[center][hider=Cast][img]http://i.imgur.com/9V7nZ19.jpg?1[/img] [img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/217175409903534080/310915267373039616/coollogo_com-32460972.png[/img] [/hider][/center] [center][h1][i]Judge and Jury[/i][/h1][/center] [center][h3][i]Part III, Hopkins Man[/i][/h3][/center] [center][b]Location: Shadow of the Moon Occult Curiosities – Chinatown, Lost Haven Time: 2 p.m., Day After the Attack on LHU[/b][/center] [hr] Madalena held up the phone, displaying the message to Charlie and Puck, her trembling fingers shaking the screen such that it was only just legible. She couldn’t tell if it was fear or excitement, but either way, it was difficult to contain. Entirely unsure of what to expect from the Witchfinder General, Maddi began assessing potential dangers, mind racing with thoughts of imminent harm and failed reconnaissance. Her last encounter with the Hounds hadn’t ended quite as amicably as she would have liked. The was no assurance that this time would be any different . . . well, except that Puck had promised her safety, but such a promise did little to calm her quaking nerves. [color=FFA07A]”We don’t have long,”[/color] Maddi let out an anxious sigh, [color=FFA07A]”Ol’ Witchfinder has given us the hour to haul ass to this address. We need to get the plan straight, fast.”[/color] Charlie squinted at the address. “[color=honeydew]This guy is expecting you to throw [i]someone[/i] under the bus to save your own neck. Do we know anybody we can give them a solid lead on? Some shithead that we can toss to the dogs without a problem?[/color]” Charlie suggested, then coughed into her fist. “[color=honeydew]Playing judge and jury on behalf of the Hounds feels pretty slimy, but… it’s us versus them.[/color]” She shrugged, “[color=honeydew]They’ve made that painfully clear. That address though is for an old flower shop here in Chinatown, I don’t remember seeing it open for the longest time though.[/color]” [color=A52A2A][b]”I believe I have just the scoundrel for the job . . .”[/b][/color] Puck eerily chimed in, closing in on the pair and lowering his voice, as if a mere utterance of the name would summon the owner’s presence. [color=A52A2A][b]”The Red Devil has long been in my possession, but it hasn’t always had a seat in Lost Haven. Some time ago, when the tavern was introduced to the city’s underworld, I met a magician named Phoebus. A Goetic Sorcerer by trade, well learned in the Arts of King Solomon. The Solomonic tradition is a noble one, but Phoebus sought certain pleasures not found in the Legemeton. He revelled in death, cherished the thought of it, longed to bath in mortal blood . . . particularly children. He asked my protection in exchange for his underwhelming powers. “I refused, of course. Though I’ve seen my fair share of infanticide, it wasn’t a profitable business decision at the time, and Phoebus had nothing of value. He ‘cursed’ The Red Devil, a pitiful jinx really, attempting to sap my wealth. I never got around to dealing with him, but I know he still calls Lost Haven home.”[/b][/color] Maddi shuddered at the thought. It was true that witchcraft and other systems of magic were littered with histories of human sacrifice and the slaughter of innocents. Such magic was generally considered taboo among most circles of magicians these days, but not all. She tried not to think about it. [color=FFA07A]”If a bastard like that is kicking around, I see no reason why he shouldn’t be reported, especially if he starts causing trouble for the city.”[/color] Madalena nodded in agreement, looking to Charlie for confirmation. The alchemist made a face at the description, “[color=honeydew]Christ, he sounds like he’ll fit the bill just fine. Yeah I have no problem, let’s drop his name for the General to chase. With that in mind, I want to prep a few things just in case things go sideways. Can I see your trash can?[/color]” [hr] [center][b]Location: Sweet Narcissus Flower Shop– Chinatown, Lost Haven Time: 2:48 p.m., Day After the Attack on LHU[/b][/center] [center][img]http://www.detroitfunk.com/2010images/may2010/DSC_5592.jpg[/img][/center] Sweet Narcissus had fallen into a state of disrepair after a string of Metahuman attacks along the street earlier in the year. In fact, many of the surrounding businesses had either moved to vacant locations elsewhere in Chinatown, or shutdown completely due to increased activity in meta crime; and the terroristic threats during Pax Metahumana didn’t help matters. Charlie and Maddi ducked behind a bus stop across the street, Puck moving silently in tow, invisible to all, even those gifted with Sight. Now was their chance to strategize. [color=FFA07A]”The Witchfinder’s likely expecting me to come alone,”[/color] Madalena whispered, mostly in fear that the General had eyes and ears on the flower shop. Then again, he was likely watching their every move since they left the store. [color=FFA07A]”Should we risk fussing things up by having you come in with me? I don’t want him to target you.”[/color] Madalena looked at Charlie with genuine concern. She trusted in Charlie’s abilities, but Maddi was concealing a spell that could save her from death. She wished she would have had the foresight to make more than one poultice. Charlie pursed her lips, having pulled a sweater to wear and hide everything she made inside it. Lining the sleeves were aluminum tubes full of salt, plastic shards, and copper. On the inside of the pockets she carried spools of magnesium and a borrowed packet of matches. She’d created a small face mask and pulled the hood up. Charlie gripped her staff, feeling more confident with her pockets full. “[color=honeydew]I’m terrified, but... [/color]” She squeezed her eyes shut. “[color=honeydew]It’s going to happen one way or another, I’m on their radar after yesterday. I can’t pretend because I wore a mask, they won’t see me with a staff and not put two and two together. So, I’m going with you.[/color]” “[color=honeydew]Can’t turn back now.[/color]” She gestured with her staff at the flower shop. Maddi nodded, hoping that Puck might have some encouraging words, but he was nowhere to be seen, observing from afar as usual. With caution, Madalena and Charlie tiptoed into the abandoned flower shop, the door creaking loudly on rusty hinges. Low beams of light shone under long, black drapes that looked recently hung. Dust swirled around their feet as they shuffled through the store. It was barren, devoid of any signs of life; no dusty or broken flower pots, no watering cans or garden decor, no withered flowers or crisp seed packets, nothing to indicate the nature of this once bustling business. Was this the right place? No escort arrived upon entrance, no armed security, nothing to suggest the Hounds had ever occupied this location. And then . . . “Come in . . .” a muffled voice crept over the empty stone, beckoning the duo to the center of the store. It was a harsh, gravelly sound that grated on their eardrums, sending a chill up their spines. Amidst a pile of shattered glass casing and fallen ceiling lie a walkie-talkie filtering the mysterious voice through layers of sharp static. Just as Madalena and Charlie leaned in to take a closer look, Hounds in dark body suits began to file through the front and back entrances, encircling the two, weapons held at attention. Soon after, a tall man in a long, draping coat and a wide brimmed hat entered, catching their attention. “I see you’ve brought a friend,” the same deep voice echoed through the store, spilling from beneath the brim of the stranger’s hat. “An unexpected turn of events. I thought it only fair to invite a few friends of my own.” He gestured to the crowd of Hounds, each roaring with laughter. It was yet unclear whether the General and his cohorts meant to harm Maddi and Charlie. “I had hoped you’d be more cooperative, Ms. Hawthorne. Instead, you mock my hospitality by showing me an abomination my men failed to slay once before. Or perhaps you bring her as a gift?” A coarse smile peeked out above the collar of the General’s coat. Madalena could make out the remnants of a scar on his upper lip and a very faint European accent, though it was difficult to place. Charlie straightened her shoulders, jutting her jaw out. Resorting to solid bravado, even at the sight of being surrounded, scared the living shit out of her. She rubbed the ground with the ball of her foot, slowly. “[color=honeydew]Talkin’ real tough for a bunch of cowards storming a university during the summer time where the volume of students was at its lowest.[/color]” “[color=honeydew]Who am I to talk, we’re a wiley bunch of abominations. Able to ruin your day by fucking around with a few towers.[/color]” Charlie said, a tap of her foot and one from her staff. “[color=honeydew]Anyway, we’ve got bigger fish to fry than little ole me. Right, Maddi?[/color]” [color=FFA07A]”R-right.”[/color] Madalena struggled to respond, clearing her throat and trying to latch on to Charlie’s brazen attitude. [color=FFA07A]”Right. You asked for information and I’ve got it, The Alchemyst is just an associate, an asset to you, just like me.”[/color] The General’s hat obscured most of his face, but Maddi could make out another sly grin. “Very well,” the Witchfinder amusedly acknowledged them. “I’ll allow this minor indiscretion [b]if[/b] I deem your insights a productive use of my time. So, what have you found?” Madalena could feel herself perking up. So far so good. [color=FFA07A]”A demonologist named Phoebus, nasty piece of work. He’s been skulking around Lost Haven for awhile now, responsible for a few missing kiddos late last year. He and a few of his lackies have been laying low on the waterfront. No clue what he’s been up to recently, but that doesn’t really matter to you, does it?”[/color] The General shook his head. “Very good, Ms. Hawthorne. If indeed this Phoebus is where you suggest, you’ll have proven your worth. But if not . . .” [color=FFA07A]”I know, you’ll burn me to a crisp.”[/color] Madalena interrupted, finally aware of the leverage she and Charlie held. The Hounds seemed to disapprove of her belligerence, murmuring to themselves, some moving in closer, but the General halted their advance. “That’s quite enough for today.” The General stepped forward, pacing around Charlie and Maddi a few times before gesturing to the exit. “You are free to leave, and as you know, we’ll be in touch.” “[color=honeydew]Yessir, anything you say.[/color]” Charlie replied, sarcastically giving a mock salute. Another tap of her foot, restabilizing the ground where they stood. “[color=honeydew]After you, Maddi.[/color]” The pair moved quickly from the flower store, heading back in the direction of Shadow of the Moon. [color=FFA07A]”That was . . . exhilarating!”[/color] Madalena exclaimed as they walked, unsure if that was the best reaction to their current predicament. The information provided by Puck was legitimate, meaning both Madalena and Charlie were now even more entangled with the Hounds of Humanity than before. Still, Maddi wished to revel in her small victories. [color=FFA07A]”We actually got away with that, can you believe it? Did you see the look on their faces when you sassed the General?”[/color] Charlie blushed considerably, moving the mask away from her mouth. “[color=honeydew]Terrifying, but I guess yeah a little shot of adrenaline without the gunfire. I really have no filter when I puff up my chest.[/color]” She replied sheepishly. “[color=honeydew]I’ll be taking some extra precautions to lose any assholes wanting to follow me home.[/color]” Rubbing her thumb across her staff she commented, “[color=honeydew]The General seems to be of a prideful sort, upset at my very presence reminding him he failed in some way. I’m surprised he showed himself at all, even though we didn’t see his face.[/color]” [color=FFA07A]”And THAT is exactly how we’re gonna put that bastard six feet under. Hubris is an ugly color on pretty much everyone. The Witchfinder won’t be coasting on waxy wings for much longer.”[/color] Returning to Shadow of the Moon, Madalena bid farewell to Charlie for the day, exchanging numbers to keep in touch and work out their plans for the next time the General knocked on their door. A strange business card also found its way into Charlie’s pocket upon departure, bearing a strange insignia and instructions for entering the demon tavern, The Red Devil.