Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Extreme =&gt; Extreme Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: AndyZ on 24-07-2011, 01:20:11</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>24-07-2011, 01:20:11</strong>
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				This is the thread to use for IC stuff.&nbsp; Please talk to me before posting in this thread.&nbsp; My current plan is to run an Imbuing scene for everyone who has a character posted, and it'll help to make sure I have a plan before we begin.<br><br>OOC Thread:&nbsp; http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=114248.0 (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=114248.0)<br>Characters: http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=114213.0 (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=114213.0)
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				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>24-07-2011, 03:31:44</strong>
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				<strong>Lorraine Wells Intro Post</strong><br><br>Pizza delivery is not always a kind or a rewarding job.&nbsp; Pizza Land hadn't actually had a "30 minutes or it's free" policy for several years, but people all too often made unreasonable requests for such things.&nbsp; Not that having a pizza delivery girl of absolute hawtness had to deal too often with such problems.<br><br>The current delivery was set to 13 Piledriver Lane, one of the larger houses in a quieter part of town.&nbsp; By the sounds of the thumping bass, there was already a party going on inside, with several cars parked to leave little room for a delivery vehicle.<br><br>Just after sunset, the bright streetlamps gave the dark streets a sharp glow while leaving the rest of the area bathed in a darkness that was only pierced by headlights and the windows of the houses nearby.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>24-07-2011, 07:41:01</strong>
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				<strong> Vincent “Vince” Phelps - Intro Post</strong><br><br>Late at night, the city always seemed quiet, especially once the bars had given up on the saturation of people deep within.&nbsp; Time always seemed to creep on without allowing the sun to rise yet, giving the streets an abandoned feel that no amount of streetlights seemed to remove.<br><br>Of course, having the city to oneself during the wee hours of the morning never perfectly implied solitude.&nbsp; Caught between the alleyways, barely illuminated by the hanging light of a broken lamp post, three men were beating senseless a tired man in bloody rags.&nbsp; Each of the three had biker's gear, one a chain and another a baseball bat, but the third simply kept the man pinned to the wall.<br><br>The alleyway was several feet across, although a dumpster set up halfway through kept it from being large enough for a vehicle.&nbsp; A number of posters were barely visible in the dim light, one with a small child in an overdramatic sulk with the words "We need your help" written in big red text just under his face.&nbsp; All of the little strips with the phone numbers had already been torn off.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>25-07-2011, 14:29:49</strong>
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				<strong>Lorraine Wells – Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>Lorraine swerved between the parked cars until she found a place to park the tiny company bike. She removed the red helmet and opened the lid from the pizza box. Delicious aromas of baked mushrooms, salami and molten cheese wafted up from the square boxes she carried towards the front door. Bracing herself against the door style she put her finger on the bell and rang it, several times.&nbsp; <br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>25-07-2011, 19:00:56</strong>
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				<strong>Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>Even before the door opens, the thick bass of the music inside from the party can be heard banging through resonating metal and electric guitars.&nbsp; Even from outside, the heavy refrain of "Start the killing!&nbsp; Start the killing!" can be recognized through screams and whirring notes.<br><br>When the door finally opened, one of the boys answered the door with a smile, wearing jeans and a Phi Kappa Upsilon T-shirt.&nbsp; He couldn't help but grin as he saw the pizza girl, pulling out his wallet and clearly about to leave a great tip.<br><br>"Who the crap ordered pizza?" came a voice from behind the hallway.&nbsp; As another young man stepped out towards the entryway, red paint visible on his hands and white shirt, everything seemed to shimmer.&nbsp; A sudden sense of nausea filled the area, though none of the men seemed to notice.&nbsp; The stink of blood permeated through to the outside, clearly coming from the guy who was covered with blood, not paint.&nbsp; Something was clearly wrong about him, as if his flesh was trying to slip away from his bones, although it wasn't easy to clarify just what.&nbsp; The refrain of the music changed suddenly, <strong>"Stop the killing!&nbsp; Stop the killing!"</strong> before the bloody man clicked off the boombox.&nbsp; "Dude, we're trying to-"<br><br>"Wasn't me, Greg," the first boy said, pulling out a twenty to offer Lorraine.&nbsp; He didn't seem to notice anything was wrong, though he did seem a little nervous.&nbsp; "Though I am hungry."<br><br>From somewhere deep in the house, very faint and almost indecipherable save for the sense of weirdness providing some powerful but inconceivable amplification, came the soft sound of a woman's voice, "...help..."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>25-07-2011, 23:19:54</strong>
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				<strong>Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>Upon hearing the music Lorraine puts her finger to the bell once again, letting it ring long and loud. "Hey," Lorraine said, flashing a sexy smile when the door finally opened. "Pizza Land with your delivery." She rattled off the flavors and stated the amount due. "Fifteen twenty, please Sir. " <br><br>"I don't care who ordered it." Lorraine grinned. "I am just interested in who is gonna pay for it. I hope you like Margeritha, Extra Cheese and Hot American." She handed the boxes to the guy that seemed willing to pay, accepting the twenty dollar bill. "That's four eighty change", she said, rattling the change in her pocket hoping he'd wave it off. As Greg came closer, a wave of nauseau swept over her and she swallowed to keep her lunch down. "Oh man... What is that smell? Blood? Are you having an emergency in there? Should I call 911?" <br><br>She moved forward, just enough to peer into the house. "Help's on the way." She called back, and looked at Greg. "You're not looking too good either. Should lie down on or something." Lorraine looked at the other boy. "Can you help him to bed, I'll go see that girl."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>26-07-2011, 04:32:14</strong>
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				<strong>Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>"That's George's favorite toppings," the man in the fraternity letters said, glancing over to Greg with a bit of confusion.&nbsp; "Maybe he ordered?"<br><br>"Not a chance."&nbsp; Finely coated in blood from the arms down, as well as his face, something about Greg just seemed purely unnatural.&nbsp; His flesh seemed to shimmer and crawl as if something beneath was trying to get out, or forcing his movements.&nbsp; At the mention of the blood, he kept his gaze tightly on her.&nbsp; "What are you talking about?&nbsp; Everything is fine."&nbsp; His eyes briefly flickered crimson and ebon for just a moment, staring intensely at her, but if he was trying to do something, it wasn't having any effect.<br><br>Leaning into the house made it clear where the sound was coming from.&nbsp; One of the doors was closed, the doorknob stained further with blood.&nbsp; Yet the cry for help had been much louder than should have been possible, as if it had been somehow amplified to make sure that Lorraine had heard it.&nbsp; From inside came the sound of another man chanting whispers, similarly amplified from what should be inaudible from this distance.&nbsp; The doorman looked very nervous at the mention of the other girl.&nbsp; "How does she...?"<br><br>"Shut up, Brandon!"&nbsp; Greg moved over closer towards Lorraine, wafting over the stench of blood and death with him.&nbsp; He reached into his wallet, pulling out a $20 and offering it to her.&nbsp; The crimson on his hands caked off as he offered her the bill.&nbsp; "This is all about getting a better tip or something, right?&nbsp; Just take it and go."&nbsp; Another flicker came from his eyes, but still without any sort of clear effect.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>26-07-2011, 12:07:24</strong>
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				"I don't need your money," Lorraine leaned forward, planting one hand against the doorstyle. "Look, I don't know who you are or what you're doing in there. For all I know you could be slaughtering goats for a Bar Mitswa, but someone just called for help. So, this party's over." Her jaw set as she looked at Greg, "and you creep me out. The cops will have to determine if that's goat's blood or ..." Bile rose into her throat as the other option occurred to her. "Oh, Jesus Christ," she whispered. It didn't sound like a curse. She pushed herself straight and backed up, reaching into her pocket for her cell phone to tap 911.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>26-07-2011, 12:33:13</strong>
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				<strong>Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>"Forget this!" the one who wasn't caked in blood yelled, rushing over towards the car.&nbsp; Naturally, he made sure to take the pizza with him.&nbsp; "I'm not going to jail for your weird stuff."<br><br>As Greg stared at her, watching her determination and meeting her gaze, something about her seemed to force him back.&nbsp; It seemed to be a new force of personality or inherent power which had come to the forefront from Lorraine's nature, but he staggered back and couldn't quite bring himself to face her.&nbsp; Soon he started to run as well, leaving the bloodstained door unguarded.&nbsp; <br><br>Meanwhile, on the phone, a tired young woman answered with no real concern for anyone on the other end.&nbsp; "911, what's your emergency?" she asked, getting ready to ditch the caller onto one of the others as quickly as she could.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>27-07-2011, 02:55:05</strong>
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				He tried to stay away, he really did. But thee was always something that brought him back to that part of town. The part that the cops were scared to go to. It was the place where innocence was sacrificed on a daily basis. And darkness ran the place like it had and would always exist there. Vince was no animal of darkness. He was a warrior of light. He had always been that way. So it was his own nature to bring him there to fight the darkness with all he had. And he had quite a bit with his large physique, quick thinking wits and the ability to put down most of the foes he fought, made him quite the formidable warrior.<br><br>His battlefield was not always him versus a person, his battles were against anything that threatened to take away life from those he considered innocent. Which at his job meant that he protected them from the powerful force of fire that would threaten to burn them away into a crisp. Everyday, he would walk into some kind of battle with mortality, whether it be his own or for others or some combination of the two.<br><br>Tonight was going to be no exception.<br><br>Alleyways were always the place for riff raff and crime. So this was always where he headed first when he got into this dark part of town. He pulled his Suburban into the alleyway, with its lights off before out of the corner of his eye he spotted movement and then as if he was scaring roaches, and this is what they were in his opinion, he turned on his high beams to spray the in a sudden burst that was meant to blind them as he opened his door and stepped out with his base ball in hand.<br><br>"If you all know what it is good for you, I suggest you leave that kid alone or I will bring you to the ground myself" Vince stood there in front of his high beams with his bat gripped by both powerful arms, with light giving him a dark silhouette of shadow making him look just a bit more imposing than he truly was. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>27-07-2011, 03:50:48</strong>
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				<strong>Biker Alley</strong><br><br>The three bikers were working fast, going above and beyond the normal call of roughing someone up.&nbsp; If they didn't slow down, the man in rags was surely going to die.&nbsp; Yet a terrible smile could still be seen on his face, nearly hidden by the shadows and torn hood of his ragged jacket.<br><br>The man with a chain looked up in shock to see another face coming into the alley, his demeanor shifting notably to terror.&nbsp; "What are you, crazy?" he yelled, making significantly more noise than any mugger would be prone to.&nbsp; "Run!&nbsp; Run before it-"<br><br>The world seemed to go into slow motion, tearing away like a flash of insight, or a piece of the world that had never before been visible suddenly snapping into crystal focus.&nbsp; Although the bikers stayed the same, the man in rags started to glow a sickening crimson.&nbsp; The illumination revealed his smile: he was dead, long dead by the looks of things, and that smile was because most of his face had been rotted away to leave a rictus grin.&nbsp; The poster seemed to change, from the corner of the eye, if only for a moment, reading <strong>"They Need Your Help"</strong> with the child's pleading stare suddenly appearing to be directed at the firefighter.<br><br>The crimson glow forced its way from the corpse in rags into the biker who was holding the thing to the wall.&nbsp; Black fire suddenly enveloped the biker, coruscating through him with unnatural fervor and forcing him to drop the creature.&nbsp; It only took a moment, and wouldn't have even been visible had time itself not snapped about for a moment, but the biker was clearly dead before he hit the ground.&nbsp; Now only ashes and smoking bones remained, forcing the two to redouble their efforts on trying to beat it to pulp.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>27-07-2011, 12:27:05</strong>
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				If Lorraine heard the one running, it didn't show. Her unblinking gaze was levelled on Greg. <i>I'm going in</i>, she thought. <i>And God help us if you try to stop me.</i> She took a step forward, raising the phone to her ear. "An emergy on Piledriver Lane," she stated. "One man covered in blood, other fled. Screaming from inside the house."&nbsp; Another tense step forward. She thought he would attack her, expected it, but he turned and ran. "Man is running. I'm going to check on the girl." She was already sprinting towards the door. With Greg gone no one stood between her and the bloodied door. She raced towards it, trying the knob with one hand as she held her phone with the other. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>27-07-2011, 12:48:51</strong>
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				<strong>Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>"The best thing you can do right now is to stay calm, find a place where you'll be safe and don't put yourself in immediate danger," the woman replied, rambling through the list of reassurances that she'd long since memorized without any warmth or human emotion.&nbsp; "I'll have an ambulance and the police down there as soon as possible, likely within the next thirty to forty minutes."<br><br>The chanting picked up audibly the moment that the doorknob was turned, followed sharply by the stink of blood.&nbsp; It was easy to see why the man Greg had been so horribly stained; there was little area that one could move in this room without being covered.&nbsp; A young woman lay naked upon a table, her neck and wrists slashed open by some sort of talons.&nbsp; Crudely slanting the table was supposed to pool the flowing gore down into a cauldron, but so much of it just seemed to have sprayed everywhere.&nbsp; Now, though, it had fallen to a mere trickle, the woman so weakened and drained that she barely had the strength to breathe.&nbsp; No restraints were visible, but in her wounded state, none were likely needed.&nbsp; It was hard to tell if she was even aware of her surroundings, though her eyes were open, and her chest gently rose and fell.<br><br>At the bottom of the table, by the cauldron was another young man who was chanting in some foreign language, the same sentence over and over.&nbsp; Wisps of dark smoke were coiling out from the giant pot, blackening the blood to a crispy ebon as it went, and he just kept breathing it in.&nbsp; Yet the moment Lorraine saw him and looked into his eyes, it was preternaturally clear that he didn't want to do any of this, that Greg was somehow forcing him.&nbsp; The more that he breathed in the wretched, coiling fumes, the more that his skin seemed to twitch, broiling beneath just as Greg's had been doing.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>29-07-2011, 09:40:47</strong>
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				He did not really understand what was going on with the bikers for a moment as he looked over at them to see the sign change to those other words, the words that meant that it was not the thing that he once thought was a victim. This thing that had seemed like a victim was the oppressor. The grin on its rotted face made that more than obvious. That little glare that seemed to look at the biker so viciously before the man just broke out into that black flame that Vince had not seen before. It was a fire that he had no idea how to put out, but from the rate that it burned, it was much hotter than any fire he had battled.<br><br>The smouldering corpse of the recently living man was just lying there on the floor, smelling like burnt flesh. This smell was all that was left of the skin or muscle tissue that had been on his body when he was alive. White clean bones were all that was left. If the thing was this powerful then he had no idea what to do against it. But since he still had two other lives that he was going to have to save. He was not going to run. He was going to fight.<br><br>Vince knew better than to get close to it like the dead man had, but without ranged weapons, the best that he could do was to try to kill it within the range of his bat. He also of course expected the bikers to help him, it was not all that likely since they had lost a comrade but he hoped that the loss of the their brother in arms was going to inspire them to be all that more proactive in this battle against this creature of darkness.<br><br>Throwing himself into battle, he brought his bat above his head and then down as hard as he could onto the creature.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>29-07-2011, 11:15:41</strong>
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				<strong>Alley</strong><br><br>As Vince swung down hard upon the creature, he struck down deep against its chest, with splintering bone echoing through the alleyway.&nbsp; The creature kept on grinning, not because it was happy, but because its lips were too rotten for it to do anything else.<br><br>The terrible eyes of the monster came down upon the biker with the chain, who stood resolute and kept on fighting, yelling only a "Tell her I love-" to his friend before the black fire erupted from his body.&nbsp; White bones collapsed upon a pile of ash as even the chain itself was consumed by the unholy fires, but thankfully did not spread beyond the man.&nbsp; Although it acted like natural, purifying flames, this dark energy was anything but.<br><br>Somehow, a crackling energy seemed to erupt from Vince, forcing its way out from the firefighter's very being to pin the ghastly thing against the wall.&nbsp; Yet that didn't stop it from slowly turning its head, looking over towards the last biker.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>29-07-2011, 11:24:43</strong>
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				As he saw the next biker die he was put into a bit of a rage, he was not going to let this thing continue killing people. As it turned its head to look over to the next biker, Vince moved to the center of its gaze with his large size and the closeness of which he was to the creature, it did not allow for a view of the man any longer.<br><br>"Run but always stay in line with me so it can't see you." Vince screamed at the remaining biker as he stood there staring into those eyes that the monster had, waiting for his death to come should it decide to do what it was planning to do to the last biker. If he was still alive as he heard the frantic footsteps of the biker leaving the alley, he was going to strike again, this time with a home run swing that was aimed right at its head.<br><br>Vince did not want to die, but if this was how he was go, then he had no problem with it. He was going to die defending his fellow man to the last moment. His last breath was going to be spent killing an enemy in the name of another. That was how he envisioned his death, and that is how it was to be.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>29-07-2011, 11:31:54</strong>
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				<strong>Alley</strong><br><br>The bat struck true with a sickening crunch, knocking several bits of skull and what was left of its scalp clear out to the street.&nbsp; <br><br>"Listen to me," said the last man, who brought down his bat with a crunch of bone and scalp.&nbsp; The monster was starting to crumble; it couldn't withstand the repeated blows, especially when it was already pinned against the wall by the strange power Vince had exuded.&nbsp; "There's a club Sunset on-"&nbsp; The last biker burst into an instantaneous pile of ash and skeleton.&nbsp; It only had one true eye left, it was ready to drop, but that eye was starting to aim at Vince.&nbsp; The black fire could be seen raging inside of it, as if begging for release.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>29-07-2011, 11:34:34</strong>
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				<strong>Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>Lorraine stopped dead in her tracks, eyes widening. Her stomach heaved and she swallowed. "That will be too late", she rasped. "I need someone here NOW." Carefully moving forward, Lorraine stepped over the puddles of blood and gore. Her first impulse was to help the girl but she wasn't sure she could do that alone. For that reason she fell upon the young man and grabbed him by the scruff of his neck, trying to yank him away from the cauldron. "Get up!" She tugged at him. "We need your help! Snap out of it, man!" She dropped the phone to get a better hold on him, and tried to drag him to his feet as she shot a despairing look to the girl. "Hurry!!"<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>29-07-2011, 11:42:07</strong>
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				He had been about to ask about Sunset when the biker was burnt to a crisp and that fire was turning to him, not having enough time to charge up his bat to full swing, he used the end of the bat to just ram it in the thing's eye socket and through its eye. He was using a lot of force as he pushed it into the thing. He let out a grunt with the effort of trying to crush its skull with a baseball bat, but he felt that he could possibly do it if he did not somehow burst into flames first.<br><br>Vince thought about his family, his friends and his life in that moment where he knew that it could end. For if it was not more clear before he could definitely die now. He was not going to just resign himself to that fate. He was going to fight for his right to live and to defend others.<br><br>He let out a loud growl as he pulled the bat out just a little bit and then rammed it inside the head of the creature with his absolute full power that was a product of adrenaline and the will to live.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>29-07-2011, 12:00:04</strong>
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				<strong>Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>"I'm sorry, ma'am," said the woman on the other end, her voice quickly growing snippy.&nbsp; "That's the fastest we'll be able to get over there.&nbsp; I'll ask them to hurry."&nbsp; If she said anything else, it wasn't heard as the phone was dropped.<br><br>Forcefully grabbing the young man, dragging him away from the smoke caused a sudden reaction.&nbsp; The smoke seemed to catch flame, burning through the blood with no receptacle for the smoke.&nbsp; He started to hack, gagging at the smoke which now started forcing its way from his body thanks to the broken ritual.&nbsp; He tried to speak, but the hacking from the darkness expunging itself from his body was just too difficult.<br><br>The girl looked back to Lorraine, trying to speak but unable to vocalize for an entirely different reason.&nbsp; Exhaustion and terror was breaking over her, but she didn't really look to have any fight left within her.&nbsp; The blood leaking from her body had slowed down to a barely perceptible trickle.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>29-07-2011, 12:03:29</strong>
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				<strong>Alley</strong><br><br>With the final swing, the creature's head came bursting free from its shoulders, splattering against the wall but without the spray of blood and gore that so often came from the movies.&nbsp; This corpse was just too old, its body too decayed and dead to have anything left even resembling humanity.<br><br>A scream mixed between excitement and horror came from one side of the alley, the sheer noise of the last several seconds clearly having garnered some degree of attention.&nbsp; It was too dark to see just from what, but with three skeletons and a busted corpse nearby, it was rather obvious that no one wanted to be around to have to explain this mess.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>31-07-2011, 09:54:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Detective Lawrence Johnson</strong><br><br>For a few weeks now, the Paradiso Police Department has been on the search for a serial killer nicknamed the "organ thief."&nbsp; The basic description had been drilled into the minds of everyone in the precinct: a male between the ages of 20 and 45, right handed, who uses a butcher knife to cut people open seemingly at random, snatching whatever organs he can get.&nbsp; It is believed that the man has no actual medical experience based on the sloppy workmanship of the initial few victims.<br><br>Because of the high price of organs on the criminal market, there are some expectations that he might be involved in organized crime, but no leads have been found so far.&nbsp; Every police officer knows that there must be organized crime in the city based simply on the patterns which emerge, but it's like trying to catch smoke with a net; any petty thief who is caught claims to have worked alone, or takes the fifth if direct evidence proves that they had help from others.<br><br>Things have only gotten worse over the last few years.&nbsp; Thankfully, the media hasn't gotten onto the story yet; they would have a field day with pet names for the perpetrator, tear-spraying interviews for the victims, and any method of sending the city into hysterics that they could manage for a tenth of a percentage point of ratings.<br><br>Larry's current assignment was to speak to an Oksana Mozheika, one of the most recent victims...or rather, attempted victims.&nbsp; Police had found her cut open in Grayson Park, without a heartbeat and significantly lost blood, but she had gotten up and left the morgue before the autopsy.&nbsp; Doctors on staff had been too shocked to even get her to go to the hospital.<br><br>Sargeant Lancaster left the file with her picture, description, address and the like upon Johnson's desk this morning, along with a note: "Get what you can of information from her, but don't force her back to the hospital if she doesn't want to go.&nbsp; She probably doesn't have health insurance."&nbsp; Her address was listed as the Shadyside Apartment Complex at Barker Street, apartment 306.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>31-07-2011, 10:06:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Vince ran after he heard the scream, getting into his Suburban, throwing his bat into the passenger seat and driving off quickly. He knew that he could get in much more trouble with the things that they would find in that alley than he would in any other situation that he had ever been in. His tires squealed as they made purchase with the pavement and pulled him back into the street. As soon as he was on the street he slowed the car, but that said nothing of his heart that was beating at a very high pace as he realized what he had just done, what he had just killed and how to those that had not been there it would look. He was going to go to jail for sure.<br><br>He stopped at the red light five blocks away from the scene of the crime. His first thought was to drive out of the city, to escape the potential backlash that could overtake him. No. He was not going to run. He had people who counted on him here, and people he had yet to save. Vince could go nowhere. The only thing was that he was going to have to find a way to be careful as he could. First he was going to need an alibi. In the car he was in, that was going to be hard but he was going to find something that was going to give him an excuse.<br><br>It was Friday.<br><br>Movie theaters were open late Friday nights since it was the premier of all new movies, and the other thing was that he knew from Nathaniel taking him to the movies once or twice that he could buy a ticket to an earlier showtime, even if it had already started. He pressed a few buttons on the GPS in the car to find the nearest theater. Once found he was going to head there to give himself an alibi for the last 20 minutes or so, and get a movie out of it at the same time. And that second part was the bonus since it would allow him to unwind.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>31-07-2011, 13:02:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The baseball bat had acquired the scent of death, though it wasn't clearly noticeable until it spent a few minutes in the car.&nbsp; Something akin to rotten meat, but so aged that it was simple enough to put from one's mind.&nbsp; Passing through the mostly empty streets, no one attempted to stop Vincent, but if they were coming, it was entirely possible that he wouldn't even notice them until it was too late.<br><br><div class="floatright">(http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg221/scaled.php?server=221&amp;filename=safehaveny.jpg&amp;res=medium)</div>One building in particular, however, quickly catches the eye.&nbsp; The run-down club Sunset, with a few of the letters missing and the paint worn out from months of being unused, but with a particular symbol spraypainted in red upon the wall.<br><br>Two dots, three lines connecting them together like some sort of unfinished box, but the meaning is as clear as if it had been written in English or known in some sort of residual memory: Safe Haven.&nbsp; The spraypaint was likewise faded, as if it was added weeks or months ago.<br><br>The doors to the building are closed, but not barred up like the windows have been.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>01-08-2011, 11:21:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As he saw that building in the corner of his eye, he stops the car and pulls it into the parking lot of the place. That symbol meant that it was a safe place, but he wondered if it was a safe place for him or something else entirely. But he was going to go check it out since he remembered that one of the bikers last words had been about Sunset, and this seemed just too appropriate for him not to.<br><br>He took his bat in hand once more, even though it smelled like rotten meat. It was still his weapon, all it needed was just a bit of cleaning was all, and if he could do that by cracking a few skulls, then so be it. If the people in here were creatures, he had an obligation to save their present and future victims from their clutches with that bat of his.<br><br>He jumped out of his Suburban and pressed the button on his keys to lock the doors and set the alarm. He needed to be safe in this neighborhood as he threw open the doors to Sunset.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>01-08-2011, 11:31:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br><div class="floatright">(http://www.yourbars.com.au/static/media/x600/138103_131008_monastry_interior_1_copy.jpg)</div><br>The door was left unlocked, and the interior of the old nightclub was quite clean, taken care of and most importantly, brightly lit.&nbsp; A number of the lounges had been set with pillows, newspapers were carefully piled in certain areas.&nbsp; It was difficult to shake the feeling that this place was lived in, even now, although its current occupants knew how to take good care of a place.<br><br>Upon walking inside, a semicircle had been drawn upon the floor in chalk; although it didn't seem to hold any special significance in and of itself, it was impossible to enter inside without passing over the chalk.<br><br><div class="floatleft">(http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/2264/kateupton01.jpg)</div><br>"Daddy!" came the excited voice of a beautiful young woman who peeked up her head from behind one of the couches.&nbsp; Her warmth and surprise turned to a freezing terror as she looked to see someone she didn't recognize pass through the door.&nbsp; Although her mouth worked for a moment, she couldn't seem to find the words to express herself.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>01-08-2011, 11:51:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Vince looked around not seeing what he had expected. Where was the decrepit monsters like the one in the alley, where was the dust and the broken status of the place? This place was immaculate and well cared for, with the one thing being out of place being the chalk on the ground but considering all he had seen tonight, it was not a long shot to guess that this chalk was a magical circle or at least an attempt at one.<br><br>The location of the chalk meant that it was used for something akin to security but of course there was no way to know for sure.<br><br>He stepped across it, his boots making a sound across the club as he entered past the magic circle or that he had at least tried. He heard a noise over near one of the couches, he saw a very beautiful blonde but he had no idea why she was here or what exactly had just taken her voice. He was about out of words himself, but at least he could get one word out. <br><br>"Hello."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>01-08-2011, 11:55:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>"You know," she said.&nbsp; It wasn't a question.&nbsp; The terror burned in her eyes, telling horrible stories of the things that she'd witnessed, chasing through her nightmares.&nbsp; "Not everyone knows.&nbsp; When my father comes home," she started to say, when a deep frown crossed over her face.&nbsp; Her emotions drifted over her face in a sea of confusion that turned to shock, then terror, then horror.&nbsp; For several moments she just quivered, then gave her lower lip a gentle bite, searching for some strength.&nbsp; "I'm Carrie," she said gently.&nbsp; "Can you stop them?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>01-08-2011, 12:07:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				This girl was a victim of tragedies that were not televised they were more than the darkness which lie in the hearts of men, what this girl had seen was the darkness in several forms. Vince knew this as he looked at her tremble and shake with fear. He stepped closer to her, slowly. Invading her space when she was like that was not going to be good, but still he felt the need to close the distance between them.<br><br>Her question brought him to a screeching halt however. Them is the word the girl used. Them meant more than one, but it also was undefined from that point for it could be an army or it could just be a couple. However, even as Vince thought of fighting several of those things, only one thing came to mind. He was going to keep her safe.<br><br>His eyes looked straight into hers, "Carrie, I will fight to my last breath if that is what it takes to stop them." Vince did not hesitate, his tone was not shaky, these words were said in pure confidence.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>01-08-2011, 12:15:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>Once he got the chance to look over the girl by moving closer, she was dressed in a faded purple T-shirt and jeans that were a size too small.&nbsp; Her hands were clean but calloused, and a feather duster laying nearby suggested that she was the cause of everything being so clean in this area.<br><br>"That's what my father always said," she replied, her voice gentle but uncertain.&nbsp; "He's dead now, isn't he?"&nbsp; Her body started to tremble with fear.&nbsp; "Did he burn, or did he get ridden?&nbsp; Is it ever going to stop for him?&nbsp; He doesn't deserve to be a horse like that!"&nbsp; The girl clearly has issues, although it's hard to tell just how deep they run.&nbsp; Then again, having dealt with things like this for so long, it almost seemed natural that she would have some problems.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>01-08-2011, 12:30:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He saw how Carrie seemed as if she had no real life outside of this constant madness, with her tight clothes, and that urge to maintain this nightclub for a group that fought off the supernatural. Vince felt very sorry for her, especially when she brought up her father's death, that he had been witness to. He was not sure which of the bikers it was but he did know that her father had died at the hands of that creature.<br><br>"Yes, I am sorry, he did die from extensive burns."<br><br>Vince was not sure what to say about the horse section of this conversation, but he was sure that it was just a part of the warp that occurs when someone untrained looks into the darkness. And with the amount of darkness she had seen, he was surprised that was not even more warped than she was now.<br><br>"With your father gone, is there anyone else that could take care of you?"<br><br>Vince had to think ahead and possibly find a way to get the girl away from all of this darkness that was hurting her so.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>01-08-2011, 12:37:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>"Good," she replied at the mention of the burns.&nbsp; It still hurt her that he was gone, but with the alternative of whatever she'd been talking about, she considered it far preferable.&nbsp; "Good."&nbsp; Yet that didn't keep her eyes from watering as she discussed the matter.<br><br>"I keep this place safe," she explained, gesturing around the abandoned nightclub.&nbsp; "Or at least, I try to.&nbsp; It's difficult sometimes.&nbsp; I think we're going to have new people coming in soon, allies."<br><br>She slipped a hand into her pocket, searching around a bit for a permanent marker which she showed to him.&nbsp; "Can I mark you?&nbsp; They won't recognize you otherwise.&nbsp; We need the others."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>01-08-2011, 13:05:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Vince looked at Carrie and how she was trying to be strong by not straight out bawling in front of him but instead cried as she spoke. This is what the darkness did to people, it made them hard as steel and shut them off from their feelings, but he understood that she had to stay strong. Still this did nothing to stop the urge to pull her into his arms and hold her tight to make her feel comforted in these moments of learning about her father's death. What made it all the more difficult was that it was he who had delivered the news.<br><br>He resisted, for now.<br><br>"I am glad that you keep this place safe, but before you mark me, I must ask this. But who is going to keep you safe?"<br><br>Vince knew that his question was loaded, and that she could very well just cry about it and not give him a response, but he was genuinely worried about this issue. She may be the one maintaining the safe house, but who is the one that is watching after her to make sure that her needs are met where they be physical or emotional. Now that her father was gone, she was going to be out of both.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>01-08-2011, 13:13:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatright">(http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/1345/allyct.jpg)</div><br>"You are."&nbsp; The reply was simple and final, not a question as one would expect.&nbsp; Either the girl was too far gone to understand that people had free will and didn't have to just do whatever she wanted, or something else was going on, but it didn't stop her from doing her best to keep going.<br><br>The symbol she drew on his sleeve had an intuitive meaning just as everything else did.&nbsp; It meant ally, another hunter to help force back the darkness.&nbsp; "Dad always wore this symbol, but never when he was actually on the Hunt.&nbsp; Sometimes it's the only way to find the others.&nbsp; The sight can't see the Imbued, because you're not monsters."<br><br>The tears streaked down her face, but she didn't really seem surprised.&nbsp; It seemed more like she'd expected this for months, or years, and had only finally come to understand and accept what had been inevitable.&nbsp; "You should sleep, but it's up to you now.&nbsp; Though others will come soon enough."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>01-08-2011, 13:25:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sarah Jane - Grayson Park</strong><br><br>The park was always the most peaceful at night, when pretty much everyone else had left.&nbsp; That was just how Horlicks liked it, the chance to run around, chase squirrels and pigeons and be one with nature.<br><br>The full moon overhead provided enough light to see, not that the huge dog needed it to be able to run around the abandoned park.&nbsp; The only other light came from a billboard, illuminated against the night sky.&nbsp; "Need a new coat?" read the message of a handsome young man with a new jacket of the latest style draped over him while two girls snuggled up to either side of him.<br><br>Without warning, Horlicks suddenly started to growl.&nbsp; He lowered down onto his haunches, pointing in a direction some distance away, where a figure was kneeled over upon a bench.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>01-08-2011, 13:37:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When he heard the two word response to his question, he was not surprised, there had been a feeling deep in his gut that he was going to be the one looking after her, keeping her safe, and helping her with her needs. He stood still as he waited for her to mark him as she said she would, and there it was over. He now had the sign that he was an ally and that the others that were coming would see him as one.<br><br>He came very close to Carrie. His look on his face was apologetic. He had nothing else that he could do other than to touch her and that was off limits in his opinion since they had just met.<br><br>"Carrie, let me just comfort you for a while and then I will take a cat nap before they arrive."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>01-08-2011, 13:41:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>For several moments, she was completely silent.&nbsp; It was clear that she wasn't surprised, that she wanted to be strong through this and not give up, but she was still only human.&nbsp; She finally fell towards him, throwing her arms around him to hold him tight and weep her poor heart out.&nbsp; As crazy as she was after whatever this horror had put her through, it didn't shut her down to the point where she didn't care anymore, even if she probably wanted it to.<br><br>She appeared to trust him, but she also acted like she knew him better than she possibly could have.&nbsp; Perhaps it was just a bluff, perhaps she was simply crazy.&nbsp; It didn't really matter, though, since in a world where so few knew about the rising darkness, every person who could lend a hand was still precious in their own way.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>01-08-2011, 16:59:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong> SJ in the park</strong><br><br>Yes she needed a new coat like she needed a hole in the head, Sarah Jane knew everything came with a price, and some of them were less than pleasant. The beatings she had always coped with, the other parts that she had avoided were far worse, she had avoided the way that many girls on the street went. So that advert was ignored just as she had many times before, well similar ones about perfect hair or skin…<br><br>SJ would rather eat from as bin than go off with some pervert that fancied a quickie …or worse….yeah…she had seen girls and boys cold and dead in the alley’s or the ones that just they disappeared.<br><br>“Leave…” SJ growled to Horlicks ok street etiquette came into play, however the gorl kept her dog close, and kept her distance. “Oi are you awight mate, I ‘as sam scran in me bag….” The girl remained where she was getting ready to run if she had to. Horlicks too she knew would follow. <br><br>Something was wrong with this man but she was always too curious,&nbsp; “I ‘ave a name of a ‘ostal, I’ll chuck it dawn…do what yah like.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>01-08-2011, 17:05:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park</strong><br><br>The man started to peek up from under his thick fedora, and the moment their eyes met, time seemed to freeze.&nbsp; The wind gently kicked up, pushing his stetson away from his head, showing a rotted, decayed face underneath.&nbsp; If not for the wind, the stench of death would be unbearable.<br><br>The billboard changed for that instant, the man in the picture staring down at her, wearing a coat made out of human skin and grinning evilly.&nbsp; The caption read, "<strong>It seeks a new host</strong>" for just an instant, and then it was gone, back to normal, all except for the man who seemed wrong and evil in every way possible.<br><br>Horlicks continued to growl, but when time came back, the man's skin seemed to be sloughing down his body like melting wax.&nbsp; "...help..." he asked of her gently, quivering in fright and holding his hands together as if to keep them from falling off his body.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>01-08-2011, 17:50:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Margarita Wilson - Sunshine Daycare Center</strong><br><br>Some people derive some real joy from dealing with children on a regular basis.&nbsp; They say that children are the future, and those wide eyes always seem to seek knowledge, learning and beauty.&nbsp; They say that children are the last few who haven't been truly jaded by society, that they will be the key to the future.<br><br>Not everyone can hold that perspective.&nbsp; Children are often loud, noisy, messy and don't stop crying.&nbsp; While some are content to play and behave themselves, it really only takes one misbehaving to start a cascade of tears and whining.<br><br>There aren't too many posters in the large room, mostly because many of them have been strained, torn or otherwise ruined and had to be taken down.&nbsp; One of the ones that remained was a picture of a cow at a farm, with the words "The cat meows" written jovially in bright, fanciful letters.&nbsp; It used to be part of a set, but all the others are long gone.<br><br>It was almost 4:00, time for the parents to start coming in to collect their children.&nbsp; A regular, Mr. Phillips, a kindly older gentleman, would be here soon to bring his child Stephen home any minute now.&nbsp; Many others would come in an hour or two, but thanks to work, traffic and the like, Mr. Phillips always just seemed to be the first to come.<br><br>The other teacher, Rebecca Boules, was busy trying to chat with two of the larger and more unruly children in order to get them to share the last remaining train before one or both of them broke it. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>01-08-2011, 20:31:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>Once the young man started coughing Lorraine lost all interest in him and hurried over to the girl's side. She shrugged off her jacket and gently covered the young woman, trying to keep her warm. "It's going to be alright." She tried to sound reassuring, but she wasn't sure if she succeeded. "The ambulance will be here soon. Hold tight, okay?" <br><br>Inwardly cursing her lack of knowledge Lorraine tried to look like she knew what she was doing for the girl's sake. She examined the bonds that held her and tried to remove them without hurting her further. "Do you know this house?" Not bothering to look back at the guy she hovered near the girl, trying to make her as comfortable as she could with the limited means to her disposal. "Get some bandages. Or wait, give me your shirt first. Just... Please... Help her!" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>01-08-2011, 20:37:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>The woman looked up to Lorraine, but seemed resigned to her fate.&nbsp; She looked so tired, as if she could just let herself drift off into a beautiful sleep if only she wasn't so frightened.&nbsp; Lorraine's reassurances, however, helped the woman hold on for just a little longer, giving her the will to keep fighting for a bit.<br><br>The man was in shock, panicking and trying to explain what was going on.&nbsp; His will was back to his own, though he was still terrified by what had happened to him.&nbsp; As soon as Lorraine told him to start helping the girl, though, he bounced into work, running over to grab some bandages and start elevating her, bandaging her wounds and doing all sorts of things that showed his talent for medical aid.<br><br>The woman seemed confused that the man was now helping her, but she didn't have the strength to fight.&nbsp; She did want to live, despite the pain, the scarring she would no doubt go through as a result of her injuries.<br><br>The dropped phone had gone still, the 911 responder having cancelled the call.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>01-08-2011, 20:48:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lorraine stepped back, grateful to let someone with more skill treat the girl. She merely held her hand, murmuring reassuring words and encouraging phrases. The occasional glance was shot towards the man. "Thanks", she said quietly. Time seemed to go so slow. It seemed as if she checked her watch every hour, only to find minutes had crept by. "What happened?" she asked quietly, figuring the guy was coherent enough to answer now.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>01-08-2011, 20:57:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>"I don't...I don't know..." the man replied as he helped bandage up the girl.&nbsp; "It was his eyes...something about Greg is so different."&nbsp; He still coughed as he spoke, but at least he was understandable.&nbsp; "I know you won't believe me, but it was like," he said as he hacked up the smoke, "like he was in my mind, making me do this stuff."<br><br>The scent of smoke was reasonably strong in the room, but not only because of the billowing darkness inside.&nbsp; There was more smoke billowing in from the adjacent door to the rest of the house, and the doorknob was starting to fog over.&nbsp; The woman closed her eyes but kept on breathing, conserving her energy as best she could to just hang on and make it through.&nbsp; It was hard to say if she would, but so much would depend on when the ambulance got to the house.<br><br>Once more Lorraine's cell phone started to ring.&nbsp; The caller ID said that it was PizzAmore, so most likely her manager.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CarnivorousBunny</strong> on <strong>02-08-2011, 08:08:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Margie in the Sunshine Daycare</strong><br><br>Children were fun and cute, and full of hope, curiosity and restless energy.&nbsp; Yes, it was cheesy and cliche, but cliches had to come from somewhere. <br>The downside to uninhibited wonder and energy was they were hard to control.&nbsp; At the end of a day of chasing after children and wiping up 'accidents', Margie always felt like she needed someone to take care of her, or at least her own nap time.<br>Glancing at the clock, Margie counted the minutes until she could go home.&nbsp; Her shin was throbbing from the building block incident earlier today, and she really needed to wash the chocolate milk off her favorite sweater. Even as the day drew to an end, work was far from over.<br><br><strong>"Stephen,"</strong> Marige said with a gentle, but tired smile, <strong>make sure you have all your things packed away before your dad comes."</strong> She finished by patting his backpack.&nbsp; From the corner of her eye she saw her fellow teacher fretting over a pair of stubborn children.<br>Margie wasn't good with because she was a firm disciplinarian but because she appealed to their imaginations, and taught them different games and stories these American children had never even heard of.&nbsp; Or, that's what she liked to believe. <br><br>By the looks of things, the real victim in this power struggle seemed to be the poor toy train.&nbsp; <strong>"Hey Becca, maybe I can take a swing at it?</strong> She said with another tired grin.&nbsp; <strong>"Maybe you guys want to play something else?&nbsp; Maybe a game of tumbang preso!"</strong> It was a lively game that would require the rowdy children to run around and try to knock over a can guarded by the 'it' with their footwear, preferably a slipper. She had been trying to teach it to the kids for a while, but it was catching on relatively well amongst the younger children.&nbsp; Margie saw it as a good way for the kids to have a truck load of fun, get good exercise, and it also was a way to get them to release some of their restless energy so they wouldn't be too hard for their tired parents to control. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>02-08-2011, 08:36:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Vince held the crying girl in his arms, his hand was running in a circular motion behind her back. The feel of her body was nicely pressed up against his. She felt soft and lovely but he was not thinking about her in that way. The context in which he was thinking about her was more of that of a damsel that he as a knight had to protect but this knight was doing this out of duty rather than out of the love of wanting her as his own. She was a precious girl, not just because she was on her own, but because she was his to protect now. He may not have told her father directly that he would protect her, but that was what exactly he was going to do.<br><br>"Carrie, it will be alright. He is in a better place now."<br><br>He brushed the hair out of her face and put it back behind her ear. His hand traced from her ear to her chin. Two fingers were pressed just under chin to make her look up at him. "Carrie, I promise that above all else. I will protect you, you have my word." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>02-08-2011, 08:39:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Margie in the Sunshine Daycare</strong><br><br>Most of the children were happy to play and get along, but Johnny and Max were always causing problems.&nbsp; The game, however, caught the attention of many of the other children, which drew in the envy of the two boys.&nbsp; Only when half the room had been separated off did they decide that they wanted to play, but their roughhousing was always dedicated towards each other, which at least kept the other children safe.<br><br>Not that everyone was completely safe.&nbsp; One of the building blocks that Johnny threw hit Becca in the face, making a major bruise and sending her off towards the bathroom.&nbsp; Max glared at Johnny but the two never seemed to fight as much when parents weren't around, an oddity in and of itself but suggesting of their home lives.<br><br>At the click of the clock reading 4:00, Stephen looked up from his coloring book to grin.&nbsp; "Daddy's almost here!" he said happily, scampering over towards the door to await his father's entrance.&nbsp; Sure enough, less than a minute later, there was a firm knock upon the door.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>02-08-2011, 08:45:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>Carrie held him tight, letting her tears slip out from her weary eyes, until the emotions were spent.&nbsp; She felt soft and fragile, not quite getting enough to eat and probably lacking the sleep that one would expect.&nbsp; She nodded at his words but didn't have a lot to argue.&nbsp; Either she trusted him or she didn't care to try to prove him wrong.<br><br>Eventually, she released her grip upon him.&nbsp; "You can stay here," she offered.&nbsp; "It's not perfectly safe but it's safe enough."&nbsp; With her father gone, she didn't have to stay up to rest for him, and she wanted to go back to sleep.&nbsp; There were more than enough couches, makeshift beds and the like, with spots of shade to hide from the overly bright lights.&nbsp; If he released her, she curled up upon her own space to rest and dream.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>02-08-2011, 09:23:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He felt her pull back as if she had accepted that he was to be her protector. Vince let her go after she had told him that it was safe to sleep her, and to tell the truth he would not mind, but as he saw her walk off to find a place to sleep for herself, he shook his head. If he was to properly protect her, he could not afford to be any distance away from her, this was not to say that he was going to in the same bed as her, but he was going to be on the next bed over, that was his duty to make sure that she was okay.<br><br>Vince walked over to the bed that was closest to hers and laid down. It was easy for him just to close his eyes and sleep. This had become nearly like a trained behavior. Which it kind of was since he had become a fireman and held such strange hours that meant he had to drop to sleep as soon as he could. But tonight he hesitated before he did this.<br><br>"Good night and sleep well, Carrie."<br><br>Only after this does he close his eyes to take a rest. But his rest was not like a normal rest, it was light since he had been a fireman that meant that any real loud noises or disturbances, he could be awake and ready to protect Carrie.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>02-08-2011, 09:48:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>Time seems to pass quickly in a light sleep.&nbsp; It's hard to say just when one is awake and one dreams, but it's all too easy to assume that one hasn't gotten any rest at all, save for the way that things jump about as one's attention shifts.<br><br><div class="floatright">(http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/1936/protectedx.jpg)</div>It was well after noon, and Carrie was busy with the process of drawing chalk circles upon the outside of the windows.&nbsp; She wore the same ragged clothes which she had on yesterday, a purple T-shirt and jeans, but from the side, the tattoo of the symbol Protected was clearly visible.<br><br>A text message came over from Nathaniel, making the cell phone buzz.&nbsp; "Did you hear that the Punishers traded Esters?&nbsp; What the crap was that about?"&nbsp; It was about an hour from the time that Vincent would have to show up for work. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>02-08-2011, 09:53:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>A shiver crept up her spine. She remembered Greg's eyes and the odd lumps that had bubbled under his skin. Her throat went dry at the memory. What had made him run off? "Yes", she said. "I believe you. He's different."<br><br>When the beeping started, "Lorraine looked about her distractedly until her eyes honed in on the fallen phone. "OH crap, I forgot." She pushed the green phone icon and brought the phone to her ear. "Hey. It's Lorraine. Sorry about that. We have a situation here. Can't talk right now. Will explain once I'm back. Better punch me off the clock, might take awhile." She didn't wait for an answer and broke the connection, slightly bowing towards the young woman again.<br><br>"It will be alright." She said. <br><br>When she spoke to the young man her voice was hushed, as to hopefully escape notice from the girl. "Can we move her?" She discretely tipped her head to indicate the other door where smoke curled into the room. "I don't want to open that with her in this room. God knows what's on the other side."<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>02-08-2011, 10:08:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>Lorraine's boss gave a squawk of indignation, saying something about the other pizzas before he was cut off.&nbsp; They would no doubt be paid for with her salary, but such matters surely didn't seem as important at the moment.<br><br>The man nodded, doing his best to help lift up the badly wounded woman.&nbsp; She didn't have it in her to fight or argue, and he was starting to panic.&nbsp; The new smoke wasn't helping the man's breathing any.&nbsp; "I don't want to move her, but I think we're going to have to," he said with another hacking cough.&nbsp; Keeping the victim in both of his arms, he had to turn his head to keep from spraying either of them.&nbsp; "I think Greg set the house on fire.&nbsp; There's no other exits to this room."&nbsp; He was starting to panic.&nbsp; "What do we do?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>02-08-2011, 10:17:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>Lorraine calculated the distance towards the front door in her mind. When she had gotten past Greg, it had seemed on a few steps away but now... and with the wounded girl, it felt as if the exit was on the other side of town. She thought of calling for help, but the ambulance still had not arrived. By the time she got that bored voice on the phone, the house would have burned down. <br><br>"We make a run for it." She decided. "I'll go first, in case there's anything in our way. Follow me. And oh, cover your mouth. Careful with that breathing." <br><br>Hand close to the door knob she waited for him. "Ready?" Upon his assent she nudged the door open and held it with her foot until the others had caught up. From there it was a direct line to the front door and she raced towards it, intending to hold that door for the others as well. "Do you have a car? Or some place where we can keep her warm?" The irony of that question wasn't totally lost on her and she grimaced. "You know what I mean."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>02-08-2011, 10:25:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>The young man just nodded, still trembling but willing to follow her lead.&nbsp; "My car should still be here," he said.&nbsp; The girl wasn't responding anymore, but she was still breathing.&nbsp; He used one hand to cover his mouth, and put his fingers gently over hers to try to make a sort of mask.&nbsp; It was difficult, but he was quickly getting the hang of matters.<br><br>The fire was going, but it wasn't too bad just yet.&nbsp; Still, the smoke was thick and eye-watering, which didn't mean as much to a daredevil stunt driver who was used to pyrotechnics, but much more difficult for the man carrying a nearly dead woman.<br><br>They both made it out the door, where the fire was clearly starting to consume the house from the inside out.&nbsp; Her motorcycle was still there, but the pizzas had been thrown to the ground and the tires had been slashed.&nbsp; He started moving over towards the red Jeep in the driveway, coughing even now.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>02-08-2011, 10:32:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>"OH... Great." She stared at the company bike and then deliberately turned her back on it to help the young man make the girl as comfortable as they could. "What's keeping that ambulance?" She fretted, straightening to look down the road. Once again she dialled 911. "Piledriver Lane again. We have a fire and need that ambulance desperately. What's their ETA?"<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>02-08-2011, 10:36:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>There were a few blankets to throw over the girl, which really did more to help her modesty than to keep her warm, but the summer was happy enough to provide its heat in its own way.<br><br>"You again?"&nbsp; It was the same 911 responder, and her attitude surely didn't help in any significant matter.&nbsp; "You're not supposed to hang up after calling 911 until I get all your information."&nbsp; Her snippy tone belayed her complete disdain for the rest of humanity.&nbsp; "The ambulance will be there in ten minutes or so.&nbsp; Now what's your name?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>02-08-2011, 10:50:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>"Ten minutes!" Lorraine's jaw clenched and she shot a look at the young man, mouthing a question. "My name?! We're dealing with a burning building and a wounded woman! Just... hurry." She broke the connection and closed her phone, stuffing it into her jeans pocket. At least they had made it from the burning building and Lorraine watched the smoke rise from her safe spot. She thought of Greg, and of the other guy that had run off. Glancing over her shoulder to the one caring for the girl, she couldn't help but admire his courage. After all, he'd stayed and if that girl lived she'd owe it to him. She looked around, vaguely scanning the street. From what she'd read in the newspaper and popular crime scene shows she'd picked up that some criminals liked to stay and watch. She wasn't sure if Greg was that type, but she wasn't willing to take chances.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>02-08-2011, 11:57:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>"Burning b-" the woman on the other end started to ask before the connection died.&nbsp; Greg didn't seem to be anywhere nearby, but it was always possible that he was hiding somewhere nearby, lurking and planning his next move.<br><br>The other man looked over to Lorraine, concern creasing his features.&nbsp; "Maybe you should go," he said.&nbsp; "I don't know how we're going to explain this, but there's no reason to get you involved.&nbsp; Someone as pretty as you shouldn't have a criminal record."&nbsp; He seemed resigned to his fate, grateful at least that she'd saved him from whatever Greg had been forcing him to do.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>02-08-2011, 12:51:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>SJ trying to help in the park.</strong><br><br><br>Sarah Jane stared in horror first of all at the billboard and then at the man, she started to feel queasy, and felt as if she would vomit. Most of her wanted to run, run far away from this. Her first though had those last hot dogs she had found in the dumpster were off and we making her see things.<br><br>She stepped back two steps and watched the ‘man’ or whatever he was. “Look mate I can ‘elp yeah, I don’t ‘ave naffin.” Horlicks&nbsp; stood at her legs looking more than protective, though she sent the dog&nbsp; behind the street rat as she was she would have no one touch her dog. “I really can’t give yah anyfing…’ow can I ‘elp I’ve got naffin…” Another step back, was taken as she spoke, “Yah need a doctor or samfing?” <br><br>The girl wanted to help but was also afraid, very afraid, “Did yah eat samfing bad, I fink I did. Cam on ya at leat to sit dawn its ok I’ll get samone…I know people.”&nbsp; Against her better judgment Sarah Jane put out a hand to help. “I’ll sit wif ya a while . ven we can get to ve clinic…ok?”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>02-08-2011, 13:01:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Vince opened his eyes to see that Carrie was already busy working on the windows. He smiled at her though he was more than confident that she did not see it. He sat up in his bed as the text came in and he looked at it and sighed. It was like regular life had just resumed and the monsters that he had fought the night before had disappeared. He sighed as he looked at the text. The Punishers were being ridiculous again.<br><br>He texted Nathaniel back, "Figures. How is it going otherwise?" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>02-08-2011, 13:53:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park</strong><br><br>"I don't know..."&nbsp; The man almost seemed to be falling apart, his body quivering as more and more of his skin was collapsing.&nbsp; "I think...maybe if I can get some dirt, some clay...something..."&nbsp; He was starting to panic, his hands going to his face.&nbsp; "It all started about a week ago, I..."&nbsp; Slowly his eyes turned up towards her, recognition mixing with confusion in his eyes.&nbsp; "What do you see?&nbsp; How can you see it when you look at me?"&nbsp; His features seemed to soften to some degree, as if growing some compassion.&nbsp; Whatever plan he'd been formulating slowly went away.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>02-08-2011, 13:58:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>The text reply from Nathaniel came back: "Not too much.&nbsp; I got some new books in, Halloween season is picking up early this year as people stock up for the parties.&nbsp; How about you?"<br><br>Once Carrie was done refreshing the chalk marks, she looked over to Vincent.&nbsp; "You should eat early.&nbsp; I don't think the pizzas are going to be alright."&nbsp; She said it simply and flatly, then scurried off to continue her diligent tasks of cleaning and checking the lights.&nbsp; It seemed she wanted the place excessively bright for whatever reason.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>02-08-2011, 14:17:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Just getting up, about to get a shower and then head into work." He texted this to his friend as Carrie took a few steps closer to him before saying those words that to him really served no real purpose but knew to make sure he did not have pizza for lunch or dinner. He trusted her that much.<br><br>He placed his hand on her shoulder just a moment as she then headed over to her next task that he had no idea what is consisted of. He was going to do his best to be there for Carrie, but he still had to go get ready for work. He knew a Chinese place that was near where he had to work. He loved over to the wonderful girl that was Carries.<br><br>"I am going to have to begone for a little while but then I will be back to protect you."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>02-08-2011, 15:08:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>"Thanks, but I am not going to leave you alone." She smiled down at the girl and the man helping her. "Besides, you'll want me there to give my testimony against this Greg. There's no need for you to face that on your own when there's a witness to back you up. How did you get involved with that guy anyway?" Her look went from one to the other and she knelt beside the girl to make sure she stayed with them. <br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>02-08-2011, 15:54:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>"He used to be pretty normal."&nbsp; He looked down at the girl with sorrow and sympathy, having done everything that he could for her and now just having to hope.&nbsp; "I'm Brandon, by the way.&nbsp; And, I think it really started a week or two ago.&nbsp; He's just been so weird, I don't know how to explain it.&nbsp; But he's been hinting he wants to help others understand something or other..."&nbsp; He shook his head, horrified by what almost happened.<br><br>The girl was sleeping but seemed to be breathing, if barely.&nbsp; It seemed to be up to her if she wanted to hold on.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CarnivorousBunny</strong> on <strong>02-08-2011, 16:00:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Margie in the Sunshine Daycare</strong><br><br>Margie had hoped the kids would have been a little less rough since the day was ending, but things hadn't gone as she had planned at all.&nbsp; As soon as she heard the block make contact with poor Becca, a mix of frustration, agitation and guilt stabbed her in the gut. Wasting no time, she swooped over to the rowdy boys.&nbsp; Sporting her sternest face she pulled them both aside,<br><strong>"Boys, you can't just go around throwing things at people, especially hard and pointy things like blocks.&nbsp; I think you kids need a time out."</strong> Margie said before setting the children aside.<br><br>After making sure the boys were settled down in their corner, she shuffled over to Becca with the emergency first-aid kit in hand.<br><strong>"I'm so sorry Becca."</strong> Margie said with a sheepish grin.&nbsp; <strong>"May I see it?"</strong> She said referring to the bruise.&nbsp; <br><br>Hearing the door, she handed the kit to Becca. <strong>"Ooo, wait a second.&nbsp; I'll be right back."</strong> God, today was a hectic day.&nbsp; <strong>"Do you have everything, Stephen?"</strong> She asked, looking back at the boy as she opened the door.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>02-08-2011, 16:30:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Margie in the Sunshine Daycare</strong><br><br>Although it was easy enough to separate the two boys, and they didn't do anything when they knew that someone was looking, they didn't mind making faces and each blaming the other.&nbsp; However, they stayed in time out once directed.&nbsp; <br><br>Becca didn't really mind, she was used to it and it was only a minor bruise.&nbsp; Once she came back from the bathroom, she'd managed to cover it decently enough with makeup.&nbsp; "It's fine," she said complacently.&nbsp; The bruise wasn't even noticeable if someone didn't know to look for it.&nbsp; "No need for the first aid kit, but thank you."<br><br>The moment the door was open, however, everything changed.&nbsp; The poster on the wall of the cat meowing suddenly shifted, becoming a fearsome, leprous beast out of the corner of one's eye.&nbsp; The words "<strong>The Predator Hunts</strong>" morphed over the words of the playful feline, but it only lasted a moment, and then it was gone, yet the sense of unease remained.<br><br>That feeling focused upon the man, who was wearing a clay mask upon his face that bore some passing resemblance to Mr. Phillips.&nbsp; The stink of the grave followed with the man, who was covered in filth, dirt and clay, yet didn't even seem to notice.&nbsp; "Daddy!" cried the boy, who rushed over towards the creepy man and hugged his leg, yet the ugly clay facade should not have been able to fool anyone, let alone a caring son.&nbsp; Even Becca didn't seem to realize anything unusual.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>02-08-2011, 20:26:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Vincent Phelps</strong><br><br>Carrie simply nodded, unsurprised and not about to argue with him.&nbsp; It seemed that she was quite used to being alone; perhaps she even preferred some degree of privacy in her own way.&nbsp; The girl was far from easy to read or understand.<br><br>Getting Chinese was simple and easy enough, as was heading over to work.&nbsp; The scent of the bat had faded over the hours; thankfully, the creature had been dead long enough as to not leave any major stains upon the trusty implement.<br><br>It didn't take long, however, for a priority to kick in.&nbsp; The alarms rang, various men ran to the poles and got to one of the trucks.&nbsp; "There's a fire at one of the houses in Piledriver Lane," came the announcement over the radio.&nbsp; "Directions will be given along the way."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>02-08-2011, 21:00:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>"You were very brave back there, Brandon. I'm Lorraine." <br><br>She listened, nodding her encouragement at his words. "Do you know where he lives?" <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>02-08-2011, 21:22:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>"No," he replied with concern.&nbsp; "He drives a red Chevy, though, if that helps."&nbsp; He didn't seem to know what else to do or say.&nbsp; One of the cars was now missing that had been blocking the way earlier, presumably that very car that the man drove.<br><br>A few minutes later, the sound of the ambulance finally pierced through the air, though the house was already smoking and burning so badly that it was likely beyond salvageable.&nbsp; Paramedics quickly rushed forward, recognizing the people who were unharmed and moving past.&nbsp; Brandon quickly got out of their way to let them help the woman, although his shaking quickly picked up when he saw them.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>03-08-2011, 12:24:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Vince got to work, and just as he was making it to the locker room to sit down and eat his lunch the alarm sounded, he ditched the warm food in a moment to go over to where his equipment lay, he slipped it all on fast, before he more or less sprinted to the fire engine to hop in for the ride over to Piledriver Lane. Vince had worked hungry before with his urge to defend others being the only thing driving him. This was definitely going to be one of those times, and with him more or less riding a defender's high from last night, it was not going to be all that difficult either.<br><br>They were going to send him inside when they arrived, that is what they always did since Vince was had always been the one to do it. Ever since he had been a recruit he was always the one to run into any kind of burning building to get the victims out, this had not changed no matter how hot the fire or how many people, he always went into save them.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>03-08-2011, 12:48:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>"Everything helps. If you see him or the Chevy again, give me a call?" She dug around in her pockets for a pen and reached for his hand, writing her phone number on the back. "I intend to have a few words with that guy."&nbsp; <br><br>Lorraine sighed with relief when the medics finally arrived. She gladly retreated to give them space and whipped out her cellphone, dialling her home number. She left a message on the voice mail, merely stating she'd be home late since there'd been an accident at one of the addresses she'd delivered. She said she was alright and promised to tell them about it later. The second call went to her boss. Glaring at the flat tires of her bike and the smashed pizza's scattered on the ground, she waited for her manager to answer. They wouldn't be happy, but she hoped for some understanding after explaining the situation. Or at least, the part of it she understood...<br><br>Juggling the phone with one hand, she pulled the bike to one side where it'd hinder noone. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>03-08-2011, 13:12:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“See what, ya aint well, that’s what it boils dawn ta mate. Vats what I see.” There was a pause she was nervous of course but as it was however hard nosed Sarah Jane pretended to be she was actually a very giving person. Her Nan had taught her that. There was always someone worse off than ones self.<br><br>“I’ll get ya same dirt mate, bat came ta ve fackin’ clinic wif me, I ain’t no doctor.” She did get the man some earth two hands full from one of the patches under the bushes. “Ya want me ta find ya somewhere to sleep, it can get pretty blaady nasty raund ‘ere.” <br><br>SJ also pushed a few more numbers into the man’s coat on a rumpled piece of paper. Hoping he would find them if he needed help. “Look ver is sam dirt over ver bat I am finkin’ vat ya need an ‘ostal or a an ‘ospital. Where de ya need?”<br><br>for now Horlicks was quiet...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>03-08-2011, 15:03:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Lorraine - Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>Brandon simply nodded, pulling out his cell phone once he had her number and dialing it in to give her a call.&nbsp; "Here's my number.&nbsp; I'm going to try to avoid him personally, but I expect he'll be up on campus if you want to try to talk to him, or something."<br><br>The medics quickly got to work, taking the woman out from the back seat of the car and into the back of the ambulance.&nbsp; She wasn't moving, and her breathing was too shallow to be easily seen, but at least she still seemed to be barely alive.<br><br>A police car showed up a few minutes later, a middle-aged woman showing her badge to Brandon and Lorraine.&nbsp; "Good evening," she said politely.&nbsp; "My name is Angela Varest.&nbsp; I have a few questions for you.&nbsp; First, is there anyone else in the house?"<br><br>"No," Brandon started to say, and as they went off to the side, Angela spoke into her walkie-talkie.<br><br>The other police officer, a younger man with clean-cut brown hair, smiled a little bit wider as he got a good look at Lorraine.&nbsp; "Hey there," he told her.&nbsp; "My name's Jason Zorcaster.&nbsp; Would you mind a few questions about what's been going on here?"<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>03-08-2011, 15:11:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Vince - Arriving at Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>The firetruck pulled up on the scene, where an overly large bonfire gave a brilliant display in a forlorn testimony to what probably used to be a pretty house, and was now blackened ash and golden-scarlet destruction.&nbsp; Out in the street, a number of pizza boxes had been strewn about, their delicious contents strewn around in haphazard disregard for such a sumptuous meal.&nbsp; It still smelled yummy even if road pizza likely wouldn't have that tasty flavor.<br><br>"No one is inside the house," came a voice over the radio.&nbsp; "Mr. Phelps, thankfully we won't have to worry about sending you inside.&nbsp; Concentrate on putting out the flames."<br><br>Along with the ambulance taking a woman into the back, presumably to perform extensive care upon her, there was also police officers speaking with a young man and a beautiful young woman, each in their own separate groups.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>03-08-2011, 15:20:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park</strong><br><br>The man followed over with her, leaning down into the mud.&nbsp; "You're right..." he said softly, her reassurances mixed with the mention of a hospital helping to calm him down.&nbsp; "I'm just a little under the weather."&nbsp; Her touch upon his body made him shift, as if he was made of only dirt himself, but as he caked the filth upon himself, he started to work it over into a sort of clay.&nbsp; Soon he was completely caked in mud, but as his hands sculpted the dirt over his body, soon he seemed to be remaking himself.<br><br>After a few minutes, he looked up to her.&nbsp; He looked more like a man with mud caked upon himself than any sane, rational human being, and a very faint glow came from his eyes as he looked at her.&nbsp; "Good as new, right?&nbsp; I'm sorry for panicking you.&nbsp; I don't need a hospital, though; I'm completely fine."&nbsp; He seemed almost to pity her as he looked upon her.&nbsp; Whatever terrible plan he'd meant to give was now gone.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>03-08-2011, 20:47:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He jumped off the truck as it arrived, prepared to run in and deal with finding someone however, as soon as his feet hit the ground, he was told that he was to focus on getting the flames out. Vince went over to the side of the truck pulling out the long hose they had and then running over to a fire hydrant to attach it, and like magic it came to life spewing with water in the direction of the flaming building. They were going to get this fire out.<br><br>Holding the hose made him have to use a lot of strength to keep it steady considering the thousands of gallons that were flowing through it onto the fire, he let out a few grunts with the effort as other firemen joined him in making it steady. There were other implements that were going to be used on the fire, all he had to do was wait and then they would be getting ever closer to putting the whole thing out. <br><br>His eyes found time to wander from the fire a bit, over to the beautiful woman, the paramedics, the cops and the young man. But his glance had to return to the fire to protect even more people from the potential that one fire had.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>03-08-2011, 21:20:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatright">(http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/1345/allyct.jpg)</div><strong>Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>One thing that Lorraine would soon notice about the firefighters is that he has a sharpie mark upon his arm.&nbsp; It looks just like a cross with a dot on each edge and intersection, yet the meaning of such a strange and unusual symbol was clear as if it was written in English.&nbsp; This was an ally, a friend, another one of the Chosen.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>03-08-2011, 21:28:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Lorraine - Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>She saved the number on her phone. "Thanks, I'll take a look there." <br><br>When the cops arrived she let Brandon go, offering a reassuring smile before she turned to the male one. "Of course, Officer. Anything I can do to help." <br><br>Some distance away firefighters were doing their job and she glanced briefly in their direction before turning her full attention politely towards Zorcaster.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>03-08-2011, 21:35:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>Putting out a fire wasn't too difficult once the fire department was able to put its full weight to bear, although it did take time.&nbsp; Keeping the fire hose focused on its target took a good deal of strength, but when one already could lift a few hundred pounds without breaking a sweat, and when other firefighters were there to help direct the stream, it wasn't overly difficult.<br><br>Other firefighters circled through the area, checking for survivors, electrical wires or any number of other problems which might arise, while the police officer spoke with Lorraine.&nbsp; He was respectful, but he couldn't help but stare at her a bit, admiring her beauty.&nbsp; "If I could just get your name, a way to contact you if you have further questions, and your version of the story, I'll be happy to let you go.&nbsp; I'm sure you've been through quite a bit already."<br><br>Some distance away, out of earshot, Officer Varest seemed to be grilling Brandon rather harshly.&nbsp; It looked like he was ready to break down at any moment.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>03-08-2011, 21:52:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>"I'm alright." She said quietly. "The girl is the one who got hurt, and Brandon. By the time I got here..." She shivered and wrapped her arms around herself as the breeze carried the scent of smoke. "I... I deliver pizzas for PizzAmore." <br><br>"There was this guy, who opened the door. He ran. And another. Brandon told me his name was Greg. He..." Her voice faltered. She had not given it all much thought until now. It had all been surreal at first, and after that, there hadn't been time. Now she was forced to think and the reality hit. Hard. <br><br>"Oh, God." She whispered, staring off into the smoke.<br><br>She swallowed and tried again.<br><br>"My name is Lorraine. Lorraine Wells..." Listing her address and her phone number Lorraine went on. Occasionally she fell silent, but mostly she rambled on, telling Jason Zorcaster what had happened from the moment she'd heard the cry from the house and Greg, covered in blood, had come out.<br><br>"And we had to run out and wait here. For the ambulance." She finished. "We couldn't leave her alone, you see. Brandon helped her. I don't know anything about medical care, but he does. Do you think she'll make it? Can I visit her in the hospital?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>03-08-2011, 22:40:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Soon, like always, there was only smoke left of the once ferocious fire. His team helping to put it out the best that they could. Which usually was good or more than good enough. In this case it was enough and they were successful, though he still had to make sure that all of the smoulders were out as well as ask more questions of the people around to see if it was arson.<br><br>t was routine to ask about arson especially with the fact that with all the pizza boxes on the ground and the status of the house, there seemed to have been some kind of struggle. He waited just a few more moments of holding the hose to guarantee the fire was gone. After those few moments he gave the signal to deactivate the hose. They put it up and then Vince started to find any potential witnesses to see if it was arson.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>04-08-2011, 03:37:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>As Vince glances around the area, the words <strong>She Knows</strong> cut their way into his brain the moment he looks at Lorraine, like a song that had almost been forgotten that forced its way back thanks to a repetitive jingle, or a sudden recognition of a person that hadn't been seen for years.&nbsp; One of the other firefighters yelled something to him, but his ears were still ringing from the strange voice.<br><br><hr><br>Officer Jason Zorcaster listened to Lorraine's explanation, nodding sympathetically and taking various notes.&nbsp; "You should probably be able to visit her.&nbsp; I'll make sure you get sent her name when they identify her."&nbsp; He started to ask her something else, but seemed to think better of it before getting out the first word.<br><br>For Brandon, however, things weren't going very well.&nbsp; He'd followed the female officer back towards her car, where he'd put his hands on the car while she was frisking him for weapons.&nbsp; Officer Zorcaster looked back to Lorraine.&nbsp; "Something about your friend's story must not have checked out.&nbsp; Yours is fine, though."&nbsp; He gave her a bright and slightly suggestive smile.&nbsp; "I'll call you when I have her name."&nbsp; With that, he started back towards the vehicle with the other officer and Brandon.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>04-08-2011, 06:20:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>"Thanks, I'd appreciate that." She returned a wan smile and headed over to her bike. Kneeling beside it, she gave it a quick once-over. Everything seemed to be alright except for the tires, which was a nuisance but would be easily solved once she got it back to PizzAmore. Resignedly, she pulled the bike from the stand to start on the walk home. <br><br>Pushing the bike along she passed the firefighters and offered them a friendly nod. "Good work!" she said.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>04-08-2011, 09:49:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When he saw her there was that feeling that she knew something of the darkness. The voice was not the one that spoke this to him but it was implied. She knew of the nightly darkness that plagued the city of Paradiso, and he needed to talk to her about it. Vince walked away from his comrades, ignoring all they said to him as he looked at no one but her. And this was not in any way related to how beautiful she was, he was interested in her just for this feeling of knowing that she exhibited.<br><br>He stepped across the distance between them, his one hand out in front of her to stop her, it would seem that he was going to ask her about the incident but this was not what he was really going to ask her about, he wanted to know what she knew and if they could help each other fight against the darkness. His eyes looked at her intensely with the look that said he had seen horrors much more than what one human can do to another, he had seen supernatural horrors.<br><br>"Miss, you know about the creatures of the dark don't you?"<br><br>His face was serious but comforting as if for her acceptance of the knowledge he was going to pull her into his arms and give her the warmest hug he could.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>04-08-2011, 11:58:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Leaving Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>Whatever the firefighter had said to Vincent, he noticed the beauty of the girl, gave Vincent a smile of good luck, then started piling the rest of the firefighters back onto the truck to head back out.&nbsp; "I'll cover for you, man, but you owe me one."<br><br>Brandon went to his fate with the other police officers with resignation.&nbsp; For all the kindness and warmth that Jason had shown, Angela seemed to be cold and methodical in her work, more the superior officer.&nbsp; An argument between them began in the car, but too distant and faint to be heard.<br><br>((You two are free to RP amongst yourselves for a while))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CarnivorousBunny</strong> on <strong>04-08-2011, 14:43:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunshine Daycare</strong><br><br>As Margie's eyes fell on the <em>thing</em> before her, a chill shot down her spine.&nbsp; Something in her head was screaming in her head that something was horribly, horribly wrong.&nbsp; Instinctively she placed a firm hand on Stephen's shoulder.&nbsp; She looked back at the poster on the wall, but only for a brief moment before speaking,<br>"I'm sorry Mr. Philips, but I forgot that Stephen has a special assignment. His..." she paused, trying to think quickly, "drawing skills and imagination show a lot of promise, and I wanted him to draw up one of his little masterpieces for one of my friends who can recommend him to enrichment programs." Margie said with a large, and slightly strained smile as she pulled Stephen off the man's leg.<br>"So if you could please take a seat Mr. Philips, this shouldn't take too long."&nbsp; But hopefully it would take long enough. "Now Stephen, put your things back down and grab some crayons, okay?" <br>She then slipped over to Becca, as she discreetly pulled out her cellphone.&nbsp; "Who is that man?" Margie whispered to her co-worker.&nbsp; She refused to believe Becca did not see it.&nbsp; Without really waiting for Becca to reply, Margie searched through her list of contacts, looking for the number of Mrs. Philips.<br><br>If no one could see that something was wrong here, then perhaps Mrs. Philips could shed some light on the situation.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>04-08-2011, 14:50:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunshine Daycare</strong><br><br>The creature masquerading as Mr. Phillips nodded politely, "I'll be right outside.&nbsp; Just let me know."&nbsp; He moved outside into the hallway of the building, opening his briefcase to reveal a laptop before the door closed behind him.<br><br>Stephen frowned, making an, "Awww..." sound before shuffling off to get some crayons and getting back to the book.&nbsp; Clearly he wanted to go home, and he didn't recognize any sort of problem.<br><br>Becca looked over at Margie with some concern, keeping her whisper down.&nbsp; "That's Mr. Phillips, dear.&nbsp; Remember?&nbsp; We saw him earlier today."&nbsp; Although Mr. Phillips had come by earlier, it had been a normal individual, not a creepy individual in a clay mask who looked about as healthy as a corpse.&nbsp; They wore the same suit, although in the morning, it had been crisp and clean, and this new thing's suit looked worn out and faded, almost as if it had been used to bury someone.&nbsp; "Is everything alright?"<br><br>Mrs. Phillips' phone number is found easily enough, as is Mr. Phillips' cell phone number.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CarnivorousBunny</strong> on <strong>04-08-2011, 15:00:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunshine Daycare</strong><br><br>Margie didn't know who was going crazy, if it was her or Becca, but she knew in her gut she could not surrender Stephen to the stranger.&nbsp; Even as Becca tried to explain to Margie how bizarre she was behaving, images of Mr. Phillips went though her head, and they looked nothing like the man that stood at the doorway moments ago.&nbsp; <br>"Something is just very off about that..." Margie needed to consciously stop herself from referring to the figure outside as <em>thing</em>, "man".&nbsp; Seeing both numbers in her phone she bit her lip while she tried to figure out her next move.<br>"Could you just humor me?&nbsp; Please call Mrs. Phillips and check up on her."<br><br><strong>The Predator Hunts.</strong> <br>It flashed in her mind, and again she felt chills.&nbsp; Margie selected Mr. Phillips' number and waited.&nbsp; With each passing second the dial-tone sounded more and more lick ticking, the ticking of a bomb.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>04-08-2011, 15:11:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunshine Daycare</strong><br><br>"Sure," Becca offered sympathetically.&nbsp; "I know how the nerves can be sometimes.&nbsp; I'll check if there's any problems at home."&nbsp; She didn't really seem to understand, but she was trying her best to be supportive of her friend, knowing how stressful the job they shared could be.<br><br>Mr. Phillips picked up on the third ring, his voice severely sympathetic.&nbsp; "Hello.&nbsp; I know I'm running late and I'm deeply sorry.&nbsp; I'll be by to pick up Stephen within ten minutes at the latest.&nbsp; How much will I owe for overtime?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>07-08-2011, 11:15:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sarah Jane in the Park.</strong><br><br>Sarah Jane did not understand and looked on with confusion, and no small amount of horror. What was that…what was going on was this a dream? For it could surely not be anything else… well nothing else save some rotten food, or spiked food. Yet who would spike her food unless she took it my accident.<br><br>Somewhere in the back of the mind <em>This is not a dream</em> rang through and that terrified the young woman. She stepped back and then spoke, or rather stammered, “Wh…what ve fack …are…are…ya?”&nbsp; Sarah Jane really did not understand. “wh…whats goin’ on.” She did not run, though continued to back away, running blindly would only be stupid.<br><br>Pulling her clothes more tightly about her the girl kept the dog close trying to make sense of what was happening, she was terrified but tried hard not to show her fear. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>07-08-2011, 15:17:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park</strong><br><br>"...It's not working."&nbsp; He sounded gently disappointed, concerned for her.&nbsp; "Your will must be too strong.&nbsp; I was hoping to just let you forget, you're too kind to deserve..."&nbsp; With a sigh, he let his words trail off.&nbsp; "It won't make any sense if I try to simply explain about the thirteen, the shadows and the dreams unless I just show you.&nbsp; Don't be afraid; it'll stop hurting very soon."<br><br>Although it was too dark to see exactly what was happening, his body seemed to writhe.&nbsp; The shadows themselves whirled and circled around the strange creature, darkening his form ever further.&nbsp; A low, growling hum emanated from the shivering form as it seemed to grow, visible only in the way that it's pitch black kept even the dark woods from their gentle moonlight.&nbsp; The ebon shape seemed to grow well past the size of its human appearance as the rippling darkness attempted to display something resembling a true form.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>09-08-2011, 05:25:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Seven Steps to Success College, Art Studio B</strong><br><br>Cassandra Rosario was best known as the sort of spoiled rich girl that no one ever wanted to bring home to mother but always seemed to ingratiate herself into the affectations of everyone she met.&nbsp; Money was certainly a huge part of that; money could easily claim the attention of an artist who could only just barely pay his bills.&nbsp; With the ever increasing costs of college loans, it never hurt to have a few extra friends.<br><br>It certainly didn't hurt that she was a pretty girl.&nbsp; Maybe her nose was a little too big, but her curves more than made up for it.&nbsp; Draped only in a sheet, the lights kept dim so that "she didn't have to be shy," as she so often claimed, it was all too easy to see her perfect figure.&nbsp; She could stay perfectly still for hours, only the imperceptible heaving of her chest proving that she was still alive and not some statue come to life.<br><br>Several days had come and gone since she'd first conscripted the painting from Alan.&nbsp; She'd resisted any temptation to see the unfinished product, but there was some excitement within her today, as if her vivid imagination and hope would soon come to fruition.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>09-08-2011, 06:37:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Seven Steps to Success College, Art Studio B<br></strong><br><br>Alan had been working for what seemed like forever on this particular project, mostly because he had wanted it to last as long as possible. Here now, sitting squat and akimbo on a rotting stool, with one hand delicately working on final details,&nbsp; eyes darting between muse and canvas, even now struggling with lack of light in this particular studio. During these, the final stages, Alan feared that his already weak excuses for getting her to stay just a few moments longer were now simply pathetic, and he wasn't sure how much longer he could keep up the charade.<br><br>With a few more strokes of his brush, he could finally stop pleading and start partying; hopefully with her, and that wonderfully heaving chest... He pulled his hair away from his eyes, and, as if in a dream, he stayed his hand at his own hirsute cheek. A momentary pause for the beauty that would likely soon disappear. Then, he shook his head suddenly, as if splashed with cold water, and attempted to regain focus on the task at hand. A few more passes of the eye, a deep inhale for the scent of his calling, his art, his science of mixing acrylic and chemicals for some higher calling. A sigh of satisfaction, with just a hint of resignation,&nbsp; passed his lips as he set the brush down across the palette on the table next to him. <br><br>"Well, Cassandra,&nbsp; this I think is my greatest work yet." He heaved the easel around so that she could view the finished product that they had both been working on together for so many long nights. He thought he saw excitement in her eyes. If only that could be payment enough. <br>&nbsp;<br>&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>09-08-2011, 06:49:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Seven Steps to Success College, Art Studio B</strong><br><br>As he touched the painting easel, time itself seemed to freeze if only for a moment.&nbsp; The captivating beauty of the painting seemed to illuminate itself in all its beauty and glory, impossibly and platonically perfect.&nbsp; The painting seemed to turn, the eyes of the lovely young woman staring back in warning with moist cyan paint.&nbsp; "<strong>They hide in the shadows</strong>," the painting spoke, and after that instant, everything was calm and normal, the easel easily turned around, everything except for Cassandra.<br><br>Her skin was just wrong, as if she'd torn out the skins of other human beings and stitched herself back together like some sort of unholy puppet.&nbsp; The stink of death and decay filled the room as if the wretched thing which was still painted as a pretty nubile girl had been dead for weeks.&nbsp; Rather than her nose seeming a little too big, it looked like it had fallen off, and she'd done her best to use clay and paste to stick it back together.&nbsp; "It's truly beautiful, Mr. Biron," she said politely, gliding towards her purse with a practiced grace that her mortifying flesh still maintained.&nbsp; The cloth covering slipped slightly, and she took her sweet time in covering herself, but thankfully the lights were too dim to see the wretched thing completely exposed.&nbsp; "I simply must have it.&nbsp; Will a thousand dollars suffice?"&nbsp; Even her voice sounded wrong, as if the breath working its way through her once-ample chest tore through fields of broken glass and decayed lungs in order to provide her croaking words.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>09-08-2011, 10:12:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lorraine stopped when the firefighter signalled and leaned on her crippled bike, giving him a resigned look. The man was cute but she felt stained and tired, her bike had been slashed and no doubt her family would want explanations. She didn't even want to think about her boss and the tantrum that would follow seeing the damage to company property. "Look, I've told the cops everything I know," she said tiredly. "I'm sure you can get a report from Zorcaster. He seemed like a decent bloke."<br><br>Her lips twisted in a tired smile. "Creatures of the dark? What are you talking about?"<br><br>Then it dawned. She heaved a sigh and slumped back over the handlebars. <br><br>"You mean Greg? He's insane. Talked Brandon and that other guy into doing some weird shit in that house. I'd stay away from him if I were you."<br><br>"Well, if you don't mind, I'm tired and I really, really need some sleep." Lorrained straightened and gripped the handlebars to continue on her way. "Nice tat, by the way. Don't think I've seen it before."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>09-08-2011, 11:26:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He moved closer to her so that he could place his hand on the handlebars of the bike so that he was taking the most of the weight of bike into his hands. It was a weight that he could manage much easier than the girl most likely could. He looked over to her. "Where are you going, there are a few things that I would love to talk over with you about this whole incident. If you're tired miss, then you can hop on the bike and I could pull you along to wherever you are going."<br><br>Vince was being careful with what he sad and how he moved so as not too be too creepy or too forward, but he was not going to let her leave his sight he needed to be with her and to have an ally in this war against the darkness for Carrie had said that they were to get allies. He just had no idea she had meant so soon.<br><br>"Please.."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>09-08-2011, 11:31:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lorraine indicated the street with a lil toss of her head. "I live just a few blocks away from here. You can walk along if you want." She stepped away from the bike, letting him handle it. With the flat tires there was no way he could take off with the damn thing, 'sides he looked like a decent guy. A smile touched the girl's full lips as she regarded him. "Persistent, aren't ya?" Nonetheless she fell in stride beside him. <br><br>"I'm Lorraine. You don't have to call me 'Miss' or anything." She shoved her hands into her pockets and walked alongside him. "What do you want to know? I really don't want to get Brandon into more trouble than he's already got. He made a mistake, okay, but he's turned around and helped the girl." Another glance. "You're not a relative or something, are you?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>09-08-2011, 12:27:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I have never given up, and I never will not even in the moment I draw my last breath." Vince had said this in a lighthearted tone but he was actually not joking, he believed in the ideal that no matter how bad the chances of something seem there is always a way out of it or through it. No one was really sure where this came from, some figured it was from that strong belief in justice and want to help others. Some said that it was from all the fighting he did that made him as strong as he was today, and through it he had learned this persistence. No matter where it came from, he had it in spades.<br><br>"It is nice to meet you Lorraine, I am Vince." He was keeping his gaze on her to see if he could gain some understanding of her. But he was not all that good of a read on people he was much better reading his way through fires and buildings but he knew who needed him and he knew who was stronger than that, she was on the latter team. All he needed to do was find a way to make her understand that.<br><br>"I am not a relative and he will not get in trouble with me. I am here to discuss with you what occurred, tell you what I have been through, and then possibly we can help each other." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>09-08-2011, 12:42:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<br>"I am not a relative and he will not get in trouble with me. I am here to discuss with you what occurred, tell you what I have been through, and then possibly we can help each other."<br>[/quote]<br><br>She didn't quite see what he was aiming at but his voice was pleasant and he emanated a quiet strength. <em>Solid bloke,</em> she thought. <em>The kind you can take home to mama.</em> That drew a smile. It was all too easy to imagine her mother fuss over the handsome firefighter. "Nice to meet you too, Vince. You guys did good work back there. I'm sure you've gone through a lot, dealing with this kind of thing." Her hand came up in a brief, sympathetic touch to his shoulder. "Don't they have people you can talk to? I mean, you're welcome to talk to me but I can't do much except listen." The man would be better off in the hands of a professional in case of trauma. "Must be hard, doing what you do."<br><br>"You're a cool guy, Vince. Hey, I've known you for five minutes. Maybe not even that, and I'm already saying that. But look, I don't need help. What happened was whacky, but I'm cool. Zorcaster said he'd let me know when there's word from the hospital. All we can do now is hope she'll be alright." <em>And if she won't be, someone's going to answer for that </em>she vowed quietly. <br><br>She send him a sidelong glance, obviously this fire wasn't all that was eaten at him. "You want to talk about it?" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>09-08-2011, 13:11:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Vince chuckled a bit at her thinking that this was all about fire, well it sort of was but it had nothing to do with his job. The fire he was going to be mentioning was black and supernaturally inspired, not something he could put out with a hose. And somehow it came out of something that looked to be well over long dead. That was definitely not something that he saw at work everyday.<br><br>"This is not about work. Yesterday I was driving through the bad side of town when I saw these three bikers beating up on some poor person, but when I got close it was not a helpless person, it was a corpse that was killing the bikers one by one with black fire. Fire that burned so hot that it made them ash in an instant. When I got there, there were three bikers, when I left there was none. All of them had been killed by it, and I had just got lucky enough to kill it to stop my own execution. Lorraine, I am not talking about a dream, this is real. And I know this sounds cheesy but you know those things that we have always said is superstition, is real too."<br><br>Vince knew that he sounded crazy, but as he said the story his face mellowed to something that looked as if he was mourning for fellow lost warriors which he was. Every moment he thought about it, there was one major thought on his mind. If only he had been faster he could have found a way to spare those three men and Carrie would have still had a father.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>09-08-2011, 13:27:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Hey now." Her voice was very gentle as she reached out and clasped his shoulders, effectively stopping him. "You've been through a lot, Vince. I don't know what killed those men but I believe you when you say someth-... someone killed them." Her eyes sought his, a look of concern crossed the woman's beautiful features. "Greg was weird, but nothing like that. Are you sure of what you've seen? Sometimes the light plays tricks on us. If Greg hadn't stepped out I didn't believe my eyes at first. He seemed normal, if you don't count the blood, but... Oh, I don't know how to explain! He looked at me as if <i>I</i> was the odd one."<br><br>She curved a soft smile. "You need sleep. We both do. Let's talk about this over breakfast in a couple of hours if you're free. I need to get this bike fixed, and let my family know I'm alright before they send out a search party." Her hands tightened, holding his shoulders firmly. "And I believe you. What happened tonight wasn't a nightmare either.&nbsp; So, who am I to say that your experience wasn't real? But what if it is real? I don't know, Vince. I'll need to think about that and I'm too tired to do that right now."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>09-08-2011, 14:16:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I am sure of what I saw, what I hit and I know that it was not exactly human." Vince looked deep into Lorraine's eyes, he knew that what she was saying about this Greg person was true, his heart went out to her, just as if she was a victim of the darkness. He felt himself compelled to protect her just like one of them, for she was an ally and soon to be future warrior on the battlefield against the darkness. He wanted to holf her in his arms, just like he had with Carrie, but he couldn't. Someone needed to hold the bike.<br><br>"Talking it over dinner sounds fine, you get some rest. I will need to go to the fire station after this to continue out my shift anyway. But first Lorraine, I need some way to contact you, so can you put your number in my phone?" He took a hand off the bike for a moment to pass his phone to her from his right pants pocket.<br><br>Once that was done, he placed his hand back on the bike to steady it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>09-08-2011, 19:06:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>As the two passed along between street lamps, the light ahead of them suddenly shattered, followed by another, and then another, until half the street was caked in darkness.&nbsp; Broken glass clinked down upon the street, visible only faintly by the light of the full moon above.<br><br>"Hello again."&nbsp; It was Greg's voice, though he sounded so very far away, but he could faintly be heard from the shadows behind one of the oak trees.&nbsp; "I think we need to talk.&nbsp; A question for a question?"<br><br>(Remember to clearly state if you spend Conviction for second sight)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>10-08-2011, 00:58:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Alan - Seven Steps to Success College, Art Studio B <br><br>"They hide in shadows." </strong>&nbsp; Alan stood frozen in time. Several things had just happened at once. He was offered a<em> thousand</em> dollars for one of<em> his</em> paintings. That same painting just <em>spoke</em> to him. The gorgeous muse he had been enthralled was now a nauseating spectacle, a mockery of the human condition. Somewhere, deep in the folds of his subconscious mind, he wanted to start another painting! Such a subject!<br><br>Suddenly, he was snapped back to reality as he remembered that 'Crea-sandra' was still standing, waiting for a response, exactly for how long she was waiting for his mind to return, he was not at all certain.<br><br>"Erm, that is yes, well, of course, that's reasonable. I mean, I'm certain you don't have that kind of money on you now, so just...ah...write me a a check... and well, yes. It's. . . ahem. . . been fun, but I've really got to get some sleep, it's getting late and well, I haven't been sleeping well lately. . . " <br><br>He turned on one heel, the rubber of his canvas sneakers making a loud squeal as the 180 finished and he made for the door. As it was closing behind him, he shouted back "Don't worry about the mess, the studio is in better condition than usual... don't touch anything, just take the painting and go!"<br><br>As his body raced down the hallways to get out and get back home, his mind raced with thoughts of what transpired. . . <br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>10-08-2011, 04:09:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Seven Steps to Success College, Art Studio B</strong><br><br>As Alan opened the door, the entire area beyond the art studio was bathed in pitch black, as if the building had undergone some sort of power outage.&nbsp; Although he could attempt to continue to run, doing so would be quite difficult in the blind darkness.<br><br>"Mr. Biron?"&nbsp; Cassandra's voice held concern mixed with the fetid stench of her undead breath.&nbsp; "Is something wrong?"&nbsp; Somehow she was right next to him, having closed the distance without difficulty and impossibly fast.&nbsp; She sounded almost sad, confused at his strange behavior.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>10-08-2011, 04:52:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>"They hide in shadows."</strong> Again, the thought was in the forefront of his mind, even with everything that had happened. He opened that door to darkness.. <br><br>"Of course, I should have expected this..." he thought as he ran down the hall, banging his shoulder into a fire extinguisher, which, in old classic style, was just hanging on the wall with little restraint. <br><br><em><br>"Is something wrong?"</em> He shivered at the rancid hot stench that wrapped around the back of his neck and strangled his nostrils... He was running out of time. 'If I'm wrong about this' he thought, as he straighted out, he turned to face the monster head on.&nbsp; He sighed. "No no, not at all. Sorry I guess I just have some sort of cabin fever with all of this darkness around in the middle of the day." He brought the fire extinquisher, which had easily detached earlier, up and&nbsp; around at full force toward her head. Without caring to see if it connected.<br><br>"Ah well, this is home, after all."&nbsp; He then attempted to shove the thing back into the confines of the studio using the full force of his weight.&nbsp; <br>&nbsp;<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>10-08-2011, 05:02:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Seven Steps to Success College, Art Studio B</strong><br><br>As Alan swings at her with the fire extinguisher, time suddenly shifted, cutting in two as if he was simultaneously in different dimensions.&nbsp; In the first image, he catches her in the side of her head, knocking off most of her face but doing little damage.&nbsp; In the second, he gets her with a strong strike into the forehead, knocking her back several feet.&nbsp; That instant seemed to stretch as they melded back together, as if deciding which way things would play out, but at the end, the second one where she was significantly knocked back played itself out.<br><br>The sudden ramming caught her by surprise.&nbsp; She made a strange, unholy sound not unlike a gurgling as a mass of hair came out from his strike and forced her back.&nbsp; She wasn't very strong, and she ended up fleeing back from him in shock, moving back into the studio.&nbsp; "How?"&nbsp; Her tone quickly turned into indignation.&nbsp; "How?&nbsp; My own mother can't recognize me like this!"&nbsp; Forced into the center of the room, she stopped dead as if caught on some sort of invisible strands, rising up to her full height.&nbsp; "I need you, Alan.&nbsp; I couldn't bear it if I couldn't see my beauty once more.&nbsp; Can you even imagine what that's like?"&nbsp; The shadows around her started to ripple, collecting around her like a congealing ball.&nbsp; Soon she was completely enveloped, merely a shape in the dim lighting, but that shape just kept on growing, building in force and power.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>10-08-2011, 05:30:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Seven Steps to Success College, Art Studio B</strong><br><br>As the corpse began to rise in her indignation, Alan was already slowly making his way around her to to the other side of the studio. <br><br><strong>"They hide in shadows." </strong> Again the thought entered his mind. <br><br>"Oh, Cassandra, believe me, I need you too, but something inside is telling me that we cannot allow each other to exist at the same time. As he spoke, he moved even further around the room. His feet slowly shuffling and constantly losing purchase on the various art supplies strewn about the floor.&nbsp; He was clearly concentrating on something else, even though he refused to lose focus on the evil before him.<br><br>&nbsp;"Even now, your figure would make for an excellent example. A marvel. Have you ever considered exactly what your image alone could do?! What a reaction you would create!?" He stopped short just beyond the corner behind the entrance to the studio, at the first window. <br><br>"Behold! your true beauty!" At this, Alan shouted and pulled away the blackout drapes that had previously been used to set the mood. Being early afternoon,&nbsp; the light flooded into the room and caused even Alan to look away quickly.<br><br>'I hope I understand my own work.' he thought. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>10-08-2011, 05:37:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Seven Steps to Success College, Art Studio B</strong><br><br>The drapes came free, freeing the sunlight into the room to shine its glorious light.&nbsp; The forceful glare struck dead onto the thick cocoon surrounding what used to be Cassandra, slicing into the thick ebon curtain like a powerful laser.&nbsp; Soon it all burst into flames, golden-ruby that ate quickly through the thing that had been forming.&nbsp; She screamed with all the horror and pain of a beast dying in mortal agony.<br><br>It took several moments for the monster to burn all the way through, leaving only the unholy stench of burnt tar and a stained, charred rag of a towel that clumped down upon the floor.&nbsp; Mr. Brettford, a hippie poetry teacher with a beard and hair long enough that he could probably go outside naked if he wanted to, peeked his head inside.&nbsp; "Is everything alright?" he asked, his eyes searching over the room.&nbsp; "I thought I heard screaming..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>11-08-2011, 04:01:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Nadia Simone - Roughshod Club</strong><br><br>The air was as electric as it ever was. Nadia was touching up her makeup before the show when Renee burst through the door excitedly and pounced on her. "Holy SHIT, girlfriend! I just talked to Gary! He said we're nearly full! We're gonna rock this motherfucker!"<br><br>Nadia tried to sound more annoyed than she was. "You just fucked up my eyeliner, jackass." <br><br>Renee laughed. "Naw. It looks cool. Leave it like that. Here. Do the other eye too." She grabbed the eyeliner out of Nadia's hand and moved in for the kill.<br><br>Nadia ducked quickly and grabbed the eyeliner back from her. "I'll do it, thanks. Go get Aaron. Tell him we're on in ten minutes, and he better beat the shit outta those drums."<br><br>"I'm on it."<br><br>The next ten minutes were a blur until a single voice cut through the crowd. "GIVE IT UP FOR MANUAL AUTOMATIC!"<br><br>The band sprang into action. Five steps onto the stage transported Nadia from reality into the realm of fantasy, and she came into the audience's view. <br><br>"Hello Paradiso! Get the fuck UP!" With a flourish, she stomped on the trigger switch she'd set up for the pyrotechnics and the carefully positioned fountains of fire erupted from the darkness. <br><br>Nadia shut everything else out and dove headfirst into her song.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body"><em>When I was darkness at that time,<br>With trembling lips I shed my tears<br>The more I fight, the more it hurts<br>your broken promise wounds me deeply<br><br>Nobody can save me, <br>God, I have one request<br>Stop tearing my love apart.<br><br>I need your love<br>I’m a broken rose<br>your song is scattered sadness<br>my lonely life... <br>I have nowhere to go<br><br>I need your love<br>I’m a broken rose<br>Oh baby save me from frozen pain<br>With your smile <br>your eyes<br>just sing dear <br>just for me<br><br>I wanna need your love…<br>I’m a broken rose<br>I wanna need your love…</em><br><br>(Note: This song is actually a translation of the opening theme from the anime Nana; <br>you can listen here:rose - ANNA inspi' NANA(BLACK STONES) [official video] (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggREiQTs_aY#))<br></div></div><br>Nadia tapped the echo switch on her mic and the last line of the song repeated itself over and over. She turned around to signal the next song in the set to her band-mates, but something felt strange. The echo seemed to continue long after it should have faded out. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>11-08-2011, 04:14:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Nadia Simone - Roughshod Club</strong><br><br>Something about the song today just felt more powerful, forcing the people assembled into a frenzy of dancing, screaming and singing along.&nbsp; Delicate instruments forced sparks of fire in coordination with the music, especially every time Aaron banged away on the cymbal.<br><br>Towards the end of the song, however, some of the problems started.&nbsp; One of the clubgoers moved over towards one of the burning sticks, lifting it up and over his head like a spear.&nbsp; His exuberance quickly caught the attention of one of the bouncers, who moved over towards the young man to stop him from making a fool of himself or starting a fire.&nbsp; The instant he touched the man, however, the bouncer burst forth into a sudden burst of black flames.&nbsp; He barely managed a scream, but it was quickly cut off as ashes and a charred skeleton fell to the ground where the bouncer once stood.<br><br>The echo of the mic intensified rather than fading, the crowd chanting along despite the shock of what was simultaneously happening over by the pyrotechnics.&nbsp; The words of the song changed, "<strong>It needs to die!&nbsp; It needs to die!&nbsp; It needs to die!</strong>"&nbsp; Even the audience sang this altered version of the song.&nbsp; The change only lasted for a few moments, the words going back to normal with no one noticing, but the sense of clarity that overwhelmed the area seemed to linger.<br><br>The creature who had picked up the burning stick no longer looked human at all.&nbsp; It seemed more like a corpse animated with human form, dead eyes staring and decayed lips unable to help but grin as it wielded the improvised torch.&nbsp; The red, beautiful sparks transformed to a length of black, unholy fire with which it started slicing up people in a mad rampage.&nbsp; Everyone it touched caught with the same black fire, burning to ash and bones in mere moments.&nbsp; The rotted monster was destroying the show.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>11-08-2011, 05:58:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Alan - Seven Steps to Success College, Art Studio B</strong><br>'Oh crap." Alan thought. "Oh well, at least if anyone saw that shit, it's Brettford. He's so baked all the time, he'll probably buy whatever I tell him. At least, that's what I've heard about him anyway. Oh well, here goes nothing'<br><br>"Hey Mr. Brettford," he said, raising a hand up in greeting. He stood from his previous position of being crouched over examining the ruin. <br><br>"Everything is alright. I was just working on my new project in here. I just had a idea that hit me out of&nbsp; nowhere, and I tried to run with it.&nbsp; &nbsp;I've got sights, sounds, smells, but it's just not coming together. . . I think I might have to give up on this one. He frowned, and with feigned sadness, he drooped his head and scratched the back of his neck. <br><br>"Oh well. They can't all be good." He shrugged. "But I'd prefer if you didn't share this with anyone. Not only is it an embarrassing disaster, it's <em>my</em> embarrassing disaster." He glanced at his watch, which he realized he didn't have on at the time.<br><br>&nbsp;"Hey look at that, it's almost <em>dinner</em> time. Man, I've been in here far too much lately, and I could totally go for some Twinkies <sub>(tm)</sub>. " <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>11-08-2011, 08:53:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>Lorraine typed in her number and pressed the green button. As she held out the phone to Vince, the lights went out. Her head came up with a jerk. Dark eyes peered through the darkness towards tall tree, searching for the source with her new vision. "Greg...," Lorraine sighed. It seemed her bed would have to wait. <i>At least I won't have to go looking for him.</i><br><br>"That's Greg. The one that made Brandon and the other guy do those things in the house. He had some sort of power over them. You should leave," she lowered her voice, hoping only Vince would hear. "I'll take it from here. Don't worry about the bike." <br><br>She raised her voice, calling out to Greg. "A question for a question. Go ahead."<br><br>**<br><br><em>Conviction spent: second sight active</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>11-08-2011, 12:54:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Vince was a fireman, he was trained in the art of detecting where something was even if it was faint, for there had been several times in fires where he needed to hear the voice of a small child with the roar of flames all around them. So when he heard that voice, his head looked over in the direction of the darkness. His foot kicked down the kick stand on the bike, and he moved to stand in the path of Lorraine. If anyone was going to get out of here then it would be her for he was not going to let her get attacked by the darkness. He was going to defend her.<br><br>"You can ask the lady your questions as I send you on a quick trip to hell!" Vince was not the type to fraternize with the enemy, he was more the type to put it down as fast as he could in order to do his best to defend others. In his eyes, the longer the enemy was still standing the more of a threat that they were to the ones that you love and care for. And he was not going to allow those he cared for to be threatened in such a way.<br><br>He put up his fists, he was going to take this thing out for Lorraine. And it was this conviction for her protection that allowed him to see exactly where the bastard was. In a quick motion, Vince grabbed a large piece of broken glass from the street, he was going to cut Greg up it that is what it took. He had no real chance of being cut by the glass since he was still wearing his complete fire gear. This included very resilient, resistant to glass, fire gloves. Vince was standing as a wall before her. He was making steps closer to Greg with the glass shard in hand that he was going to use like a knife. Once he was within range he was going to strike, there was no doubt about that.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>11-08-2011, 20:42:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>Activating Second Sight is a reflexive type of action, another power that's been granted by whatever strange force has given the strange powers which Lorraine and Vince have already shown.&nbsp; It's like peeling back a thin veneer of the world, where humanity by itself just doesn't seem capable of understanding or accepting what it sees.&nbsp; Perhaps humanity has become so inured to the terrors that it just rationalizes what it sees, or perhaps the darkness has a natural method of cloaking to keep people from recognizing the terrors.<br><br>Through the lens of Second Sight, the silhouette of Greg can be more easily seen, standing from behind the oak tree within the shadows.&nbsp; While the figure was simply unrecognizable before, he can now be seen as a simulacrum of smoke and shadows.&nbsp; The true form of the young man did not seem to currently be present.&nbsp; However, the shadowy form still gave off a sense of inherent wrongness, as if it simply should not exist, when viewed through second sight.<br><br>"Interesting," he said, his voice echoing as if from a great distance.&nbsp; "So you've already found-" he cut himself off midsentence, keeping from reflexively asking a question to which he had no true interest in an answer.&nbsp; The shadow spun back over towards Lorraine.&nbsp; "What exactly are you?&nbsp; The human mind simply isn't strong enough to resist the Suggestion for any significant length of time, and you somehow..."&nbsp; The thing gestured, not quite able to explain, but allowing her the chance to put her thoughts to words.&nbsp; He sounded fascinated.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>11-08-2011, 20:50:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Seven Steps to Success College, Art Studio B</strong><br><br>"Ahh, yes," he replied, nodding thoughtfully as he stroked his long beard.&nbsp; "Immersive art.&nbsp; I remember my attempts on the matter, using perfume alongside sculpture, attempting to capture the essence of the woman whom I was imprinting into the stone."&nbsp; His eyes drifted off in nostalgia.&nbsp; "She was so beautiful, and always carried the scent of lilac, so I felt that the sculpture wouldn't be complete without it."<br><br>His eyes snapped into focus for a moment, turning to Alan.&nbsp; "Some will tell you to be a purist, to capture visual alone.&nbsp; Morons!&nbsp; Art will take you on whatever journey it seeks for you to travel, and those who falter and cannot allow themselves down the path will never be remembered as the truly talented throughout time."<br><br>Just like that, though, the mention of food distracted him once again.&nbsp; "Hmm...I wonder if I have any licorice in my desk."&nbsp; Just like that, he started heading out.&nbsp; Not five seconds after he closed the door behind him, however, Cassandra's purse began to vibrate.&nbsp; A merry little tune slipped out from within, clearly the ring tone for her cell phone. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>11-08-2011, 23:48:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Nadia Simone - Roughshod Club</strong><br><br>Nadia turned on her heel, spun back around and peered into the crowd once the strange refrain began. She witnessed the bouncer's final moments and then all but bone was gone in a puff of ash and shadow and fire and rot. "What the fu..." she began to exclaim before the stench of burned flesh choked her up. She cast a glance at her band-mates who were gearing up for the next song, seemingly oblivious to the trouble on the floor. <br><br>For a moment she stood frozen in shock that no one else paid attention to the drama that was unfolding before her eyes. The creature stumbled about and one, two, three more people were engulfed in the fiery death dealt by him. Nadia could remain still no longer. and screamed into the mic. "What the fuck do you think you're doing?!"<br><br>The fans went wild. They thought it was another part of the show. The idea clicked into place in Nadia's mind. <em>'Alright then. Let em be blissfully ignorant. But no one else is gonna die. I worked my ass off to earn these fans.'</em><br><br>"Yeah, I'm talking to you!" she pointed and shouted into the mic trying to get the creature's attention. She covered the mic with one hand and to her band and remarked, "Back me up."<br><br>Aaron looked at Renee and The both shrugged. Renee began to lay down a sick bass-line and Aaron hammered away. <br><br>She leapt off the stage, guitar in hand and circled him for a moment as the audience stepped back to make a circle around them. Everyone must have been oblivious to the true form of her opponent. It was the only explanation for the fact that no one was panicking. Somehow, inside, she knew this theory to be true.&nbsp; <br><br>Her mind raced, but it was clear what her task was at this moment.&nbsp; <em>'So.. "it needs to die" eh?</em>' she pondered. <em>'So be it.'</em><br><br>She drew back for a moment, inhaling sharply. It felt as though the very essence of her being crackled with a burning raging strength. It seemed to rush out through her arms and gather in her guitar. The guitar began to hum of its own accord though nothing had touched it's strings. The hum grew louder and louder until it was an electric roar. She raised it over her head and let loose with a roar of her own. "No one fucks with my fans and interrupts my fucking show!" <br><br>Her battle cry complete, she brought the guitar down on the head of the creature before her. It's electric whine soon devolved into the squealing noise of feedback. As it made impact with the skull of the thing, the guitar began to give way and splinter apart. The screeching audio feedback faded into silence.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>12-08-2011, 00:07:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Roughshod</strong><br><br>People who didn't notice when the monster was wrecking havoc suddenly turned to investigate as Nadia screamed her indignation into the microphone.&nbsp; It caught the attention of the creature, who shifted from its unholy rampage upon random people towards her.&nbsp; The instrument it bore was burning through the metal, working itself into an iconic spear of pure black flame, with each death building more towards that goal.&nbsp; One could only imagine what it would do once enough people died.<br><br>The guitar smoldered with flame as well as Nadia swung at the beast, yet this fire seemed more natural, golden-scarlet and purifying.&nbsp; The creature brought up the flames to attempt to parry, but the guitar continued through, catching the black fires and forcing them down into the monster.&nbsp; Although the guitar exploded from the amazing impact, the creature burst as well, the black flame catching upon the thing and forcing it to explode into a cloud of dust and stinking ash.<br><br>For several seconds, no one moved, processing this amazing display.&nbsp; Some seemed to be trying to rationalize it, accepting this thing which they simply couldn't comprehend.&nbsp; A few in the back then started cheering at what they thought to be an amazing pyrotechnics display, and then, slowly at first but quickly picking up in speed, the rest of the nightclub erupted into applause.&nbsp; Yet the skeletal forms of the other people remained, four in total, each horribly charred and surrounded by ash.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>12-08-2011, 02:17:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nadia looked around and heaved a sigh of relief. The broken neck of her guitar slipped from her fingers and clattered to the floor. The rest of the shards of ash that had once made up the body of the guitar were so small that one could mistake them for so many toothpicks. She shakily climbed back onto stage to a roar of cheering and applause. Her voice shook ever so slightly as she spoke into the mic once more. Her gaze was fixed on the piles of bones on the floor. "And that's gonna be a set break... Manual Automatic will be back in thirty minutes." <br><br>She wandered offstage in a daze and was immediately tackled by Renee. "Where the Fuck did that come from? Why didn't you tell us you were planning effects like that?" Her tone of voice seemed to go back and forth between upset and impressed. <br><br>Aaron simply shrugged in his usual non-committal way. "Pretty sweet though."<br><br>Nadia ran her fingers through her hair. "Sure... Sorry. It was a last minute decision..." <br><br>It was difficult to maintain the charade like that. It seemed downright disrespectful. Four people just died without ever knowing what hit them and their 824 bones now littered the club floor. A plethora of questions swam through her head.&nbsp; <br><br><em>Was it right to move them? Would there be an investigation? What should she do with them? What the hell happened just now anyway?</em><br><br>She listened for any sign of a reaction, and prayed that the audience wouldn't discover the bones were real. An idea came to her and she turned back to Renee and Aaron. "Can you guys... Well, we need to... I mean, let's go out and pick up the... Props?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>12-08-2011, 02:20:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Seven Steps to Success College, Art Studio B</strong><br><br>"Shit." Alan verbalized, as he heard the sound of the oh-so-common ring tone. "What am I supposed to do with this, now." He paced around for a moment in thought, then he jogged over to one of the tables, and grabbed a pair of disposable gloves from a drawer of supplies. Armed with protection, he ran over the purse, hoping to catch the phone in time to see who was calling, not only that, but he was still owed for the painting. So he began rifling through Cassandra's purse for any cash that she may have been carrying, with no intention to take any more than he was originally offered. Mostly though he was nervous about the call, and curious to see who it was before moving on. <br><br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>12-08-2011, 02:31:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Seven Steps to Success College, Art Studio B</strong><br><br>Finding gloves was more than easy enough, but it did take time.&nbsp; The phone stopped calling on three rings, then started ringing once more, evading the voice mail.&nbsp; Inside the purse, a check for $1000 had already been made out in Alan's name, although there was a few hundred in cash as well.<br><br>The voice on the other end was a teenage girl that Alan wouldn't recognize.&nbsp; She sounded tired, a little frantic, but also doing her best to sound confident and unafraid.&nbsp; It wasn't very convincing.&nbsp; "Hello, younger brother," she said, even though she almost certainly couldn't be more than a year older than he.&nbsp; "I'm sorry, this is the only number where I knew I could reach you.&nbsp; We need to talk if you aren't busy."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>12-08-2011, 04:19:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Seven Steps to Success College, Art Studio B</strong><br><br>Alan took notice of the check. <em>Interesting. She had intended to pay me after all. That raises some questions. . .Huh, they avoided the voice mail, and now they are calling back. . . The caller id isn't working, so it's not a number in her phone. . . Well, if I don't say anything, they'll think it's a dropped call. </em> He picked up the phone, and answered silently. <br><br>&nbsp;"Hello, younger brother," she said, even though she almost certainly couldn't be more than a year older than he.&nbsp; "I'm sorry, this is the only number where I knew I could reach you.&nbsp; We need to talk if you aren't busy.<br><br><em>Younger. . . brother? Why would someone be calling someone on Cassandra's phone brother? Oh well, if a male voice answers at least it shouldn't raise suspicion right away. . . </em><br><br>"We can talk. . . but, make it quick, the battery is about to go on this thing.There's static on my end, so I can barely hear you as it is. Why are you calling me at this number?" At this point, he had forgotten the money and the check in the purse. He dashed back to a desk to take down&nbsp; the number and prepared to take notes during the call. <br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>12-08-2011, 07:03:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Roughshod</strong><br><br>Although Renee had seemed to notice a bit of Nadia's concerns, she didn't say anything about the matter.&nbsp; She was far too quickly enjoying the fame and amazement of the adoring fans.&nbsp; By contrast, Aaron didn't seem to notice anything, but outside of his music, he rarely showed any major emotions.<br><br>The notice of a set break brought forth some disappointment from the crowd, but the more fervent of the clubbers were much too distracted with trying to collect the souvenirs of the charred bones of the people who had been suddenly slain.<br><br>One man, however, managed to work his way up through the crowds with the help of a pair of bouncers.&nbsp; Out of place in a business suit amidst the hardcore punk attire more common to this area, he approached the trio while slipping a hand into his pocket.&nbsp; "Fantastic job, Manual Automatic."&nbsp; He spoke with distinction, likely bringing forth a number of Nadia's latent memories of professionalism from her father.&nbsp; "My name is Arthur Cavary; you may have heard of Cavary and Sons' Pyrotechnics?"&nbsp; He offered over his business card.&nbsp; <br><br>"I've seen some impressive displays in my day, but this is truly above and beyond.&nbsp; I was curious if your band would be interested in doing a commercial for our company."&nbsp; He gave a soft and polite smile.&nbsp; "You're free to discuss it amongst yourselves if you like, and you can simply give me a call if you'd like to consider the matter."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>12-08-2011, 07:09:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Seven Steps to Success College, Art Studio B</strong><br><br>"The static is probably my fault.&nbsp; I don't have a good connection."&nbsp; She sounded rather sad and apologetic.&nbsp; "We need to meet, and I think face to face is the only way that anything is going to make any sense."<br><br>The question of the number made her sigh with apology.&nbsp; "Because I don't know your phone number.&nbsp; They wouldn't tell me; they just call you my younger brother and said that you're going to need to get to sunset before sunset, if that..."&nbsp; The crackling on the line grew worse as she sighed.&nbsp; "It's a club downtown.&nbsp; Everton street.&nbsp; Don't be scared, because you have friends, but there's a lot I need to explain before my time runs out."&nbsp; With that, the phone call suddenly disconnected.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>12-08-2011, 21:22:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>"I don't know," she answered, stepping around Vince. "I just felt that whatever went on there should be stopped. Perhaps we are stronger than you think." Her voice was pensive as she added another thought. "Or maybe you wanted someone to interfere." A frown creased her smooth brow as she pursued that train of thought. "What did you want those people to understand, Greg?" And why are you talking to me now? Lorraine bit her lip, forcing the question down. He would show her the answer through his own questions, leaving when he had enough. Should she ask him where was now? And if he told her, what would she do with that information? Or Vince? <br><br>"I found more than I went looking for." A slight smile quirked, despite the wrongness of it all, towards Vince. Someone to trust. Whatever else this night brought she would be grateful for meeting him. Her gaze turned back to the darkness where the shadows shaped an effigy of the stranger that had held Brandon and one other under his thrall. She wished she knew the answer to his question. As he put it, he made her sound not quite human and she didn't like that thought, at all.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>12-08-2011, 22:16:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nadia became slightly nauseated at the prospect of the bones becoming souvenirs. She had to stop them. Her first reasoning for this thought was that she simply wished to gather the remains for a proper burial, but another possibility creeped into her subconscious. <em>What if there's an investigation?</em> Four people just died at her show; someone was going to wonder where they went. It became more imperative to get those bones out of the hands of the fans and hidden away somewhere safe. <br><br>She racked her memory for any way she could continue the charade, and in a flash of brilliance she thought of Trent Reznor. The ARG created for the Year Zero album... Yes, an ARG might be crazy enough to work. She would just have to run with it. She immediately began looking for some sort of container. There. A large cardboard box in a corner just off stage. <br><br>As she went to retrieve it, Nadia spotted a man in a suit approaching. <em>Oh shit. Is it already too late?</em> She tensed up as he reached into his jacket. She was certain he would pull out a badge, or worse, a weapon. She relaxed only slightly as he said in a jovial tone. "Fantastic Job, Manual Automatic."<br><br>He proceeded to introduce himself and produce the item he had in his jacket. It was only a business card. Though she had indeed heard of Cavary and Sons, she had little time to fraternize if she was to put her plan into effect. Renee and Aaron seemed to hang on the man's every word however. <br><br>Nadia took the card from him and unceremoniously shoved it into her brassiere. "Thanks... I... We are very busy just now. Thank you for the offer, but we'll have to get back to you. Enjoy the rest of the show." <br><br>She grabbed Renee's and Aaron's arms and led them away from the suited man without letting him get another word in. Renee began to protest, but Nadia faced her sternly. "Look, sorry, we're back on soon and I left my spare guitar in the van. Please please please, go get it for me?" She pressed her keys gently into Renee's palm. Renee sighed in a somewhat childish manner but took the keys and disappeared. <br><br>Now turning to Aaron, Nadia pulled a fifty dollar bill from her wallet and handed it to him. "There's a convenience store around the corner. Go buy me as many decks of playing cards as they have. I need a cigarette lighter too. Hurry." She hoped the urgency in her voice had come through even though his expression hadn't changed. <br><br>She picked up the cardboard box she had seen and sauntered over to the Event Staff Supervisor. "Excuse me... I need you to send someone out to pick up all my..." she cleared her throat but it didn't make the words any easier to say. "Prop bones. Before the audience gets all of them, you know? Tell 'em to wear latex gloves if possible, the chemicals might irritate skin." She indicated the box she was holding as where they should be put, and hoped that this wasn't the strangest request a band had ever made. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>12-08-2011, 23:13:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Roughshod</strong><br><br>Cavary left after the introduction, knowing that she had his number and they could decide if they were interested.<br><br>The Event Staff Supervisor gave a soft and solemn nod, not looking very confident but willing to try.&nbsp; "I'm not sure we can get everything," he told her.&nbsp; "Lots of tiny things generally tend to go missing.&nbsp; I know it's more realistic, but other bands have used entire connected skeletons."&nbsp; He set out to start organizing the crew, one of whom wrote "Please return the bones" on the cardboard box in permanent marker.&nbsp; One of them came back around with a business card to offer, which said Deadwalkers and had a human skull as the logo, along with a phone number.&nbsp; "Here, call this guy if you want new props.&nbsp; They have assembled skeletons with RFID tags so this kind of thing doesn't happen."<br><br>It took Aaron some time to come back, well after Renee had brought in the guitar, but he was carrying a large bag and looking rather smug.&nbsp; "Didn't have any at the convenience store, but they sent me to Dollar Deli.&nbsp; I got about 40 decks and that lighter."&nbsp; He offered her the bag with the change still inside, then moved back up to the drums to get started on the songs once more.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>12-08-2011, 23:41:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She feigned a sheepish grin as the supervisor offered his advice. "Thanks. I'll remember that. It's just the first time I've done something like this." Technically it wasn't a lie. She looked sadly at the honor system based method of recovery that the seemed to be planning, knowing it wouldn't be completely effective. <em>Oh well.</em> She thought. <em>That's why I have a backup plan.</em><br><br>From the moment Renee returned with her old guitar, Nadia hunkered down to get it back in tune. She had little time to mourn the loss of her fans or her favorite guitar. The show must go on. Somehow, the show must always go on. The house lights indicated the five minute warning, and Aaron walked through the backstage door, supplies in hand. <br><br>Moving through the unreal events of the night, Nadia once again found herself on stage. Aaron counted off the beats with his drumsticks. <br>All the pieces were in place for now. It was showtime again, and anything was possible. <br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">Song Title: Darts of Pleasure<br>Original Artist: Franz Ferdinand<br><br>You are the latest contender<br>You are the one to remember<br>You are the villain who sends her<br>Light or dark, fantastic passion<br><br>I know that you will surrender<br>I know that you will surrender<br>I want this fantastic passion<br>We'll have fantastic passion<br><br>You can feel my lips undress your eyes<br>Undress your eyes, undress your eyes<br>Words of love and words so leisured<br>Words of poisoned darts of pleasure<br>Died... and so you died<br><br>You are the latest adventure<br>You're an emotion <strong>avenger</strong><br>You are the devil that sells her<br>Light or dark, fantastic passion<br><br>I know that you will surrender<br>I know that you will surrender<br>I want this fantastic passion<br>We'll have fantastic passion<br><br>You can feel my lips undress your eyes<br>Undress your eyes, undress your eyes<br>Skin can feel my lips they tingle - tense anticipation<br>This one is an easy one, feel the word and melt upon it<br><br>Words of love and words so leisured<br>Words of poisoned darts of pleasure<br>Died and so you died<br><br>Ich heiße Superphantastisch!<br>Ich trinke Schampus mit Lachsfisch!<br>Ich heiße Su-per-phan-tas-tisch!<br></div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>12-08-2011, 23:55:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Roughshod</strong><br><br>The fans rocked out to the music while the crew got to work, latex gloves already at the ready to take care of any chemical concerns.&nbsp; The sight of the gloves got a few people to begrudgingly give up some of the bones, but not nearly as many as there should have been.&nbsp; Maybe 10-20% of the bones were recovered.<br><br>Renee peeked over curiously into the box between numbers.&nbsp; "Just how much did you spend on the skeletons?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>13-08-2011, 01:18:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=114247.msg5057763#msg5057763">Quote from: Imogen on 12-08-2011, 21:22:34</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote"><strong>Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>"I don't know," she answered, stepping around Vince. "I just felt that whatever went on there should be stopped. Perhaps we are stronger than you think." Her voice was pensive as she added another thought. "Or maybe you wanted someone to interfere." A frown creased her smooth brow as she pursued that train of thought. "What did you want those people to understand, Greg?" And why are you talking to me now? Lorraine bit her lip, forcing the question down. He would show her the answer through his own questions, leaving when he had enough. Should she ask him where was now? And if he told her, what would she do with that information? Or Vince? <br><br>"I found more than I went looking for." A slight smile quirked, despite the wrongness of it all, towards Vince. Someone to trust. Whatever else this night brought she would be grateful for meeting him. Her gaze turned back to the darkness where the shadows shaped an effigy of the stranger that had held Brandon and one other under his thrall. She wished she knew the answer to his question. As he put it, he made her sound not quite human and she didn't like that thought, at all.<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Vince was ignored and then passed by. He was not going to let her be defenseless. There were steps that he took in front and off to the side of her. Should the bastard get closer, Vince was going to attack him with the glass. Nothing was going to change that. He was going to take this thing down for her, to keep her safe. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>13-08-2011, 01:57:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>The shadow stayed where it was, behind the tree.&nbsp; It didn't seem to be looking for a fight just at the moment, but then, it was hard to tell just what it was thinking when it wasn't much beyond a shape and an echoing, faraway voice.<br><br>He accepted Lorraine's answer with a nod, its shadowy features rather inscrutable.&nbsp; (Perception+Empathy, difficulty 9, if you want to try to read the thing.)&nbsp; "I was attempting to transform Brandon into a being similar to myself.&nbsp; Alyssa would have been all right, flawed in humanity but still able to survive, and even she may yet turn."<br><br>The simulacrum turned and seemed to be looking at Vince for a few moments, before shifting into Lorraine's general direction.&nbsp; "If you stay away from Brandon and Alyssa, I will make sure that both of them are alright, not entirely human as we would have understand it before this change, but happy.&nbsp; I don't think either of us wants a fight, but then, there's a huge difference between shadow and black fire."<br><br>The shadow then began to distort and fade.&nbsp; It left enough time for some more words, but it would soon evaporate like smoke in a well ventilated room.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>13-08-2011, 08:24:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Seven Steps to Success College, Art Studio B<br></strong><br><br>Alan had decided that he wanted to get some answers. Also, he wanted to get out of the room. The smell was still disgusting, even if it was getting weaker. He considered the possibility that he would probably go down for murder, considering that Cassandra did have family, and they would likely look for her soon enough. <br>He took the SIM card, battery, and any memory cards out of the phone. Then he separated out any identification and identifying items from Cassandra's purse. He put those items in his messenger bag, and dashed about the studio collecting supplies he thought might be useful.&nbsp; More disposable gloves, a large brush, a bottle of unopened white acrylic paint, a spool of bronze armature wire, a small bottle of paint thinner, a paint scalpel and an a carvers awl. These items he also put in his bag. As he was leaving, he thought he might take the painting with him, though he wasn't sure that he could keep it on him. <br>He took it off the easel and placed in the back of one of the closets that was used to house various projects. <br><br>That done, he decided to make his way to the Sunset Club on Everton Ave.&nbsp; He took the most direct route he could, given his lack of a car. <br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>13-08-2011, 08:40:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Alan Biron</strong><br><br>The college had enough secondary supplies that a few wouldn't likely be missed for a while.&nbsp; No one seemed to be looking for Cassandra, and after having taking steps to cover his trail, it seemed unlikely that anyone would find her.<br><br>Getting to Everton Avenue, however, wasn't very easy.&nbsp; Although his college ID doubled as a bus pass around the city, he still had to transfer halfway along the journey.<br><br><div class="floatright">(http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/5376/dangernd.jpg)</div><br>Along the way, various places have been marked with a strange symbol in black spraypaint.&nbsp; Although it wasn't something common or easily recognizable, the message seemed inherently clear, as if something unconsciously known but undeniable: Danger.&nbsp; Whoever had marked this symbol had wanted to convey the simple but persistent warning to anyone who could understand that such places were inherently hazardous.<br><br>Most of them were in out of the way places so as not to be easily noticed, but to the truly perceptive, they may as well have bronzed the artistry.&nbsp; A restaurant, a pawn shop, a bar, and a children's playground all bore the rectangle and dot commensurate with the strange warning.<br><br><div class="floatright">(http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/3757/safehaveny.jpg)</div><br>By contrast, the Sunset had a similar symbol but with a much different meaning in the exact same shade of spraypaint: Safe Haven.&nbsp; The place looked to be abandoned, with the windows boarded up, but the door still looked to be unlocked.&nbsp; From underneath the door, the bright lights shone so vividly that a faint tinge of illumination could be seen even in the daytime, for someone as perceptive as Alan.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>13-08-2011, 19:04:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Alan - Sunset Club</strong><br><br><br>Finding his way to the club was adventure enough. Seeing all of these strange symbols in various places wouldn't normally concern him, however in this instance he was curiously pleased that he knew what the symbol meant. Upon arrival at the club, his interest sparked higher as he came upon yet another note left&nbsp; in this strange new language that he yet under stood,&nbsp; and he knew that this might be the beginning of his understanding, and the end of things that came before.&nbsp; He didn't see any people around to acknowledge his arrival, so he decided to make his way beyond the door. <br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>13-08-2011, 19:08:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>in the park</strong><br>As it was Sarah Jane was growing yet more afraid of that which she was seeing, it made her feel sick. Of course she had been so afraid of what ever it was and however much the girl believed and told herself she was tough, she certainly didn’t feel so now. <br><br>“Wont …’urt… stop ‘urting… what’s…what’s happening…wot are ya… ya? Who are ya…what tha fack.” She was terrified and wanted to run yet still her booted feet were frankly rooted to the spot. The girl’s eyes widened, as she drew her dog in yet closer. “Look I wanted ta ‘elp ya bat I don’t anderstand…” her accent became thicker with each passing moment.<br><br>“I ‘ave no idea…its …its…well yah want me not ta tell… I know abaat vat.”<br><br>Still Sarah Jane remained still, watching this ‘monster’. She really could not understand that which was going on. “Please jast jet it over wif, please…jast finish it….” The girl had not been so scared in a long time, but at least she had not wet herself, that would have been extremely embarrassing when she went to the local shelter.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>13-08-2011, 20:42:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Roughshod</strong><br><br>"Just how much did you spend on the skeletons?" Renee whispered. <br><br>"Eh. It doesn't matter." Nadia responded, but in her mind the rest of the statement wouldn't let itself be spoken. <em>A high price to be sure...</em> <br><br>She shook her head as if to clear it then told Renee. "Anyway, I had an idea for a stunt so I'm going to try it now."<br><br>Renee shrugged. She was used to Nadia's strange ideas for publicity, so this shouldn't faze her too much.&nbsp; Aaron seemed indifferent as always as Nadia took to the mic once more. <br><br>"Alright, listen up, you <span class="bbc_u">SICKOS</span>!" She put emphasis on the word in such a way that she hoped it came off as mockingly endearing. <br><br>"You've done well to collect those bones. I've got a box here that you can put them in. In return, you'll get a token. A special memento of our time together tonight. You may not know what it means just now... but soon. Soon it will be revealed. If you've got bones, come to the front." She was pleased with how mysterious she had sounded for hatching this plan out of her ass. <br><br>She took the playing cards and emptied them from their boxes in a ceremonial fashion. She dumped them into a metal trash can she'd found backstage and lit them on fire. After a few moments when they were all sufficiently charred on the edges, she sprayed it with a fire extingiusher. She applied a thick coat of bright red lipstick and picked up a handful of charred cards. She began to kiss each card in turn, leaving a stained kiss on each one. This was to be their memento. She held one up to see if the crowd would take the bait. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>13-08-2011, 22:42:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br><div class="floatright">(http://www.yourbars.com.au/static/media/x600/138103_131008_monastry_interior_1_copy.jpg)</div><br>The door was left unlocked, and the interior of the old nightclub was quite clean, taken care of and most importantly, brightly lit.&nbsp; A number of the lounges had been set with pillows, newspapers were carefully piled in certain areas.&nbsp; It was difficult to shake the feeling that this place was lived in, even now, although its current occupants knew how to take good care of their home.<br><br>Upon walking inside, a semicircle had been drawn upon the floor in chalk; although it didn't seem to hold any special significance in and of itself, it was impossible to enter inside without passing over the chalk.<br><br>A blonde teenage girl (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=114213.msg5007689#msg5007689) sat inside, tracing concentric circles with her fingertip upon the edge of the bar and trying very hard to figure something out.&nbsp; Though beautiful, she was dressed in a faded purple T-shirt and jeans, both of which looked as though they were her only set of clothes, as well as a size too small.&nbsp; She looked up as Alan came inside.&nbsp; "Younger brother?" she asked gently and hopefully.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>13-08-2011, 23:00:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Roughshod</strong><br><br>At the mention of free merchandise, people gladly moved up to assemble, bringing up the bones more freely in exchange for something with the promise of a later understanding.&nbsp; People were already talking excitedly, and some of the people who got cards were trying to trade with each other, some successfully, others unwilling to give up an ace.<br><br>Some of the people, however, came up without bones.&nbsp; "What's the deal?" one girl said, her tongue piercing slurring her words.&nbsp; "I gave over mine when I got asked, and now I don't get anything?"<br><br>Renee and Aaron looked curiously over towards each other, having no idea what the plan was but planning on asking after they started driving home.&nbsp; At least everything seemed to be going swimmingly so far.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>14-08-2011, 00:55:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park</strong><br><br>It was hard to get a good look at the creature once it had properly transformed, but some things were clear.&nbsp; It was about ten feet tall, with various twitching appendages which couldn't properly be seen in the sheer darkness.&nbsp; Heavy, angry breathing came from the thing, and it seemed to move so very fast, as if it could glide through the shadows and increase its speed exponentially.&nbsp; Yet as it rushed towards her, it seemed to move right past her, giving chase and making a snorting sound as if trying hard to locate her.&nbsp; Soon it was rushing west, keeping to the shadowy cover of trees and billboards, staying out of the moonlight.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>14-08-2011, 03:28:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Alan - Sunset</strong><br><br>As Alan stepped across the chalk, he pondered the purpose of such a thing.&nbsp; After taking stalk of his surroundings. he heard the girl at the bar.<br><br>"Younger brother?" His heart seemed to skip a beat as recognition slammed into him. The phone call was real. Everything prior to it was real. There is no longer any doubt about what had happened and who he was talking to, but he was still in need of the details. He smiled at the girl as he took a seat at the bar near to her.&nbsp; "Yes, it's me.&nbsp; I'm here, and I'm rather nervous about this, but&nbsp; I want to understand,&nbsp; so if you don't mind, let's talk."<br><br><br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>14-08-2011, 03:30:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Roughshod</strong><br><br>Nadia passed a large portion of the rest of the cards to one of the on hand staffers to pass out in exchange for bones. <br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Some of the people, however, came up without bones. "What's the deal?" one girl said, her tongue piercing slurring her words.&nbsp; "I gave over mine when I got asked, and now I don't get anything?"<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>She seemed to be the circumstantial leader of the dissenters. Nadia smirked at her seductively. "Don't you worry." She licked her lips and got as close to the girl as humanly possible without actually kissing her and moved past her lips to whisper in her ear. "For you, my sweet, I have two tokens." She held out a card for the girl and attempted to plant a kiss on her cheek. She hoped that this would stun her enough to make a smooth getaway. That's not to say she wasn't also trying to look really cool doing it. <br><br>Her next move would be to toss the small pile of cards she still had in hand into the midst of the protesters to appease them. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>14-08-2011, 04:00:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>The girl simply nodded, looking suddenly rather nervous, as if she had no idea how to explain everything.&nbsp; "I'm Carrie, by the way," she said.&nbsp; "You don't have to call me 'older sister' if you don't want to.&nbsp; That's just what they were calling you so that we could meet."&nbsp; She gestured with her hands, but it didn't seem to help.<br><br>"Imagine like...spirits.&nbsp; In space."&nbsp; She took some paper and began to draw a large circle, then a smaller one some distance away.&nbsp; "No, not spirits, it's..."&nbsp; She took a breath.&nbsp; "I don't know.&nbsp; Like the stars.&nbsp; They live in the light."&nbsp; Lines were slowly drawn from the large circle to the smaller one.&nbsp; "The Earth doesn't like the light, you see.&nbsp; It just eats it up, and absorbs so much of it.&nbsp; Space is supposed to be empty.&nbsp; That's what confuses them, I think."<br><br>She added a smaller circle yet very close to the medium size circle.&nbsp; "Unless the moon is full.&nbsp; Then it can bounce off, and that helps a little bit.&nbsp; Like it has been lately.&nbsp; That's how they've been able to reach you and others even when they hide from the light right now.&nbsp; Because they're confused and scared."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>14-08-2011, 04:04:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Roughshod</strong><br><br>With this sudden reply, the girl just stared, stunned, for several moments as she got kissed.&nbsp; "I'm Anna," she managed, but the beet red blush soon sent her scurrying out into the crowd.&nbsp; <br><br>Once the cards were thrown out to appease everyone, people went absolutely wild trying to grab them, picking up with lots of shoving and grabbing, some less than PG-13, in order to get as much as they could manage.&nbsp; Some people were happy with just one card, but those were few and far between.&nbsp; Greed opened up the door to chaos, until Aaron smoothed things over by slapping his drumsticks together, the signal for the last song of the evening.&nbsp; That got everyone focused on the band.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>14-08-2011, 10:01:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>"Happy? By their own choices, Greg? You're right I don't want a fight either but you'll have to stop using your mind tricks on them. I can't believe they want to join you, but I am willing to let their free will decide. Are you prepared to do the same?" Her expression hardened. "And it ends there, Greg. No more kills, no more changing. I will come for you if you, or anyone like you, will harm others."<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>14-08-2011, 15:48:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Roughshod</strong> <br><br>Nadia was satisfied with the outcome of her little plan. Not only did she recover most of the bones, but she likely managed to generate a lot of buzz for the band. She counted the skulls in the box, and all four were there. She used her foot to shove the box behind her on stage, and nodded to Aaron for regaining everyone's attention. <br><br>She drew a deep breath and belted out the final song of the evening. <br><br>"We are Manual Automatic! Paradiso goodnight!" The stage-lights went black. A few seconds later, the set crew lowered the scrim. The house lights came up and through the scrim Nadia could see the fans but they could no longer see her. She took little mind of them now. she slung her guitar across her back and picked up the box of bones. She used duct tape to seal it and applied quite a bit more than was necessary. With nary a word, she took the now rather nondescript box to her car and locked it inside. She didn't want to get it mixed up with the equipment in the van. <br><br>She walked over to the van and helped Renee and Aaron pack it up. Renee was obviously still pumped from the performance. "Let's go find an all night diner!"<br><br>Nadia grinned as her stomach grumbled. It was very late, and the prospect of food was extremely tempting, but she had other things on her mind. "You guys go on ahead."<br><br>Renee's face fell. "Wha? You're acting so weird! That's it. Explain!" The last of the equipment was in the van. Renee slammed the door on the back shut and leaned against it, waiting for the explanation.<br><br>Nadia knew this would happen at some point tonight, so she'd been thinking of what she'd say. "It's been a while since I've been back home...&nbsp; I told mom I'd stop by to see her, so... you guys have fun." It seemed a valid enough excuse, but she had no intention of doing it tonight. Even as Renee tried to protest again, she was walking away. Soon enough she was driving away. A pair of band-mates, no, friends angry and confused at her behavior stared at her from the rear-view mirror.<br><br>She stopped at a stop light and examined the business card for a moment, wondering what she should do now.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>15-08-2011, 05:00:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Nadia's Car</strong><br><br>This late at night, the city was somewhat empty as compared to the throngs of people during the shining sunlight.&nbsp; Not that there weren't too many people around, and a number of cars still lined the road, but the loneliness was still present.<br><br><div class="floatright">(http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/934/infested.jpg)</div><br>Of course, tonight held its own surprises.&nbsp; One area which the van drove past held an apartment complex, a reasonably nice neighborhood, nowhere near rich but clean and in decent repair, had a strange mark of graffiti upon it.&nbsp; Lines and dots, but somehow making perfect sense, as if Nadia had been trained to recognize and understand such things.&nbsp; The word which the symbol said was simple: Infested.&nbsp; Whoever had marked the building in black spraypaint had wanted her, and likely others, to know the terrible truth about the Oakville Apartment Complex.<br><br><div class="floatright">(http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/3757/safehaveny.jpg)</div><br>The second symbol noticed came from driving along Everton Avenue, passing an abandoned nightclub called Sunset.&nbsp; Although the windows had been boarded up, the door was accessible, though closed.&nbsp; The black spraypaint had marked this building as well, but the meaning of the sign was entirely different: Safe Haven.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>15-08-2011, 22:24:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nadia spent almost 20 minutes driving around aimlessly before she noticed the first symbol on an apartment complex. She found it curious that she seemed to know it's meaning by instinct. As she drove on past it, she thought to the creature she had slain earlier in the night. There had only been one of him. She shuddered, as a wave of panic washed over her. If she was going to deal with an 'infestation,' she'd need a lot more time to plan. Not to mention the fact that she had four skeletons (literally) in her closet (figuratively) at the moment. She had little faith that she could handle more. <br><br>She glanced at the green glowing clock to discover she'd been wandering the streets for another half-hour. She made a left turn and made note of the street sign to see if she could get her bearings. Everton Avenue. It was not a name she recognized, but for some reason she felt more at ease than she had all night. <br><br>It was then that she noticed another symbol, the meaning of which was made clear to her by some supernatural predetermination. Safe Haven. The car came to a slow halt down the street a bit, and she backed her vehicle into the dead end alleyway closest to the building and cut the lights and the engine. She would give anything to feel safe again for a moment. Making up her mind, she collected the box of bones and approached the doorway to the nightclub. <br><br>She took one more deep breath and went inside. "Hello?" She called, cautiously, as she entered. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>15-08-2011, 22:51:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>Carrie spent hours in explanations, doing her best but never seeming to make a great deal of sense, until the new arrival came inside.&nbsp; She seemed rather frantic for him to explain, always worrying about running out of time.&nbsp; She made various sketches as she talked, handing them over to him.<br><br><div class="floatright">(http://www.yourbars.com.au/static/media/x600/138103_131008_monastry_interior_1_copy.jpg)</div><br>The door was left unlocked, and the interior of the old nightclub was quite clean, taken care of and most importantly, brightly lit.&nbsp; A number of the lounges had been set with pillows, newspapers were carefully piled in certain areas.&nbsp; It was difficult to shake the feeling that this place was lived in, even now, although its current occupants knew how to take good care of their home.<br><br>Upon walking inside, a semicircle had been drawn upon the floor in chalk; although it didn't seem to hold any special significance in and of itself, it was impossible to enter inside without passing over the chalk.<br><br>A blonde teenage girl (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=114213.msg5007689#msg5007689) sat at a booth, chatting with Alan.&nbsp; She looked up at the new arrival, staring a bit worriedly at her.&nbsp; Leaving the last uncompleted sketch on the table for him, she stood up and watched the new girl.&nbsp; "I'm Carrie," she said.&nbsp; "You must be new."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>16-08-2011, 00:32:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>Nadia was pleasantly surprised at the bright cleanliness of the space. Once she was greeted by one of the occupants, she fearlessly stepped over the chalk barrier and set her package down just inside it. She gave a wave and responded. "Hi Carrie... I'm Nadia..." She made a point to make eye contact with each of the people in the room. First with the doe-eyed teenager, and second with the scruffy young man who appeared to be close to her age. "So can anyone tell me what exactly it is that I'm new to? I have an idea but... to be honest I feel pretty crazy right now..."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>16-08-2011, 00:55:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>Alan was interrupted from his frantic scribbling of notes by the door coming open and a young woman stepping through the door. "Thank God. Someone else is here. Thank you, Carrie, for that very informative session. I think I've got what I need right now. He closed his notebook and put it in his bag as he turned to the new occupant. As he walked towards her he stated "Hi, I'm Alan, and you are. . .&nbsp; the. . . lead singer. . .&nbsp; of Manual Automatic." He seemed a bit taken aback.&nbsp; <br><br>"Don't tell me you were trying to set up a gig here, you've certainly come to the wrong place. If you were going to play tonight it's a bit late for that, anyhow. All in all it just seems like you're in the wrong place. I might suggest that you get out of here before you get caught up in this. I don't even know why you would think to come here, this place is closed down.. I mean, sorry I seem to be rambling a bit, course you would know if the place was closed down" He scratched his head, and he looked up with widened eyes of realization.<br><br>&nbsp;"Unless someone told you come here...." He gave Carrie a questioning glance over his shoulder. "In which case the best advice I can offer you is to find some alcohol and have a seat next to our good friend over there. If she did call you here, she can explain it to you. I've got to go. . . collect my thoughts." <br><br>He made his way to a nearby both and took out his notebook and began reading it for some clearer understanding, occasionally glancing over at the two women to see what might transpire. <br><br>&nbsp;<br><br><br>&nbsp;<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>16-08-2011, 01:25:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>"There's others coming, eventually," Carrie said, standing up from her seat.&nbsp; She moved over towards one of the windows, pulling a piece of chalk from her pocket to emphasize a circle that had already been drawn many times.&nbsp; "They're trying to get people together, but they can only do so much, so that they don't get eaten by the shadows themselves."&nbsp; Her stomach rumbled, but she ignored it, taking a deep breath.&nbsp; "There's a sign up front, though.&nbsp; You probably saw it; my dad put it up before he..."&nbsp; Her thoughts and words trailed off, taking on a twinge of sorrow.&nbsp; "Black fire, but at least he wasn't ridden.&nbsp; Nobody deserves to be a horse like that."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>16-08-2011, 02:52:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nadia regarded Alan's surprise with a nonchalant shrug. At first glance, she would have assumed he was nervous to meet her in person, but he stared her straight in the eyes with more curiosity than awe. It was a pleasant change from her usual interaction with her fans. Though maybe not handsome enough for the movies, had certainly a roguish charm and she found herself more than a little curious about him.&nbsp; She watched him settle into a booth for a moment before responding to his statements. "Whatever this is, I'm pretty sure I'm already quite caught up in it. As I would assume you are. Tell me. How many people did <em>you</em> watch die today?"<br><br>Alan seemed to regard Carrie as the one with the answers, so she turned her gaze to the girl as she began to speak. <br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=114247.msg5072088#msg5072088">Quote from: AndyZ on 16-08-2011, 01:25:10</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote"><strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>"There's others coming, eventually," Carrie said, standing up from her seat.&nbsp; She moved over towards one of the windows, pulling a piece of chalk from her pocket to emphasize a circle that had already been drawn many times.&nbsp; "They're trying to get people together, but they can only do so much, so that they don't get eaten by the shadows themselves."&nbsp; Her stomach rumbled, but she ignored it, taking a deep breath.&nbsp; "There's a sign up front, though.&nbsp; You probably saw it; my dad put it up before he..."&nbsp; Her thoughts and words trailed off, taking on a twinge of sorrow.&nbsp; "Black fire, but at least he wasn't ridden.&nbsp; Nobody deserves to be a horse like that."<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>"Others huh...black fire? ...You're right, I have seen the black fire." Nadia's mind made her re-live the sight of the consuming flames as she gazed at the box sitting near the door. It wasn't difficult to surmise that her father had died the same way as those corpses. She felt a pang of guilt for having brought the box inside.&nbsp; She was confounded by the next part of Carrie's statement, but decided to disregard it for now. Her heart went out to the girl. "I lost my father when I was twelve.&nbsp; If you'd like to talk about it... Well I'm not very good at this..." Carrie seemed to not be paying attention to her any longer. Nadia felt just as lost as before she walked in. <br><br>She sauntered over to the booth were Alan was still lost in his notes. "Is she alright? Like in the head?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>16-08-2011, 03:34:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>Alan looked up from his sketching into the questioning eyes. "Nadia right? If you ask me, no, she's not quite all there, but, then again, after what we've seen I'm surprised we're in as good of shape as we are." He paused and looked around a little, still slumped over the notebook. "What's bizarre I think is that only a few people actually even notice somethings going on. While I was getting here, I just felt so on edge for the people that were just sitting there, oblivious. . . And, now I sit here, oblivious.&nbsp; Even while knowing, I don't know. . . I may have an idea, but I need to flesh it out a bit first.&nbsp; It seems like we're still waiting for people right?&nbsp; He glanced around to the shelves behind the bar looking to see if they happened to have any alcohol left from whenever it was that this place was still in business. At least this place is in decent shape, at least, in better shape than any other place I've been..." He continued scanning the shelves to see if there might by any luck be a selection. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>16-08-2011, 03:42:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>Without asking for permission, Nadia slid into the booth across from Alan as he spoke. <br><br>"I know what you mean about the not knowing." She responded after making herself comfortable. It was liberating to be able to talk about it. "I mean I was in the middle of a concert and this... thing showed up. And no one even seemed to question what it was. I'm not sure they even realized it wasn't human. What about you. What's your story?" <br><br>She noticed him looking around the bar and pulled a hotel-sized bottle of bourbon out of her messenger bag style purse, sliding it across the table to him. She didn't really need it, her buzz was still on from pre-gaming prior to the show. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>16-08-2011, 04:42:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>Alan accepted the bottle with a smile. He drank down half of it, and offered it back. "I bet that was a hell of a show. I always did want to see your shows, but I never have any money" He paused. "How did you manage to avoid panic? I was lucky enough to just have one of the professors stumble in after I got rid of my. . . problem. He was distracted, and he's all about strange art projects, so I was able to bullshit him into thinking it was some lofty idea for a new piece and he wandered off. . . I'm a painter, you see, and I was working on my most recent project, when my... source material... changed. Thankfully, I finished the painting just before hand. I freaked, but I couldn't see my way around. Thankfully, I got an idea, from the painting, weird, right?&nbsp; that they didn't like the light so much, so I yanked the drapes open and poof; she was just a pile of smelly ashes... Shame about that too. . . she was worth painting, I don't mind telling you that." A smirk passed his lips. "What was strange was that from the conversations I had with her, she may have had a family, though that seems contrary to what I have been able to comprehend from Carrie over there." He drank the remainder of the bottle. <br><br>"I also still have her phone on me. I was going to try taking a look at it after I get down the rest of my other thoughts. . .&nbsp; "<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>16-08-2011, 05:07:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>A few minutes went by as Carrie marked each of the windows with the chalk, retraced the semicircle at the door and searched through the place.&nbsp; It seemed almost ritualized, something she did so repetitively that sometimes she barely seemed to be watching where she was going.&nbsp; Only once she was done did she finally look up to reply to Nadia's comment.<br><br>"It doesn't hurt anymore," she said softly.&nbsp; She still looked sorrowful, yet she didn't seem to be lying, as if she didn't mean herself.&nbsp; "Beyond that, I don't know.&nbsp; He's not one of the ones talking.&nbsp; Sometimes it would help if they just left me be for a little while, though."&nbsp; Her eyes were lightly scrunched, a good sign of a headache that only seemed to be getting worse and worse for her.&nbsp; "It's hard when it's more than one person at a time.&nbsp; It doesn't make as much sense.&nbsp; Kind of like with music, sometimes I used to like to have two radios but it had to be the same type of song.&nbsp; I need to lie down."&nbsp; Without another word, she wandered off to go over towards a cot which she had set up, collapsing upon it and letting her eyes close.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>17-08-2011, 03:20:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br>Because she was still so wired from the day's events, it was hard to sit still for any length of time. Even as Alan spoke, Nadia stood up and cracked her neck. She had little opportunity to comment during his story, but she didn't mind. She understood that he too must need to talk about his situation just to come to grips with it. When he was finished, Nadia was ready to discuss the plethora of questions that he had thrown out during his verbal barrage, but she didn't have the opportunity as Carrie seemed ready to grant her some sort of response. <br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=114247.msg5073003#msg5073003">Quote from: AndyZ on 16-08-2011, 05:07:09</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote"><strong>Sunset</strong><br>"It doesn't hurt anymore," she said softly.&nbsp; She still looked sorrowful, yet she didn't seem to be lying, as if she didn't mean herself.&nbsp; "Beyond that, I don't know.&nbsp; He's not one of the ones talking.&nbsp; Sometimes it would help if they just left me be for a little while, though."&nbsp; Her eyes were lightly scrunched, a good sign of a headache that only seemed to be getting worse and worse for her.&nbsp; "It's hard when it's more than one person at a time.&nbsp; It doesn't make as much sense.&nbsp; Kind of like with music, sometimes I used to like to have two radios but it had to be the same type of song.&nbsp; I need to lie down."&nbsp; Without another word, she wandered off to go over towards a cot which she had set up, collapsing upon it and letting her eyes close.<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Nadia regarded her with a slightly slacken jaw, and once again made eye contact with Alan. Carrie was one of the less strange aspects of the day, so she shrugged and continued on with what she had planned to say to him. "Sounds like quite the lucky break with that professor, but to answer your question, It was pretty easy to avoid panic at the concert because no one seemed to realize it wasn't part of the show. Maybe we were both pretty lucky. You mentioned how you somehow just knew what to do. It was like that for me as well. Something in the music. I knew I had to kill the thing somehow. It was killing people." Her voice trailed off.&nbsp; "I recovered most of the bodies of the people it killed, but now I don't know what to do with them." She bit her lower lip, not sure if Alan would have any ideas.<br><br>While she was awaiting a response, she stretched, and groaned as her black lace corset dug into her ribcage for the hundredth time tonight. Without a second thought, she threw modesty to the winds and took it off. She slipped out of her black crinoline skirt, and sat down on a nearby couch. She began to dig through her messenger bag for the spare clothing she'd stashed, still awaiting more conversation from Alan. <br><br>(http://www.etoiles.ro/images/stories/lia_sinchevici/6.jpg)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>17-08-2011, 04:28:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>Alan was paying attention to Carrie as she talked, but as soon as her back was turned,&nbsp; he went straight back to Nadia.<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote"> "Sounds like quite the lucky break with that professor, but to answer your question, It was pretty easy to avoid panic at the concert because no one seemed to realize it wasn't part of the show. Maybe we were both pretty lucky. You mentioned how you somehow just knew what to do. It was like that for me as well. Something in the music. I knew I had to kill the thing somehow. It was killing people." Her voice trailed off.&nbsp; "I recovered most of the bodies of the people it killed, but now I don't know what to do with them." </blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>&nbsp;" I have. . . no idea what to do with the corpses. That's a. . . bit"&nbsp; He paused as he watched Nadia undress herself regardless of his presence. Noticing that he had become a bit slack jawed, he shook his head and continued.<br>&nbsp;<br><br>". . . morbid. . . don't you think? Still I guess there's nothing else to do about it now."If my professor and your crowd had no idea what was going on, especially with all the 'black fire' and everything. . ." Here, he moved to the outside edge of the booth and stretched his legs while reclining back a bit, rather as if he were enjoying a show. <br><br>"I'm not sure, but I think that more people would be freaking out about this, if they are all that common anyway. We seem to be the only ones who can see it, but how and why it's us, well that's another question altogether. Still, as to the bodies, the only sound advice I can give is to get them away from yourself as soon as possible. If indeed the ones that died are human, which I question even that at this point, then someone will at least be looking for them. Further, one might consider the need for a proper send off, at any rate. Not sure that I care myself, but it's to be considered." Here he folded forward and rested his elbows on his knees, he made steepled his fingers and brought the pointer fingers to his lips; a pose of thoughtfulness. His eyes looked more toward the floor, but he was still continually glancing at the woman in front of him. It forced a curl of his lips, despite his efforts to hide it. <br>&nbsp;<br><br>&nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>17-08-2011, 05:10:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nadia continued what she was doing, almost, but not quite oblivious to the effect she was having on Alan. She dug out a pair of leggings and quickly turned them on. <em>well at least I know he's not a corpse</em> was the thought on her mind as she slipped on a tank top and a light leather jacket. She pulled on a pair of suede boots and pushed a headband into her hair. <br><br>(http://www.etoiles.ro/images/stories/lia_sinchevici/3.jpg)<br><br>She had suspected he'd be just as clueless about what to do as she had been. "Morbid or not, the crowd was trying to keep pieces as souvenirs. At least I prevented that... well mostly anyway. I thought maybe I'd take the bones out somewhere and bury them or dump them in a river or something."The idea was literally formulating as she spoke. I mean, It might be better if they were never found than if their families found them like this. They won't get closure either way... I guess I think that if they never find the bodies, their families can rest easier thinking they could be alive somewhere?" She had intended it as a statement but her words rose at the end of the sentence in a questioning fashion. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>17-08-2011, 08:37:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>Her eyes had only been closed for a few minutes before she rise, half yelping and half shrieking in surprise as she ducked away from the bed and threw her feather duster at it in protest, as if it had been responsible for whatever horrible thing she had just seen or experienced.&nbsp; A deep breath later and she seemed to be reasonably calm, moving over towards the package of dead bones which had been dropped off.<br><br>After a bit of rummaging, she pulled out a skull, an ashen, charred wreck of what used to be part of a human being.&nbsp; Staring into the eye sockets, she gave a soft sigh of forlorn sorrow, staining her hands with each touch of the thing.&nbsp; "She was having so much fun," Carrie said.&nbsp; "She didn't know.&nbsp; Maybe it's better that way.&nbsp; I don't know.&nbsp; I didn't ask for this, but that doesn't mean I can stop."<br><br>Carrying the skull over, she set it down upon the table to stare at Alan, or at least appear to stare.&nbsp; The blackened bone looked to have been roasted in an oven, and the soot that covered it quickly stained the table.&nbsp; "It's so quick," she said gently, grabbing some tissues to clean her fingers.&nbsp; "An instant between life and death.&nbsp; The Imbued can resist lower level forms of black fire, so far, but the higher level forms don't have any protection."&nbsp; She stared down at him.&nbsp; "I'm not blaming you for my father's death, younger brother.&nbsp; They didn't come to you in time.&nbsp; He didn't listen when I said that you would be here soon because he didn't want anyone else to die.&nbsp; I want you to understand that, but it doesn't stop your mission."<br><br>She gave Nadia a quick glance as well, no less meaningful but far less stated.&nbsp; Nadia's task in this matter was far more obvious.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kytn</strong> on <strong>17-08-2011, 11:47:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>Between the bits of conversation and the examination of the bones, a new addition to the nightclub had appeared, sauntering in from behind the bar as though she belonged there implicitly. Now well illuminated by the bright lights, the others would see a cat, orange with splashes of white coloring her fur, dark eyes starting out lazily at the nightclub. She wore no collar or tags, and looked only slightly better fed than Carrie. The cat regarded Alan and Nadia for a moment with a cold gaze, then slowly sauntered over to one of the empty couches and jumped up onto the cushions. The feline seemed to entirely disregard Carrie, at least for the moment, and instead settled down, tucking her paws beneath her body and watching the rest of the club, ears and tail twitching slightly as she picked up some noises that would, by no means, reach the ears of the humans. Street sounds, perhaps, or small rodents. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>17-08-2011, 18:33:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(http://www.aadl.org/files/images/lisbeth_salander.jpg)<br><br>Sarah Jane still felt rooted to the floor as she looked in horror at this thing infront of her, what the hell was it, it made her think of the demons in the books her strict Sunday school teacher had shown her as a child.<br><br>After a few deep breaths and some more perhaps rational thought, her brain was screaming ….<em>Run ….run away…</em>. The strange thing however was that this ‘thing’ seemed not to be able to see her or Horlicks. Again another two slightly stilted breaths fell from her mouth, as well as a sushhhhh to the dog.<br><br>The girl considered for what seemed like hours but was merely a mater of moments, there was only one choice and that was to run, and to run like the devil was on her tail. Which, actually at the moment Sarah Jane believed that was true…at first her passage was random but soon after slowing a little the girl started to consider a place that might be safe. <br><br>Perhaps there was a soup kitchen open at the moment…or a hostel…just somewhere… to gather her thoughts. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>17-08-2011, 18:55:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sarah Jane</strong><br><br>The various streets of the city, as soon as one got away from the park and into the oily scent of civilization once more, beamed with the illumination of streetlamps and car headlights.&nbsp; Not too many people frequented the area, and the ones that did had no apparent interest in helping a young woman on the run.<br><br><div class="floatright">(http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/3757/safehaveny.jpg)</div><br>From one of the areas, though, an abandoned nightclub with boarded up windows that used to be called Sunset, a strange symbol had been drawn in black spraypaint upon the wall.&nbsp; Although Sarah Jane had never seen it before, it's meaning was intuitively clear: Safe Haven.&nbsp; Faint light illuminated the bottom of the doorway, even though it looked as though no business had been done in the building for months.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>18-08-2011, 00:22:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>SJ and Horlicks at Sunset</strong><br><br>Sarah Jane paused now at the building she was breathless and afraid, and it certainly took a great deal to scare this girl that had lived on the streets for some time, however that was so wrong. Once more she pinched herself to make sure that she was not dreaming, and when she realised she wasn’t the girl coughed up some bile, for that was all that was left in her belly. After all it was not like she had eaten too much today.<br><br>Swilling out her mouth with some bottled water that she had managed to ‘acquire’ from a store she then pulled out a bowl from her back pack and gave Horlicks a drink.<br><br>Only when composed and feeling a little better, yet still afraid did Sarah Jane look at the marking. After a little more consideration she finally knocked the door. Oh yes the huge dog was close and after tonight the girl was ready to run. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>18-08-2011, 04:03:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nadia dragged the now open box of bones over to the table where Alan sat. She had even less desire to touch the bones now, and was all the more glad that she'd gotten most of them out of the hands of her fans. It didn't stop her from wondering if those that still had bones would be okay. She couldn't bear to dwell on it too much longer, and with a quick motion, she swept the skull off the table and into the box. She didn't want to look at it anymore.<br><br>She'd noticed the cat a while ago, and Nadia made a point of ignoring it. She knew that most cats didn't take kindly to eye-contact with strangers, so she made an effort to avoid it. At the very least, she knew she had nothing to fear from the feline, for she thought it unlikely it could have made it past the chalk outline if it meant them mischief. As she considered Carrie's glance, she jumped when she heard a faint knock. <br><br>She clenched her fist and walked to the edge of the chalk barrier, ready for anything. She cast a glance at the other two occupants as if to request advice, but shrugged as she could glean no indication from either of them. she was pretty certain that this would be one of the others Carrie kept alluding to, so she stood at the edge of the barrier and called out. "It's open. Come on in." <br><br>She still wanted to be ready for anything.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>18-08-2011, 06:12:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>Alan was only mildly shocked by the placement of the skull, he rather bemusedly examined it before Nadia swept it into the box with the rest of the remains. He was glad that Carrie was able to sleep, and even more glad of the prospect of having someone to discuss the situation with. He began speaking "You know. . ." sadly, he didn't get the chance to continue as a knock came at the door. He saw Nadia go for the door, and he glanced behind him to see if Carrie stirred, however he must have done so at the same time as Nadia, for their eyes did not meet to 'discuss' options. Alan instead watched her stand at the door. <br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"It's open. Come on in." </blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>He reached into his bag and palmed the scalpel as he stood. He kept the tool hidden from view, his hand still inside the messenger bag. Regardless of the result, he pondered, this would be informative. It was either a fresh face to add their experiences, or he would get to see if Carrie's chalk doodles actually did anything. He also considered briefly that it was invited in, which was never good in the case of folk stories. <em>At least they had the courtesy to knock.</em> he thought. <br><br><br>&nbsp;<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kytn</strong> on <strong>18-08-2011, 10:29:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>Even before the knock on the door, the feline's attention had shifted towards what - or rather, who - approached. Her dark eyes remained fixated, ears attentively flicked forward as she jumped down from the couch, back arching and her tail starting to take on a fluffier, puffier quality. A low hiss resounded, affirming that the cat did not like whatever she heard on the outside.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>18-08-2011, 11:38:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>SJ Sunset</strong><br>Sarah Jane paused for a moment and swallowed, the invitation was …well inviting, especially after what she had seen tonight. Though after another deep breath and keeping the huge Irish wolf hound close she opened the door and walked in. half her face was in shadow under her hood. And though rather ragged looking and a little dirty she was attractive.<br><br>The cat got a curl of her lip and she kept back Horlicks just in case this was someone’s pet. Her eyes passed over the room they appeared somewhat feral as she tried to hide her fear.<br><br>“So wot ve fack is vis ven? Anavver den of fackin’ weirdo’s.” Her accent was strong likely from London. Sarah Jane wondered whether to just do another runner right now to save time the night was becoming like some bad Horror film….<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>18-08-2011, 12:30:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>Carrie looked over as the new girl came in.&nbsp; Her eyes briefly drifted over towards the others with a degree of nervousness to which she didn't seem to yet be accustomed.&nbsp; The way that her eyes seemed to scrunch up, her headaches only seemed to be getting worse for her, making it hard to think, to concentrate, to figure things out on her own.<br><br>At first she took a step back, but at the strangeness and difficult-to-understand nature of the girl's speech, Carrie looked a little suspicious.&nbsp; She instead moved forward, lifting up the sleeve of her faded purple shirt.<br><br><div class="floatright">(http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/4084/protectedk.jpg)</div><br>Although it had been done in sharpie, the symbol hidden on the outside of her arm had already started to fade, as if time and showering had done its own.&nbsp; Just as the outside symbol had been intuitively clear as a safe haven, the meaning of Protected stemmed forth from the series of circles, dots and lines.<br><br>"I don't mean to be weird."&nbsp; The sentence seemed to hurt her in a way she couldn't quite defend against.&nbsp; "I'm sorry.&nbsp; Do you know what this means?"&nbsp; The transition between the thoughts happened without segue, as if the girl was so used to be distracted and pestered that she no longer seemed to think in any conventional linear pattern.&nbsp; "My dad wanted me to get it as a tattoo, but now that he..."&nbsp; As her eyes began to wander, her words drifted away, awaiting an answer of some sort.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>18-08-2011, 17:56:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>SJ considers her options.</strong><br><br>“Wot a weirdo not wantin’ ta be weird …fackin’ ‘ell girly…and yes I..” Sarah Jane looked at the markings on her arm, wrinkling her nose a little and tilting her head. Her dark eyes peered at it, and it was almost as if just like the sign on the wall made sense. “Corse I bladdy know wot it means do I look like a bleedin’ idiot.”<br><br>She eyed the cat again, and shook her head, <em>bloody vermin </em>. “Listen I can fack off right naw, vers a bed wif my name on it and well vey don’t keep em forever. So fancy tellin’ me ve deal, or am I going ta be scarified ta sam piss ant god vats got in yer heads.”<br><br>Horlicks started to feel the tension from Sarah Jane and drew closer curling her lip too.<br><br>“I ‘ave ‘ad enough shite tonight, don’t make it worse…”<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>19-08-2011, 02:58:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong><em>Nadia Simone - Sunset</em></strong><br><br>At the very least, by knowing the newcomer recognized Carrie's symbol, Nadia understood that she could let her guard down a bit. Still it took concentration to comprehend the words spoken through the thick accent. What she knew for sure was that this punk of a girl had had her own share of strange experiences today. Nadia relaxed her stance and grinned despite herself, willing to accept this girl's rudeness as a defensive measure. "I'm sorry, but with that accent of yours you're only slightly more coherent than Carrie." <br><br>Then as an afterthought she thought maybe introductions were in order. "Right... Um. Carrie's the teenager over there. Alan's the guy with the notebook. I'm Nadia. If your day has been anything like mine, then it's been a strange day for all of us." Nadia was a little disappointed to have to introduce herself, but she accepted that she wasn't that famous.. yet. She thought about asking the girl if she'd heard of Manual Automatic, but now was not the time. <br><br>Nadia racked her brain for some measure of hospitality to offer to the scared newcomer and asked Carrie. "You have any coffee or tea in this place?" The question was submitted, but only the heavens knew when she'd get a rational response.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>19-08-2011, 03:23:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>Alan dropped the scalpel into his bag as soon as he saw Nadia lower her guard.&nbsp; He slumped back down into the booth. At mention of his name, he waved his hand.&nbsp; At the mention of coffee or tea, he stated:&nbsp; "I'll sure take anything we've got in this place, but I'm still looking for the alcohol."&nbsp; At that, he hastily picked himself back up again. <br><br>"That's it. I'm taking stock." Alan flipped to a new page in his notebook, and began surveying the place, mostly to see the available space, amenities, and supplies. <br><br>"Welcome to the club. We're playing a round of 'Shittiest Day.' care to throw in, while I actually figure out what we've got to work with around here? My story is short. My finest model turned into a walking corpse and tried to kill me. Now, she's nothing but ashes and dust. " He shrugged. <br><br>"Oh well."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>19-08-2011, 03:44:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>"...I can't do three."&nbsp; She looked back apologetically to Nadia and Alan.&nbsp; "One is okay.&nbsp; Two is hard and I miss stuff but I'm mostly alright, I think.&nbsp; Not three, though, and certainly not four or five.&nbsp; I'm sorry."&nbsp; She moved back over towards the bed where she had been laying before, collapsing down towards it and not quite making the distance.&nbsp; A strong bang could be heard as her knee hit the bed, along with a whimper before she stopped moving.<br><br>The various bottles of the club could be found, but most of the alcohol seemed to be gone, replaced with water that was kept around in case of an emergency.&nbsp; There didn't seem to be any food, although a number of pizza and chinese delivery menus could be found with a little searching.&nbsp; Weapons included a set of knives, golf clubs, and wooden spears painstakingly carved out of long beams.&nbsp; Although it lacked its own wireless internet connection, the coffee shop a few buildings down provided a low level access.&nbsp; There was also lots of cheap chalk which was no doubt how Carrie stayed supplied.<br><br>Perhaps the corners had a few other minor things, but it seemed that if the hunters wanted any strong degree of equipment, it would have to be provided by themselves.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>20-08-2011, 01:44:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>Sarah Jane was watching the others carefully; she did not trust them in the slightest, it was no insult to them or even anything than her survival mode. As it was even if the night had not been so …well terrifying it was likely the girl would have been suspicious and more than a little nervous meeting up with people she did not know. Even more so as Horlicks at present did not seem overly keen on being here, though that could be due to that hissing cat.<br><br>Still nan had instilled manners into her often with a clip round the ear. “Ve name’s Sarah Jane, and vis is ‘Orlicks she aint a bad ‘un.” Patting the dog on the head as she continued speaking. “All I know is there was some creepy fack in ve park went al stratchy fackin weird bad on me. Tellin’ me it would not ‘urt fer lon or samfin’ so I ran like shite off a blaady shavel.”<br><br>There was a pause as Sarah Jane continued to take in the others, she was backing towards the door, she had heard about cults and how they took people like her in … “ok I fink I made a mistake, yah know ate a bad burger or samfing?”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>20-08-2011, 03:14:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>Nadia wasn't quite sure what Carrie meant by her rant, but winced when she heard her knee hit the bed frame. "It's alright." She told her, but was rather certain she was already asleep. She walked over with the intention of gently lifting her legs the rest of the way onto the bed. She felt like she should tuck her into bed properly, unsure if she was even conscious anymore. <br><br>The tension in the air was still rather thick. Nadia spoke soothingly to the distressed cat, hoping in some way to calm her "It's OK, kitty, I think they're alright. But if you keep trying to pick a fight with that doggy, you're gonna lose."<br><br>Last, she regarded Sarah Jane again. "If you want tangible proof that something's going on, I've got a box of bones for that. It's good to know that so far I'm the only one who's seen innocent people die today, so there's that." She walked over to the cardboard box and peered inside as if to remind herself as well that it had really happened.<br><br>"Anyway, Sarah, was it? Can I call you Sarah? No matter. I'm going to. I'm kinda getting the feeling we've come together for a reason. Whatever is happening, we're the ones that are noticing it. And we're the ones that need to deal with it." The moment of revelation came to her as she spoke the words and a serene calm washed over her as Carrie's earlier words began to knit together in her mind. <br><br>She had one final thing to say as she held up the handful of menus they had discovered. "From the sound of it, you haven't had a proper meal in a while. What do you say I order you something?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>20-08-2011, 03:34:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Mary Nash's Van, One Week Ago</strong><br><br>So far it had been a rather quiet night.&nbsp; Quiet nights were peaceful and enjoyable in their own way, and it always meant that not too many people were getting hurt, but it also meant that she wasn't getting paid.<br><br>Vaccines were good for six months, maybe a year tops, but if they didn't get sold, they would go bad.&nbsp; Many medical supplies had some sort of expiration date.&nbsp; As many of the costs of medical care skyrocketed, a street doc was all that many people could afford, but even then, many people felt that the best they could do was to simply heal and rest without modern medicine's aid.&nbsp; Such people only came to a doctor when things were so terrible that they would need months or years when they would have only needed weeks.<br><br>Eventually, though, her phone did ring.&nbsp; If she answered it, the voice on the other end, in pain and exhausted.&nbsp; "This is the street doc, right?&nbsp; No questions asked?"&nbsp; He sounded barely conscious, voice trembling from exquisite pain.&nbsp; "My name's Bill.&nbsp; If you could come on down to the alleyway next to the Cafe Georgio's on Fourth Street-"&nbsp; A sudden, painful hack cut off his words.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>20-08-2011, 04:03:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mary was in a parking lot finishing off a meal of Taco Hell's best when her phone buzzed.&nbsp; Actually, she loved Taco Bell, but one of the guys she had served in with in Iraq had called it Taco Hell, and the name stuck in her head for keeps.<br><br>She flipped the cheapie tracfone on and listened attentively&nbsp; "No questions, cash up front."&nbsp; She was already starting the engine and starting to roll out. "Cafe Georgio's, I know it.&nbsp; Ten minutes, keep still and calm. What happened?"&nbsp; A hacking cough, flu?&nbsp; Tuberculosis?&nbsp; Lovely, just lovely, but she was very careful to keep her own Vaccinations up to date.&nbsp; Her van was a nondescript white Chevy Astro not so new, not too dirty blended in just fine.&nbsp; She didn't, not always, a tallish dirty-blond white woman was noticeable in many of the neighborhoods she found patients at but she was generally left alone.&nbsp; She was needed...and she had already shown that she wasn't afraid to fight.<br><br>She wasn't stupid either.&nbsp; Her van did hold things that were a junkie's dream after all so she kept her eyes open as she pulled into the alleyway and checked the .380 she kept at the small of her back.<br><br>(http://images02.olx.com/ui/1/19/46/3481346_2.jpg)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>20-08-2011, 04:04:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>As Nadia came over closer, it became apparent both that Carrie's bed didn't have any blankets and that Carrie wasn't really unconscious.&nbsp; Although in pain, she still seemed to be rather cognizant and seemed to just be trying to focus away the agony, using something akin to meditation that didn't really work very well.&nbsp; However, Carrie didn't resist any attempts to help her get more comfortable, and Carrie didn't display any signs of serious injury.<br><br>"Some noodles would be good if you get Chinese," she said gently.&nbsp; After a bit of time of attempting to blank out the torment, she fished around on the far side of the bed, producing a pill bottle which she opened and tried to pour into her mouth.&nbsp; It was empty, however, and she sighed, throwing the unmarked bottle across the room in frustration.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>20-08-2011, 04:18:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>Alan regarded Sarah Jane. As he spoke, he was continually making scribbles in his notebook. "This girl speaks the truth. This is some sort of gathering place that's designated for ones such as us. Why we have the ability to see these things is beyond me, but there it is. I can tell you more about it, if you'd like; at least what I have figured out so far.<br>"Since our resident storyteller has oh so recently and temporarily left this plane for another, I suppose I shall take the reins on that. Tell Nadia here what you want on a pizza, have a seat, and let's chat. I can't promise you will be any less confused, but I can promise the 'sign' on the door tells the truth, at least as far as I have decided to invest myself in it. It is a safe haven." He paused a moment of reflection. Then he decided to take another walk around to note all possible portals to the outside.&nbsp; As he turned his back to the others, he spoke once more. <br><br>"I do, however, have one very important question. You said you ran from someone in the park. Is it possible that you have lead them here?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>20-08-2011, 04:29:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Outside Cafe Georgio's, One Week Previous</strong><br><br>Since the cafe was closed, the parking lot was nearly empty except for a single car, a midnight blue sedan which bore a number of bumps and dents.&nbsp; Vehicles were capable of withstanding a decent amount of abuse, but like humans, they always bore scars to mark the terrible occasions.<br><br>The scene in the alley was an absolute mess.&nbsp; A portable electric lantern sat upon a trash can to illuminate the grisly scene, where a number of bodies were situated.&nbsp; One was nothing less than a corpse, dead for months and bearing the fetid stench of rotted flesh.&nbsp; From the looks of things, it had been put through the agony of gunfire, baseball bats and even axes.&nbsp; In the end, its head had been cleanly severed from the rest of the body.&nbsp; <br><br>Two others were nothing but charred black skeletons, covered in soot and ash as if burned to death by horrific flames.&nbsp; It looked as though they had been bathed in chemical fires, or something else so powerful that modern science would have had to go well out of its way to even try to replicate the effects.<br><br>The other men were dressed in biker gear.&nbsp; The man with the axe laying by his side also had his phone on his lap, splayed out with various black scars that looked to have been caused by fires, but nothing short of molten metal could have made such terrible burns across his chest, arm and thighs.&nbsp; All three of them had similar wounds, although one of the three had already had an arm and both legs burned clean off.&nbsp; A charred set of bones lay next to his huddled form, and he was clearly in shock, quivering and trying to hold on.&nbsp; Such a person might be able to be saved in a hospital room, but definitely not in an alley by a single doctor.<br><br><div class="floatright">(http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/1691/ripvw.jpg)</div><br>The man in biker gear who still had both arms and wasn't wielding the axe and phone had a can of spraypaint, and was solemnly marking the wall of the alley with a strange symbol.&nbsp; It seemed to be almost a ritualistic type of behavior, and he seemed not to want to be disturbed.<br><br>"I got about $200," the man with the phone said, whose voice matched the one she'd heard upon the phone.&nbsp; "Whatever you can do for that, I'll be happy to accept.&nbsp; If that's not enough, just deal with the others and don't worry about me."&nbsp; The hack he gave afterwards was either from the terrible smoke he'd inhaled, indicative of damage to his lungs, or both.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>20-08-2011, 04:58:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				&nbsp;<strong>Outside Cafe Georgio's, One week previous </strong><br><br>Nash kept her face utterly blank as she slipped out of the van and took in the bizarre display in the alley. <em>What the hell happened here?</em>&nbsp; "$200 is fine."&nbsp; She said tersely as she yanked her carryall off the passenger seat and set to work on the amputee.&nbsp; She already knew it was a waste of time, though.&nbsp; She caught the graffitti artists' eye and shook her head as she drew morphine from an ampule into a syringe and gave the dying man a hefty dose.&nbsp; She spoke to him softly, soothingly as the painkiller kicked in.<br><br>As he faded into unconsciousness she said quietly "He isn't going to make it," and moved to the other relatively less burned man.&nbsp; "You probably will."&nbsp; She told him as she drew another, smaller dose of morphine into a fresh syringe and shot him up.&nbsp; The poor light didn't seem to bother her, she efficiently cut away his clothes from the burns and began carefully picking away blackened flesh .&nbsp; She paused and shook her head then darted to the back of her van and yanked open the cargo door.&nbsp; A quick rummage and she came back with a small jar of burn cream.&nbsp; "Silvadene.&nbsp; Good stuff for burns, has some antibiotic properties.&nbsp; A little goes a long way but&nbsp; these burns, don't be shy about using it.&nbsp; She slathered the cream on the burns and started binding them up.<br><br>"He can't ride a motorbike, and shouldn't even&nbsp; sit, really.&nbsp; We can load them&nbsp; in my van and I'll take them wherever you need to go." She was putting together a sack of gauze pads, surgical tape and antibiotics as she talked.&nbsp; She took another look around the alley.&nbsp; Bizarre, not even car bombs caused iinjury like this.&nbsp; They atomized people, tore them apart, but these wounds....weird, just weird.&nbsp; "Your turn, buddy.&nbsp; Unless you want to wait till we get where you want to go&nbsp; You shouldn't drive, though.&nbsp; Get in the van with the other two."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>20-08-2011, 05:13:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong> Outside Cafe Georgio's, One week previous </strong><br><br>The heavily crippled man went quite still, and once injected with the morphine, he relaxed and went reasonably still.&nbsp; He knew that he was going to die, but he accepted some comfort of not having to suffer out the amount of time it would take for his system to finally give out.&nbsp; The peaceful dreams were welcomed, and he seemed to have no regrets.<br><br>The man with the spraypaint stayed still, accepting her treatment gratefully, but he wasn't so badly hurt that he couldn't walk on his own once the drugs took away his agony.&nbsp; "Thanks, ma'am," he said, showing the can.&nbsp; "May I mark your van?&nbsp; It's a sort of code that we have, so people know-"<br><br>Bill's glare cut the spraypainter off, and he gladly gave Mary over the money, mostly in $5s and&nbsp; $10s of old and wrinkled bills.&nbsp; "Probably not a good idea to drive, then, but I'll gladly accept treatment if we've got enough for it.&nbsp; After that, if you can drop us over at Sunset, it's an abandoned club where we hang out at, I would greatly appreciate it."&nbsp; The axe at the ground next to him stank horribly of the corpse's decayed flesh and guts.&nbsp; "Just help Theo get Red into the van; there's one more thing I have to do before we go."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>20-08-2011, 14:44:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<br><br><strong>Outside Cafe Georgio's, one week previously.</strong><br><br>"Mark my van?"&nbsp; Mary looked at him carefully, she wasn't really getting a Gang vibe and the way the other guy had silenced him with a look... "I'd rather you not.&nbsp; I stay out of jail by blending in.&nbsp; White vans are everywhere, white vans with, hmm, with graffiti are everywhere too." <br><br>&nbsp;She shrugs and turns to the axeman.&nbsp; "You paid, I treat you.&nbsp; I don't do things half way."&nbsp; Something was bothering her about the burns on the men.&nbsp; It looked almost like- no, that was goofy.&nbsp; But it looked like literal ropes of fame had tried to bind them, in places.&nbsp; And the decayed corpse.&nbsp; Mary kept her attention focused on her work as she patched up the axeman but the flesh on the axe was rotting.&nbsp; The corpse was rotting.&nbsp; Why chop up a long dead body?&nbsp; She had seen enough carnage to be a good judge of how old a corpse was and this one gave her very weird signals.&nbsp; Dead a long time, but if it had been dead as long as she suspected, the flesh should be dessicated.&nbsp; <em>Very, very strange</em>, she mused.<br><br>"C'mon Theo,"&nbsp; she said with a slight smile "Give me a hand with Red, and I will forget your names the second you're out of my sight."&nbsp; There was a light stretcher in the van, Mary strapped Red onto it loosely and pointed to a cushion for Theo and handed him a bottle of water as she shut the cargo door and settled into the driver's seat.&nbsp; She pointedly didn't look at what the axeman was doing.&nbsp; What she didn't know, she couldn't talk about.<br><br>(http://www.3dshop.org.uk/images/pic.jpg)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>20-08-2011, 15:09:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Outside Cafe Georgio's, one week previously</strong><br><br>Theo gave the guy with the axe a look, "Come on, Bill...I got a strong vibe for this."&nbsp; But he doesn't argue, and he ends up putting the can away when the stretcher came out.<br><br>The lines of the burns gave the first impression of ropes, and in a few places, there were definite curves to lend credence to that theory.&nbsp; The more work she was able to do upon the wounds, however, the less likely that such methods became.&nbsp; It seemed almost like some sort of whip, which was either made of pure fire or soaked in some violently flammable chemical and ignited.&nbsp; All of it seemed to be the same type of weapon, but if it wasn't a sword or whip, what could it be?<br><br>Although the men clearly knew, they didn't want to talk about it.&nbsp; Red was off in dreamland from the morphine and his terrible wounds, and Theo just looked deeply thoughtful, trying to figure things out.&nbsp; As they got Red into the van, Bill, the man with the axe, grabbed some chemicals from the trunk of the sedan.&nbsp; Even if Mary didn't look, the strong smells of ammonia and gasoline were near impossible to miss.<br><br>"They're getting stronger," Red said suddenly without warning, looking in Theo's general direction.&nbsp; Theo reached down and grabbed his only hand, deep concern splashing over his face.&nbsp; "Normal people just can't deal at all.&nbsp; They just go up.&nbsp; What if they find a way to amplify their power so that they can do that to us as well?"<br><br>"Just relax, man," Theo said to him, his voice gently quivering.&nbsp; "We got this one.&nbsp; They're getting stronger, but so are we.&nbsp; I'll find a way to fix you up, good as new.&nbsp; I promise."&nbsp; Red smiled but held no belief, and his eyes closed.&nbsp; Once they had Red in the van, Theo climbed in as well, keeping their hands entwined as his eyes started to moisten with tears.<br><br>A sudden whoosh came up from the alley, crackling flames and harsh smoke as Bill limped his way out.&nbsp; He left the axe and canisters behind, moving over towards the passenger seat of the van.&nbsp; "Let's get going."<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>20-08-2011, 17:01:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>SJ at the Sunset</strong><br>Sarah Jane still looked nervous for all her bravado it was still a thin veneer. “Fackin’ bones, because yeah I really want to ‘ave a look at vem don’t&nbsp; I jast to make ve day even better. Fack me…” The girl ground her teeth a little and swallowed yet again trying not to show anything. <br><br>However the offer of food was the only thing that kept this young woman here, well her and the dog. “Look ve last shite I ate made me see fings…well at leat I fink it did…” Seriously the girl wanted food and indeed she was almost always hungry, but no one gave anything for nothing. “I am ‘ungry…” she admitted , “But I aint no bastard Charity case, me and ‘Orlicks make do…”<br><br>She turned to the man still close to the exit, a few years on the street had taught her that one. “Don’t fink I was followed, funny…it…he…couldn’t see me so vats why I ran.”&nbsp; By now her back was against the door it was only the thought of pizza that kept Sarah Jane there. “Its Sarah Jane,” the girl said again, but giving more than they knew or could even understand she said “Not Sarah …SJ….and stick wotever on ve pizza, but watch ve chillies we like em bat it gives ‘Orlicks ve farts and worse. I dont 'ave noffin' yeah know money...and I dont do 'extra's."&nbsp; Thus far SJ had managed not to sell herself for food and was not about to start that spiral to death...<br><br>“So ..” another swallow and still staying close to the huge dog “Wot ve fack did I see…wot was it? Cos i aint goin' inta sam fackin' loony bin...” All SJ knew was that she had the exit at her back....and she was hungry.<br><br><br><em>this is not a dream</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kytn</strong> on <strong>20-08-2011, 17:27:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>The cat gave Nadia a look that seemed to suggest the power to peel paint before sitting back on her haunches and taking a bath, ears twitching forward to keep an eye on the dog. After a moment, she moved slowly and deliberately over to the other side of the room, her tail slowly returning to it's normal size and shape. Selecting a new perch, the feline jumped up and resumed the position of paws tucked beneath her body. Her eyes remained fixed on dog, however, tail swishing testily to and fro.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>20-08-2011, 17:54:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>In transit between Cafe Georgio and the Sunset Club</strong><br><br>Mary silently handed Bill a bottle of water and&nbsp; started the van.&nbsp; She stayed quiet as she pulled out into the street and headed for the old club at just a hair over the speed limit.&nbsp; Her face was a bit drawn and not just from Red's imminent death.&nbsp; Those burns, something was nagging at eher about those.&nbsp; She had a distinct feeling she had seen something like that before.&nbsp; A half-memory associated with a ruin-topped mound in Iraq's western desert...&nbsp; She shut that line of thought down fast.<br><br>The drive didn't take all that long.&nbsp; She kept her eyes peeled, all seemed clear.&nbsp; "No police, no gang-bangers.&nbsp; And no junkies waiting for dealers."&nbsp; She cut her eyes to Bill.&nbsp; "What's up with tha- not my business."&nbsp; She shut off the engine and slipped to the back of the van, opening the rear doors.&nbsp; As she and Theo slid Red's stretcher out of the van she studied the dying man intently. <em>I wonder if I've seen what stronger could mean.&nbsp; Now where the hell did that idea come from?</em>&nbsp; She shut that thought down fast as well. She had been telling herself for almost two years now that she worked nights because that was when she was needed.&nbsp; <br><br>The fact that she couldn't sleep at night just made that easier.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>20-08-2011, 18:11:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<br><br><strong>Arriving at Sunset, One week previous</strong><br><br>"I could tell you," Bill said solemnly, "but I doubt you really want to know.&nbsp; I can tell because I don't want to know."&nbsp; He seemed to consider it a kindness not to say.&nbsp; "By the way, can you get medication to knock someone out for a short time?&nbsp; My daughter has these tremendous headaches sometimes, and they're only getting worse."&nbsp; He started to fish around in his pockets.&nbsp; "I'm not sure what I can give you for them, but if you find something, I'll try to make some sort of deal.&nbsp; Otherwise, if you don't have any right now, you can always drop by."<br><br><div class="floatright">(http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/3757/safehaveny.jpg)</div>The club was clearly abandoned, with all the windows boarded up and another of those strange symbols spraypainted upon the side of the building.&nbsp; It probably had some sort of meaning, but one could only imagine simply by looking at the set of lines and dots.&nbsp; It was certainly clear that they had no legal rights to the place.<br><br>The strangest part, however, came when Red was slid out from the van.&nbsp; Theo released his arm, and Red certainly looked beat up, but he had two working arms and legs.&nbsp; The limbs which he hadn't possessed just fifteen minutes ago looked stiff, weak and sore, strangely perfect and devoid of scars as if he had simply grown them back.&nbsp; Theo just couldn't stop grinning.<br><br>When Bill got out and took a look, he raised an eyebrow.&nbsp; Theo just shrugged, his grin plastered thickly enough to show his molars, and Bill shrugged as well, looking back to Mary.&nbsp; "Guess he wasn't as bad as it looked before."&nbsp; Red still looked horrendous, but the black of the charred wounds showed a strong amount of blue from simple bruises as well.&nbsp; "Let's just get him inside."<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>20-08-2011, 18:52:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset, One week previous</strong><br><br>Mary grinned slightly at the answer to her half-question.&nbsp; "Be that way, then."&nbsp; She arched a brow at the mention of headaches.&nbsp; "Occasional, with blurred vision?&nbsp; Light sensitivity, sees colored auras around light sources?&nbsp; Sounds like migraines."&nbsp; She tapped her fingers on the steering wheel a moment then pulled a couple of pills in individual foil-wraps out of her carryall.&nbsp; "Frovatriptan.&nbsp; Good stuff, but causes dizziness.&nbsp; Here's two my treat, tell her to take one, then another in four hours if needed.&nbsp; Do not take more than two per day, no matter how painful it gets.&nbsp; If they work, get back to me and we'll work something out." She gave Bill a very wary glance.&nbsp; "If you want knockout drops, those are very dangerous.&nbsp; Too many variables, body weight, age, gender, all have an effect on the dosage.&nbsp; I don't sell them for use by others, people can get killed that way."&nbsp; <em>Or kidnapped</em>, she did not say out loud.<br><br>Just another abandoned building claimed by squatters was Nash's assessment of the place.&nbsp; Plenty of those around, she had considered going that route herself.&nbsp; Out of habit she kept one eye on her surroundings as she and Theo slid Red out of the van.<br><br>Something was different, she got that at once.&nbsp; The weight, Red was heavier than when he went into the van.&nbsp; It took her a second, the blankets she had thrown over the man, the poor light, her distraction by the new surroundings. "Jesus Fucking Christ!"&nbsp; She damn near dropped the stretcher as she stared at the impossible.&nbsp; She kept moving, though.&nbsp; A combat medic just kept working no matter what they saw around them.&nbsp; Even if it was an arm and a pair of legs that weren't there 20 minutes ago.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>20-08-2011, 19:51:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset, One week previous</strong><br><br>"I'll let her try them out," he said, accepting the pills.&nbsp; "I don't think they're going to work very well, though.&nbsp; She's..."&nbsp; He considered the words for a while, thinking of how to explain.&nbsp; "She...hears things.&nbsp; Voices, but dozens of them all at once, by what she's told me.&nbsp; Sometimes they get so bad that she just cries and cries, to the point where..."&nbsp; It was hard for him to explain, yet he still had to make the attempt, if only because being honest was probably the best way to get some help for her.&nbsp; "To the point where sometimes I just want to conk her on the head like in the movies so she's not suffering."<br><br><div class="floatright">(http://www.yourbars.com.au/static/media/x600/138103_131008_monastry_interior_1_copy.jpg)</div><br>Bill helped to carry the stretcher inside while Theo got the door.&nbsp; Inside the place was quite clean, taken care of and most importantly, brightly lit.&nbsp; A number of the lounges had been set with pillows, newspapers were carefully piled in certain areas.&nbsp; It was difficult to shake the feeling that this place was lived in, even now, although its current occupants knew how to take good care of a place.<br><br>Upon walking inside, a semicircle had been drawn upon the floor in chalk; although it didn't seem to hold any special significance in and of itself, it was impossible to enter inside without passing over the chalk.&nbsp; The insides of the various windows had likewise been marked with chalk in strange glyphs and designs that didn't seem to have any more meaning than the markings outside.<br><br>A teenage girl lay upon a bed without sheets, gripping her head and moaning as if the pain had only just returned with a vengeance the moment that they had walked inside.&nbsp; As soon as they had Red safely down upon one of the couches, Bill moved over to the girl, getting her a pair of the pills.&nbsp; "Hey, Carrie.&nbsp; Let's try this."&nbsp; She downed the pills with rapid ease, practiced by someone who had dealt with so much medication in her life that she didn't even need a glass of water anymore.&nbsp; Whether it would help would take time to learn, but Bill was fretting something terribly, helpless to aid his daughter's suffering and hating himself for it.<br><br>He moved off behind the bar, searching around a bit before producing an ivory statuette.&nbsp; It had an old, aged look, slightly chipped but depicting a young woman with outstretched arms.&nbsp; "I really need knockout drops for her if you can get them," he said.&nbsp; "I don't know if you can trade this, if you just need me to get more money, or what-"<br><br>Without warning, the girl suddenly sat up, summoning Bill's attention.&nbsp; Red was still doped up and worn out, but he glanced over as well.&nbsp; "The full moon will bring the first cataclysm," she said, her voice pained and hoarse.&nbsp; Her eyes stared widely but without really seeing anything that was going on.&nbsp; She almost seemed to be possessed.&nbsp; "The fall of three will give rise to seven.&nbsp; The first pinnacle of black fire will be found where the rays of heated man-flesh roast next to the blurry haze of sentient face-boxes."&nbsp; With that, she suddenly collapsed, though her strange outburst didn't appear to have stopped her pain in any significant manner.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>20-08-2011, 21:15:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Nadia - Sunset, Present</strong><br><br>"Alright Sarah <em>Jane</em>." Nadia held out the stack of menus to her. "Pick one of these, and I'll call it in. My treat. No strings attached, if you want to eat and leave, you can, but I think you'll find we should stick together. Safety in numbers and all that jazz." She still had trouble understanding SJ through her accent, but figured that kindness didn't need translation. "And one more thing. Whatever happened today was real. If you're going to the "looney bin" as you put it, we all are... <br><br>While she was waiting for SJ to pick the food, Nadia went over to Alan and shoved the box of bones with her feet. "What do you think about these? I don't know but you seem to know a bit more about this whole deal than I do at the moment. Maybe if you take a closer look you'll notice something I didn't. I'd like to get rid of them, but do ya think they might be toxic?"<br><br>She waited patiently for a response from either of them. <br><br><br><br>&nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>20-08-2011, 21:30:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset, One week previous</strong><br><br>Mary got Red settled on the couch and began examining him again with the blank faced contration of a self-disciplined woman who was frightened half out of her mind.&nbsp; <em>New legs, a new arm. </em> She shied away from that and began cleaning his cuts and abrasions, probing his bruises with knowing fingertips for broken bones or internal injuries.&nbsp; All of which were small beer indeed compared to the- no no, don't even think about it.&nbsp; "Well Red,"&nbsp; She said finally with a brittle but even tone, "You're pretty roughed up and I'd say two days of bed rest is in order, minimum. "<br><br>She accepted the figurine with a nod and a cursrory glance.&nbsp; She had taken stranger things as payment in the past.&nbsp; There was something about it, though.&nbsp; After a moment's thought she stuck it in a more secure inner pouch of her carryall.<br><br>Carrie's obvious pain was next on the list after tending to her father. You sit down, bill.&nbsp; You've been through a lot and the morphine will hit you like a hammer in a bit."&nbsp; the outburst was apparently meaningless but strangely coherent, not at all like a schizophrenic's word-salad.&nbsp; After a briedf exam the street doc sighed "Blood pressure normal, some light sensitivity, but if they are migraines the headaches could be just a symptom, not the prime cause.&nbsp; Foofies."&nbsp; She said that last word with some reluctance.&nbsp; "I have rohypnol, I use it for sedation during surgery.&nbsp; It is quite safe to use if you follow directions.&nbsp; She pulled a small bottle plugged with an eyedropper out of her bag and wrote dosage instructions on a peel off label which she stuck on the bottle.&nbsp; "Dont overdo it unless you check with me first."<br><br>With that she stood and moved so that her back was against a wall.&nbsp; Her carryall was over her left shoulder, the back of her right hand rested on her right hip.&nbsp; Her fingertips were less than a palms' length from the .380 at the small of her back.&nbsp; &nbsp;"Now for the big question."&nbsp; For the first time since they entered&nbsp; the club she looked the three of them in the eye, "If Red had a spare arm and a pair of legs tucked up in his gut, what did you need me for?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>20-08-2011, 21:46:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset, One week previous</strong><br><br>So far, Bill seemed to be ignoring or withstanding the effects of the morphine.&nbsp; Perhaps he had a sort of tolerance, or perhaps he was simply superlatively focused.&nbsp; However, as expected, once he let himself really sit down and relax, the effects started hitting him pretty hard.&nbsp; He accepted the bottle gratefully.&nbsp; "Ideally, it'd help if we can get her something in pill form, but if not, this will do great.&nbsp; Thank you."<br><br>As Red started drifting off into dreams, Theo finally came back in, having caught most if not all of Carrie's random words and looking sympathetic.&nbsp; Theo looked to Bill, who sighed and shrugged with a lackluster of any true emotion thanks to the morphine.&nbsp; "Alright," Theo said.&nbsp; "I just sort of...prayed for it.&nbsp; That's been happening lately, we need something and it just occurs."&nbsp; He gestured to the teenager on the bed.&nbsp; "Carrie's got visions, in a similar way.&nbsp; It's really rough because the more there are of people like us around, the worse she seems to get, until she starts spouting prophecies.&nbsp; One time, she tried chloroforming herself, and..."&nbsp; Theo went very quiet as Bill looked down to the ground.<br><br>"The money's yours," Bill said placidly.&nbsp; "So is the statue."&nbsp; Reading through the instructions, he gave Carrie's forehead a soft rub of reassurance, giving her a few drops to help her rest before returning the stopper.&nbsp; "If you don't want any nightmares for the rest of your life, though, I suggest not asking any further."&nbsp; When Carrie went slack, Bill took her hand, looking down to her with concern.&nbsp; He was starting to have trouble talking; the adrenaline of the concern for his daughter was fading now that he could and did do something to make her pain stop.<br><br>"I marked your van," Theo told her.&nbsp; "It says 'Healer,' so that if people have trouble later on, they know that it's safe to talk to you with things.&nbsp; Hopefully we'll be here to explain that, but, well, you never know.&nbsp; Before you, we tried hiring someone else who ended up flipping out, and Jackie died as a result."&nbsp; He tried to gesture with his hands and explain.&nbsp; "They make this sort of...black fire.&nbsp; I don't really know how to explain it, but you saw what it can do."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>21-08-2011, 01:02:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<br><strong><br>Sunset, one week previous</strong><br><br>"The drops will work much faster than pills, but there are a couple of drugs she can try I'll scrounge some up for her."<br><br>Mary listened quietly to the men, then sighed and slipt down the wall to sit cross legged, her carryall on the floor beside her, both hands resting loosely in her lap.&nbsp; "Bill, I've got nightmares already.&nbsp; I haven't slept for more than thirty minutes at a stretch&nbsp; at night for two years."&nbsp; She leaned her head back against the wall and studied Theo with heavy-lidded eyes.&nbsp; "Things, Theo? Things like the miraculous regrowth of arms and legs?&nbsp; Things like a rotting corpse that weaves strands of black fire and had to be chopped to pieces today?"&nbsp; Deep in her mind a doorway to memory that had been nailed shut and bricked over two years ago was bursting asunder.<br><br>She leaned forward and rested her elbows on her knees with her head lowered. "Things that bust out of a granite chamber that's been sealed since the height of the Persian Empire?"&nbsp; Her head lifted to reveal an ashen face, trembling lips and empty, empty eyes.&nbsp; "It was dead when I got there.&nbsp; The bodies, I thought the limbs, the heads, I thought they had been&nbsp; pulled, but they were bitten, bitten off.&nbsp; There were shell casings everywhere.&nbsp; Piles, scattered, sometimes carpeting the floor.&nbsp; It didn't have that many wounds though.&nbsp; But it was covered in smeared lead.&nbsp; The rangers said the muzzle flashes bothered it more than the bullets did.&nbsp; They said it walked through gunfire like it was a gentle rain.&nbsp; When it got outside the fifty-cals and Mk 19s brought it down."<br><br>Her eyes were staring at something a thousand yards away now.&nbsp; "I went into the hallway, corridor, tunnel whatever the hell it was.&nbsp; The carvings, people were being fed to it,&nbsp; It was biting chunks out of them.&nbsp; They were biting chunks.&nbsp; I went into the chamber 'cause I thought maybe somebody had dodged past it.&nbsp; I found the remains of more of those things.&nbsp; They fought each other, ate each other until only one was left, I think.&nbsp; Then it just went into hibernation until something woke it up.&nbsp; From what we were able to piece together, the Insurgents were doing something.&nbsp; I think they wanted to , to bind it or something.&nbsp; Bell, book and candle, hell, I don't know."<br><br>She blinked and her eyes regained focus.&nbsp; "I'm not sayin' I can deal with "Things", but I know about them."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>21-08-2011, 01:27:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset, one week previous</strong><br><br>Bill nodded idly at her words, but his eyes were quickly glazing over.&nbsp; His position on the chair was leaning more and more heavily, until he was using his arm to keep himself reasonably upright.&nbsp; It wouldn't last for long, eventually the morphine would force him down and make him rest.&nbsp; Red was already asleep, and Carrie was out as well, not even dreaming which seemed to be her only respite.<br><br>"I only really know what I can get from her," Theo said, gesturing over towards Carrie, "and she makes as much sense as a Richard Kelly movie on the first viewing.&nbsp; A lot of the things I'm figuring out, but basically, there's some sort of evil thing that can bring the dead back to life.&nbsp; What I'm guessing is that there's some sort of balance between good and evil, where whenever evil steps up, good is allowed to choose champions as well, but that's just a guess."&nbsp; Although Theo was getting tired, his lack of serious wounds meant that he hadn't been given as much of a dose of morphine, so he was more enjoying a high than getting exhausted.<br><br>He considered for a while.&nbsp; "The thing you saw...I'm guessing it was covered in clay and dirt, bound together around the bones of whatever it used to be, and more shambled like an unnatural beast than moved like a knowledgeable human being?"&nbsp; He seemed to have some sort of recollection of a similar thing, although he had no idea if the two were even related.&nbsp; "I saw one of those once; we're still trying to figure that out.&nbsp; Most of them seem at least mostly human: sentient, able to talk and all."<br><br>He thought for a while, looking around.&nbsp; "Well, Carrie said something about something big in a week.&nbsp; If you're willing, and if we're still around then, maybe you can pop back and patch us up.&nbsp; I'm not sure how my new gimmick just worked, but I doubt it'll work every time, and I know I can't do much of anything for Carrie the way you can."&nbsp; It was more a request than a command, and by his glance to Bill when he said it, it was clear how much he knew it would mean to everyone.&nbsp; "If not, I understand.&nbsp; We're about out of funds and Bill only has the one family heirloom for you to pawn."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>21-08-2011, 02:06:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<br><br><strong>Sunset, one week previous</strong><br><br>Mary discovered with a jolt that she felt tons lighter.&nbsp; She was still going to have nightmares, that was certain, but, it would be better.&nbsp; She sighed almost happily and said. "It was dead when i saw it, and the special ops guys were twitchy about anybody getting close, so I can't say for sure, but It looked more like some sort of bipedal animal to me."&nbsp; She shrugged. "Different cultures, different legends, maybe something is stirring in the Gulf, too.&nbsp; That's a lovely thought."<br><br>She fished out the figurine and stared at it again.&nbsp; "No, not gonna sell this.&nbsp; Gonna hang onto it.&nbsp; Why?&nbsp; Beats me."&nbsp; She put it back in the carryall.&nbsp; "I'll be around."&nbsp; She stood up and went to Carrie, peeled back her eyelids one at a time and stared thoughtfully.&nbsp; "Her eyes aren't rolled back in her head.&nbsp; They're tracking, she's in REM sleep and that shouldn't be, not so soon after roofies."&nbsp; She stared into space for a long moment, then stated "I shot you up with morphine because that's the only thing that really helps the pain of such severe burns, but you are gonna crash and crash hard."&nbsp; Mary flicked her eyes over the markings at the doorway, around the windows.&nbsp; "But even before I gave it to you, you guys shouldn't even have been coherent after burns like that, you shoulda been in shock."&nbsp; Nash shook her head and scooped up her carryall.&nbsp; "I'll check on you tomorrow, maybe again in a few days.&nbsp; I'll be here next week for sure.&nbsp; Lock the door behind me."<br><br>Mary left the building and beelined for her van. As she started the engine and drove off it occurred to&nbsp; her&nbsp; that a .380 wouldn't be much good against something that was already dead.&nbsp; She still had the tomahawk her dad had been issued in Vietnam, he'd given it to her when she had first deployed to Iraq.&nbsp; <em>Time to dig the old butcher-blade out,</em> she decided.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>21-08-2011, 04:42:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Mary Nash - Sunset to Dream Sequence - Previously</strong><br><br>Theo simply nodded, gesturing to let her out.&nbsp; He and the others definitely seemed to be tougher than any normal human being, although whether that was attributed to their special abilities and knowledges or not remained to be seen.&nbsp; Theo looked apologetic that he couldn't answer her questions, wanting to put things together but simply not knowledgeable enough to help her.<br><br>The rest of the night was uneventful, but the dreams which accompanied her rest were anything but.&nbsp; The dreams were always the same: back in Iraq, caught deep between the lines, her orders only known by the strategic officers and relayed to her and the others.&nbsp; Yet the dreams were always different from her memories, even if they were so much more hazy and easy to forget upon waking up.&nbsp; Sometimes it was impossible to imagine whether the dreams were true and her own memories were false, or if the dreams were so terrible as a realization of her own fears.<br><br>In the dreams, she hadn't arrived late, she'd been directly on the line when the thing had burst free from the tomb.&nbsp; There had to have been at least a hundred other soldiers there, all with fully automatic firearms.&nbsp; The thing looked almost as though a dinosaur's bones had been stripped from the museum, fitted with all sorts of metal appendages to make it seem almost human, and then covered the entire thing in the finely-tailored suit of human skins.&nbsp; The skins still had faces, eyes which stared out and mouths which screamed in torment.&nbsp; "<strong>You must stop this</strong>" came the voices, powerful and ephemeral which called out to all those assembled, but only about a third managed to bring themselves to action.<br><br>In the dream, Mary was one of the ones who stood still, paralyzed in fear and horror.&nbsp; Others stepped in, emptying their weapons into the beast, lobbing grenades and doing anything they could to stop the monstrosity.&nbsp; At first, its response was merely to scream, black fire bursting forth from the gargantuan's head like a dragon, which burst upon those assembled.&nbsp; While the people who were standing paralyzed were immediately disintegrated to ash and blackened bones, the ones fighting were much slower to die, some keeping their weapons trained on the wretch even as their arms burned excruciatingly from their shoulders.<br><br>Stranger things happened as the fight went on, in painstaking detail, exactly the same as every other night.&nbsp; Here in the dream, it was easier to remember, even though it was horrifying.&nbsp; The human warriors displayed remarkable and superhuman talents, like bursting fire from the fingertips to throw at the beast, summoning forth barriers to block its teeth as it tried to chomp on more of the soldiers, or even causing near-invisible ripples in the air which seemed to somehow be hurting it worse than the bullets.&nbsp; So many died, yet they went on, performing their duty.&nbsp; For every one who stepped up to fight, though, nine were still frozen in horror.<br><br>It was always the same dream, even if it was so very hazy upon awakening.&nbsp; Eventually the creature dropped, and the humans who had stepped up to fight seemed to return to normal.&nbsp; The only difference to the dream was that it never lasted this long, never actually reached the creature's destruction.&nbsp; She should have woken up, been spared the torments even if only to shift to another dream with more fathomable nightmares and horrors.<br><br>Everything slowly went black, until the stars could be seen, shining brightly amidst the sky as if winking jewels displaying their affection.&nbsp; The moon didn't seem to show its light, and everything was dark and peaceful.&nbsp; This was not her dream, but neither was she tied to the same actions as if caught in a memory loop.&nbsp; A voice came from beside her, a presence more felt than seen in the darkness, "Such pain you've been through."&nbsp; The voice of a man, calm and polite but warm and friendly, as if wanting to relieve her of all her suffering.&nbsp; "People shouldn't have to go through all this.&nbsp; It's not fair."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>21-08-2011, 05:32:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset. Present Day</strong><br><br>Alan sighed relief at Sarah Jane's not being followed.&nbsp; He inhaled, sighed, and began speaking. "Well Sarah Jane, likely the thing that chased you was similar to the things that chased the two of us. Some sort of creatures are coming about and working to some purpose. We were threatened by them and we both managed to get away, but not before being called here, and so here we are. From what I've been able to glean from Carrie there were several others like us that came here before us that have died, but there are at least four of us here now, including you. Our ability to see the creatures is special, and it seems the average human cannot detect them. Again, how that's possible I don't know.&nbsp; I surmise that the creatures are primarily nocturnal in nature, as they have an aversion to light, I say aversion, but in my case the thing chasing me combusted when exposed. There are still many things that need to be figured out about these things, but one thing is certain. Since we alone can see them, we alone must stop them. We're willing to have the two of you along, if for nothing more than companionship. Let's face it, we can't tell this story to just anyone, now can we? I know this must be hard to accept, but if you think about it, you could also understand the marking on the door, could you not? How would you know, with no prior knowledge? Like or not, this is happening, what you choose to do now is up to you. We'll not keep you here against your will, but it seems to me the best course of action is to cooperate. " <br><br>At this, he turned to the box of bones and looked inside. " I really don't have much expertise in forensics or anything like that. I'm just an artist, but I'll take a look." He looked intently at the bones, tried to think of the surface material and the coloration, and the original structure of how a skeleton might fit together. He also tried to recall the details of his earlier encounter with Cassandra, and the way that she combusted when exposed to the light, in case that might be similar. "If it was immolation, there's no evidence of remaining meat, so the fire must have been insanely hot, especially if this much damage was done without the place burning down, which I assume was the case since you said no one noticed the carnage. From my previous experience, the victim, although it was the monster in my case, just combusted without making any exterior remnants besides a pile of ashes. I might presume that a similar thing happened here. This then seems to be the power of 'black fire.' If they are toxic I wouldn't think so, but I really don't know anything about that, and I think we just need to get rid of them somewhere. I can't really help you as far as what to do. The remnants of my encounter are still in the college. At least in my case I was lucky enough to have it reduced to ashes." He shrugged.<br><br>"Whatever you want to do with them I will help you, though." He then realized he was still wearing disposable gloves, and they hadn't experienced any wear that he had seen. "I have more of these. . ." he said, lifting up his hands in display. <br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>21-08-2011, 15:08:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Mary Nash dream sequence - previously</strong><br><br>It took a moment for the voice beside her to truly register.&nbsp; The desert.&nbsp; She was in the desert? No ruins on an unnatural hill, no maimed bodies, no penetrating reek from the carcass of whatever it was they had just killed.&nbsp; Or re-killed.&nbsp; She felt different, though.&nbsp; From many long nights she knew in her bones that another nightmare would start.&nbsp; But not this time.<br><br>She was kneeling, her normal working posture when saving lives in the field.&nbsp; &nbsp; She didn't turn her head, but she did take off her helmet and tilt her head up to the sky, not looking at any star in particular.&nbsp; She could feel the dream-weight of her armor, her M4 slung across her back.&nbsp; That was a good sign, in some nightmares she had been naked , not even her medical kit with her.&nbsp; Those had been bad ones, trying to keep life in broken bodies&nbsp; with bare hands alone.<br><br>"Fair?&nbsp; What has fairness got to do with it?&nbsp; And I can bear the pain.&nbsp; I have so far, anyway."<br><br>The dread was gone.&nbsp; No, not gone, but diminished, and what remained was being held back.&nbsp; The voice was comforting, paternal.&nbsp; "You sound like the priest or pastor everyone wishes their church had."&nbsp; She still didn't turn her head because if&nbsp; there was no one there, then there might not be anything to keep her dreams away.<br><br>Pain. She absently ran her hands along her thighs, felt a tear in her uniform on the front of her left thigh.&nbsp; Surprised she looked down and saw not the puckered scar of a healed bullet wound, but a raw slightly bleeding bullet hole.&nbsp; The AK round had practically kissed her femoral artery that day.&nbsp; The metal shards from the car bomb that her armor had just barely stopped, she could feel them lodged in the skin and muscle over her right lower ribs.&nbsp; Cuts, abrasions, bruises, the incidental small hurts of combat, she somehow knew they were all fresh on her dream-body.&nbsp; But no pain.<br><br>"I don't know what I'd do if I saw something like that in action.&nbsp; Or that corpse Bill, Theo and Red killed."&nbsp; She bowed her head.&nbsp; "I'm not a killer.&nbsp; I've shot at Insurgents, pretty sure I've hit a couple.&nbsp; I've been in fights stateside, messed one guy up pretty bad when he tried to jack my van."&nbsp; Her head moved slightly, not quite a turn towards the voice.&nbsp; "I was defending myself, or others.&nbsp; And what these, these hunters are up against isn't even mortal let alone human!"<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>21-08-2011, 15:39:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Mary Nash dream sequence - previously</strong><br><br>"It's not fair," the man said once more, sympathetic and deeply concerned for her pain.&nbsp; "Where I'm from, we don't have any of this, no death, no sorrow, no torment of broken bodies."&nbsp; Without looking, other than the voice, there was absolutely no sense of a person behind her.&nbsp; Yet it was impossible to shake the feeling of being watched.&nbsp; &nbsp;"There's only so much I can do, but I'm nothing like Balariel.&nbsp; I know how much he frightened you, and I'm sorry for that."<br><br>From up above, the stars seemed to be staring down, judging her and her companion.&nbsp; Ignoring them, he continued to talk.&nbsp; "I want to help you.&nbsp; I want to take that pain, that death away.&nbsp; I know you're scared, and I know that they don't like my plans."&nbsp; She felt, more than saw, the hand gesture up towards the sky towards the many watching stars.&nbsp; "But if you'll join me, you'll never grow old, never be frightened of the darkness, and finally understand what seems so incomprehensible."<br><br>He sounded so sad, like he only wanted to help, and didn't really understand why some people were so frightened.&nbsp; "All you have to do is take my hand."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>21-08-2011, 18:25:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Never grow old." Ice was forming along her spine.&nbsp; "You might have had me, you would have had me if not for that."&nbsp; Beretta at her hip, M4 across her back, knife in her boot sheath.&nbsp; She knew they would have done no good in the waking world against whatever presence was beside her, would they do any better in a dream?<br><br>&nbsp; "The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away."&nbsp; Dream-Sergeant Nash stood slowly and carefully.&nbsp; "That was from Psalms 90."&nbsp; She unslung her M4 with a practiced motion, but did not turn.&nbsp; "Or how about this one,"&nbsp; She clicked the safety off.&nbsp; "Threescore and ten I can remember well: Within the volume of which time I have seen hours dreadful and things strange; but this sore night hath trifled former knowings."&nbsp; She snugged the butt against her shoulder. "That's from Macbeth, it seems appropriate."<br><br>She already knew it wouldn't do any good, even if there was anything there, but she spun&nbsp; in place towards the voice firing full auto as she turned.<br><br>&nbsp;<br><br>&nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>21-08-2011, 18:30:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Mary Nash, Previously</strong><br><br>Though she didn't get to see anything major, the flickering black flames seemed almost visible even against the palpable darkness.&nbsp; As the burst of gunfire brought forth her answer, Mary awoke in her bed, covered in cold sweat.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>21-08-2011, 21:00:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>SJ deciding on a free meal...</strong><br><br>“Fackin’ special… fackin’ special …I say its shite, or like them blaady ‘special’ kids when I went to school, the ones in ve aver classrooms?” Still she had not been too school since nan had died so as it was the girl wondered if she would be in the remedial class now “Vis is no fun, I wos doin’ awight…” the fact she had been noticed now was an issue as SJ had no visa, but thus far had slide under the radar as it were. <br><br>“So wot are sayin’ I just found meself as part of the fackin’ X files because I sure as hell aint Scully and she aint Mulder.” SJ tilted her head towards Horlicks who was eyeing the cat suspiciously. “Shite the blaady cat is likely more like Scully at least it ‘as red ‘air.”<br><br>Sarah Jane remained close to the door, after all she had heard about cults on the street and people that disappeared…”Right sein’ as vere is Pizza and I aint eaten we’ll stay fer ve moment; the truth was she was really hungry. Once one looked at the girls face and feral appearance it was very obvious she did not eat properly or often. Strangely though the dog looked well fed.<br><br>As it was for the moment Sarah Jane did not fancy looking at bones of any sort…at least not yet. “Fing is I cant do noffin’ ta help anyway…”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>21-08-2011, 22:41:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset Club, Present Day.</strong><br><br>Mary rapped sharply on the door, then entered quickly.&nbsp; Still no cops in sight, or much of anyone else for that matter but watchful care kept her out of a surprising amount of trouble.&nbsp; The smell of pizza, echos of suddenly ceased conversation greeted her as she entered.&nbsp; "Mary&nbsp; coming in." She called not loudly, but clearly.&nbsp; She had begun to suspect that the bikers had ways of knowing who entered already, but announcing one's presence was always a friendly gesture.&nbsp; Beside, she had gotten hints from Carrie's ramblings that others would be joining the three bikers.<br><br><br>"And here they are."&nbsp; She murmured softly at the sight of the thre newcomers.&nbsp; Two adults, male and female,&nbsp; a younger...woman, she decided after a moment.&nbsp; She had her carryall over her shoulder, both hands were full with Wal-Mart bags.&nbsp; She lifted her burdened hands out to her sides and said "You have the drop on me.&nbsp; Over the counter, off the shelf medical supplies mostly."&nbsp; She walked slowly into the room and carefully set the bags on a table. "I don't know your names, but I kinda expected you.&nbsp; Mary Nash, I'm a street doc.&nbsp; The van with the weird logo outside is mine."<br><br>(http://images02.olx.com/ui/1/19/46/3481346_2.jpg)&nbsp; &nbsp;(http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/456/healeru.jpg)<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>21-08-2011, 23:11:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>For those hunters who peeked outside to check, the strange symbol spraypainted onto the sign of the van gave the simple message of Healer.&nbsp; Mary, however, had no inherent understanding of the symbol beyond what she had already been told.<br><br>Carrie lay upon her usual bed, quaking gently in exquisite pain with her hands curled up around her head.&nbsp; Beyond that, however, and the things which the newcomers had brought with them, not much had changed.&nbsp; The men dressed as bikers which Mary had previously met, however, were nowhere to be seen.<br><br>It was starting to get fairly late.&nbsp; Currently it was Saturday night/Sunday morning, but thankfully, few people had to work on Sunday.&nbsp; Monday, however, would be another story with the real world coming crashing back into play.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>22-08-2011, 05:55:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>Alan was taken aback by the sudden entrance of another person into the mix. He let her finish speaking, while doing so he took stock of the situation. He also crossed his arms. "All right then. . . Mary, I don't know who you are, and your arrival is . . . unexpected, but you say you are a doctor and you are expecting us. I'd ask Carrie to verify this, but she seems out of commission. I hope you've got something in those bags to help her. She seems to have been in a lot of pain..."<br><br>As an afterthought, he added, " My name's Alan.&nbsp; &nbsp;I have to&nbsp; ask what you know about what is going on, since it&nbsp; seems like you've been here before and we have not, and if there's something else you need to say, you'd better explain quick it before you get knocked out." <br><br>He slowly stepped closer to Mary but also more toward the the bags. He intended to see what exactly was in the bags, but also to see how Mary would react to his approach.<br><br>&nbsp;<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>22-08-2011, 13:51:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Street doctor."&nbsp; Mary corrected with sour humor, "Not quite the same thing."&nbsp; She glanced at Carrie's bed and headed for her at once, unslinging her carryall.&nbsp; "Not in those bags, but I've got something here."&nbsp; She made no move to stop him from going through the shopping bags but as she knelt beside Carrie she added "Please don't come up behind me while I'm working, I really don't like that."<br><br>Her lips tightened as she peeled back Carries eyelids and flashed a penlight in the younger woman's eyes. "Shit.&nbsp; She can still feel, shit."&nbsp; She leaned forward, her forehead almost touching her patient's and said in an almost maternal tone "Carrie, can you hear me?&nbsp; When did you last take any Frova or Rohypnol?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>22-08-2011, 14:04:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>Carrie didn't seem to make any sort of reaction until she was touched.&nbsp; Then she jumped almost visibly, as if she'd barely even noticed Mary before they made some physical contact, even though she'd seemed to have little trouble sensing the others.&nbsp; A gentle whimper slipped from her as she heard her name and did her best to struggle into focus.&nbsp; "Dad was hanging onto it," she said gently.&nbsp; "I tried once but he was worried I was going to take too much or spill it all, but after he died, I think it got burned up."<br><br>In some ways, the girl looked to have gotten stronger over the course of the last week, perhaps starting to adjust to whatever was causing her headaches.&nbsp; However, she also showed signs of emotional distress, perhaps not even having slept well.&nbsp; Certainly the girl wasn't eating well, and though she kept herself and her only pair of clothes clean, it had been weeks since she'd been outside.&nbsp; "I don't have any money for drugs.&nbsp; There's pizza coming, though, I think, if you want some."<br><br>Suddenly, without warning, her eyes locked upon Mary's.&nbsp; She tried to sit up but wasn't quite able, and seemed to be listening to something she couldn't understand or make out.&nbsp; She squinted, trying her level best to understand, but it just wasn't working.&nbsp; "What is it?&nbsp; What's happening?"&nbsp; Despite her best attempts, Carrie seemed to be more delirious right now than anything else.&nbsp; "I'm not out of time yet."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>22-08-2011, 21:47:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Died?&nbsp; Burned?""&nbsp; Mary's face went slack with shock.&nbsp; "What about Red and Theo!"&nbsp; She was becoming increasingly alarmed, that much was obvious.&nbsp; "Carrie!"&nbsp; Nash pushed the woman back down on the bed. and fished a thick tongue depressor out of her carryall, just in case.&nbsp; "Alan, and you , ah, what's your name hon?"&nbsp; She waved them to come over. "She may be about to have a seizure.&nbsp; Oracles sometimes do when they strut their stuff."&nbsp; A glint of genuine humor shines in her eyes. "I've been reading up the last few days.&nbsp; Get ready to grab her arms and legs, both of you."&nbsp; Without looking, she pulled out a small eye-dropper capped vial and an already filled&nbsp; safety-capped syringe and laid them on the table close at hand.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>22-08-2011, 22:54:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nadia was getting ready to go collect their pizza order when the medic arrived. She didn't have much time to protest the woman's entry, so she simply peered outside to view the mark on the van. "Healer... huh. How about that?"<br><br>When the woman prompted her for her name she responded. "I'm Nadia..." She moved closer at this street doctor's request, but remembered Carrie's earlier words when she had made a comment about there being too many for her to keep track of. "She seems to be in more pain with more of us around. I think maybe some or all of us should get out of here for a little while." Directing her gaze at Alan, she picked up her box and eyed him questioningly. "What do you say the two of us go pick up that pizza together and bring back some Chinese noodles for Carrie? Sarah Jane, you can come or wait here, your choice." She directed her next query to Carrie, hoping she would be able to answer coherently. "Would that help, Carrie?" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>23-08-2011, 03:13:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>"Dead," Carrie said, though her eyes started to water.&nbsp; The sudden emotional trauma seemed to be helping to bring her out of whatever she was about to say.&nbsp; "There was a pinnacle, one of the undead who managed to master the secrets of black fire."&nbsp; She mostly kept her eyes on Mary's face, but when she saw the eyedropper, she stared longingly at the liquid.&nbsp; "The ones who master it can kill us as easily as they kill those without the protection."<br><br>It wasn't difficult to hold her down, Carrie was in no position to protest, but at Nadia's words, she simply nodded and forced a faint smile.&nbsp; "I just want to sleep for a while," she said.&nbsp; "It's so much easier when I'm sleeping; they can come in my dreams and explain."<br><br>Alan, however, saw a small magazine sitting in Mary's bag as he checked things out.&nbsp; The child was swinging carefree on a swingset, while far behind a humanoid creature with a clay face stood and watched.&nbsp; "<strong>The child swings between life and death</strong>" stared up as the title upon the cover, but the instant he looked away, everything in the bag would be back to normal, with no one else noticing any changes.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>23-08-2011, 05:43:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>As Alan sat, gently holding Carrie's ankles in preparation for sudden motion, he seemed lost in thought for several moments, not really paying attention to anything that anyone had just said to him, or was saying to him at the moment. Suddenly, he looked up at Mary, and said "Doc, I presume you already know this, but I think she's going to need more than what you've got, if you catch my meaning." He became sullen and focused. In his mind he was feeling bad for Carrie. He began to understand that what she was going through was related in some way to what he had just experienced, except in her case, it appeared to be a constant din whirling in her mind. Although he appeared to be staring at nothing, his mind was racing with empathetic thoughts of her condition. How could he possibly handle that kind of madness?<br><br>"Hey, little sister, listen, we're going to do everything we can to try to help you, okay, I know you want to sleep but you can't do that all the time, I'm sorry. Is there anything else that we can get you that might help you feel better. " <br><br>As he spoke the words, his train of thought changed direction. He looked again to Mary. "So, you were here with those before us. It sounds like they didn't make it. I am sorry for the loss of Carrie's father and his friends. Perhaps, when you have some time, you would be so kind as to tell us what they were like. At least I would like to know what I can."<br><br>He turned to attempt to address everyone. "We should all consider getting some shut eye ourselves." <br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>23-08-2011, 11:43:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mary gave Alan a sharp glance.&nbsp; "More than what I have?&nbsp; What she needs is a full exam at the Mayo clini-.&nbsp; She stopped abruptly, her eyes narrowing.&nbsp; "OK, Carrie you're gonna have to wait a bit before I give you anything.&nbsp; Alan, Nadia, you have to, well.&nbsp; Pray, I think.&nbsp; You too, hon."&nbsp; she added with a nod to the girl with the dog.&nbsp; " Theo could do some crazy stuff with prayer.&nbsp; I don't know what to pray to, if the force that gives you your abilities even has a name people would recognize, but give it a shot.&nbsp; I know it sounds goofy, do it anyway."<br><br>She took a closer look at Carrie and started a more thorough exam.&nbsp; Maybe she had missed something?&nbsp; "I didn't know those guys well, just for a week.&nbsp; I patched them up after a bad fight, since then I've been kinda hanging around, restocking some things.&nbsp; Medical stuff, mostly."<br><br>She stroked the younger woman's face, then layed a palm on her forehead and whispered almost&nbsp; inaudibly <em>I don't know who or what you are, or why you give a damn about us, but help this girl, please help her.</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>23-08-2011, 13:06:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sarah Jane was becoming more confused as time went on, though not as frightening the experience earlier nothing seemed to make sense. The girl eyed the ‘doctor’ with suspicion; she had never really trusted doctors, even more so since Nan had died. <br><br>As it was Sarah Jane weighed up the options, and frankly being out of this mad house was the preferable option, she just hoped that Nadia was not going to tried to knife her in an alley as some sort of sacrifice. Also Horlicks could always do with more exercise.<br><br>“I’ll go wif ya ven, ven at least she wont be pissin’ on yer floor.” that was said with a gesture to the huge dog. Indeed the being outside away from too much weirdness was certainly preferable. She still wondered if they were all on drugs or a cult…or both they all seemed like bloody loonies. Still Pizza did sound good, and preferable to rooting about in bins. For now her hunger was getting the better of her.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>23-08-2011, 16:22:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>"And that was Greg."<br><br>Hurray for stating the obvious. Lorraine grimaced. "Now what?! We're not going to let him walk away from all of this, but I don't want more trouble for Alyssa and Brandon either." She shivered and shoved her hands into her pockets. "He says she'd have been alright, but I'm not so sure. I thought she was dieing when I found her. Then again, I've never met a Greg before. I don't know what he can do."<br><br>"And I'm not sure if it's our decision to make. Brandon should decide, but what if he's going to play the hero and say he doesn't need help? Can we let it lie then? I can't..." She sought Vince's gaze, studied him a moment. "And neither can you, I think."<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>23-08-2011, 19:37:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>As the pain continued on and on, Carrie started to give up, looking to Alan with a pained but submissive nod as he asked her not to take more medication.&nbsp; It was hard to tell what she was thinking, if she was thinking anything at all, but she only seemed to be picking up bits and pieces right now.&nbsp; "The child swings...something..." she said, not quite able to make it all out.&nbsp; "Please bring some pizza; there's a fridge behind the bar."<br><br>Mary's careful attentions made her smile, reaching out to take her hand.&nbsp; "They're supposed to be sleeping, but it's alright if people want to display them, dig them up and remember.&nbsp; It's been so long, people probably weren't even there."&nbsp; Mary's attempt at prayers, however, seemed to confuse her.&nbsp; "Do you want me to pass on a message?&nbsp; I can try, but I don't know.&nbsp; It's hard to tell sometimes, but I don't think they can hear you, since they never talk about you."&nbsp; She seemed to be missing about half of the current conversation.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>23-08-2011, 23:27:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset Club</strong><br><br>"The pain is getting worse, isn't it?"&nbsp; Mary shakes her head slowly and picks up a loaded syringe.&nbsp; "Demerol.&nbsp; A pretty good hit.&nbsp; Morphine can wreck your liver and kidneys so let's try this.&nbsp; It is safer to use with Rohypnol, which is a big bonus for you."&nbsp; She silently cleans a patch of skin with an alcohol swab and carefully injects the Demerol into a vein in Carries wrist.&nbsp; "I can't find a damn thing wrong with you.&nbsp; You have no real light sensitivity, no auras, nothing to point to migraines or cluster headaches.&nbsp; Except the pain.&nbsp; So."&nbsp; The street doctor gently massaged from the girls central forehead to her temples then down to her jaw hinge and along her jaw again and again.&nbsp; "You're an Oracle, this is the price of your gift.&nbsp; If that's the word for it."&nbsp; She glanced at the vial of Rohypnol.&nbsp; "I told your brother to be carefull with that, but not to be miserly with it.&nbsp; You'll get some as soon as you eat, I want to see how the Demerol hits you first."<br><br>Mary stars to ad sometning, stops, then sighs and speaks "Carrie, something weird is going on at the Natural History museum.&nbsp; There was a robbery, some dinosaur bones are missing.&nbsp; Here's the thing, there is a black market for that stuff, but none of my contacts know anything about it.&nbsp; The guys said something about the, the enemy wrapping iiself in and around old bones.&nbsp; These are pretty damn old, and very damn big."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>24-08-2011, 03:18:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>Nadia nodded when Carrie asked for pizza, and it occurred to her that no order had even been placed yet in all the confusion. "Good idea, pizza should keep better than noodles anyway. I'll pick up an extra and put it in that fridge for you." She then responded to SJ. "Alan's going to be busy it seems. Looks like it's just us girls going out, then."<br><br>Rooting around in her purse, Nadia found a ripped envelope and a pen. She quickly scrawled her cell number and placed the envelope on a table as she told Alan. "I don't know why I'm doing this... I mean it usually takes some sort of miracle for a guy to get my number. I think I'll take your advice and rest a bit when I get back." <br><br>Before another word could be spoken, she had turned on her heel and motioned to Sarah Jane. "Let's go if you're ready."<br><br>She walked through the door into the cool dark air. Nadia could only hope that the simple act of two of them leaving would help Carrie and that she wasn't making a mistake by doing so. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>24-08-2011, 04:16:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>Alan nodded in agreement as he saw the envelope being placed on the table. "Be careful, all of you." He wasn't even considering asking for her number, but he did smile slightly at the jest. He returned his eyes to Carrie.&nbsp; <br><br>"Mary, can you get her to a hospital or a clinic or something?" After changing to be behind the head of the cot to continue to watch over her for a while longer, he ran his hand gently over Carrie's forehead, viewing her with a pained look as he listened to her speak.<br><br>&nbsp;"I sort of have the same power that Carrie has. . . visions I mean;&nbsp; and the message isn't good. She needs everything she can get, sooner, rather than later." His attention turned to Mary.<br><br>"A robbery at the museum? Bones are missing? Who would want bones?" He looked over at the box of bones sitting in the empty booth,&nbsp; and he stared silently for a moment.<br><br>&nbsp;"Our situation may be about to get worse."<br>&nbsp;<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>24-08-2011, 10:35:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>As Carrie was injected with the Demerol, she started to go still, relaxing peacefully as the drug started to wash over her.&nbsp; The massage of her various joints made her sigh in some minor relief but also proved just how tense she was, worn out by the agony she'd been experiencing.&nbsp; Her body slowly started to flush as a reaction to the drugs, but it definitely brought her some relief.<br><br>She seemed to have a little trouble moving under the medication, but she didn't really care, apparently unable to sense the pain as well while under the effects.&nbsp; It was still there, making her eyes twitch a little, but she wasn't shifting and wincing in pain any longer.<br><br>The question of the bones made her frown.&nbsp; The medication helped a little, but also seemed for her to make it harder to speak and explain properly, especially in oracular matters.&nbsp; "They remember the beasts...beasts of..." she managed, squinting her eyes as she tried.&nbsp; "Ma-jes-ty?"&nbsp; Unsure, dizzy, she let it go for the time being, focusing on the tranquility provided by the drugs.<br><br>It wasn't until Nadia crossed the threshold into the outside, however, until Carrie really started to feel better to any serious degree.&nbsp; She gave a soft smile of relief.&nbsp; "I can handle two," she said with a soft but ever-present smile.&nbsp; "I just can't do three.&nbsp; I'm sorry, I'm trying."&nbsp; That explanation came easier, but then, it seemed to be something she was more used to saying.<br><br>The outside was peaceful, with few people around and a gentle breeze sapping at the heat of the air, but it was definitely getting late.&nbsp; Pizza would have to be acquired rather quickly if it would be obtained tonight at all.&nbsp; Up above, a full moon stood vigil over the stars, trying to lend its light to the world but too far away and too dim to be of any true assistance.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>24-08-2011, 10:52:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset Club</strong><br><br>"Sure I can get her to a clinic, there's a good one less than tirty minutes away.&nbsp; They know me, which will help cut down on some useless questions."&nbsp; <br><br>She followed his glance towards a largish box., then did a double take.&nbsp; "What, you think Bill and...&nbsp; &nbsp;Huh."&nbsp; She looked very thoughtful&nbsp; No, those are too small, those are human bones aren't they?&nbsp; But I know what you're getting at.&nbsp; Just lovely."<br><br>SHe returned her attention to Carrie, "Carrie, I think we need to get you to a clinic, or maybe an emergency room.&nbsp; What do you say?"&nbsp; She threw another look at the box.&nbsp; "Carrie, are those bones poisoning you somehow?&nbsp; God knows what has been done with them."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>24-08-2011, 11:17:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>Although she was quite placid thanks to the drugs, the prospect of being taken away from the club made her tremble, her eyes opening back up almost to the amount where she seemed awake.&nbsp; "Don't make me leave," she pleaded.&nbsp; "I'm safe here, I have it protected, but if you take me out, they'll come for me."&nbsp; Her eyes started to water as her hands trembled.&nbsp; "I'll be alright when the others leave and it's just you and me," she told Mary.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>24-08-2011, 11:37:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mary nodded at once and fished out a small botter of water, opened it, and added a dose of Rohypnol.&nbsp; "Drink, all of it."&nbsp; She ordered Carrie.&nbsp; "Alan, see if you can catch the others before they drive off.&nbsp; This place seem secure against whatever the hell it is you guys are fighting.&nbsp; As to burglars, well."&nbsp; She turned her back to him slightly and flipped up her light jacket revealing the holstered .380. "I can handle that."<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">OOC:&nbsp; Off to work.&nbsp; </div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>24-08-2011, 12:49:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Outside Sunset</strong><br><br>Nadia inhaled the night air. She was used to not seeing too much daylight. A band like hers didn't exactly do matinees. She rested against the hood of her stingray and ran a hand over the beat-up paint job. She'd never much cared about how the car looked, just how well it ran. She began to tap her foot against the pavement impatiently. The pizza shops would be closed soon. The longer it took Sarah Jane to come outside, the more antsy she got. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>24-08-2011, 13:44:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>SJ trying to be polite...</strong><br><br>The rather skinny looking street kid pulled her hood back up, she was about to play jail bait to anyone, and of course she had no idea just how combat ready Nadia was. Her dark eyes darted about as Sarah Jane took in as much as she was able to about her, remembering as well to look up.<br><br>The huge dog remained at her side; she was indeed a fine bitch with what seemed to be a fine pedigree. “I aint got money …but when I get sam I’ll pay ya back. Well I ‘ave enough fer dog food, can we stop at a shop or samfing too?”<br><br>Briefly she looked up, “So what de ya do …fer a job and staff?”&nbsp; SJ supposed if this woman was shouting her dinner she should at least be polite.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>24-08-2011, 14:07:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>As the others started to leave, Carrie seemed to improve, to the point where she didn't seem to be truly bothered by simply Alan's presence.&nbsp; She accepted the bottle, clutching it carefully in both hands since the other drugs were already having a significant effect upon her.&nbsp; Whatever superlative endurance that her father, Theo and Red once had while they were alive, either it didn't work with her or she was deliberately avoiding using it.<br><br>"I think I'll be okay now," she said gently, her eyes not really focusing upon either Mary or Alan.&nbsp; "It's hard; they're very loud sometimes, and only get louder with others."&nbsp; She did her best to strain her gaze, peeking over towards Alan.&nbsp; "You need to go with them.&nbsp; Otherwise they'll never find him in time.&nbsp; They don't know who they're looking for."<br><br>With the headaches apparently fading, she tried to reach over to cap the bottle, wanting to save the medicine for later.&nbsp; However, her limbs didn't seem to be working just as she wanted, since she wasn't used to being so drugged just yet without simply being unconscious.&nbsp; Without some help, she was probably going to spill it all over herself.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>24-08-2011, 14:24:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Outside Sunset</strong><br><br>Not too much was open this late at night, especially things that sold dog food, but there were a few.&nbsp; Meowsers was a warehouse type of store which catered to all sorts of pets, open 24 hours, with a logo of a lurking cat prowling past at the full moon.&nbsp; "We know your cats don't keep 9-5 hours" was their logo, and they allowed animals inside, but many of the night workers tended to be snippy. <br><br>If they missed the pizza, though it seemed as though they would be in time, one of Aaron's favorite places was Sally's diner.&nbsp; Another late joint that was only open between 4pm and 4am, Sally ran a greasy place but was always polite and sociable.&nbsp; A number of bikers and truckers were known to frequent the place, but Sally kept a crowbar under the counter, and she had little trouble throwing out the unruly.<br><br>Of course, the city was huge, and the two likely both knew some of their own little places to go as well.&nbsp; The only thing in short supply was grass, which only existed on a patch of land which had mostly been dedicated to a cemetery, or in Grayson Park.&nbsp; Further away from the thick of the city, though, houses and lawns still existed as usual.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>24-08-2011, 23:27:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>Vince studied Lorriane and listened to the proposition of the villianous figure before he left away, Vince of course wanted to finish the thing off but he was quite correct shadow was not like black fire in that it was a one time deal from what he could tell of this creature's composition then it was that shadow was more like something that tainted you and turned you into something like Greg over time, and the best way that Vince could think to combat it was to be filled with light instead since something like the force of will could possibly battle corruption. But it could also be a thing to slow it down. For the moment, Vince was still thinking about it all and how he was going to try to take out the darkness that was trying to bargain like any devil would.<br><br>He turned over to the lovely Lorraine and dropped his piece of glass for the moment, fighting Greg was going to be ill advised. But he was going to get his chance whether it be an hour from now or a day from now. Greg was going to have to deal with him.<br><br>"Lorriane, we are going to have to let him go for now. Soon, I will get him and his darkness and he will pay. But I think I need to take you somewhere first. We are going to go meet up with a friend of mine who may give me an idea on how to deal with this." Vince was thinking about Nathaniel and all of those countless books on this stuff that he had. he pulled out his phone and texted Nathaniel, "Are you at your shop? Can I come over there with a friend?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>24-08-2011, 23:48:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<br><strong>Sunset Club</strong><br><br>"Hey hey hey!"&nbsp; Mary protested as she rescued the doped bottle of water.&nbsp; "Finish that!&nbsp; there's only a couple drops in it."&nbsp; She stands and goes back to the table she piled the shopping bags on and comes back with a flatpack of small water bottles - about 8 ounces each.&nbsp; "Dehydration is a serious problem with the stuff I'm giving you.&nbsp; I'm also worried about malnutrition, I picked up some Multivitamins for you."&nbsp; She says as she&nbsp; be gins opening the bottles, putting two drops from the vial in each, then re-seals them.&nbsp; "Ok, you have 11 bottles ready to go, there are 24 more on the table."&nbsp; She holds up the vial.&nbsp; "I'm leaving this with you.&nbsp; Drink the happy-water I've made when you eed to sleep.&nbsp; Try using just one, but go ahead anotherif one doesn't work.&nbsp; Mix more as needed, two drops per bottle, no more!"<br><br>She turned her head and spoke over her shoulder, but her eyes were on the blood pressure cuff she had around Carrie's arm.&nbsp; "Allan, go with the others, Carrie has no-shit for real premonitions about this stuff."<br><br>Almost as an afterthought, she stacked the three pack s of water by carries bed, setst he vial on top and writes <span class="bbc_u">Carrie's sleeping water do not touch!</span> on the shrink wrap of each pack.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>25-08-2011, 02:35:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>The text came back from Nathaniel not too long after, "I was about to close up, it's getting late, but I can stay open a mite longer if you'll be by soon.&nbsp; I'm hoping some of those party kids are going to be by soon, but I'm expecting it was just a prank call."<br><br>Although the current area for several houses in each direction was shrouded in black thanks to the streetlamps' bulbs having exploded, other light sources such as the full moon, the houses and streetlamps some distance away provided enough illumination that they at least wouldn't be bumping into cars or trees.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>25-08-2011, 02:51:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset, exterior</strong><br><br>Alan nodded and jogged out the door behind Sarah Jane. "I have a feeling it's better if I get some fresh air."&nbsp; &nbsp;He noticed the Corvette parked out front. He looked at Nadia. <br><br>"I assume this is yours. Nice ride, but it's not going to work for now. There's no way all of us could fit into that little deuce coupe. We should be able to walk there, the pizza place is a bit of a hike, but we could make it back soon enough. There's a. . .park. . . along the way, isn't there? " The image from the magazine flashed again in his mind.<br><br>&nbsp;"Wait, that wasn't about Carrie. . . it was. . . something else." He paused again, lost in thought, then hurriedly looked up and started jogging away. "Hurry up, I think we may have another stop to make before we get there. Don't quote me on this, but I think someone's in trouble at the park. You two can drive if you want. I'll catch up later."<br><br><br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>25-08-2011, 03:15:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nadia was glad that Sarah Jane was finally willing to make pleasant conversation. "Yeah, pay me back when you can. I'm not asking for it, but I understand not wanting to owe someone..." She smiled, impressed by the girl's attitude. "So.. What do I do? I'm a musician. I front a band, Manual Automatic. We're not that big yet, but we're getting there. How about you?" <br><br>When Alan burst out of the club, the way he spoke and rushed off gave Nadia an icy feeling up her spine. She opened the trunk of her car and threw her purse in, making sure her cell phone was in her pocket. Something was about to go down. She rooted around in the car for some sort of weapon. but there was nothing to be found save for some tools. She grabbed a grease covered Ratchet. It was only about a foot long, but sturdy, not aluminum, this one was solid steel. She moved her guitar to the trunk as well to make room for Sarah Jane to sit down. She met Sarah Jane's eyes with cool determination. "I'm going after him. You can Hop in, but the dog will have to sit on your lap." <br><br>Nadia kept her next thought to herself. <em>That dog better not make a mess.</em><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>25-08-2011, 09:20:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>Carrie's doped up state made her placid, relaxed and sleepy but with a faint smile.&nbsp; As Alan left, the last vestiges of her twitching and headache left, leaving her apparently cured of her pains and&nbsp; headaches.&nbsp; With Mary's help, she reclaimed the water bottle, holding it in both hands as she drank slowly but surely.<br><br>Partway through, she stopped, taking a breath.&nbsp; Breathing through her nose seemed to be a little bit beyond her right now.&nbsp; Yet she took the chance to speak, not quite able to open her eyes more than gentle slivers and looking in Mary's direction.&nbsp; "Will you stay?" she asked gently.&nbsp; "I'd like to just have a friend to talk to."<br><br>Her blood pressure seemed relatively normal.&nbsp; The way she was fading from the various meds, she would likely pass out in minutes.&nbsp; Normal people wouldn't dream after such an ordeal, but since she had before, it was hard to say with her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>25-08-2011, 09:40:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Nadia's Car</strong><br><br>Although there was a park, it was a little out of the way from the pizza shop, requiring a few lane changes and some effort, but not more than five minutes of variance.&nbsp; The difficult part would be finding a legal place to park.<br><br><strong>Alan</strong><br><br>Although the painter was reasonably fast, he wasn't in the greatest shape for forces of endurance and strenuous exercise.&nbsp; Jogging provided its own speed that allowed one to outrace a car, but Alan would quickly be running short of breath by the time he reached the perimeter.<br><br>Grayson Park wasn't that huge of a place, but at night, its relative lack of artificial light made it dark and foreboding.&nbsp; A few roads cut through the area, and those had their own streetlamps, but the small playground which had been been slipped into the copse of fir trees was illuminated only by the full moon.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>25-08-2011, 10:42:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>Lorraine grimaced and shot a stealthy glance at her watch. "Mom's going to be frantic. Give me a sec." Following suit Lorraine pulled out her phone and texted a message to her mom. It basically said she'd been delayed and would spend the night at a friend's place. Her mother wouldn't like the short notice but it bought her time. Going home first would result in too many questions she couldn't answer. Perhaps if she got the bike repaired first, she could get away with a fabricated story of meeting up with a friend after the fire. It sounded thin, even to her mind, but until she found a better solution it would have to do. She sent the message and put her phone away.<br><br>"I hate to say this, but I'm going to need to park the bike. It won't take a moment." Fortunately, their apartment had a basement parking. It wasn't the best protected but it was better than leaving the vehicle on the street. "Who is this friend of yours? Does he know about these... well, Greg and that bloke you met?" A frown crinkled the young woman's slender brows. "Don't you think it's weird? I mean, I never saw someone like Greg before. And now that I have, you come along&nbsp; having seen something similar."<br><br>She grinned at her attractive companion. "I'm not complaining but it's odd, don't you think?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>25-08-2011, 11:14:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Vince gave her the time that she needed to deal with her parents. he understood all about having to deal with parents that were worried about you. He had plenty of those calls after he got in a fight or was far away from where he should have been because he was helping out someone else. He gave her a smile and looked down at his vibrating phone with its message from Nathaniel on the screen. He tapped the text part of his screen and put in this reply, "We will be there as soon as we can be. And so that you have some idea as to why I am coming do you know anything about creatures of Shadow or Black fire?"<br><br>He had not really intended the last part to be that much of a question since he was sure that his friend did, he just wanted Nathaniel's mind to be thinking about it by the time they got there. His friend had quite the min so he was sure that there was going to be something quite fulfilling about going to see him.<br><br>As the girl was walking away with the bike, Vince called out to her. "There is a better place to park your bike by the shop, and I really do not mind walking it the whole way if you don't want to. I think there is mechanic place around there too." Vince did not want her to be all that far from her bike especially considering the things they were facing. They could put a thing on her bike for all he knew and take her out in the process. So it would be much better to keep an eye on it. <br><br>"It is odd. But I think it is just the universe's way of saying that at the very least we could help each other." He gave her a smile that shined in the moonlight making them just a little whiter. He took the bike if she let him and then began to walk the thirty minutes or so to Nathaniel's shop.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>25-08-2011, 11:19:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>Not long after Lorraine sent the text, her mother sent a reply.&nbsp; "Don't stay up too late.&nbsp; Remember your dad needs you ready by noon, and well rested."<br><br>Nathaniel's text message was notably different, "Starting to take an interest, eh?&nbsp; Stories about shadow are more common than dirt, but black fire is more obscure.&nbsp; You mean the native american word for lava?&nbsp; I'll check up on that before you come.&nbsp; Been busy with this 13 book."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>25-08-2011, 15:11:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset Club</strong><br><br>"Of course I'll stay, provided I don"t get an emergency call."&nbsp; Nash had cleared her calender for the next couple of days, just in case there had been something to the warning about something big happening.&nbsp; There had been little comment and no reproach from the other street docs she had asked to cover for her, all of them had reason to lie low now and then.<br><br>"Give me just a second."&nbsp; She took a quick prowl around the building then returned to Carrie's bedside, pulling over a table and chair and settling in.&nbsp; After a moment she fished a tomahawk of all things,out of her carryall.&nbsp; "My Dad's.&nbsp; He carried it in 'Nam, insisted I take it with me when I went to Iraq."&nbsp; Mary smiled slightly as she laid the weapon on the table before her and leaned back in her chair, smiling more broadly as she watched carrie starting to nod off.<br>(http://[url=http://www.knivhuset.com/503-815-large/cold-steel-vietnam-tomahawk.jpg]http://www.knivhuset.com/503-815-large/cold-steel-vietnam-tomahawk.jpg[/url])
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>25-08-2011, 16:29:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>SJ gets a little scared...</strong><br><br><br>Sarah Jane was about to say that she actually could do very little, but it was likely better at the moment not to mention that. She climbed into the car, the problem was that neither of them smelt too sweet, after all it had been some time since either had had a proper bath. Public lavatories and hostels did not offer too many facilities and there were a few creeps that liked to watch…<br><br>The fact her dog was larger then her made for an interesting ride, but Horlicks was a rather well trained dog.<br><br>“Sounds good, …do I get free blaady tickets ta yer next gig ven?” The girl was about to continue when the came closer to the park, her face paled yet further, and though she tried to hide it there was panic in her dark eyes. <br><br>“I saw it ver…in ve park and I ran…fack now it might ‘ave samone else…I couldn’t fight it…I couldn’t fackin’ fight it…” Her fists were so clenched now, her knuckles white. Horlicks started to nuzzle Sarah Jane feeling her fear.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>25-08-2011, 17:02:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>Carrie lay quietly upon the bed, doing her best to fight a little bit longer in order to maintain the conversation and get to have just a normal chat for a while.&nbsp; It didn't seem to be working very well; she was quickly fading into sleep as the ruhypnol hit her.&nbsp; Soon her eyes were closed even though she tried to shift, and at the mention of the tomahawk, she managed to force one eye open a slit for a peek.&nbsp; Her limb shifted but didn't seem to want to work properly as she shifted into slumber.<br><br>"Can we be friends?" she asked dreamily.&nbsp; It sounded so pathetic of a question, but for one so used to being cooped up with hunters, performing her tasks as an oracle, unable to get regular meals or properly fitting clothes, the simple offer of a friend seemed so peaceful and beautiful.&nbsp; No matter how Mary responded, however, Carrie likely wouldn't be able to process the answer at the moment.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>25-08-2011, 18:46:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"We are friends, Carrie."&nbsp; Mary answered quietly.&nbsp; She took a closer look at the girl, realized she was asleep and settled back in with a sigh as she fished a book out of her carryall.&nbsp; She shifted in her chair slightly to get a sightline on the door and began to read.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>25-08-2011, 22:19:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>Mary's book had been vehemently recommended by Susanna, one of the other street doctors.&nbsp; It was a semi-factual retelling "inspired by the true events of" Joan of Arc.&nbsp; The story carried a great deal of feminist overtones, some more overt than others, as a kind-hearted peasant girl is given messages by angels, voices that only she hears, and told to go out and slay evil.<br><br>Although the voices, which start to seem more like schizophrenia and less like angels as the book goes on, never seem to tell her anything valuable, they give her the courage to keep going even when the various men in her life try to shout her down or claim that such voices must be the work of evil.&nbsp; Unperturbed, she continues on, her passion growing to fervor as the read continues.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>25-08-2011, 23:22:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong><em>Grayson Park, Nadia's Car</em></strong><br><br>Nadia was too polite to comment on Sarah Jane's... fragrance. She simply rolled down the windows, and put the car in gear. <br><br>"Tickets to a show? Sure. I'll get you in if you want. Remind me later."<br><br>She drove off in the direction that Alan had run and caught up to him quickly. She passed on by and reached the park with no problem. It was late so&nbsp; there was no sign of anyone else. This was most likely due to the fact that a sign stated: PARK CLOSES AT SUNDOWN, 25$ FINE FOR TRESPASSERS. It was a standard on municipal parks in the area that was rarely enforced. Park closed or not, she found no resistance as she drove onto the thin strip of asphalt that circuited the park. Even if a cop saw her go in, it was unlikely that he would feel motivated enough to chase her down over the miniscule fine.<br><br>"Keep an eye out for anything strange."&nbsp; She told Sarah Jane, as she slowly inched along the narrow one way road, passing small picnic pavilions, tennis courts, and a baseball diamond. Now and then, the road widened to allow a space or two to park a car. Straight ahead, her headlights illuminated a sharp turn in the road, bordered by a stone half-wall. Beyond the wall was a medium sized playground, complete with sliding boards, see-saws, monkey bars, and a large swing set. Her eyes strained against the darkness as she looked all around for any sign of Alan... Or trouble. <br><br><span class="bbc_u">(Second Sight Active)</span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>26-08-2011, 02:47:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park</strong><br><br>Alan had made it to the entrance of the park, he was out of breath, but he had made it. He knew his way around the park well enough, he often wandered it when he wanted to get out for awhile, and often tried to look for good landscapes to use in his paintings. He wasn't entirely sure where to go, but the vision echoed in his head again, slapping him mentally.&nbsp; He looked around in a rush, hoping to catch a glimpse of something, but he didn't expect to see much. He had a feeling to head towards swing sets. Problem was, he didn't know which swing set to head for. He opted to head for the closest ones first and then make a ring around the park. He would be able to catch his breath as he walked, since he now decided to make all of his moves slow and deliberate.&nbsp; He watched intently for any signs of activity and certainly for any walking dead. He decided that he would not call Nadia until he saw any sign of activity. In a way, he was glad that he was unlikely to find anything first, he wasn't entirely sure he was ready.&nbsp; <br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">Second Sight ACTIVATE!</div></div> 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>26-08-2011, 03:06:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<br><strong>Sunset Club</strong><br><br>Mary set the book down when she had finished.&nbsp; She was surprised at how involved she had gotten, the passions inflamed by the story were so, so vivid!&nbsp; She glanced at the sleeping Carrie and laughed softly.&nbsp; The comparison between the two young women burdened by visions was obvious.&nbsp; <em>Joan was destroyed by people who sought to use her gift.</em>&nbsp; The humor drained from her face. <em> I won't let that happen to Carrie</em>.&nbsp; Carrie stirred fitfully in her slumber.&nbsp; Nash immediately scooted her chair closer to the girls' bed and laid a hand on her shoulder.&nbsp; It wasn't long at all before the street doc was as asleep as her patient.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>26-08-2011, 10:36:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sarah Jane was extremely afraid, this had been the same park where she had come across that monster, she still wondered if it was just from rotten food, but the more the girl thought about it the more she started to believe it was real. Usually Sarah Jane had very little fear of much; she could handle herself and had survived thus far. However whatever that thing had been in the park filled her with dread, with true terror she really did not understand how she escaped.<br><br>“Really Nadia I am fackin’ shit scared.” Horlicks seemed nervous too, but she was likely picking up on her owner being so anxious.&nbsp; “I was ‘ere, vat fing was ere, I fort it was goin’ ta fackin’ kill me. Even after I tried ta ‘elp it.” Her face was so pale now, and somehow without the scowl and the attitude Sarah Jane looked far younger. <br><br>“Why are we blaady doin’ vis, I mean its fackin insane. She might look like a hairy Scooby Doo…bat vat fing was no guy in a mask, I can tell yeah vat mach.” All she wanted to know was why the fuck they were hunting monsters, it seemed so bloody stupid. They were <em> fucking monsters…</em>what chance did they have. Even if she had gone to some authority she knew she would have been locked up for drug abuse or put in a loony bin.<br><br>“We can’t do nuffin…can we…”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>26-08-2011, 12:56:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nadia stared straight ahead, squinting into the dark, waiting for Sarah Jane to finish speaking. After a few moments of silence she spoke. "If you think I'm not scared, you're wrong." Though Nadia's face and voice betrayed no fear, if Sarah Jane got a glimpse of her hands they would be trembling. "Do you think I don't know this is insane? Of course it is, but don't you dare think we can't do something about it. If you want to leave, go ahead, but if there is something here, I don't want to make Alan face it alone."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>26-08-2011, 13:05:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park</strong><br><br>The headlights of the car couldn't quite scale the stone half-wall, keeping the entire playground from being properly illuminated.&nbsp; Still, thanks to the full moon and a few other factors, there was at least enough light to be able to get a decent perspective of the area.<br><br>The playground naturally didn't have any sort of light sources.&nbsp; It was supposed to be closed off to the general public during the night.&nbsp; Still, that didn't stop a young boy from swinging upon one of the swingsets, cheering as one of the things pushed him to keep him going higher and higher.<br><br>The monster didn't really have a face, more like a clay mask that had been carefully and painstakingly set over his features.&nbsp; Although he kept on pushing the swing, and the child didn't notice, he was glancing over towards the coming lights.&nbsp; "Hello?"&nbsp; His voice was cracked and broken, decayed as badly as the rest of his withered body must have been.&nbsp; "Who's there?"<br><br>"Make them go away, Daddy," the boy said, cheering every time the swing reached its apex.&nbsp; "You promised we could spend tonight together again."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>26-08-2011, 13:15:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Mary's Dream</strong><br><br>The book had told of an empty tavern where Joan had grown up, where she had huddled in the snow-laden fields after one of her terrible battles against the demons.&nbsp; In the novel, she'd met up with Pierre, one of the few people who had always accepted her.&nbsp; Joan had already known that she was going to die; the voices had blessed and cursed her with that foreknowledge, allowing her to get her affairs in order and give her all to the cause of saving France.<br><br>It had never bothered her that she would be scarred, beaten and eventually even die, but by the end of the novel, what had ached in her most of all was that her death was so meaningless.&nbsp; She would have been happy to die against the demons if it meant that the war would still be won and others would take her place, but to defeat them only to be killed by those who feared her later seemed so meaningless to her.<br><br>Pierre didn't seem to be in the dream.&nbsp; It was only Joan, oblivious to Mary's presence within the dream and weeping softly as she considered her coming fate.&nbsp; Her wounds still showed crimson; she did everything she could to dress them, but medieval medicine was not a talented art.&nbsp; The bottle of wine which she was supposed to have shared with her lover had been drained dry.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>26-08-2011, 15:16:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Mary's dream</strong><br><br>This was different.&nbsp; Mary looked around quickly, then down at herself.&nbsp; Not the desert, not in uniform or nude.&nbsp; "Shiiiit."&nbsp; She said almost calmly.&nbsp; For the first time in years she wasn't dreaming about that night in Iraq.&nbsp; Enough of that, there was work to do.&nbsp; <br><br>"Let me help you."&nbsp; She spoke not a word of French, especially not medieval French.&nbsp; Relying on friendly tone and expression she slowly but assuredly knelt beside Joan and started pulling bandages and antiseptics out of her carryall.&nbsp; Some of the gashes were bad.&nbsp; those got wound clotting packs as well as cleaning and binding.&nbsp; From the looks of the Joan, food wouldn't hurt her either.&nbsp; Mary kept MRE entree packs in her bag,&nbsp; se tore one open and handed it to the Frenchwoman with a plastic spoon.&nbsp; A small part of her was wondering just how much of a dream this was.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>26-08-2011, 17:15:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Mary's dream</strong><br><br>The book itself had been written in English, with the occasional word of French thrown in for effect.&nbsp; So many of the pieces of the novel seemed to have come into play for her dream, even if the purpose of such things was not inherently clear.&nbsp; However, the dreams of Iraq didn't come, which was important and valuable to note, as well as the fact that this dream seemed to be lucid enough to be intuitively recognized as unreal.<br><br>Joan showed no fears or trepidation, accepting the talents of the healer to raise her tunic and expose her midriff, then lift her full length skirt as well.&nbsp; Blades and arrows had stung her body, but also bites, claws and flame-made scars reminiscent of black fire.&nbsp; "Merci," she said gently, but the more Mary looked, the less she seemed to be in any real pain.&nbsp; She seemed more confused and fascinated by Mary's actions.<br><br>"You may call me Joan of Arc if you like."&nbsp; Such a greeting was vastly different to the introduction which the woman in the novel had always given, lacking any sort of title, parentage, or even conviction of who she was.&nbsp; "I just wanted to thank you on Carrie's behalf."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>26-08-2011, 21:48:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Mary's Dream</strong><br><br>Unsurprised by&nbsp; Joan's use of English but considerably surprised by what was said Mary kept working.&nbsp; "You are most welcome."&nbsp; She said quietly.&nbsp; It took quite a while and her bandage supply was greatly reduced but eventually she was done.&nbsp; She sat back and tore open a pouch of her own and ate.&nbsp; She washed it down with a slug from one of her omnipresent bottles of water and offered the rest to Joan.&nbsp; "She's an oracle.&nbsp; So were you, of sorts."&nbsp; Mary closed her eyes and said.&nbsp; "I'm not ready for what is going to happen, am I?&nbsp; Hardly anybody is."&nbsp; She opened them again.&nbsp; "All i can do is patch the..."&nbsp; She paused, searching for the right word, ".. the hunters back together while they fight."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>26-08-2011, 22:08:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Mary's Dream</strong><br><br>"I'm not really Joan of Arc."&nbsp; The woman sounded apologetic, accepting the rations to nibble upon while she chatted.&nbsp; She still shivered, however, accepting the water and setting down her clothes to bundle up tightly once the treatment was finished.&nbsp; "I'm sorry if this is confusing; I only have so much talent for this."<br><br>At the mention of being ready, her eyes shifted to sympathetic but stern focus.&nbsp; "None of you are, not really.&nbsp; Some more than others, and we try to do what we can to help the ones who are closer to ready."&nbsp; Her lips moved for some time, giving a further explanation of matters, but no sound seemed to come out.&nbsp; She soon frowned.&nbsp; "I'm sorry; I'm not very good at this."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>26-08-2011, 22:29:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park - A Playground</strong><br><br>Nadia stopped the car and stepped out. She turned the engine off, and removed the key, but she left her headlights on. Unless her eyes deceived her, the child on the swing was enjoying himself. He even called the creature Daddy. The shock of the situation was like a blow to her sternum, and she found it hard to breathe. Her knuckles turned white as she tightened her grip on the ratchet in her right hand. "Sarah Jane... Does this Clay-faced ...thing... look familiar?" <br><br>She carefully looked over the area searching for some sign of Alan, but her gaze kept jumping back to the kid on the swing. "No kid... Get away... that's not... he's not your daddy!" Only after she'd shouted the words did she realize how absurd it would sound to a regular person, let alone a kid, who couldn't see the things she could see. The kid wouldn't believe her, so she'd have to force him to get out of the way. She was frozen in place while she tried to determine the best way to separate them.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>27-08-2011, 03:39:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park</strong><br><br>Alan was wandering around the park, frantically trying to find some proof that his visions were actually valid. Honestly he didn't really need it to be true, he was fine with the idea of it being false. Then things could go back to normal, and he could get some sleep.&nbsp; He sighed as he reached the next swing set, yet out of the corner of his eye he saw the flash of headlights cresting a hill. It was likely to be Nadia, considering several factors, so he raced over to meet the girls, hopefully in time to assist. <br><br>He approached the swing set, and was present for the last moments of the scene involving the clay faced man as it unfolded, but he attempted to stay out of view, so though he could see the girls from the other side, and though he saw clay face and the child, he could not make out what was spoken. His mind raced with theories of how he might be able to separate the child from the darkness, as he drew the sculpting knife from his bag. He knew that he would fight the creature if he had to, regardless of how attached the child might be at the time, but he decided that unless the child were to be in more immediate danger, he would not be the first to act. <br><br>&nbsp;<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>27-08-2011, 11:46:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park...</strong><br><br>Blinking at the sight she saw Sarah Jane swallowed hard, though the clay man looked similar he was not the same. The one she had seen, but this one scared her as much perhaps even more than the other, for she feared for the small boy that he was pushing on the swing.<br><br>At her side Horlicks was obviously agitated and was already bearing her large teeth as her attentions were upon the clay man now. The girl tried hard to calm the dog and stop her from attacking whatever it was.<br><br>“It aint ve same fing, bat like it, ver avver one was from mad and dirt…” there was a pause, “Do ya fink vey are samfing ta do wif ve earth.” Damn but she could believe she was saying this, sounding like some insane hippy tree hugger…<br><br>It was then that SJ followed Nadia, not wanting to leave her alone against one of these creatures and the boy did need saving after all look what had happened to her. Sarah Jane knew she had been lucky for one reason perhaps this boy would not be so…Her mind was working overboard now, did these creature some how take on different forms…because the …because the creatures could change there faces as a sculptor might. “I fink tvey sculpt themselves…Am I going insane…?”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>27-08-2011, 12:51:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park</strong><br><br>"We're not crazy." Nadia spoke just loud enough for Sarah Jane to hear. It was more to reassure herself than her companion. "You said back at the club that the thing couldn't see you, yeah? If that's the case here's what we need to do. I'm going to run at the thing, try to throw it off balance. You run for the kid. He's probably gonna fight you, but you have to get him away while I have the thing distracted. Ready?"<br><br>Nadia braced herself to take action the very moment Sarah Jane agreed to the plan if she did agree. She dug her feet into the ground and would dash at a full run towards the monster at her say-so. She imagined the impact as she dropped down then threw her right shoulder into the creature below what she saw as it's center of gravity. She still gripped her ratchet tightly.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>27-08-2011, 13:41:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park</strong><br><br>With the hunters remaining somewhat stealthy, the corpse with the clay face started searching over the area.&nbsp; "Hello?" he called out, sounding a little scared.<br><br>"Daddy?" the child asked, echoing the parent's fright.&nbsp; "What's going on?"<br><br>"Nothing I want to concern you about," he replied, his tone growing more stoic.&nbsp; "Son, I'm going to head off for a bit, but I'll be back soon.&nbsp; I don't want you to see this.&nbsp; Don't get off the swing, alright?"<br><br>Although the child started to protest, the father stared until the boy went silent.&nbsp; The creature started to walk away off towards the woods, then paused, looking back to the child.&nbsp; "If for some reason I don't come back, I want you to run straight home, alright?&nbsp; Straight home!"&nbsp; <br><br>The boy nodded, but his concern was quickly growing.&nbsp; "I love you, Daddy."<br><br>"I love you too, son."&nbsp; He continued out into the park proper, but he kept on glancing back, expecting to be followed.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>27-08-2011, 18:30:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Mary's dream</strong><br><br>Mary snickered "You're better at it than I am.&nbsp; And no, I didn't think you were really Jeanne d. Arc."&nbsp; The street doctor squirmed a bit and got more comfortable.&nbsp; "so, this sort of thing takes a lot of effort based on what I've sen it do to Carrie.&nbsp; What are you trying to tell me, what do I need to know?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>27-08-2011, 21:53:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<br>Sarah Jane indeed nodded she would go for the kid, if nothing more than to keep some semblance of innocence safe, at least most kids liked animals. So it might be better if she approached and let Horlicks go first. Still looking at those around her as the creature ran away she continued to approach to the boy, “Are ya ok?&nbsp; Do ya need ta get ‘ome …me and ve ‘ound can help if ya need. Vo ye’ll ‘ave ta help her she aint too bright…”<br><br>The girl smiled, and there was softness about her, “I know ‘ow it can be in ve dark, vats why I sleep wif ‘Orlicks.” Sarah Jane did her best to remain calm, sure that the others could take care of the monster at hand.&nbsp; At the moment the boy was her concern. “So de ya like dogs? There was a pause as she sat on a swing, “We can wait ‘ere if ya like?” The girl started to swing. “So can yeah swing on yer own? Or de ya need a push?”<br><br>As it was Horlicks paced a little staying close to both charges protecting them... neither seemed to want to scare the child. After all Sarah Jane was not too far from one, she had just had to grow up very quickly.&nbsp; The girl continued to swing and looked in her pockets, children were like horses ignoring them and finding interest elsewhere brought attention, however scared they were.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>28-08-2011, 00:43:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Mary's dream</strong><br><br>"Carrie asked me to come."&nbsp; She reached over and placed a gloved hand upon Mary's knee, sympathetic but stoic.&nbsp; "She's very afraid because she knows what's coming, but she's willing to see it through to the end.&nbsp; Mostly she just wanted me to talk to you, that we don't-"&nbsp; Her voice drifted off again, despite her speaking for some time, until she realized she wasn't coming through.&nbsp; It seemed to frustrate her a bit.<br><br>"I'm sorry," she said.&nbsp; "Mostly I can only tell you things that you already know, at least to some degree.&nbsp; Unless..."&nbsp; She paused, considering.&nbsp; "Perhaps I can answer questions."&nbsp; She doesn't seem to have ever done this before.&nbsp; "Maybe if you ask what you want to know, I can try to help."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>28-08-2011, 04:43:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park - Playground</strong><br><br>The child looked over as she got close, staring at SJ and not really making any sense of her accent.&nbsp; "I'm not supposed to talk to strangers," he said, nervously keeping an eye on her but doing his best to keep the swing going of his own accord.&nbsp; Slowly he was failing, but the natural inertia from the monster's pushes seemed to have kept him going for now.<br><br>Although he looked over when she sat down, he remained quite nervous, and his eyes often drifted back towards the general direction of where his father had gone.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>28-08-2011, 14:28:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The monster's next words caught Nadia off guard. Abandoning her plan for now, she circled around him away from Sarah Jane and the child. Did the creature truly care What happened to the little boy, or was it trying to mess with them? <br><br>"Who..." She cleared her dry throat, ."..What ARE you?" She was still on the defensive, but she could not help but realize that he/it had at least <em>appeared</em> to express concern for the well-being of the boy. "What do you want?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>28-08-2011, 14:53:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park</strong><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">Pinpoint</div></div>Alan tried to move with the creature, and to stay out of sight as he was watching it. He was scrutinizing the monster to see if he could determine anything from the way that it moved and anything else he could make out about it.&nbsp; He had a small weapon, so he would have to make sure to know where to hit, should he have to engage. He hoped that he could still maintain his cover while still following the things movements, because he was still concerned that he could not win against it. He was glad to see the monster and the child separate and despite himself he smiled slightly, pleased at that small spot of luck. Though he presumed a conversation was occurring, he still had no ability to determine what exactly was said. <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>28-08-2011, 17:23:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park - Clearing</strong><br><br>The corpse with a clay face stepped out away from the playground, well aware that he was being followed and not attempting to lose his pursuers.&nbsp; His intent was clear: to get out of eyeshot and earshot of the child.&nbsp; Soon he passed through a number of trees, out to a clearing under the full moon.&nbsp; "Thank you," he said.&nbsp; "He doesn't know."&nbsp; <br><br>As Alan kept watching the mask, he could make out fine cracks, lines in the surface of the clay which were apt to crack and fall apart given some damage or attention.&nbsp; It probably wouldn't take much, but the clay was hardened, so a little effort would be needed to shatter it.<br><br>The monster didn't seem to have seen Sarah Jane at all.&nbsp; If he had, it was hard to say whether he would have left the child all alone.&nbsp; "Roughly a week ago, I had a strange dream," he explained.&nbsp; "An angel of shadow and black fire appeared to me in a dream, offering me the chance to live forever."&nbsp; He kept his eyes on Nadia, though they were only visible as wizened slits beneath the visage.&nbsp; "So I took the deal.&nbsp; I had leukemia but not nearly enough money to pay for the treatment; someone needs to take care of Samuel and my wife Linda.&nbsp; Neither of them are...like me, but so long as I keep the appearance of being normal, they haven't noticed anything as wrong."<br><br>The sharp sound of wheezing cut into the air as he took a deep breath.&nbsp; "I've heard stories that someone is hunting us, and I don't intend to go quietly.&nbsp; You can still walk away, and I won't stop you or chase you.&nbsp; I just want to be left in peace."&nbsp; The longer they looked at the man, the more time their eyes had a chance to adjust, a bulge because visible at the side of his suit coat that resembled some sort of weapon, but he didn't seem to be going for it yet.&nbsp; "You seem civil enough, but I won't pretend to know what's going on or what you're doing."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>28-08-2011, 23:15:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park, swings</strong><br><br>Sarah Jane obviously could not know what was happening with the others that had been in the park with her. For now she was being attentive to the boy, trying to keep him safe. If that was possible considering that which she had seen tonight.<br><br>“I bet ya can’t understand me…vat would be cos I am a Landaner…proper cockney and all vat.” She swung then on her swing leaning back a little.&nbsp; It had been a while since she had experianced the pleasure. “Ve name is Sarah Jane, bat yeah can call me SJ.” Horlicks paced seeming to keep guard. “See I am no stranger now. I tell yeah what yer lacky ta be allowed owt at vis time of night…my Nan never let me aut after dark wif or wif aut ‘er.” The girl just continued making light conversation, trying to distract the boy.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>29-08-2011, 13:47:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park - Playground</strong><br><br>The boy listened cautiously, apparently deciding that just talking wouldn't hurt anything, although it didn't bring him any real ease just yet.&nbsp; "Sammy," he replied.&nbsp; "I'm Sammy."&nbsp; He sounded unsure, having some trouble with the accent, but doing his best.&nbsp; Truth be told, he was rather lonely and wanted someone to talk to.&nbsp; With whatever had just happened with his father, he was rather scared.<br><br>"Going out at night?" he asked, not sure if that's what she said but guessing and hoping.&nbsp; "We know we're not supposed to.&nbsp; Dad's just been really busy lately, but he promised that he'd take me out to the swings this week.&nbsp; So, this is Saturday night, the last day where he can, and he doesn't like it but he has to keep his promise."&nbsp; The boy seemed to take that as an act of pride that his father would never break a promise.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>30-08-2011, 04:16:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park</strong><br><br>Alan stepped out of the shadows. After having the feeling that he was being watched, it felt silly crouching in the bushes. Plus the little nettles in the nearest bush were telling him not to overstay his welcome. He managed to hear the last part of the conversation, and was eager to learn more. He was looking down and holding his head, as if in thought. "So, you had a dream then did you, sir? And tell me, why would this angel come to <em>you</em>, and offer <em>you </em>that? Were you in some need? He paused a moment more, then lifted his head and became suddenly more animated his voice raising slightly with each statement.<br><br>"You said that it was offered to you. . . You had the choice to accept. What was the other part of the offer? What else did the angel ask of you!? What was the price you paid !?!?"<br>&nbsp;<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>30-08-2011, 05:05:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park - Clearing</strong><br><br>The monster considered them both, pondering how to explain.&nbsp; "I don't know," he said to the first set of questions.&nbsp; "I think it's the leukemia, though.&nbsp; He knew I was going to die, said that there was no reason for it.&nbsp; Life doesn't make any sense the way most people understand it, so fleeting, pointless and gone."<br><br>At the question of a cost, he shook his head.&nbsp; "Nothing was asked in return.&nbsp; My body hasn't been quite the same, I seem to be rotting, but I-"&nbsp; Without warning, something dark seemed to splash over his vision, unsettling him for a moment.&nbsp; "I'm afraid I've told you all I can."&nbsp; His demeanor changed quickly, a bit surprised, a bit afraid.&nbsp; "I hope it's a fair payment for the kindness of not forcing my son to deal with this.&nbsp; Now I'll ask you to leave us be."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>30-08-2011, 22:22:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Are you really that <em>stupid</em> to think you'll get something for nothing?" Nadia snarled at the husk of what was once a man. "What kind of angel would do this to someone? Sounds to me like you made a deal with a <em>devil</em>. If you were proud of what you'd done you wouldn't be hiding it from your family like this. Deep down I think you know it's wrong."<br><br>Nadia tensed up again. If she could keep goading him, she hoped he would make the first move, and remove any hesitation she had against destroying him. Ever the drama queen, she could not pass the opportunity for a really good line. "Maybe you're beyond redemption. Maybe fate brought me here to put you out of your misery." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>31-08-2011, 03:39:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park</strong><br><br>Alan stepped between Nadia and the man, his hesitation to speak was enough to let Alan know it was worth the attempt, and he was confident that any physical situation that arose from this should be easily quelled, though it was a confidence based on conjecture. He raised his hands as he turned to speak to her. He tried to make sure the thing heard what he said. "Wait. I think we may be able to let this one go. I mean, after all, he is just trying to be a father to his son." He looked to the ground and paused, taking a moment to take in the scent of the approaching morning, cold damp grass, mixed florals, and more than a hint of decay. He turned to face the opponent. <br><br>"Then again, you are right, there's something altogether wrong with this. What kind of man becomes a monster, unless he has no other choice, terrible though it may be? He might able to make up for his poor decision in a different way. He has had first hand experience with this evil that has corrupted him. Maybe he knows something about it. Maybe he knows something about the. . . black fire. . ." What do you say? We don't need to hurt anyone, we just need some information is all. We're not here to judge you, we're only here to help make things right, like you."&nbsp; He turned again to face Nadia, but his words were directed behind him. He really hoped that this worked. <br><br>"I don't know, I'd rather have you live in peace, but my friend here looks kind of angry. I don't really have a right to tell her what not to do, but, a friend of a friend, well then we're all just making small talk about the weather, right?"<br><br><br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>31-08-2011, 04:24:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park - Clearing</strong><br><br>"So you never pray for help?" the corpse asked Nadia with all the pain and venom that he could muster.&nbsp; "If the cost is being undead to be able to protect my family, it's one I'll happily pay.&nbsp; I hope someday your family learns what it's like to have death come without rhyme or reason."&nbsp; He was about to reach for his weapon when Alan provided the voice of reason.<br><br>"I'm not able to tell you much," the monster said.&nbsp; "Black fire wasn't something that I have an aptitude for, but from my understanding, they got rather confused when they came to Earth and found the darkness.&nbsp; The Earth itself absorbs the sunlight greedily, eating all the light."&nbsp; He didn't really seem to know what he was talking about on the matter.&nbsp; "And don't worry, boy.&nbsp; If the fighting starts, my first shots won't be aimed at you."&nbsp; He kept his glare on Nadia for that one.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>31-08-2011, 23:23:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Even though she'd rather not fight, Nadia's rage forced an outburst. "You ignorant son of a bitch. Don't you pretend to talk to me about prayer. You hope my family learns of death? TOO FUCKING LATE! I've already lost my father. But he didn't see it coming. This wasn't a disease that gave him time to plan. He was MURDERED! At least you had a chance. Time to get ready. You say you want to protect your family, but really you're just a coward who couldn't face his death with dignity." Tears threatened to come so she closed her eyes, but all she could see in her mind's eye was the little boy whose father was now dead. <br><br>"Look at yourself. You really are a monster." Nadia loosened her grip on the ratchet in her hand, hoping he'd at least recognize that he'd done something wrong. "Promise me you haven't hurt anyone. I'll walk away. If I think you're lying, I'll kill you. If you hurt anyone. I'll kill you. Final offer."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>01-09-2011, 02:36:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park</strong><br><br>Alan gained a pained look on his face at Nadia's outburst. He wasn't really sure what to say after that. These two were going to end up duking it out anyway, he figured. He backed away from the fight and let them stare each other down. <br><br>"Sounds like she's made you a stronger offer. I don't know what you plan to do about it, but if you've got nothing more to say about the matter, then I don't really need to talk anymore. Also, you know that we can see you for what you are. This also happens to be useful when determining if someone is telling the truth or not. . ."<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>01-09-2011, 02:47:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park - Clearing</strong><br><br>"I don't think you need to worry about me for killing people.&nbsp; I've taken the time to painstakingly make a clay face.&nbsp; Others use dirt as well.&nbsp; The ones you really have to worry about are the ones who don't even look undead, who-"&nbsp; A sudden burst of force shot out from the thing, dropping him to his knees in a sudden rush of pain.&nbsp; Thunder without sound crumpled through the area as an aftereffect.<br><br>It took him a few moments to collect himself before he stood once more.&nbsp; "I've told you enough."&nbsp; With that, he started walking back towards the playground, a little shaken.&nbsp; Yet he kept his eyes on the others, just in case they tried something.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>02-09-2011, 00:29:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Mary's Dream</strong><br><br>"Questions."&nbsp; Nash mused.&nbsp; "You bet I have questions.&nbsp; Let's start with what the hell is going on.&nbsp; Why now?&nbsp; I got the distinct impression from Theo, Bill and Red that this, this conflict, the overt part of it is a new thing.&nbsp; What changed?&nbsp; How are the hunters chosen, why is their power given to some and not others.&nbsp; Not that I'm asking for it!"&nbsp; Mary hastily adds.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>02-09-2011, 00:45:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Mary's Dream</strong><br><br>The dream itself seemed to flicker.&nbsp; It was hard to tell how long it would last, though it didn't seem to have very long.&nbsp; Perhaps simply Mary's realizing its falsehood was enough to start breaking down the barriers which had been erected.&nbsp; It was impossible to say.<br><br>"They were supposed to just sleep," Joan explained, her voice a bit hollow.&nbsp; "Coming to Earth was agonizing for them when they lost the perpetual connection to the light.&nbsp; They had never known darkness before, and at first it frightened them, then intrigued, then exalted them.&nbsp; We knew that coming to Earth would only do the same to us, so we found those among you who would be willing to fight, willing to stop them before the Earth was lost."<br><br>She said more, but it didn't make any sound, which was frustrating her.&nbsp; Only the inn existed in the dream now, but even the cold was fading.&nbsp; "The human mind cannot handle untempered shadow, nor the space between the void where we exist."&nbsp; More words without sound.&nbsp; "Balariel was awoken to the rampant chaos, fusing himself into the beast you saw, and now sleeps forever in the void.&nbsp; Yet others remain."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>02-09-2011, 02:30:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Catspaws."&nbsp; That one word escaped Mary's lips before she clamped her mouth closed.&nbsp; But in a dream, did that matter?&nbsp; She was unsure.&nbsp; "So, your chosen agents fight your lost kindred toe to toe."&nbsp; A cynical view of the situation, perhaps.&nbsp; Certainly a soldier's view.&nbsp; Mary glanced at the fringes of her perception more than a litle nervously.&nbsp; The dream was fading fast
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>02-09-2011, 02:34:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Mary's Dream</strong><br><br>"When Indarinel fell upon the Earth so very long ago, twelve others attempted to rescue him."&nbsp; She tried to say more, but it didn't work.&nbsp; The dream faded into a quivering mess, where Mary awoke with hours still to go before the morning returned.<br><br>Carrie was still fast asleep, but the others had not yet returned, and it seemed as though nearly no time at all had passed since she'd fallen asleep.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>02-09-2011, 04:14:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park</strong><br><br>Alan was taken aback by the invisible force that seemed to strike the creature mid sentence. He looked to the ground and let the creature turn to walk away. He turned his head to face Nadia. "I'm not going to fight this one, I'll leave his fate to you." At that he faced the thing once more.<br><br>"One more question. You say you took the offer to keep your family together. How about your son; how is he doing now?&nbsp; I had a feeling that something might happen to him, and I want you to know that we came here to prevent it. Why would you bring such a small child out at this time of night, it's very odd."&nbsp; He took steps closer to his opponent. Alan grew tense, he wanted to be prepared for the reaction.&nbsp; <br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>02-09-2011, 04:34:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park - Clearing</strong><br><br>"That something might happen?"&nbsp; Those words cut into his throat as his raspy voice scowled over with fear and fury.&nbsp; "No, I just...I promised him I'd take him out this week, but it's been such a crazy week, and he insisted..."&nbsp; He suddenly burst into a run, heading back towards the playground and where the child had just been.&nbsp; Although it was hard to tell his state of mind in the darkness, with the mask and the unnatural voice, he sounded completely sincere.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>02-09-2011, 22:19:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nadia quickly followed the monster as he ran off. Sarah Jane was with the boy so she doubted he'd be in trouble yet, but there was no telling what she would do when the monster rushed out of the darkness towards her. She put on enough speed to hopefully reach the swing set slightly ahead of him and take stock of the situation. At the moment, she didn't notice or care whether or not Alan was also running with them, she was just trying to make it there first. <br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">Roll: dex+athletics = 2 successes</div></div><br>A final push past the monster and she could see the outline of the swing set in the darkness. A few steps closer would bring to her vision any happenings or lack thereof at the playground. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>02-09-2011, 22:22:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset Club</strong><br><br>Mary blinked lazily as she raised her head.&nbsp; A quuick check of her watch showed the time that passed had been minutes, and not very many of them.&nbsp; &nbsp;She leaned towards Carrie and listened intently to her breathing:&nbsp; Slow, deep and normal.&nbsp; She cast a sour glance at the book she had been reading and tossed it to another table.&nbsp; "Oracles."&nbsp; She muttered and settled back into her chair.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>02-09-2011, 22:42:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park - Playground</strong><br><br>Nadia comes back to see the boy chatting with SJ, although he quickly stops when he sees someone running up.&nbsp; He quickly got himself poised to run, very afraid when someone beat his father back in returning, but relieved to see the thing rushing up past Nadia to the boy.<br><br>"Dad, what's going on?" he finally asked, slipping off the swing only when he could see his father once again.&nbsp; "You keep doing weird things like this, having to go off and talk to weird people, seeming to know stuff but not telling us.&nbsp; Mom's noticed too, and..."<br><br>"It's nothing, Sam."&nbsp; Relief caught in the man's tone as he started back, throwing Nadia a glance just to make sure she wouldn't try anything.&nbsp; "Things have just been a little difficult right now."<br><br>"I want to help," Sam said, following quickly but rushing over to grab the edge of his father's suit leg.&nbsp; "Let me be part of this too.&nbsp; Are you like a..."<br><br>The sudden rush of panic forced his clammy dead hand over the boy's fingers, frightened but stern.&nbsp; "You can't join me in this, Sam," the monster said with conviction.&nbsp; "I don't want you to try."<br><br>"But, Dad..." Sam started to protest.<br><br>"No!" the man said with all the finality he could muster, bringing him back towards their car.&nbsp; "You still have a long and happy life to live."<br><br>"Alright, Dad," the boy said ever so softly, hurt and feeling alone.&nbsp; The two would no doubt continue their conversation later.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>02-09-2011, 23:42:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>Carrie slept peacefully, her eyes quickly flickering in REM despite the fact that the large number of drugs in her system should have her sleeping dreamlessly.&nbsp; Even when unconscious, she seemed to be haunted by the Messengers, but at least she appeared to be peaceful and relaxed.<br><br>One of the light bulbs flickered and went out from above, but it was one of the redundant bulbs.&nbsp; The sheer number of electric lighting sources she kept in the area prevented anything from ever growing truly dark.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>03-09-2011, 04:40:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park </strong><br><br>Alan had been bracing for the reaction, but he was still apparently slightly winded from getting to the park in the first place. His body wouldn't let him get into a full run, but he managed to catch up to the tail end of the conversation. He was glad to be there to help out, but he assumed that Nadia would like to take center stage from here, and he wasn't about to move between them again.&nbsp; This time he decided that he would keep away again, and try to surround the monster between the other Hunters. Though he didn't hear all of the conversation, he was intrigued that the monster gave almost no indication that he was even aware of Sarah Jane, though perhaps the father was just being a snob. Alan was concerned at this point that combat might ensue, but he attempted to be as non threatening as possible, even as he moved into position. <br><br><br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>03-09-2011, 21:24:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mary tried to ignore the burned out bulb.&nbsp; There were plenty more still lit but... Mary was meticulous by nature, detail oriented.&nbsp; It bugged her.&nbsp; After a few moments she closed the ledger she had been up&lt;dating and began rooting around behind the bar for more bulbs, muttering to herself about how she really should learn to relax.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>03-09-2011, 21:29:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>It wasn't too difficult to find more light bulbs.&nbsp; Carrie had quite a collection set up, far more than any sane person would keep, to be able to easily replace the unnatural number of light bulbs around the place.&nbsp; Who could say why she wanted it all so brightly lit and without any shadows?<br><br>As Mary looked about, she also noticed a few flashlights, hidden about for emergency use.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>03-09-2011, 21:49:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset Club</strong><br><br>The number of burning bulbs bordered on the obsessive.&nbsp; well actually it was comfortably beyond that benchmark.&nbsp; But considering her own dreams, Mary was beginning to see Carrie's point.&nbsp; A thought struck her suddenly and her eyes narrowed.&nbsp; "Light.&nbsp; Fire."&nbsp; She murmured.&nbsp; "Flare guns.&nbsp; I wonder."&nbsp; She felt comforted by the small bulk of the .380 at her back.&nbsp; She had never had to fire it, but me than once she had pulled it on assorted troublemakers.&nbsp; But that thing in Iraq had taken everything the Rangers&nbsp; could throw at it for long enough to kill most of them.&nbsp; The little automatic just wouldn't cut it if anything, um, weird jumped her.&nbsp; But a flare gun?&nbsp; "Worth a try."&nbsp; She decided.&nbsp; Almost every gun store sold the things.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>03-09-2011, 22:00:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>While Mary had time to consider matters, a text message came over her phone.&nbsp; The name of the sender was Mr. Brand, almost certainly an alias, one of her contacts in organized crime.&nbsp; "I heard that you requested some free time," read the message, "but if you can spare a few hours, please call me.&nbsp; I'll make sure it's worth your while."&nbsp; <br><br>Mr. Brent always paid well and was respectful, although he never answered questions.&nbsp; Most of the wounds suffered by his people were gunshots, knife stabs and broken bones from blunt trauma.<br><br>Carrie continued to sleep soundly and peacefully, albeit not dreamlessly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>04-09-2011, 02:56:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset Club</strong><br><br>Mary read the message with raised brows. "Well.&nbsp; How about that."&nbsp; She shook her head slightly as she sent a text of her own.l&nbsp; "You never contact me for the little stuff.&nbsp; I will make myself available at once.&nbsp; Location and nature of injuries?"&nbsp; She was writing a brief note for Carrie before she hit send.<br><br>The note:&nbsp; Carrie, there are some serious injuries that need my attention.&nbsp; I will return as soon as I can.<br><br>She taped the note to a chairback where it would be seen as soon as the girl opened her eyes.&nbsp; She scooped up her carryall, checked to see that the tomahawk was still close to Carrie's hand, then heraded out to her van.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>04-09-2011, 03:11:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>"An abandoned warehouse on 104th street.&nbsp; I don't know the address.&nbsp; Look for the red van outside."<br><br>Carrie simply slept, the tomahawk laying just where it had been upon her bed.&nbsp; She didn't even seem to stir beyond breathing and her REM; the real chance to sleep kept her caught tight in its clutches, more proof that she badly needed rest.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>04-09-2011, 03:50:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>En route from Sunset Club to warehouse</strong><br><br>The vague directions were actually reassuring in a way, less likely to be a setup.&nbsp; But nonetheless Mary checked the action on her gun before starting tahe engine.&nbsp; Not exactly a bad neighborhood for this time of night, not many muggers hung out there.&nbsp; No locals lived there to prey on after all.&nbsp; But there were other5 dangers.&nbsp; Smugglers, dealers, all might be a bit nervouse to see someone they didn't know.&nbsp; The van was easy to spot.&nbsp; Nash parked behind it and slowly approached with her hands out to her side, clearly visible in the red van's mirrors.&nbsp; "It's Mary Nash.&nbsp; Who need help?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>04-09-2011, 04:12:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Abandoned Warehouse on 104th Street</strong><br><br>The area had been somewhat blocked off by various vehicles, with a few men and women in suits bearing automatic weapons&nbsp; keeping people from asking too many questions.&nbsp; Upon seeing her and her van, one of the women nodded, gesturing for her to pass through without a word.<br><br>Inside was a complete mess.&nbsp; Three bodies were splayed about in various stages of damage, with Mr. Brand nodded politely to her, but he seemed deeply concerned, breaking a demeanor he had spent decades perfecting into an emotionless stare.&nbsp; He had a briefcase already set for her, which contained double her usual payment in small denominational bills, the way he always paid her.<br><br>One of the three was already being worked on by another street doctor, Allan Burkowitz.&nbsp; From a distance, the damage looked like severe frostbite, and Dr. Burkowitz was treating it as such.&nbsp; The patient was already drugged and looking peaceful.&nbsp; He managed only a brief glance to Mary, an apology that she had to be called in during a day off, but couldn't spend more than just that second before he continued his work upon his patient.<br><br>Of the other two, one already looked to be pretty far gone.&nbsp; The young woman in a bloody trenchcoat looked as though most of her insides had been grabbed and yanked out by tiny, whirling blades.&nbsp; She'd likewise been drugged, but it only took a glance to realize that even the best hospital could never patch her up.<br><br>The last one was a man with his blood splayed out all over the area, drugged already but with only basic training applied to keep him alive long enough for Mary to get here.&nbsp; The wounds looked deep, perhaps a sword, or some sort of talon; even deeply inspecting the wounds, it was difficult to tell too much after basic work had already been done.<br><br>Around the three lay hundreds of rounds of casings, their automatic weapons fired in heavy abundance, but with no victim laying clear.&nbsp; In similar situations which Mary had seem before, there would always be a fourth body, someone else or a number of people which had been gunned down and would be taken care of after she'd left.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>04-09-2011, 11:12:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong> Graystone Park, Sarah Jane</strong><br><br>Sarah Jane stopped talking to the boy as soon as the ‘creature’ appeared. She saw the way the boy reacted and the way his 'father' reacted too. It was obvious that this man cared for the boy and that his father had no wish to make him anything close to the monster that he had become. This was certainly confusing why could she not be seen by the monster and why could everyone else see her.<br><br>Remaining still on the swing the girl made sure Horlicks was quite too. As it was she did not know what to do in this situation, were they supposed to fight these things or was it on a case by case situation. Though similar that dirt creature had scared her far more. Running her hands through her hair her eyes became focused on the other two hunters. The confusion was very apparent on her face. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>04-09-2011, 19:52:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Abandoned warehouse on 104th street</strong><br><br>"Jesus, Allan!"&nbsp; Mary dismissed the injured woman after a quick once-over, black tag for that one.&nbsp; "What the hell?&nbsp; All those rounds fired, the cops should be all over this!"&nbsp; She didn't waste time, her carryall was open, nitrile gloves on her hands before she finished talking.&nbsp; "A sword?&nbsp; Somebody took this guy down with a sword?"&nbsp; Xeolite blood-stop bandages on the lesser wounds, then she gently pulled open the worst wound, her headlight giving her a precise ring of bright light on her work area.<br><br>"Mr. Brand."&nbsp; After catching his attention, Mary turned her head towards the dying woman and shook her head slightly, then returned to the blond man she was working on.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>04-09-2011, 20:03:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Abandoned Warehouse on 104th Street</strong><br><br>"I know," Allan said.&nbsp; "I did what I could to keep them all alive until you could get here.&nbsp; I'm sorry you had to be called in when you needed a vacation, but..."&nbsp; He didn't seem to know what to say.&nbsp; It was all he could do to keep from panicking as well, simply focusing on his training.<br><br>"Don't worry about the police," Mr. Brand said, his calm demeanor showing once more.&nbsp; "I'd like you to check them all for hallucinogenic drugs as well."&nbsp; With a briefcase already next to Allan, he sets down the other nearby to Mary without being so close to disturb her work area.<br><br>Although the wounds looked to have been a sword at first inspection, the marks didn't match up with steel.&nbsp; For one, steel was able to cut through bone with some effort, but whatever had done all this could not.&nbsp; Morphine injections from Allan kept the man docile as the wounds were checked over.&nbsp; Yet something in his eyes still told a terrible story.&nbsp; "It just wouldn't die..." he said gently, but a glance from Mr. Brand brought silence from the wounded man.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>05-09-2011, 00:35:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Dale Boone Introduction Post</strong><br><br>Cities always seemed to keep late hours.&nbsp; Despite the full moon overhead, most people from out in the country would expect that only the crickets and owls would be up this late.&nbsp; On the contrary, however, out in the city, everything kept on thriving and buzzing, as if there were simply too many people for the waking hours of the day to be able to handle everyone.<br><br>Jack Panzer, the partner for the new recruit until everything calmed down long enough to regain some semblance of control.&nbsp; Despite the name Paradiso, this city always seemed to be falling apart, and only stitches and duct tape dutifully applied by the law enforcement kept it from collapsing into a lawless mob.<br><br>The radio dispatch came through with a hint of static, "378 near the 24-7 Convenience on Garden Street."<br><br>"10-4," said Jack to the radio, turning the engine back on to start driving.&nbsp; "A 378 is a local disturbance, a bunch of teenagers loitering and looking to be up to no good.&nbsp; We won't start anything, but nowadays, it helps to have officers in the area in case something does go down.&nbsp; Let's just stay in the car unless problems happen."<br><br>Although this city was easily a maze of buildings, a sufficiently attentive person could manage to learn their way around by paying attention and searching the skyline for hints.&nbsp; Various areas also had their individual scents, places where a sewer was backed up for long enough to allow for its own aroma to mark the territory, or even various signs of graffiti which could be followed as dutifully as road signs when one started to recognize their repeated use.<br><br>Outside of the convenience store, a large group of teenagers and young adults had assembled, many in biker outfits and with vibrant, erratic hairstyles.&nbsp; A few had minor weapons such as chains or pipes, nothing overtly illegal but enough to garner notice.&nbsp; Jack parked the vehicle several feet behind a stop sign, unobtrusively watching to see if they start causing trouble before stepping in.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>05-09-2011, 01:49:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Abandoned warehouse on 104th street</strong><br><br>"It just wouldn't die..."<br><br>Mary froze at those words.&nbsp; She had heard&nbsp; those exact words more than once on that terrible night two years ago.&nbsp; She recovered very quickly though.&nbsp; &nbsp; <em>Torn, not cut.&nbsp; No sword did this.&nbsp; Claws?</em>&nbsp; She had no doubt now.&nbsp; Just like that thing in Iraq.&nbsp; Only total absorption in her work kept her from a quick glance at Brand.&nbsp; Did he notice?&nbsp; He did tend to notice things like that. <br><br>&nbsp;"This one's going to make it at least short term, Mr. Brand.&nbsp; If you don't have a hospital or clinic to send him to, Alan and I can set up the usual facilities at whatever location you wish.&nbsp; We will need to bring some people in for long-term care, however."&nbsp; Her voice was steady.&nbsp; Good.&nbsp; Old work habit might just get her through this.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>05-09-2011, 02:03:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Abandoned Warehouse on 104th Street</strong><br><br>Claws was a distinct possibility; it certainly made as much sense as anything else.&nbsp; What seemed truly strange, however, was that the jagged slices were large and distinct with this man, but the dying woman had vast, tiny cuts which worked more at yanking out the guts, intestines and organs.<br><br>As she worked, it was harder and harder to shake the feeling that whatever did this was simply playing with these people, taking its sweet time and torturing these people.&nbsp; Perhaps its delight in keeping them alive for as long as possible was the only thing which allowed two of the three to be saved.<br><br>"I've already set things up for long-term care for them, but the facilities won't be available until tomorrow morning."&nbsp; Mr. Brand nodded his appreciation that she was planning head, but everything was under control.<br><br>Allan finished everything up soon after, the various bandages and ointments more hiding the damage than doing any short-term good, and grabbed the briefcase.&nbsp; As he started to leave, though, he glanced over towards Mary, tossing her a look that he needed to talk to her.&nbsp; If Mr. Brand noticed the glance, he paid no attention.&nbsp; Very close attention showed that Mr. Brand's hands were quivering.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>05-09-2011, 02:26:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Abandoned warehouse 104th street</strong><br><br>Mary met Allan's glance and winked as she cleaned up her mess.&nbsp; A quick check of the man's vitals, aa small dab of adrenaline into a vein to keep his heart running and she stripped off and bagged her gloves with the bloody bandages, tucked the wad in her carryall and scookp the briefcase up as she followed the other street doc out of the building.<br><br>"Allan,"&nbsp; she hissed as soon as they were al one, "you did notice the difference in the wounds between the men and the woman.?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>05-09-2011, 04:32:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park</strong><br><br>Alan stood by for awhile, hoping that he would not have to make the first move, but the creature was carrying on a conversation with the child, and that made Alan extremely nervous. He couldn't see Nadia from where he was standing, but he did manage to catch Sarah Jane's panicked expression, and he took that to mean that he was going to have to make the first move.&nbsp; He still resisted the urge to kill the thing until he got everything he could out of it. So, he decided to try to tackle him, and go from there. He really had no idea what he was doing at this point, all he knew was he was exhausted,&nbsp; and he wanted this to be over. He briefly considered that getting a rise out of either the father or the child might loosen some more information and he hoped that he might spur his companions into action as well. <br><br>Alan screamed in rage, and although it might seem it was directed out to the monster, in reality he was just frustrated at his inability to think of a brilliant plan.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">Initiative: 2 + 3 Dex and 3 Wits = 8 </div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>05-09-2011, 04:41:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>104th Street</strong><br><br>Mr. Brand simply nodded as they left.&nbsp; He was never one to show any gratefulness in words or actions, but he was happy to explain his gratitude in currency.&nbsp; On a few occasions, he had referred to it as the price of silence.&nbsp; The way his eyes kept glancing, however, he was deep in consideration, worried even more than normal.<br><br>Once they were out, Allan looked over to her with concerned shock.&nbsp; "They kept rambling about all sorts of strange things, creatures and weapons of bone, though I couldn't make any sense of any of it.&nbsp; Do you think there's a new type of drug out that causes hallucinations which our tests can't pick up on?"&nbsp; He just didn't know what to say.&nbsp; Part of him, though, was excited, some sick and twisted part which wanted the heavier business to keep himself well funded.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>05-09-2011, 04:45:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park</strong><br><br>SJ: 16<br>Nadia: 15<br>Samuel: 12<br>Monster: 11<br>Alan: 8<br><br>Upon hearing the cry, the monster suddenly spun, his hand digging towards his waistband to grab his weapon.&nbsp; "Run, Sam!" he called in turn, his eyes growing fierce beneath the clay mask.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>05-09-2011, 23:27:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Abandoned warehouse, 104th street</strong><br><br>Weapons of bone?"&nbsp; Mary kept her face utterly still.&nbsp; "Creatures?&nbsp; I'm more concerned by all the shell casings.&nbsp; What the hell were they shooting at?&nbsp; Why didn't anybody hear it?&nbsp; <em>I've got a damn good suspicion about both,</em> she shakes her head angrily, <em>but who will believe me?</em><br><br>"Keep your eyes open, Alan."&nbsp; She eyed him thoughtfully as she climbed into her van, settingher carryall in the passenger seat, the briefcase between the front seats.&nbsp; "This isn't the first set of weird injuries I've treated lately.&nbsp; Something very strange is going on."&nbsp; She drove off at once.&nbsp; She didn't quite beeline for the Sunset Club, but she got there very quickly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>05-09-2011, 23:34:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>104th street, Transition to Sunset</strong><br><br>Allan shook his head, frowning a bit about the shell casings.&nbsp; "No, that's pretty common from what I've seen.&nbsp; They'll put enough bullets into someone to make absolute certain.&nbsp; They also pay off the police so that no one comes over to investigate all the gunfire."<br><br>He looked thoughtful about the matter.&nbsp; "From what I can gather, someone had a grudge against the crime syndicate and came out for revenge.&nbsp; Probably got themselves hopped up on PCP and did some really twisted stuff to make sure they could take out the hit squad.&nbsp; That or lots and lots of bulletproof clothing..."<br><br>He nodded at the mention of weird injuries, curious but not about to get into matters right now.&nbsp; He was still a bit freaked out as well, despite his rationalization of the matter.<br><br>It was easy enough to get back to Sunset, where Carrie still slept soundly, occasionally murmuring.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>07-09-2011, 11:24:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Lorraine and Vince - Piledriver Lane</strong><br><br>They parked Lorraine's mangled bike in the underground parking and Lorraine locked up behind her when they left. "Your friend knows more about this kind of thing?" Well, that was obvious, but Lorraine wanted to find common ground with the handsome firefighter. She walked next to him as they headed towards Nathaniel's place. "Greg doesn't seem as bad as that guy you encountered. What are they anyway? And do you think there are more?" Lorraine brushed a lock of her dark hair away from her face when the wind threatened to obscure her vision with it. She cast him a sidelong glance, silent for a moment. "I trust you, isn't that strange? Usually I don't trust anyone. It's just not done in this neighbourhood, and generally not a good idea when delivering pizza at night."<br><br>"So, what do you do when there's no fire? Saving cats from high places?" She grinned, teasingly. "For lack of trees?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>07-09-2011, 11:43:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Vince and the beautiful Lorraine</strong><br><br>“Yeah, Nathaniel knows a lot of things about this stuff has a whole library full of the stuff though I did not really think of it all as real till last night.” Vince made sure that her bike was more than secure since he did not want any screw ups that was going to cause any bad blood between him and this potential ally in the fight against darkness. Also there was just a shine of interest in his eyes as he looked at her&nbsp; while they walked closer and closer to Nathaniel’s shop. Vince would never own up to such a thing and always did his best to keep such things hidden since it was just better that way since he did not want to make things awkward or complicated.<br><br>“Yes, I definitely think that there are more and more than just the types we have faced, but that is just a hunch.” Vince was still dressed in full gear and was getting a bit hot being under all those layers of clothing but of course he did not look it since he was used to it being much hotter since this was typically only worn when there was fire all around him. So normal room temp was nothing.<br><br>“I am a fireman so I think that kind of helps on the whole trust thing but I trust you too. I do not think it strange to trust a person that is in the same boat I am in.” Vince has no idea if she was understanding him but since he was a firefighter he had this thing where he kind of expected people to trust him so that he could save their lives. It was his duty to keep her safe from all danger which is why he had protected her from Greg. That was of course going to hold true to any other dangers that they could face on the way to the shop.<br><br>“When I am not working I volunteer with the local search and rescue team, hang out with Nathaniel, do things at the firehouse so that we will be better prepared for fires or just simply look around for things to do that can be used to help others such as being more fit so that I will be able to perform my job that much better. What do you do outside of work?” Vince took the question seriously so that she could get a better grasp on who he was as a person. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>07-09-2011, 23:29:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Lorraine and Vince - Arriving at Septacles and Mysteries</strong><br><br>Along the way, Lorraine received a text message: "Alyssa is being held at room 304 of Paradiso General Hospital but is heavily comatose.&nbsp; My partner has a few questions for her but I think you've been through enough, though if you feel up for more questions, let me know.&nbsp; -Jason"&nbsp; <br><br>The road to the curiosity shop was rather long and tiresome on foot, but as the two continued on, they eventually arrived at the place.&nbsp; The two-story building had a quaint and plain sign in the front, along with stairs upon the side to the second story.&nbsp; Vincent would know that Nathaniel lived just above the shop, although the style of the place gave enough hints to that effect.<br><br>Inside, the heavy scent of incense permeated the area.&nbsp; Various knickknacks and strange objects sat about, some behind heavy glass, but all cramped into the small room.&nbsp; One spot held a number of magazines and tabloids, some talking about how strange burnt bodies had been found, others chatting about the increase of UFO sightings.<br><br>Nathaniel sat reading what looked to be an ancient book, and it took a bit before he noticed their entrance.&nbsp; He was an elderly man, gray hair weaving through his dark hair like weeds in an unkempt garden.&nbsp; "Oh, hello, Vincent," he said with a smile, rising to his feet in the presence of a lady.&nbsp; "Who's your friend?"&nbsp; He set down the tome, but kept a hand upon it, wanting to continue his reading.<br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>08-09-2011, 11:01:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>SJ is confused in Grayson Park</strong><br><br>The truth be told Sarah Jane did not know what to do, as it was though a street rat she was still a kid herself and she felt more for the boy, she was protective in that way, just as others had been for her when she had first been on the street. <br><br>It was confusing, the clay creature obviously cared about his son, or perhaps what had been his son, yet he was a monster. What should she do Sarah Jane was only used to looking out for herself and Horlicks since her Nan died. She looked to the others and then back to the boy and then to the man, trying not to hide her own fear.<br><br>For now her action was to wait to see what the boy did, if he did indeed run she would do her best to make sure he got home, that was important. He needed to be safe.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>08-09-2011, 11:42:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Oh please, don't get up." She hurried towards the older man, extending her hand. "I'm Lorraine Wells, and I'm afraid I'm the reason Vince and I are here at this hour. I apologize but Vince told me you know a lot of these things and we, or I, really don't know where else to go. It's all so strange and Vince said you'd understand." She stopped to come up for air and dealt Nathaniel a breathless smile. As she had explained to Vince on the way over she was just a pizza courier with an interesting job on the side. Nothing illegal, as she had reassured him, just some stunt driving for a theatre show. She'd dragged her hand through her dark locks and smiled broadly, just thinking of the speed and freedom her bike offered. Few understood the intricacies of stunt driving, the kind of control necessary to convey the illusion of effortless driving, but she thought Vince might. He wasn't the average bloke. She told him more about her driving than she'd even told her family; to him she'd admitted it was an addiction, that adrenaline rush just before the stunts. <br><br>"Alyssa is in a coma and they're not sure if she'll recover. The police is asking questions and so far, it all adds up, but what if Brandon cracks under pressure and tells them what he was really doing? Greg set the place on fire, which isn't all that bad now that I think of it. I wouldn't know what to say if they'd found that room. I can't explain Greg to them, they'd think I was crazy, and Vince... he's seen him too and worse. And I don't understand anything of it." Lorraine's voice trailed off and silence remained. Her bottom lip quivered and she felt the strain in her legs from the long walk. Weariness seeped into every part of her body and all she wanted was to sleep for days. Even Nathaniel's floor started to look appealing and she longed to sink down and let her eyes drift shut. She had messaged Jason that she'd help in whatever way she could. Perhaps she could stop by at the office tomorrow? It might not do much good but she had to make the effort, and she had said as much to Vince after she'd sent the message. <br><br>It was one thing to remain strong while the need for action kept her on her feet but now, with the scent of incense thick in the air, Lorraine fought to keep her eyes open. Her gaze drifted over the magazines and assorted objects and then towards their host. UFO's. Strange burnt bodies. On any other day she'd might have made the looney gesture. Not today. Her smile regained some its strength. "It's a pleasure to meet you", she said.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>09-09-2011, 02:35:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park</strong><br><br>Nadia stood motionless for what seemed an eternity. In reality it was mere moments, but she was quite dumbfounded as to why Alan acted as he did. It occurred to her that she had actually restrained herself because she had thought it would make things harder for him if she hadn't. <em>Stop thinking so much.</em> She told herself. The command was ignored as she thought about her own father, and how she'd have done anything to stop his demise. <br><br>Her thoughts turned to the child, Sam, as she wondered how much hatred he'd harbor against her after she did what she was about to do. She took a deep deliberate breath and ran forward. At the very least, she could try to keep Alan from getting himself killed.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>09-09-2011, 11:42:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park</strong><br><br>Samuel turns and bolts, scampering his way towards the car as fast as his short legs would carry him.&nbsp; Their car was still in sight, however, and he already seemed to be planning for if he couldn't take that way directly.&nbsp; He kept on looking back towards his father, panicked and hoping to be able to do something, anything to help.<br><br>The father responded by whipping out the pistol he'd had concealed, bringing it to his hands with little difficulty and leveling the weapon towards Alan.&nbsp; A sharp bang echoed through the trees as he pulled the trigger, firing close to point blank towards the artist's leg.<br><br>Up above, clouds were starting to work their way over the full moon, threatening to cloak the area in shadow.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">2 health levels of lethal damage to soak, Alan.&nbsp; Players up next in whatever order.&nbsp; Also, everyone give me a Perception+Awareness roll, difficulty 8 for Alan and Nadia, 6 for SJ.</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>10-09-2011, 02:44:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park</strong><br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">Perception Awareness &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6,8,1,7,7, 2 (failure)&nbsp; </div></div><br>Alan couldn't help but reel back as the burning pain filled his leg. He had never been shot before. The pain was almost unbearable. He collapsed on the ground with a yell, but he did his best to hold in the remainder of his voice as he was at once trying to get up, and trying to stem the blood from his leg. He struggled to get to his feet. He had hoped the creature wasn't carrying a gun and was just bluffing. He guessed wrong. <br><br>Then decided against getting up. Rather haphazardly, he collapsed back onto the cold wet ground, and decided to focus on controlling the warm wet of his blood loss. Besides that, if he got up now he was just going to get shot again. He hoped it was enough time for the other two to do what they were going to, whatever that might be. Although he wasn't screaming aloud his brain was shouting at itself for being so stupid and not having a plan. <br><br>Outside of his mind, Alan was putting as much pressure on the wound as he could, and he tried to take off his shirt to use as a bandage. Alan hoped the shadow would be distracted by anything else enough that he would not be able to finish the job.&nbsp; After removing his shirt, he tried to keep focused on the 'father.' and he tried again to get to his knees. If he could somehow dodge the next shot well enough, he might just make it. While trying to maintain pressure, he gripped the chisel inside his bag. <br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>10-09-2011, 03:58:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park</strong><br><br>Nadia saw the gun come out and it was as if it was slow motion. Alan clutched his leg and she watched him stumble to the ground. "Motherfucker!" She shouted, not so much a label for the creature as an exclamation of anger, terror, confusion, and concern wrapped into one expletive. <br><br>In a brief second of clarity, she looked past the monster to the child running away, and she perceived something terrible. She couldn't be sure what sense it was that told her something terrible was going on with the boy, but somehow she knew it was taking place. It was as if any evil in the area was trying to overtake him. Or perhaps he was drawing it in intentionally... <br><br>All she knew for sure was that she had to stop it before it happened. She abruptly changed course and ran past the father. A few moments later, and she dropped her shoulder and let her momentum carry her directly into the boy, successfully toppling him into the grass. Though she hadn't yet used it, she still tightly gripped the ratchet she carried. She continued to utilize her momentum until she was clear of the kid, and gracefully regained her footing in one fluid motion. <br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>10-09-2011, 04:01:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park</strong><br><br>The child collapsed to the ground, getting the wind knocked out of him from Nadia's tackle.&nbsp; He looked dazed, and while it had probably slowed down whatever was coming, the clouds were still coalescing around the moon and it likely didn't stop everything indefinitely.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>11-09-2011, 12:42:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As Vince stood there beside the very interesting and yet wonderful woman in so many ways he was still quite attentive to his friend that was standing before them reading a book that he seemed very interested in. Vince knew that he was going to have to ask about it in a moment but when he saw the headlines of the different tabloids all talking about one similar thing he felt that was going to need to be addressed first before e pried in about the book especially if this was somehow related to what was occurring with all of these monsters that were running around the city then it was important that he brought it up not just to Nathaniel but with Lorraine and even Carrie too.<br><br>“Um Nathaniel can you tell me if there is way to bring back something that is long dead?” Vince had flipped to the article in all three of the different tabloids to show his friend and Lorraine that there were bones of Dinosaurs that were being stolen from several museums. It seemed that there would be too much of a coincidence between all of the thefts and the fact that there was an indoctrination of not one but two people at this point to the view that monsters exist. Carrie had said there were going to be more coming which made it all the more likely that somehow these thefts were related.<br><br>A corpse with black fire was something that he might have the ability to deal with but an undead dinosaur that could eat him whole without much effort or just straight out crush him was quite the problem. So this was definitely something on his need to know list.<br><br>“Also is there anything in that book of yours that could help with any of this by the way?”<br><br>He put a hand on Lorraine's shoulder to steady her and keep her from falling asleep where she stood. He needed her to focus on the new bits of information that he was acquiring here for his best pal.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>11-09-2011, 13:41:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Septacles and Mysteries</strong><br><br>"My couch is welcome to you and your friend," he offered politely, showing some concern as to what must have been a long and troubling night.&nbsp; "My apologies that I don't have a guest room."&nbsp; He opened the door marked "Employees Only" to let them both inside, towards a staircase so that Lorraine could rest, though he made sure to grab his book before getting up.&nbsp; "Perhaps it would be best to tell me everything in the morning."<br><br>When Vincent mentioned coming back from the dead, Nathaniel thought for a bit, though he seemed happy that a friend was taking interest in his work.&nbsp; "Long dead, you say?&nbsp; Not too much that I've heard of.&nbsp; Zombies and revenants I've heard of; revenants are the type of dead to come back all by themselves, sort of like in Tales from the Crypt, though that comic might be before your time.&nbsp; Not sure if the show ever had that happen..."<br><br>At the mention of the book, however, his eyes lit up with excitement, the look of someone who's been caught in a fascinating read for days and hasn't been able to put it down.&nbsp; "Ah, yes, I forget who brought it in, but it's been fascinating.&nbsp; The story of Indarinel and his brothers and sisters, fallen from the heavens above and trapped upon Earth.&nbsp; This is my third read through, and the third of the thirteen is named Balariel, a god-king who ruled the area around Persia for centuries.&nbsp; It says that the blood and shadows of twenty virgins were needed in order to to craft him a body on this plane.&nbsp; I can't wait to see how his story will end up." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>12-09-2011, 11:58:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park</strong><br><br>Sarah Jane had really no idea what was going on especially when she saw the gaun and then the boy being tackled to the floor by Nadia, also see the man be hurt only brought more fear. Of course she wanted to stay hidden, or to run away, however it seemed to her that she was caught up in something that she had no choice in.<br><br>If she thought living on the street was hard then this was far worse, damn she almost wet herself the night before.” Stop….Please….” she called out, and “What the fack is ‘appening.” Yes she got out of the way of the bullets and the gun. Without knowing it another power cam into play, in time she might learn how to use her powers yet for now Sarah Jane was only acting out of some deep instinct. Horlicks stayed close&nbsp; though remained tense and ready to protect her alpha.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>12-09-2011, 12:27:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park</strong><br><br>A sudden light bursts forth from SJ, illuminating both the father and the boy.&nbsp; With the father, it brilliantly lights up all the unholy parts of the man, from the way his rotten suit hangs limply upon his body, the way that the clay mask barely hides a face which has withered with time, and even the skin upon his hand as he aims the gun looks like leather.<br><br>With the boy, it's somewhat different.&nbsp; It doesn't directly illuminate him, and he doesn't have any strange or unnatural features, but the area around him is bathed in shadows which become clearer, more distinct, and crawl towards him like serpents looking to strike.<br><br>While the father spends a moment putting up his off hand to shield his eyes from the light from SJ, the child lays still, the wind knocked out of him, and only manages a whimper.&nbsp; "Don't worry, Dad...I'll help you..."<br><br>The full moon's light continues to fade as the father leveled his gun towards Nadia, his expression growing stern.&nbsp; "Get off my son!"&nbsp; Another gunshot reverberated through the trees.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">Nadia, roll soak.&nbsp; You're looking at 3 levels of lethal damage.&nbsp; Players are up.</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>12-09-2011, 13:10:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Nathaniel's place</strong><br><br>“What is going on?" Lorraine's voice held a faint slur to it, the kind that crept into people's voices when they were drunk or exhausted. "Bringing back the dead is impos-" Her eyes blinked blearily as her mind registered the impossibility of recent events. "Eh... Is it?" She leaned against Vince and looked at the article. "Doesn't look like what Greg was doing." Her gaze drifted towards Nathaniel. She let go of Vince abruptly and sat down on the stairs, leaning her elbows on her knees. "What do you know about these people?" Her head felt heavy and she rested it against Vince's leg. Somewhere deep down Lorraine knew she needed sleep but she fought it. Two people nearly lost their lives tonight and there was no indication how many more were in danger. She <i>had</i> to know; sleeping wasn't an option yet.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>12-09-2011, 13:30:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"They are messed up is what they are." Vince said as he walked over to Lorraine and placed his right arm under her knees and his left behind her back as he lifted her up to cradle her in his arms as he prepared to go upstairs. He was not going yet because he still needed more answers than the ones he had been given so far. He needed to know if dinosaurs that had been dead for millions of years could come back to life but it was there where his train of thought sputtered out for a moment. Who was this Balariel and why is that he needed blood and shadows to craft a body?<br><br>Wait this was the piece that was related to the stuff about Greg and how he was just that, a shadow. If he was a virgin that would make one out of twenty and he had attacked two others so that would make 3 out of 20. It did not look like things were going to go all too well with this anymore if there was some thing that was trying to bring back one of the Fallen of all things. For though he may not have a grasp of all things that were occult it did not take a rocket scientist to figure out that dealing with a Fallen Angel was not something good to deal with.<br><br>"Balariel is a Fallen Angel who needs the blood or shadows of 20 virgins or so to come back. This is something that I need to know how that ends up since I have seen one of these shadows who Lorraine called Greg if I remember her correctly. I need information Nathaniel."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>12-09-2011, 13:43:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Septacles and Mysteries</strong><br><br>Nathaniel followed them upstairs, grabbing his book as well as the magazines for Vincent, and shutting off the lights and locking the door on the way.&nbsp; However, he seemed rather confused at their insistence.&nbsp; "You do realize that it's just a story, right?"<br><br>Upstairs was somewhat unkempt and cramped, a small room mostly taken up by the sofa, refrigerator and television set, with an ajar door to his bedroom.&nbsp; "Make yourselves at home.&nbsp; Soda's in the fridge if you're thirsty, and some pillows behind the couch if you just want to sleep."<br><br>He moved off to the side, worn out but wanting to let them lie down if they needed it.&nbsp; "I'm afraid I don't know your friend Greg; did something happen?"&nbsp; Concern creased its way into his faint wrinkles.&nbsp; "As far as a fallen angel, that's one interpretation, but I'm not sure.&nbsp; Sometimes I read through it and it seems like they're aliens; other times, like they're stars from the heavens, fallen to Earth by some strange accident."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>14-09-2011, 05:17:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park</strong><br><br>Alan's fears of life as a cripple are allayed as he noticed that despite the blood his leg appears usable. He must have lucked out. As soon as the gunshot went off,&nbsp; Alan made a break. He made another dive for the man, with a raspy half-yell,&nbsp; and attempted to drive his scalpel directly at the mask and beyond, using the light that is suddenly issuing forth as a target. Any force he can manage to muster from his bruised and quite exhausted frame was brought to bear to once again take the thing down, keep him down, and hopefully keep him from using that gun again. <br>&nbsp; &nbsp; <br>&nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>15-09-2011, 10:03:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">2011-09-15 01:57:57&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Alan Biron rolls 4 dice to Dex+Melee, targeting face (Diff 8)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6,6,10,3 (1 success)<br>2011-09-15 01:58:19&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Alan Biron rolls 2 dice to Damage&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10,2 (1 success)</div></div><br>Alan's scalpel found its way to the mask, digging into the porcelain and exacerbating the cracks around the left cheek.&nbsp; The hardened clay partially shattered, tearing away much of the area around the cheek and eye socket to reveal dead and dessicated flesh beneath.&nbsp; A small orb about the size of a grape gave way when the shards of the mask fell away, leaving an empty socket staring out where the corpse's eye had been only moments before.<br><br>Although the thing didn't look to have been hurt, his aim was definitely going to be affected.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>15-09-2011, 10:46:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park</strong><br>“Go ‘ome ter yer mam…” Sarah Jane shouted to the boy, “Jast go ‘ome, its only a dream and ya know the ‘ome. It’s easy in a dream…” Though she had little money she was going top offer it to the boy to get a taxi. “Yer mam will be worried on ‘er own…” <br><br>As it was Sarah Jane was terrified of the gun and the shot, and it made Horlicks jump, she was a sight hound not a gun dog. She saw what was happening to Alan and that he had been shot. This only caused her more confusion, everything had happened to fast, she really didn’t understand. Since her meeting with the dirt man earlier nothing made sense, no one had explained anything. Hadn’t they not just out for food…<br><br>“Jast go ‘ome Sam…jast go ‘ome…” It was then she moved to Alan and the clayman slowly. “Please Stop. Its fackin' insane...” Horlicks was growling but as yet was at still Sarah Jane’s side.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>15-09-2011, 16:45:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset Club</strong><br><br>Mary was very somber as she pulled up to the building.&nbsp; She sat in deep thought behind the wheel for a long moment.&nbsp; Money.&nbsp; She had a bit of a windfall, here.&nbsp; Mr. Brand had been most generous, the scale of the job, the circumstances, pulling her \in while she was on "vacation", he had allowed for it all.&nbsp; A lot of cash, more than Nash had ever had at one time before.&nbsp; What to do with it?&nbsp; The answer was obvious.&nbsp; She slung her medical bag over her shoulder, hauled the money case aout of the hinding spot and slipped into the club.<br><br>"Carrie."&nbsp; She called softly as she approached the girls bed.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>15-09-2011, 17:01:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>Carrie continued to sleep gently, the drugs keeping her out, her dreams making her eyes shift and looking as peaceful and relaxed as she ever had been.&nbsp; The tomahawk lay nearby as well, inches from Carrie's fingertips, her listless fingers reaching in the object's direction but not quite reaching.&nbsp; If allowed, she would likely sleep until morning, which didn't seem a terrible prospect at all given that morning was only a few hours away.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>16-09-2011, 18:55:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset club</strong><br><br>Mary carefully leaned close to the sleeping girl, but didn't touch her.&nbsp; Peacefull sleep was just what she needed, what they both needed, frankly.&nbsp; Nash slipped the money case under carries bed and leaned back in a chair, propped her feet up onh a table and closed her eyes.&nbsp; She was as asleep as her companion in less than a minute, it had been a long night's work.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>16-09-2011, 19:19:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset - Sunday Morning</strong><br><br>Carrie's eyes twitched open at nearly nine in the morning, fully rested and serene.&nbsp; The headaches were either completely gone or reasonably manageable; it was difficult to tell.&nbsp; She glanced over to Mary in silence before slipping up as silently as she could, heading over to get some of the food that had been left for her.&nbsp; Having barely stopped to grab a slice, she picked up her chalk, moving back to refresh the various sigils and circles upon the door and windows.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>17-09-2011, 17:00:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park</strong><br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">2011-09-17 08:25:13&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nadia Spencer rolls 3 dice to Soak Damage: 9,8,9 (3 successes)</div></div><br>Nadia reeled as the bullets met flesh. The scalding metal tore through the skin on her upper left arm. The heat of the wound began to trickle down her arm as a stream of blood. It was the first time she'd felt such pain. She'd always been morbidly curious about how it felt to be shot. But this was just one bullet. No match for the seven that had killed her father. She gritted her teeth as an involuntary cry of pain erupted from her throat. She quickly subdued the cry from a scream to a guttural groan. The pain should have been debilitating, but somehow it wasn't. <br><br>Much to her surprise, Nadia found that the fresh bullet wound in her arm hardly slowed her down once she'd overcome the pain. She mused for a moment that this must be one of the gifts given to those charged to fight the darkness. The light that Sarah Jane had somehow created, shed some... well... illumination on the condition of the boy. Nadia was now more certain that the boy was not so much the cause of the snaking shadows, and more a target for them. She thought more light might help. Perhaps if she could get the boy into Sarah Jane's arms, she could provide more protection. If nothing else, she had proven herself quite good at running away. <br><br>"Sarah Jane, come get Sam, NOW! Get him somewhere well-lit before those shadows get him!" She screamed as she ran forward towards the clay-man. <br><br>Nadia now addressed the monster. "You fucking IDIOT! You see what you've done to your family now?! Don't tell me you can't see that the shadows want your son now too! We will do our best to protect <strong>him</strong>, but I've lost all pity for <strong>you</strong> now! you've hurt my friend and you've hurt me too. You're going back to the shadows that spawned you!"<br><br>Her diatribe complete, Nadia shifted the weight of the ratchet in her hand. She leapt forward with all her might and focused her entire desire on re-creating the powerful blow she'd somehow used hours ago at her show. It was all or nothing for her. <br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">2011-09-17 09:04:06&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nadia Spencer rolls 7 dice to Cleave 5,10,5,8,4, 10,6 (4 successes)</div></div><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">2011-09-17 09:07:40 Nadia Spencer rolls 9 dice to Cleave Damage 7,4,3,8,3, 2,4,5,5 (2 successes)</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>17-09-2011, 17:43:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park</strong><br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">2011-09-17 09:08:37&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Clay-masked Dad rolls 2 dice to Soak&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2,9 (1 success)</div></div><br>The powerful strike slammed into the monster's chest, revealing dessicated flesh, organs and bones beneath the clay, but withered and unnecessary for the creature.&nbsp; The strike almost seemed to catch fire, bits of his faded suit catching fire and collapsing to the ground as the ratchet smoldered in Nadia's hands.<br><br>Nadia saw the bits of flame seem to point, like scarlet-yellow fingers gesturing accusatorily at the shadows near to the child, before the embers flickered out.&nbsp; The ratchet in her hand, however, was starting to collapse, burning away to destroy itself just as the guitar vanished.<br><br>Samuel stared in confusion, looking over towards the woman who he couldn't fully understand and back to his father, who as far as he could tell, wasn't very badly hurt.&nbsp; His father took the chance of the child's attention to bellow with all the authority of a father figure, "Run home, Sam!"&nbsp; Run the boy did, suddenly bolting as faint tears started to work their way down his cheeks, leaving the shadows behind which flickered away into indistinct figures, and then nothing.<br><br>With his one eye left, the father pointed the gun back at Nadia, having some trouble with depth perception but needing little effort to strike her at this range.&nbsp; "We could have been gone from here," he said.&nbsp; "If you didn't run up and attack, he would have been fine, and he would have had a father to watch over him!"&nbsp; The sharp percussive force of the bullet rang through the woods once more.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">Date/Time&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Description&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Result<br>2011-09-17 09:42:43&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Monster Dad rolls 6 dice to Dex+Firearms (Diff 5)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9,1,2,5,1, 1 (failure)</div></div><br>However, it wasn't enough.&nbsp; Alan's damage to the mask and the loss of his eye kept him from being able to fire properly, and the bullet whizzed inches from Nadia's left cheek.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>17-09-2011, 22:50:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<br><br>This was insane and the poor child was caught in the middle of this, and even worse seeing the one he trusted most being hurt. “Cam on kid, jast cam wif me, look I got sam cash and I’ll get yeah a taxi …I mean cab. Yer Mam will be worried sick. Remember vis is jast a dream , I mean I saand like safing from Mary Poppins...”<br><br>Sarah Jane and Horlicks escorted the crying boy to a place they could get a cab. For all her bravado she was worried about the boy.<br><br>When she saw a taxi, Sarah Jane hailed it in the meantime’s she told him tales like the Mousehole Cat and of the Bells of London, the same ones her Nan had told her.&nbsp; Then thrusting out the cash she had for dinners for a month, the driver was given the last of her money.<br><br>However before he went Sam got a smile and a very important present. “Ya know ver is a toof fairy, ver is also a dog fairy, can you look after ‘er collar fer me and if ever ya ‘ave trauble, give ‘Orlicks a call, vis collar might keep yeah safe.” She looked to the driver then with some intent, “I am finking ‘is mam will pay the rest. Look after ‘im yeah.”<br><br>The boy got a smile and a wave, and it looked like she and Horlicks would be in the dumpsters again for dinner…<br><br>Sarah Jane headed back to the park then unsure still of all that had happened and hoping the boy was safe he was her main concern for now. The dog followed her with her usual loping pace. dammit the girl hoped there would be no more monsters tonight...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>18-09-2011, 17:33:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset Club Morning</strong><br><br>Mary's eyes flickered open when Carrie moved.&nbsp; She kept them half closed as she watched the young woman quitely snag some chalk and begin retracing the marks along windows and doors.&nbsp; Nash felt, felt peraceful, it had been the first truly uninterruptd night time sleep she had had in years.&nbsp; She luxuriated in it, staying in the pleasant dozze for as long as possible.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>18-09-2011, 21:47:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset - Sunday Morning</strong><br><br>Watching Carrie with the chalk seemed almost ritualistic in nature.&nbsp; Each window, door and loose board was marked with careful and elaborate sigils, arcane designs which could mean anything or nothing.&nbsp; She marched her way around the perimeter, circling around each table, chair and couch in a strange manner that seemed to bring its own way around, almost a dance that seem to make patterns all its own.<br><br>It didn't take overly long until she finished up, grabbing two glasses of water and getting Mary some of the pizza as well.&nbsp; It wasn't hot, but Carrie either enjoyed or was well-accustomed to leftovers.&nbsp; "Only one more night of the full moon," she said a bit forlornly.&nbsp; "I think we're running out of time to get more reinforcements."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>19-09-2011, 01:59:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park<br></strong><br>The powerful blow ripped through the monster. Her heart skipped a beat as he fired another shot in retaliation, but her breath returned to her as she heard the bullet whiz by, still too close for comfort.&nbsp; Nadia remained as stoic as she could and shook her head as she considered his words. She decided that he was either in denial about what he'd done, or no longer had the power to care. "He's not the only one who's ever lost a father. From what I can see, his father's been dead for some time now. I think you should stay that way." Nadia was done talking. <br><br>She braced herself to attack again, but the ratchet was disintegrating right in her hands. She dropped it in surprise and took a half-step back. Her mind raced as she watched the smoldering embers turn the ratchet to dust. She felt like she was beginning to understand just what it was that she was able to do, and it was clear that the power involved was a lot, and often too much, to handle for any weapon she focused it through. Nadia looked around and took stock of her surroundings. Perhaps something big would work better -- It did seem to take a bit of time for the destruction of the object to take place. <br><br>The glow of the moon cast a shadow off a large fallen branch nearby. She dashed towards it and hefted it over her good shoulder. It had a bit of weight to it, but was easy enough to grip from the narrower end. It was about a foot shorter than she was tall, and felt nicely balanced. She was confident that she could do some damage with her impromptu club. She turned and approached her foe once more, praying that if he squeezed off another shot, his aim would suffer again. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>19-09-2011, 02:31:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park</strong><br><br>Alan was satisfied with the blow delievered by Nadia. He was hoping that he wasn't going to be the only one fighting the thing.&nbsp; His heart skipped a beat with the firing of the gun, and though he didn't move his eyes to watch her, he did notice her running off, after seeing another flash from what looked like the ratchet that she had been carrying. He hoped that she too was not running away from the fight, but he certainly did not want to lose the monsters attention, so he attempted another strike with the scalpel, again to the face. <br>&nbsp;<br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body"> 2011-09-18 18:28:05&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Alan Biron rolls 4 dice to Dex+Melee, aim (face) (Diff 8) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8,8,1,8 (2 successes)<br>2011-09-18 18:30:42&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Alan Biron rolls 3 dice to Damage &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10,7,1 (1 success)</div></div><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>19-09-2011, 04:48:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park</strong><br><br>With the child gone, and the shadows dissipating, the clouds covering the moon seemed to be quickly slipping away to provide just enough light for the combat in the park.&nbsp; Perhaps it was a coincidence, but it certainly didn't seem to be.<br><br>Alan's scalpel struck true once more, shattering more of the mask to send the other eye of the creature collapsing from the porcelain and rolling through the ground.&nbsp; Blinded, his rage congealed into tormented wrath, and he started fanning the gun in Alan's direction.&nbsp; Blind fury sent a trio of bullets in Alan's general direction, aimed by ear and with no serious degree of accuracy.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">2011-09-18 20:45:08&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Monster Dad rolls 3 dice to Shot 3 (Diff 8)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7,5,7 (failure)<br>2011-09-18 20:45:02&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Monster Dad rolls 2 dice to Shot 2 (Diff 8)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1,5 (BOTCH x 1)<br>2011-09-18 20:44:56&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Monster Dad rolls 1 die to Shot 3 (Diff 8)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4 (failure)</div></div><br>The spray of gunfire was deafening, one of the shots missing Alan by inches but the others nowhere near close.&nbsp; Eyeless and furious, he neither recognized nor cared what he was aiming at, to his own detriment as one of the bullets struck a tree.&nbsp; The branch gave way, giving him a solid thunk upon the head and knocking him to the ground.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>19-09-2011, 04:55:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sarah Jane - Outside Grayson Park</strong><br><br>The taxi driver looked over to the girl with a smile, spending some time staring at her chest until she finally started to speak.&nbsp; "Oh, great," he said with disdain.&nbsp; "Another foreign girl.&nbsp; It's called English, lady, I'm sure they have it wherever you're from as well."&nbsp; As she showed the money, though, he gave enough of a nod to at least start driving.&nbsp; Money certainly spoke a language all its own.&nbsp; "Where to, kid?"<br><br>The boy took the collar, a little confused by the gift but grateful all the same.&nbsp; "1304 Sorrow Drive," he said meekly, glancing back to the park and not really wanting to leave his dad behind.&nbsp; All too soon, though, the cab was driving away, leaving the homeless girl and the dog to deal with the rest of the nightmare.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>19-09-2011, 23:42:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong> Sunset club Sunday morning</strong><br><br>Mary accepted the water and cold pizza with a grin "Cold pizzza is better than Hot MREs any day."&nbsp; She ngulfed the pizza, washed it down and continued "Full moon is the kick off, then?&nbsp; So whaever material preperation we need, has to be done by monday evening."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>19-09-2011, 23:58:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset - Sunday Morning</strong><br><br>Carrie moved off to one of the tables, pulling out a small mirror and hairbrush from underneath.&nbsp; She moved back to the bed to sit by Mary, taking advantage of what seemed to be a strong amount of lucidity.&nbsp; Whatever caused her visions and forced her headaches, they weren't happening for her right now.<br><br>"The full moon is when the Earth receives the most amount of light," she explained, starting the work on careful brushing.&nbsp; It seemed to soothe her and help her relax.&nbsp; "It gets harder otherwise for the Messengers to choose people to be Imbued.&nbsp; They can do it, like when Balariel rose once more, but it's so much harder."&nbsp; So much of what the girl did seemed to be almost ritualistic in her repetitive nature.&nbsp; Perhaps it was just her strange way of coping with her new life.&nbsp; "The big problems will probably come during the new moon, when half the world is bathed in complete darkness, and the natural light of humanity blots out the celestial stars above."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kirinis</strong> on <strong>20-09-2011, 21:07:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Roderick, Saturday</strong><br><br>"I'll look into it Frank, but there's no guarantee that I'll be able to find any tickets for good seats left."&nbsp; Roderick looked up from his desk at his boss.&nbsp; He knew that the good ambassador from Austria was fond of plays and every time he came to the States, the State Department always ensured that there would tickets for whatever new show was out.&nbsp; The request had come later than normal and Roderick was going to have to scramble to find enough tickets.&nbsp; Well, there was always the ticket scalpers if it came to that.<br><br>The rest of the morning was preoccupied with finding the tickets for the Book of Mormon after after paying a pretty premium he finally found the tickets that were so coveted.&nbsp; During lunch, Roderick picked up the tickets while he was out and left them in an envelope on Frank's desk.&nbsp; That being done, Roderick settled in to process some communications from the embassies.&nbsp; He shuffled papers and worked until he noticed that it was time to punch out.&nbsp; Unfortunately, there was still papers that hadn't been filed yet.&nbsp; It would take another hour or so...<br><br>...Roderick tugged at his coat as he left the building.&nbsp; It was dark and all Roderick had to look forward to was another late dinner before heading back home.&nbsp; There were a few local places he could walk to and besides he would drive home later.&nbsp; Perhaps the Turkish place tonight, he had a taste for their rich coffee and some lamb would go a long way.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>20-09-2011, 22:35:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Roderick - Outside in the City</strong><br><br>The city's football team, the Paradiso Punishers, had just signed on a new quarterback who was said to have laser accuracy when getting the ball to the wide receivers.&nbsp; As a result of clever marketing and the interviews of scantily-clad journalists, sales of football tickets were really starting to skyrocket this year.&nbsp; The only available tickets were from scalpers, people who bought tickets which should have been readily available to everyone and made a profit by jacking up the price.&nbsp; Their very existence, however, had proven the worth of the tickets, and with each passing year, the prices rose on their own.&nbsp; Eventually no scalper would be able to make any profit because the cost of tickets would end up almost too high to pay.<br><br>The streets outside were still uncomfortably warm, but a cool autumn breeze managed to bring enough chill that many preferred coats when out at night.&nbsp; The full moon overhead shone its uncaring light from so far away, and in the city, it was impossible to see the stars.<br><br>Although the city had its own thriving night life, such areas were more focused in the commercial district, some distance away from the Embassy.&nbsp; Some preferred the peace and quiet, but many of the ambassadors made sure to complain, wanting to see a proper Saturday night in a bustling city like Paradiso.<br><br>Only one other pedestrian was immediately visible, a young woman working on crossing through the streets to head her way towards the parking garage.&nbsp; She held such a bright smile on her face, her gaze slightly uplifted and peacefully warm.&nbsp; It would have taken a blaring horn to snap her from her reverie, but when the car horn came, it was already too late.&nbsp; Her neck started to snap towards the oncoming vehicle, but it was already too late.<br><br>It all happened about a half a block away from Roderick without any more warning than the sharp noise of the vehicle, then a crunch as she flew off into the nearby building.&nbsp; Several trash cans were knocked to the side as she smacked into a number of trash cans, sending plastic bottles and paper bags sending, but insufficient to stop her impact.&nbsp; The sharp crunch left a silhouette of blood and viscera upon the white brick of the building, and her body collapsed like a rag doll.<br><br>The vehicle which had hit her suddenly squealed on the brakes, far too late to stop her, but perhaps not too late to try to help.&nbsp; Of course, it didn't take much to realize that the young woman had pretty much no chance at all.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kirinis</strong> on <strong>20-09-2011, 23:26:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Roderick, Saturday</strong><br><br>Roderick looked at the advertisement for ESPN advertising the next game of the Punishers against the Steelers.&nbsp; He didn't have time to actually catch a game, but he could always set his TiVo for that game.&nbsp; It was time to see if that quarterback was worth all the hoopla surrounding him.&nbsp; &nbsp;Roderick continued to walk along, his belly pleasantly full and warm from a good meal.&nbsp; Walking back to the car would help him digest and allow him to enjoy the nightlife as he walked past it.<br><br>He didn't notice the woman in front of him until he heard the distinct roar of a car and then light illuminating her.&nbsp; Roderick started to run towards her shouting a warning but their distance might as well been the distance between the Earth and the Moon for all good it did.&nbsp; She couldn't hear him and all he could do was watch her crumple like a cheap plastic Barbie at impact and flew a good distance.&nbsp; However, Roderick continued to run as his hand fumbled for his cell phone to make a call with Emergency Services. <br><br>As he made to him he shouted into his phone. "There's been an accident at the parking lot between Federal Street and Rose Avenue!&nbsp; Send an ambulance!"&nbsp; Part of him realized that it might be too late but there had to be some hope at least.&nbsp; He kneeled down next to the woman to see if she was still alive and breathing.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>21-09-2011, 03:34:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Roderick - Near a parking lot between Federal Street and Rose Avenue</strong><br><br>Although the actual parking lot was across the street, the building that the girl had been knocked into was a mattress store.&nbsp; "Get some rest and peace" was the motto of the Cloud Nine Mattresses, and somehow it seemed ironically fitting as the last living spot for a young woman whose life was cut off without warning or reason.<br><br>The blood had already splattered all over the area, but it wasn't still pumping its way out.&nbsp; Some was still oozing like a punctured water balloon, but it seemed to lack a pulse, any sort of force that was keeping the blood moving.&nbsp; The girl's eyes were still wide open, staring in shock and confusion, but much of the back of her head had been bashed in.&nbsp; It wasn't a clean or a painless death, but at least it had been quick.<br><br>The streetlamp overhead suddenly burst, with two others nearby doing the same.&nbsp; A strange reaction, although not that uncommon with the faulty parts so often purchased nowadays.&nbsp; The moon couldn't seem to manage any light through the clouds, but there still enough to see shapes and shadows from the lights some distance away.<br><br>The two got out from the vehicle, a woman from the passenger seat who already had a phone in hand to call the authorities, and a man who tried his best to very discreetly zip up his jeans when he got out from the car.&nbsp; "How bad is she?" he asked in a state close to panic.&nbsp; "Is she going to be alright?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>21-09-2011, 15:31:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>SJ returning and very afraid.</strong><br><br>Sorrow drive that was interesting, somehow ironic in many ways however Sarah Jane remembered the address and would most likely pay a visit past there soon if nothing else. The boy deserved some protection so it seemed it was going to be something she had to do. Of course she could not be there all the time, but perhaps she could be of a little aid to him.<br><br>It was only after the taxi disappeared into the distance did the girl return into the dark area of the park. She was extremely nervous after everything that had transpired tonight. Horlicks was nervous too but as always remained at her side. The two moved slowly and carefully. Trying to remain hidden and watching the shadows for any more of those monsters.<br><br>By now she had almost come to the conclusion this was no dream, no drug trip….this was real…damn that was terrifying…why her…why did she have to see this?<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>21-09-2011, 22:54:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset club - Sunday morning</strong><br><br>"Let me."&nbsp; Mary said quietly and gently took the hairbrush from Carrie.&nbsp; The street doctor began brushing the girls hair with long slow strokes, more gently than the girl herself had.&nbsp; Zen was an overused word, in Nash's opinion, but there was a certain Zen to be found in brushing hair.&nbsp; brushing each other's hair was the easiest mutual grooming female social ritual to be found out in the field.&nbsp; The fact that the sight of women brushing each others' hair sometimes caused male troopers to nearly drown in their own drool was a feature of the activity, not a bug.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>22-09-2011, 01:05:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park</strong><br><br>More shots fired. More waiting with baited breath to see who if anyone was hit. Another sigh of relief. Nadia felt lucky to be alive at the moment, let alone able to move and fight, but move and fight she did. With each shot that rang out, her need to end this battle grew more desperate. <br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">Cleave: Rolled in person for DM: 5s to hit, 6s to damage. DM got 0s on soak roll.</div></div><br>Nadia inhaled sharply and focused on what was becoming a familiar warm tingle as she prepared to strike at the creature yet again. The feeling seemed to originate in her chest and quickly spread throughout her extremities. Though she felt she could track the power, it seemed to fill her entire being within milliseconds, and did not stop where her body did. The sensation seemed to flow out through her fingertips and the branch she held seemed to resonate with the energy. She now felt that she understood her new ability. She was able to take her desperation, her passion, and imbue its force into a weapon. She had the power to end this now. <br><em><br>You won't hurt anyone ever again.</em>&nbsp; She said this to the monster only in her mind. Her vision was already tinted crimson with rage. He had betrayed his wife and child. He had betrayed the human race. He was the worst kind of father. The worst kind of abomination. His existence was an affront to her, and she intended to end it.<br><br>The beast was prone beneath the branch that fell on him, and Nadia brought her weapon down upon him with all the wrath she could muster. It came down with a sickening squashing sound, and the monster moved no more. This battle was over, but Nadia was not satisfied. She lifted the branch, over her head, and exhaled a passionate cry as she brought the weapon down on the creature again. A third time she repeated the action as she expelled her anger. She'd been dragged into the darkness because of fiends like him. Perhaps she was only now realizing her resentment. For the fourth time her makeshift club met fleshy resistance as Alan looked on.<br><br>Five. The branch met a pile of gore. Six. Tears began to roll down her cheeks. Seven.&nbsp; Her knees began to feel weak. Eight. Her hands shook. Nine. The branch splintered dead center and broke in two. It could take no more of Nadia's punishment. She let the piece she still held slip out of her fingers as she dropped numbly to her knees. <br><br>The danger in the past, the adrenaline gone, Nadia clutched at her bleeding shoulder. With glassy, teary eyes she looked up to Alan. <br><br>"It's dead, right?" <br><br>She now showed him her vulnerable side, a side she'd not shown for years. If he looked into her eyes right now, he would see all the despair of a twelve year old at her father's funeral. <br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>22-09-2011, 02:39:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park</strong><br><br>Alan felt glad to have the rush of combat exhaled from his breath. He watched on as Nadia laid the finishing blows, and he threw up in his mouth slightly at the sounds of tenderized rotting flesh.&nbsp; His mind entered reverie for a moment to avoid the implications of what just happened; and it was only called back after he heard Nadia speak. <br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"It's dead, right?"</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>He smiled slightly in spite of himself. "Yes, it's dead. It's hamburger." A small shiver escaped. He knelt down akimbo beside her, and rested a hand on her shoulder. "Come on, let's go get that pizza."<br><br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>22-09-2011, 02:47:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park</strong><br><br>The corpse's head and body have been smashed into rotten hamburger, his gun laying a few feet from a hand which was knocked open from the repeated impacts.&nbsp; SJ returns to the scene with a shattered and smoldering tree branch laying in splinters next to the body, and Horlicks comes back with her, but the dog's collar is now gone.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>22-09-2011, 03:42:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nadia wiped her eyes and slowly stood. "Pizza sounds pretty good right now..." <br><br>She smiled at Alan, her fleeting childlike stare flickering for a moment before disappearing. Once more it was replaced with her invulnerable poker-face. She winced as she noticed the gore that now adorned her suede boots and leggings. As she removed her leather jacket to assess the damage, she examined the two small bullet holes in the arm. Entrance and exit. A good sign. She was relatively certain the bullet didn't do any major damage because her arm was still quite useable. That was a relief in and of itself... After all she had upcoming shows to worry about. She pulled an impressive maneuver and removed the tank top she wore under her black tee without removing the shirt itself. <br><br>She proceeded to rip strips of the soft white cotton, not so much knowing how to properly dress a gunshot wound, but knowing she needed to apply pressure to stop the bleeding, and wrapped her upper arm. Satisfied that the cotton would slow the bleeding for now, she slipped her jacket back on. Nadia offered any cotton she had left to Alan, and indicated her willingness to help him with his wound if he needed it. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>22-09-2011, 07:01:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset - Sunday morning</strong><br><br>Carrie's hair was very coarse, well brushed but otherwise lacking in proper care when given close examination.&nbsp; The girl probably didn't use conditioner, and may not even be able to get a proper shampoo beyond simple soap.&nbsp; Still, she appreciated the gesture and went still, her eyes drifting to some faraway place.&nbsp; "I asked them to watch over the tomahawk for you," she said thoughtfully.&nbsp; "I don't know how much they can do, though.&nbsp; They're very busy with the others, and I don't think they can see you very well.&nbsp; I think it might be a little easier here, I've done a lot of calling, but I'm not sure."<br><br>Her thoughts just kept on ticking away, with only brief pauses denoting a complete change in subject.&nbsp; "I don't think they're ready."&nbsp; She looked about at the Hunters.&nbsp; "Not like Dad and the others are ready, anyway.&nbsp; It's going to take some time; that's why he's sending so many minions.&nbsp; Maybe she, but I think he.&nbsp; I guess it doesn't really matter; it doesn't quite work the same way for them."&nbsp; She gave a gentle sigh, looking down at her unkempt nails as she considered asking something completely unrelated, but decided against it.&nbsp; "It's one of the thirteen; I know that much."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>22-09-2011, 15:53:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset Club Sunday Morning</strong><br><br><br>Mary didn't say much beyond small noises of affirmation.&nbsp; Getting Carrie to talk was the important thing.&nbsp; The kid was holding so much in.&nbsp; The street doc was pretty sure she ahd shampoo in her kit, knew she did.&nbsp; She had lived out of motels on occasion when the heat was on.&nbsp; She pulled out a small faux-leather case and unzipped it.&nbsp; Nail clippers, cuticle trimmers, files.&nbsp; She was no beautician, but even her noviceefforts at a pedicure soon showed results.<br><br>The thirteen, something like fallen angels, I suppose?&nbsp; Not exactly of course, butlose enough?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>22-09-2011, 20:56:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset - Sunday Morning</strong><br><br>Upon seeing the beauty kit, a small but potent smile slipped over her features, and she pulled her legs up to let Mary help her out.&nbsp; It had been some time since Carrie even left this building, and some of the small perks of civilization had been almost forgotten, but it easily came back to her with a glimmer of hope in her eyes.<br><br>At the question, she thought about how to explain.&nbsp; "I'm not really sure," she said rather honestly.&nbsp; "I don't think they would understand the question, any more than if you ask a human what he or she is, they can give a proper answer.&nbsp; I know that they live beyond the Earth, and there's no darkness out in space, which is why the thirteen didn't understand and became corrupted."&nbsp; <br><br>She leaned in to lay her hand sympathetically upon Mary's leg.&nbsp; "Balariel was one of the thirteen.&nbsp; He was given a body from the sacrifice of blood and shadows, but he fell to slumber when the love and adoration of his worshippers fell to fear and isolation."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>23-09-2011, 05:34:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park</strong><br><br>Alan inhaled sharply as he tied the bandage around his leg. The pain was there, for sure, and though he was exhausted, he felt pretty good considering the situation. He wouldn't go to a hospital if he could help it. He couldn't afford the bill. The burning echoed his footsteps, but he must have been running on adrenaline still, because he felt that he should at least finish his original mission. Pizza. He saw Sarah Jane approach with the dog in tow. "Hey, Sarah Jane. Is the kid safe? If so, we still need to get that pizza and get back to Sunset. Given my bum leg, do you think you can make it back on your own? Nadia and I will get the pizza and get back to Sunset in her car, then we can all finally eat something, and hopefully get some sleep. " He looked over to Nadia and hoped that they would both agree so he wouldn't have to walk. <br><br>&nbsp;<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>23-09-2011, 11:01:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong> SJ Greyson Park.</strong><br>“Wot ve fack…” Sarah Jane looked shocked and backed away a little, “I put…ve lad in ve taxi,’ poor fing is scared fackin’ shitless. I ‘ave is address, and ‘e as ‘orlicks collar.” The thing was she felt bad for leaving them, but the boy was her concern and also she didn’t understand all that had happened.<br><br>“Ya should go ta see a doctor or samfing, me I fink I am off ta see an ‘ead shrinker…” she half laughed likely through her nervousness. “Yeah I can get mi way back ta vere.” Though the girl was not sure what she had got herself into. “I can walk back yeah…it aint like I ‘ave not walked ves streets fer a fackin’ while so I’ll get ver I fink.” <br><br>She decided asking for the money for the collar and the taxi fare was not a very good idea right now. Nadia looked upset and Alan was bleeding and in pain. As it was Sarah Jane had lost her appetite, though she was sure the dog had not, so it would end up serching the trash on the way back, and perhaps blagging a few people for cash. <br><br>Of course she felt bad about what had happened to Alan and Nadia, but the girl and her best friend had to survive. As it was neither food or money grew on tree’s.&nbsp; “I’ll be fine, I aint been …” she was going to say hurt, but that was a lie. “We’ll be fine, don’t blaady worry.” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kirinis</strong> on <strong>23-09-2011, 21:26:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Roderick, Saturday</strong><br><br>He may have lacked in any medical expertise but even to him it was obvious that it was too late for the poor girl.&nbsp; Roderick got back up to look at the two people approaching him.&nbsp; The streetlamp going out meant that it took sometime for his eyes to adjust before he could see who they were.&nbsp; "It's looks pretty bad, I hope the ambulance gets here pretty soon."&nbsp; Roderick walked closer to the man.&nbsp; "In the meantime, I guess we'll have to stay here until they arrive."<br><br>He studied the man trying to commit his face to memory since he was now responsible for a death no matter how accidental it was.&nbsp; Roderick suspected that if he told the whole truth, the man would try bolting for it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>23-09-2011, 21:47:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Roderick - Near a parking lot between Federal Street and Rose Avenue</strong><br><br>The man and woman were both about 30, dressed for a nightclub and the nervous glances that they gave each other suggested that they barely knew each other.&nbsp; They were still adjusting to the relative darkness of the area, with the car still facing away so that the headlights were going the wrong way.<br><br>With a sudden lurch, the girl on the ground forced her way back up from the bloody street.&nbsp; The sudden plops and gurgling noises of her corpse unsettling itself further stained the cement.&nbsp; The motto written upon the building suddenly shifts, somehow legible despite the thick haze of black, going from "Get some rest and peace" to "<strong>Let her rest in peace</strong>."<br><br>A sharp sense of inherent wrongness emanates from the shambling creature.&nbsp; Her leg only dangling enough to barely let her start hobbling towards the other two with painful distrust and hatred in her eyes, she manages a thick, gurgling "Why?" in a rush of bile and phlegm.&nbsp; The other two stand motionless, completely shocked and helpless, but they also seem to notice the sign change by the way their eyes drift briefly over towards the building. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>23-09-2011, 23:31:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park - Leaving</strong><br><br>"Be careful. We'll probably be back around the time you get back anyway." Nadia was half convinced this was the last time she'd see the girl and her dog, but decided to hold out hope that she'd head for the club. After a moment's musing, she walked over to the car and dug around in her purse. If this was to be the last time she saw Sarah Jane, she at least wanted to leave her better than she'd found her. In her moment of weakness on the battlefield earlier, she got a bit of perspective on Sarah Jane's current state of mind.&nbsp; <br>&nbsp;<br>She opened her wallet to find five fifties, two twenties and a hundred dollar bill. She pulled out a twenty and frowned at her own cheapness. She took a deep breath and pulled out the hundred, offering it to Sarah Jane. "Just take it. I'm going to buy you a prepaid cell phone, too, so don't disappear on us." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>24-09-2011, 00:27:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>SJ shcocked and making her way back to the Sunset</strong><br><br>The girl blinked at the money that was handed to her, she had never had that much money before, and for once the girl was speechless save for a quiet thank you.<br><br>Sarah Jane took a little time to get back to the place, though she had money to buy things for both and her dog, the girl liked to be careful also there were few places open. So it looked like some scavenging and some begging along the way. She might be young but this girl knew how to survive, and part of it was being one of the invisible. After all most people turned away from the homeless, and were blind to them….<br><br>She walked through the park and then headed out to look for food for herself and for Horlicks the pair of them managed to get a few things it might not be the tastiest food but it was food. The money was going to be used to buy a new collar for the dog and perhaps a new sleeping bag. <br><br>The stopped at a few bins and outside restaurants, and in a couple of skips and then finally ended up at the Sunset. The girl did appreciate the gesture; she and Horlicks did put their heads around the door when they arrived, but it was likely she would sleep in the alley outside, as it was where thy were used to sleeping.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>24-09-2011, 01:11:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Nadia and Alan - City Streets</strong><br><br>After the girl walked off in the direction of the club, Nadia grabbed Alan by the arm and helped him to the stingray parked a short distance away. She sat down herself and winced as her own wound brushed against the upholstery. <br><br>"Try not to bleed everywhere." she told him in a half-joking tone. She drove off towards the pizza shop, keeping here eyes open for a 7-11 on the way. The drive was relatively uneventful save for light conversation, and several minutes later three large pizzas were balanced on her dashboard, filling the vehicle with their pleasant aroma. Nadia wasted no time in cracking one open and with one hand on the wheel, she used the other to shift and eat pizza. Between bites, she mentioned to Alan. <br><br>"Maybe when we get back that doctor lady can do something about this..." She cast a glance at his leg and her shoulder. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>24-09-2011, 01:20:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Grayson Park</strong><br><br>Alan just seemed to ignore the question. He was lost in his own musings about what was going on and what they had just faced. However, he was getting constantly distracted by the smell of the pizza and the sting in his leg. He had only answered the question with a grunt, and that was after they had gotten near to the club. He was first at the door, and decided to be as quiet as possible, considering the hour. He set the pizza down on one of the tables. He sat down to eat it, but after getting the box open, he slowly drifted off to sleep. He was sitting up in the booth at first, but after being woken with the sensation of falling a few more times, he just curled up in the booth and passed out. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>24-09-2011, 01:36:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset - Saturday night into Sunday Morning</strong><br><br>Nadia entered the club carrying the other two boxes of pizza and the bottle of cola. She slipped behind the bar and put her cargo into the fridge before grabbing one more slice from the box in front of Alan. He had already drifted off to sleep. She ate her pizza and ade herself comfortable on one of the couches. Sleep came just as quickly for her as it had for Alan. <br><br>A few hours later, Nadia awoke to the sound of her phone ringing. She glanced at the caller-ID. Renee. She touched the 'ignore' button and rubbed her eyes. She saw that Carrie was receiving a manicure from the street doctor. Having forgotten about her wound momentarily, Nadia let out a soft cry of surprise as the bullet hole stung. She stood up and removed her jacket to reveal the blood soaked cotton strips beneath, wondering what it was that one should say to a street doctor when aid was required. "Mary... was it? Would you mind taking a look at this for me when you have a moment?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>24-09-2011, 20:29:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mary glanced casually at Nadia, then snapped into motion "Shit!"&nbsp; She yelped "Why didn't you say something!"&nbsp; She pushed Nadia into a reclining position on the couch and pulled clothing away from the wound.&nbsp; "Low caliber, flesh wound but Jesus!"&nbsp; Mary noted that the wound wasn't bleeding nearly as much as it should have. <em>Hunter mojo, I suppose.</em>&nbsp; "This is gonna hurt&nbsp; you want something for the pain?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>24-09-2011, 21:27:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset - Sunday Morning</strong><br><br>A few seconds after Nadia woke up, Carrie seem to shift a little, giving her head a soft rub and shrinking back into her more quiet and reserved self.<br><br>"There's a shower set up in the bathroom," she said somewhat shyly.&nbsp; "You'll want to wait an hour between people using it, though, or there won't be enough hot water.&nbsp; Theo could only set up a smaller heater, and there's soap but no shampoo or conditioner."&nbsp; The last part of that sentence seemed to almost carry a plea for everyone not to use it up; it was one of the few luxuries from home that she still had.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>25-09-2011, 00:06:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sarah Jane wakes up</strong><br><br>Sarah Jane had had a pretty uneventful night; well at least it was uneventful when she curled up to sleep with Horlicks. She slept outside the Sunset, which was all she needed really, somehow it felt safer than being with a bunch of strangers, also the young woman was troubled and extremely confused. At least she felt some security being with the large dog.<br><br>It really did feel like her world and what she knew of it was falling apart, and this would be the second or perhaps the third time in her life that this had happened, and maybe they all thought it was normal but it scared the living shit out of her.<br><br>She could have run off with the money but that would have been wrong, and Sarah Jane had learned from her Nan not to be beholden to anyone. So very early in the morning still a little cold and stiff the girl went and got change from a vendor she knew. He looked at her and shook his head, it was better not to ask questions. <br><br>All that was taken was the money for a new collar and some dog food; she pushed that into a pocket and then put the rest in another one. It was then that Sarah Jane entered into the Sunset with her large dog. <br><br>First she needed to give Nadia money and second the girl wanted answers, oh yes third there was the phone issue though it seems like half the people here in this city could not understand her accent. <br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>25-09-2011, 06:10:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset Club - Sunday Morning</strong><br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=114247.msg5252035#msg5252035">Quote from: Healergirl on 24-09-2011, 20:29:14</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote"> "This is gonna hurt&nbsp; you want something for the pain?"<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Nadia responded with a steady voice. "It's not so bad right now, but it might help if you're going to be poking around..." Nadia bit her lower lip as she allowed Mary to do what was needed. She tried not to dwell on the pain, and though the pain had been mild enough for her to sleep relatively comfortably, now that the wound was again exposed to air, the ache was returning. <br><br>"You should probably have a look at Alan when you're done with me." She mentioned, gesturing towards the still sleeping man across the club. "He took at least one in the leg that I know of."<br><br>As an afterthought, Nadia spoke through gritted teeth as a pang of pain seemed to shoot through her wound. "If money is an issue, I've got some, but I'm not really sure how this type of doctor/patient relationship works..." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>25-09-2011, 22:14:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset Club - Sunday morning</strong><br><br>A\The initial examination of both Nadia and Alan proved to be quite a surprise:&nbsp; The woulnds were shalllower, smaller, bleeding less..., hell everything about them was unnatural.&nbsp; She shook her head, dove into her work.&nbsp; She hit them both with light injections of demerol, then cleaned,&nbsp; stitched and bandaged the injuries..&nbsp; It was a far less involved process than it should have been.&nbsp; "You huynters have mad crazy resistance to injurty.&nbsp; rapid healing, too."&nbsp; The street deoc sighed when she had finished, "You guys should be in the hospital flat on your backs."&nbsp; She washed off in the bar sink and started repacking her medical bag.&nbsp; "So, how long you two been in this mess?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kirinis</strong> on <strong>26-09-2011, 16:42:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Roderick, Saturday</strong><br><br><em>What?</em>&nbsp; Roderick wasn't certain if his eyes were malfunctioning or if reality had taken a detour into somewhere unpleasant.&nbsp; He could have sworn that the girl now staggering back to her feet was dead.&nbsp; There was no way someone who resembled a tomato dashed on the sidewalk could have possibly survived.&nbsp; Unless he was mistaken somehow, but that couldn't be right could it?&nbsp; Roderick was so consumed by those thoughts that the changing sign barely registered in his mind.<br><br>Either way though, dripping like that couldn't be healthy for the girl.&nbsp; Roderick held his hand out in a gesture to stop the girl.&nbsp; "Please, Miss.&nbsp; I don't think you should be moving just yet." The fact that more fluid was trailing out of her was only making that case.&nbsp; "An ambulance is on its way right now.&nbsp; Please just sit down for a moment, let me try to help you okay?"&nbsp; Futile words, Roderick was keenly aware that he had no medical training but something had to be done right?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>26-09-2011, 23:19:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Roderick - Outside the parking lot</strong><br><br>As the moon finally crept back out from the clouds, tentatively peeking its light down onto the madness below, the full extent of the damage to the woman was clearly visible.&nbsp; Most of her head and body, including the left half of her face, was completely smashed in.&nbsp; Brains and viscera were everywhere.&nbsp; Even her left leg was so thoroughly pummeled that it was simply impossible for her to be standing as she now was.&nbsp; There was no way that she could still be alive, much less conscious, standing and staring with cold, dead eyes.<br><br>The other woman screamed in horror and confusion, gripping the other man in a trembling embrace to save her from the madness.&nbsp; He stood next to her, arms around her but frozen in terror as his brain struggled with the understanding of the insanity before him.<br><br>Something black flickered at the corpse's hands, ebon but shifting like tiny flames that threatened to ignite into a conflagration of vengeance.&nbsp; If the sense of unnaturalness from the monstrous zombie-like thing wasn't enough, the black fires that she was creating were proof enough of her unholy nature.&nbsp; Yet something about Roderick made her pause, looking back to him and briefly staying her hand.<br><br>Her expression was impossible to read.&nbsp; Her face was too badly broken so that she barely even looked human anymore, but her cold, dead eyes seemed to carry their own story.&nbsp; "Why?" she repeated in a bloody mess that eked its way out of her battered lungs and sprayed down the front of her ruined dress.&nbsp; "Why did I have to die?&nbsp; It should be them!"&nbsp; She pointed a twisted finger at the terrified pair.&nbsp; "I had things I had to do.&nbsp; But I can still fix this..."&nbsp; She tried to start to look back at the paralyzed couple, but kept her corpselike gaze upon Roderick, as if to beg his assistance.&nbsp; The agony of her condition became more and more noticeable with each passing moment.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kirinis</strong> on <strong>27-09-2011, 00:25:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Roderick, Saturday - Outside the Parking Lot</strong><br><br>Roderick stared at the corpse, he felt...blase.&nbsp; On one hand it was clear that the woman was completely unnatural at this point with the black stuff flickering at her hands and the rational part of him told him to back away from the woman, but yet at the same time it felt like his response to the situation was dulled.&nbsp; He was no idiot though, the woman clearly had every intention to kill the two people who ran her down.&nbsp; Now while he had plenty of sympathy for the victim, allowing murder as response to violence was just anathema to his beliefs.<br><br>"Listen, I know what they did is inexcusable but that's no reason to kill them."&nbsp; Roderick turned to look at the two holding each other for support.&nbsp; "Let the law determine the punishment to fit their crime."&nbsp; He knew that he was playing a dangerous game since he had no other way to defend himself, but he had to believe that there was something in the woman which would listen to reason.&nbsp; "You have things to do right?&nbsp; They aren't important enough to you."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>27-09-2011, 00:41:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Roderick, Saturday Night - Outside the Parking Lot</strong><br><br>The corpse looked briefly at the two huddled figures, sparkles of black fire hissing between her fingertips, then slowly fading.&nbsp; Between sympathy and reluctance, staring back at Roderick, the rage that she felt seemed to simmer.&nbsp; She seemed to relax just a little, which made her form hunch and seem to lose a little power.<br><br>She didn't really want to hurt anyone, that much was obvious, and if she had help and someone else would deal with the pair, it left her open to another option.&nbsp; "There's this boy," she finally gurgled as she reached for her purse.&nbsp; "Johnny Lendins.&nbsp; I was supposed to meet him, I'm already running late, I can't meet him like this..."&nbsp; Her broken, gnarled hands couldn't seem to work the zipper.&nbsp; "He won't understand.&nbsp; This is the third time we were supposed to meet up and have kept missing each other..."<br><br>The pair continued to stare helplessly, clutching each other, unsure of what to do but unable to summon the courage even to run.&nbsp; Their life and death was left in Roderick's hands.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>27-09-2011, 03:53:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Huh? Who? What what?!" Alan shot up with a start after being injected by the needle. His vision blurry, he looked around to see the two girls talking and the doctor working on his leg. He smiled groggily, and managed " thanks fer that.." as he managed to gently lay his head on the booth seat in just enough time to pass out again.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>28-09-2011, 00:21:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset Club Sunday Morning</strong><br><br>"Men are such babies."&nbsp; Nash muttered as she grinned at the other women. "One little hit of Demerol and out he goes."&nbsp; She stowed her gear back n her carryall and cleaned up her mess.&nbsp; &nbsp;She was still grinning when her cell vibrated, she flipped it open, read the text ... and her good humor vanished.&nbsp; She read the message again.&nbsp; Then again.&nbsp; "Holy shit!"&nbsp; She stared off into space for a long moment, then said very calmly.&nbsp; "We have a problem.&nbsp; I, ah, was called to an incident last night while Carrie was asleep.&nbsp; Some underworld types got into it with, well something that shrugged off a lot of gunfire.&nbsp; Me and another street doc, we saved two of them, but the third, black tag, if I've ever seen one.&nbsp; But This text says all three recovered."&nbsp; She gave a stony look to Carrie and Nadia.&nbsp; "No way.&nbsp; She was a deader."<br><br>She sat carefully in the chair near carrie's bed.&nbsp; "And before I forget, I've got some other lovely news.&nbsp; "It appears that some bones are missing from the Natural History museum.&nbsp; Dinosaur bones, big ones."&nbsp; She grew a little pale. "From what I've picked up listening to you guys, these forces or whatever, they seem able to&nbsp; bind to bones?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>28-09-2011, 01:33:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset - Sunday Morning</strong><br><br>When Sarah Jane came back into the nightclub, Carrie's headaches notably returned in force, verifying what she said before about the third hunter being the hardest for her.&nbsp; Strangely, however, even though the sleeping Nadia and Alan didn't seem to bother her, Alan's unconsciousness from the Demerol didn't seem to provide her any notable relief.&nbsp; She shuffled her way back over to her bed, grabbing another slice of pizza along the way.<br><br>Mary's mention of the text message, however, made her speak.&nbsp; "They don't have to be dying," she said softly, laying her head down on the pillow as she rubbed her temples.&nbsp; "It helps if they're dying, because then he has something to offer.&nbsp; Sometimes, though, it's just a desire for vengeance, or wanting to help someone else, or any number of things."<br><br>She didn't have any answer about the dinosaurs; she may not have even heard.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>28-09-2011, 04:33:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nadia - Sunset Club - Sunday Morning<br><br>Nadia regarded Mary's words thoughtfully. "Thanks for the help... and I've really only been 'in' this whole thing since yesterday. Whatever it is, I guess it's up to us to stop it. From what you're saying, it sounds like it's going to get worse before it gets better." Nadia rolled her shoulder, glad to have a proper dressing. She felt much better now. "All I know is that I could use a shower right now, and I can't work with what's here."<br><br>She grabbed her things and cast a glance at Alan, who was either feigning sleep or genuinely unconscious. "If this is home base, it could use a few things anyway. Also, I have a feeling I'm going to 'burn' through weapons like crazy." She chuckled to herself at the pun that the others probably wouldn't notice. <br><br>"Alright." Nadia announced, "I'm going to the sporting goods store, and probably a K-mart. Anyone have any requests, or want to come with?" <br><br>As if in answer to her question, Nadia's cell phone rang. Despite it being Renee's second attempt to call her, she again hit the ignore button, and surveyed the room again to see if anyone volunteered an answer to her question. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>29-09-2011, 03:15:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset - Sunday Morning</strong><br><div class="floatright">(http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/1345/allyct.jpg)</div>"Oh!"&nbsp; A sudden thought made Carrie stiffen, forcing herself up despite the pain to move over and grab her Sharpie marker.&nbsp; "I keep forgetting whenever you're actually here; I'm sorry.&nbsp; Let me mark you as friends if that's okay."<br><br>She shuffled her way over to Alan, reaching over for his arm to leave a symbol upon him.&nbsp; The hunters would instantly recognize it as a symbol meaning ally, hunter, one of the chosen, although to Mary it would seem as indistinguishable as the other strange code.<br><br>"Mary, if you want, I have one for you as well.&nbsp; Theo figured it out before...well..."&nbsp; She stopped, looking down at a sudden memory.&nbsp; "It basically means Good Samaritan.&nbsp; Or I can add in the Healer symbol.&nbsp; We just have to make sure we find everyone before the full moon ends, or it's going to be harder."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>29-09-2011, 11:18:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Vince - Sunday Morning at Sunset</strong><br><br>As the night ended he slept after placing Lorraine on the couch. When the morning came he made sure that she was awake, her bike was prepared and that she was fed before he let her leave his sight, and then after that he was on his way to Sunset to see what the hell had gone on while he had been away. He had not meant to be gone so long but if that girl was the main defense of club then there was bound to be something that was going on there by this point that required his attention but of course he had to make sure that Lorraine was also okay before he sped off to the club where he parked in the parking lot before grabbing the bat out of the passenger seat, grabbing his keys from the ignition and opening the truck door before locking it with a button press as he ran in the direction of the club.<br><br>He was ready to swing at any unearthly thing that was going to be inside, all he knew was one thing, he was not going to allow them to kill Carrie if they hadn't already, she was to be protected at all costs. He did not knock on the door, he kicked it in much as he would do if he was busting into a burning house, his bat ever ready to kill whatever stood in his path. But when all was said and done with the door open as he looked for targets, he stopped in his tracks as he was dressed in his full fireman's uniform. Though for the rest they could see the mark (http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/1345/allyct.jpg) that was shining on his foreman through his uniform to show that he is a friendly.<br><br>"Oh..." Words were not a proper way to get out of this situation as he looked around to see that the situation was generally calm and Carrie was there perfectly alright, without missing a beat he moved over to her and took her into his arms as he gave her a deep and lasting hug, "I am sorry for leaving you for so long."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>29-09-2011, 11:46:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>SJ does not do well with surprises.</strong><br><br>Sarah Jane was watching as the marks were made she was still a little nervous about this place, because some of those weird cults had the same. The fact that Nadia was talking about going and getting more bullets, as in a job lot variety type pack was even more worrying. Fuck the girl had lived on the streets and had never used or actually even touched a gun in her life. She did wonder who were really the monsters…<br><br>Still it would likely wash off if needed and thus had one place on her and even on Horlicks. Who really did not care as she was more interested as what was in SJ’s bag.<br><br>She and Horlicks were sharing some tins of dog food and biscuits as well as some cold beans. Hence why Nadia had been given most of her money back, the only real expense had been the new collar.&nbsp; It was then the door burst open, Sarah Jane dropped the food, which for a start made her angry, the huge figure made her araid especially as he was in uniform.<br><br>“Fack me…fackin’ wanker, wot ve fakin’ ‘ell. Vat was jast blaady stupid…” She was small and slight but somehow strangely a little intimidating as her lips allowed a whole stream of yet more obscenities fall from her mouth. Most of it was bravado she was actually a little afraid and was starting to feel trapped now, and he was blocking her exit. "Fack that was blaady rude, my Nan wood 'ave strung yah ap by yer balls."<br><br>The huge dog at her side curled her lips as her heckles rose on the back of her neck. At present it remained at SJ’s side, however even though they were both hungry the food was forgotten.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>29-09-2011, 19:19:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset Club Sunday Morning</strong><br><br>"The healer symbol?"&nbsp; Mary grinned "I'd like that, but I can see you're starting to have some troube with all the hunters here,, there's gotta be a happy medium betweet putting you out and easing the pain."&nbsp; She started mulling over what she had available, a train of thought that was shattered by the abrupt entrance of the firefighter.&nbsp; Perhaps it was jumpiness triggered by the disturbing text message, but she nearly drew on the firefighter when he burst in like that. <br><br>"Jesus!"&nbsp; She re-holstered the .380 that hadn't quite come from behind her back.&nbsp; "Take it easy, buddy!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>29-09-2011, 23:42:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset - Sunday Morning</strong><br><br>Though she appeared to keep her composure outwardly, Nadia's fingernails had dug into her palms as the fireman burst in behind her. She'd spun around to face him, but he seemed to already realize his mistake. She relaxed her fists leaving deep crescent indentations in each of her hands. As he crossed the club and embraced Carrie, Nadia simply shrugged and mused aloud. "Another 'friend'?" <br><br>To be honest, she had had enough excitement, and was looking forward to a bit of retail therapy. She wasn't waiting for a response, and since Carrie had already marked her she had no reason to stay any longer. Shrugging, Nadia addressed the newcomer and then the whole of those gathered in the club. "Whoever you are, I'm Nadia Simone, and I'm out of here. If anyone else is coming, follow me."&nbsp; As an afterthought, she added. "I'd suggest that you guys don't pester the prophet. For those of you too dense to notice, when there's too many of us around, she doesn't feel too great." <br><br>Nadia turned on her heel and marched towards the exit, and threw open the door. bright sunlight streamed in, framing her silhouette in gold. She paused to wait and see if anyone else intended to follow her, but also to breathe in the fact that despite the terrible night they'd just had, the sun did still rise this morning.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>29-09-2011, 23:46:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><div class="floatright">(http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/456/healeru.jpg)</div>Carrie gave everyone who wanted one a mark, most of them marking Hunter but with Mary's saying Healer, identical to the one which had been spraypainted by someone else on her van.<br><br>When Vincent suddenly burst in, Carrie didn't even look startled.&nbsp; She accepted the hug and returned it, but her headache was clearly getting worse and worse.&nbsp; "It's alright," she said with a forced smile.&nbsp; "You found him.&nbsp; Maybe her.&nbsp; I'm not sure.&nbsp; They have trouble with that sometimes.&nbsp; Maybe older brother can tell."<br><br>She shuffled back over to her bed, though she seemed to improve a little once Nadia was out of the door.&nbsp; "Mary," she said as she grabbed another bottle of water, "I need you to tell them about Balariel.&nbsp; Can you please do that?"&nbsp; Without waiting for an answer, she started chugging.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>01-10-2011, 10:44:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Vince - Sunset</strong><br><br>He let go of the woman that he had sworn to protect, letting her walk over to get her water that now had become labeled as her sleep water that made him wonder what exactly was in it, he heard Nadia’s little spiel to him as she walked out of the room, he looked around to the group that was there in the room with one girl that still continued to cuss at him with a dog that looked like it needed a bath, but then the owner looked like he needed to take her back home and give her quite the bath as well with her giving off the look that she was homeless, well at least in his mind she wasn't any longer since when this day was done, his home was going to be hers. From the looks of everyone else it seemed that they were all from different walks of life. Which is something that he quite expected if this was all becoming as bad as he thought. <br><br>“I am sorry, I just needed to protect her.” Vince pointed the tip of his bat over in Carrie’s direction. “I am Vincent Phelps, and as you all can tell I am a firefighter. Now, I am going to need infor-” As if he had forgotten something he stopped mid-sentence and ran outside to the van where Nadia was, he pulled open his wallet and took out a hundred dollar bill he handed it to her. “I need the strongest axe you can find no matter how big it is, and I also need a smaller axe that you can fit in this coat’s jacket pocket.” He opens the coat to show her that the inside of his uniform jacket already had a holder for a small axe to give her a judge of size.<br><br>“You are most likely going to need more but that…” Vince knew this and looked in the uniform pockets not finding anything else that he could use as a form of currency, “How about this, wait just a moment so I can share the info on Balariel and then we will get all the rest out of Sunset so that we can all go looking what we specifically need in the hunt rather than what is believed to be needed generally? I think that the more minds we have on the supplies the better as long as there is some control or cohesion on the parts of all of us. So what do you say?”<br><br>He looked deep into her eyes as he said this to confirm that his point was getting across plus it would be nice if he allowed Carrie to be Hunter free for awhile. He looked up in the sky and saw that the Sun was high in the sky, he was not going to allow Carrie to have to make it to the darkness once more without him by her side. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>01-10-2011, 12:07:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				SJ continued to narrow her eyes at the fire man. “I don’t ginve a fackin’ rats arse if you are ve bleedin’ Queen of bastard Sheba you sacred the shite out of me…and that a bastards trick.” It was obvious the girl was scared; this was a large man wielding a bat. Her dark eyes continued to look fro the exit.<br><br>“Is vis ‘ow vey knock ve door in America ven, shite you ‘ave less fackin’ manner van ‘Orlicks.” Whether he was protecting Carrie or not did not matter, the fact that he seemed aggressive made the slight girl feel uncomfortable. She had seen some of the homeless and how they could get…hense that was why Srarah Jane had learned to hide.<br><br>Whatever anyone thought of street rats, this one had never partaken in drugs or prostitution, though both had been tempting especially when it was cold and she was hungry. Still SJ had remained strong. After a short time her rant stopped and the massive dog ceased growling though Horicks remained more than a little tense.<br><br>“Wot ve fack is Balariel…” All this talk of bullets and the like, and men weilding bats was making SJ very uncomftable. It was becoming a little much to deal with. Still the dog was hungry and so was she so the finished off their…dog food and cold bean concoction. For the moment she would stay.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>01-10-2011, 12:22:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>Carrie finished off the water in a rapid chugging of liquid, easily finishing through the water bottle and laying her head back down.&nbsp; She listened as best she could to the conversations of the others, but she seemed to be missing so much.&nbsp; The only thing to which she really seemed to respond was Sarah Jane's question.<br><br>"The third forsaken."&nbsp; Carrie's voice was already starting to quiver, her eyes losing focus, but her gaze drifted towards Mary.&nbsp; "You saw him.&nbsp; I know it's hard to remember, you thought it was already dead, but it wasn't.&nbsp; You were there."&nbsp; Her voice grew softer and softer, until it didn't even seem as though she knew what she was saying, or if she could possibly be saying something comprehensible.&nbsp; "The rules are changing now, and they have to be ready, because this is so much worse."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>01-10-2011, 12:49:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sarah Jane almost snorted the dog food out of her nose. “Wot ve fack the fird blaady Forsaken, because vat explains everyfing don’t it.” The girl even did a face palm. Of course she felt bad that this young woman was ill, but it looked like they had someone that knew what they were doing in that respect. Still she really did not like riddles; her Nan had been a straight talker, and her mother a liar that twisted mind.<br><br>“Look lav I aint got a fackin’ clue what you are on abaat I only went ta Sunday school for ve free cup of squash and a biscuit.”&nbsp; The truth was the girl now avoided religious hostels now some of the folks she had known had disappeared in those sort of places. “Oh and me Nan made me blaady go.” Sarah Jane still missed the old woman, and wondered if she had known what would happen to her granddaughter would she have take the option of half life?<br><br>SJ’s face hardened a little as she tried to fight off any emotions at least visibly. The girl tried very hard not to show weakness, once you did that on the street you were dead meat.<br><br>“Look we’ll finish dinner ere and we ‘as ta get washed ap samwhere. When …” The house was crowded so it might be better to go for a bit, as it was Sarah Jane knew she had to try and find a bed for the night. If she got there early then there might be a shower. However the girl politely waited for an answer as they finished their food.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>01-10-2011, 13:27:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset Parking Lot</strong><br><br>"I suppose I can wait just a bit longer. Just a warning though, I've only got one room for one passenger, so it would be helpful if you had a vehicle. I'd hate to have to go borrow the Band's Van." Nadia motioned to the stingray in the nearby alley. She was noticeably sullen, and though her mood could be attributed to the string of bad encounters the previous night, it had just as much to do with the fact that she wanted nothing more than to wash up. It had been years since she'd gone more than 24 hours without a shower, and she was currently on hour 32. Without another word, she reluctantly walked back towards the doorway without going in. She hesitated, torn between wanting to know what was happening and not wanting to cause Carrie pain. She pushed open the door and leaned against it, settling on a happy medium. She hoped that from outside the chalk line she could still hear what was being said, but wasn't close enough to be a nuisance to the girl. <br><br>She was in time to hear Sarah Jane go off on one of her barely understandable rants. One of the words she spoke sent chills down Nadia's spine. 'The forsaken' didn't sound like a good thing. It sounded like something else she'd have to kill. <br><br>She mused for a moment on that word now. 'Kill.' Was kill the right word if it was already dead?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>01-10-2011, 19:57:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset Club Sunday Morning</strong><br><br>Mary regained her poise quickly and settled into her chair near Carrie.&nbsp; She pulled a bottle of water out of her carryall - checking the label and seal to double check she wasn't about to imbibe the stuff she hadoped for carrie.&nbsp; that would have made for a short briefing.<br><br>"Okay, here goes.."&nbsp; She began after a pull from the bottle.&nbsp; She told a tale of blood and darkness in the Western Desert of Iraq, a night of hell and slaughter two years past.&nbsp; her arrival on a field of carnage, torn bodies of soldiers, some men with hale bodies and shattered minds, and a, a thing, dead under the many starred sky.&nbsp; Shell casings everywhere, bayonets and combat knives dripping with an ichor that was in no way blood.&nbsp; And a name.&nbsp; Balariel, an old whispered name.<br><br>"It got worse as I went into the temple, I suppose it was.&nbsp; But prison was more accurate, i think.&nbsp; Balariel was encased in granite, not sandstone.&nbsp; And I mean encased, the insurgents had to blast through living rock, there were no doorways or plugs.&nbsp; Best guess is they wanted to tame it for use against US Forces.&nbsp; Or maybe, hell, maybe the thing was controlling them, directing them to free it.&nbsp; The Ranger's got there just before it broke free, and dozens of them got killed taking it down." <br><br>Nash wasn't quite with them at this point, her eyes were locked on something a thousand yards away.&nbsp; "Carrie and her dad think Balariels re-awakening is connected witth he troubles here.&nbsp; Maybe elsewhere, too.&nbsp; I've gotten a reliable that some dinosaur bones, big ones, are missing from the Natural History museum.&nbsp; If these things can really meld around them, enhance and animate them, that sounds like big trouble indeed."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>01-10-2011, 22:57:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Vince - Sunset</strong><br><br>Had followed Nadia back into Sunset where he had the feeling that Mary was about to talk and he had to make sure that everyone heard it so he looked over to the man that was sleeping in the room. Vince went over to him and started to shake him, moments before Mary was about to speak. This way the man was going to be able to hear what Mary had to say and not simply just sleep through it for in this kind of thing information was what could save you or kill you. It was just like firefighting in that respect, the more variables that you could take care of before even stepping foot in the building was always a good thing.<br><br>Vince knew that all of them being here was going to hurt Carrie but he could take solace in the fact that at least Nadia was careful enough to try and prevent further pain though he felt that he had to allow all of them to hear the information which is why he had to wake up the man. Vince listened to Mary's explanation. So Balariel was more than just a story in a book that changed the more that you read it. It was a true thing. A thing that was working its way back to do lots more devious things such as reincarnating Dinosaur bones.<br><br>"It is said that Balariel's return requires the blood and shadows from twenty virgins in order for to have a crafted body or at least that is how he was made last time. But if Carrie's right and things have changed then I have no idea. Anyone else have information to add to this?" He spoke out to the entire group with his voice raised. He had let go of Alan much before he had started to speak and he hoped that the man was awake by now.<br><br>Darkness was coming, he knew it was. It was waiting in the shadows to come and kill all that he held dear, but he was not going to allow it, he was going to fight back the darkness with his light and with the lights of those with him. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>02-10-2011, 05:12:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>Carrie added something else, but it sounded more like some ancient dialect, or perhaps just gibberish.&nbsp; Her eyes finally closed as she collapsed, instantly slipping into dreams, but the vivid grimace from her headaches was completely gone.<br><br>One of the many light bulbs in the place, which kept it overly bright, flickered and then went out.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>02-10-2011, 12:46:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>Alan woke with a start as he was plucked from his oh-so-comfortable booth seat bed.&nbsp; He looked on in horror at being woken by a fireman. For a brief moment his mind immediately thought the club was burning down, so he looked around, this way and that. No smoke, no visible flames, no strange smells other than the odd smell of used fire gear.&nbsp; "Is this place going up? If so, there are others here too make sure you. . ."<br><br>He stopped speaking to hear the remainder of the story, and after it was finished he was glad to see the building was not in fact on fire.<br><br>Alan had been let go by the fireman at this point, and he was going to raise his voice, being rather grumpy at the prospect of being woken, but as soon as the light burned out and Carrie passed out, Alan felt still tired, and although several things were going on that he did not consider normal, he felt a strong enough pull to put his back down against the booth and try to drift back in to slumber for just a little longer. <br><br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>02-10-2011, 13:35:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>SJ in the sunset</strong><br><br>SJ listened to all that was said, so much of it went over her head “Fack it sounds like a blaady shite ‘orror Film. You ain’t takin’ the piss wif vis are ya..” To be honest the girl really felt her head spinning. She was not surprised at the way that girl was behaving, as it was this street rat thought if things went on like this she would be locked up in a loony bin. It seemed Carrie should likely be in there any way with her gibberish….that or she was doing an Exorcist impression just to add to the horror film theme.<br><br>When the bulb went out this was just horrible, “Fack ve bladdy ‘ell is goin’ on, vis jast aint fanny now. All vis facking virgins staff and bones and…shite knows what…Are you serious…”<br><br>Not that she was about to admit it Sarah Jane was one and that was worrying…though surely there were plenty about and they would …<br><br>Damn SJ worried that she was buying into this, half of her was starting to believe it was real, the other half of her wanted to believe that this was not true, and that it could not be. Her breathing became faster, and her whole body was ready to run, swallowing hard. “Look I really ‘ ave ta find meself a bed I’ll cam back when …well look I’ll try….” She had never really been afraid of the streets they had been her home for many years, but now, it seemed something really dark was happening in her life. Darker even that her mother and her mothers boyfriend… Darker than the perverts and dealers on the streets.<br><br>Shit what had she got herself into. “Look I aint no good at nuffin, fack me I never&nbsp; even finished school…I can’t be …what…ve .” Shit I …” She was backing towards the door, however was aware that the events last night had changed everything. “Fer facks …sake why me?” Sarah Jane looked at them all wanting answers... this was so insane...<br><br>The cracks in her own armor were showing now almost as much as the creatures she had seen last night.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>02-10-2011, 16:21:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=114247.msg5288063#msg5288063">Quote from: Senti on 02-10-2011, 13:35:53</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote"> “Fer facks …sake why me?” <br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Nadia was even more impatient than before. It was obvious that the presence of so many... Hunters, seemed the appropriate word... had been overwhelming for Carrie. All their group meeting had accomplished was to know their worst fears were true. Sarah Jane had simply voiced what many of them were thinking. <br><br>"Why any of us, Sarah Jane?' Nadia said gently from the doorway. "But it doesn't matter if we ask why, I don't think we'll get an answer. What matters right now is that we have been chosen, and whatever this is, we are the ones responsible for taking care of it." Nadia looked around at the other hunters. Everyone was confused or scared, but they wouldn't get anywhere until they began to take action. <br><br>In her most authoritative voice, Nadia called them to action. "Alright, everyone out. Let Carrie get some rest. Sarah Jane, you're with me I'll get you a place to stay. Alan... We'll let him sleep, He was wounded yesterday. Vince, I assume you've got your own wheels..." She turned to leave and held the door open by the edge. "Well? Are you coming?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>02-10-2011, 19:54:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The morning was already well on its way before Lorraine finally stirred. Her muscles ached and she stretched, yawning widely. Some food had been set out on the table near her and since there was no trace of any other living soul nearby she assumed Nathaniel or Vince had left it for her. Lorraine ate the sandwiches as she wrote a thank-you note to both of them, and left it where the plate had been. She washed the dishes and left.<br><br>The first item on her agenda was to collect her bike, which they had left in the underground parking. She checked the damn thing and made sure the tires were solid before trusting it for a test drive. After the bike was returned she stopped by at her parents' long enough to shower, put on some fresh clothes and provide her mom with a reasonable explanation. She glossed over the evening's events, leaving out the parts she knew her mother wouldn't believe. "And so, I thought I might as well stay the night." she finished.<br><br>"With a man you just met?!" Her mother's face had grown stern and disapproving. "I thought I had raised you better than this."<br><br>Lorraine sighed. "Mom..."<br><br>"It is written in the Holy Bible-"<br><br>"MOM!"<br><br>Lorraine tried to control her voice, to keep the anger out. "I slept on the couch. Not that it's any of your business, mind you."<br><br>"As long as you live under this roof, everything you do is our business." She fell silent and opened her arms. "We love you, sweetie." <br><br>"I know, mom. I love you too." Lorraine hugged her mother and let go. "I better get going. Dad's waiting and I want to go to the hospital afterwards, see how Alyssa's doing." Those were but a part of Lorraine's to-do list, but they were all she could conveniently share. Finding Greg, or others like him, wasn't something she wanted to bring up. And she didn't want to think about facing her boss. Yep, it was going to be one hell of a sunday.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>02-10-2011, 20:40:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong> SJ is it butterflies</strong><br>“Chosen…fackin’ chosen oh great…oh blaady marvellous, I could not get chosen first fer ve bastard netball team with Sharon whore face bitchqueen….” She took a brief moment and another breath “Oh no fackin’ fantastic I get ‘chosen’ to get ve shit scared out of me.”<br><br>She was swallowing hard, “Look ma’am me and ‘Orlicks…we can…we can cope…”I ‘ave a bed tonight…and maybe a shower.” The point was woman or not, the girl had seen people disappear, this was so difficult. As she passed the door there was real fear in those dark eyes, “I aint a blaady ‘ore…I’ll leave ‘ere but I don’t know…I ‘as a place tonight...”&nbsp; As it was this was a girl that had managed to keep her purity even in the darkest places, yet a part of that was taking care and being cautious. They all seemed like good people but then so had many that had passed in and out of her life. Even her mother had been able to wear a mask.<br><br>The truth be told SJ was making ready to do a runner, and she was a sneaky little bugger and faster than most. “What…what …do I do?” It was more a question to the dog Horlicks who drew closer.<br><br>Yet it was to all there she really had no idea, never before in her life had she been so bewildered. Until now Sarah Jane’s life had been simple…didn’t they call it the butterfly or something the man that did the chicken dance on the corner of the street told her about it once.<br><br>If she had not missed closing time at the hostel …none of this would have happened…<br><br>&nbsp;<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>02-10-2011, 21:41:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Vince - Being There for His Fellows<br><br>Vince shook his head at the man who was not waking up no matter what they did, if he was not breathing, Vince would have though that he was dead. But it was best that he be left there to rest especially if he had been injured. This was not something that Vince had been told so he did not know when he had tried to wake the man up otherwise he would have let him sleep. Vince looked over to the homeless girl who seemed as though she was a little lost. That was a feeling that he was more than acquainted with and something that he had dealt with more times than he could count. With a steady calm stride he made it across the room to her. His hands were placed on her shoulders and then looked deeply into her eyes.<br><br>"I am not sure how you are going to take this since I did scare you earlier, but I offer a place to stay with me in my house, no strings attached. And as a resident of my house I will defend you as if you were a family member." Vince was not sure how the girl was going to take it but he was doing his best to guide her onto the path that he felt was going to be the safest for her. Living on the streets where the darkness was the strongest, he was not going to have that.<br><br>After his offer, he stood there continuing to look into her eyes, not minding the big dog that could bite him at any moment. Vince took his duties over his own safety at times and this was one of those times.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>02-10-2011, 23:10:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset </strong><br><br>Nadia sighed heavily, and told Vince. "You're wasting your time. The girl doesn't want help. I've done my share of trying. She still won't trust me after I handed her the biggest bill in my wallet. She's either too proud or too foolish to accept the help of others. I'm done, and I'm going." <br><br>She pulled a ballpoint pen and a scrap of paper out of her purse. Nadia scribbled ten numbers on it and set it on a table near the door. "That's my cell number. Call me if something goes down. I'm done waiting for permission to go get supplies. I'll be back later." <br><br>This time, nothing would drag her back into the club. She walked swiftly to her car and climbed in. It was still pretty early, so traffic was minimal. There were few awake at this time of day on a Sunday that weren't already in church. The clock on her dash read 10:00. She headed straight for the sporting goods store and arrived just as an employee was unlocking the door. <br><br>She strode to the area of the store with the baseball bats. They had a wide array of wooden and aluminum bats, but after taking a few in hand, and giving a few test swings she decided that the Maple Louisville Slugger felt the best. There were exactly nine on the rack and she took the whole lot. <br><br>She arrived to the register amid the strange looks the clerk was giving her. "I coach." She said, "Little League."<br><br>The cashier shook his head incredulously. "Well then you don't want those. Those are for adults. The children's sized bats are in Aisle five."<br><br>Nadia cleared her throat. "No no they're adults. Uh. Little's is a pizza shop. That's our team name, Little's League. We run a community league out in the 'burbs near (Mumble)" She forced a laugh and hoped he'd buy it, but then he had no reason not to. She was a cash-paying customer, and it wasn't exactly illegal to own nine baseball bats.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>02-10-2011, 23:31:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Well this was a turn up, more than a turn up the offer of two places to stay, however could she trust either of them, there was Calamity Jane with her need for bullets and there was mister macho with his baseball bat. What was it Nan said? ‘Rock and a hard place.’ However the streets did not seem so welcoming at present or rather less welcoming as life out their was hardly pleasurable.<br><br>When Vince took her shoulders she tensed and wriggled a little seeming afraid of the touch,&nbsp; however he was able to feel that she was little more than skin and bone beneath the clothes she was wearing.<br><br>“Jast tonight me and ‘orlicks need a place…Jast for tonight,” She looked between both Nadia and Vince and then flipped a mental coin. Finally letting and trusting Horlicks to make the choice. The fact the dog peed on Vince’s boot sort of made the decision as long as he did not get aggressive. “I…I aint no …look I’ll make sure I earn me fackin’ bed, and…and I don’t earn it vat way eiver…” It was obvious the girl was still not comfortable in the situation she was now in. She was running out of choices what could she do?<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>03-10-2011, 00:49:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Vince - Taking the Innocent with him shopping<br><br>"I would never make you earn that way, never. Do not worry about that. I am no deviant." He looked down and kind of giggled at the way the dog had pied on his foot, those were the kinds of things that would never change no matter what was going on in the world, he moved his boot after though with one of the hands coming away from her shoulder to pat the dog on the head. This poor girl was small and slender he could feel that through his touches of her shoulder, he was going to need to get some food into her system but all of that was going to be done in time of getting her some proper food back at his apartment.<br><br>He moved a little away from SJ and looked over to Mary, "Can you look over Alan for me till we get back? We will be gone for a few hours." He looked over to SJ as he walked close to the door, I hope that Horlicks likes the fresh air since I am not sure there will be space in the cab for him." He opened the door for her so that she could go out ahead of him.<br><br>"I am good with you staying with me just one night though I do want you to consider if the night goes well that you will stay." He looked at her once more as he waited for her to come with him into the world once more.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>03-10-2011, 01:08:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset Club</strong> Mary Nash<br><br>"Street kids can be an extremely stubborn lot.&nbsp; They survive on their own, are targets for all sorts of predators.&nbsp; leave her be, let her come to terms with it is my advice.&nbsp; Riding her about it will only drive her away."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>03-10-2011, 16:43:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong> SJ working things out...</strong><br><br>“I’ll sit in ve back wif ‘Orlicks mate, she can be a bit fanny ya know and she’ll want me ver. Fanks ...not many would offer...” The truth was Sarah Jane wanted to be close to Horlicks. Though the girl would never show Vince she was nervous it was not overly hard to tell that she was. Keeping the dog close the street rat brought the dog in close in the back, along with her bag…her home…her life…<br><br>As it was it was likely better that she was in the back with the dog as neither smelled too sweet. Still she did try her best to keep clean.<br><br><br>In her mind she decided one night, and if he tried anything, well…<br><br>Vince did intimidate Sarah Jane somewhat, but again she would never let him see it. What she did not understand was why she was being offered places to stay now. Was this to do with the symbols and the strange creatures? Perhaps Mister Mad with the bat might be able to explain more for she sure as the dogs farts smelling bad knew nothing. It really made no sense.<br><br>As always when travelling with a stranger the girl took in landmarks and signs and focused on them. For now all she hoped was she had made the right choice. Horlicks rested her head on Sarah Jane’s lap but should they have to the large dog was ready to run. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>03-10-2011, 17:16:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatright">(http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/5376/dangernd.jpg)<br><br>(http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/934/infested.jpg)</div><br><strong>The trip to the store</strong><br><br>Travelling through the city took on a whole new light when the random graffiti splayed out across the occasional building actually meant something.&nbsp; Signs of Danger periodically dotted buildings, sometimes apartment complexes, sometimes nightclubs, even a school at one point. <br><br>Other buildings had a similar but different mark, the sign of Infested, though they were all the same color of spray paint that marked Sunset and Mary's van.&nbsp; Whoever had been setting the area up had certainly been very busy, if not outright meticulous to the point of obsession.<br><br>Perhaps the graffiti artist had been alone, or simply been unable to handle the large numbers of areas.&nbsp; Perhaps the dedicated effort was made to find the monsters so that others could deal with them.&nbsp; Perhaps there had always been some intent to return in force, but something had happened, leaving only the markers to be answered by any who might heed them.<br><div class="floatright">(http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/1691/ripvw.jpg)</div><br>Not every piece of the Hunter Code was a warning.&nbsp; A single mark had been placed just outside an alleyway to a Cafe Georgio's restaurant.&nbsp; Scorch marks inside the alleyway indicated that the entire area had been bathed in gasoline flames.&nbsp; The mark was a rather simple one: Rest In Peace, clearly meant for a Hunter lost in the line of duty.<br><br>Although Nadia had little trouble picking up the baseball bats, one particular piece seemed to stand out above all the rest of the junk in the store.&nbsp; A lighter sat upon a shelf, a meticulous replica of a dragon's head curled around the rest of the device, so that the dragon would seem to breathe fire when the lighter was activated.&nbsp; As she passed by, for just a moment the lighter clicked on, pointing its flame towards the next lighter display, a cemetery with a "spooky lighter" for the upcoming Halloween.<br><br>With SJ waiting outside, a younger man wandered his way up towards the truck, his unkempt hair and clothes clearly marking him as homeless as well.&nbsp; "Sarah Jane, right?" he asked, keeping a bit of distance the moment he saw the dog.&nbsp; "Johnny Seven is looking for you.&nbsp; Something about a peace offering or something."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>03-10-2011, 19:40:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Vince</strong><br><br>"I can understand that, and you are welcome for the offer. It is the least that I can do for a fellow member of the light." He followed her out but was digging in the back seat of the cab to get her a blanket to sit on rather than the cold metal that was back there. As he was distracted it seemed that someone had approached his truck, he turned and placed the blanket over the side of the back for the girl and Horlicks.&nbsp; He looked the boy with a raised eyebrow. "Who is Johnny Seven and what does he want with her?" Vince was standing there still in his fireman's uniform with his jacket open allowing for the boy to see that he was quite imposing with his large appearance and muscles along with the fact that he was a public service worker.<br><br>He looked over to the girl that he just found out the name of with a look that was questioning, but there were words that also accompanied that look of his, "Is he causing a problem for you?" Vince looked back at the kid wondering what was going to happen next based on the responses from the both of them. If Sarah Jane so much as said that the kid was bothering her then he was going to end up off the ground with Vince giving him a warning.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>03-10-2011, 20:19:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>SJ with vince speaking to' Rat Eyes'</strong><br>Sarah Jane got herself as comfortable as possible in the back with the dog, she seemed a little cowed, and somewhat uncertain now she was on her own with a man. Yes he seemed trustworthy but too many girls disappeared…&nbsp; and not just girls, boys too. At least Sarah Jane was lucky she had Horlicks, and more that a few bolt holes and contacts…and friends…<br><br>The fear left her face then as she spoke to the one she knew as ‘Rat Eyes’ . There was no showing weakness …tears were for the darkness when no one was there. Yet the follower of the light that was mentioned kind of set the girl a little off her stride, just another question to ask.<br><br>“’es awright”&nbsp; She actually said it to both males. “Tell Fart face (Johnny Seven) I’ll blaady see ‘im soon …well unless its fackin’ really important. And since when did you becam ‘is fackin mobile service.”<br><br>“All I want ta know is it life frettening?”&nbsp; Strangely the girl moved a little closer to Vince as did Horlicks. “And if it is ven Lurch ‘ere is camin’”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kirinis</strong> on <strong>03-10-2011, 22:03:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Roderick, Saturday Night</strong><br><br>He looked at the woman, relaxing slightly as the sparkles fizzled out from surrounding her fingertips.&nbsp; Roderick felt sorry for her, this was a tragedy that shouldn't have befallen her but luck wasn't on her side.&nbsp; However, he could still be able to help her.&nbsp; "Tell you what, why don't I go tell Johnny that you couldn't make it today."&nbsp; Roderick's wheels spun as he thought of some sort of plausible excuse.&nbsp; "Because you had an accident.&nbsp; You can head back home and reccuperate and when you're better you can see Johnny yourself."&nbsp; <em>And just how is the lady made of roadkill supposed to do that?</em>&nbsp; He ignored the smarmy voice in his head as he smiled at the girl.&nbsp; <br><br>In truth he had no idea just what he had gotten himself into but some rational part of his mind hoped that this would be enough to help her for now.&nbsp; "I'm sure Johnny will understand that you can't make it tonight.&nbsp; I'll impress it on him that you really wanted to meet him..."&nbsp; Roderick gestured aimlessly, he had no idea what her name was.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>04-10-2011, 08:52:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Roderick, Saturday Night</strong><br><br>"Jen," she said simply, a crooked-teeth smile slipping over crimson lips.&nbsp; Her broken fingers attempted to force open her purse, managing to slide it open to reveal the shattered device which used to be a cell phone.&nbsp; "Oh, my gosh...I...I can't remember his number!"&nbsp; Frustration and self-deprecation rang through her words.&nbsp; "I just plugged it in the day we met, and..."<br><br>Something dark and wet splashed out from her right eye, staining her cheek.&nbsp; "Poor Johnny...I guess it's for the best.&nbsp; He wouldn't want me anyway, not like this, not if he knew..."&nbsp; Her eyes drifted down to see the horrible mess that her body was in.<br><br>"I was supposed to meet him at La Maison Colline on 54th street."&nbsp; She seemed to grow weary, giving in to her pain and accepting her fate.&nbsp; "Tell him that Jen Conyers did love him after all, even if fate simply never wanted us to meet in person."&nbsp; As the sounds of ambulance sirens rang their way closer, louder with the cries of dedication to save the wounded, the walking corpse finally collapsed, all sense of wrongness and unnatural existence fading from her body.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>04-10-2011, 13:17:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Rat Eyes - Outside K-Mart</strong><br><br>At first, the young, homeless ganger eyed Vincent with suspicion, unwilling to say much of anything until Sarah Jane vouched for him.&nbsp; "Johnny's head of the Red Hands," Rat Eyes said to Vincent before looking back to Sarah Jane.&nbsp; "Actually, I heard he sent a bunch of people out for you.&nbsp; Something about there's a deal involving the mafia that went sour and he wants someone to go over and smooth things over.&nbsp; Not sure how important, but it certainly wouldn't hurt to go to the warehouse sooner instead of later."<br><br>At the mention of Vincent coming along, he shrugged.&nbsp; "Don't think Johnny will care so long as he's not a pigfucker and can keep his mouth shut.&nbsp; You'll just have to get it past 8-ball."<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>04-10-2011, 16:25:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lorraine cruised to the garage where her father worked. Pushing her bike inside she pulled it onto the stand and took off her helmet, shaking out her dark hair. "Hey y'all." She headed immediately towards her dad, who seemed busy fitting a new exhaust to a tomato red Kawasaki. She knelt down and held the exhaust in place while he secured it. "Sorry I'm late." she said quietly. He didn't reply but kept working on the bike until the new parts had been fitted and left it for her to give it a final shine. <br><br>"Larry's gone tomorrow. You can catch up on your hours then", he offered, briefly looking up from the maintenance list. <br><br>Lorraine nodded. "Thanks, dad."<br><br>She enjoyed the work in the garage and the hours flew by. Handling most minor repairs and assisting her father with the major ones she felt she was learning every day. When their work came to an end Lorraine tended to her own bike, a smart black and silver lightweight machine that was build for speed and precision. She polished it with a soft cloth until the black shone like velvet and the silver sparkled in the bright garage lights.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kirinis</strong> on <strong>04-10-2011, 21:56:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Roderick, Saturday Night</strong><br><br>"Jen, that's a good name."&nbsp; Roderick continued to talk hoping to keep the woman's attentions solely focused on him.&nbsp; "Alright, Jen I'll tell Johnny that you couldn't make it.&nbsp; He'll be at La Maison Colline on 54th Street."&nbsp; Roderick recited the address to reassure her that he would do as she asked of him.&nbsp; The sound of sirens started to fill the air,&nbsp; perhaps the ambulance would be here soon.&nbsp; "Alright, it looks like the ambulance's almost here.&nbsp; Just a few days in the hospital and you'll be as good as new..."<br><br>Roderick saw that Jen was collapsing as if her strings had suddenly been cut and ran forward to cradle her body before she hit the ground.&nbsp; But she was gone, whatever spark had animated her had left her leaving only an empty corpse behind.&nbsp; Roderick stared at the mangled body of Jen in his arms.&nbsp; Just what was going on?&nbsp; Why had Jen managed to cling on to life so tenaciously after she had nearly reduced to ground chuck?&nbsp; All he knew was that he had promised Jen that he would deliver her message.<br><br>He then turned to look at the other two who were standing there clutching at each other.&nbsp; They were going to jail for manslaughter but somehow Roderick didn't have the heart to make sure they ended up there.&nbsp; This night was taxing on his mind and only the other two had been witnesses to it.&nbsp; Perhaps they were bound together by some silent code of participants.&nbsp; Either way, Roderick waited until the ambulance arrived before he passed over the corpse into their hands
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>04-10-2011, 22:48:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Roderick - Saturday Night</strong><br><br>When the ambulance finally arrived, they quickly fanned out through the area, ushering people way, cordoning off the area and getting out a stretcher and various equipment to check the girl over.&nbsp; The bright lights they used gave a sharp illumination to the girl, who now looked like hamburger more than any conventional human being.<br><br>One of the paramedics took the other couple aside, asking various questions and receiving what information they could, while an older blonde woman came over to take a look at Jen.&nbsp; "Sir, we need you to stand aside, please."&nbsp; She got to work as quickly as she could, her face showing only focus and dedication to her duty, so long trained that she didn't even consider the nightmare of what must have happened until after she'd done everything she could to save the girl.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>05-10-2011, 08:57:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Lorraine</strong><br><br>Mrs. Wells had set the table for tea and both Lorraine and her father enjoyed the homemade biscuits and peanutbutter sandwiches. Lorraine's gaze roved towards the clock every now and again however, until it drew the notice of her parents. "Just go, sweetie." Her mother touched her shoulder in a brief, affectionate gesture that warmed Lorraine's heart. She looked up and smiled. <br><br>"Sorry."<br><br>"It's alright," her mother said gently. <br><br>Thirty minutes later Lorraine sat beside Alyssa's bed. The flowers she had bought in the hospital shop had been arranged in a simple white vase by a friendly nurse who had checked up on the young woman.<br><br>"Hey." Lorraine wasn't sure what else to say and sat down beside the comatose woman. After a few minutes of silence she began to talk; haltingly at first in simple phrases that described the weather, and then -as she went along- she told Alyssa of todays news, the happier parts at least. She chatted, just to have the girl hear a warm, sympathetic voice. What she did not mention were Greg, or Brandon, or any of last night's events that had brought Alyssa to this state. She held the girl's hand when she couldn't think of anything else to say, and as she sat there in silence, Lorraine felt increasingly uncomfortable. <br><br>It was hard to pinpoint the reasons for her discomfort. Alyssa lay quiet and still, the equipment hummed unobtrusively. The lights on the monitor pinged reassuringly, the girl's hand felt warm and limp and yet.... something wasn't quiet right. Lorraine glanced about her, almost expecting to find Greg hiding in a corner but it was daylight and the room was peaceful and empty but for her own movements. <br><br>It wasn't until she rose to leave and her shadow fell across the floor that it came to her. She spun back towards the bed and leaned over the sleeping woman. Gently, she took Alyssa's hand again and held it aloft as she checked the direction of her own shadow. Her brows creased in a puzzled frown as she lowered the girl's hand to the bed and left the room. <br><br>She wasn't sure what it meant, but Lorraine was certain it couldn't be good. Everything had a shadow, whether alive or dead. What could it mean that Alyssa didn't? What could have done this to her? Why wasn't the medical staff panicking all over? She tried to remember if she'd seen a shadow back when Brandon had carried the girl out of the burning house, but the memory was blurred. She shook her head and looked back over her shoulder. Should she stay? Her lips pursed as she considered the option. What could she do for Alyssa there? What if Greg had gotten all he needed? No, if she wanted to help Alyssa, she'd have to look elsewhere, which meant Brandon. And Greg.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>05-10-2011, 09:10:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Paradiso Police Station</strong><br><br>Sunday at the Paradiso Police Station, and everything was pretty quiet.&nbsp; The only officer on duty in the lobby was behind a desk, playing Solitaire on his computer while the radio nearby gave off crackling static.&nbsp; Although the areas nearby were faintly buzzing with people, it seemed more dedicated to dealing with the many "ruffians" inherent to any Saturday night in the city.&nbsp; Alcohol, drugs and a meaningless existence all too often led to people giving the police all sorts of grief.<br><br>The building stank of sweat, aged twinkies and faded dreams, so many people within forced to come to the cold, hard truth of reality.&nbsp; Whether by a night of detox, learning something terrible that a friend or relative had done, or simply spending so long behind a desk that never seemed to make a difference, it all ended up the same way if time enough was spent in the public building.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>05-10-2011, 14:04:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				SJ looked at the ganger, she was not afraid of him or any of the gangs really, of course she knew they used guns, but somehow they pretty much left this street rat alone. Well she had nothing worth having, was useful and the dog could be intimidating.<br><br>“’es alwight I fink, seems so…” the girl was not sure entirely if he was but something about her told her he was. “So ‘e wants ta see me …what’s it abaat, is it a blaady rush?” She looked at Vince and then back to Rat Eyes, and then back to the fireman again. “Ya want ta cam,” really there was a lot to learn about what was happening on the streets, if one looked beyond the filth, and the reprobates.<br><br>“Fack me I fink you are a bunch of blaady morons, I mean use yer fackin brains…like I want ve police involved in anyfing. I men are ya all becamin’ babby asses and titty babies…” The girl shook her head, as it was she was illegally here in this country. “I fink I as a space in me diary.” the girl chuckled then.<br><br>Her attentions went to Vince whether he came too was his choice. “Ya cammin’ ?<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>06-10-2011, 02:07:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Alan's Fevered(?) Dream</strong><br><br>Darkness wrapped,<br>father son against the sun,<br>Unknown tendrils seething, <br>feeding; <br>Knacking, snacking, <br>all alack in <br>what he's needing; <br>Though you'll get from what<br>he'll give, none can pay the price <br>in full; <br>Ire flowing moonlit fire<br>Seeking back<br>the Apostle's home, <br>among the stars. <br><br><br>Light flooded blurry vision as Alan woke with a start, nearly clipping his head on the underside of the table inside the booth. <br><br>"What the hell was that?<br>&nbsp;<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Healergirl</strong> on <strong>06-10-2011, 13:52:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset Club - Mary Nash.</strong><br><br>Mary was at Alan's side at nce.&nbsp; "I didn't hear a thing, Alan."&nbsp; Nash eyed him closely "You seemed to be dreaming."&nbsp; She laid a soft hand on his forehead. "No fever.&nbsp; What was the dream?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>06-10-2011, 14:33:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>Despite Alan's poetic nightmares, Carrie appeared to sleep peacefully, although she was still clearly dreaming.&nbsp; Then again, until she built up a tolerance to the medication, it was unlikely that she would be able to wake up from even the deepest tormented dreams.&nbsp; Of course, it was unlikely that her dreams were truly based on her fears, instead of the Messengers.<br><br>Carrie soon received a text message, this one listed from Dr. Burkowitz, the other doctor who had come by at Mr. Brand's behest.&nbsp; "I need to talk to someone about last night.&nbsp; Are you nearby?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kirinis</strong> on <strong>07-10-2011, 18:44:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Roderick, Saturday Night</strong><br><br>Roderick quickly stepped aside to let the paramedic do her job and he got up and walked over to where the other paramedics were talking with the couple.&nbsp; He listened in and wondered if he would have to give up any information.&nbsp; Probably so, he was a witness to the tragic accident.&nbsp; Roderick looked back at the paramedic trying to work miracles with the corpse.&nbsp; Just an hour ago this had been a nice and normal night for him, now he wasn't certain what the world would bring next.&nbsp; &nbsp;First though he would see if he was needed before he went to deliver Jen's message.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>07-10-2011, 18:53:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Roderick, Saturday Night</strong><br><br>The paramedics quickly got to work on what was left of the girl, apparently finding some degree of vitality that they didn't just give up the girl for lost, but not looking to have any hope.&nbsp; Machines were quickly brought out, along with injections and various other equipment.<br><br>Although the couple was being interviewed by one of the other paramedics, it was the woman doing pretty much all the talking, with the man simply nodding and gesturing to affirm her statements.&nbsp; "And then wham, the car just drives off!" she says as the paramedic takes notes, looking emphatic.&nbsp; "I couldn't get his license with the streetlamp out, but I think the car was a black sedan."&nbsp; As Roderick started to come over, though, the eyes of both of them widen a little in a silent plea to corroborate their story.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>07-10-2011, 20:54:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Paradiso Police Station</strong><br><br>Lorraine parked her bike in one of the police station's parking spots for visitors, locked it and headed inside. "I'm looking for Brandon?" she informed the officer on duty when he noticed her. "The guy who was brought in last night? I'm sorry I forgot his last name." She looked appropriately contrite for such forgetfulness and conjured her most hopeful look. "I've visited his friend in the hospital, I'm sure he'll want to know how she's doing."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>07-10-2011, 21:05:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Paradiso Police Station</strong><br><br>Officer Grades, the name given to the man at least according to his unpolished badge on his lapel, gave a somewhat crude smile as Lorraine came in.&nbsp; He listened to her request, then clicked the radio frequency to another channel.&nbsp; "Hey Zorcaster, we got some dame looking to see that Brandon from last night."&nbsp; His tone carried just a touch of crassness, almost seeming to imply something.<br><br>"Be right up!" came the voice from the policeman who had interviewed Lorraine last night, a bit of excitement peeking into his tone.&nbsp; Soon he was at the door, opening it wide for her to allow her further access into the police station.&nbsp; "Good morning," he said warmly.&nbsp; "Come on through and I'll lead you to him."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>07-10-2011, 21:15:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Paradiso Police Station</strong><br><br>"Thank you, Sir", Lorraine issued the cop a professional, blinding smile. The man might be an asshole, he was a necessary part of the clockwork that was Paradiso Police Station. Her smile brightened with genuine warmth once she recognized the voice over the radio and when he appeared in sight, the man was greeted with a warm, friendly. "Hello, Sir! Good to see you again, still at work?" Which he obviously was but it was small talk that she hoped conveyed her gratitude for his kind treatment in the stressful hours last night. "How is he?"she asked, more quietly, shooting a concerned look up at the taller man. His kindness combined with the uniform inspired confidence and she felt secure in his presence. It wasn't quite the same she had felt with Vince, but this man seemed like a good person to her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>07-10-2011, 21:27:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Paradiso Police Station</strong><br><br>Jason Zorcaster couldn't help but smile, his arm momentarily flinching as if to offer it to her as he guided her through the hallways, but apparently thought better of it for now.&nbsp; Still, he kept on glancing back to her, glad to see her but remaining the professional gentleman for the time being.&nbsp; "Yes, I get done with work in about an hour," he told her.&nbsp; "Still looking into that investigation.&nbsp; You know, there are some things that are just a little strange..."<br><br>The inside of the room had three cells, although only the closer two were closed and locked.&nbsp; The closest cell had two girls, both barely dressed in torn clothing and curled up asleep like kittens.&nbsp; In the middle cell, Brandon was sitting peacefully, although he looked up with excitement and stood to the cell door when he saw her.&nbsp; "Lorraine!"&nbsp; He put a hand against the bars, a silent but furtive plea for whatever assistance she could give.&nbsp; The last cell had a person of indeterminate gender hidden under filthy clothes, face hidden under grimy hands.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>08-10-2011, 01:13:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Mick's Sporting Goods, Checkout Lane 8</strong><br><br>Nadia blinked as she stared off at the display of lighters. She felt sure her eyes were playing tricks on her, but whether it was something she imagined, or something shown to her by her newfound insight, the flickering fire jogged her memory of the previous night. She envisioned the way the flames from her branch had seemed to point in the direction of the monster. She couldn't be sure it wasn't just a coincidence, but she immediately decided that it warranted further testing. She grabbed the lighter and added it to her purchase.<br><br>Nadia walked out of the store and threw her bags into the car's trunk before entering the next store in the strip mall. The sign out front advertised a clearance sale on swimsuits and summer apparel. It was the same as any other store ending in mart, but it was a new chain that she hadn't yet heard of. They must have just moved into town, but she was sure she'd be able to find everything else she needed inside. She shrugged and walked into S-Mart.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>08-10-2011, 01:49:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatright">(http://www.marketingtactician.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/smart-store.jpg)</div><strong>S-Mart</strong><br><br>This time of year, the "Going Back to School" sale was still going strong, despite the inherent rage and agony which it incited in people of all age groups at the inherent disgust at such a wretched seasonal affectation when prisons were rebuilt and the lectures of cranky old women returned as a matter of course.&nbsp; Although it was almost over, quite a few objects were having their advertising spun to alternate purposes.&nbsp; Whiteboards were suggested, for example, as a way for a family to keep its chores straight and send messages to each other.&nbsp; Chalk was advertised as well for coloring on sidewalks.<br><br>As the season grew cooler as well, the time for firewood was close at hand, with both vast quantities of wood in the back for fireplaces and axes of all shapes and sizes providing the proper occasion.<br><br>Summerwear was mostly gone, although a number of items still remained upon the finely-picked shelves, mostly skirts, T-shirts and heels.&nbsp; Very little of what remained still even matched.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>08-10-2011, 01:51:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Vince listened to the conversation that was being had between Sarah Jane and the man that she had said that was okay but if he was dealing with people known as Johnny Seven who was the leader of the Red Hands. Vince still felt on edge and was keeping himself between the direct path of Rat Eye's to Sarah Jane, he was allowing him to talk to her directly but he was always off to the center-right of Sarah Jane ensuring her safety, he had left the bat in the truck but this kid did not look armed so&nbsp; a good punch was most likely going to be enough to finish him off if necessary.<br><br>"I will be coming. Hold on a moment." Vincent went to the front of the cab, opening the door and pulling out his bat. He slid into his coat where he was soon going to be placing one of his two axes. He walked over to Sarah Jane. He put his hand on her shoulder. "I will not let a member of my household be endangered in such a way without me by your side. Let's go." Vince stepped forward in front of Sarah Jane as he gave the kid a very discriminating look.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>08-10-2011, 02:13:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Rat Eyes - Transition - Red Hands Hideout</strong><br><br>"You know I have to ask, SJ," he replies, giving a shrug.&nbsp; "You weren't here for the Rain and Fire incident, but 8-Ball's been really twitchy ever since.&nbsp; Anyway, you know the way, three blocks down, knock at the 366 warehouse."&nbsp; He gives a wave and then slips off, feeling a little uneasy under Vince's steady gaze.&nbsp; Rat Eyes is clearly a scout, not a fighter.<br><br>It certainly wouldn't be difficult to find the place, although it would take a little bit of time to either walk or drive there.&nbsp; Once they got there, they'd be able to see the warehouse itself looming in silence, looking dilapidated and forgotten on the outside, though no less than Sunset did.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>08-10-2011, 10:05:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>sarah Jane knocks the door</strong><br><br>It was quite obvious that Sarah Jane felt more confident here than she did with the others back at the Sunset. Here out on the darker part of the city, on the outskirts of society was far more her comfort zone. She was not nervous and even Horlicks seemed to relax far more calm too, rather than looking aggressive, in fact the dog looked like lazy as it loped at her side.<br><br>Sarah Jane headed to the address that she was aware of, “Ver awight really…” The point was too when one lived on the streets it was not a good idea to make enemies, especially when those enemies carried guns. As it was the girl did not carry weapons of any sort. Often strangely that had saved her life, as one would never consider her a threat.<br><br>Once at the door&nbsp; she knocked and waited. “Yeah awight vere ?”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>08-10-2011, 10:27:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Vince</strong><br><br>He stood to the immediate side of Sarah Jane not letting her ever be somewhere that she was alone or somewhere she could feel that at any moment he was not looking out for her. She was a part of his house now, and he was going to protect her as such. It was much like a father that was protecting a daughter, it may be close but it was necessary at least in his opinion. He was there at the door unarmed with his arms to his sides so that he did not look all that imposing though of course that was just an illusion that was offered by his pose. A thing that would drastically change if he smelled foul play.<br><br>Vince did know that she had a bit of rapport with this gang and that she seemed oddly comfortable here. But still a gang was a gang so it was best not to just let his guard down for a moment. "I will be on the look out for trouble." He whispered to her directly so that no one on the other side of the door could hear him. It was a message that was purely for Sarah Jane.<br><br>This was the other side of darkness, it was human darkness. These were their own breed of being creatures of the night, thriving on the pain and addiction of the weak and using those that were strong to do their bidding, something that was not the case for him. He was going to be protecting her and always fighting for the light.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>08-10-2011, 17:05:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Red Hands Hideout</strong><br><br>At Sarah Jane's knock, the door opened to reveal a tall, dark man in a wifebeater and leathers.&nbsp; The only hair upon his head was a pair of eyebrows and a goatee, and his thick, muscled arms bore all sorts of tattoos with any number of mythological meanings.&nbsp; Sarah Jane would recognize the man as 8-Ball.&nbsp; Vince would recognize him as a man who could probably be beaten in a fair fight, if the building's "bouncer" actually took the time to fight fair.<br><br>His eyes drifted from SJ, to Horlicks, then Vince, peering at the fireman for a bit before deciding to trust SJ.&nbsp; "Yeah, aight, go on in," he said, moving from the doorway to allow them entrance.<br><br>Inside, the place looked more like a flophouse than a gang, with various members still asleep, others playing cards, and a whiteboard set up that listed a bunch of information about various police and their routines.&nbsp; None of the goings-on were overtly illegal, but it was hard to shake the feeling that a simple bit of elbow grease would remove the sheen and reveal the rotten dealings within.<br><br>Johnny Seven was set up at a desk with a fairly obsolete computer set up, typing away before glancing up to see his newcomers.&nbsp; He looked almost too clean cut to be a gang member, clean shaven, his blond hair cropped up in a buzz cut, although his clothes were as faded and worn out as anyone else's.&nbsp; "Sarah Jane," he said politely, gesturing for her to take a seat at the couch set up opposite his desk.&nbsp; "Come on in, have a seat.&nbsp; Who's your friend?"&nbsp; He had the courtesy not to show any real distrust of the fireman, although such a peaceful and polite attitude seemed almost unnatural in the setting.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>09-10-2011, 00:58:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>SJ in the hideout</strong><br>“Vis is Vince, ‘e seems like good people, well ‘Orlicks seems ta like ‘im, and she’s a good jadge of fackin’ character. On vat note yah better get ve dog chews out don’t ya fink?”&nbsp; Sarah Jane smiled at the man in front of her, if she was afraid of him then there was no sign of it, just as there was no fear from any in there, Sarah Jane would not let them see weakness.<br><br>“Blaady ‘ell Blondie jast cat ta va chase, because ya know if ya spend too fackin’ long ‘Orlicks ere will piss on ve floor and who knows if Vince needs ta have one too what ‘e will do.” She grinned then. Yes she was cheeky but the girl had a show no fear policy, at least to people like this.<br><br>“So ya wanted to talk ta me ven…” Sarah Jane had to get Horlicks back to her side as the huge dog seemed to be interested in the bin in the corner. There was likely something edible in there and something the dog would share with the girl if needed. The dog returned to her side though continued to look at the possible treat. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>10-10-2011, 03:21:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Vince - Keeping an Eye Out for an Innocent<br><br>He walked into the room to see that it was filled with people that were not necessarily hostile since they all seemed to be on beds or sleeping or not really doing all that much. This did not worry him all that much since he was sure that he could take most of them, gun or not. But this 8 Ball guy was different. He was a type that would take a hell of a lot to put down and that was even if they were fighting fair. People like him did not fight fair though which meant that should Vince was going to have to adapt should something occur. But adaptation was the name of the game when fighting fires, so Vince felt a kind of safety in the thought that in case there was a fight that he would do just fine.<br><br>He said no words, just made sure that no one other than one she was meeting with got within arm's reach of her. Vince was protective of her that much was obvious. Why was a thing that only she and he would know. It was going to stay that way. These people had nothing that was going to make him change his mind on that subject. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>10-10-2011, 17:55:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Red Hands Hideout</strong><br><br>Johnny Seven just smiled, enjoying SJ's spunk, but he was also keeping an eye on Vincent.&nbsp; The man seemed to consider something for a few moments, although it was hard to tell exactly what.&nbsp; "Thank you for coming," he told her.&nbsp; "Basically, we got ourselves a Purifier."&nbsp; He paused for a moment before realizing, "Might be before your time.&nbsp; Every once in a while, we get ourselves a psychopath who believes that the best thing he can do for the city is to clean up the streets.&nbsp; Last night he tried to kill three of the mafia's hitmen, although by some miracle, they managed to survive."<br><br>He leaned forward a little in a show of sympathy.&nbsp; "It's a bit of a 'canary in the coal mine' proposition, I realize that.&nbsp; You don't have to accept if you don't want, but I doubt he's going to want to harm you.&nbsp; If you're willing, I'd like you to talk to him, give our regards and that we have no interest in needless bloodshed."<br><br>Finally, he glanced back to Vincent, deciding to say what he's been thinking for a while.&nbsp; "You're a Knight, aren't you?&nbsp; It's been a while since I saw someone truly selfless who goes out of their way to help others without question of reward."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>slowmojoe</strong> on <strong>11-10-2011, 13:08:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset Club</strong><br><br>Alan's forehead was cold and clammy, and he was a little shaken by the intensity of the dream, but he seemed to be otherwise fine. <br>"Ugh, sorry Mary, you're right, I was dreaming, but it was more like a vision of sorts. It felt like some sort of origin story. The details are still fuzzy though. I'll have to try to recall them."<br><br>He spun around in the booth and tried to get to his feet. Aside from being a little sore, he was able to move with little difficulty. "Thanks also for the medical attention. I'm just glad that didn't end worse than it did. On our way to pizza I got a sense that someone nearby was in danger. We ran into one of those things, and we had to fight. The kid got away, I think, but . . . we had to put his father down." <br><br>Alan hung his head solemnly for a moment, then quickly grabbed for a slice of pizza. As he slumped down back into another booth slightly further from Mary, he pulled his notebook out of his bag and started scribbling again, the cold pizza dangled from his mouth. He pulled the pizza out to say "Sorry, I've got to try to remember these details so I have to get it on paper." He put the pizza back into his mouth and only then remembered to say with a mouth full of food; "I'm still listening though, we can keep talking."&nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>11-10-2011, 17:34:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong> SJ aith Vince and Johnny</strong><br><br>“Tell ya wot Blondie, as yeah know I aint a babby arse, a fackin’ titty baby or even a blaady canary…bat vis will cost ya.” Yhe girl smiled it was a sly almost felin smile as she considered the deal. Sniffening and the rubbing he nose the girl spoke. <br><br>“So vis is ve deal, I want samewhere ta crash auut, when I need it, and I aint fackin’ talking abaat auut ver, because yeah know what ‘appened last time when that bastard fort he was awight ta use wanderin’ ‘and’s.” she gave another smile and patted her dogs head. “Also I want a week’s worf of dogfood, and I don’t want cheap crap eiver. Last one is two of yer boys go dawn ta ve hostal and’ help auut. Let me fink a donation ver might sweeten ve deal too. Yeah know I’ll do it…”<br><br>Sarah Jane looked at Vince, the truth was she did not know him from Adam but trusted him fopr some reason, also Johnny was usually a good judge of character. “Yeah eight I am a fackin’ princess and ‘Orlicks ere is a blaady shining unicorn.” The girl chuckled again. She would do as they asked but it was as always, Sarah Jane knew she had to make a deal and show no fear.&nbsp; “Maybe ya might want ta treat me like a blaady princess next time I cam.”<br><br>“So where das ‘e ‘ang auut.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>11-10-2011, 19:09:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Paradiso Police Station</strong><br><br>"It was a crazy night..." Lorrained smiled at Jason and stepped forward, reaching for Brandon's hand. Her fingers pressed against the bars in an unspoken promise. She would give whatever help she could. "Hey you", she said quietly. It hurt to see Brandon like this. What happened had not been his fault. The real -almost- murderer still walked around, appearing and disappearing at will in strange shadows. "What happened? Why are you still here?"<br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>11-10-2011, 19:29:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Red Hands Hideout</strong><br><br>Johnny Seven expected that Vince would need some time before giving an answer, and he wasn't going to force it, though Vince was free to interrupt at any time.&nbsp; One could only guess at what Johnny was planning, but he seemed to have any number of contingencies wrapped up under his belt.<br><br>"SJ, you're always welcome to crash here, and I'll have an off-limits tent to prevent stuff like last time.&nbsp; Week's worth of premium dog food?&nbsp; Shouldn't be an issue.&nbsp; Fetch?"&nbsp; He glanced over to a teenage boy, probably not older than 12 or 13, who had been listening in.&nbsp; The boy nodded and rushed off to go out on the errand.<br><br>"Now, the hospital might be trouble.&nbsp; A number of these people have records, some of them don't even exist on paper.&nbsp; With all the regulations and red tape associated with health care anymore, it's becoming a nightmare.&nbsp; You know you're not the only one who has to avoid Immigration Services.&nbsp; What I can do, though, is send a $100 donation.&nbsp; Acceptable compromise?"&nbsp; He leaned forward, giving her a chance to consider and make the deal.<br><br>Closer inspection as the hospital is mentioned, though, shows a brief glimmer of thought running through Johnny's mind.&nbsp; Even though his mouth kept on talking, something in his eyes had a degree of sadness that he just couldn't manage to completely hide.&nbsp; Still, he wasn't about to bring up his personal life on a whim.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>11-10-2011, 19:36:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Paradiso Police Station</strong><br><br>Brandon reached over to gently place his hands over hers upon the bars.&nbsp; Jason's smile quivered just a little but didn't really diminish.&nbsp; "It's weird," Brandon explained.&nbsp; "That lady cop, Angela Varest, is really out to get me, like she knows something almost.&nbsp; Maybe it's just..."<br><br>"It's standard procedure," Jason said.&nbsp; "We have to round up all the possible suspects and let the matter be investigated properly.&nbsp; Please don't take it personally."<br><br>"Oh, yeah?" Brandon responded incredulously.&nbsp; "So why isn't Lorraine in here?"<br><br>Jason was about to respond, something evasive that brought the faintest blush to his cheeks, when Angela Varest walked in.&nbsp; Her expression froze the moment that she saw Lorraine, twisting into a frown.&nbsp; "You're here," she said coldly, somewhat angrily.&nbsp; "You were specifically told not to come here."<br><br>Jason looked over to Angela, about to ask a question when her expression froze him cold.<br><br>((Perception+Awareness roll, please))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>11-10-2011, 20:28:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Paradiso Police Station</strong><br><br>Perhaps she was just tired, or maybe Brandon's situation had caught her off guard but Lorraine missed the implications of Angela's remark. She turned around, her hand still against the bars, to regard the new arrival. "Why shouldn't I be here? Or, more importantly, why is Brandon still here?" Her eyes sought Jason, pleading with him to see reason, when the sudden change in him stopped her next comment. Lorraine's gaze pingponged from Jason to Angela and back, a frown marring the young woman's beautiful features. It most likely wouldn't do her much good to force Jason to choose sides in public; he was a good cop, he'd side with his fellow officer in a heart beat.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>11-10-2011, 20:36:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Paradiso Police Station</strong><br><br>When Jason looked back over to Lorraine, his eyes were entirely black, devoid of pupil, iris or whites as if a shadow had forced its way so thick into his body that nothing but the darkness could be seen within him.&nbsp; His hand reflexively went for his gun, spinning it from the holster to point the weapon straight at Lorraine.&nbsp; "Keep her well behaved," Angela said.&nbsp; "He wants her alive at the end, but shoot her if she starts acting up."<br><br>From the cage at the end which had never been locked, the man who had seemed to be sleeping suddenly walked out, dressed in rags but grinning so wide that one would imagine he didn't like using his lips.&nbsp; He kept a watch on Lorraine as well, cracking his knuckles in what sounded like a terrible crackling and popping sound.<br><br>Although Brandon was freaking out, eyes wide and terrified, he was too scared even to try to back up further into the cell.&nbsp; His hands simply held a monkey grip upon the bars, almost like a child searching for a hug and too horrified by what he was seeing to even reach out.&nbsp; "I tried to warn you," Angela said with a sad, but slightly distorted voice, moving over to suddenly reach out for Brandon.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>11-10-2011, 21:00:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Paradiso Police Station</strong><br><br>"Jason?" Lorraine's voice sounded very small and weak. Her knees trembled and she sought support against the cell, her hand flailing along the iron bars. "What's going on?" She shivered, turning away from Jason's clouded eyes. <br><br>Fear crashed down her nervous system like a tidal wave and for a timeless moment Lorraine fell silent, holding herself as still as a statue. It passed, almost as soon as she had felt the terror hit, threatening to numb her, it was pushed to the background of her mind, still existant but powerless. <br>She was still afraid but she found she could act; it didn't hold her like it did with Brandon. Adrenaline coursed through her body, alerting her senses. Her body prepared for action and she leaned forward. Lorraine wasn't a fighter, but that didn't matter now. Someone had to stop them, no matter what the cost. The second sight came to her, allowing her to see through the illusions they had created. Berating herself she had not done so sooner, she only now looked to the man in the third cell.<br><br>"You can't have him." Lorraine took a tentative step forward, locking eyes with Angela. "Not unless this is what he wants and from the look of him, I'd say it isn't." Without further warning she flung herself forward, blocking Angela from Brandon with her own slender form.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>11-10-2011, 21:22:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Paradiso Police Station</strong><br><br>The person that used to be Angela looks more like a mask, made out of human skin and probably once belonging to the woman whose flesh was now worn.&nbsp; It was definitely not Angela, though; it wasn't even a woman behind the slightly torn flesh.&nbsp; Underneath, though, Gary's voice was all too easy to recognize.&nbsp; "Move her."<br><br>Jason's hand started to squeeze, then tremble, as if somewhere beneath, something was going on and he was trying to fight.&nbsp; It was hard to tell without seeing his eyes, but he didn't seem to be moving.<br><br>The man in rags was entirely normal, although his eyes were black as well, and he was taller and bulkier than most men could ever claim to be.&nbsp; With a sudden lurch, he reached out for Lorraine, offering her the option either to move and slip away or to be snagged by the pair of powerful arms.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>12-10-2011, 12:42:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Paradiso Police Station</strong><br><br>Lorraine could have slipped away but that'd have meant leaving Brandon without protection. She couldn't do it. Standing her ground she braced herself against what was coming for her and locked her gaze with Angela/Gary. "Why?" She asked as gently as she could manage. Even monsters did not act without reason; even the most brutal killers needed -something- to explain their actions. She tried to understand what moved Gary. Was it loneliness, or did he act only because Greg told him so? His eyes told her nothing; what secrets Gary had, he had locked away too deep for her to find. "Why Alyssa? Why Brandon?" <br><br><br><br><br>(ooc: fail on wits/mercy roll for revelation)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>12-10-2011, 19:20:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Paradiso Police Station</strong><br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">6s Clinch</div><div class="spoiler_body">2011-10-12 11:06:02&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ragged Man rolls 7 dice to Strength+Brawl&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6,6,7,8,6, 8,5 (6 successes)</div></div><br>The large man from the other cell took advantage of Lorraine's stillness to grab her up and pull her away in a quick and sudden bear hug, doing his best to keep her arms pinned.&nbsp; Closer inspection showed that his eyes were just as congealed with unholy darkness as were Jason's.<br><br>"They should be honored," Greg replied, using the distraction to move over closer towards Brandon.&nbsp; Fear and panic showed in Brandon's eyes but left him frozen in place.&nbsp; "Some are chosen with shadow, some are chosen with black fire.&nbsp; One more will be chosen with Neivras before all is through and he rises once more."<br><br>He turned his steely gaze, peeking out from behind the fleshy mask of what was once Angela's face, towards Lorraine once more.&nbsp; "You and your friends, however, will be left in the darkness.&nbsp; He wants you to know personally what you've given up by working against him."<br><br>Without further warning, he grabbed Brandon by the hair, yanking his head close to the bars and forcing his lips through the mask down upon his own.&nbsp; A sharp intake of breath came from Greg as Brandon scrambled, squeezing and flailing his arms.&nbsp; The very shadow from the bright lights of the room which Brandon gave off soon faded, and the moment that Greg let go from the strange kiss, Brandon crumpled to the floor of the cell, comatose.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kirinis</strong> on <strong>12-10-2011, 20:09:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Roderick, Saturday Night</strong><br><br>Roderick watched the paramedics trying their best to resusitate Jen for a moment longer before he couldn't bear to look.&nbsp; Instead, he turned around to look ath the couple who had hit her and listened in to their questioning by the other paramedic.&nbsp; Surprisingly they chose to lie which was something Roderick couldn't understand.&nbsp; It was clearly a careless accident caused by their little indiscretions while driving.&nbsp; Roderick had noticed how they had hurridly zipped up after stepping out of the car.&nbsp; Obviously the man couldn't drive and be pleasured at the same time.<br><br>When they looked at him to corroborate their story, Roderick paused.&nbsp; He had promised to Jen that they would pay for running her over and it would wrong of him to go back on his word.&nbsp; The law was the law and everyone had to pay for their crimes, even the accidental ones.&nbsp; "Perhaps, but I think the dent and stains on their bumper might tell a different story."&nbsp; He wasn't in the mood to do anyone favors at the moment and Roderick wasn't about to bend the law for anyone just yet.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>12-10-2011, 20:15:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Vince</strong><br><br>Now that he had heard what was going down, he was not sure what Sarah Jane was going to be doing in that whole process of dealing with a psychopath. A psychopath that he was not all that sure was doing a bad thing. But if he was just killing people for the sake of just killing them then that was just not right. They deserved to be punished but not by someone who declared themselves to be judge, jury, and executioner. But this guaranteed that Sarah Jane was not going to be going alone on this little mission that he was sending her on. She was going to be protected.<br><br>He just stood there with a slight nod as he was mentioned in the proceedings as Sarah Jane waited for instructions so that they could both go off and take care of this problem for this man.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>12-10-2011, 21:23:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Roderick, Saturday Night</strong><br><br>"Really?" one of the paramedics said at the mention of the car.&nbsp; He moved over, noticing the parking vehicle, and rushed over to start investigating.&nbsp; Although the couple didn't say much of anything on the matter, their glares towards Roderick spoke volumes.<br><br>The police were starting to arrive, but another of the paramedics came over, pen and paper in hand.&nbsp; Jen, or at least what used to be Jen, was being brought over onto the vehicle, loaded to the nines with various equipment as they did their absolute best to help her.&nbsp; "Sir, would you mind giving your testimony of events?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>12-10-2011, 21:28:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Red Hands Hideout</strong><br><br>When Johnny Seven next looked over to Vince, he looked stern, as if explaining something terrible in a sympathetic tone.&nbsp; "There's this new upstart gang forming further uptown, called the Slicers.&nbsp; They're more the type that you expect to see in the movies, harassing people for no reason, vandalizing property, so frustrated at the world that they don't care who they hurt as long as everyone else recognizes their suffering."<br><br>He scribbled out a few lines upon a piece of scratch paper, folding it and leaving it at the corner of his desk closer to Vince.&nbsp; "There's an old woman on Barker Street Apartments that can tell you more, if you think you can do something about it.&nbsp; Anything I do directly will only start a gang war."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>13-10-2011, 11:28:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Paradiso Police Station</strong><br><br>"Brandon!" Lorraine struggled against the strong arms that held her seemingly without effort. She felt like a child or puppy trying to squirm away from a giant with gargantuan strength. "Greg, you don't have to do this!" Her dark eyes sought his as -again- she tried to understand him, get a look at what was going on behind those soulless eyes. "Leave them alone. Whatever trouble you're in, we'll find a solution. I will help you." The sight of Brandon's fallen form made her feel sick and weak, down to the very pit of her stomach. She wasn't sure if it was a blessing or a curse that she couldn't fall under Greg's spell. She would not become his puppet, but there wasn't anything she could do to stop him either and that made her hair stand on end. "There are other ways. They still live, you can save them ." She pleaded, pressed tightly against the other man's chest by his vicelike grip.&nbsp; <br><br><br><br>(2 succ on revelation)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>13-10-2011, 19:41:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Paradiso Police Station</strong><br><br>"You're lucky he doesn't want me to put you down yet," Greg told her through the Angela mask, stepping away from the unconscious, shadowless Brandon to move back for the door.&nbsp; The brute kept Lorraine tightly in place as Greg stared with arrogant indignation.&nbsp; "You think you can stop the coming night?&nbsp; Even if you make it to the resurrection, if some of the others don't put you down first, all you'll earn yourself is a front row seat to the end of the short and meaningless life to which you so pitifully cling."<br><br>He walked out, slamming the door behind him.&nbsp; The moment he was gone, the darkness faded from Jason's and the brute's eyes.&nbsp; Jason's gun immediately spun towards the man holding Lorraine, almost as if he didn't realize any chance from what had just happened.&nbsp; "Put her down!" he yelled, and the man complied, looking confused as he backed off towards the cell once more.&nbsp; Quickly Jason slammed the cell shut, the resounding clang making it clear that it locked on its own.&nbsp; "Are you alright, Lorraine?" he asked, setting the firearm back into the holster.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>13-10-2011, 22:56:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				b] SJ in the gang house.[/b]<br><br>Sarah Jane looked between Johnny Seven and Vince, “Well vats where we’ll go, I mean fackin’ ell we don’t want more blood on ve baldly streets van necessary.” She looked to the piece of paper then, Vince better show her what had been written. Though her schooling was not perfect as she had been out of school since twelve and her being dyslexic did not help. However the young hunter did not want to show weakness to anyone, and certainly not to Johnny. <br><br>“Yah know I can manage and I aint about ta cause a whole load of shite, we’ll do wot we can, yah know I am good fer it. Fer facks sake I live in vese parts too.” Sarah Jane looked a little pale and it was not thought fear. She hung onto Horlicks as she went towards the door, again not showing weakness to anyone.<br><br>Just like Johnny or any of the people without homes she wanted to keep the streets clean, oh yes she knew he was no angel but she trusted him. <br><br>However tired and hungry she was Sarah Jane knew she had something else to do, swallowing hard “I’ll try and ‘’elp yah. I fink ‘ee will ‘elp”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>16-10-2011, 09:21:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Vince</strong><br><br>He looked over to Johnny and took the paper from his hand and put it into his pocket, he was going to show it to Sarah Jane in a bit, not right now since he had the feeling that it was more intended as something that he should do rather than as a group activity that the other thing was definitely going to be. But he could always use some help especially if she was going to live with him, though if she did help it was most likely going to be from a distance so that she could be safe rather than have to be up close in the action with a gang that cared about no one but themselves.<br><br>"I accept your offer and I will talk to the woman and help Sarah Jane with this matter as well." Vince spoke the words quickly and concisely as he put a hand on Sarah Jane's shoulder to reassure her that all was going to be alright. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>16-10-2011, 23:47:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Red Hands Hideout</strong><br><br>Johnny Seven just nodded, "Not sure what the beef is for the woman who you need to talk to, SJ, but there's a beautique shop called Forever Young that Rat Eyes said he spotted her at.&nbsp; Maybe you can ask around, but be careful."&nbsp; He plucked a Polaroid from a desk drawer to slide across the desk for them to take.<br><br>The woman in the picture had soft auburn hair done up in a carefully precise wavy design, made up to the nines as a symbol of her craft for a beauty salon.&nbsp; Only in her eyes did something seem a little off, glimmers of judgment and condescending disdain upon the subject of the photograph.<br><br>If the two chose to leave, the way was left open to them, 8-Ball moving out of the way.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>18-10-2011, 11:59:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong> SJ and Vince...needing a beauty treatment.</strong><br><br>Sarah Jane continued to look at the paper that was handed to Vince but knew she would have to wait if he was going to show it to her. I was then that the dark haired girl took the picture of the woman and studied it before passing it to Vince to have a look.<br><br>‘Forever Young’ sounded like a somewhat dodgy place, though considering all the adverts that one saw with ridiculous claims then perhaps not. However Sarah Jane found something strange about her for now she would remain quiet waiting to speak to Vince once the had left. <br><br>The man did feel her flinch as he touched her thin shoulder but she said nothing. After they left the club house Sarah Jane looked up at the much larger man, “Wot yah fink of ve picture ven samfin’ abaat ‘er eyes. We shough go ver maybe…” A smile passed over her lips, “Maybe yeah can ger rid of sam if yer fackin’ wrinkles or ‘ave her ‘air dan. I ‘ardly fink vey will want ta tach me.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>18-10-2011, 19:11:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Paradiso Police Station</strong><br><br>"Brandon!" As soon as she was free Lorraine fell to her knees beside the fallen man. She reached for his wrist and desperately tried to feel a pulse. "I'm so sorry", she whispered. "It's all my fault, I shouldn't have come here. Oh God, Brandon!" Cool fingertips felt his forehead but she didn't really need the confirmation. First Alyssa, now Brandon. Her head felt heavy when she tried to look up, not quite managing to look Jason in the eyes. "I'm so sorry, Jason. Greg had told me to stay away, but I couldn't. Maybe Brandon would've been okay if I had; I didn't know..." Her voice trailed off and she shivered, wrapping her arms around herself as she stood. Forcing herself to keep looking at the helpless man, Lorraine remained quiet for a full minute and then turned her gaze back towards Jason. "He'll need..." She cut herself off... "I don't know what he needs, or if anyone can give it to him." She sighed. "He trusted me and I failed him." The dark eyes sought Jason's now normal eyes. "And you? Are you alright? Do you remember anything?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>18-10-2011, 19:28:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Paradiso Police Station</strong><br><br>Jason stared in confusion as Lorraine spoke, first checking the cell door to make sure that the large man was locked away, then moving over to Lorraine.&nbsp; He put a hand upon her shoulder sympathetically, his eyes showing no confusion as to what had happened, although he didn't understand much of anything that Lorraine was talking about.&nbsp; "I'm very sorry; I can't believe that some idiot left the cell door open like that."&nbsp; He shook his head, attempting to lead her out of the holding room.&nbsp; "Don't worry.&nbsp; He's a big brute of a man, but punching Brandon couldn't have done more than just knock the boy out for a bit."&nbsp; Her words, though, seemed to be bothering him a little.&nbsp; "Are you feeling alright?&nbsp; Maybe you need some coffee."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Imogen</strong> on <strong>19-10-2011, 11:56:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Paradiso Police Station</strong><br><br>"You're probably right." Lorraine managed a wan smile for Jason's sake. If only things were that simple. She bowed her head and let him lead her out of the holding room. Watching Jason close up the cell door she briefly considered telling him about Angela, but she didn't think he'd believe her. The last thing she needed right now was being put in a mental ward! "I'm fine." Again that tiny, brittle smile. "Just a bit shaken. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to babble." She placed a hand on his arm, offering a small, reassuring squeeze. "Really, I'm fine. But coffee sounds good. What'd you say about buying me one later? Once you're off duty? You wanted to ask me some additional questions anyway?" <br><br>She wouldn't have minded a nice cup of hot, steaming java right now, not to mention Jason's company, but Greg had left her unwittingly with one tiny piece of information and she didn't plan on wasting time finding out just what that meant. Unfortunately, that meant she didn't have the time to sit down for a drink with a handsome officer. To make her point she glanced at her watch and smiled ruefully. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Kirinis</strong> on <strong>19-10-2011, 23:16:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Roderick, Saturday Night</strong><br><br>Roderick ignored their stares.&nbsp; He had made a promise to Jen to see that the ones who had hit her would be appropriately punished for their crimes.&nbsp; This was what important in life, if people could not honor promises then life was chaos and untenable.&nbsp; When the paramedic arrived, Roderick nodded. "Of course, I'll be happy to provide my account of events."&nbsp; He told the paramedic about how he was walking along when the car had hit Jen.&nbsp; Afterwards, he had ran over to see if she was okay and that she had managed to say a few words before the ambulance had arrived.<br><br>Of course, he did not mention the fact that she had managed to stagger to her feet and had manifested some odd sort of flame from her hands.&nbsp; Roderick had no desire to be thought of as being completely insane and even now he wasn't certain if he hadn't hallucinated half of the encounter.&nbsp; "Will there be anything else?"<br><br>"Really?" one of the paramedics said at the mention of the car.&nbsp; He moved over, noticing the parking vehicle, and rushed over to start investigating.&nbsp; Although the couple didn't say much of anything on the matter, their glares towards Roderick spoke volumes.<br><br>The police were starting to arrive, but another of the paramedics came over, pen and paper in hand.&nbsp; Jen, or at least what used to be Jen, was being brought over onto the vehicle, loaded to the nines with various equipment as they did their absolute best to help her.&nbsp; "Sir, would you mind giving your testimony of events?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>20-10-2011, 02:40:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Paradiso Police Station</strong><br><br>"Coffee would be great," he said with a warmer smile, giving her shoulder a light but reassuring squeeze.&nbsp; "I'll be off duty in a few hours.&nbsp; How does Jitters sound at 3:00?"&nbsp; If he had any questions, he couldn't seem to think of any at the moment.<br><br>He escorted her outside and back to her vehicle.&nbsp; "I'll have someone take a look at Brandon also, just in case, you know?&nbsp; I'm just glad you're safe."&nbsp; He seemed to hold the opinion that she wasn't much of a scrapper, at least until he saw her motorcycle, which brought out a minor grin despite himself.<br><br>Once she was at the vehicle, he paused for a moment, considering his options but not thinking of much of anything proper he could do for a true goodbye while still on duty and in uniform.&nbsp; "See you soon," he said a bit simply, his eyes focusing upon her face.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>20-10-2011, 03:11:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Roderick Miller - Saturday Night</strong><br><br>The process went swiftly once the police arrived.&nbsp; Jen was brought rapidly towards the hospital once she was carried inside, with the medical technicians not giving up on her even once the vehicle was moving.&nbsp; Only a few paramedics stayed behind, giving their testimony with shocked and worried tones, explaining how the couple had hit the poor woman.&nbsp; "We're hoping we can stabilize her, but it really doesn't look good," one of the EMTs said.&nbsp; "It'll be a miracle if she survives the hour."<br><br><div class="floatright">(http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/5376/dangernd.jpg)</div>However, eventually it was all done, and the way to driving to the restaurant was clear.&nbsp; However, that didn't stop the unusual nature of the night.&nbsp; Various places, whether nightclubs, apartment buildings, even a hair salon had been marked with a sign that had been clearly marked as Danger.<br><br><div class="floatright">(http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/934/infested.jpg)</div>Other places had been marked with the sign for Infested, although these seemed to be much more places of residence.&nbsp; Flophouses, hotels, other apartment buildings, but also a junkyard and a couple office buildings, one abandoned, one not.<br><br><div class="floatright">(http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/3757/safehaveny.jpg)</div>As time went by, it became more and more apparent that the spraypainting was all done in the exact same shade of black.&nbsp; The only place with the symbol for Safe Haven was an abandoned nightclub with the name Sunset.&nbsp; Although the windows were boarded up, the door wasn't and there were vehicles parked around nearby.<br><br><div class="floatleft">(http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/456/healeru.jpg)</div> <br>One of the vehicles was a white van with the symbol for Healer spraypainted along the side.<br><br><br><br>La Maison Colline, however, was devoid of any sort of markings.&nbsp; Being a Saturday night, the fancy restaurant was all sorts of crowded, with a plethora of people being turned away despite reservations.&nbsp; When one of the hosts saw Roderick, he sneered in a manner befitting an early 20th century villain, asking, "May I help you?" in a fake French accent barely good enough to fool anyone without a basic grasp on the French language.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>20-10-2011, 11:27:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Vince<br><br>He laughed just a little after Sarah Jane spoke to him. Bringing a homeless girl to a salon was going to be an interesting experience but it was not something that was going to be all too scary since he was still who he was and she was still his to protect. This was his thought as he walked out to the truck with her. He hopped inside of it and headed off in the direction of the salon to go meet up with the woman that just seemed a little odd in the picture, though it did have Vince questioning why exactly they would send an innocent girl to go talk to a woman about stopping her from killing people when there was a good chance that she might be killed in the process.<br><br>He handed her the piece of paper that he had gotten from Johnny about the Slicers, he had already memorized the address and such tat was on the paper. “If you are going to go with me on the Slicer thing, I ask that we get weapons before then.” He stopped the car at a stoplight about a block away from the salon. “But this thing with the woman, I will protect you if things go bad. Let’s just hope that it does not have to come to that point.”<br><br>He touched upon the accelerator as the light went green and they continued on their way towards the salon where their next meet up was to occur though this one was potentially much more dangerous.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>20-10-2011, 12:07:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Forever Young</strong><br><br>The salon was set up as a little beauty shop caught in between a pizza shop and a wine store, with the hours listed as open seven days a week to better service clientele from all walks of life.&nbsp; The clean glass windows that made up most of the front of the store had all sorts of displays that suggested the various hairstyles, manicures and other beauty treatments, although the words "No dogs allowed" followed into the mix of the prohibited items.<br><br>Inside, the woman from the Polaroid was just finishing up with a middle-aged businesswoman, the two smiling and hugging as the cash register's muted dings could almost be heard even outside.&nbsp; Whether fortunately or unfortunately, the salon seemed otherwise empty, likely because it was Sunday.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>23-10-2011, 11:31:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong> Sarah Jane trying to get Vince a waxing.</strong><br>The sign for no dogs did not please Sarah Jane in the slightest, still she was not one to be put off by rules, well unreasonable ones anyway. Of course her Nan had always said she must follow them, but as it was some rules were made to be broken were they not. Especially as this woman did seem at first glance to have a damned poker up her arse. <br><br>The girl looked to Vince and smiled, there was a glint of mischief in those dark large eyes. Horlicks of course followed her in and Sarah Jane smiled at the woman. “Am I at ver right place? Me sister&nbsp; ‘ere needs a blaady ‘air cat, and well me mam…” her head tilted towards the knight with her. “She needs a facial…and a bit of a waxin’ or samfing.”<br><br>Obviously she was here for another reason but sometimes Sarah Jane like to play after all she was still just a teenager.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>23-10-2011, 11:41:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Forever Young</strong><br><br>"No dogs!" the woman was quick to reply as soon as Horlicks was brought in, her tone quickly souring any beauty the thirtysomething woman might possess.&nbsp; Her eyes slowly worked their way up from Horlicks to SJ, "I don't do d-" but the look of the homeless girl quickly cut off her words.&nbsp; "Oh, good Lord!"&nbsp; She strutted her way over more closely, giving SJ a closer examination with a look of disgust, before looking over to Vincent with a glance that said that she understood everything, but it disgusted him.&nbsp; "Three hundred dollars," she said to Vincent, now ignoring SJ.&nbsp; "I can fix her up, but not for less than three hundred, and you'll keep her mutt outside."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>23-10-2011, 11:50:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Vince</strong><br><br>"We are not here for that we are here to talk about your night time activities. Johnny Seven sent us." He was not one to go beating around the bush like the lovable Sarah Jane seemed so prone to. He was much more direct as he stood there beside Sarah Jane with still his fireman's uniform on, his bat still secure in his coat that he was wearing though at the moment he was not going to hurt her, she seemed rather reasonable even through it all. "We mean you no harm we are here to ask about peace." He needed to make that clear to her so that there was no sudden outburst of violence that was going to cause this little peace treaty to drop into a violent mess if it was unnecessary. <br><br>He stood there looking into her eyes with a look in his eyes that was understanding, he was not being malicious in anyway that he could he wanted to show that he was good and looking out for the best outcome of all of this rather than making it even more tragic.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>23-10-2011, 11:57:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Forever Young</strong><br><br>At the mention of nighttime activities, the woman's face grew stern, recognizant and untrusting.&nbsp; "I don't know Johnny Seven.&nbsp; I'm looking for a man who goes by the name Mr. Brand."&nbsp; She looked over the two more carefully, noticing the fireman's uniform and the clearly homeless girl, not sure what to make of the two.&nbsp; "You cops?&nbsp; You don't look like the mafia."&nbsp; Her hand twitched a little, and she took a step back from them both.<br><br>Horlicks, however, seems to sniff something and starts trying to move further into the store.<br><br>((Perception+Alertness, difficulty 9))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>23-10-2011, 12:32:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>SJ&nbsp; finds the woman amusing</strong><br>“Look Lave I might be a dirty street rat wif a gob on me…” Sarah Jane watched Horlicks and the was she was behaving. “Fing is vis dog is a fackin’ ‘anter, a sight ‘oud but it dnt mean she cant smell staff auut too Sarah Jane’s darkened a little for all her small frame she could put on a front.<br><br>“Look nan av as want shite…bat we jast want ta know sam fings vats all.”&nbsp; Another smile passed over her face though it was not a kind smile. “Vis is a really nice shop yah ‘ave ere…really nice, I don’t fink yah want ta be moppin’ up dog piss fer ve next day or so.”<br><br>Of course SJ would not threaten with violence, but she was sure dog urine was far worse than that. “We aint ‘ere ta cause shite jast ta get a fackin’ clue …vats all.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>23-10-2011, 12:44:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Vince</strong><br><br>He laughed at the mention of them being cops, did they really look like cops, a girl that the last time she saw a shower was most likely traceable more by the month rather than the week and a man that was dressed in a fireman's uniform that looked like it had seen a little bit of action recently? If they were cops he was wondering what the FBI look like. But the humor in his head stopped cold when he caught a whiff of what the dog was after, his face took on a serious expression as he looked at both the woman and was doing his best to follow where the dog was headed off to so he could confirm the suspicion that was rising up like a missile ready to show whether it was going to explode and be proven true or fall to the Earth like a dud if it was false.<br><br>"Lady, I have no idea who Mr. Brand is but I have a sneaking suspicion that there is someone here who died to help you find out didn't they?" Vince was very blunt in his dealings, he may have made a good cop if he had been one but no he was a fireman and there are no real questions when it comes to a fire, they just have to act just as he was doing now as he looked off into the shop and then back at the woman with a piercing gaze. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>23-10-2011, 12:46:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Forever Young</strong><br><br>For the most part, the woman couldn't seem to make out a great deal of what SJ was saying.&nbsp; However, she recognized the big about dog urine.&nbsp; "If your dog pees in my store," she said, her eyes narrowing to slits, "I promise you that you and your boyfriend will both regret it."<br><br>Her thoughts were already heated when Vince mentioned something that only compounded her ire.&nbsp; "I think I've had enough," she said with failing patience.&nbsp; "Get out, all of you."&nbsp; She turned her back, as if simply expecting each of them to leave of their own, or perhaps trying to calm herself down without looking at them.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>23-10-2011, 13:17:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The boyfriend comment went away with a sigh, what world did this woman live in,&nbsp; a special world of bad hair and beauty…the woman must be insane. Sarah jane was more than aware she was a stinking street kid.<br><br>There was a pause and SJ decided she would speak again. “I’m goin’ ta be sorry am I? Fack off…what yeah going ta do bladdy bill me…fackin’ ‘ell wots ve address fird box on ve right.”<br><br>Sarah Jane chewed her lip in thought…”Vat street auutside, I am finkin’ hah donr want same of my ‘mates’ hanging around. Well yeah could always give chickin George a fackin’ makeover… or maybe Dirty Ruby…”<br><br>She left the thought with the woman, and if she did not comply all the homeless from the hostel would be coming for some beauty tips<br><br><br>“So this man…” Sarah Jane then started to hum ‘Beauty School Drop Out’ with that glint again in her eyes. The girl wanted no trouble but sometimes trouble found her.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>23-10-2011, 13:27:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Vince - Went a little too forward, but noticed something</strong><br><br>"Okay, I did not mean to take it all that far, but I am not accusing you of anything just that with this scent in the air I just assumed. You can smell it too can't you? Which is why the front of this place smells like perfume so much, you were trying to kill the scent. If it is something else then let me help you with it, I have disposed of more skunks or dead rats or other animals several times when working for the fire department, so perhaps I could help." He would have been making better progress if Sarah Jane was not continuing to be so aggressive but at least he had decided to tone himself down that way he was going to be able to attempt to get something out of her by being the bad cop instead of the constantly bad cop. People sometimes responded better to positivity.<br><br>Also there was something that he noticed that SJ had missed, the woman turned her back to them but she had not even mentioned calling up the cops to escort them off the premises which meant that he was most likely right and that she had something to hide.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>23-10-2011, 13:32:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Forever Young</strong><br><br>Ignoring the taunting from SJ, the woman strode over several steps away from them.&nbsp; "I warned you," came the last pathetic words as some sort of justification for malicious action before she reached out without glancing towards one of the mirrors.&nbsp; Her reflection suddenly dissolved, sending its likeness out towards the glass and then oozing out in a swirl of dull but horrific and unnatural colors.&nbsp; Every mirror in the place, along with the glass to the outside, started to go dark with hazy shimmering, as if oil was working its way into the glass from the inside out.<br><br>((Init time))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>23-10-2011, 14:29:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Init chart:<br><br>Vincent: 12<br>NPC: 8<br>SJ: 7<br><br>So Vincent can go, then the NPC will go, then the two players, NPC again, etc.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>BraveEarth</strong> on <strong>23-10-2011, 19:48:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Larry woke up to his alarm at 5:30AM every morning to start his routine, after checking for the handgun underneath his pillow, and the other handgun hidden in a holster by his bed, he moved to shower and shave.&nbsp; Larry was slightly paranoid sure but having been a Detective for 17+ years he had made enemies and received enough death threats for him to justify his paranoia. Still he didn't ever request for a reassignment or relocation, Paradiso was his city. Paradise it was not but it was worth fighting for, even if most of his work was just putting away scum that drained her resources with their incarceration. <br><br>Larry suited up into his ‘work clothes’ in the old fashioned pressed suit and hat, his jacket concealing the shoulder holster for his service revolver. By the time Larry got to the station he would find the new assignment file at his desk, as he combed through the contents. “So&nbsp; we're leaving this bastard to me huh…” he said looking through the victims of organ thief. He had to find Oksana, poor girl who survived despite even their own doctors claims. Her recollection of the events prior to her abduction and during could be the piece that would nab this bastard. Larry left the station prepared to find her at her apartment although not in his mind he was set to try to get the poor girl to a hospital for attention, free clinics existed for a reason and rudimentary care was better than denial of injury.<br><br>Her complex was run down by the looks of it, plastic bags and glass bottles scattered about, leaves blown in from the cornered wet from some sort of condensation. Once Larry got to her door he began looking for signs the door looking just as bad as the rest of the place, and no peep hole. His knuckles rapped against the door “Ms. Mozheika?!” he called his voiced raised in case she had fallen asleep.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>24-10-2011, 00:00:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Vince - Fighting a Glass Woman</strong><br><br>"So that is why you were a little off in that picture." Vince spoke as he pulled out the bat from his coat as he looked around the room seeing that all of the mirrors in the room were a little off along with the glass that had surrounded the store. He figured that she either possessed the glass or had some form of disappearance going on. It was light based which was something that he could almost find laughable. But it was not time to laugh he needed to beat her but not kill her even though she was more than actively trying to kill him.<br><br>"Sarah Jane! Stay close to me!" He was not going to let her get hurt no matter what. He then swung the bat at the closest mirror to him seeing what effect his bat was going to have on it. He hoped that it shattered like any normal mirror should but in this situation there was no real idea if it was going to work.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>24-10-2011, 05:12:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Shadyside Apartment Complex</strong><br><br>The door itself was weak looking and decrepit, just like much of the rest of this apartment building, with all sorts of strange smells and noises coming from around the area.&nbsp; Room 306 in particular had heavy metal music playing, a plethora of beats and grinding tones that probably did a good job in and of itself of providing a sonic barrier from the rest of the apartment.&nbsp; Of course, it would also keep her own activities hidden as well.<br><br>The rapping of the door was responded to with a sharp thud upon the floor, something banging, quick and forceful.&nbsp; That knock was repeated before it abruptly stopped, and then a voice came to respond, probably a woman but it was difficult to tell.&nbsp; Apparently she was talking with her mouth full, and she didn't exactly sound well.&nbsp; "Go away!"&nbsp; She sounded frightened as well as angry.<br><br>Whatever else was going on was difficult to hear over the stereo's repeated "Feed the Night" reverberating soundtrack.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>24-10-2011, 05:20:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Forever Young</strong><br><br>The sudden crash of the glass brought tremors through the woman as well as the other mirrors, as if her own image was being horribly distorted.&nbsp; Though the pain rocked her, she wasn't yet about to stop fighting, and there were five other mirrors set up about the place.<br><br>The discoloration that she'd drawn out of one of the mirrors flowed through her fingertips like a whip made of melting paint or wax, and it took little effort for her to fling the weapon at one of the mirrors, splashing designs upon the surface.&nbsp; Images surged up upon each of the mirrors in perfect synchronization, images of SJ that moved just as she did.&nbsp; However, those pictures were each being devoured by rats, dozens and dozens of tiny nibbles that worked their way over her body, forming cuts which quickly began to appear upon her skin.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body">SJ, take 4 levels of lethal damage, soaked by your stamina.<br><br>PCs are up.</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>24-10-2011, 08:49:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Fuck that hurt, fuck it really hurt as the bites from the rat mirrors started to eat into her skin. Though she had reached out to get the perm solution it seemed pointless now and instead knew that she would need to trying to get an edge try to find a weakness.&nbsp; Sarah Jane did cry out in pain, a rather creative array of curses spilled so wonderfully from her mouth. The girl certainly had an interesting use of language.<br><br>The pain was a shock to her normally SJ would have run, but it seemed she was locked in here and there was no escape. More from instinct than anything else she let out her power of illuminate. She was not sure why it happened but then the girl had really no idea about her abilities after all she had only found them a day or two before. <br><br>It seemed to Sarah Jane had become mixed up in something that was going to be her demise…<br><br>Her only chance was to get close to Vince and his bat she thought&nbsp; thus the girl did that, this was not a girl that could fight well and was afraid.<br><br><em>Illuminate 4 successes</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>24-10-2011, 10:58:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Forever Young</strong><br><br>The sudden illumination that shown over the area seemed to come directly from SJ, although from Vince's perspective, she seemed to give off no inherent light.&nbsp; The woman winced, putting a hand up between her and SJ to shield her eyes from what seemed to be a powerful glare.&nbsp; On top of the inherent wrongness that emanated from the woman, lit up from the bright light almost like a spotlight that lit up all her flaws.&nbsp; Her mouth was stained with blood, rotten meat almost seeming to be caught between the gaps of her teeth.&nbsp; It was hard to tell if such things were truly part of her, or if the light somehow emanating from Sarah Jane simply brought all her flaws to light.<br><br>The light flickered off the five mirrors, fighting against the darkness therein, but the brilliance wasn't quite capable of permeating the oily shadows upon the glass.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>24-10-2011, 17:32:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Vince - Defending an Innocent</strong><br><br>The reaction from the woman was all&nbsp; that he needed to know that his first plan of action was at the very least successful, he had not expected for her to then attack Sarah Jane but it happened and now it was his fault that the girl that was apart of his house was hurting. The pain he had put the woman through had not been enough of a motivator to make it so that she would focus on him. He nearly cursed himself for that. But if she so much as touched Sarah Jane again he was more than definitely not going to just go for beating her to the point where she gave up, he was going to kill her with his bare hands if necessary. He did not show this on his face at all, it was just something that he resolved himself to doing. It was next thing that he saw that had surprised him quite a lot, all of that light that was brought into the room suddenly was odd to say the least but all of it seemed to be coming from Sarah Jane's direction so he assumed that it was coming from the girl though he had nothing to really confirm that hypothesis nor time to ask. With the look of the woman that he now saw looking at them, he was sure that it was time to get to another mirror. He saw one being close, but he was going to have to move to get to it. He looked back to Sarah Jane for a second and made it so that he would always be between her and the thing that was attacking them.<br><br>He took another very powerful swing at a mirror in order to destabilize her power source, hurt her, and in effect protect himself and Sarah Jane. All he hoped in that moment as he felt his muscles rippling as his arms worked in conjunction to provide him with as much strength as they could was that he needed to keep Sarah Jane safe. Nothing else mattered beyond that right now. He did not care for Johnny, the Mafia or even for himself. He was going to ensure that Sarah Jane made it out of all of this.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>25-10-2011, 09:33:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Forever Young</strong><br><br>The woman screamed as yet another mirror broke, and the images of Sarah Jane being eaten by rats all distorted when their singular image was gone.&nbsp; The woman screamed in fury, bits of human flesh spraying from her mouth under the judging illumination, but slowing her down wasn't enough to completely stop her.&nbsp; She wound up the discoloration in her hands like a bullwhip, striking out against one of the other mirrors and glaring back at Vincent.<br><br>The reflections of Vincent screamed in silent pantomimes, but this time it was bullets, a hail of gunfire from every direction that cut open into his reflection from every direction, tearing into his flesh and cutting through his fireman's outfit.&nbsp; However, having less mirrors did seem to have somewhat of an effect on the power of the attack, even if minute.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body">2 lethal health levels of damage to Vincent, soaked with Stamina, and you get the +1 from your armor.&nbsp; PCs are up again.</div></div><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>26-10-2011, 20:26:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Vince - Dying for Sarah Jane to Live</strong><br><br>He felt the bullets pierce through his body and also felt that feeling of blood trickling down his body with each passing moment. He did not scream, not for the fact that his body did not want to but for not wanting to give the woman the satisfaction of him demonstrating that what she did had actually hurt him. He steadied his bat as blood starting to drip down his hands and run along the handle. He took a quick glance at Sarah Jane as he moved himself over to the next mirror making sure that he was going to be the only one in her view.<br><br>"Sarah Jane, pick up those pair of clippers and throw it at one of the mirrors on the wall." He told her this as he made his swing to smash the mirror to pieces to remove some of her power. Vince spit out blood onto the counter with the shards as he looked over to his next target.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>27-10-2011, 08:30:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong> Forver Young</strong><br>Sarah Jane was still in pain and bleeding, all the small bite from the rat bites made a pattern on her skin, it hurt and it made her feel weaker but the girl would not let anything happen to the man that had been protecting her. All she knew or at least surmised that it was the mirrors that gave the power to the creature. Smashing them seemed to slow her down. Not that Sarah Jane really understood what was happening but getting away from this terrifying creature was foremost in her mind. It was then that Vince told her to do the same thing she was already considering.<br><br>It was then she picked up something randomly heavy and threw it at one of the mirrors. “Fackin’ agly bitch…leave ‘im alone. We blaady only came in ta ask samfing. Jast leave im alone.” She was near to Vince now and scared for him as well as herself. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>27-10-2011, 09:01:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Forever Young</strong><br><br>"You're ruining everything!"&nbsp; Her scream quivered with fury as more of her mirrors get destroyed, the otherwise human features displayed as a cannibal under the harsh light of Sarah Jane's edge.&nbsp; With only two mirrors left, rather than attempt to paint the mirror with her strange whip once more, she lashed out towards Senti.&nbsp; "English!&nbsp; Speak English!&nbsp; Poise!&nbsp; Grace!"&nbsp; Vince would be able to throw himself into the path of the attack if he so chose, but only at the cost of taking the full brunt of the attack.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>27-10-2011, 09:55:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Vince - At the bat</strong><br><br>He stood there watching as the whip came at him though its target was not him, it was the girl behind him that it aimed for but he was not going to allow that, he was going to stop that from ever getting to her even if that meant that he was going to have to take it upon himself in the process. He tightened his grip on his bat and then did a baseball swing at the whip to negate the attack. It did not work all too well since it made its way around his bat to still hit him on the shoulder where the uniform went cold and turned white, he could feel it all the way down to his skin though it felt like something that he could handle.<br><br>"Sarah Jane, break another mirror!" He wanted to try to hold the whip so that it could do nothing else to them but it was not something that he believed that he could even do since it felt like it had attempted to tap into his life force when it had hit him. So holding onto that kind of thing was not wise.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>27-10-2011, 10:18:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong> SJ trying to distract the beauty school drop out</strong><br><br>Sarah Jane let out a scream, “Fack off ya fackin' old blaady ‘ag.” As she saw Vince hurt like that, and again she found something else to throw at the mirror. “You are ‘orrible and agly and I can see ya fer what ya are. We bofe can…”<br><br>“I told ya to leave ‘im alone or its ve last mirror goes and ve fackin world will see ya, fing is I could break vat shop winda and ven vey will know, wot an orrible twisted freak ya are.” <br><br>Vince could tell she was trying to take the attentions from him, “Ya aint got many mirrors left lav, vat a a blaady blessing really aint it…”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>27-10-2011, 15:56:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Forever Young</strong><br><br>Only one mirror left, and the whip was now visibly quivering, almost seeming to be trying to collapse with only one black mirror fueling its power.&nbsp; The woman, however, was only getting more and more enraged.&nbsp; "I'll feed your shadows to the Forsaken!" she cried, lashing out with the whip once more towards Vincent.&nbsp; "You will live only long enough to see the rise of eternal darkness!"<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Attack on Vincent</div><div class="spoiler_body">2011-10-27 07:55:11&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mirror Whip Lady rolls 5 dice to Attack&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4,6,3,9,3 (2 successes)<br>2011-10-27 07:55:19&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mirror Whip Lady rolls 5 dice to Damage&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3,4,2,9,8 (2 successes)</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>31-10-2011, 00:20:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Vince</strong><br><br>He threw up his untouched arm when she sent that whip at him again taking the damage and negating all of it though the feeling of cold was all too prevalent once more, this woman was trying really hard to take his life force. “I don't care who you are but you are not feeding my shadow to a Forsaken.” He stepped forward and swung, not at her but at the mirror on the side of the room to make it so that she was going to have one less in the world with a final one to go.<br><br>“Sarah Jane take out the last one, I need to make sure that she is all out of juice. Please!”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>31-10-2011, 10:34:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<br><strong>Sarah Jane</strong><br>Sarah Jane shouted abuse at the woman again, hating the thought that this woman was hurting Vince, just in the same way she hated anyone using there power to bully and cause pain. After all she had seen so much harassment and worse on the streets. “Leave ‘im ve fack alone ya fackin’ bitch, jast leave im alone…”<br><br>As she spoke the slight street rat picked up something else heavy, this time it was a waste bin and she made sure that the last mirror was smashed. Sarah Jane was not sure what would happen now, at least she was not feeling the pain of the bites as adrenaline had kicked in. However soon enough it was likely to start smarting again. <br><br>Sarah Jane felt like crying but stopped herself not wanting to show any weakness. “Vince are ya alright…?” Horlicks remained close to the girl her lip curled, she would only attack if told to or if SJ fell.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>31-10-2011, 17:18:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Forever Young</strong><br><br>As the last mirror shattered, the colorful whip that she'd been using seemed to fall apart, collapsing into a substance like oozing paint that quickly started to evaporate.&nbsp; She stepped back, keeping her hands raised but frightened, her hands bloody with what looked to be the flesh and gore of her digested victims.&nbsp; "What do you want?" she asked fearfully, considering her actions.<br><br>((You may choose to drop out of combat if you want, but you're not forced to))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>02-11-2011, 06:42:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Vincent - Only wants information</strong><br><br>His bat hit the floor as the woman's whip vanished. There was this intense feeling of relief that flowed through him now that both he had Sarah Jane were both still alive. From the looks of the woman though, she was still dangerous which meant that he needed to be prepared to go to blows with her should that be necessary to get him the things that he needed. He took a step closer to her as his hand went into his pocket to bring out a cellphone that was undamaged.<br><br>He offered it to Sarah Jane, with the look in his eyes still being quite intense but it was softening. “Sarah Jane, I need you to use my phone to call for some help. You and I both need to be patched up.” Vince could not in good conscience allow her to go any closer to the woman. “Call Mary.” He told her as his attention was now fully on the woman that was before him.<br><br>“I need some answers, about the Forsaken, about Mr. Brand, and also about all of the mafia killings. Just tell me all of it.” Vince told her this as he stepped just another foot closer that same look in his eye that he had when he was fighting her, the one that told her that she was not going to get to Sarah Jane and that he may be injured but he sure as hell was not giving up.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>03-11-2011, 00:03:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>S-Mart</strong><br><br>Nadia took a cart from the front of the store and slowly wandered around. Soap, shampoo, toiletries. At stores like this, these things all came in bulk packages. Eighteen bars of soap. The 'mega-jug' of shampoo. A gallon of conditioner. A triple-pack of toothpaste. A half-dozen toothbrushes. It was to be her offering to Carrie and the others at Sunset whose only crime was the same fate they were all resigned to. To stand as the city's defense against the gathering darkness. <br><br>She thought for a moment of how difficult the last 24 hours had been for her, and how exponentially harder it must be for Carrie. Nadia meandered over to the mismatched clearance clothing section. Most items were under four dollars. She grabbed several shirts, a few skirts, some pairs of jeans, and a few off-season ladies velour track suits. On one rack she even discovered a dark purple hooded sweatshirt. In a normal setting she would have found all her selections cringe-worthy, but she felt that Carrie and Sarah-Jane might appreciate the gesture. <br><br>Her next stop was to the hardware department. She'd had a chance to glance at the water-heater back at sunset and noticed that the thermostat was rusted and cracked. It was an easy fix, and as the rest of the water heater was in good shape, she was sure that she could make the hot water output last MUCH longer. It took only moments for her to find the replacement pieces and necessary tools, and she unceremoniously added them to her cart. <br><br>As she turned her cart around and ventured back towards the front of the store, an electric burner that was much like the one she used in college caught her eye. Making up her mind, she placed it in her cart as well, and purchased a stock-pot and a case of ramen noodle soup. One could never tell when such a thing might be useful. <br><br>Her shopping finished, Nadia approached the checkout counter. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>03-11-2011, 01:35:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>S-Mart</strong><br><br>The cashier glanced over with a bit of surprise at the huge list of items, though the sheer banality of the job kept him from being able to hold any significant interest for long.&nbsp; "You want a free whiteboard?" he asked, gesturing over to one of the piles.&nbsp; "Free whiteboard with at least a $50 purchase if you get some dry-erase markers as well.&nbsp; We need to make room for all the winter stuff."&nbsp; Either way, he was happy to ring up the purchase.<br><br>Outside, a homeless man had taken up shop, thick sunglasses hiding his eyes and a large mug jingling coins as he asked people for spare change.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>05-11-2011, 11:16:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sarah Jane makes a call</strong><br><br>Sarah Jane took the phone, as Vince was speaking to the woman, if she could indeed be called a woman, the girl really did not know what she was. Taking the phone she tried to work out how to use it, it was not that Sarah Jane was stupid, its just she had never had a phone and never had anything of that ilk. <br><br>Eventually she managed to work it out, well at least sort of and called Mary. Though the fact her accent was so thick it might be difficult for the healer to understand her. Even more so on a phone it was not going to be easy. As it was both of them needed some help, as they had both been hurt in the fight.<br><br>The girl however kept her eyes upon the woman still not trusting her, this really seemed like a nightmare. Letting the phone ring Sarah Jane looked at the bite marks on her body, wounds that were now starting to hurt.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>06-11-2011, 02:42:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Forever Young</strong><br><br>The woman glared in silence, considering her options by checking around, though she didn't seem to see any way out.&nbsp; "I can tell you about the mafia," she explained, "but information about the Forsaken is in my right to give.&nbsp; Besides, it's probably beyond your ability to understand as a simple human."<br><br>She kept a close eye on the two, staying some distance away as she talked.&nbsp; "Mr. Brand is the head of the local mafia organization, or at least, is allowed to pretend to be in order to protect the one who really calls the shots.&nbsp; A few months ago, my sister and her husband were gunned down in cold blood," her voice raised in fury, "over a matter of less than a thousand dollars!"&nbsp; Her eyes caught onto Vincent's.&nbsp; "Mere money!&nbsp; And Brand's people didn't even question the morality of their actions.&nbsp; They all deserve to die."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>07-11-2011, 23:58:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>S-Mart Parking Lot</strong><br><br>Nadia paid little mind to the homeless man outside the store at first. Seeing him there though, planted the seeds of thought. She absentmindedly reached in to her wallet and pulled out a one dollar bill. It wasn't usually in her nature to care about such things, but meeting Sarah Jane had made her slightly more conscious of such things. "Don't buy booze." It was a simple and presumptuous request as she placed the bill in the man's mug.If nothing came of this interaction, she walked towards her car. <br><br>She couldn't help but wonder if Sarah Jane and the fireman... in her thoughts she struggled for his name. Vince... She nodded her head as her stream of consciousness continued. She hoped they were all right. She hoped Alan was alright too. So far she'd not seen anything strange since she'd left the supposed safe haven. It was already late in the day, and she'd already skipped her band's usual practice time. She checked her phone. Seven missed calls since she'd silenced the device. She could only hope that there had been no desperate calls for help from one of her new friends. She was certain that Alan had her number, but wasn't sure if Vince had it as well. <br><br>She loaded her purchases like Tetris blocks into the tiny trunk of her car and sat down in the drivers seat to scroll through the calls and messages. The first five were from Renee, and each voice-mail message was slightly more frantic and angry than the last. The sixth call had been from Mr. Calvary. He mentioned that he'd called her hotel and had been given her cell number and was anxiously awaiting her answer. She secretly cursed Aaron for giving out her cell phone AGAIN. The last call was from her Aunt Samantha and had come in only twenty minutes prior. <br><br>Samantha's tone of voice made her stomach feel like it would drop out. "Nadia, honey, your Mother had a... well they think she might have had a stroke or something... She's in the ICU." Her voice became muted for a moment as she asked the name of the hospital. "We're at Paradiso Compassion Hospital." Nadia didn't listen to the rest of the message as she had thrown the car into drive without having to think about it. She was already speeding down the highway in a manner of seconds.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>08-11-2011, 00:15:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Nadia Simone</strong><br><br>"Thank you, pretty lady," the beggar said, the sunlight gently reflecting off his dark sunglasses as he sat quietly.&nbsp; It was difficult to get a good look underneath those shades, and would take more time than it would likely be worth.<br><br>Driving along, it was all too easy to start seeing those signs spraypainted again, the marks of "Corruption," "Danger," and "Infested," but all that paled in comparison to driving by the Forever Young beauty shop.&nbsp; Vince's pickup truck was parked outside, and the windows which were usually clear and showed off the salon's talents were now painted an oily black.<br><br>Barring any stops or slowing down, however, it wouldn't take long at all to reach the hospital.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eislynn</strong> on <strong>08-11-2011, 03:37:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nadia Simone - Paradiso Compassion Hospital<br><br>"Shit Shit Shit." Nadia hissed under her breath as she passed the tiny beauty shop. She gritted her teeth and kept driving. Vince was no pushover. She tried to rationalize it to herself as she reached the Hospital. She had to find out about her Mother before she'd be worthwhile in a fight anyway. Besides, she thought she gave him her number. It was understood that he could call her if there was trouble, wasn't it? She shook her head as if to shake these thoughts from her brain. It wasn't long before she'd arrived at the Hospital. Her momentum carried her through the doors and before she knew it she was face to face with her Aunt Sam. <br><br>She was holding back tears and drew Nadia in to an embrace. "Hey Sweetie, long time no see... The doctor's won't tell me what's going on... Something about a hippo law?" She cleared her throat. "Or maybe hippa? Anyway, you're her emergency contact for these things." <br><br>Samantha Flagged down a nurse. "Gwen's daughter is here." <br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">2011-11-07 19:35:14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nadia Simone rolls 4 dice to Intelligence + Medicine (Diff 4) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2,8,5,1 (1 success)</div></div> 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>08-11-2011, 03:43:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Nadia Simone - Paradiso Compassion Hospital</strong><br><br>One of the notable things about the hospital, something that a person would be quite apt to miss with less medical knowledge, is that a lot less people are in the hospital than usual.&nbsp; It's only at half, maybe two-thirds capacity.&nbsp; Although it would be easy to write off such a thing as a stroke of luck, hunters never seemed to have it quite that easy.<br><br>Samantha frowned a little, wanting to let Nadia know something quick before the nurse came.&nbsp; "One thing you should know: your mother keeps talking about an angel, sort of a smoky face that wants to relieve her of all her pain and suffering.&nbsp; She's terrified that it means she's going to die and refuses to listen, but she really needs someone to talk to right now.&nbsp; I'm glad you're here."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>08-11-2011, 09:34:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Vincent</strong><br><br>"Death is a very harsh punishment. And obviously not one I believe in myself. I do understand the Old Testament notion of an eye for an eye but that will only lead to further bloodshed and the creation of further people like yourself who have lost people. What we need here is not revenge but justice. And if I help you get this justice will you grace me with your knowledge of the Forsaken?" Vincent should have been more prone to killing the woman before him but just as he figured she had information and there was no real information that can be properly gained from a corpse.<br><br>Also there was this thought in Vince's head that he could not shake. It was the thought that though his enemies were people that would stoop to the level of killing that was not something that he was interested in. He was more along the lines of Batman's philosophy, it is better to wound the monsters and to get them proper justice for their crimes than to join in the fray and become a monster yourself. He looked over to Sarah Jane.<br><br>"Any luck with Mary? If she is not picking up it will look like we will have no choice but to call the actual param..." He stopped talking as he thought about it for a moment, if he could get her to the fire station there would be an on-duty medic that he was sure he could convince to patch her up without a charge.<br><br>"Try a few more times, if she doesn't pick up we have other options."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>08-11-2011, 22:53:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Forever Young</strong><br><br>The woman considered for a moment, at first seeming as though she was about to relent, before a sharp headache brought a hand to her temple.&nbsp; "No," she replied with a strong amount of finality.&nbsp; "He's still quite upset with you, and the knowledge is not to be granted until such time as his choosing."<br><br>Her eyes glanced around the area, all the destruction to her poor shop, and she sighed.&nbsp; "You'll want to leave," she said.&nbsp; "I have to call the police to report this for the insurance, and I want to just blame vandals; you don't want to be here when it happens."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>09-11-2011, 17:11:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sarah Jane kept trying on the phone, and there was no answer, she was getting worried, and was in pain. The fact she there were wounds all over her body and that she likely would not get a place in a hostel was frightening. It would not take much for them to become infected, not much at all. Being on the streets was hard enough but being ill there was even worse..<br><br>“Ver’s no wan ver …Vers no wan ver.” It was obvious that the girl was panicking a little, actually more than a little. She had been aware that the others had killed the dead man but would Vince kill this creature. Horlicks licked her hand in a friendly way licking away some of the blood.&nbsp; A little more of the blood had dripped onto the floor.<br><br>Perhaps Vince had said she could stay at his place for the night, but that was one night…and these injuries were not going to be healed in one night…&nbsp; As it was Sarah Jane was barely listening to the conversation at the moment.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>12-11-2011, 13:56:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Sunset</strong><br><br>A bit of time after Mary gets called away by her phone, a young man walks in, carrying a whiteboard and a few markers.&nbsp; He glances around the place with a bit of confusion, "Um, hello..."&nbsp; He walked further inside.&nbsp; "My sister wanted me to give over a few messages to someone if they aren't busy, along with bringing this whiteboard.&nbsp; Nice place you have set up."&nbsp; Something about it, however, seems to be giving him the creeps, and he doesn't seem to want to stay too long.<br><div class="floatright">(http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/1936/protectedx.jpg)</div><br>The symbol for Protected had been added to the whiteboard already.&nbsp; "She had a bit of trouble with something, I can't go into details but she won't be able to come around for a while, but apparently some of her friends come around here and you're working on a book about zombies or something?"&nbsp; He really didn't understand, but he was here as had been requested.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>13-11-2011, 01:40:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Vince - Needing to Save an Innocent</strong><br><br>He moved over to Sarah Jane, his skilled fingers working in an attempt to pick up the poor girl into his arms. Vince was going to save her, he had to. It was his duty as a man and a firefighter. He looked back over in the direction of the woman. "I did nothing wrong, all I am doing is protecting the weak and the innocent. I need that information to do such a thing. And yet it is my goodness that allows you to tell me such a thing for I know a great many of men that would have sooner killed you in their blind rage but I didn't for even though you may do things that others most likely would not agree with it isn't my place to judge whether that is worth your life or not. I am only acting to defend life, so please just give me the information that I need so that I may save the lives of others."<br><br>He was looking into her eyes as he spoke these words with hopefully Sarah Jane in his arms so that they could move at a moment's notice since he was sure that there were police on their way by this point but he needed her to tell him what she knew, as soon as possible.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>13-11-2011, 11:54:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>SJ says owwwwww</strong><br>Vince felt Sarah Jane tense as he picked her up, the huge dog watched him carefully baring her teeth defensively though she did not bite the firemen. However if he tried to hurt the girl then Horlicks would defend her. She could smell the blood and was more than a little distressed.<br><br>Sarah Jane let Vince do the talking, in his arms he felt just how light she was, and just how malnourished which was likely why the wounds had affected her more than most though they were rather painful and prolific. The street rat did not want to be a burden; neither did she want to feel like some victim.<br><br>The truth was the girl wanted to lie down somewhere and perhaps get clean an use some antiseptic. “Vers a clinic…its free and no …no fackin’ questions…”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>AndyZ</strong> on <strong>13-11-2011, 13:05:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Forever Young</strong><br><br>The woman stared at her would-be assailant, at the girl in his arms, noting their conviction and sense of righteousness mixed in with enough compassion to keep them from becoming monsters themselves.&nbsp; Even as her headache started to pulse visibly under SJ's light, making her body tremble, it touched something deep within her.&nbsp; "He's Indarinel."<br><br>Even as she worked to cut through the words in as rapid fire as she could, the throbbing headache ignited in a force of black fire within her.&nbsp; Her entire body immolated in a flash of force that destroyed her body and clothes but didn't so much as scorch the ground within her feet.&nbsp; She had to rush through to finish the name before the roasting bones of her body started to collapse, splaying out in a charred mess upon the floor.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>16-11-2011, 09:06:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Vince</strong><br><br>He had no intention of killing the beast. His word was his promise, he did not want to hurt her, he only wanted to disarm her. But still she died though from his actions he was not completely sure but dead she was. If he had been a man of faith then he would have prayed for her loss. For now he could only think of the name that she had left him with along with giving her a slight bow of his head in a moment of silence in respect to her. After that was done, he was off to head out of the shop and to his truck. Vince was in a full on sprint as he carried her body into the cab. Making sure that she was taken care of her was his main concern for the moment. A seat belt was thrown over her while he opened the back of the pickup so that Horlicks could jump in.<br><br>After he was absolutely certain that all was accounted for, his foot hit the gas while they headed off into the day towards the fire station for he had been much too focused on the woman to hear the weak voice of Sarah Jane when she had offered the information about the clinic, if the fire engine was not there when he got to the station he was going to have to think or alternatives, but for now he was going to have the person on shift for medical duty today at least patch her up since it was someone that he was somewhat familiar with who he could have a better chance of talking into doing him a favor. The Hippocratic Oath was also going to be on his side which was a plus.<br><br>"I will get you help. I just need you to hold on. Please, hold on."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>18-11-2011, 23:54:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong> Sarah Jane and Vincent</strong><br>Sarah Jane was in pain, and it was all over her body, the rats seemed to have got everywhere on her skin and some of the bites had been very deep and all of them were raw and more than uncomfortable.<br><br>The girl was still awake though some of her wished she was not, “It fackin’ ‘urts... “ In the back Horlicks whined, the dog could smell the scent of the blood that even stained the seats of the van. “We…we could go to va clinic…bat…bat if yeah know better…” After all Sarah Jane considered that a fireman might know better.<br><br>“Yeah could jast drop me off or samfing…I don’t want ta be a bovver or naffin’” really the girl just wanted a cuppa and to sleep, though sleep was going to be hard with all the bites.<br><br>Turning then Sarah Jane looked at Vincent, “I fort vat…you was ‘urt?” He certainly didn’t appear so at least not now, perhaps she had been mistaken.<br>.<br>&nbsp;<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>25-11-2011, 10:13:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Luckily the doctor had been there in firehouse when they needed him and actually promised Vince that he was going to help out SJ for as long as she needed to be healed though they needed to meet away from the firehouse so that neither of them would get in trouble with their bosses. One of the main things that Vince had noticed by the time that he had gotten there with SJ was that none of his wound were there anymore as if he had simply just regenerated them. Over the next two weeks that had followed with all of its craziness that power sure had come in handy. All the monsters and ghouls that he fought with led him to a final conflict with Indarinel that he had no choice but to put into an early grave with the help of all of his fellow hunters.<br><br>After the final battle with all of that darkness, he was left without Carrie who he had become quite close to in that two weeks but she still went up to join the Messengers now that she was finally free of all of those voices that had been seemingly driving her crazy. He was sad to see her go but he understood. She still held a place in his heart as a girl that he would have given his life to protect. But he was left with other responsibilities such as keeping the poor Sarah Jane out of trouble and off the streets. A mission that he took quite well.<br><br>Exactly three days and two hours he was walking out of the firehouse after a long shift at work to go head home to SJ when he felt something that he had not felt for three days and two hours. He was healing his minor little cuts and scraps that he had incurred from a burning building earlier on in the day, it had been nothing major. But there was no longer any reason for him to heal. He had lost all of his powers after the incident with Indarinel so for them to suddenly come back was a problem.<br><br>Vince ran from the firehouse to his truck where he slid his phone into the hands-free socket that he had installed on it. “Dial home, now!” He was worried about Sarah Jane, for if he was getting his powers back then it was not going to be hard to justify that she was getting hers back too. The fireman was speeding his way down the streets to get to his home where she was to be.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>26-11-2011, 21:41:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sarah Jane was starting to be a little less nervous, though however much she knew she could trust Vince she was still out of her comfort zone. For so long the girl had been forced to rely on herself, and always believed that one did not get something for nothing. Quite shockingly the girl did help around the house she was well trained in housework and even cooking. The reason being that before her Nan had died Sarah Jane had been taught to do her chores and be responsible. It was likely this and her determination that had meant that the girl had survived so long.<br><br>The girl certainly did not understand what was happening, or indeed what happened, she was apparently something ‘special’ yet she could not believe it.<br><br>When Vince watched her eat much of her food went to Horlicks, some she stuffed in and the rest was kept for later. Sarah Jane was used to living more than hand to mouth it seemed. And some of her more feral qualities remained. It was obvious that it had been some time since someone had looked after her, and also her wounds were&nbsp; still painful. However hard she tried to hide it.<br><br>Occasionally Vince caught glimpses of the girl that should have been when she blushed perhaps or her eyes met his for a little too long. <br><br><em>Shudove<br>Woodove<br>Cudeove<br></em><br><br>When the phone rang Sarah Jane frowned she had just finished walking Horlicks in the park. <br><br>“Yeah …Wot da ya want?” then she almost felt Nan at her back, “Sorry …can I take a message or samfing.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>27-11-2011, 02:05:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He was more than relieved to hear that accent of hers when she answered the phone. It meant that at least for now that he was safe. "Sarah Jane, I need you to secure the house and check all of the markings, redoing those that are damaged. I know that they don't actually do anything since we lost our powers but....my powers are back so should yours. Sarah Jane, please do this for me. And also do not open the door unless you can confirm it is me." Vince was pulling onto the main road that was leading back to his apartment. He was not all that far off, it was just that he had to get there was the problem. <br><br>The truck was performing well and it was good that Vince had not let up on all of the things that were going to protect both him and Sarah Jane with his axe that was just sitting hidden behind his chair in the truck. With all of the practice that he had gone through in the last incident then he was going to be more than ready to rid the world of more monsters that go after him or his crew.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>27-11-2011, 11:47:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sarah Jane could hear the tension in Vince’s voice and that mad her nervous, she had of course tried to shut out the horror of all that she had seen just a few weeks previous but it remained at night and the young woman still sometimes woke in a sweat. There were times that she wanted to return to the streets, but something about Vince made her want to stay with him.<br><br>She did as was asked and made sure that everything was secure, however it still made little sense, at some point Sarah Jane wanted an explanation, it was still confusing. After rechecking the signs for the third time and making sure once again that the locks were safe&nbsp; and protected she started to make some food for Vince, it was after all the least she could do for his generosity. Even in the short time they had been together Sarah Jane had begun to become more social even through her issues of trust.<br><br>She waited then for Vince to return, sitting by the phone, she was becoming anxious but at least she did not just disappear this time.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>30-11-2011, 02:08:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Vince swung his truck into the parking space by his apartment. Quickly he put the gear into park and took the keys out of the ignition to slam the door behind him running from the car and hitting a button to lock the door while he headed to the door of the building. It was a standard wooden door that he needed a key to unlock. That key was out and ready to be used on the door to get him in the building. In a few fast seconds there he was at the door jingling the keys as he pushed it into the lock to pull it open where he was in the plaza that had elevators on the far side with the door to the stairs being located along the right wall to the left of the guard that was on duty.<br><br>All seemed to be well with the guard as he nodded to Vince as he came in. Larry was the name that was written on the badge and it was someone that Vince had done a huge favor long ago so it was safe to say that they were at the very least friendly. Knowing the guard on duty gave Vince a sense of security but it still did not mean that supernaturals could not simply just make their way past him to get to his apartment to get to Sarah Jane.<br><br>By the time that he made it across the room he was walking, not jogging or running he was just walking across the room to where the elevator was. Deep breaths were taken in to calm himself down to allow himself some thought as the elevator made its way down to where he was. Its doors opened and he stepped inside. At the moment he was just wearing a black leather jacket, gray shirt and jeans. Without gear he was going to be on his own with an axe that he was sliding down his right coat sleeve. It was a smaller axe than his full one but it was going to be good enough he hoped.<br><br>When the doors opened there was...nothing. Not a single ghoul or zombie was in sight. It was just your standard hallway. Vince shook his head and walked to his apartment door knocking on it. “Sarah Jane, it is me, Vince. And the reason that we ever traveled down this road was that Horlicks peed on the boot of my uniform.” 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>01-12-2011, 19:03:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sarah Jane was indeed looking more than a little tense when Vince returned, his voice had made her anxious though she was not quite sure what it meant that he was getting his powers back, but from the look of him the man was concerned about it. Which in turn made her feel troubled, indeed the girl wanted to understand what she was and why she had been given these ‘powers’.&nbsp; <br><br>She went and got Vince a hot drink and made herself a brew as well, she did have to smile a little at the comment about Horlicks. “Vats lacky of samfing, oh no a bird shittin on is lacky…not sure about dog piss.<br><br>&nbsp;“I got same dinner ready…” There was a pause.&nbsp; “Look I really don’t know what is fackin’ goin’ on.” Her dark eyes looked up to his, “Can yah tell me ve staff I need ta bloody know.” <br><br>Sarah Jane still bore some of the injuries from the various scrapes that had happened during the horror she had experienced. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>03-12-2011, 02:12:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I have my powers back and from the way I am looking at you right now, you do too." Vince had activated his Second Sight when he saw her and he could tell just like before that she was more than a mortal she was a hunter just like he was. Something must have happened here on Earth for him to have gotten his powers back. And unlike Carrie, he could not hear the call of the Messengers. So he had no real explanation that was going on with him. All he knew was that he was a hunter again which could only mean that there were now supernaturals that they had to defeat.<br><br>"If we have our powers back we have the whole problem of having to deal with supernaturals again along with figuring out what is the cause of all of this. That is all I know Sarah Jane." Vince took his hot drink and sat at the table sipping at his tea that he had begun to drink ever since Sarah Jane had arrived in his apartment.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>09-12-2011, 23:07:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<br>Sarah Jane bit her lip and then scratched her before drinking more of her tea, she had even given Horlicks a cuppa too. As the dog preferred that, over her namesake drink. She certainly looked very troubled with her brow so furrowed. It was then the young hunter drew her legs up a little protectively. Not of course from Vince, for he had been nothing but a gentleman, a paragon of virtue, but it was from the words he spoke.<br><br>“Yeah fink vey will blaady cam after as…yeah fink vey will be like vem ones we had ta&nbsp; fight last fackin’ time.” Almost as if in memory of the encounters Sarah Jane rubbed her wounds. “Do yeah know anyfing about vese …” she struggled to find the words “creatures will be like…” Another question passed her lips after slurping down the rest of her tea. “Do yeah know anyone vat might know, look I am fackin’ scared now.” That much was obvious as the tension passed over her slight body. She was still looking rather skinny but at least a little healthier than when Vince had first met her. Thanks to him and his good will of course<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>17-12-2011, 05:59:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I have no idea what these creatures are like but I know that I will my best to help you and those that are going to be put in danger by all of this." Vince told her as he held the cup of tea in his hand with it not all that close to his face yet it was going to be easy for him to just to take a drink of the hot wonderful liquid. Vince was thinking of all of the things that were going to be necessary to prepare to fight on the level that he had fought on last time. It was going to be complicated and he had a lot of investigation to do.<br><br>"Do not worry Sarah Jane. You know that I will keep you safe with all that I can give." Vince gave her a serious look as those words spilled from his lips that showed that he truly meant all that he was saying to her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>21-12-2011, 22:44:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<br>The slight young woman swallowed hard again and then took another drink from her tea, she so hated to show fear of any sort but it was hard to get anything past Vince. The fireman seemed to understand her in many ways, perhaps like her Nan had, because little got past that woman.<br><br>Though Sarah Jane had not known Vince for so long they had indeed been through a lot and had to learn to trust watch other and protect each other, and yes this street rat did trust the man a good deal. Trust was not something she gave readily, neither was what she did next. <br><br>Approaching carefully she then put down her cup on the table and knelt beside Vince embracing his legs and resting her head in his lap relishing the warmth and the security her brought. she had never really felt so close to anyone human since the passing of her grandmother, certainly SJ had nover been so physically close to any male in her life.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>24-12-2011, 20:51:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Vince had not expected the move that Sarah Jane had done with her resting her head on his lap. He was not sure what he could do to react to it. All of it had been so unexpected along with a time that he knew that he had to use to comfort her before they were going to have to deal with conflict. A conflict that there was no telling that they were going to come back from it. A cringe nearly passed through his form at the thought that he was going to be coming in contact with beings that could kill him. His fingers came up to brush up along the back of her neck to her hair that he ran his fingers across and through her hair.<br><br>"Sarah Jane, it will be alright." Vince looked down at her with a slight smile on his face. With all they had been through together, he had made it a point to let her know that she was taken care of and this was just another one of those times. To his knowledge, no one knew the future but he just hoped that in it he was always going to keep her safe, even if it cost him dearly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>26-12-2011, 21:32:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sarah Jane felt his touch on her neck and in her hair, normally shying from contact from males in general. The advances of her mother’s boyfriend after the death of her grandmother and then the streets had caused this. Though she had managed to prevent anything to dark happening it had left its mark upon her.<br><br>Some how Vince was very different, his touch did not make her skin crawl, it was not grasping or dirty. His voice too offered confidence. She did not know the fear he himself was feeling, though perhaps there was a little tension in his body. It did feel strange to have someone that cared for her again, and was not out to gain something or use her for some favour, because favours cost.<br><br>No this man was genuine, he seemed selfless, and there were so few people out there like that. She remained here and her hand came up and rested on his leg for a short time then briefly brushed his fingers tentatively before returning. “Fank ya.” The girl said quietly, “We’ll make it awight..we fackin’ did last time.” Some how being here made that world that Sarah Jane had found by accident less frightening.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>08-01-2012, 10:34:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His fingers touched hers and then held her hand in appreciation. The look and the feeling that he was getting from her was that she was still a little scared about all that had happened last time with having them have to deal with things that were much more above their abilities by themselves but something that that could deal with if they were together. His hold on her hand gripped the fingers softly as if to exchange some of his courage to the girl. "We will."<br><br>Vince was as selfless as he could be for those in need. Nothing was ever expected of Sarah Jane in their little living arrangement, all that she had taken on had been her choice. There was going to be no forcing her into anything for he expected that was something that she had gone through all her life. That was not going to be a be something he was going to contribute to. She could very well lead a normal-ish life if someone helped her back onto a more proper path than the one that she had been thrown on so far. Vince held this hope for her.<br><br>But it was not something that he was going to be able to act on at this moment. Craziness had once again wandered its way into their lives. The only two people who were able enough to deal with it were just as worried as to what was to come as the man on the street. Yet at least this time they knew there was a storm coming, so hopefully that was going to help them.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>08-01-2012, 23:54:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The young woman was struck by the gentle touch of the mans hand, and her thumb ran around his palm, half remembering a nursery rhyme her Nan had sung to her in her days as a child about the Teddy Bear in a garden. Though there was courage in his voice she did sense that much of it was for his behest as hers. Thus her action was in her own way trying to comfort him.<br><br>“Vere are fings we …we need ta do…” Sarah Jane turned her head to look into his eyes, hers were dark and deep, “She continued to run the rhyme in her head and it almost made her smile with the memory. “Local papers and vat shite…” She seemed to be spinning a yarn twisting a thread with in her mind as her other hand rested upon his thigh.<br><br>“And ven well ya work in voss fackin’ parameics fing, looking in ve ‘ospital maybe. I don’t know,” she paused and took a slow breath, still enjoying the contact, “I still know same folks on ve street, vey trast me, and we all see fings, bat cant go tell no one? Everyone finks we are druggies and scam.” Sarah Jane knew she was not good at this, and why she had been chosen for these powers beggared belief.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>10-01-2012, 18:52:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"You are right, we do have things to do. But you are not allowed to go into the streets alone. First we will go the safer routes before we head down there. I know you have connections but there is still a gang war brewing." Vince knew that the streets had not all been left the same way after all that had gone on with the Slicers and the mob trying to figure out who exactly had been killing their people. The safer channels were to be worked out first before they stepped out into a gang war that was either beginning or already occurring.<br><br>Vince touched his hand across hers as he started to shift, digging his hand in his pocket for his cellphone. In all that had happened he had become friends with the local coroner. The phone began to ring, all that Vince was waiting on was for James to pick up. A few seconds later he did. Vince asked him if there were any more strange deaths. James said that he had got all the usual with nothing out of the ordinary, but if he got something strange on his table then he was going to call Vince back.<br><br>"Well there has been no weird deaths yet. We will get a call if that changes. Now we will check out the local papers since they would know about strange occurrences." Vince gave her a smile as he ran his hand through her hair. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>13-01-2012, 02:19:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“Yah know all ve fackin’ best people don’t ya..” Sarah Jane gave a small chuckle as Vince suggested his he had a coroner as a contact. Even as she laughed though he felt the young woman’s body relax yet further as he ran his fingers through her soft hair. She even seemed to make some small noises as he continued his actions.<br><br>Her hand , or rather her fingers continued to trace circled on Vincent’s thigh, but then it moved a little and traced a pattern up to his face as she moved from having her head on his lap to her sitting up now. The touch of his face with those long fingers was a little uncertain to start and then Sarah Jane started to trace the patterns there, to feel them, she closed her eyes taking them in. As the street rat felt she was breathing …or rather sharing his air…<br><br>“We … we should look ven?” Ya know I would be alright on ve streets…I was vere fer…fer a while. A blaady long while…” She bent a little more into his hand and let out a little noise that was almost imperceptible. SJ was not sure what she was feeling but her stomach was churning or rather it was fluttering, she was unsure what was happening. However the one thing the girl did know was that she like the scent of Vincent, his smell did not frighten her.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>15-01-2012, 20:44:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He liked Sarah Jane's touches, they seemed to be so soothing as they drifted across his body from his thigh all the way up his body to his chest and then his face. He gave her a nice smile as his fingers drifted from her hair down the back of her neck to her spine where he was rubbing very softly. "I care about you, Sarah Jane. And I get worried about you when I am away. I worry even more so when you go out on the streets with all of the types that I know are dangerous." He spoke in a soothing tone as his fingers of his right hand continued to massage and rub their way down her spine and across her back.<br><br>There was a comfort in this and probably a little more, Vince was not all too sure about his exact feelings at the moment, all he was sure of was that he enjoyed looking into her eyes as he touched her in a loving manner, caring for her in any way that he could. Sarah Jane was a beautiful woman, now that she had been cleaned up but it was not her beauty that was making him feel so relaxed, it the fact that he was getting to know her and have her be there when he needed her support just as much as she needed his.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>15-01-2012, 22:25:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Vincent’s touch and his caresses upon her back made Sarah Jane wriggle a little not only was it making her stomach flutter but was making her very warm, and even warmer in places that she might not like to mention. He seemed to know where to touch her, and it made the young woman a little embarrassed. The mans words were gentle and somehow like sleep, like feather down and gossamer upon her mind and body.<br><br>It was then that Sarah Jane leaned up, licking her lips again, “Don’t worry …too mach it …it aint like …well I ‘ave been in ve streets.. fer like forever…” By now her lips were close to Vincent’s, she was afraid of the rejection yet just felt the need to try even if the girl was certainly no expert. With that her lips brushed his, they were soft and warm, like her breath, almost something made of dreams.&nbsp; Yes Sarah Jane did the impossible and kissed a man.<br><br>More than that though her hands that had been stroking his face and caressing his neck moved down again and on slipped beneath Vincent’s shirt&nbsp; almost needing to have nothing not even cloth between them. Though her fingers were rough Sarah Jane’s touch was soft and tender.&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>17-01-2012, 05:22:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Vince had not been expecting for what happened when Sarah Jane pressed her lips to his in a very innocent and inexperienced kiss, but Vince did not mind that or the touches of her hand that were grazing their way across his body. A strong hand came to the back of her neck touching along it softly while at the same time pressing her forward into Vince’s lips that were now gripping and kissing her back as he held her softly,&nbsp; not keeping her there in any way but just encouraging her to continue. <br><br>After a long and rather heavy kiss, he broke it to just look at her, his eyes staring all across her&nbsp; face to see if his eyes could look passed the flesh to see her thoughts on those features of hers. “Sarah Jane?” Breathy and a little unsteady was the best way to describe the voice of the man that all through this time had been her protector, her friend. Now, she and him had experienced much more than he was used to or had even expected from her. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>17-01-2012, 09:48:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The look upon Sarah Jane’s face was some how far less feral and somehow more feminine. Certainly she was not guarded and the walls she had built for years were crumbling now.&nbsp; She kissed him again this time perhaps a little less tentatively though still with inexperience, her lips were parted a little more though and they were certainly soft. <br><br>She returned his words repeating his name twice between the kiss as her fingers continued to trace the curves and lines of Vincent’s chest and stomach, her own breathing was a little uneven and along with his name those small noises of what appeared to be pleasure escaped her lips.<br><br>Her other hand then slipped around to caress his back,&nbsp; “I aint never dan….dan…vis…” It was then that the young woman kissed him again. Vincent could feel the heat from her <br>&nbsp;body now, he felt a little of her nervous excitement as she explored him.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>20-01-2012, 19:38:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Knowing where this was headed took no rocket scientist for with the motions of those soft, probing fingers all along his body with the soft kisses during it. Sex was not something that he had ever thought he would do with Sarah Jane for most of the time he had not seen her in a sexual context, especially in the beginning. All he saw her as was someone that needed his help and support. But over time that changed and he saw her as his non-sexual companion that was in a way like a housewife to him. To think that it would ever get this far was a little beyond his expectations but it was not something that he rejected or shunned. In fact, he wanted this, to be with her, and to be able to love her the way that they both seemed to want to.<br><br>Strong fingers gently touched the bottom of Sarah Jane’s shirts, grabbing onto it in order to lift it up across her body and then over her head if she would oblige him. “I will guide you.” Soft lips touch hers as he pulled her into another deep kiss, his tongue finding its way into her mouth to twist and touch along hers. Those same fingers found their way to her right breast massaging and groping it as he kissed her. Their touch was soft as they felt along her flesh, teasing it and tempting it into an excited state.<br><br>His lips pulled from the kiss to tell her, “You are so beautiful Sarah Jane. So wonderful in every way.” His thumb and forefinger were now pressed against her nipple, lightly twisting and rubbing it.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>21-01-2012, 00:47:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Now that her top was removed without any effort Vincent could see just how slight Sarah Jane was he could also see and feel the scars not only from recent events but from much of her life, he still that pale skin held an innocence to it. Pale and soft nothing like the mask that he had so often seen, this was her and it would be her exposed completely to him and not only physically. His words were kind but Sarah Jane had never considered herself beautiful. <br><br>However he was making her feel that way, as his tongue found hers there was a slight tension of her body and then she relaxed again, trusting Vincent, her own tongue joined his though her dance steps were certainly those of a novice. Even as they kissed Vincent heard and felt her small noises that only became more apparent and urgent as he started to massage her breast. It was small certainly but her nipples were hardening, pink like cherries or rose buds ripe for the plucking.<br><br>She arched her back though continued to caress Vincent’s body learning about it with each passing moment. Feeling a heat between her legs and a moistness there, was only making the experience more intense. Her nipples almost ached as did other places in her body. Though not wishing to break from the passionate kiss Sarah Jane had to for air and to ask….<br><br>“Wot shud I…” Her hands continued to caress him and now she had removed his upper clothing. Her lips found Vincent’s neck and then his face and then finally his mouth once more. Then between more fervent kisses that were eager but without experience. “Do…we…bed..?” She was gasping as this man toyed with those sweet pink nipples. Her panties were now very wet and Vincent was aware of the scent of Sarah Jane’s arousal.&nbsp; The young woman tugged a little at his trousers there was a fear but also she wanted it yes ashe wanted this so much.<br><br>“Please…I aint…ant goin’ ta be any good…” Of course she wanted to be.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>05-02-2012, 12:06:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Vincent adjusted himself rather quickly after her statement making it so that he was going to be able to hold her length wise, from there his left hand came under her knees while the other came behind her back and he lifted her as if she was lighter than a feather. Defined, well worked muscles were to thank for that as well as for his day to day job. "Yes, my dear Sarah Jane, we will be going to bed, and I am going to make love to you." Unnecessary words that yet felt the urge to be spoken to convey just the feelings that were running through his body and mind. When it was done, they were already on the move to the bedroom where after this was going to be where they both slept instead of her or him.<br><br>All of this time that they had shared their lives and each other with one another, it only felt natural that if they were going to take the next step that at the very least they share a bed. A bed that in a few moments was immediately before them, it was a simply one with a green comforter and pillow cases that were not all that ornate by any means, they were quite plain in fact. It was King size so it was more than enough to fit two comfortably, and it was made out of a top layer of memory foam to make the bed extra comfortable.<br><br>Vincent carried her over to the bed and placed her down upon it, his fingers coming to the sides of the shorts that he wrangled off her legs showing off her wet panties to him. Just seeing how wet she was made his cock twitch a little in his own pants. Strong, thick fingers reached for those too, with them meeting the same fate as the shorts with being haphazardly being discarded to the floor. "Now, darling since this is your first time, it is best that we get you overly lubricated for what is to come." He pulled her legs to the end of the bed as he leaned down, his tongue sticking out to meet along her sex licking from the edged of her lips to her clit tasting her tangy but sweet juice.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>05-02-2012, 23:02:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As Vincent picked up the slight hunter he could feel the warmth from her body and the quickening beat of her heart, she was both nervous yet excited, somehow it felt so natural though, it felt right, so right. Of course she was afraid that perhaps she might do something wrong, but somehow, her mind was becoming less worried about such things, as he lay her down on the bed.<br><br>As both her shorts and then her panties were removed Sarah Jane began to tense a little and gasp, even more so when he gently brought her to the edge of the bed.&nbsp; He could see that although still rather too thin at least the young woman was putting on weight, and her hips and ribs were not so pronounced.&nbsp; Closing her thighs for a moment of shyness she then let out another noise of pleasure as Vincent eased them open revealing her already glistening lips. What he did next was certainly not something she expected. The mans words were lost on her as his tongue found her soft lips. <br><br>More noises passed from her mouth they were gasps of pleasure and excitement, her whole body tensed as he found her clitoris that was already becoming warmer and was hardening. Slowly her slim thighs parted more, and those lips darkened and started to open a little, almost unfurl like a rose.<br><br>Her back arched and Sarah Jane did not know what to do, her hips bucked a little and her hands clutched onto the bedding and grasped the bed not knowing what to do. She spilled a little onto Vincent’s mouth, not knowing whether it hurt or it was pleasure. Those small cherry like nipples darkened too and became yet harder too. Feeling as if she was burning inside Sarah Jane let out a loud cry, wanting to know what to do but barely able to think or even speak. Her whole body was glistening. <br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>09-02-2012, 11:30:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Vincent continued to know so much more about her bodily reactions than she did, but seeing her reactions really made him smile. Soft wet flesh of his tongue passed over her sensitive sex once more as he pushed in closer, adding a sucking sensation to the licking, getting much more of her juice than he was before. At first his tongue was slow in its passage over her sex and along her clit, but as the seconds continued, the passage of it quickened. His strong hands gripped her body to pull her ever closer, pushing himself into very close contact with her sex. Arousal was about all he could smell as he licked and sucked at her sex, wanting to please her, taste her, and make her into a woman in a very short while.<br><br>His dick strained in his pants, wanting to come in contact with the sex that he was he kissing and tasting, yet he had the restraint to hold himself back from doing such a thing to her. All of this preparation was going to make the moment all the sweeter when he moved inside of her. Even though it was going to really have no taste, it was more the idea that both of them were going to enjoy themselves instead of making it so very one sided as some men tended to do with their actions. Time and time again Vincent showed that he was not one of the typical men that did not care about his partner. Care for your partner's mind, body and soul was something that he highly valued and in his opinion, it was the only proper way to have sex.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>09-02-2012, 23:47:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sarah Jane was writhing on the bed now, her hips bucked against Vincent and the she moved again not knowing what to do. Her mind and conscious though process was only partly there, as he continued to pleasure her and bring her to climax. The girl was gasping and crying out all in pleasure. Her hands grasped the bedding as yet another cry spilled from her mouth. Just as more of her juices spilled into his mouth.<br><br>“Please…” Sarah Jane cried out again as his mouth worked upon her, she opened yet further for him filling his mouth with her arousal.&nbsp; The girl kept crying out and moving against him. She was indeed very wet and very eager, and with each movement her small breasts bounced a little.<br><br>She continued to grasp at the bedding, her mind now barely with her as it was clouded with pleasures that she had never felt before. “Please….” She cried out again and then started to moan once more.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>18-02-2012, 10:11:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sarah Jane was clearly inexperienced by the way that she was moaning and writhing under the touches of his tongue and lips. Her reactions told him that her body was not all that used to the pleasures of things. Extra gentle was most likely the way to go since there were going to be a whole spectrum of new feelings in the process of their coupling none of which he wanted to make unpleasant. So Vincent was going to ensure that he kept her fragile nature in mind, though it was not characteristic of him to be too rough anyway, however the loss of virginity was a big deal. It was something that was meant to be cherished and treasured. Something that was in no way given lightly to another individual. Respect for that was important on his part.<br><br>Vincent moved his head away from her rather slick sex at this point, usually he would have licked her clean but she needed the juice for what was to come. "Now, Sarah Jane before we begin, do you want any extra lube, a pain pill, or something that will make things a little easier on you? I am not going to hurt you, I promise you that but I need to know if there any other precautions that you want me to take beforehand?" By now he was fully standing with his a bit more than average sized male member in full view. His mind was still in the middle of passionate feelings for Sarah Jane, he just wanted to be careful was all.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>18-02-2012, 10:51:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sarah Jane’s thighs were completely parted revealing her wet lips and unfurling folds and a slightly exposed clitoris. She could barely hear Vincent’s words to her. She felt like she was somewhere else, her mind was as burning almost as much as her heated sex. Her hands still gripped on the bedding as he spoke to her. Wriggling a little Sarah Jane moaned again, “Please…” Looking at the way her opened lips were dripping it was unlikely she would need more lube, however she might need a little gentleness perhaps from a finger or maybe two.<br><br>It was then that the young woman saw it, it was not the first she had seen in her life, but this one for some reason did not frighten her, it did not scare her, this was not a weapon it was something to cherish and something Sarah Jane wanted in her body, deep inside her.<br><br>One of her hands reached out to touch his shaft, it was tentative but slowly it did become more confident as her fingers explored him, “Please…” were the words that spilled from her mouth, there was another gasp and a swallow “inside me…please.” She was obviously aroused and excited but nervous too, “Kiss me?” that was followed by the long slow words filled with warmth and passion. “Make love to me…”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>22-02-2012, 02:35:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				To expect a virgin to touch the thing that was due to take her innocence was not something that he would have ever expected. Vincent took a long moment of just standing there, letting her touch him and he to experience her hands running along his firm member that was just awaiting to feel her around it. Her words were telling her that she wanted him in the same way that he wanted her. Still there was a hesitation on his part since he needed to not hope, but to guarantee that she was ready for it. If at any point she did not want it, he was not the type to continue, he would stop and leave their relationship as close to intimacy but something that she was not yet ready for.<br><br>Vincent wanted her, feeling more than ready to handle her, her tortured past, and the unsure future that was going to proceed from this. He was ready, he was a knight that had been without his queen for a long time. Carrie had been a bright spot in his life but she left him to go do better things with entities that were beyond the scope of his comprehension. Between them, there was no anger or resentment. He understood so he let her go. Now here he was presented with another chance to be happy, so he was going to take it, but only if it was wanted, not if it was something she felt obligated to do.<br><br>"Why do you want this? I need to know before we proceed." A look appeared on his face that was serious and composed. His arousal did not diminish and he knew that maybe they had gone too far already, but he needed to know or else this was going to end long before this was even going to begin.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>22-02-2012, 10:28:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sarah Jane continued to gasp a little and make noises of pleasure, they had sweetness almost an innocence about them, yet occasionally they had the edge of need. Certainly her body appeared ready and wanting. Her thighs were wide , her sex unfurled and darkened. Those slender hips moved again, bucked a little. The noises of pleasure mingled then with the scent of Sarah Jane’s arousal. Her hand continued to caress and explore his member, becoming less afraid of it, and knowing that she wanted it within her. “Please…will …will it ‘urt…” After all it did seem rather large.<br><br>“Please…show me….whot ya…want….” Her body looked a little frail, she was small and slight, yet everything about it along with her pleads and her exuding femininity was or at least seems to be filling the room.<br><br>It was then he asked the question of her, Sarah Jane moaned again as her foggy brain registered it.&nbsp; “Why…” she took another breath feeling the heat between her legs as she continued to stroke his shaft. “I feel it…need ta be joined…I….I… fink…lave…burns in aver places. Please…let me be wif ya… everyfing want ta be …ta be like one.”<br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>23-02-2012, 01:27:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Vincent took a long stride backward making it so that she was not going to be able to touch his shaft any longer even though it longed for the feel of her fingers. Due to having more experience than her, he understood how to control those urges even in a sexual context, but from the looks and reactions of her body, that was something that she did not yet possess. Running his foot along the floor, he felt the fabric of his pants, he bent over and picked them up. What had occurred up to this point was a mistake, Vincent should not have done what he did, yet his urge for connection had nearly led him to take the virginity of an innocent. Darkness was not always in the hearts of monsters and evil men, sometimes darkness can exist even in the best of hearts.<br><br>Motivation coming from the acts of the body and yearnings of the heart were what the darkness was born from and made stronger by. Vincent was not the type of people to follow along with the darkness. He was a warrior for the light, so to take the innocence of this poor girl just because he wanted her was not right of him.&nbsp; The hard thing that had come so close to taking her virginity was placed into the pants and locked away with a zipper. Tonight was not the night that she was going to become a woman, at least by Vincent's hands.<br><br>Things had already progressed too far already, he was not going to force her to make the ultimate sacrifice. His deep eyes looked at her with a meaningful stare, a look that almost seemed sad. "I am sorry, Sarah Jane." Nothing other than that could be said, he knew she most likely was going to be confused, and she was going to beg to quench her urges, but all she was going to be met with was a look of deep concern. He reached over and placed the covers of the bed over her. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>23-02-2012, 12:38:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As his member was removed from her and he stepped away Sarah Jane did take some time to register what had gone on, what had just happened. He had been playing with her, toying with her mind, and that hurt so much she trusted him she loved him, she wanted him to be the first because of the sensations more than sexual that she had grown to feel when she was around him. He made her feel like worthless trash now, like some two bit whore that he could not bring himself to sleep with, to lie with. The girl did not notice the concern on his face for now she felt so hurt and in some ways betrayed, even though of course he was only trying to protect her.<br><br>Flinging the cover off she pulled herself out of the bed and grabbed her clothes putting them on even as she made her way to the door, Sarah Jane said nothing neither would she look at Vincent her eyes were welling up with tears, as she finally pulled on her shirt. Whistling to Horlicks, she headed for the door, grabbing her coat. The rest of her things could be left here. SJ threw the spare key down …<br><br>She would not cry until she was out of the building, would not let him see how he had hurt her and how stupid she had been to fall for what she thought was a wonderful and caring man. What pained Sarah Jane most was that she did love him, did want to be with him, but he like so many people including her mother had rejected her.<br>&nbsp;<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>24-02-2012, 01:32:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Vincent felt like she had struck him harder than any blow he could have taken by any monster or human alike. That slam of the door was like the dropping of an axe on him. And for a few long moments, he looked at the door before he actually grabbed his shirt off the floor. Part of the reason for his movement was that the chalk that acted as a barrier to his apartment was glowing, and for all of his knowledge, glowing chalk was never a good sign. The war axe that hung off the wall by the fireplace that was in his place was quickly grabbed. Vincent was not going to let her die, he was not going to lose her because the darkness was doing its best to get him back for his rejection of its notion.<br><br>His boots were slipped on and tightened as he stumbled out into the hallway. He slammed the door behind him, looking out into the hallway as his Second Sight activated seeing that there had been something that was out here not too long ago, but not exactly the same time that SJ was. It was here earlier than that, traces of energy were in the form of footsteps that were in one fixed place in front of his door as if whatever it was, it had stood there for a bit. Now SJ was out in all of this without any kind of protection. If he was cursing himself before, he definitely was now.<br><br>Anything and everything that stood in his path between her and him was going to die regardless of how powerful it was. He was not going to let her down in this one aspect, he had told her that he would protect as a part of his family and he was not going to let her down even if he had to make the ultimate sacrifice in the process. He rushed from the area just outside of his apartment to the stairs running down them as he began his search for her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>27-02-2012, 01:18:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sarah Jane was gone, not only ws she fast but she was also a slippery one, she was upset and did not want to be found. The girl knew all the places to hide, and how to hide well enough at least so she thought. Kicking herself for the fact that she had left in such a temper, not so much she had left as it was obvious in her opinion exactly what Vincent thought of her, but she had left with no clothing save that which she had on her back, and it was likely to be a cold night, also it was unlikely that there would be spaces in any of the hostels tonight.<br><br>Two days had passed by now and Vincent had heard nothing thus far, from either the hostels or the police, the girl had obviously wanted to remain hidden, and very hidden. The point was she had been doing it for years. <br><br>Then he got the call, being in the fire service gained many advantages with the police, and now was one of those times. The call said that they had found a girl fitting the description in the local hospital. She had a dog with her which was at a local veterinary surgery. He was given the details of both places though no more information than that. Except that the girl would not speak to anyone&nbsp; and not even give her name. <br><br>Sarah Jane drifted in and out of consciousness from the medication that they had given her to sedate her. It felt as is she was floating some of the time and the rest of it as if she wanted to vomit. It didn’t hurt any more or at least not at the moment, though her body felt so numb.<br><br>The truth was she wanted out of here and wanted Horlicks back.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>27-02-2012, 20:59:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				To find out that she was in a hospital after two days of having to run around town looking for her was not a good way to find her. Hell it had nearly killed him to file her as a missing person but he had to. Now she was where the cops knew her to be, knowing that she was an immigrant. He could nearly hear the shuffle of papers as they prepared to deport her. Vince was not going to let that happen, which is why since he had called the cops he had a family heirloom in his possession. On his way to the hospital, he called the vet telling them to fix up Horlocks and that he was going to pay the bill later but if they so much as thought of putting that dog down they would have hell to pay. Getting a threat from a man like Vince in this moment was enough to make them agree.<br><br>His truck was parked out on the lot followed by a quick slamming and locking of his door. Vince nearly ran across the parking lot in a full sprint making it to the doors of the hospital in no time. He knew the place quite well so he knew where she was going to be, also they had told him on the phone her room number. So to the room he went finding two cops by the doorway who stopped him from entering even though one of his hands was already on the door pressing it open. This meant that she was going to hear what was going to keep her here in this country and ever closer to him.<br><br>"Let me in, she is my fiancee."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>28-02-2012, 10:18:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sarah Jane was lying there on the bed, she appeared unconscious, so if she heard the words nothing was indicated. She did look very small and vulnerable, without her usual attitude, even the hospital gown seemed to drown her. Her face was bruised one eye was extremely swollen as were her lips. One arm was in a cast and she was on a drip.<br><br>She didn’t appear to respond though perhaps the girl did indeed hear&nbsp; what was said, though she did not make any indication of it. Apparently the girl was sedated, also one hand was cuffed for the moment as she was an illegal immigrant. <br><br>A nurse came in and added more medication to the drip, she looked at Vincent, she was a woman in her late fifties and did not look as if she stood for nonsense.&nbsp; “So you are the fiancé yes? The Doctor will be with you soon then to discuss her injuries as will the police, there are certain matters that need to be dealt with.”<br><br>Sarah Jane let out a few noises and moved slightly and the nurse checked the IV as she did her gaze returned to Vincent. “And who or what is Horlicks? I realise it is a malt drink …but…”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>01-03-2012, 01:34:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I figured that they would. Can you tell me what all happened to her to leave her like this?" Vincent was worried that the creature that had been standing outside of his apartment the other night when she had left was the cause of it, for he had been having trouble finding it. From what Nathaniel had told him, it was a demon type that could whisper things into people's subconsciousness manipulating them into performing certain actions, such as this case lust. He thought that all of the freaks had been dealt with when the last messenger had been dealt with but they did have that resurgence of their powers which meant that there was something going on. All of this had seemed to be a distract at the very least.<br><br>Vincent was going to have to solve that as soon as he could get her and Horlicks out of their respective hospitals. "We will get her in a bit, you need to rest Sarah Jane." He told her this as he came over to run his fingers through her hair, he looked down at her before he glanced back over to the nurse.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>01-03-2012, 20:38:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sarah Jane was not really aware of Vincent there, the truth be told she was not really aware of very much otherwise she would have broken her own wrist to get away. She seemed to move a little to his hand as he stroked her hair perhaps she heard his words too though it was difficult to say.<br><br>The nurse explained she was on a lot of medication so she might not respond too much. As for the most she was unconscious. “Might I ask sir as you say you are her fiancé, does she have an eating disorder. The doctor I am sure will ask you more I am sure.”<br><br>I was then the said doctor came in with a clip board, he looked young, stressed, overworked and underpaid. “So you are her fiancé yes?” He watched the way Vincent stroked her hair and calmed a little. “We need to speak, do you want to do it here or in my office?”<br><br>Sarah Jane made a couple more noises and was silent again. He gave the nurse some instructions and nodded then started to remove the coverings. The doctor then suggested that it would be best if they spoke in his office. Briefly Vincent saw dark bruising and bite marks before being lead from the room.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>10-03-2012, 07:54:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I do not know of any eating disorders that she had when she was living with me." He followed along with the doctor that was leading him to the doctor. "Stay there darling, I just need to talk to the doctors and I will be back." He saw the marks and the bruises that were on her body, she had been attacked that much was certain this was one of those times that he wished that she had his ability to basically regenerate from wounds at an alarming rate. But no, life was not fair like that, she was here stuck in a hospital bed on so many drugs that were clouding her perception of the world.<br><br>Whatever monster that had hurt her was going to pay dearly for what it had done to her, Vince was going to be very certain of that. His battleaxe sat in the truck ready to be used at a moment's notice. He followed along with the doctor to their office to talk about Sarah Jane's injuries and status. His hope was that it was not life threatening and that she was going to be better in a few days for her staying in the hospital made her a stationary target for the monsters. A position that was not going to be advantageous for either of them for she was not in a state to fight off anyone that was going after her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Senti</strong> on <strong>01-04-2012, 15:44:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I do not know of any eating disorders that she had when she was living with me." He followed along with the doctor that was leading him to the doctor. "Stay there darling, I just need to talk to the doctors and I will be back." He saw the marks and the bruises that were on her body, she had been attacked that much was certain this was one of those times that he wished that she had his ability to basically regenerate from wounds at an alarming rate. But no, life was not fair like that, she was here stuck in a hospital bed on so many drugs that were clouding her perception of the world.<br><br>Whatever monster that had hurt her was going to pay dearly for what it had done to her, Vince was going to be very certain of that. His battleaxe sat in the truck ready to be used at a moment's notice. He followed along with the doctor to their office to talk about Sarah Jane's injuries and status. His hope was that it was not life threatening and that she was going to be better in a few days for her staying in the hospital made her a stationary target for the monsters. A position that was not going to be advantageous for either of them for she was not in a state to fight off anyone that was going after her.<br><br>The Doctor lead Vince through to his office, it was tidy and well laid out with a large window behind his desk. “Please sit down sir.” The man gestured to a chair, “Now can I get you a cup of coffee perhaps?” He called through for one to be brought for himself anyway. “Now Sir I believe you said that you are her fiancé?” He did frown a little but did not mention about the fact she did look rather young. Often it was difficult to tell ages these days.<br><br>“Now the patient was brought in at approximately two: thirty AM, can you think of any reason that she would be out at that time? Due to the state of her clothing, we had to perform a rape kit however I believe if that was their intention, either they were disturbed or she fought them off?”<br><br>“Now at present her condition is stable, but I cannot in all consciousness send her out of here if there is no one to help take care of her. Now did you bring any form of identification? It should make things work more smoothly.”<br><br>“I also believe the police may wish to speak with her and possibly yourself.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Hunter: the Reckoning - IC Thread</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Swordsman18</strong> on <strong>06-04-2012, 11:26:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I proposed to her and she freaked out, running out of our home. I tried going after her and she was gone. That is why she was out so late." Vincent was lying but after having told the lie to so many people it nearly felt like the truth so it seemed very natural as he was saying it. He looked over to the doctor staring in his eyes to show that he was serious and that this matter was very important to him. "And I am not sure about the nature of the attacker, you would be the one that could tell me. I am just glad that she is safe."&nbsp; Vince then reached into his pocket to pull out his wallet and then his ID, handing it over to the doctor so that he would make things run smoothly as he had said that they would.<br><br>"I am her fiance, I will take care of her to the best of my ability. It is my duty as her possible husband, if she would have me as I have not gotten a clear answer from her yet as that is what spurred this all into motion." He smiled weakly and then looked down to the floor hoping for the best as this was a very complicated situation that soon the police were going to get involved and then it was going to make his life even more difficult.
			</dd>
		</dl>
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