Log:Trouble at Church II
From Champions MUSH
| Advances Plot: | |
| Trouble at Church | |
| Previous Scene: | Next Scene: |
| Trouble at Church I | Trouble at Church III |
| Contains Appearances by: | |
| Father Edward Laramie, Amber and Azure, Exodus, Rebound, Lightning,Father Murphy | |
| Log Date: | |
| None | |
Regent offers to take the PDA to the lab, "Jes, let me do the translation, you go talk to
Alex and Lightning, only you and I were there, she may have questions."
Alex says, "The ghost directed them to a small collection of news clippings and a data
file detailing the apparent accidental deaths of nineteeen children in all. Each was a
member in a church youth group."
Jessica nods to Matt, hands over the PDA and head back to Lightning and Alex.
Regent takes the PDA and heads for the computer lab.
Lightning nods, thoughtfully. "You have these clippings?"
Alex says, "The final death that of the ghost, a local boy named Timothy McQueen. The
deaths were spread across nineteen cities and fifteen states. And at each place, the
presense of two church officials ties the occurances together. I can forward you the
information if I could ah... if I could get your PDA number."
Regent gets to work on the translation..its slow going..
Jessica says, "I scanned them onto my PDA." She grimaces, "Which I just gave to Matt so he
can translate the letters. I'll go get the datadisk from him if it will help. That has
reports on all nineteen deaths."
Lightning smiles at Alex, and nods to Jessica. "Let it be, for the moment." She looks at
Jessica more closely. "I don't think we've met before? I'm Lightning."
Alex smiles looking down for a moment. "I've seen you flying through the air a couple of
times. I'm Alex. Alex Winters."
Jessica smiles. "No, we haven't met. But you once saved my sister from getting robbed in
the restroom at Spaceburgers, and I finally get a chance to thank you. I'm Jessica
Markham. English, as you can guess from my accent, and a student at the CBHS."
Lightning shrugs again, and her anatomy repeats its interesting little dance. "No thanks
are needed; I was just doing what seemed right." She pauses, and then goes on, "So,
this... revnant... is looking for revenge against the church officals?"
Jessica says, "I think he's a little boy looking for peace."
Regent returns from the computer lab.."I sent you the tranlations.." he pauses when he
sees lightning .."Um..yeah..anyway its done..Latin sucks."
Lightning smiles warmly at Regent. "Let's see what you've got?"
Regent ums.."You have a PDA?..I'll down load it for you."
Lightning reaches into the inside pocket of her jacket, and removes her PDA. She pauses.
"There are people who would pay a great deal of money for my private number. You have to
promise me that, if any of them approach you, you have to give me the chance to make a
counter-offer."
Alex checks his PDA and starts to read. "Jesus... do we know who wrote this?"
Regent shrugs.."I can only think the culprit.." he says.."No need, here bring me your PDA.
Lightning passes her PDA across to Regent with a smile.
Regent blushes at that smile.."Um..thanks.." he links their PDA's and downloads the files.
Regent gives the PDA back..."There you go..I don't need your number.." he says obviously.
Lightning accepts the PDA back, and leans back in her chair, perusing the information.
"Hmm," she pontificates.
Latin Translation: Dear God, please forgive me for my transgressions. They were so
innocent, so tender. Their lives were to be wasted. I saved them from that fate. They will
not live forever, as is your will. My brother will never understand, but he understands
your will my lord, and he has given me what is necessary to enact your will. Will this
never end my lord, will your will never be satisfied? The taste of these children are
temptations, ones I can hardly resist. I do these things in your name my lord.
Amen
Regent puts an arm around Jen.."What do you think?"
Lightning flips to the translation, and then back through the articles about the dead
children.
Jessica says, "I think someone has already lived too long. But I'm bound by my promise to
Random so I'll have to settle for exposing him. My guess, and it's only a guess, it the
Bishop is the killer and the priest is helping to cover it up. That ties in with the
Letter."
Lightning taps her manicured nails lightly on the edge of the table. "I'm not so sure,"
she murmurs. "Has anyone considered just going and talking to the Bishop? Where did this
note you translated come from?"
Alex says, "'They will not live forever, as is your will'... That sounds like the children
were spared from vampirism."
Regent nods.."Something strange about it."
Regent frowns.."More Vampires?..damn.." he looks at Jes, "We need to find these guys..the
bishops is a public figure as well..we need to make sure before we say anything."
Lightning clears her throat, and repeats, "Has anyone thought about simply going and
/talking/ to the Bishop?"
Alex looks over to Lightning. "Maybe it's best to start with the police." He looks to
Jessica. "I'm reminded of something that you've said -- if the deaths were assumed to be
accidents, it's possible that no autopsies were performed."
Alex says, "Hmm. No, but in the poisoning cases, there would have been workups done."
Regent nods, "Right..and talking to the P
Jessica nods. "We checked that Lightning. At least some of the bodies were given autopies
and the accidental verdict stood up. Now from personal expertise I can tell you that
getting murder past a pathologist is not a trival task. The priest is the weak link from
my reading of the translation. He's the one who is unhappy and may crack if a little
pressure is applied.
Regent nods, "Right..and talking to the bishop is the last thing I want to do. If he's
involved, we may be tipping our hand too soon, or he may feel threatened..it could be bad,
politics and religion, more dangerous than killer robots."
Lightning hmms. "You might want to start with the police... if nothing else, the
statistical correlation between these two men being present at /all/ these deaths is cause
for concern." She pauses. "Plus, you're all too old to act as bait."
Lightning says, "Anyway, I need to go." She looks at her watch, and slides her PDA back
into her jacket. "I have a shoot tonight.""
Regent nods.."Must be tough being so..busy."
Lightning smiles. "You have no idea how hard it is to be the idle rich," she teases. She
pushes back her chair, walks into the middle of the atrium, turns, and finger-waves as the
static builds invisible wind around her. She shoots upward, and is soon lost to sight.
Regent looks up again..the shot less clear than the entry..but still his neck is
cranned..he shakes his head and looks at the two.."Whats the plan then?"
Jessica says, "How about going and seeing if there's a Father Murphy at the church, and
talking to him if there is?"
Alex nods. "I think that's the next step."
Regent nods slowly.."I think its about as dangerous as talking to the bishop, but we've
got to start somewhere."
Alex says, "If we think that the Father is the one to write the note and collect the news
clippings... I think he might want it to end."
Regent nods, "Maybe..but he sounds as if he finds it a guilty pleasure.."
Jessica says, "Matt, Alex, think about the tone of that letter. If the Bishop was unhappy
about a priest he would have stopped it, yes. Whereas a priest who's unhappy about the activities of a Bishop isn't in the same position. My money is on the Bishop as the
killer."
Regent nods, "that makes a lot of sense."
Alex nods. "Yes, it does."
Regent nods, "I guess thats the next step...Who want's to tackle that?"
Alex says, "After we talk to him, we should be ready to follow him afterwards. It would be
nice to hack his PDA as well, but I don't think we have anyone who can do that anymore."
Jessica says, "How about... all of us?"
Regent looks embarassed.."Alex, I can probably do it.."
Alex says, "I think in costume is best. There's no telling what we'll be in for. Maybe
magic. I hate magic."
Regent nods.."Yeah..Magic is always a wildcard."
Alex grins at Regent. "Matt, my boy, I've got some work for you, then."
Regent nods, "Say the word man.."
Regent gives Jess a squeeze.."I'll be with you whenever you need me."
Jessica nods, "So when are we going to do this?"
Alex says, "Most of it's for the Creyman case. Any reason not to do it now?"
Jessica stands, "I'll go change and meet you across the street.
Alex says, "Jess, if you want, one of these days, I can outfit you with a special
quickchange suit."
Jessica chuckles, "That might be useful, although most times the problem is I'm in the
open when trouble starts. But all that means is I can't use my force harness or whip, and
they're helpful but not essential."
Regent looks at Jess.."I don't want you exposing yourself to more danger than you have
to.."
Jessica smiles, reaches out to hold Matts hand for a moment. "It's who I am, Matt. The
danger is part of the fun. I need the adrenaline rush every now and then."
Rebound finds someplace to change.
Jessica goes out to a convenient back alley
<Blood> Regent says, "I will meet you both outside.."
Regent watches Jessica go out, he shakes his head and moves on outside.
<Blood> Azure says, "I'll be there."
Rebound meets up with the others outside.
Regent glows in the early evening, waiting for the others. "I can't help but have some
kind of misgivings.." he says as rebound arrives.
Azure says, "Let's hear them, Matt. If we're about to make a mistake least we can do is
give you a chance to talk us out of it."
Regent shakes his head.."Its in my gut..I just dont feel good about it."
Regent looks at the both of you.."Lets just go. I'm probably worried over nothing."
Rebound says, "Well, let's try to stay sharp."
Regent nods. He starts to walk towards the Church.
Azure shrugs and looks at Rebound, "That's good enough for me. If Matt is worried I'm
worried. We can see if Father Murphy is at the church and leave it at that."
The Church is open for night mass..
Rebound says, "We should talk to him. I think you're right Azure - the Bishop is the one."
Regent steps up to the top step of the stair into the church.."Ok?..lets do this." he is
heard saying before he walks in.
Azure walks in beside Regent, hoping that his 'bad feeling' is wrong.
Rebound walks in as well.
The population in the church tonight is low..its cold and its monday, not a huge mass
night. Matt goes looking around for someone..finally they reach the main hall..
Regent looks around.."You guys see anyone?".."Maybe I should go into the
confessional..theres gotta be someone in there right?"
Azure says, "Matt, how about a walk down to the cellar first?"
Regent looks at Azure.."Um..Ok..want to see if Timothy will come out?"
Rebound says, "I'll leave the call to you two."
Azure says, "Yes, and given the lack of priests around up here, I'll like to know
something isn't happening down there."
Regent turns around back down the hall and leads them to the door that will lead to the
basement. He puts his hand on the door, and its locked.
You say, "Azure?"
Azure steps up close, "Keep an eye open for anyone coming please." and starts working on
the lock.
Regent stands infront of her, so seeing her working on the lock is difficult.
Rebound stands as a lookout.
CLICK! the door opens.
Azure says, "We're in."
Regent nods.."Lets go."
Rebound creeps down the staircase.
Azure advances stealthily
Regent closes the door behind them and goes down as well.
The sound of a bat flies over head.
Rebound ducks instinctually, but then tries to grab the bat.
Regent glows harder..
The lower area is unchanged from the other day..cluttered with all kinds of things.
There is no bat that can be seen..
Regent looks around.."I think Timothy is here..he can create sound illusions..
Regent looks around.."Timothy?..are you here?"
Rebound looks ovder at Regent and relaxes slightly.
The sound of clapping is heard..
Regent goes near the Crate where they got the items.."Timothy..I've brought some
friends..we want to help.." he says softly.
Near Rebound's ear the sound of a merry laugh can be heard.
Rebound speaks softly. "Hi... I'm Rebound." He turns towards the sound of the laughter.
There's nothing there, and the sound of laughing can be heard on the other side of the
crate..
Regent grins.."He's playing.."
Rebound looks ove to Regent. "What did he show you... tell you the first time?
Regent points to the crate. "This crate..the items were in the crate."
Rebound winces. o O ( Was that the crate that killed him? )
Timothy comes from behind the crate when he sees Azure he points to her and looks
quizzical..
Regent nods, "Yes..Thats our friend, you can see her huh?"
Azure says, "Hi Timmy."
Timothy comes close to Azure and nods with a smile. Turns his head quizzically.
Regent asks.."Yes?.."
Timothy looks at Rebound.
Rebound looks back to Timmy with a grim expression. He manages a half-hearted smile and
reaches to ruffle his gloved fingers though where Timothy's hair would be.
Timothy ducks..
Regent looks at Timothy.."He's ok, he's a friend.." he says..
Regent turning to Azure.."Looks like everything is ok down here Azure."
Azure nods.
Regent turns to Timmy, "Timmy..Is Father Francis here?"
Azure gives Timmy a smile and flips up to walk on her hands to entertain him for a few
moments.
Timothy shakes his head, looking sad. He looks at Azure and smiles, the sound of clapping
is heard.
Rebound squats down, so his eyes are on Timothy's level. "Is Father Francis your friend?"
Timothy shakes his head..to Rebound.
Rebound says, "Was he the one who hurt you?"
Timothy nods..the sound of clapping is heard.
Azure listens to the gentle questioning.
Regent nods slowly.."Father Murphy was the one who let us in here the other day wasn't
he?"
Timothy nods again clapping sounds heard.
Regent looks at Azure.."You have any questions?"
Rebound says, "Does he know that you're down here, still?"
Timothy nods..the clapping continues.
Azure nods to Regent and asks Timmy softly, "Did Bishop Laramie hurt you as well?"
Regent looks at rebound, "Reb, the priest told us about timothy..about how he was crushed
by a crate, the preist opened the door for us.."
Timothy looks confused by Azures question..
Rebound says, "Do we have a photo?"
Rebound says, "Of Laramie"
Azure shakes her head, she doesn't have a photo.
Azure tries to rephase the question, "Timmy, did anyone else hurt you other than Father
Murphy?"
Regent pulls his PDA and pulls up Laramie's photo..
Timothy nods..
You say, "I've got one here.." he says, "Timothy..do you know this man?" Regent shows Timothy the picture.
Timothy nods..the sounds of clapping is heard.
Rebound says, "Did he hurt you as well?"
Timothy shakes his head frowning. The sound of boo's can be heard.
Rebound says, "Is he your friend?"
Azure shuts her mouth as Rebound gets the question in just before her.
Timothy shakes his head..again boos
Regent seems confused.."There's a connection but maybe not the connection we thought?"
Azure asks, "Is he Father Murphy's friend?
Timothy looks at Azure and nods..the clapping resumes.
Azure sums up to try and get her head around the situation as revealed. "Father Murphy
hurt Timmy, and so did someone else. The Bishop didn't hurt Timmy, is a friend of Father
Murphy and no friend of Timmy's. So we have one out of two, and a Bishop to talk to."
Rebound says, "Does Bishop Laramie know that Father Murphy has hurt you?"
Timothy nods..and seems to be crying now..the sounds of crying echos from all around them.
Rebound's gaze drops to the floor. "I'm so sorry, Timmy..."
Regent kneels before Timothy.."We're working on it Timmy..I promise, and we'll get who's
done this. For you and all the other children..We promise." he says softly but anger runs
deep in his voice.
Azure nods to Timmy, "I promise you, Timmy."
Timothy looks at the two then at Rebound..
Rebound nods to Timothy, to let him know that he feels the same way.
The sounds of crying ends, and the sounds of cheering is heard.
Regent looks to the two.."Guys..we gotta find Murphy.."
Regent looks at Timothy.."Timmy..you said Father Murphy didn't work here any more last
time..right?"
Azure smiles, "That's my boy, Timmy."
Timothy nods the sounds of clapping heard. He looks at Azure..and you all realize Timmy
would be nearly the same as as you if he were alive.
Rebound says, "The Bishop would know where Murphy is."
Regent nods.."Yes..Im sure he would."
Rebound looks to Azure and Regent. "Shall we talk to Laramie now?"
Azure nods, "Why not. I'm in exactly the right mood."
Regent nods.."Me too.." he looks at Timmy.."We're going to take care of as much as we can
right now Timmy.." he offers a fist to Timmy and Timmy grins giving him an ephemeral fist
back.
Matt leads the way up the stairs his glow glowing hard and white, perhaps his link to
Horus is strongest right now. Opening the door he allows everyone out first.
Azure shows Matt a lockpick and lifts an enquiring eyebrow.
Regent shakes his head.."Its not locked.." he offers an open hand to Azure..
Azure says, "I know. I unlocked it. What I was asking is should I lock it again. Leave no
trace of our visit."
Regent ohs.."Yeah..that's probably a good idea.
Azure steps in and locks the door as fast as if she was using the correct key.
The three of them are outside the locked cellar.."Where to..burst down teh door of the
Bishops's quarters?"
Azure says, "We could try knocking. I was wrong. It's not the Bishop that's the killer. He
covering it up which is almost as bad but maybe he can be shown the light."
Regent nods.."Let me see if I can get a good address on the Bishop.." he pulls his pda..
Regent seems to move in his PDA like a madman, his fingers move like a blur, he looks up
and says, "His home is located on Colonial Bay Heights, his office is here. Looks like
he's still here, the GPS on his PDA shows him still here, upstairs in his office.."
Rebound nods. "Let's go."
Azure nods.
Regent nods.."The map shows its just here.." he leads the way, to a door that is locked.
"There's a stairwell behind this door, leading to his office on the second floor."
Azure gets out her lockpick again, "Shall we go up?"
Regent nods.."Absolutely."
Rebound nods to Azure.
Azure checks this door and frame for security systems first seeing as it's a door to an
occupied office.
Azure starts working on the lock.
The door opens up to a room that leads straight into a stairwell.
Azure opens the door and steps to the side.
Rebound scans the stairwell, before sneaking up.
Azure follows
Regent enters and looks up the stairwell..he can't sneak..but he can whisper.."Should I
bring up the rear?"
Azure nods to Regent.
Regent nods closing the door very quietly..
The stairwell end at another closed door, light is seen from beneath the door spilling out
into the dim stairwell.
Azure steps forwards and gestures at the door with a lickpick, when waits for Rebound to
respond.
Rebound nods to Azure, creeping forward to back her up.
Azure moves quickly forward and, first of all uses a thin probe to check if the door is
locked. Be silly to lock the door by acident while trying to unlock it.
Regent watches the door downstairs. He locks it quietly. <Blood> Regent says, "Hows it going up there?" <Blood> Rebound says, "Hit a snag. Azure?"
Azure knocks politely on the door and taking the handle in her hand she TURNS it, ignoring
any minor sounds like tearing metal and buckling lock. Stepping inside and to to the left
she says, "Good evening your Grace, my friends and I wish an audience." in her poshest
English accent.
<Blood> Rebound says, "...And we're unsnagged."
The door opens and the lock mechanism shreds unders Azure's powerful care..
Rebound walks in behind Azure.
The Bishop stands suddenly, "Who are you?"
<Blood> Regent says, "should I come on up?" <Blood> Rebound says, "Yeah." <Blood> Azure says, "That's a yes." She chuckles quitely, "Any chance you could call of
Horus. A winged figure of light might have an interesting effect.""
<Blood> Regent says, "I can only try.."
"Bishop." Rebound begins. "I'm Rebound. This is Azure. And Exodus will be joining us
momentarily. We've got a serious manner to discuss."
The sound of whipping winds are heard from below..and Garuda is there..
<Blood> Regent says, "YOu need an angelic subterfuge?..I shall suffice I hope."
Garuda flies up the stairwell slowly and gracefully.
<Blood> Azure says, "You're always welcome among us, Gardus."
The Bishop does not sit, he seems very disturbed by this.."What is so imperative that you
must break into a church! This is the house of the lord!"
Garuda lands softly behind Azure and Rebound, his wings furling.
Rebound begins simply by listing the names of the dead children. "We know what's happened
to them."
The Bishop..listens And while he tries to hide his emotions he cannot..a look of utter guilt is on his face.
Rebound says, "Where is Murphy?"
The Bishop looks surprised.."Father Murphy..why do you want to know about Father Murphy?"
Rebound says, "Forget about Murphy for now... you've got your own problems. Why'd you do
it?"
<Blood> Rebound says, "I think we might just let him talk for a bit."
Rebound tries to mask his own surprise.
<Blood> Garuda says, "yes."
Azure steps forward to the side of the Bishop's desk and looks for a sample of handwriting
to compare with the images of scanned letters on her PDA without saying a word.
Bishop Laramie looks at Azure..wondering what she is doing.."I..I didn't do anything.." he
says softly.."I never did anything.."
Rebound says, "Yes, but you should have... why didn't you act?"
The Bishop looks up.."I..I couldn't. Father Murphy told me we needed to, that it was
important,..Said they needed to have it done."
The Bishop frowns and starts to pace, "He said that if I said anything, my future would be
over, and that the children would rise...He is touched by God..you know that?"
Rebound says, "Just how long were you two going to keep this up?"
Rebound says, "And what did you two do to those kids?"
The Bishop continues to pace, a light sheen of sweat builds on his forehead, "We..we had
followed it for over 20 years..We almost had it that last time..its still around you know..It still here in Colonial Bay.." his voice starts to take on tones of madness.
Rebound folds his arms and listens.
<Blood> Garuda says, "The Priest is Mad.."
The Bishop takes Azure by the shoulders and grips her strongly, "It is still here!!" he is
in her face.
Azure accepts the shaking, not wanting to stop the Bishop now he is talking... well
gibbering at least.
Rebound steps forward to Azure's defense, but catches himself, realizing his error.
The Bishop lets go of Azure.."It is the devil!..it looks for a host, it seeks a child, and
we have hunted it..so many years now, so many children..we have hunted it."
Garuda watches this..Azure can defend herself..
On the other hand Azure thinks, might as well take measures to ensure this isn't swept
under the carpet. Slipping a hand into her pocket she switches her PDA to record.
Garuda remains quiet..
The Bishops sweat seems to grow..it drips off his forehead and down his nose, he begins to
spit..
Rebound says, "Where is Murphy?"
"We were sworn to secrecy...we were told to never tell..but this is the end..We have to
stop it..we need to stop it.."
Flecks of blood are at the corners of his lips as he speaks.
The Bishop begins to cough.."..Fa..father Murp..phy is..is..at the second stree...second
street..." he coughs up blood on his desk and falls to his knees.
Rebound rushes to the side of the Bishop..he checks his vitals, and realizes that the
Bishop is choking on his own blood..
Azure calls 911 knowing it's probably going to be too late. "Poison or Pychic attack?" She
asks Rebound as he treats the Bishop.
The Bishop is barely stablized.."Call the paramedics, he's drowning in his own blood!"
Rebound isn't sure, "I can't tell.."
Azure says, "They're on the way, Rebound."
Garuda looks at the Bishop.."What is this?..Magic?"
Sirens are heard almost immediately as the Police are across the street and the Hospital
just around the corner.
Azure shrugs, "I don't know. Magic, self administered poison, lots of possibilities."
Rebound helps to put the man in a more comfortable position, the Bishop while choking
continues to try to speak.."..seckond..str..street..chapel.."
Azure says, "As soon as police and medics get here we need to get there. If someone is
cleaning up the evidence then Father Murphy is either doing this himself or is going to be
next."
Garuda nods.."Yes..you're right Azure."
Rebound nods. "Let's move -- I've done what I can -- the paramedics will be here soon."
The sounds of a door being broken is heard from below..
Azure nods to Rebound. "This time we go in hot and hard, right?"
Rebound says, "If this is a cleanup job, we've got no choice."
Garuda looks at the Window.."Do we wait for the authorities? if Not, its out the
window..now."
Azure says, "Rebound says he's done all he can. It's time to go."
Garuda nod and opens the window..he jumps out the window and hangs outside ready to catch
Azure and Rebound if needed.
Azure leaps out to Garuda.
Rebound bounds out of the window and begins racing over to the chapel by way of giant
leaps.
Garuda catches Azure and flies after Rebound..
You say, "Where is this Second Street?"
Rebound says, "Follow me."
Rebound leads the way across town at his best pace, leaping from rooftop to rooftop.
Garuda follows close "We're almost there?"
<Blood> Azure says, "We still don't know who the third person is."
<Blood> Garuda says, "No we do not."
Second Street Harrisburg North..the Chapel is closed for the evening.
Garuda lands in front of the Chapel.
<Blood> Rebound says, "Front entrance. If it's locked, force it."
Azure starts running when Garuda lets her down, hitting the chapel door with a shoulder
and intending to keep on running.
The door splinters and burst inside..Matt follows close.
Rebound follows inside closely as well.
Azure doesn't slow down. If she jump or dodge around an obstacle she does, if not it gets
moved one way or another as she heads to the priest's quarters.
Rebound bonds behind Azure, tailing a closely as is safe. He braces for what's on the
other side of the door. Garuda barely makes it through the doors as his wings furl and he is able to make it
flying through the archway.
The inside of the chapel is normal and dark, some alcove lights are on, lighting the room,
but other than that the chapel is closed.
Rebound says, "Azure, look out! Bad guy behind the reliquary!"
You say, "Gemini!" he says, "Duck!"
Azure drops to the floor rolling forwards to close the range on Rebound's warning.
A projectile flies past Azure exploding above her..
Azure rolls back onto her feet darting forwards and to the side to clear the angle for Rebound and spot the hostile hiding behind the reliquary. If she gets a clear line of
sight she'll assess the combat situation.
Rebound slings a fist across the chapel at the man behind the relinquary. >*EFFECT*< 6d6 HA, Stretching, OCV 8 DCV 8, From 5" away
The man goes flying, his body hits the wall behind him and he slumps to the ground..
Azure can't see too well in this dim light but any object held in hand during a fight is
probably a weapon, so taking advantage of Rebound's success in knocking the opponent over
and maybe even down, she reaches out to take the object away.
Thyrm gets up from the pews, unhurt but a bit ruffled.."WELL!" he says in his booming
voice, "That was unexpected!" he says with a laugh.
A groan escapes the fallen figure.
Thyrm suddenly realizes what he is doing here.."Children?.." he asks.."Where is this
villian?"
<Blood> Azure says, "Boss, do you have any idea what's happening here?"
<Blood> Rebound says, "None. Did he just try to throw a bible at you?"
Rebound heads over to check on the fallen man.
Thyrm says bluntly.."Dimensional power at work here."
Thyrm shakes his head.."It seemed like a crystal of some sort."
"I'm going to revive this man." Rebound says. "Get ready."
Azure says, "No. I thought it was a weapon and took it away. The light's too dim for me in
her, and my night glasses are back at SG. Again!"
Rebound produces 2050s smelling salts and tries to revive the man.
Thyrm can see in the dark.."I shall watch over as you revive him." his hands cool and
hover over the man.
The man comes to, "Back! Devils back!" his arm is obviously broken.
Rebound says, "Hold still, so I can set your arm. You're Father Murphy? What the hell is
going on here?"
Azure mutters quietly, "They're all a few wafers short of a communion set." but gives the
man his bible back to comfort and reassure him.
"What is going on here?..You are the ones who have broken into this house of God!..you are
the ones that have attacked a servant of his Lord!" he looks unfrightened. "You should
answer that question!"
Father Murphy takes the Bible..holding it like a life line.
Rebound says, "Something started to attack Bishop Laramie. He told us about your efforts
to fight some kind of creature, and the children."
Rebound adds. "He said it was all your idea."
Azure turns away so Father Murphy can't see her smile . o O(Nice one, boss)
Father Murphy looks at Rebound with a look of Horror.."He told you that??...He told you
the secret??..What else did he say??"
Rebound says, "He told us enough. It's time for you to start talking."
Father Murphy puts a hand inside his jacket.."I have hunted Haxel..the dark, The
corruptor. We were given the task of protecting this world, of protecting the
children...Laramie is Dead..he is dead isn't he!"
Azure says, "Father Murphy, the Bishop was attacked and may be dead by now. He was very
badly hurt. You have to tell us who the leader is right now so we can protect him as well.
Otherwise the creature will win and all your effort will have been for nothing."
Thyrm says to the both of you.."Something is strange about this man..something..there is
duality within him.." he looks at the man, "You are a conduit!"
<Blood> Azure says, "Touched by the Lord. That's what the Bishop said about Father Murphy,
remember. Right, he could still be dangerous."
Father Murphy nods, "You are perceptive..There is within me an Angel..He is the third that
Laramie spoke of.."
<Blood> Thyrm says, "Aye..still dangerous."
Thyrm's hands grow colder..frost starting to form over them.."Where is this demon?..and
how do we stop it?"
Rebound says, "Is it that crystal?"
Father Murphy pulls another crystal dagger from inside his coat.."This..the demon cannot
exist on this plane if he is struck with this dagger.."
Thyrm shys away from the dagger, unsure if it if is simply holy, or dangerous to plane
hoppers.
Rebound says, "Why hasnt this worked before?"
Father Murphy says, "It flees the host before we can kill it..The demon has killed its
host..or we have in our attempt to capture the Demon.
Thyrm asks, "How do you capture the demon, priest, When it is outside of a host?"
"It will seek a child of the age of 12...near his birthday, and on the day of his
birthday, on the 13th birthday, he shall return in form, and be invicible.
Thyrm nods, "Just as was the child Timothy?"
Father Murphy nods.."Yes..Like young Timothy." and sighs..
Azure shakes her head, "I've met an invicible demon before. I broke that one. I can break
another if I have to. Assuming this whole thing isn't a figment of your fevered
imagination. Some of those boys were only six years old. And what about this?" She brings
up a scan of the latin letter and puts it in front of Father Murphy.
Father Murphy's face falls as he sees the letters..
Azure says, "Nineteen boys. Nineteen. And you'd going to try and tell me you got to all of
them in time. That you found all of them. They just happened to be in the cities where you
were preaching. Not on the other side of the country waiting for a boy's thirteeth
birthday. In the cities where you were. Your whole story is full of holes big enough to
drive a MBT through."
Father Murphy says with tones of a man broken.."I..I have transgressed, I have been
tempted by the flesh of the children..some .." he stops and plunges the dagger into his
own heart..
Azure also tries to stop Father Murphy, although her hatred of him is enough to slow her
effort just that fraction of a second...
Father Murphy screams as blood pours from his chest he lays down on the floor, there are 3
other daggers in a bandolier under his jacket. The dagger in his heart blows up..and an
angel..but no angel you have ever thought of seeing before, it seems closer to Exodus
Khaos than any angel, flies from the body of the Father Murphy.
As the Dagger explodes from extreme cold to extreme heat, a gout of flame engulfs thrym
and Pele is left behind.
Pele looks around.."Summoned again?"
Rebound tries to pull one of the daggers from the bandolier and offers it to Azure.
Rebound says, "Maybe this will help pin it, now that it's exposed."
Pele looks upon the two heroes.."What is this?" and once again her communication with
Regent makes her understand.."This priest.." she watches as blood flows freely..
Azure nods and takes the dagger. "Maybe."
Rebound tries to save the Father's life.
Pele steps back seeing the 'angel' "What is this?" her own wings unfurl firey and she
floats off the ground as well hands glowing red.
Azure replies to Pele in a flat voice, "It's a child killer."
Rebound piles bandages over the Father's wound and applies pressure to it. He wraps his
arm around the Father's torso to keep the bandaging in place why he applies a hypo to the
man's neck.
That's all she needs to hear..her hands glow and fire the 'angel'
The reliquary burns as the flames of Pele light it on fire, the entire back of the chapel
is going up in flames as the anger of Pele misses the angel completely, almost cooking
Rebound and the priest.
The angel leaps into the flames..
Rebound retreats from the fires, pulling the priest with him.
The burning fires light the Angel on fire..the black burns high, the flames from the angel
lick the ceiling..until all that is left is an angelic angel, unburned, it says "Freed,
freed of the corruption that that man had me in for so long!"
Pele backs away from the fires and the Angel..
The angel says "The words of the priest were not lies, Haxel still lives, and will seek a
child in the Church..find the child..find the demon, and banish Haxel.."
