Xander took a seat at the edge of the manhole and sighed, as be began to rifle through his leather jacket for his lighter. He came to the inside pocket and frowned, patting the pocket in confusion. 'What the...?' He reached in to the pocket and pulled out a torch, a sudden look or realization dawning on his place.
"Riiiiight.... For that rave the other week. I needed it to check out hat busted fuse. Huh... Handy!" He forgot the lighter and the cigarette for the moment, and began to climb down in to the sewers below.
"Apollo grant me some f##+in luck would ya?"
Mood setting music
Xander climbs down the ladder feeling a chill run up his spine. He then touches the ground and looks at his surroundings. There is no water or anything. a strong smell of rust fills Xander's nose, as he walks along the cement path. After a time he reaches another ladder. and climbs down And comes to what looks like an abandoned subway tunnel.
He can see old tracks along the ground as rats and roaches scurry away from the light Xander shines. He keeps walking and after some time comes to a flight of stairs leading down.
Xander, walks down slowly. The stairs seem to go on for an eternity. winding downward and around ward. Finally Xander, comes to a straight stairway that also goes down for some time. Xander then comes to a point where there is no wall on his right anymore. But even more insane is what he sees out where the wall has gone and that is a deep purple mist coming from the now very high up ceiling, at least 3 to 4 hundred feet.
And below that and Xander is what looks like a massive stone walled labyrinth. It was so big Xander could barly see the other side of it. It must of gone for miles and miles, the labyrinth walls must have stood at least 20 feet high. with hundreds of thousands of glowing baby blue fireflies it looked like. Xander wasn't sure but they illuminated the darkness so much that the flashlight grew obsolete. It really felt like Xander, had found another world.
It was both beautiful and yet held a xeno, like nature with it.
Tony laughed with a shaking belly at Greg's jokes
You wiley bastard- alright. The ruins, eh? Looks like I may have to investigate that myself. Clearly THESE m$~$@# f***$@s aren't going to do it! Hahah
Tony slapped a high five with Greg as he asked, settling down from his laughter Hey, you happen to have a little, eh heh heh heh
Tony made a "glug glug glug" noise as he titled his head back, clearly asking Greg for alcohol in a way the cops on scene wouldn't notice.
Greg nods knowingly, and pulls out a half full flask of whisky. "You can hold on to that till I see ya next." And with that, Greg waves goodbye, and heads off.
Tony had the shakes as he walked along, but any time he could avoid getting caught he took a nice long drink from the half Greg had given him along with his smokes and a tap-tap-tap of Wichita to his head at strangers that gave him a smile.
Lucas looked reverantly at the sword and took the keys without any hesitation. He was about to ask why his mother was giving it all to him but then an image of his father near weeping on the back porch and realized that his mother had to see to the rest of the family and their house-hold first.
He nodded to her instead with a proud smile on his face, he understood her message. She was trusting him to get started and she would help when she could.
He was now free to act and would do so. Before leaving he went to the sink and filled up the cannister with water.
"Before he left, he turned to his mother. "I'll go ahead and see what I can find. Where was she found?"
Lucas looked reverantly at the sword and took the keys without any hesitation. He was about to ask why his mother was giving it all to him but then an image of his father near weeping on the back porch and realized that his mother had to see to the rest of the family and their house-hold first.
He nodded to her instead with a proud smile on his face, he understood her message. She was trusting him to get started and she would help when she could.He was now free to act and would do so. Before leaving he went to the sink and filled up the cannister with water.
"Before he left, he turned to his mother. "I'll go ahead and see what I can find. Where was she found?"
Lucas' mom then says "If we are going to catch the wolf we must first ask it's prey how they were devoured. Do you know much about the ruins in and around Spire city? Especially the Koi Tunnels near Kanji beach?"
She then looks at Lucas' puzzled face. Then continues with, "Inside the ruins is a treasure and Item of old that was placed down there. The item allows the living to communicate with the dead... You are a strong young man. So I am going to ask you to go retrieve this item. I need to stay and be their for my two youngest. Your father is being useless and weak right now. So can I count on you?"
Lucas nodded realizing the importance of the task his mother had given him. He had heard stories growing up of strange and unique items in the past being discovered. Now it was his turn.
"Of course, mother. I will do as you ask, although no I'm not very familiar with the Koi Tunnel ruins."
Xander stares out over the ruins below him and whistles softly through his teeth, before fumbling in his pocket for his tobacco. He rolled up a cigarette and took a seat on the edge of the path, hunching in on himself to hide the flame as he struck his zippo to life and lit his smoker.
"Where the f!#& are you leading me Tris...?" He stuck the cigarette between his teeth, before pulling his phone out of his pocket. He clicked it to silent, before he started to take some pictures of the vista before him. When he was done, he returned his phone to his pocket, and reached down to check on the knife in his boot. Finding it still in its sheath, he nodded softly, before getting to his feet.
"I'll find this bastard or die trying... Lets hope that is just me being dramatic."
He steeled himself, before continuing on.
Lucas' mother thinks for a moment. There is a shop called Tao's antiques, I heard that he is quite knowledgeable about many of the ruins and lore of the city. She then gives you directions to his shop. You then here your sister call out, "MOM! DAD! This little brat is bugging me again!"
"Well duty calls." Lucas' mother sighs, "Alright, I'll see you soon." She then says to him, placing a hand on his shoulder and squeezing it gently, before leaving the room to tend to her youngest ones.
Xander, slowly makes his way down the steps. After a time he can see the end. As he comes to the bottom, he looks to the Labyrinth.
He can see a large 15 foot wide opening within it's walls like an entrance.
As Xander inspects the walls a little closer, he sees many small carvings upon it. of strange symbols that he does not recognize. As he looks at the entrance of the labyrinth, he feels a heavy light headedness as if he were in a submerged in cold water.
He soon recovered but still felt as if he were looking at an alien space ship. He took a deep breath and then slowly entered the labyrinth.
The path went straight for a fairly long time as the baby blue fireflies flitted and hovered around him lighting his path. Then he came across a split into three paths. West, North, East. Examining each path Xander, saw nothing that made one stand out from the other.
Tony. As you head to the ruins you realize you do not remember where the heck they are, not to mention which particular ruin since there were many types all around and within the city.
He did remember hearing of some guy named Tao, that worked at an antique shop that had a lot of knowledge on this sort of stuff.
Lucas left the kitchen and decided to head out the back door instead to get to the car. His father was in a bad state but the last thing he wanted to do was answer questions like why he was carrying their family sword and more importantly what he was planning to do with it.
He then realized that if anyone asked he could just say he was taking it to Tao's Antiques to get it appraised.
"Better than nothing, I suppose." he said to himself as he opened the back seat and put his survival bag in there.
He looked at the house as he opened the driver side and got in. Whoever had killed his sister Mia was going to pay for what he did to his family, and Lucas was going to make sure he saw it done. He then started the car and drove off to Tao's.
Xander stood at the intersection, bouncing a coin up and down on his palm and frowning. Three directions and no idea where he was going or what he was looking for... Shrugging, he dropped the coin on the ground behind him and took a step in to the center of the intersection. He closed his eyes and span around slowly till he had lost all sense of direction then stopped and flung out his arm, pointing down the way he would go.
Xander, opened his eyes feeling slightly dizzy but saw that he was pointing East. With that he started to make his way down the East path. As he crept along he noticed the walls started to become covered in thick moss.
then the path took a sharp turn North. As he then headed up he could see what looked like a small patch of trees before him standing at least 15 feet tall and about 3 to 3 1/2 feet around with branches sticking from various places like any tree the biggest difference here though was that the leaves were in the shape of human hands... and carved in the bark of the tree were human like faces... Vines covered the ground before it and a gap large enough for a full sized man to walk through.
Lucas, arrived at Tao's and entered the shop. Inside were many...well antiques. Each of various designs and shapes. Behind a simple wooden counter stood an older Chinese man with a green collard shirt combed back black hair and shred eyes. No one else was currently inside. He looked at you as you entered nodded and said with a small smile, "Welcome young man, what can I do for you today?"
Lucas couldn't find it in himself to meet the older man's smile. Instead he walked over to the counter and looked at him directly. "I'm looking for information about the Koi tunnel ruins near Kanji beach. My mother said you would very knowledgable about that area."
Tao's smile widened with this. "Indeed I am young man. But what interest do you hold in such things?"
Lucas stared hard at the man. He wasn't about to tell him the whole reason for going to the ruins. "I've heard of unique abilities of such items. I want to see for myself whether they hold true or not. I want... no I need to find a mask."
Tao gives Lucas an appraising look. Then says, "I only know of one mask said to be in the Koi ruins. It is called Shi-mitsukeru. The literal translation being death-sight." He then looks ponderous at you. Then continues,
"What in the world could you want that for?..."He paused briefly then continued, "The ruins themselves are easy enough to find you just head north on Kanji beach and you should come to a small cave. what sets this cave apart is the stairs that lead down it. Down there you will find an old Japanese styled castle, That was has been there for who knows how long. Archaeologists, planned to excavate the mysterious castle completely, but for whatever reason every time they began strange things would happen. Shovels would break on soft ground. Bone chilling sounds would come from beneath. People working and camping at the site, would disappear during the night. After many attempts they gave up, and it has remained untouched ever since. Most people avoid that place believing it to be cursed."
Tao then got a serious look to him and said, "If you still plan on going down there though take my wise words into account be generous to those you meet down there it may just save your life."
Xander pondered the coin for a moment, before shrugging and picking it up. He had thought about leaving it as a marker, but if he got lost, he had a feeling he would not make it back out again anyway. He thought of the fact he had no food or water and cringed, but bulled ahead, continuing on his chosen path.
Steeling himself against the confusion and horror he was feeling at the sight of the tree, he pushed his way through.
Xander, enters the woods. Using his torch to light the path as the fireflies seem to be avoiding this place. As he walks along under the branches the trees rattle on occasion and he can hear strange whispers. Though he cannot make out what they say. After a while Xander sees a very strange shape 25 feet or so ahead. He shines his light on it to see...
A large creature sitting against a tree it has large horns like a snakelike eyes the mouth of a lion with an upper body of a man and bottom legs of a goat. It was cover from head to toe in moss like fur upon seeing Xander who was in shock. Stood up to reveal it's height of 8 feet or so. And grabbed a large battle axe that was leaning on the tree the creature had been resting on. It let out a roar like a lion mixed with a mans yell. Then started to head toward Xander.
Roll initiative.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Xander stared at the Goat man before him, before turning on his heels and dashing away, running as hard and fast as he can. "F#&% NO!"
The creature Roars after Xander, and begins to give chase.
The beast is quick but Xander, has a decent lead. Xander runs around the sharp turn almost crashing into the wall. as Xander continues running he hears something large collide into the wall he figures the creature didn't pull the turn. Xander is now faced with three paths. left, right or straight.
Xander pulls the knife from its sheath as he runs, taking the left path without a moments hesitation.
Xander turns the left path. And now is on a straight. The creature comes down the same. Xander can hear the creature dragging it's battle ax against the stone wall. It's hard for xander to see the opening as the flashlight beam only extends to 25 feet or so. Finally Xander gets a flash of the stairs he came down. He pushes him self with all he has to get to them. Xander finally reaches them and hears the creature roar behind him. Xander takes a quick look at it and sees the creature walking back down the path. The fireflies start to reappear where the creature is not.
Lucas nodded to Tao. "Thank you. I'll heed your advice." he was about to leave and then a thought occurred to him. "Before I go there is something I would actually like you to look that might be of interest to you." Lucas then turned and went out to his car and brought back the sword his mother had given to him.
"This blade is a very old weapon from long ago in my family line. Can you tell me any more about it?"
As Lucas, showed Tao the sheathed sword. He could see the China mans eyes light up with interest. He then took it carefully from Lucas, to inspect it further. Taking the weapon out of the sheath to studying the blade.
"This is a fine sword indeed. And as you said, old. This looks very much like Onihametsu. Meaning Demon bane. The blade of the Yamamoto family. The Yamamoto family were some of the first Japanese, to come to the states many years ago. This blade is often passed to the oldest child in a generation."
He puts the sword within its sheath, and hands it back to Lucas. As he says, "An old story tell of a village being ravaged by Oni in in ancient Japan. One day a brave warrior named Ryo Yamamoto stood to face the demons. But was slain. Recognizing the bravery of this proud warrior that they had not seen from any other. The Gods granted the hero another chance and a blade they themselves had forged. With this sword the warrior slew all of the Oni, in the village an those in the neighboring ones as well. The name Yamamoto inspired all of Japan to fight against the evil beings and were able to free their lands."
He then scratches a spot on his chin as he continues, "It is said that this blade is strongest against pure evil."
Lucas looked amazed by the story Tao was telling him. "Thank you for telling me about this. I'll make sure to hold on to this."
Tony cannot think of anything useful. But, does remember where Tao's antique shop is, and heads there. After arriving he walks in and sees a young man who looks at least part Asian, talking to a Chinese man behind the counter. The young man is holding a sheathed sword and thanking the man for something.
He then hears the China man say to the young man. "Now be careful in those ruins. Understood?"
Lucas nodded and his face hardened into confident determination. There was something about knowing what the weapon he had could do, even if it was somewhat exaggerated, that made it easier to press forward. "I will, now I had best get on my way to the ruins." he picked up the sheathed blade and turned to see Tony standing in the doorway.
"Excuse me." he said to Tony as he walked by.
Tony tapped Wichita to his head with a nod to the presumed Tao as he called out to the young man-
Eh hem, 'scuse me- did you say you're going to the ruins?
Xander took a seat cross legged on the ground and tapped his lip in thought. "This might be a problem..."
Lucas looked at the man and eyed him levelly. "Uh yes. What is your interest in the ruins?"
The dreams The Last Maenad had been having flashed through the back of his mind as he solemnly answered the boy with a sad grin over his face and a sip of liquor from his pocket
I walked across a dead girl with a number on her head last night... I was almost framed for it- whoever is doing this is putting too much heat on me to be able to enjoy this great city. It needs to end, besides-
Tony moved in slightly closer to Lucas There's no greater cock block than my girls from the club seeing something as inhumane and horrifying as a dead girl on the walk to my place, eh?
Reilly Tanaka, Arrived back in Spire city in his SUV.
He was living in the next state over, but when he got word of the murders taking place in his old home town, and remembered he had a cousin named Sia Whitfield (Maiden name Yamamoto) His fathers younger sister, and her family who lived out here (Though he had not spoken to them in quite some time) Until a few days ago when he called her after hearing the tragic news.
He had already planned to come back but when he heard of his cousin's oldest daughter being murdered by the Countdown Killer, he hastened his return. He hoped to help those he could. Though to be honest he just found the mystery to be to intriguing to pass up.
He decided he would head to his apartment first. When he reached the slummy place he could see people staring curiously at him as he parked. He open the back and pulled out a box of his personals, then walked up the grey colored buildings side steps to the second floor of the three story building to is landing and went to the green door marked 2B and headed inside.
It was as drab as the outside with grey carpet egg white walls that were pealing and yellow curtains on the large rectangular dusty windows.
It also had a wall bed. This was his first time here, as he found it online and made the deal with the landlord over the phone.
As Reilly sat the box of item on the floor. He thought of his cousin and the case. And thought how he should express his feelings to her on what had happened in person. And maybe get something that could help him solve this case.
Tanaka folded the Murphy bed out of the wall, sat down, and and opened his laptop. He took his pistol from a shoulder holster and put it next to him on the bed. In a few minutes he had filled out an official request for information from the city police force. He pulled up his notes on the Countdown case and sent it to the miniature projector built into his phone, painting the peeling wall with gruesome photos and heinous details.
He sent emails to all of the most insightful reporters who had written about the case. He double checked that his GPS had the locations of the crime scenes and then dialed Sia's number. Straight to voicemail.
Sia, this is Reilly. Made it to the city. Would love to see you. I've reached out to some people and I'm going to head out and check out the crime scenes myself. I'm sure there isn't much left to find but I am want to get a personal feel.
He peeled off his clothes and took a quick shower, then packed up his tools and headed down to the SUV. He decided to check out the crime scenes in reverse order.
Reilly heads over to the house where the most recent murder of a cocktail waitress had happened. As Reilly parks the Vehicle he sees yellow tape outside the door, and people gathered outside trying to get a peek inside as police attempted to send them away. Reporters were also outside asking the police and the crowd questions.
Reilly observes the tape for a few minutes, watching the behavior of the uniforms manning the perimeter and hoping to get a glimpse of a detective or CSI. He had some friends on the force, maybe he would luck out and see someone who trusted him not to contaminate the crime scene. He opened a panel on the side of the SUV and grabbed a clean bag, a large heavy ziplock with paper booties, gloves, hair net, even a paper coverall if he needed it. He shoved it into his bag and slid into a gap in the pressing crowd.
Excuse me, officer, can you tell me who is the officer in charge of the scene. I'm doctor Tanaka. One of the victim's parents have retained me to look into the killings, and I was hoping to get a word.
He flashes his private investigator license as a demonstration of his legitimacy.
Tanaka is flashes his badge at a overweight blonde and tired looking male officer trying to hear you over the crowd. He then says dully, "Hold on." He then pulls out his radio and tells whoever is in charge about you. you can't really make out what is being said from the other side but the hefty officer looks up at you and says, "Head in."
Tanaka goes under the yellow tape and into the small baby blue house. Inside you can see a few officers talking about the case. Tanaka asks who's in charge and they point him to the back yard. He heads out and sees two officers and one techy type. And what looks to be a detective, that Tanaka recognizes as Melinda Sunder.
They had worked on a couple cases together back when Reilly still lived in Spire city.
Something in his gut tightened as Sunder came into view.
Melinda, I mean Detective Sunder. It's good to see you again, even in such terrible circumstances. I wish I were suave enough to get away with something like "we've got to stop meeting like this," but my Bogart is a little rusty
His face felt flushed as her gaze locked onto his. They had last worked together on the Blue Moon case, and while they had always respected each other, things had gotten too personal there at the end.
Moving closer, he asked for a word in private before explaining his connection to the case.
So any information you would be willing to share, or anything I can do to help out. Just let me know. What is the situation here?
The dreams The Last Maenad had been having flashed through the back of his mind as he solemnly answered the boy with a sad grin over his face and a sip of liquor from his pocket
I walked across a dead girl with a number on her head last night... I was almost framed for it- whoever is doing this is putting too much heat on me to be able to enjoy this great city. It needs to end, besides-
Tony moved in slightly closer to Lucas There's no greater cock block than my girls from the club seeing something as inhumane and horrifying as a dead girl on the walk to my place, eh?
Lucas stood up straighter as Tony gave his story, he was attentive and agreeable, at first. Then, as Tony continued, Lucas's expression shifted to something resembling unpleasantness.
"I'll have you know, that was my sister you came across last night!" he said in a direct, low voice. "If you're interested in stopping these murders from happening again, then you can follow me and help out. Otherwise go look on your own."
Without even waiting for a response he walked past Tony and outside.
It is now 3:30 pm