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Well...according to our hostess, Freddie here is. I'm Jon...the Killer. Ex-Army, so don't freak out. Ms. Mvashti was saying something about a prophecy...or something along those lines...
Looking from Jon to Nishka, Sariel sips his tea, then turns to Zania. "According to Ms Mvashti, we are all guardians. She called Freddie individually 'the warrior'." He winks at Freddie, "We've agreed that ones sort of indisputable."
Turning back to Nishka, "Well, Ma'am, we're all here, can you give us more information now?"
Freddie winks with a big grin. "I keep explaining, I'm a lover, not a fighter."
Clearly his build says otherwise, though.
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Nishka sits moves to the tea kettle and without asking if theyd like some he pours Toni and Zania cups of teas, and paces a plate of scones on the table.
She looks at the 6 of them and starts again. As I said, among my people, the Miwuk, who settled this land long before it was 'colonized' by the white man. We lived among the spirits of the land, the tree spirits some would call Elves. The Earth Spirits some would call Dwarves, The Hill Spirits some would call Hobbits...to use a familiar term, though others call them Kender or Halflings. There were many spirits in those long off days. They would visit our villages and we would trade with them. They taught us many things, most of all how to use the magic that the world was bound with. Close your mouth Freddie. I did say Magic.
she smiled as she took a sip of her tea before continuing.
I do readings every morning from my runestones. Lately those readings have been showing me a time of conjunction is coming, when the border between the spirit world and ours thins, and those that once were can be again. When it is easier to come through portals, or gates if you will. This morning I felt the pull of the land throbbing like one with an infection. So I did more than a reading. I went into the dream world and contacted my ancestor guide. It was he that said the danger will start here. This weekend. As something old is rediscovered. What that is, I do not know. But there is one here of the forces of darkness who does. My guide told me to seek out The Guardians who have been brought here to oppose the forces of darkness. Those are as I mentioned A Warrior...one who would fight for what was right, a servant of Ke'-lok. A Killer...one who has the eyes that have seen dead home, a servant of Grandfather O-let'-te, Then one who has seeking eyes like a hunter, a servant of Wek'-wek. Then one who was joined with nature as The People are, who was a servant of Kok'-kol, then someone of light heart and dancing eyes who carried herself with quiet a servant of Koo-loo'-loo, and finally one who could convince others of good speech and confidence, and gifted mind. An Angel ...one of the Star People, a servant of Os-so-so'-li. So I did. and here you are.
She paused to look each in the eye.
First she looked at Freddie The Warrior
Then she looked at Jon The Killer
Then Sauriel The Hunter
Then to Cayden The Protector
Then to Toni Its hard to say exactly how you represent Koo-loo'-loo . I called you The Sneak out there, But in my language Ma'l-li Ta'-wa-lu Mi-wu doesnt translate easily. ...Shadow Squirrel Person. ...so If I offended you with 'Sneak' please excuse me.
Finally looking at Zania she said I referred to you as The Mentalist. That was easier then calling you Daughter of the Star People....
Wondering how much Nishka knows, and hoping that she isn't just some carnival psychic, because she is about to risk a lot, Zania says
Ah, well... I mean, this isn't something I would normally share, but...
She casts Light on the teacup she was handed, and then places the now-shining cup on the table.
... I don't know if I am ... what you say I am, but I also know that normal people can't do that. I'm willing to hear you out.
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Cayden reaches out for the shining teacup across the table and it telekinetically hurtles through the air into his hand, ”I, too, have certain abilities beyond what most can accomplish. The wilderness speaks to me in ethereal voices. Truly, I’m not sure how I’m able to hear them, but it certainly seems I’m joined to nature.”
Zania smiles appreciatively. She was glad she had taken the chance.
'Well, she's at least told us how the information came to her. But she wasn't very clear on what forces of darkness we oppose. But if she knows Mack then there is probably more going on that she isn't speaking of, at least not until she gets a commitment.'
He watches, keeping his face carefully neutral as Zania shares a little while casting a spell on the cup. 'Magic, Curious, innate or learned? Even more curious, I thought sky people was a native reference to the angelic. So there is more to Vania than just a pretty face and friendly demeaner.' He watches as Cayden again shows and speaks of his abilities. Sipping his tea he looks around the table again. ' So we have a daughter of the star people with some magical skills, a natural psychic, a trained soldier, a retired professional athlete who's being intentionally vague about everything else and a delivery girl with shadow squirrel skills. Unintentionally smiling at the thought of shadow squirrel skills.
Regaining his stoic demeaner Sariel clears his throat and speaks up. "As I was telling the boys, I am a Catholic priest." Looking from Zania towards Toni, "My area of expertise is dealing with the paranormal." His eyes rested on Nishka. "Which may be the reason I was 'viewed' as 'the hunter." He turns, looking to Jon. 'As I said I am on sabbatical after some difficulty with some thugs in the city and I need to protect the people who know my whereabouts."
He lifts the tea cup he was drinking from, speaking softly "illuminare" holding out the shining cup. "The order I'm a part of has been around centuries. We use divine magic and other tools to fight evil." He looks around the table. "If I am to assist in this endeavor, what magic I use and my actual calling must remain secret to any but this group."
Looking back towards Nishka; "The other reason I may have been seen as the hunter is my vision, I can see in the darkest of nights, pitch black if you will. Genetically I have certain 'gifts' my mentor Mack does not have. But he understands them and taught me to use them."
Jon tries his nest to nt look absolute dumbfounded, but fails miserably. He finishes the rest of his tea and collects himself. He pours another as he tries to focus his words.
So...let me get this straight...some of you have...let's say abilities...as you have just shown. And there are other races? You mean like the Lord of the Rings type stuff? I never got into those books as a kid...always played outside...and now you say we are servants of old gods? I could use something a bit stiffer than this tea right now... he says as he sits back down and tries to process the information.
Toni's eyes flick between the shining cups, then down at her own, before she looks at Jon
"Not sure we're not drinking something other than tea already."
Looking at Nishka she adds "Shadow Squirrel? Am I supposed to just vanish into a dark corner or something?"
She takes a deep breath. "Sorry. This is just a bit much. I'm an engineer, not... not whatever you folks are"
Freddie jumps out of his chair and backs up, hands in frond of him as if to say "Stop!".
"What?!? You all are punking me right now, right? I mean, sure - I have seen artifacts from history that have some pretty bizarre and unexplained properties, but never a person doing these things. How long have you both been capable of these... er... powers?"
So, mixed results, but perhaps still okay, if Nishka was right about the group. She wasn't sure about Nishka either, but she was committed now, so she decided to jump in and see if she could smooth things over a little.
Freddie, please sit down. I know this is unusual, but no one is harming anyone, or on fire. It's something we can talk about, surely.
It's not exactly Lord of the Rings. I mean, I don't look like Gandalf, now do I?
She smiles, trying to get him to see her as a person, not a monster.
Maybe a tiny bit like Harry Potter for some of us, but you've all read urban fantasy, or at least seen movies like the Avengers, right? Nishka is just saying that all of us have unusual abilities that would make us a good team. They don't always manifest as something magical. Sometimes they are unusual physical abilities, or mental acuity, or off the charts hand-eye coordination. Something that makes you especially talented at what you do. Nothing that makes you a hobbit or an orc... just an extra-talented person.
Toni, you're an engineer... but a really, really good one... am I wrong? You have some ability that makes you just a little bit better than others. Jon and Freddie, I'm guessing you both have some unusual physical abilities. Something that makes you especially good at what you do.
All of us have to have this realization at some point, but maybe it was easier on those of us who had what we call "paranormal" abilities, because we had to face them young, and learn to hide them from others. Your abilities you don't necessarily have to hide, but surely if you think about it you can see that something makes you stand out.
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It's just....a lot to process. Look at it from mine and Freddie's point of view...you've known about this stuff for a long time. We just get this dropped on us...and we're just supposed to say...ok...cool...let's run with it. I don't have anything special about me...other than I survived a parachute failure from 35000 ft HALO drop...
”If it helps, these powers are new to me, too. I’ve heard the voices for a while, but they’ve only started telling me how these powers can work within the past few years. Hell, I didn’t even know other people had abilities like mine.”
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"Honestly, no, it doesn't help. Excuse us while we try to adjust to the whole world being ... I dunno, what it is"
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'So Freddie is the nervous jumpy type, never would have figured that.' Sariel reaches into his jacket pocket, gripping and releasing the pack of Lucky Stikes. He watches as Zania tries and calms the ex-football player. Raising an eyebrow as Jon explains he doesn't know anything about the supernatural, after having survived a parachute failure. Turning towards Nishka, Sariel waits. 'Fortunately, I've used the fake ID. Nishka knows about Mack, but she may not know about Aunt May and none of the others know anything. If this doesn't come together quickly, I can still cut bait.'
He looks towards Toni. Exhaling, "You're right it is a lot to process. But look at your reactions, can you imagine the whole world doing this? Every time they hear that some fairytale is actually their worst nightmare." Turning to Jon. "Look at it this way, you were on a need to know basis and before today you didn't need to know." chuckling at Freddie, "Freddie, think about it, look back at the stuff you acquired. Why do you think your employer wanted those items? Magic."
Looking around the table. "No more questions, we can't answer them to your satisfaction." He sets the tea cup down. "Hell, I have questions that no one can answer and I work for the Pope. Either your in our your not. It's all six of us or it isn't. I'll answer everything the best I can, once we've start. But not until then."
He turns to their host. "Thank you for the cup of tea Ms. Nishka. But I'll be not staying in town if all six of us don't join you. It's not worth the risk."
"Yah, yah... ok, so magic. Sure. But those were items. Things that can be taken away from those who get a little carried away with what power it bestows. This... this is something else. Does it hurt? Can you teach others to do it? And I thought I WAS one of the enlightened."
"Got anything stronger to put in this tea? Freddie reaches into his pocket and starts fumbling with something. "No... nevermind..."
'Still with the questions. Looks like I'll need to trust Nishka on this and she does know about Mack.' Shaking his head Sariel looked at Frightened Freddie, "Believe me Freddie, Magic is not the scariest thing out there." He gestures towards Nishka, "And if her Spirit Guide says something bad is coming, then something bad is coming. And we are the ones who have been chosen to stop it."
Seeing Freddie reach into his pocket for something stronger, Sariel has an instant craving for a cigarette. Pulling his hand from his pocket to resist the urge he asks. "So how about it Freight Train, you in or out?"
His near black eyes move around the table looking each person in the eyes, "And the rest of you?"
"So something dangerous is coming here? During the festival? And we're some magic group who're supposed to stop it? Sounds crazy."
Toni puts her head in her hands for a few seconds, then looks up.
"I was born here. I grew up here. Fishing almost killed my father. This is my home. Nothing gets to walk in and screw up the festival"
Cayden smiles and shakes his head at Freddie, "No, it doesn't hurt at all. To me it's...wonderful. It connects my mind to something greater than myself. It can be overwhelming at times, the sheer power of it all, but there's something just," he pauses for a moment, searching for the right word to convey the magnitude of the feeling, "Transcendent about it. I'm not sure if I can teach you. I can try, if you're willing to listen to the voices of the wilderness."
He looks over to Sariel, "I'm in. Whatever spirits are out there, they've decided I'm to be a protector. I'd be a pretty crappy protector if I didn't heed the call to fight whatever darkness is coming."
"Ok, ok. I mean, I am no stranger to strange phenomenon, so I can wrap my mind around this... eventually. But 'something bad' is always coming, it seems. I would like to get more information on that."
Jon chuckles at the comment from Sariel.
Yeah...that fits perfectly I guess. It makes an odd sort of sense when it comes down to it. And if there's trouble coming, you're gonna need all the help you can. May as well use my skills for the greater good...for once...
Zania turns her eyes back to Nishka, now that it looks like no one is at risk of running out.
Please, tell us more. You mentioned there is an evil person that is about to discover something old... (you said "force of darkness" so I assume evil, but let me know if I am misinterpreting) ... is there any way to know who that is? Do you have additional information that will help us find the danger you spoke of?
'I'm afraid the festival may be the least of our worries. But we'll cross that bridge when we get there.' Sariel nods as Toni vows to let nothing ruin the festival, but doesn't say anything, He looks from Toni to Cayden, Smiling as the psychic embraces the term 'protector.' 'I hope Nishka is as patient as she seems.' Rolling his eyes as Freddie seems to willing to stay but still wants more information. 'Greater good, I hope he's right, It would be nice going to sleep feeling 'good.' Making eye contact with Jon he nods lifting his tea cup, he says softly "For the greater good."
'A daughter of the star people.' Watching Zania as she begins to speak: the luminescent hair, the perfect features, the tan healthy looking skin. He looks down at his pale hands. 'At least Nishka didn't reveal 'my' heritage.' Looking back at the oldest living person in the bay area, Seamus waits for her to answer the others questions so he can determine if this is a good idea or not.
Nishka seems pleased that the group is agreeable to helping.
Nishka says I cannot say I know a lot. Most of what I know you know now. What this object is, I dont know. Nor any of the specifics of it. However I can tell you The darkness is surrounding those three people that were talking to Ameiko and Sato. I felt it the moment I saw them. But like every Bond movie, you cannot move against the villain until we know more. Now if you have specific questions, perhaps I can try to discover some information about them.
"I know it's an obvious question, but who are they?"
Ah the other group that we saw, it seemed like Nishka was with them, but maybe not.' Sariel relaxes into the highbacked office chair, tea cup and saucer in hand. 'So the darkness surrounded the three people talking to the brother and sister.' Sipping his tea, 'I assumed the big blond was a body guard, but he did look like a biker. I wonder if he could have been a gang member.' Watching as NIshka continued, 'And the fellow with the slicked back hair and a cigar, He looked like something from a Russian mob movie.' Smiling at his simplistic comparison, 'Yeah cause all the bad guys look like they should be in the 'John Wick' movies.' Sariel taking another sip of the tea, finishing the last little bit. 'And the third man with glasses, a nerdy looking sort. But if the first is a biker and the second a Russian mobster couldn't the professor be a mad chemist?' Smirking at himself as he fabricated 'evil' roles for each of he three men. 'But I doubt if her spirit guide would warn her about a new meth distributer in town.'
Looking up from his tea cup toward Toni as she asks her question. 'Who are they?' Sariel looks from Tony to Nishka. 'No suprise she doesn't know.' Looking back into the tea cup. 'I tried to tell them visions don't work that way.' Realizing the cup was now empty, 'I'm not sure I need the caffeine, but tea really doesn't have that much.' Sariel leans forward, half coming out of his chair. pointing at the tea pot, "May I?" he reaches out towards the tea pot, pouring himself a half cup. Before he sits down he offers more tea to the other folks sitting there.
Yeah...another tea would be good...unless you have some strong coffee...stronger the better. Years of drinking the sludge they call java in the Army has ruined me I think...and my guys too... Jon says as he holds out his cup.
No thanks says Zania to the proffered tea, having used the glowing cup in part to get rid of it.
To Nishka she says Do you mind if I step into the kitchen and get some water?
After pouring Jon more tea, Sariel sits back down. As he does so he chuckles and asks, "If you don't mind, pretend at least one of us is from out of town and need the full back story, not just the short version."
I've only been here for a year or so...I can tell you where decent greasy spoons are, a few good coffee joints...and where to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city...which is why I bought my cabin where I did...
Nishka waves them into the kitchen and says please help yourself
then looks at Toni saying I know not who they are, just that I felt the tendrils of magic radiating from the one Sauriel says looks like a Russian Mobster. I can tell he had powerful wards up. beyond that I couldnt tell you.
She thinks for a second...and then adds. His magic is as old as mine...if not older.
looking as Sauriel returns with his tea, and as Zanie begins making something in the kitchen, she says The Full Backstory. My people had a great many legends and which one this refers to, I do not know, yet...but as things unveil themselves, Im sure I will be able to tell you more. Suffice it to say that you have been gathered to fight a great evil, you should prepare and the source of this evil is that man...and to beware him. The pieces are in play....now it is up to you.
'She could tell he had a powerful ward up.' Mentally rolling his eyes at himself, 'I had relaxed too much and didn't bother checking for any magic being used in the area.' Refocusing, he sipped a little of the tea, continuing to listen. 'Magic as old as hers, if not older. So older than the spirit magic the aboriginals have practiced for centuries. maybe he's Carpathian not Russian.' As she finished talking about the legends Sariel nodded that he understood.
Looking around the table, "Let's figure out what we do know. The three looked like they were with a couple of locals. An Asian couple, the older fellow was in black and a younger woman in purple. It looked the biker might be their body guard. Does anyone know anything about those two?"
Zania comes back in with her water just as Sariel is asking about people in the community.
Well, Ameiko Kaijitsu owns The Inn at The Tides, and it could have been Lonjiku Kaijitsu with her. That's the wealthiest person in the town, owner of Bodega Bay Tours and Porto Bodega Marina and RV park.
It was Sato, the picture looked older than Ameiko to me.
Nodding as Zania named a couple of local business owners, Sariel set his tea cup down and looked around the table again.
No idea...I don't hang out in the city much...might have to change that in the future...especially if I can find a good java joint...coffee is life...which is why I almost moved to Seattle area...but the prices where completely bonkers... Jon says as he munches on the muffin he bought earlier.
I eat and drink when I'm nervous...or anxious...or just don't know what's going on exactly...it's my only vice... he says with a grin.
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"It was the son, Saito, not the father. But yeah, important family round here. I wouldn't want to get on their bad side if I could help it."
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Between Toni and Zania you know that Sato is the brother of Ameiko. Both are natives. Having grown up here but moved down to San Francisco for a while and moved back up within the last 5 years. Ameiko had gone to college Got a degree in business moved back up. Its known that she appeared on America's got talent and lost in the 2nd to last round. She can sing however and well. Also known is the fact shes a 3rd dan black belt in Karate. She moved back up here, bought The Tides from its previous owner and now runs the successful business, primarily so she can look after her father. Her mother perished at sea right before she moved back up here. She fell over board in a storm and drowned while on a bay tour.
Sato is her older brother. Supposedly in line to take over the family business. He came back about a year before Ameiko. He had dropped out of school. Has ties with some unsavory people in San Francisco. Members of the Yakuza are friendly with Sato.
Lonjiku Kaijitsu is a very wealthy Japanese American. Having been in the camps during WWII. Hes quite old. Owns the Marina and the Bay Tours.
Yakuza? Great...I wonder if they have any ninjas on their payroll. Jon says with a chuckle. Wait...aren't those the guys who chop off fingers if they screw up? Saw it in a movie once...yeah. So if a high up dude has all his fingers, watch out...
'Kaijitsu, hmmm wealthiest person in town.' Looking from Zania to Jon as he stuffs a muffin in his mouth while talking, then to Toni as she provides more information. 'local Japanese family made good. Dad's old school, son runs with a rough crowd, and daughter is an entertainer.' Again, Sariel mentally pauses as Jon starts rambling about the Yakuza and ninja's. 'At least he's engaged in the conversation.' Sariel smiles. "Jon, my friend." He gestures towards the empty muffin liner. "I think you may need to lay off both the caffeine and the sugar."
Looking towards Cayden and Freddie to see if they have any questions, he pauses then asks. "Does anyone actually know any of the Kaijitsu's?" Looking around the group, "It sounds like Ameiko would be the easiest to approach. Are any of you staying at her hotel? Or do business with her? Or does anyone have any contacts in the entertainment industry or the tourist trade." He shrugs, "Anything that might get us close to her?"
I own a travel agency. I can probably approach her with a business proposition.
Nah...coffee is just gas for humans...plus...keeps you sharp...and I can quit anytime....look... Jon.says as he holds up his hand and shakes it.
See? Steady as a rock... he says with a grin and laughs.
Hey..if we need a place to hole up, I got a small cabin out in the sticks...not much, nut it's fairly decent. Might be a bit cramped, but me and Cayden here can crash outdoors...nothing new for us. Plus, I have some gear that might prove useful if things gets desperate.[/ooc]if we need a pause, Jon will go get his gun and stuff and put it in his truck.forgot to specify where the gun was, so i'll have it at the cabin...[/ooc]
Am I just doing a deal with Ameiko then, and finding out more about her, or are you all wanting to meet her as well? That would require more of a cover story. Also, I have a room in town, no need for a place at the cabin... unless there is a need for us to gather?
Unless you guys have other ideas, I'll just go on my own... and if you do think we need to hole up, my question is what exactly are we trying to accomplish? I feel like we came here to get information, and got very little, so all we can do is gather information at this point, right? Until we find out exactly what we are meant to do or fight or solve or whatever, it's life as usual.
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"Right now we don't much, do we? I guess getting close to Ameiko might let us find out who those other guys are"
Toni sighs quietly. "And we'd better go find out whether anything happened with all those bikers, otherwise I might be out of a job."
'Gather gear? I'd be curious to see what kind of gear an ex-ranger has stashed away.' Sariel looks from Jon towards Zania, 'Gather information and distance myself from Aunt May. I don't want her to get caught up in this.' Nodding in agreement with Zania and Toni, he looks towards Nishka, "That's the way it works sometimes, just bits and pieces, but at least we got the warning in time to at least be ready."
Setting the tea cup down on the large table, he looks towards their host. "Thank you Nishka for your hospitality and trusting us with the vision your spirit guide gave you." As he stands he looks towards Zania, "I will check in Ameiko's hotel, that will give us another set of eyes and ears there while you get to know her."
As he pushes the chair he was sitting in under the table, He pulls out his burner phone. "Toni if your going to check on the festival, would you give me a call if something is a miss?" He looks around the table with his phone out. "It might not be a bad idea if we all exchange phone numbers." He turned his phone so everyone could see his screen. "Patrick Knight" (317) 555-4357 looking at the time on the phone as he sets it on the table easy enough for everyone to see. "Shoot me a text with your first name, If you want I can then send the info to everyone."
Looking at Nishka, he asks, " Ms. Mvashti what would be the easiest way to contact you?" As he asks the question he puts his hand inside his jacket pocket, feeling the pack of Lucky Strikes. 'It's close enough to lunch.'
Once everyone is done with questions and punching his number into their phones, Sariel follows the others out of the back room through the shop. Nearing Jon he asks, "Jon, I traveled very light. While your gathering your gear, if you happen to have an extra shotgun you could bring along. Something simple you could loan a friend if things got rough, I'd appreciate it."
As they step outside the building, he takes the pack of cigarettes he had been reaching for all morning out of his jacket pocket. Breathing a sigh, he taps the pack, taking out his second cigarette of the day. As he puts the pack back in his jacket with his left hand, he retrieves his cigarette lighter from the right pocket, reaching past the knuckleduster. Lighting the cigarette turning to Jon. "Yeah, Jon, be careful." Giving a rueful smile.""That caffeine and sugar thing? That'll kill you."
"Isn't a shotgun going to scare a lot of people?"
Cayden shoots Sariel a message with his name, along with a couple of tree emojis.
”I’ve got a vacation rental down here…not great for long-term living. I say we see how the situation develops before holing up anywhere.”
I agree, Cayden...was just saying it so we know it's an option. And as much as I wish I had a fully stocked armory at my place, I only have a pistol...and some gear to survive in the wild. Would be nice to have an M4 with a -203 and an ACOG though...
Nodding as Cayden, sends him a text, Sariel picks up his phone off of the table and starts entering abbreviated version of the titles Nishka gave then into the phone with their numbers.
-------------------
As they head out of the building, he turns to Freddie as he asks about a shotgun scaring people. Scaring people?' He smiles, his teeth being a little too sharp. "I wasn't going point it at people."
No shotgun, pity, prefers an M4 with a grenade launcher and the older scope. Probably what he used back when.' When Jon commented on his preference of weapons, Sariel nods, as he takes a puff of he cigarette. "I've seen 'sanctioned' teams use M4's and other full auto's, never carried one myself." He shakes his head, exhaling. "Running freelance, we need to be careful with legalities like short barrels and such, especially in California." Shrugging, "Besides, there are things a steel jacket won't kill but with a shotgun you can modify the payload pretty easily."