail. Murderous. Probably easier to just not fight them." He ticks his head to the side, now casting his voice to the same low pitch.
"They used to be human, though, right?"
Novel asks, morbidly curious, "Do they still do the egg-laying thing?"
"Sooo... They are just like Satyrs or whatever?" Sae-byeok clarifies, the realities of the supernatural world triumphing over the space-flick. "But are bloodbugs."
"It's fine." Kiernan rocks on her feet, leaning away. "There arn't face huggers. They're also weaker to fire than normal vampires. What makes them most deadly is that they look so disgusting that people freeze..." There's a pause then, and the vampire adds, "Well okay, so their claws sort of have something to do with that, but you can usually make them run with a lighter. Or by being dead. Besides, you have Goldenboy there." Gesturing at Novel with a small wave, the golden-haired woman adds, "And because I like you, take this." Another object, a pass card is thrown at Sae-byeok. "So far, Mistress doesn't know that I've defected, but it's a matter of hours. So that'll get you through the locked doors. You might want to... You know, blow it up though." Finally, to Novel, she offers one thing; It's advice. "She still wants you. There are pictures of you around. Disguising yourself was part of the plan, apparently. She still wants to turn you into a monster, and she has a relic she thinks will force the change." The question as to the human nature of the Haemophages is left uncommented on. It's possible that Kiernan doesn't care.
lets the card hit her, and then bends over to pick it up like a dog that's caught on. She can have the ball if she just doesn't try to fetch...
"Beh-peuh, you have the matchbox?" Sae-byeok asks as she flips the card over and backward, before holding it with both hands like Charlie's golden ticket.
Ritsuka shrugs again, and now looks down to the manhole. "Shall we then? Also Kiernan... do you have a copy of Hilaina's files and the project? Can you hand them to me, please?" She smiles, and gives the vampiress a knowing look.
"Well, arn't we demanding today." Kiernan sniffs. "I don't have her files. But that card will let you take them. I assume one of you is smart enough to have braught a thumb drive."
With no more words, Kiernan returns to a fog form, drifting away from you. Beneath the bustling streets of Forest Gate, lies a labyrinthine sewer system that has long been forgotten by the world above. This network of damp, echoing tunnels winds downward into the earth, where shadows cling to the walls and the air is thick with the scent of mildew, blood and decay. The sewers were initially constructed to handle the city's waste, but during World War II, a series of hidden bunkers and tunnels were repurposed for military operations. These now lay entwined with the original system, creating a complex maze of history and danger. As Novel, Sae-byeok and Ritsuka navigate the narrow, crumbling pathways, you can feel the weight of the past pressing down upon you. The flickering light casts eerie shapes on the damp stone, illuminating graffiti from long-gone soldiers and the remnants of makeshift shelters. Each turn brings the unsettling realization that Ritsuka, Sae-byeok and Novel are not alone: an unsettling silence often punctuated by the distant echo of dripping water, or the scuttling of unseen creatures. Yet the true terror lies in the Haemophages, grotesque, vampiric beings that have emerged from the depths of the tunnels. These deadly monsters, once human, have been twisted by the darkness and malice of Hilaina Strahd. With their obsidian skin and insatiable hunger for blood, they lurk in the shadows, ready to strike at any moment, making the mere act of exploration a perilous endeavor. As the party pushes deeper, the atmosphere grows more oppressive. They encounter decaying machinery and remnants of wartime technology, relics of a time when the tunnels buzzed with life and purpose. The air becomes colder and more electric, hinting at something more. Murmurs of hidden secrets and untold treasures become palpable, urging Novel, Sae-byeok and Ritsuka onward. Finally, they reach a massive vault door, standing resolute against the backdrop of crumbling stone. Unlike the antiquated surroundings, this door gleams with advanced, modern electronics, contrasting sharply with the dark history of the tunnels. Its surface is adorned with an intricate array of buttons and screens that pulse with a faint glow, suggesting that something of great significance lies behind it. A chilling realization washes over you: whatever is contained within this high-tech sanctum may hold the key to the dangers they face; or possibly unleash greater horrors yet unseen.
Novel produces the put-upon, disgruntled expression at someone' use of that nickname, like an embarrassing thing that remains from childhood - but it's mixed with a subtle shiver that follows as she continues that has nothing to do with how cold the weather is. He reaches up to massage the sides of his neck, trying to warm up. "Nhh." His discontent seems to only grow. "So she lied. She did know what I originally looked like." It seems this bothers him more than anything else, his shoulders rolling slowly. And then he chimes in, "Yeah, I did. It's slitted into my cellphone. And them knowing whether they're human is -important-, Kiernan..." Though he doesn't explain why.
And then down below they proceed onwards. He sighs, taking point. He's the least observant of the three and most likely to survive being torn apart.
Novel produces the put-upon, disgruntled expression at Kiernan's use of that nickname, like an embarrassing thing that remains from childhood - but it's mixed with a subtle shiver that follows as she continues that has nothing to do with how cold the weather is. He reaches up to massage the sides of his neck, trying to warm up. "Nhh." His discontent seems to only grow. "So she lied. She did know what I originally looked like." It seems this bothers him more than anything else, his shoulders rolling slowly. And then he chimes in, "Yeah, I did. It's slitted into my cellphone. And them knowing whether they're human is -important-, Kiernan..." Though he doesn't explain why.
And then down below they proceed onwards. He sighs, taking point. He's the least observant of the three and most likely to survive being torn apart.
Novel suggests, as they walk down, "So, if they're human, you can probably still seduce them."
"Not this girl." Sae-byeok whispers in strange delight as they proceed down. Her mood is suddenly unstoppable, and it's a struggle not to skip through the eerie landscape as she walks to the chocolate factory of blood horror. "She just SOOO bad at that-" She bows, shaking her head at her own incapability of seducing blood monsters. She looks around idly for something to be used manageably as poke-stick. "I open we are ready."
Ritsuka reaches around for her satchel and holds it up. "Hmm, I thought she was going to keep a copy to sell on, it would make her rich. But this will force a copy from the drive on its own." Then the party makes their way down. If one of those creatures draws too close, she brings up a flame of her heart over her palm, ready to burn it, but once it withdraws the flame vanishes.
When they approach the vault gate, she looks down to the little device that she was given by Kiernan, and then glances for how this door is accessed. Her eyes do draw to Sae-byeok. She puts the device away, and then draws the blade from its sheath and places herself behind cover. Behind her... nine golden flames begin to hide, at the ready.
Novel splashes through the sewers and entrances, often getting mud and other filth on his shoes that are, alas, not boots, and so inadequate for this walk, his sweatpants steadily getting waterlogged around the ankles as they move. But he's been in worse places, in similar situations, and just feels vaguely thankful he HAS shoes. A sign of his own nervousness - and a need for lighting - as he flicks his pipe into his mouth. "Fuck you," He mentions, absent-mindedly to nothing in habit. It's unclear if he even remembers the advice, the SCHRRRRRIIIP of a match strokes across a box and then dropped into pipe.
The lit match flicked at one of those scuttling noises - a rat? One of the creatures? Regardless.
Sae-byeok blinks at Ritsuka, taking an eidetic screenshot of a woman casting nine degrees of shadows. Then looks for something to swipe the card down.
Novel slots the matchbox closed after such a light, tucking it into his jacket-pocket. And so he turns, back towards the ... ceiling? He looks up.
Novel did not take off his underwear.
Sae-byeok is out of place, but not entirely without comfort from the sewers.
The air is thick with an acrid stench, a noxious blend of decay and something else; something ancient that makes the hairs on the back of Ritsuka Novel and Sae-byeok's necks stand on end. peering into the dimly lit chamber that lay just beyond the vault door. The flickering light from Ritsuka's handheld device casts ominous shadows that dance across the walls, revealing the grotesque tableau sprawled before her, Novel and Sae-byeok. The vault door is a marvel of modern engineering, sleek and adorned with a dizzying array of technological devices. Circuitry pulsing softly beneath its surface, a heartbeat of the mechanism that lay dormant, locked away from prying eyes. But it is the scene at their feet that held Novel, Ritsuka and Sae-byeok's attention, a gory display that speaks of violence and mayhem. What remains of the Temple demolishers is a grim reminder of the dangers lurking beneath the surface of London. Your gazes fall first upon the two werewolf corpses, their massive forms contorted in death. One had been a striking figure, its silver fur shimmering even in the dim light, while the other was a hulking brute, its gnarled limbs twisted in an unnatural pose. But it is the angelborn that holds your gazes longer. A beauty even in death. Her ethereal features whave been marred by the violence she had endured, curls of golden hair matted with blood and dirt. She lays crumpled against the wall, one delicate hand outstretched as if reaching for something just beyond her grasp. The fourth body is a different story altogether. This corpse, likely demonborn, bares the marks of a fierce struggle. his skin is charred in places, as if it had been consumed by fire, and the gaping wounds suggest a resilience that had allowed him to regenerate multiple times before finally succumbing. As Novel, Sae-byeok and Ritsuka moved the dim light falls upon the last corpse: a Haemophage, its obsidian-black form a stark contrast against the blood-soaked concrete. The creatures features are almost entirely inhuman, an abomination that hold the perfection of fleshforming and eldritch melding. The thing almost looks like an xenomorph, and its form is covered in spines that resemble vampire fangs in a way. That then is when it becomes obvious: These Haemophages were once human, though now there is likely no saving them.
If one Haemophage is here, there are likely others. It may be advisable to enter the lab... It might not, though there are hideous sounds in the dark, and the half-seen forms are only being held back with each strike-- Each spark of the matches.
Sae-byeok squats next to the golden corpse, taking her by the hair away from the walls and dragging her closer into the flame provided by her companions. She proceeds to lute the woman of her belongings. The Temple is always the best equipped- not that she knows how to use most equipment, and is relatively disappointed to find that Demolishers are treated as a naked suicide brigade. Oh well.
She takes a stray pipe and uses a triage bandage to wrap a dagger to the top of the pole. Spear found. "Hey. I look at the door and it's all technical and shit. You think haemophages speak English?"
Sae-byeok says "Because I not really sure how only some of them get out. Temple close this door, you are thinking?"
Sae-byeok looks around the room, squinting at the precipice of the room.
Ritsuka draws the flame of her heart around herself, and each in turn offers a little bit of dim light. The corpses on the ground - there is nothing more than a glance given to them. Just other meatbags on the ground, why should she care? The place, where her eyes linger lays specifically on the the xenomorph, something between curious and cautious, it is perhaps evident that the form holds the greatest interest, if alone to find out what its capabilities were and how to respond to it. She steps inside, with an absence of fear. There is also the difference between these demolitioner and at least two out of the three here: They can shadowwalk out.
Novel has a strangely calculating expression as acerbic smoke, a mild stimulant and intoxicant, meld together in his pipe. "Ritsuka, you've got good eyes, right? What do you think she was reaching for?" The man might not be the sharpest tool in the shed, and he might have trouble focusing on things in front of him - but he's good enough at asking questions. He turns towards the darkness behind them, taking the place Ritsuka once held to watch behind him. "Sae, get the door open and stop fucking around. They might have been trying to crack it with brute force."
Sae-byeok says "I don't know how. I look for a card reader but bitch needs glasses."
Sae-byeok waves the card for someone else to use.
Sae-byeok jumps at this discoverer- but she is not a super jumper. She paces over, new spear in hand, and swipes!
Ritsuka glances back, and then makes an ack. Her eyes immediately scan for a camera.
Sae-byeok looks at the angelborn, then across at the demonborn, the corner of her lip pressing into her cheek.
Ritsuka says "She was reaching for the door, looking to escape. Meaning there should be a camera here... and a remote lock somewhere potentially."
Sae-byeok says "You think so? Haemophages set fire to things, or just weird wound?"
Sae-byeok says "Maybe acid. I don't know."
Ritsuka glances on over towards the corpse of the demonborn, and then kneels down besides it to take a look. She draws a golden flame over it to offer some light to herself, she might be able to see in the dark, but it still helps. Being a nurse should reveal enough about the type of wound at the least, whether it is acid burn or fire burn.
From what Novel, Sae-byeok and Ritsuka can tell, there are no cameras here. The reader, yes, but the rest of the technology is likely preservational for the laboritory itself; Kiernan may have over estemated Hilaina's paranoya.
Ritsuka says "So... the wound on the demonborn, he set himself down on fire to take down the Haemophage in a tackle. Then died trying to escape."
Ritsuka rises to her feet again and glances around. "And I see no camera. But I am not savy with them."
"Mmmm.." Sae-byeok hums. "Kay. Well, I swipe card. I don't know if we on ten-step process."
Novel says "Get. The. Door. Open."
Novel grates this out, shifting and antsy.
As Novel says that to Sae-byeok and Sae-byeok mentions that the card was swiped, there are haunting sounds. They are far off for now, but they are getting closer.
The vault door looms ahead, a colossal slab of reinforced steel, its surface marred with the scars of time and technology. The atmosphere humms with an electric anticipation as Ritsuka, Novel and Sae-byeok stand in front of it, their breath mingling with the dust-filled air. With a deep, resonant rumble, the vault door begins to move thanks to Sae-byeok's use of Kiernan's pass card. It is slow, almost agonizingly so, as if the very mechanism of the universe conspires to prolong Ritsuka, Sae-byeok and Novel's suspense. The grinding of gears echoes like thunder in the confines of the tunnel, drowning out the sound of Novel, Sae-byeok and Ritsuka's breathing, and the skittering sounds from the tunnel behind them. The door creaks open, revealing a darkened entryway, a yawning maw that beckons Novel, Sae-byeok and Ritsuka forward. As it parts, a pressurized release accompanied by a sharp hiss of air that echoes through the chamber, a sound reminiscent of a great beast awakening from a long slumber. The air that escapes is cold and sterile, tinged with a metallic tang that sets your nerves on edge. Finally, after what feels like an eternity, the door swings fully open, revealing the vaults interior. the bright white light floods over you as you cross the threshold into the antichamber. The sterile illumination washes over you, stark and unyielding, highlighting every detail of your surroundings. The walls are lined with advanced technology, screens flickering with static and data that is still in its prime, though dorment. The air feels thick, almost charged, as Ritsuka, Novel and Sae-byeok move deeper, instinctively drawn toward the laboratory that lay beyond. As you venture further, three towering pods come into view, each of them an imposing structure that lumbers like sentinels guarding secrets best left undiscovered. They are taller than a man, their surfaces smooth and glistening under the harsh overhead lights. The pods had once contained something alive, something that now seems to linger in the air: a palpable tension that hinted at the horrors they might have housed.
With a sudden whir and a series of mechanical whines, the pods begin to retract. The sound echoing in the chamber, stirring memories of ancient machinery, the cutting-edge, now relics of HIlaina's experiments and the danger within. The doors of the pods open with an eerie hiss, releasing a cloud of vapor that curles and dissipates in the sterile air. And then they see it. Whatever had been housed within the pods was now free, but the revelation comes with a chilling realization: there were likely three Haemophages that had emerged from their slumber, and one lay lifeless at their feet, just outside the door. Ritsuka, Novel and Sae-byeok's attention is drawn away as something catches your eyes at the foot of the entrance. A gruesome tableau lays sprawled before you, a blood-drained corpse that paints a chilling picture of the events leading up to your arrival. The body is twisted and contorted, the expression frozen in terror, as if the victim had been caught in a moment of sheer panic. It looks as though he had been trying to escape, clawing at the ground, desperately attempting to break free from the clutches of the Haemophages.
For now, the door remains open, and those sounds are gradually getting closer...
Novel might be saying this as he holds another match, slowly burning down to the the base of it. He ignores the way it singes his fingers, keeping it up, as he backs his way into the room of the vault, allowing Ritsuka and Sae-byeok to take point. He looks for a way to shut the vault door back closed, a lever, a button, another card-reader to slam it shut back in front of them, more focused on the problem at hand then of the insides of the room. He flicks the end of the burnt match out into the dark, pulling another. He's running out.
Sae-byeok hands Novel a bunch sheets of paper as kindling, then looks around for something more productive to burn-
Ritsuka draws up her blade, and the flames draw around her protectively, at least they would not burn her, but they would others. They are hers, after all. She glances to Sae-byeok and then to Novel. "Looks like we'll have no other choice but to destroy them. Hope you put on your special pants." She huffs out a breathe. It is ever difficult to discern the capability of corpses, for what they were. But it is also true that she, and it looks like Novel are particularly proficient to facing the Haemophages.
Those noises get closer and closer. At the edge of your visions, Novel, Sae-byeok and Ritsuka see the obsidian form of one of the faceless Haemophages racing from the darkness then-- There it is, the closing mechanism. Novel is able to smack it, the match enough, for now to hold off the phage, though the door creeps closed at a glacial pace. Then, with a pressurised click, it finally closes, the beast irately hammering against the door, the sound strangely muted, though it holds, with no sign of buckling. Haemophages are likely not strong enough to break in. At least for now.
the cryomancer is bad at setting things on fire, as it turns out. Sighing as the door closes, Sae-byeok drops the anxiety- for a time. She could wait out the next 18 hours and shadow step- or, perhaps more intelligently, break the nightmare ward on the room and walk out. "Maybe." She finishes, looking around the lab.
Sae-byeok says "Goal is to destroy research- that mean erasing results. "
Sae-byeok steps up to the pods and takes a look inside.
Ritsuka lowers her blade, and the flames draw back into her, disappearing into her flesh before she looks over to Sae-byeok. "I feel like we are in a scenario of the movie. Are there any maps or terminals here? I do need to draw a copy of the research. Corpse we saw, that was not Hilaina, correct?"
Sae-byeok shakes her head. "No, Keirnan say she not here- like, different research guy. I mean- I don't know who he is. He have a nametag- they KEEP nametags? They keep cards."
Novel gives Sae-byeok a grateful look as he holds up the makeshift torch - and then drops it on the ground, stomping it out violently. He needs the outlet. He looks down at his sewer-stained sweatpants and then back up at Ritsuka, his jaw clenching, opening and closing. A frustrated exhale. "I brought my sweatpants. They're replaceable. Eh. No. Hilaina looks like - no. You'll know her when you see her." He cuts himself off, pacing in agitation as he starts browsing around the room. "I'll look." He flicks out the thumb drive of his own, giving the advanced technology a leery look, his expression increasingly agitated. It gets worse when he sees the body as he browses around the vault again, sniffing the air - and looking around. Alien...
Vents. If one's already inside. "Killing them might be pretty doable." He says, vaguely. "There's probably something in here to deal with them. Maybe that's what the death trap is for."
Sae-byeok waggles her card as she becomes a tube. "This maybe where Keirnan worked. I don't know. She become fog."
Novel says, with measured word, "We need to figure out... where her new base is. Equipment. If we're talking about. Maybe the creatures aren't just the only experiment, but controlling them. Could be - abandoned because she couldn't control them."
Sae-byeok nods to Novel's conclusion. "Strahd wants to control. She also very trained in hypnosis- maybe that is good on them?"
Sae-byeok says "Mmm. I don't know. Last time in London she talk about 'releasing her experiments' on her old subjects. They clearly not the final product- but like, they are a test for something."
Sae-byeok says "They take out squad of demolishers. That a success, if she know about it."
Ritsuka places a finger along of her jawline and retrieves the box with the arrow she had been given. "I am still not sure where I am supposed to put this. Or where the arrow is meaning to point." The blade lowers in a single hand for the moment.
Sae-byeok is a child in a monster's birthing pod. As she stumbles about the techno-womb, she squints for tubes, for arcana glyphs- for some sign of ritual magic.
The atmosphere in the lab is thick with unease as the trio of Novel, Sae-byeok and Ritsuka observe the containment pods. What had once been a sanctuary for the obsidian monsters; the Haemophages- now feels like a tomb for the life that exists within it, the echoes of that monstrous presence lingering in the air. The corpse lays sprawled on the cold metal floor, his lifeless form a painful reminder of the horrors that had unfolded within these walls thanks to Hilaina Strahd. the low, rhythmic thuds of the Haemophage outside reverberated through the door, this reprieve stunted. As if the room had heard the arrival of Novel, Sae-byeok and Ritsuka, the screens lining the walls flicker to life. The dull hum of machinery fillling the air, and the harsh glare of the monitors illuminate the dark corners of the lab. A kaleidoscope of data streams across the screens, revealing fragmented images of the Haemophages, their grotesque forms captured in moments of unearthly stillness. The lab, once dormant, now thrumms with an eerie vitality of its own. As if speaking heralded its coming, a sudden whirring sound cuts through the mundanity of the active laboritory, and the camera mounted in the corner of the room springs to life. Its mechanical eye pivoting with unsettling precision, locking onto Novel, Ritsuka, and Sae-byeok. It mocks them as it observes, and that in and of itself lays rest to any idea to this sanctum being abandoned. And then, Sae-byeok, Novel and Ritsuka hear it. They hear the voice as it flows through the room like an insidious melodious enchantment. "I was wondering how long it would take you until you decided you aught try to stop this experiment, Novelty, mine. Though you are far too late. I already know my failures are able to act with cohesion. Their mass imprinting was a success, naturally. A shame I was forced to mutate them before hand. The next experiments will not need such gauche adaptation. The Demiurge was rather helpful in aiding me in perfecting what I was unable to achieve independently."
As Ritsuka checks the tracker, the three can tell at a glance that this is the end location. There are also terminals that can be used to syphon information from; The information is free flowing, and with Kiernan's pass card, Novel, Sae-byeok and Ritsuka can access and copy it at your leasure.
Ritsuka goes on and ignores the voice for now, clearly, that is a conversation for Novel as she moves on towards the terminal, and slides in the USB stick that will clone everything on record.
Sae-byeok steps out of the birthing chamber, utterly birthed to frown at the voice above. With a rune of eis drawn with a rip of spite down the air, she reinforces the camera lens with creeping ice- muddying the view to blurry crystalline observatory.
Ritsuka says "Tim. Can you activate the keycard on the terminal to bypass one of the safety locks for one of the code compartments? Just put the keycard in the reader over there."
Ritsuka uses a not so right name, and gestures to the card reader.
Tim does as asked, hopping down from the base and running the keycard's credentials. Sae-byeok 's not technologically savvy, but she's intuitive, and man-made items were designed for man's use.
Ritsuka grins brightly at Sae-byeok and then winces, definitely suppressing laughter.
Sae-byeok does have to stifle a laugh in spite of a the moment.
Novel steps forwards to draw away from his sniffing of the room to try and see if there was an attack lurking. None found. Either because there wasn't one or he can't find it, the question is irrelevant.
Lights, camera, action, Novel. The camera is on and the villain is speaking. Time to play whatever part and do your best to cut the strings - he steps forwards. Gangly, with limbs and arms slightly too long, as if there was something bigger that was supposed to be strapped on. He looks up at the camera, the shine of his sunglasses. He studies the iced-over camera with certainty and intent. A ragged fellow in more ways than one. He certainly looked healthier, with more muscle, no-longer the sibling to the creatures outside. He doesn't take off the sunglasses, though.
Haven taught him some hard lessons about mind control. And even cameras and phones can do a lot.
He purses his lips in thought, tightening into a line. His mind stirs, digging for something. "Of course it was. Every failure's just a fucking success, isn't it? Runs both ways. Win if you lose, win if you fail, and learn on the way. Can't be -that- successful if you didn't decide to take them along and keep them like your pet dogs on a leash to snap at people and amuse yourself. What happened, Temple Demolishers too hot on your trail and you had to tuck your tail between your legs and run off?" He sneers. It's bluster. His face is flushing, though there's anger buried beneath it. "Sounds like we don't have that much to fucking worry about, or this Demiurge asshole."
Novel folds his hands over his chest. He puffs it out, staring viciously at the camera, the black sheen against black sheen of two different kinds of lenses, one frosted over.
In the laboratory, shadows flickered across the walls, their shapes dancing to the rhythm of machines whirring softly in the background. A single monitor, isolated yet commanding in its presence, springs to life. The glow illuminating the sterile space, casting an ethereal light that draws attention away from the surroundings. On the screen, an image materializes, revealing a junoesque woman of unearthly beauty. Her skin, pale as porcelain, shimmering under the artificial light, and her striking features accentuated by the haunting contrast of her deep crimson eyes. Across her lips, a smirk plays, a tantalizing hint of mischief that sends a shiver down the spine of anyone who dares to gaze upon her. "Hello, child," she greets Novel, her voice smooth and melodic, resonating with an otherworldly allure that seems to transcend the boundaries of the digital realm. The words curle through the air like smoke, wrapping themselves around the listeners mind. As she continues, Hilaina's tone shifts, melding confidence with a chilling undertone of authority. "The Haemophages were the first step," she declares, her gaze piercing through the screen as if she could see right into the heart of Novel, Sae-byeok and Ritsuka. "They were the logical progression after the Vetrdrone process; a culmination of necessity and ambition." She pauses, allowing the weight of her words to sink in, her smirk widening just slightly. "Biotech has proven far more successful than cybernetics, wouldnt you agree?" Hilaina's ethereal form leanes closer, the monitor's glow casting an ominous halo around her visage. "The magical aspect of their creation; the fleshforming- was designed for compliance." The smirk falters for a fleeting moment, replaced by a glimmer of something almost wistful. "They served their purpose, yes, but there is so much more to explore." Then comes the more poisonous question. "And wouldnt you like to return home?" she muses, her voice softening, almost coaxing. "To rejoin the great experiment? To embrace your role in this magnificent tapestry of evolution?" The words hang in the air, pregnant with the promise of secrets untold and destinies intertwined.
As Hilaina monologues, the camera turns to focus on Novel. Sae-byeok or Ritsuka could move, Novel being a distraction to retrieve a copy of the research held here.
Ritsuka glances to Sae-byeok "Sounds like a form of Biomancy. Dynasty will probably look to hunt her down, too." She shrugs to Sae-byeok, waiting for the stick to finish cloning the server data.
With a face and a name, Sae-byeok looks up to the grandmother of her child to which she herself owes know relation- legal or otherwise. Her head tilts towards Ritsuka, as she searches for most vile, uncomfortable emotion to produce within a psychic's repertoire. What truly encapsulates the derision she feels for this woman- who stands so powerful, and so intellectually vaunted as to brag to her own child about the subjectivity of his life. So she projects a perfectly vain, uncomfortable, and porcelain feeling.
Lust.
Novel turns his gaze as he's called out, drawn regardless even as he wants to retreat back into those shadows. His shoulders hunch. He instinctively makes himself smaller, curling up when called out - and then slowly he unfolds, straightening up. "Hello, /mother/," he squeezes out the bitter ichor that can only come from the personal, attentive, loving cruelty that comes from every day of one's life until adulthood. Muscles spasm across the face before he reasserts inhuman control of them, smoothing out. Back straight. Shoulders square. Don't embarrass with bad posture. Also, strength. The hatred of a snarl and something else in trembling lower lip rises, vanishes again just as quickly into that smooth confidence he usually has.
He produces a low exhale, his breath suddenly hot and pressing a warm cloud in the relative chillness of the room.
"You open the box and there's just more questions." He mutters, more to himself. He doesn't expect an answer or a response.
He stands there, waffling a moment. It's clear there's something. Something to that. His fingers tensing, digging into the biceps and his own jacket.
Novel flares his nostrils, shaking his head. A deep, drafting inhale, an exhale, the movement of an animal shaking off rain and a brief, pleasurable experience. His voice comes out resolute, "Evolution just happens randomly, prophecy should break, and people should have their freedom. Go fuck yourself, Hilaina."
Sae-byeok takes a moment to look about the laboratory, understanding herself to be a part of this family reunion. For another 7-8 months, or perhaps forever, she hopes- to look across at the station. Technology is not her specialty, and the constantly maintained mindward tends to screw a haze into the monitors. One images a lab such as this, that combines both magical and technological components, to have divisions of space wherein both are made separate in order to apply at different points to alter the subject. She looks for the arcane components, looks for the demonic practice- looks for space where the scientists have to show their work, have to demonstrate it in order for the practice to occur.
"You assume that they arn't also funding my research, Shimomi Ritsuka." Hilaina notes. She is looking down now, her attention on something that her own camera does not show. "Tyrell, The Hand, the Temple, Hanshin, Dynasty, each wish me to provide answers to questions they have desired answers for. Answers I have and will continue to offer, naturally. And why not? I already have the backing of the nobility. All I do is a process. A grand, wonderful process that will ultimately yield answers too the greater truths that the Guardrealm and the Other holds close to their chests." The vampire looks back up, her gaze-- And the camera shifting to denote Sae-byeok next. "Lust, really? You think such a regressive mind such as yours can distract me from my project with such a debased emotion? Your medical notes are rather interesting by the way. By all accounts, your demented spawn is progressing wonderfully. I do so look forward to identifying if it, unlike my dear Novelty achieved the apotheosis from birth that I had wished for him."
Finally, Ritsuka glances up at the woman. And then her eyes draw down to her phone as she types up a text message on one of the apps she uses. The message is, of course, heavily encrypted, though there is the chance that, being where they are, underground, that the message will not come through.
Ritsuka then looks over the computer, too. She is no expert with the thing, but she at least knows how to open the task manager, and to look for connected IP addresses.
"I think you suck and you should go fuck yourself." Sae-byeok responds with a hiss as she crawls about the innerworkings like a rat.
Novel bristles, some, at the words Hilaina produces for Sae-byeok.
Sae-byeok eventually just starts to yank out wires. It's not about finding something, it's about solving the concussion in her head- the throb of anger that doesn't resolve itself because it's not anger- it's just the fight or flight.
Instinctively, identifying it like one identifies a thrown object coming for her head, she draws the rune of eis on her palm and holds it to her chest. She becomes dead to the world in this way. The third lesson of the vacuum of cold whose true nature is absence: Away with heat of emotion.
"Her words cannot give, and that is their fault." She concludes quietly, standing away from the pods. "Let's just go home and torture Lily. We have what we needed, and Strahd has yet to gain the control she wants. This is just an indulgence."
The walls of the laboratory rise like sentinel sentries, imposing and cold, their surfaces sheathed in gleaming sheet metal that reflects the harsh, sterile lighting overhead. Sae-byeok can notice that each panel has been expertly welded together, creating an unyielding barrier that isolates the secrets held within. Yet, beneath this polished exterior lies a deeper, darker truth. When imbued with the effects of mandrake tea as Ritsuka, Sae-byeok and Novel are, the metal takes on an ethereal quality, revealing glimpses of the hidden nightmare that pulses just beyond the veil of perception. The air is thick with an unsettling energy, as arcane runes flicker to life across the walls. These intricate symbols, woven with care and steeped in ancient Mesopotamian knowledge, pulse with a haunting glow, whispering secrets of forbidden experiments and lost arts. They twist and writhe in the flickering light, both beguiling and terrifying, a testament to the dark alchemy of science and sorcery that permeates this space. From the monitor, the figure of Hilaina Strahd continues to monologue, an albino specter draped in shadows. Her features are sharp and ethereal, her voice a silken taunt that reverberates through the sterile air. What is wrong? she asks, a predatory glint in her eyes. You wish all of the answers. Arcane, technological, biotechnological? Please do take all you desire. There is a chilling cadence to her words, as if she relishes the thought of unraveling the minds of those who dare to seek her knowledge. I am done with this facility, she continues, a smirk playing on her pale lips. Once you have gathered your copy, I will even aid you in destroying my evidence. We cant have too many people getting the most brief look into my outdated research, can we? The challenge hangs in the air, electric and palpable, inviting yet foreboding. "Unfortunately, Miss Shimomi," the albino croons, "This is a closed network. Though I could allow your message release, should I wish. Your contact would like to trace my location, after all." Leaning back, Hilaina produces a grim smile, something that is evil incarnate. "I think not. And if you wish to find me, you have only to look to the origin of all of this. Dear Novelty," the albino offers up what could, to any one else, be a genuine maternal expression that never meets the eyes-- They are too calculating. "Come home and find me. I may even cook your favourite once more. I trust you do still enjoy cooking."
Ritsuka's copy finishes the downlode onto the memory drive before Sae-byeok begins to rip out wiring from the various equipment around the lab. The camera continues to track the three, Hilaina's expression suggesting that she is very much enjoying-- And cataloguing the responces to all that's taking place. "I'd finish up if I were you." the albino advises. "I do believe that once I summon the second of my Haemophages back and let them into this lab, it will be time to exterminate the failed experiments. Now do excuse me. I have biometrics from a living dream, my mutated ofspring and a hybrid faeling demigod to review. That will go nicely with the angelborn and werewolf study I had conducted last week-- Oh, and do wish Kiernan a good day for me. I shall be sending my retribution swiftly. I dislike those who think they have the capability to betray me." The last thing Novel, Sae-byeok and Ritsuka see before the moniter switches itself to static is Hilaina Strahd as she lights a cigarette.
Sae-byeok draws the rune of eis across her arm and stands, reinforcing with ice plates engineered to be broken in a series to reduce impact and slow the strike of blunt force. As such, there's a small separation in the ice that clings to her tactical suit underneath and the plate of ice a few inches above it. She readies her makeshift spear. And takes her first breath as the third lesson of cryomancy wears off and her heart begins to beat again.
Sae-byeok says "We are shadow walking or leaving through the nightmare?"
Sae-byeok says "We should do former- I- She- there some psychic.. Puddle on the other side. Like living Nightmare it's.."
Ritsuka raises her hands to shrug. And, of course, she continues in Japanese. "I am here on my own today. Next time I may appear with a large unit of specialized combatants... and my biometric ID is not available... It does not exist, nor is there anything here that would contain it and there won't be anything left behind."
She says that much between whatever Hilaina was saying, if it was intimidating, it really wasn't. Trying to get that data means messing with the imperial family, and without such a request to them, they would surely send retribution over what that is theirs. Even if the request was approved, she would know, it would be asked of her to provide.""
Novel slowly unwinds his arms as he settles down into painful stubbornness, his hand reaching up to massage his shoulder and neck. The motion is irrelevant. He doesn't need it. There's a twitch, a dose of muscle relaxants and native opioid coursing through his veins as he relaxes. One, two. One, two. In, out, his hand lifting to flex and grip at the air. And then with an inarticulate cry of rage he grabs the monitor and tears it off, pointless destruction and HURLS it at the camera with clattering, smashing crash.
Pointless.
But as he stands there huffing he seems to feel a little better, shaking off whatever enchantment that seemed to hold him in paralysis. "It's probably shielded that way." His tone, clipped. "You can try to escape out that way. I'm going to open the door if you can't. And I have another plan." He hitches his shoulders, stepping over towards the door, to reach for the panel that he used to shut it down, a certain amount of familiarity with how these labs are organized. He's not even thinking about it.
"I have no idea what you're saying, Ritsuka," He says, wearily.
How ever you choose to leave, it will have to be soon. Glancing to the door, Sae-byeok, Ritsuka and Novel note that the series of lights are slowly turning from red to green. It is likely that the door will open within the next few minutes, though you will all be able to path out if you wish.
"I should be able to just path us out of here," Ritsuka says, now back to English. Oh, how arrogant Hilaina proves to be. "At worst we might need to fight, but I can just use my golden fire."
Sae-byeok levies like a phalanx behind Novel. "I okay with eeeither!" She calls.
Novel reaches out to grasp Sae-byeok's hand. Lewd. "Try to Shadow Walk out, first." Apparently someone's going to be dragged along. "Plan B fucking sucks."
Novel says "Oh - right. Pathing."
Novel forgets he can do that sometimes.
Novel says "...Yeah. Do that, Ritsuka."
Sae-byeok says, insistent, "Pathing! I shadow walk earlier to get us out of Biodome."
Novel nods at Sae-byeok.
Ritsuka draws up some of the fire from her heart - the pathing is less potent, maybe it needs a couple of seconds to a minute longer, but she will not risk leaving any blood behind. All the same, she starts to open the way out with pathing.
In spite of everything-- In spite of the taunting and the abrasive arrogance of Hilaina Strahd, Novel, Sae-byeok and Ritsuka have managed to achieve what you set out to do; You have gathered the information, and you have insured that the lab is set to, if not pre-ordaned to be destroyed. There are only two of the Haemophages left, and those could be destroyed when the lab is. So Novel and Ritsuka prepare to path. The process is uninterupted, and the air shimmers. It's such a close thing, as the door opens with a hiss and the two phages rush in. They reach for Sae-byeok, Ritsuka and Novel, but it's too late-- The path is open, and you all escape back to Haven, the lab beginning to burn behind you, the screams of the abominations in your ears. And you have set the ground work for Elegance in shadows PT3, where this adventure will conclude, just as soon as I can submit the story idea.
Guided by Antonio, a vampire with a vested interest in their success, and forewarned by Kiernan, Hilaina's disillusioned descendant, the trio is informed of the dangers that lie ahead. The sewers, a forgotten labyrinth beneath London's surface, are now home to the monstrous Haemophages—once humans, now twisted beyond recognition by Hilaina's cruel experiments.
Undeterred, Novel, Sae-byeok, and Ritsuka venture deeper, their journey illuminated by the flickering lights of their own determination and the eerie glow of arcane runes. They encounter remnants of those who have tried and failed before them, including a tragic tableau of Temple demolishers brutally slain. Their grim discovery serves as a stark reminder of the formidable obstacles they face.
As they make their way into Hilaina's laboratory, they are confronted not only by the physical manifestations of her dark ambitions but by Hilaina herself, who appears as a specter on the monitors. She taunts them with her vision of a new world order, one shaped by her twisted experiments and unholy alliances. But our heroes are not easily swayed. With quick thinking and a refusal to succumb to her psychological warfare, they manage to download crucial data from her servers, and begin preparing for their escape.
In a race against time and facing the imminent threat of being overrun by Haemophages, the trio decides to path out. Ritsuka, drawing upon her deep reserves of power, crafts a magical exit. Amidst the chaos of the collapsing lab and the howls of Hilaina's monstrous creations, they make their daring escape, leaving the lab—and its nightmares—behind.
Their mission, however, is far from over. With the information they've obtained, they've set the stage for a showdown with Hilaina Strahd. But more importantly, they've proven themselves a formidable team, capable of facing the darkness with unwavering courage. As they regroup in Haven, the weight of their adventure settles upon them, a reminder of the battles fought and the battles yet to come in their fight against the shadows encroaching upon their world.
(Elegance in shadows PT2(SRIllyana):SRIllyana)
[Mon Jan 20 2025]
On Beside the Wanstead flats in Forest Gate, London
Wanstead Flats, nestled on the edge of East London, is a vast expanse of open green space that forms part of the larger Epping Forest. This tranquil area is a favorite among local residents and wildlife alike, featuring rolling meadows, scattered woodlands, and shimmering ponds. As night descends, the Flats take on a different character. The sounds of rustling leaves and distant owls creating a serene backdrop, while the faint glow of streetlights casts long shadows across the grass.
Along the edges of Wanstead Flats, a winding path meanders through the landscape, bordered by clusters of trees and the occasional park bench. At night, the path is quiet, illuminated only by the soft, flickering light of nearby lamps. The air is cool, and the scent of damp earth mingles with the fresh, crisp aroma of grass. A gentle breeze stirs, carrying the whispers of the night.
As you walk along this path, your footsteps crunch softly on the gravel, breaking the stillness of the night. The faint rustling of small creatures
as they scurry through the underbrush-- offers a reminder of the life that thrives in this natural haven, even after dark. The moon hangs low in the sky, casting a silvery sheen over the landscape, revealing the outlines of trees and the contours of the open fields.
At a certain point, the path leads to an inconspicuous manhole, partially hidden by tufts of grass, a profusion of weeds and the encroaching shadows. The manhole cover is heavy and unyielding, marked with the worn insignia of the citys utility services. It serves as a gateway to the vast, unseen world below
a labyrinth of sewers and drainage systems that snake beneath the Flats. The air around it is slightly cooler, a reminder of the depths below, where water flows silently and the citys remnants are hidden from view.
At a certain point, the path leads to an inconspicuous manhole, partially hidden by tufts of grass, a profusion of weeds and the encroaching shadows. The manhole cover is heavy and unyielding, marked with the worn insignia of the citys utility services. It serves as a gateway to the vast, unseen world below
a labyrinth of sewers and drainage systems that snake beneath the Flats. The air around it is slightly cooler, a reminder of the depths below, where water flows silently and the citys remnants are hidden from view.
It is afternoon, about 12F(-11C) degrees,
Novel did not in fact bring a couch with him.
(*I have 3 establishing emotes, then I'll give you all time to process and emote before we continue*) To begin this trek, Novel, Sae-byeok and Ritsuka each receive a text. It is from Antonio, a high-ranking vampire from the vampire court in Boston. Antonio is also, from what was researched, Kiernan's sire, and is so invested in the success of this venture. He does not follow you, however. He tells you that he is offering the service for ease-- And because he was payed well to do so, but on arrival, he will leave you to your task, then meet with his child. With the party gathering in Howl at the Moon's secretive back room, Antonio delivers you safely, the walk through the haunting, dark forest of pathing smooth and uninterupted. It doesn't take long; Adept as he is, Antonio's navigation through the paths is hasty-- More than you might expect, and so in almost the blink of an eye, Sae-byeok, Ritsuka and Novel arrive in the east of London, materialising behind a small store that sells stuffed pastries. So far, the area is devoid of obstruction or people, and as you make your way onto the street, you are able to begin making your way to the appointed meeting location: An inconspicuous manhole cover a short distance from the Winstead flats. From what you were all told, Hilaina Strahd was working on a method of mass hypnosis. But also, you were told that the vampire scientist planned on doing so from a location outside of London, Summerset, another part of the UK. For what ever reason, plans have changed, and with the sudden notification of this summons, it must be important.
Nestled in the vibrant tapestry of East London, Forest Gate is a neighborhood where the pulse of the city meets the whispers of suburban tranquility. As Ritsuka, Novel and Sae-byeok wander through its streets from the path used to arrive, the air is tinged with the earthy aroma of nearby parks and the scent of diverse cuisines wafting from local eateries, a fragrant note of its multicultural heartbeat. The architecture here tells stories of time-- Victorian terraced houses, their bricks worn smooth by years of weather, stand proudly alongside more modern constructions. Each home, with its unique door and window frames, reflecting the individuality of its inhabitants. As the sun sets, these facades glow warmly, casting long shadows across the pavements, where the laughter of children playing echoes through the evening air. Parks like Wanstead Flats and the serene Forest Gate Marsh offer a lush escape from urban life. Here, ancient oaks stand sentinel, their leaves rustling softly in the breeze, while the calls of birds provide a natural symphony. Families gather for picnics on sun-dappled grass, and joggers weave through the trails, their rhythmic footfalls punctuating the serene atmosphere. In the distance, the faint sound of a train can be heard, a reminder of Londons ever-present connectivity. The local markets hum with life, vibrant stalls overflowing with fresh produce, exotic spices, and handmade crafts. The sounds of bartering and laughter blend seamlessly with the chatter of friends meeting for coffee in cozy cafes. Each corner of Forest Gate seems to reveal a hidden gem; a vintage shop bursting with nostalgia or a street artist painting vivid murals that breathe life into the urban landscape. As twilight descends, the neighborhood transforms. Streetlamps flicker to life, casting a golden glow over the streets, inviting evening strolls. The mix of cultures is palpable, from the aromatic spices of Indian cuisine to the comforting scent of traditional English fish and chips. Pubs exude warmth and camaraderie, where locals gather to share stories and laughter, their voices mingling with the clinking of glasses. Forest Gate is a microcosm of London, where the vibrant energy of the city meets the comforting embrace of community. It's a place where history and modernity coalesce, creating an aesthetic that is both dynamic and inviting-- a neighborhood that welcomes exploration and connects its residents in a rich tapestry of life. Beneath though.
As the sun sinks low on the horizon, the sky above Forest Gate begins to darken, casting a muted glow over the Wanstead Flats. The expanse of grass, vibrant under the day light, now appears shrouded in an eerie twilight. Families and joggers, who had filled the space with laughter and life, gradually retreate leaving behind a silence that feels more pronounced with each passing moment. The wind, a subtle whisper, rustles through the branches of the trees, their silhouettes stretching like gnarled fingers against the fading light as Novel, Ritsuka and Sae-byeok walk. Among the familiar landmarks, a nondescript sewer grate lays half-hidden beneath a patch of weeds. It is an ordinary sight, perhaps overlooked by most, yet under the encroaching night, its presence grows more sinister. The grate's metal surface glints dully, reflecting the last remnants of daylight, but shadows pool around it, deepening as the sun continues its descent. As the air grows chillier, a faint, metallic scent begins to drift up from the grate; a scent that carries with it an unsettling weight. To the living, it might have been dismissed as the odor of stagnant water mingled with decay, yet beneath the veil of the mundane, something darker stirs. The supernatural, those who walked between worlds, can sense the undercurrents of something far more sinister; an echo of blood, a whisper of violence that clings to the air like smoke. With the last light extinguished, the Flats transform. The playful shadows lengthening into grotesque shapes, and the sounds of the night morphing from the benign chirping of birds to the rustle of unseen things in the darkness. The once-open space feels claustrophobic, as if the very grass and trees conspire to keep secrets buried beneath their roots. The scent intensifies a coppery tang rising from the depths of the sewer, beckoning those who could hear the call. A chill creeps through the air, wrapping around the grate like a shroud. The ground seeming to pulsate with a forgotten melody, a rhythm that echoes the heartbeat of something malevolent lurking just out of sight. Tendrils of fog begin to unfurl, curling around the grating, as if seeking to draw forth whatever lays dormant beneath.
"So." Sae-byeok whispers at a tone to be heard through keen hearing as she passes Ritsuka a plastic bottle of tea, walking through the dry parts of the sewer as her nose clogs from the sewage. The keen sense of smell brings more stuffy than disgusted, as sewage has a complex scent to it. "We looking for scientist who doing research out here- annnnnnd, manhole cover- weird, annnnd.. Blood."
Ritsuka has somehow ended up here, with far too little dressage with the freezing weather all around, and now that there might be some remembering, yeah, she definitely forgot her coat somewhere along the trip. Probably at the Howl, and that does give with a shiver that does run through her and a grimace. On her back, she does also have her backpack, where she usually keeps her equipment.
Once at the garden she does take a glance around, and Sae-byeok hands her some tea, that she does sip from. "I feel like I put on the completely wrong outfit and lost my coat." Oh that has her roll her eyes and very lightly shake her head. "But it will just have to make do. Yeah, there is some interest for me in the data. How... prepared are you both?"
Sae-byeok looks a little sallow. It's not abnormal, but rather a consequence of her craft as she shivers at increments. A *POP* *pop* *pop...* Echoes down the chamber as she opens a can of pepsi.
Sae-byeok points at the side of her head with sass, "Girl mindwarded, bring mandrake, and eat breakfast- so, she prepared. I not think I could carry spear or gun or something through yeongguk- ehhh.. Britainland, so like- just a knife."
Novel sniffs the air. Once, twice, "Oh shit pasteries," the man immediately gets distracted getting a hazelnut-chocolate croissant. Which he then munches on the way through jogging, dressed as he is in the most generic of generic wears, recognizable across nearly all countries:
That of a man dressed to go for a jog. He also spends much of the day just goofing off - there's spices, and things to find, and he spends a lot of time haggling and arguing and bickering with street vendors, loading up bags to take back to the Starlight Lounge to try and perform new recipes while making it all happen on either the Anarchs's or Yana's own dime. Between idly torturing people for no particular reason by sticking his leg out to cause pile ups or traffic problems or pretending to be a loud, dumb American and talking about politics in front of certain merchants so he can watch their soul slowly wither away in horror.
The day's a party, and before evening hits, he finds somewhere to wind down and nap before dark hits on a park bench. Then he stirs from it, when the chill hits, straightening himself up. It's go time. And everyone's out and hunting and your boy's EXCITED and wearing his kevlar. His bags and boxes have been packed and sent back.
Novel glances at Sae-byeok and casually lifts his hoodie, revealing the knives, the kevlar, and about a dozen different vials of some wicked poisonous liquid that gleams with black and promises nothing good. "No." And then he slides the hoodie back down.
Novel definitely couldn't have gotten all of that through airport security.
Ritsuka raises her hands along of a shrug. She reaches around for the backpack, and puts on the kevlar that hides in it. This one looks like, to be worn underneath clothing usually, and it is where it goes. Under her dress, though the top of her massive tiddies are covered up by it, and that means it shows at the top. Then, she does withdraw her katana from it, and if this is far away enough from any notice, lights up a golden flame over the palm of one hand for the briefest moment. "My katana is still augmented for silver."
"Mmmm." Sae-byeok hums. Sae-byeok' been a pedestrian to awful as she shadows Novel around on the daytrip. Making people feel suicidal, making people feel confused, making people empathetic when she describes the issues in her relationship with Novel, and why he won't fuck her. It's not bliss, but it's passably close.
But returning to now: "Oh." She says as she stares at what is either the sword of the omikami or ilbon torture blade. From her perspective, at least.
"Kay. Well- look for weird runes, kay? My teacher and I break into temple with 'kill' runes or something once. I can identify them if you find them, but like- girl is blind."
Those wisps of fog coalesce into a form; a familiar figure to Ritsuka, Sae-byeok, and Novel. It's the vampire, Kiernan, though since the last time Novel has seen her, she looks far healthier, with spun golden hair well put together and dressed casually in jeans and a jacket. She gestures to the group, and without preamble, she steps closer. Kiernan nods to the grate, stating, "You will find Hilaina's work through there. I won't be going with you, of course. I am to meet my /true/ Master. I am aware of what you'll find down there, though." The woman pauses, then, looking at Ritsuka, Sae-byeok, and Novel with an assessing gaze. "There are creatures down there guarding her labs. She calls them Haemophages. They're blood slaves, twisted and transformed by her experiments. The lab itself is below the sewer, in the old World War shelter's tunnels." Kiernan curles her lip, annoyed. "I'd expected her to move to a home by now, though understandably, Mistress has had interest from the Chinese, Japanese, and both the Temple and the Hand for her latest interests. To such ends, plans had changed, and she relocated." Crossing her arms, Kiernan sniffs the air, grimacing. "There's no guards up here, but with the scent of blood coming from down there, the experiments might be loose in the sewers themselves, not just the tunnels and lab. Mistress also has a knowledge of technology, so beware of cameras, explosives, or other technological traps. That said, I didn't see any on my way up, and I've been lingering down their until the sun went down." She waits then, perhapse for questions. Possibly to say more, though she waits for Novel, Ritsuka and Sae-byeok to make the next move. By this time of the evening, there are few people left outside, it is nearly nine PM, and only cars and public transport, along with the rumble of the underground break the group's ruminations.
Ritsuka asks perhaps the most important of the questions. "How dangerous are the Haemophages? I might burn them a little bit. What is the plan of the sewers, do you have a map, Kiernan?"
Sae-byeok stares between Kiernan and Novel, looking like a creepy doll in street clothes with her unblinking dots and combat boots. The effort put into her makeup and the effort of her ensemble are polarizing- but the cold is anything but humid, so at least she doesn't sweat through her foundation.
Sae-byeok asks perhaps the least important questions, "So. How you two.. Are doing, seeing each other again?"
Sae-byeok says "Like, ehhh.. Have fun morning?"
"Sweet, I should have brought my sword in a bag." Novel frowns at his own bad planning, studying Ritsuka's katana with obvious envy. His hand flexes, as if he was trying to wish his corrupt and horrific sword back into existence. Oh, well. At least he's had a nap.
"Hey, Kiernan, you don't look like shit," Novel greets the vampiress with pleasant warmth, even if the words that pour out of his mouth are those of an asshole. Also, the fact he looks completely different since the last time Kiernan saw him, and a more seductive, smoky bass instead of the higher-pitched fast-paced talking brought on by too many drugs. But it's still the same way of talking, deliberately cadenced to piss Hilaina off.
Then he settles in to listen to her, his mouth puckering into sour expression, though it smooths out as he settles in to listen - and looks even excited? Hmmm. He scratches his head.
He gives Sae-byeok a glance and sort of rolls his eyes behind the sunglasses.
Novel picks up, "Mo-Hilaina is smart but she never accounts for raw fucking stupidity and mayhem. If the critters got loose there's probably not that many traps because they broke them and she doesn't give a fuck. There might be a death trap around anything important," He concedes. "So... afterwards. Cameras, maybe." He purses his lips in thought. "I mean, we could make the Haemophages into an advantage instead of a problem."
Sae-byeok says "That word translate to 'blood infection.' Like- to spread infection. We need to be worried?"
Sae-byeok doesn't seem confident on her translation.
The golden-haired vampire shifts her weight slightly, the faintest hint of reluctance in her posture as she decides to share more. The dim light flickered around the vampire, Novel, Sae-byeok and Ritsuka, casting elongated shadows against the walls of the sewer's enterence from the stuttering street lamp above. She glances at Ritsuka, and lets out a soft sigh, as if resigning herself to the inevitable. With a casual flick of her wrist, Kiernan produces a small hand-held device that glows with a blinking arrow. It is compact, almost innocuous, but there is an air of significance surrounding it conveyed viat the symbology of its handover. "I was planning on just letting you find it," she says, her tone light but laced with an undercurrent of seriousness, "but seeing as you asked." She hands the device over to Ritsuka, her fingers brushing against Ritsuka's for a fleeting moment. The blinking arrow seems to beckon, promising answers hidden in the depths of the unknown. Kiernan turns her attention to Novel before addressing Sae-byeok, the demonborn and Ritsuka properly. Offering a faint smile that barely touches her lips, "Have you ever seen Alien?" she asks, her voice dropping slightly as if they were sharing a secret. The question hangs in the air, waiting for a response. "Better yet, Aliens," she continues, her eyes glimmering with a hint of mischief. "The Haemos are roughly that, except real, less dramatic, and one of them ripped apart a Temple Demolisher team sent from Bermingham last week. "They're lethal," she continues, her voice dropping to a whisper, as if the walls themselves could betray their conversation. "The Haemos are not just your average monster; theyre cunning, and they know how to hunt. The team that was sent to deal with Hilaina? well, they didnt stand a chance.""
Sae-byeok says, hissing, "Prototype blood-ling watch his fucking mouth when he talk to mother of his child!"
Sae-byeok collects herself flush, biting her lip. "Kay. Sae-byeok seen Alien movies but we probably not talking about green things. I armed with knife and probably going to die if I get shot by moonbeam. So- I don't know, I loot a dead body down there and use what they used."
Ah, that might have been a mistake, to brush against her hand, because it is then something that Ritsuka makes and allows to linger, golden eyes that settle onto Kiernan's own, and the tilt of her head, the sweetest tender smile, and the briefest longing. Food. Of course that is not obvious, and there would be no way she would let a vampire bite. Does not mean she would not feed.
Ritsuka's eyes glance over the device, more or less to find out what it is. "I did not watch this Alien. What is this Alien movie?"
Novel simply laughs. There's not even a pink palm-print. Unfair, as he goes back to casually grinning and setting a hand on his hi, watching the interaction. between the two people with actual charisma skills. "Yeah, the cat was the best character." He has by way of incredibly unhelpful input, though his expression sobers some as she continues and his shoulder squares to ready himself. "Okay, so." He ponders. "Don't fight them." He concludes eventually with a shrug.
He sighs and fills Sae-byeok and Ritsuka in, his own form stepping forwards - and dragging them in. "Horror movie about things that lay eggs in your chest and have their babies eat their way out of you. They're humanoid things with buglike shells. Spikes and spiky tail. Murderous. Probably easier to just not fight them." He ticks his head to the side, now casting his voice to the same low pitch.
"They used to be human, though, right?"
Novel asks, morbidly curious, "Do they still do the egg-laying thing?"
"Sooo... They are just like Satyrs or whatever?" Sae-byeok clarifies, the realities of the supernatural world triumphing over the space-flick. "But are bloodbugs."
"It's fine." Kiernan rocks on her feet, leaning away. "There arn't face huggers. They're also weaker to fire than normal vampires. What makes them most deadly is that they look so disgusting that people freeze..." There's a pause then, and the vampire adds, "Well okay, so their claws sort of have something to do with that, but you can usually make them run with a lighter. Or by being dead. Besides, you have Goldenboy there." Gesturing at Novel with a small wave, the golden-haired woman adds, "And because I like you, take this." Another object, a pass card is thrown at Sae-byeok. "So far, Mistress doesn't know that I've defected, but it's a matter of hours. So that'll get you through the locked doors. You might want to... You know, blow it up though." Finally, to Novel, she offers one thing; It's advice. "She still wants you. There are pictures of you around. Disguising yourself was part of the plan, apparently. She still wants to turn you into a monster, and she has a relic she thinks will force the change." The question as to the human nature of the Haemophages is left uncommented on. It's possible that Kiernan doesn't care.
lets the card hit her, and then bends over to pick it up like a dog that's caught on. She can have the ball if she just doesn't try to fetch...
"Beh-peuh, you have the matchbox?" Sae-byeok asks as she flips the card over and backward, before holding it with both hands like Charlie's golden ticket.
Ritsuka shrugs again, and now looks down to the manhole. "Shall we then? Also Kiernan... do you have a copy of Hilaina's files and the project? Can you hand them to me, please?" She smiles, and gives the vampiress a knowing look.
"Well, arn't we demanding today." Kiernan sniffs. "I don't have her files. But that card will let you take them. I assume one of you is smart enough to have braught a thumb drive."
With no more words, Kiernan returns to a fog form, drifting away from you. Beneath the bustling streets of Forest Gate, lies a labyrinthine sewer system that has long been forgotten by the world above. This network of damp, echoing tunnels winds downward into the earth, where shadows cling to the walls and the air is thick with the scent of mildew, blood and decay. The sewers were initially constructed to handle the city's waste, but during World War II, a series of hidden bunkers and tunnels were repurposed for military operations. These now lay entwined with the original system, creating a complex maze of history and danger. As Novel, Sae-byeok and Ritsuka navigate the narrow, crumbling pathways, you can feel the weight of the past pressing down upon you. The flickering light casts eerie shapes on the damp stone, illuminating graffiti from long-gone soldiers and the remnants of makeshift shelters. Each turn brings the unsettling realization that Ritsuka, Sae-byeok and Novel are not alone: an unsettling silence often punctuated by the distant echo of dripping water, or the scuttling of unseen creatures. Yet the true terror lies in the Haemophages, grotesque, vampiric beings that have emerged from the depths of the tunnels. These deadly monsters, once human, have been twisted by the darkness and malice of Hilaina Strahd. With their obsidian skin and insatiable hunger for blood, they lurk in the shadows, ready to strike at any moment, making the mere act of exploration a perilous endeavor. As the party pushes deeper, the atmosphere grows more oppressive. They encounter decaying machinery and remnants of wartime technology, relics of a time when the tunnels buzzed with life and purpose. The air becomes colder and more electric, hinting at something more. Murmurs of hidden secrets and untold treasures become palpable, urging Novel, Sae-byeok and Ritsuka onward. Finally, they reach a massive vault door, standing resolute against the backdrop of crumbling stone. Unlike the antiquated surroundings, this door gleams with advanced, modern electronics, contrasting sharply with the dark history of the tunnels. Its surface is adorned with an intricate array of buttons and screens that pulse with a faint glow, suggesting that something of great significance lies behind it. A chilling realization washes over you: whatever is contained within this high-tech sanctum may hold the key to the dangers they face; or possibly unleash greater horrors yet unseen.
Novel produces the put-upon, disgruntled expression at someone' use of that nickname, like an embarrassing thing that remains from childhood - but it's mixed with a subtle shiver that follows as she continues that has nothing to do with how cold the weather is. He reaches up to massage the sides of his neck, trying to warm up. "Nhh." His discontent seems to only grow. "So she lied. She did know what I originally looked like." It seems this bothers him more than anything else, his shoulders rolling slowly. And then he chimes in, "Yeah, I did. It's slitted into my cellphone. And them knowing whether they're human is -important-, Kiernan..." Though he doesn't explain why.
And then down below they proceed onwards. He sighs, taking point. He's the least observant of the three and most likely to survive being torn apart.
Novel produces the put-upon, disgruntled expression at Kiernan's use of that nickname, like an embarrassing thing that remains from childhood - but it's mixed with a subtle shiver that follows as she continues that has nothing to do with how cold the weather is. He reaches up to massage the sides of his neck, trying to warm up. "Nhh." His discontent seems to only grow. "So she lied. She did know what I originally looked like." It seems this bothers him more than anything else, his shoulders rolling slowly. And then he chimes in, "Yeah, I did. It's slitted into my cellphone. And them knowing whether they're human is -important-, Kiernan..." Though he doesn't explain why.
And then down below they proceed onwards. He sighs, taking point. He's the least observant of the three and most likely to survive being torn apart.
Novel suggests, as they walk down, "So, if they're human, you can probably still seduce them."
"Not this girl." Sae-byeok whispers in strange delight as they proceed down. Her mood is suddenly unstoppable, and it's a struggle not to skip through the eerie landscape as she walks to the chocolate factory of blood horror. "She just SOOO bad at that-" She bows, shaking her head at her own incapability of seducing blood monsters. She looks around idly for something to be used manageably as poke-stick. "I open we are ready."
Ritsuka reaches around for her satchel and holds it up. "Hmm, I thought she was going to keep a copy to sell on, it would make her rich. But this will force a copy from the drive on its own." Then the party makes their way down. If one of those creatures draws too close, she brings up a flame of her heart over her palm, ready to burn it, but once it withdraws the flame vanishes.
When they approach the vault gate, she looks down to the little device that she was given by Kiernan, and then glances for how this door is accessed. Her eyes do draw to Sae-byeok. She puts the device away, and then draws the blade from its sheath and places herself behind cover. Behind her... nine golden flames begin to hide, at the ready.
Novel splashes through the sewers and entrances, often getting mud and other filth on his shoes that are, alas, not boots, and so inadequate for this walk, his sweatpants steadily getting waterlogged around the ankles as they move. But he's been in worse places, in similar situations, and just feels vaguely thankful he HAS shoes. A sign of his own nervousness - and a need for lighting - as he flicks his pipe into his mouth. "Fuck you," He mentions, absent-mindedly to nothing in habit. It's unclear if he even remembers the advice, the SCHRRRRRIIIP of a match strokes across a box and then dropped into pipe.
The lit match flicked at one of those scuttling noises - a rat? One of the creatures? Regardless.
Sae-byeok blinks at Ritsuka, taking an eidetic screenshot of a woman casting nine degrees of shadows. Then looks for something to swipe the card down.
Novel slots the matchbox closed after such a light, tucking it into his jacket-pocket. And so he turns, back towards the ... ceiling? He looks up.
Novel did not take off his underwear.
Sae-byeok is out of place, but not entirely without comfort from the sewers.
The air is thick with an acrid stench, a noxious blend of decay and something else; something ancient that makes the hairs on the back of Ritsuka Novel and Sae-byeok's necks stand on end. peering into the dimly lit chamber that lay just beyond the vault door. The flickering light from Ritsuka's handheld device casts ominous shadows that dance across the walls, revealing the grotesque tableau sprawled before her, Novel and Sae-byeok. The vault door is a marvel of modern engineering, sleek and adorned with a dizzying array of technological devices. Circuitry pulsing softly beneath its surface, a heartbeat of the mechanism that lay dormant, locked away from prying eyes. But it is the scene at their feet that held Novel, Ritsuka and Sae-byeok's attention, a gory display that speaks of violence and mayhem. What remains of the Temple demolishers is a grim reminder of the dangers lurking beneath the surface of London. Your gazes fall first upon the two werewolf corpses, their massive forms contorted in death. One had been a striking figure, its silver fur shimmering even in the dim light, while the other was a hulking brute, its gnarled limbs twisted in an unnatural pose. But it is the angelborn that holds your gazes longer. A beauty even in death. Her ethereal features whave been marred by the violence she had endured, curls of golden hair matted with blood and dirt. She lays crumpled against the wall, one delicate hand outstretched as if reaching for something just beyond her grasp. The fourth body is a different story altogether. This corpse, likely demonborn, bares the marks of a fierce struggle. his skin is charred in places, as if it had been consumed by fire, and the gaping wounds suggest a resilience that had allowed him to regenerate multiple times before finally succumbing. As Novel, Sae-byeok and Ritsuka moved the dim light falls upon the last corpse: a Haemophage, its obsidian-black form a stark contrast against the blood-soaked concrete. The creatures features are almost entirely inhuman, an abomination that hold the perfection of fleshforming and eldritch melding. The thing almost looks like an xenomorph, and its form is covered in spines that resemble vampire fangs in a way. That then is when it becomes obvious: These Haemophages were once human, though now there is likely no saving them.
If one Haemophage is here, there are likely others. It may be advisable to enter the lab... It might not, though there are hideous sounds in the dark, and the half-seen forms are only being held back with each strike-- Each spark of the matches.
Sae-byeok squats next to the golden corpse, taking her by the hair away from the walls and dragging her closer into the flame provided by her companions. She proceeds to lute the woman of her belongings. The Temple is always the best equipped- not that she knows how to use most equipment, and is relatively disappointed to find that Demolishers are treated as a naked suicide brigade. Oh well.
She takes a stray pipe and uses a triage bandage to wrap a dagger to the top of the pole. Spear found. "Hey. I look at the door and it's all technical and shit. You think haemophages speak English?"
Sae-byeok says "Because I not really sure how only some of them get out. Temple close this door, you are thinking?"
Sae-byeok looks around the room, squinting at the precipice of the room.
Ritsuka draws the flame of her heart around herself, and each in turn offers a little bit of dim light. The corpses on the ground - there is nothing more than a glance given to them. Just other meatbags on the ground, why should she care? The place, where her eyes linger lays specifically on the the xenomorph, something between curious and cautious, it is perhaps evident that the form holds the greatest interest, if alone to find out what its capabilities were and how to respond to it. She steps inside, with an absence of fear. There is also the difference between these demolitioner and at least two out of the three here: They can shadowwalk out.
Novel has a strangely calculating expression as acerbic smoke, a mild stimulant and intoxicant, meld together in his pipe. "Ritsuka, you've got good eyes, right? What do you think she was reaching for?" The man might not be the sharpest tool in the shed, and he might have trouble focusing on things in front of him - but he's good enough at asking questions. He turns towards the darkness behind them, taking the place Ritsuka once held to watch behind him. "Sae, get the door open and stop fucking around. They might have been trying to crack it with brute force."
Sae-byeok says "I don't know how. I look for a card reader but bitch needs glasses."
Sae-byeok waves the card for someone else to use.
Sae-byeok jumps at this discoverer- but she is not a super jumper. She paces over, new spear in hand, and swipes!
Ritsuka glances back, and then makes an ack. Her eyes immediately scan for a camera.
Sae-byeok looks at the angelborn, then across at the demonborn, the corner of her lip pressing into her cheek.
Ritsuka says "She was reaching for the door, looking to escape. Meaning there should be a camera here... and a remote lock somewhere potentially."
Sae-byeok says "You think so? Haemophages set fire to things, or just weird wound?"
Sae-byeok says "Maybe acid. I don't know."
Ritsuka glances on over towards the corpse of the demonborn, and then kneels down besides it to take a look. She draws a golden flame over it to offer some light to herself, she might be able to see in the dark, but it still helps. Being a nurse should reveal enough about the type of wound at the least, whether it is acid burn or fire burn.
From what Novel, Sae-byeok and Ritsuka can tell, there are no cameras here. The reader, yes, but the rest of the technology is likely preservational for the laboritory itself; Kiernan may have over estemated Hilaina's paranoya.
Ritsuka says "So... the wound on the demonborn, he set himself down on fire to take down the Haemophage in a tackle. Then died trying to escape."
Ritsuka rises to her feet again and glances around. "And I see no camera. But I am not savy with them."
"Mmmm.." Sae-byeok hums. "Kay. Well, I swipe card. I don't know if we on ten-step process."
Novel says "Get. The. Door. Open."
Novel grates this out, shifting and antsy.
As Novel says that to Sae-byeok and Sae-byeok mentions that the card was swiped, there are haunting sounds. They are far off for now, but they are getting closer.
The vault door looms ahead, a colossal slab of reinforced steel, its surface marred with the scars of time and technology. The atmosphere humms with an electric anticipation as Ritsuka, Novel and Sae-byeok stand in front of it, their breath mingling with the dust-filled air. With a deep, resonant rumble, the vault door begins to move thanks to Sae-byeok's use of Kiernan's pass card. It is slow, almost agonizingly so, as if the very mechanism of the universe conspires to prolong Ritsuka, Sae-byeok and Novel's suspense. The grinding of gears echoes like thunder in the confines of the tunnel, drowning out the sound of Novel, Sae-byeok and Ritsuka's breathing, and the skittering sounds from the tunnel behind them. The door creaks open, revealing a darkened entryway, a yawning maw that beckons Novel, Sae-byeok and Ritsuka forward. As it parts, a pressurized release accompanied by a sharp hiss of air that echoes through the chamber, a sound reminiscent of a great beast awakening from a long slumber. The air that escapes is cold and sterile, tinged with a metallic tang that sets your nerves on edge. Finally, after what feels like an eternity, the door swings fully open, revealing the vaults interior. the bright white light floods over you as you cross the threshold into the antichamber. The sterile illumination washes over you, stark and unyielding, highlighting every detail of your surroundings. The walls are lined with advanced technology, screens flickering with static and data that is still in its prime, though dorment. The air feels thick, almost charged, as Ritsuka, Novel and Sae-byeok move deeper, instinctively drawn toward the laboratory that lay beyond. As you venture further, three towering pods come into view, each of them an imposing structure that lumbers like sentinels guarding secrets best left undiscovered. They are taller than a man, their surfaces smooth and glistening under the harsh overhead lights. The pods had once contained something alive, something that now seems to linger in the air: a palpable tension that hinted at the horrors they might have housed.
With a sudden whir and a series of mechanical whines, the pods begin to retract. The sound echoing in the chamber, stirring memories of ancient machinery, the cutting-edge, now relics of HIlaina's experiments and the danger within. The doors of the pods open with an eerie hiss, releasing a cloud of vapor that curles and dissipates in the sterile air. And then they see it. Whatever had been housed within the pods was now free, but the revelation comes with a chilling realization: there were likely three Haemophages that had emerged from their slumber, and one lay lifeless at their feet, just outside the door. Ritsuka, Novel and Sae-byeok's attention is drawn away as something catches your eyes at the foot of the entrance. A gruesome tableau lays sprawled before you, a blood-drained corpse that paints a chilling picture of the events leading up to your arrival. The body is twisted and contorted, the expression frozen in terror, as if the victim had been caught in a moment of sheer panic. It looks as though he had been trying to escape, clawing at the ground, desperately attempting to break free from the clutches of the Haemophages.
For now, the door remains open, and those sounds are gradually getting closer...
Novel might be saying this as he holds another match, slowly burning down to the the base of it. He ignores the way it singes his fingers, keeping it up, as he backs his way into the room of the vault, allowing Ritsuka and Sae-byeok to take point. He looks for a way to shut the vault door back closed, a lever, a button, another card-reader to slam it shut back in front of them, more focused on the problem at hand then of the insides of the room. He flicks the end of the burnt match out into the dark, pulling another. He's running out.
Sae-byeok hands Novel a bunch sheets of paper as kindling, then looks around for something more productive to burn-
Ritsuka draws up her blade, and the flames draw around her protectively, at least they would not burn her, but they would others. They are hers, after all. She glances to Sae-byeok and then to Novel. "Looks like we'll have no other choice but to destroy them. Hope you put on your special pants." She huffs out a breathe. It is ever difficult to discern the capability of corpses, for what they were. But it is also true that she, and it looks like Novel are particularly proficient to facing the Haemophages.
Those noises get closer and closer. At the edge of your visions, Novel, Sae-byeok and Ritsuka see the obsidian form of one of the faceless Haemophages racing from the darkness then-- There it is, the closing mechanism. Novel is able to smack it, the match enough, for now to hold off the phage, though the door creeps closed at a glacial pace. Then, with a pressurised click, it finally closes, the beast irately hammering against the door, the sound strangely muted, though it holds, with no sign of buckling. Haemophages are likely not strong enough to break in. At least for now.
the cryomancer is bad at setting things on fire, as it turns out. Sighing as the door closes, Sae-byeok drops the anxiety- for a time. She could wait out the next 18 hours and shadow step- or, perhaps more intelligently, break the nightmare ward on the room and walk out. "Maybe." She finishes, looking around the lab.
Sae-byeok says "Goal is to destroy research- that mean erasing results. "
Sae-byeok steps up to the pods and takes a look inside.
Ritsuka lowers her blade, and the flames draw back into her, disappearing into her flesh before she looks over to Sae-byeok. "I feel like we are in a scenario of the movie. Are there any maps or terminals here? I do need to draw a copy of the research. Corpse we saw, that was not Hilaina, correct?"
Sae-byeok shakes her head. "No, Keirnan say she not here- like, different research guy. I mean- I don't know who he is. He have a nametag- they KEEP nametags? They keep cards."
Novel gives Sae-byeok a grateful look as he holds up the makeshift torch - and then drops it on the ground, stomping it out violently. He needs the outlet. He looks down at his sewer-stained sweatpants and then back up at Ritsuka, his jaw clenching, opening and closing. A frustrated exhale. "I brought my sweatpants. They're replaceable. Eh. No. Hilaina looks like - no. You'll know her when you see her." He cuts himself off, pacing in agitation as he starts browsing around the room. "I'll look." He flicks out the thumb drive of his own, giving the advanced technology a leery look, his expression increasingly agitated. It gets worse when he sees the body as he browses around the vault again, sniffing the air - and looking around. Alien...
Vents. If one's already inside. "Killing them might be pretty doable." He says, vaguely. "There's probably something in here to deal with them. Maybe that's what the death trap is for."
Sae-byeok waggles her card as she becomes a tube. "This maybe where Keirnan worked. I don't know. She become fog."
Novel says, with measured word, "We need to figure out... where her new base is. Equipment. If we're talking about. Maybe the creatures aren't just the only experiment, but controlling them. Could be - abandoned because she couldn't control them."
Sae-byeok nods to Novel's conclusion. "Strahd wants to control. She also very trained in hypnosis- maybe that is good on them?"
Sae-byeok says "Mmm. I don't know. Last time in London she talk about 'releasing her experiments' on her old subjects. They clearly not the final product- but like, they are a test for something."
Sae-byeok says "They take out squad of demolishers. That a success, if she know about it."
Ritsuka places a finger along of her jawline and retrieves the box with the arrow she had been given. "I am still not sure where I am supposed to put this. Or where the arrow is meaning to point." The blade lowers in a single hand for the moment.
Sae-byeok is a child in a monster's birthing pod. As she stumbles about the techno-womb, she squints for tubes, for arcana glyphs- for some sign of ritual magic.
The atmosphere in the lab is thick with unease as the trio of Novel, Sae-byeok and Ritsuka observe the containment pods. What had once been a sanctuary for the obsidian monsters; the Haemophages- now feels like a tomb for the life that exists within it, the echoes of that monstrous presence lingering in the air. The corpse lays sprawled on the cold metal floor, his lifeless form a painful reminder of the horrors that had unfolded within these walls thanks to Hilaina Strahd. the low, rhythmic thuds of the Haemophage outside reverberated through the door, this reprieve stunted. As if the room had heard the arrival of Novel, Sae-byeok and Ritsuka, the screens lining the walls flicker to life. The dull hum of machinery fillling the air, and the harsh glare of the monitors illuminate the dark corners of the lab. A kaleidoscope of data streams across the screens, revealing fragmented images of the Haemophages, their grotesque forms captured in moments of unearthly stillness. The lab, once dormant, now thrumms with an eerie vitality of its own. As if speaking heralded its coming, a sudden whirring sound cuts through the mundanity of the active laboritory, and the camera mounted in the corner of the room springs to life. Its mechanical eye pivoting with unsettling precision, locking onto Novel, Ritsuka, and Sae-byeok. It mocks them as it observes, and that in and of itself lays rest to any idea to this sanctum being abandoned. And then, Sae-byeok, Novel and Ritsuka hear it. They hear the voice as it flows through the room like an insidious melodious enchantment. "I was wondering how long it would take you until you decided you aught try to stop this experiment, Novelty, mine. Though you are far too late. I already know my failures are able to act with cohesion. Their mass imprinting was a success, naturally. A shame I was forced to mutate them before hand. The next experiments will not need such gauche adaptation. The Demiurge was rather helpful in aiding me in perfecting what I was unable to achieve independently."
As Ritsuka checks the tracker, the three can tell at a glance that this is the end location. There are also terminals that can be used to syphon information from; The information is free flowing, and with Kiernan's pass card, Novel, Sae-byeok and Ritsuka can access and copy it at your leasure.
Ritsuka goes on and ignores the voice for now, clearly, that is a conversation for Novel as she moves on towards the terminal, and slides in the USB stick that will clone everything on record.
Sae-byeok steps out of the birthing chamber, utterly birthed to frown at the voice above. With a rune of eis drawn with a rip of spite down the air, she reinforces the camera lens with creeping ice- muddying the view to blurry crystalline observatory.
Ritsuka says "Tim. Can you activate the keycard on the terminal to bypass one of the safety locks for one of the code compartments? Just put the keycard in the reader over there."
Ritsuka uses a not so right name, and gestures to the card reader.
Tim does as asked, hopping down from the base and running the keycard's credentials. Sae-byeok 's not technologically savvy, but she's intuitive, and man-made items were designed for man's use.
Ritsuka grins brightly at Sae-byeok and then winces, definitely suppressing laughter.
Sae-byeok does have to stifle a laugh in spite of a the moment.
Novel steps forwards to draw away from his sniffing of the room to try and see if there was an attack lurking. None found. Either because there wasn't one or he can't find it, the question is irrelevant.
Lights, camera, action, Novel. The camera is on and the villain is speaking. Time to play whatever part and do your best to cut the strings - he steps forwards. Gangly, with limbs and arms slightly too long, as if there was something bigger that was supposed to be strapped on. He looks up at the camera, the shine of his sunglasses. He studies the iced-over camera with certainty and intent. A ragged fellow in more ways than one. He certainly looked healthier, with more muscle, no-longer the sibling to the creatures outside. He doesn't take off the sunglasses, though.
Haven taught him some hard lessons about mind control. And even cameras and phones can do a lot.
He purses his lips in thought, tightening into a line. His mind stirs, digging for something. "Of course it was. Every failure's just a fucking success, isn't it? Runs both ways. Win if you lose, win if you fail, and learn on the way. Can't be -that- successful if you didn't decide to take them along and keep them like your pet dogs on a leash to snap at people and amuse yourself. What happened, Temple Demolishers too hot on your trail and you had to tuck your tail between your legs and run off?" He sneers. It's bluster. His face is flushing, though there's anger buried beneath it. "Sounds like we don't have that much to fucking worry about, or this Demiurge asshole."
Novel folds his hands over his chest. He puffs it out, staring viciously at the camera, the black sheen against black sheen of two different kinds of lenses, one frosted over.
In the laboratory, shadows flickered across the walls, their shapes dancing to the rhythm of machines whirring softly in the background. A single monitor, isolated yet commanding in its presence, springs to life. The glow illuminating the sterile space, casting an ethereal light that draws attention away from the surroundings. On the screen, an image materializes, revealing a junoesque woman of unearthly beauty. Her skin, pale as porcelain, shimmering under the artificial light, and her striking features accentuated by the haunting contrast of her deep crimson eyes. Across her lips, a smirk plays, a tantalizing hint of mischief that sends a shiver down the spine of anyone who dares to gaze upon her. "Hello, child," she greets Novel, her voice smooth and melodic, resonating with an otherworldly allure that seems to transcend the boundaries of the digital realm. The words curle through the air like smoke, wrapping themselves around the listeners mind. As she continues, Hilaina's tone shifts, melding confidence with a chilling undertone of authority. "The Haemophages were the first step," she declares, her gaze piercing through the screen as if she could see right into the heart of Novel, Sae-byeok and Ritsuka. "They were the logical progression after the Vetrdrone process; a culmination of necessity and ambition." She pauses, allowing the weight of her words to sink in, her smirk widening just slightly. "Biotech has proven far more successful than cybernetics, wouldnt you agree?" Hilaina's ethereal form leanes closer, the monitor's glow casting an ominous halo around her visage. "The magical aspect of their creation; the fleshforming- was designed for compliance." The smirk falters for a fleeting moment, replaced by a glimmer of something almost wistful. "They served their purpose, yes, but there is so much more to explore." Then comes the more poisonous question. "And wouldnt you like to return home?" she muses, her voice softening, almost coaxing. "To rejoin the great experiment? To embrace your role in this magnificent tapestry of evolution?" The words hang in the air, pregnant with the promise of secrets untold and destinies intertwined.
As Hilaina monologues, the camera turns to focus on Novel. Sae-byeok or Ritsuka could move, Novel being a distraction to retrieve a copy of the research held here.
Ritsuka glances to Sae-byeok "Sounds like a form of Biomancy. Dynasty will probably look to hunt her down, too." She shrugs to Sae-byeok, waiting for the stick to finish cloning the server data.
With a face and a name, Sae-byeok looks up to the grandmother of her child to which she herself owes know relation- legal or otherwise. Her head tilts towards Ritsuka, as she searches for most vile, uncomfortable emotion to produce within a psychic's repertoire. What truly encapsulates the derision she feels for this woman- who stands so powerful, and so intellectually vaunted as to brag to her own child about the subjectivity of his life. So she projects a perfectly vain, uncomfortable, and porcelain feeling.
Lust.
Novel turns his gaze as he's called out, drawn regardless even as he wants to retreat back into those shadows. His shoulders hunch. He instinctively makes himself smaller, curling up when called out - and then slowly he unfolds, straightening up. "Hello, /mother/," he squeezes out the bitter ichor that can only come from the personal, attentive, loving cruelty that comes from every day of one's life until adulthood. Muscles spasm across the face before he reasserts inhuman control of them, smoothing out. Back straight. Shoulders square. Don't embarrass with bad posture. Also, strength. The hatred of a snarl and something else in trembling lower lip rises, vanishes again just as quickly into that smooth confidence he usually has.
He produces a low exhale, his breath suddenly hot and pressing a warm cloud in the relative chillness of the room.
"You open the box and there's just more questions." He mutters, more to himself. He doesn't expect an answer or a response.
He stands there, waffling a moment. It's clear there's something. Something to that. His fingers tensing, digging into the biceps and his own jacket.
Novel flares his nostrils, shaking his head. A deep, drafting inhale, an exhale, the movement of an animal shaking off rain and a brief, pleasurable experience. His voice comes out resolute, "Evolution just happens randomly, prophecy should break, and people should have their freedom. Go fuck yourself, Hilaina."
Sae-byeok takes a moment to look about the laboratory, understanding herself to be a part of this family reunion. For another 7-8 months, or perhaps forever, she hopes- to look across at the station. Technology is not her specialty, and the constantly maintained mindward tends to screw a haze into the monitors. One images a lab such as this, that combines both magical and technological components, to have divisions of space wherein both are made separate in order to apply at different points to alter the subject. She looks for the arcane components, looks for the demonic practice- looks for space where the scientists have to show their work, have to demonstrate it in order for the practice to occur.
"You assume that they arn't also funding my research, Shimomi Ritsuka." Hilaina notes. She is looking down now, her attention on something that her own camera does not show. "Tyrell, The Hand, the Temple, Hanshin, Dynasty, each wish me to provide answers to questions they have desired answers for. Answers I have and will continue to offer, naturally. And why not? I already have the backing of the nobility. All I do is a process. A grand, wonderful process that will ultimately yield answers too the greater truths that the Guardrealm and the Other holds close to their chests." The vampire looks back up, her gaze-- And the camera shifting to denote Sae-byeok next. "Lust, really? You think such a regressive mind such as yours can distract me from my project with such a debased emotion? Your medical notes are rather interesting by the way. By all accounts, your demented spawn is progressing wonderfully. I do so look forward to identifying if it, unlike my dear Novelty achieved the apotheosis from birth that I had wished for him."
Finally, Ritsuka glances up at the woman. And then her eyes draw down to her phone as she types up a text message on one of the apps she uses. The message is, of course, heavily encrypted, though there is the chance that, being where they are, underground, that the message will not come through.
Ritsuka then looks over the computer, too. She is no expert with the thing, but she at least knows how to open the task manager, and to look for connected IP addresses.
"I think you suck and you should go fuck yourself." Sae-byeok responds with a hiss as she crawls about the innerworkings like a rat.
Novel bristles, some, at the words Hilaina produces for Sae-byeok.
Sae-byeok eventually just starts to yank out wires. It's not about finding something, it's about solving the concussion in her head- the throb of anger that doesn't resolve itself because it's not anger- it's just the fight or flight.
Instinctively, identifying it like one identifies a thrown object coming for her head, she draws the rune of eis on her palm and holds it to her chest. She becomes dead to the world in this way. The third lesson of the vacuum of cold whose true nature is absence: Away with heat of emotion.
"Her words cannot give, and that is their fault." She concludes quietly, standing away from the pods. "Let's just go home and torture Lily. We have what we needed, and Strahd has yet to gain the control she wants. This is just an indulgence."
The walls of the laboratory rise like sentinel sentries, imposing and cold, their surfaces sheathed in gleaming sheet metal that reflects the harsh, sterile lighting overhead. Sae-byeok can notice that each panel has been expertly welded together, creating an unyielding barrier that isolates the secrets held within. Yet, beneath this polished exterior lies a deeper, darker truth. When imbued with the effects of mandrake tea as Ritsuka, Sae-byeok and Novel are, the metal takes on an ethereal quality, revealing glimpses of the hidden nightmare that pulses just beyond the veil of perception. The air is thick with an unsettling energy, as arcane runes flicker to life across the walls. These intricate symbols, woven with care and steeped in ancient Mesopotamian knowledge, pulse with a haunting glow, whispering secrets of forbidden experiments and lost arts. They twist and writhe in the flickering light, both beguiling and terrifying, a testament to the dark alchemy of science and sorcery that permeates this space. From the monitor, the figure of Hilaina Strahd continues to monologue, an albino specter draped in shadows. Her features are sharp and ethereal, her voice a silken taunt that reverberates through the sterile air. What is wrong? she asks, a predatory glint in her eyes. You wish all of the answers. Arcane, technological, biotechnological? Please do take all you desire. There is a chilling cadence to her words, as if she relishes the thought of unraveling the minds of those who dare to seek her knowledge. I am done with this facility, she continues, a smirk playing on her pale lips. Once you have gathered your copy, I will even aid you in destroying my evidence. We cant have too many people getting the most brief look into my outdated research, can we? The challenge hangs in the air, electric and palpable, inviting yet foreboding. "Unfortunately, Miss Shimomi," the albino croons, "This is a closed network. Though I could allow your message release, should I wish. Your contact would like to trace my location, after all." Leaning back, Hilaina produces a grim smile, something that is evil incarnate. "I think not. And if you wish to find me, you have only to look to the origin of all of this. Dear Novelty," the albino offers up what could, to any one else, be a genuine maternal expression that never meets the eyes-- They are too calculating. "Come home and find me. I may even cook your favourite once more. I trust you do still enjoy cooking."
Ritsuka's copy finishes the downlode onto the memory drive before Sae-byeok begins to rip out wiring from the various equipment around the lab. The camera continues to track the three, Hilaina's expression suggesting that she is very much enjoying-- And cataloguing the responces to all that's taking place. "I'd finish up if I were you." the albino advises. "I do believe that once I summon the second of my Haemophages back and let them into this lab, it will be time to exterminate the failed experiments. Now do excuse me. I have biometrics from a living dream, my mutated ofspring and a hybrid faeling demigod to review. That will go nicely with the angelborn and werewolf study I had conducted last week-- Oh, and do wish Kiernan a good day for me. I shall be sending my retribution swiftly. I dislike those who think they have the capability to betray me." The last thing Novel, Sae-byeok and Ritsuka see before the moniter switches itself to static is Hilaina Strahd as she lights a cigarette.
Sae-byeok draws the rune of eis across her arm and stands, reinforcing with ice plates engineered to be broken in a series to reduce impact and slow the strike of blunt force. As such, there's a small separation in the ice that clings to her tactical suit underneath and the plate of ice a few inches above it. She readies her makeshift spear. And takes her first breath as the third lesson of cryomancy wears off and her heart begins to beat again.
Sae-byeok says "We are shadow walking or leaving through the nightmare?"
Sae-byeok says "We should do former- I- She- there some psychic.. Puddle on the other side. Like living Nightmare it's.."
Ritsuka raises her hands to shrug. And, of course, she continues in Japanese. "I am here on my own today. Next time I may appear with a large unit of specialized combatants... and my biometric ID is not available... It does not exist, nor is there anything here that would contain it and there won't be anything left behind."
She says that much between whatever Hilaina was saying, if it was intimidating, it really wasn't. Trying to get that data means messing with the imperial family, and without such a request to them, they would surely send retribution over what that is theirs. Even if the request was approved, she would know, it would be asked of her to provide.""
Novel slowly unwinds his arms as he settles down into painful stubbornness, his hand reaching up to massage his shoulder and neck. The motion is irrelevant. He doesn't need it. There's a twitch, a dose of muscle relaxants and native opioid coursing through his veins as he relaxes. One, two. One, two. In, out, his hand lifting to flex and grip at the air. And then with an inarticulate cry of rage he grabs the monitor and tears it off, pointless destruction and HURLS it at the camera with clattering, smashing crash.
Pointless.
But as he stands there huffing he seems to feel a little better, shaking off whatever enchantment that seemed to hold him in paralysis. "It's probably shielded that way." His tone, clipped. "You can try to escape out that way. I'm going to open the door if you can't. And I have another plan." He hitches his shoulders, stepping over towards the door, to reach for the panel that he used to shut it down, a certain amount of familiarity with how these labs are organized. He's not even thinking about it.
"I have no idea what you're saying, Ritsuka," He says, wearily.
How ever you choose to leave, it will have to be soon. Glancing to the door, Sae-byeok, Ritsuka and Novel note that the series of lights are slowly turning from red to green. It is likely that the door will open within the next few minutes, though you will all be able to path out if you wish.
"I should be able to just path us out of here," Ritsuka says, now back to English. Oh, how arrogant Hilaina proves to be. "At worst we might need to fight, but I can just use my golden fire."
Sae-byeok levies like a phalanx behind Novel. "I okay with eeeither!" She calls.
Novel reaches out to grasp Sae-byeok's hand. Lewd. "Try to Shadow Walk out, first." Apparently someone's going to be dragged along. "Plan B fucking sucks."
Novel says "Oh - right. Pathing."
Novel forgets he can do that sometimes.
Novel says "...Yeah. Do that, Ritsuka."
Sae-byeok says, insistent, "Pathing! I shadow walk earlier to get us out of Biodome."
Novel nods at Sae-byeok.
Ritsuka draws up some of the fire from her heart - the pathing is less potent, maybe it needs a couple of seconds to a minute longer, but she will not risk leaving any blood behind. All the same, she starts to open the way out with pathing.
In spite of everything-- In spite of the taunting and the abrasive arrogance of Hilaina Strahd, Novel, Sae-byeok and Ritsuka have managed to achieve what you set out to do; You have gathered the information, and you have insured that the lab is set to, if not pre-ordaned to be destroyed. There are only two of the Haemophages left, and those could be destroyed when the lab is. So Novel and Ritsuka prepare to path. The process is uninterupted, and the air shimmers. It's such a close thing, as the door opens with a hiss and the two phages rush in. They reach for Sae-byeok, Ritsuka and Novel, but it's too late-- The path is open, and you all escape back to Haven, the lab beginning to burn behind you, the screams of the abominations in your ears. And you have set the ground work for Elegance in shadows PT3, where this adventure will conclude, just as soon as I can submit the story idea.