Odd Encounters

<> Demiurge says "Shannen is just leaving Sistine's, right?"

<> Shannen nods.

<> Demiurge says "Perception roll, please."

<> Demiurge says "And is Shannen travelling by metro, foot, car, or what?"

<> Shannen rolls the d666 and gets 6 2 CHECK: 4.

<> Shannen says "By foot for as long as she can. Bus if she needs, too :) Mass transit is more eco-friendly :)"

As Shannen is turning the corner away from Sistine's, another young woman falls into step with her, and coughs in a friendly way. Her dark hair is short and wavy, and she's wearing a loose jacket over top and jeans.

The other woman says, "Took me a while to catch up with you, sister."

<> Shannen says "Nononononononononononononononono"

<> Demiurge says "It's _not_ Kanah."

<> Shannen says "Oh. Okay :)"

Shannen pauses in step "Huh? Umm.. Should I walk slower then?" and grins "Hve we met?"

The other woman laughs, briefly. "No, though we're both from the same place. I'm a Guardian. You're a Mercurian, I know." She pauses. "Damn, I can never pronounce names right. I'm Alba. How do you say yours again?"

Shannen continues grinning "Shannen, although I've never said it before. It's really nice to meet you Alba." and holds out her hand "Umm..just why are we meeting?"

Alba takes the hand and shakes it. "Shannen." She repeats the pronounciation carefully. "Right. No, I need a briefing on the Marches thing. The Lady said that you were in the middle of that."

<> Shannen will Resonate the lil pun--err Alba during the handshake :)

<> Shannen rolls the d666 and gets 4 1 CHECK: 6.

<> Demiurge says "You make it astoundingly well."

<> Demiurge says "Her name is Caliah. She's a Habbalite of the War, and was once an Elohite of Michael before Falling. She bears herself honourably and respects strength in others, but has few friends in Hell - though still some in Heaven."

<> Demiurge says "Her strongest recent relationship with an angel was in the 1920s, when she ran across a Malakite of Creation during Prohibition and they became lovers. He was forced to kill her later."

<> Demiurge says "She is an entire believer in her Prince. She does what he tells her to. She trusts him. Her current task is to watch over Daimon, you perceive, and keep him safe."

<> Shannen awwws at Daimon "That's so sweet."

<> Daimon gubs. What am I to BAAL?

<> Jo says "You must be his secret lovechild!"

<> Demiurge says "It'd explain the tactics!"

<> arcangel tries to imagine Dai as Baal's secret lovechild. Her brain breaks.

<> Daimon says "It would, tho."

<> Daimon says "That autosuccess thingy."

<> Daimon is just death at Starcraft. :)

Shannen ohs softly and nods, biting her lip a bit "Well. We better do it someplace more private. The sidewalk isn't a good place to talk about things like this." She giggles "Erm. Well, do you have a place nearby or something?"

Alba chuckles. "Not yet. How about your cafe?"

<> Demiurge rolls the d666 and gets 5 2 CHECK: 5.

<> Demiurge says "Shannen, what's your current mental state?"

<> Shannen says "Wary. Somewhat excited. Very curious."

Shannen frowns "Well, it's a while back to my cafe. How about Sistine's? It's really close by and it'd be easy to get a private table or something."

<> Hitherby says "Nice :)"

Alba shakes her head. She says, a bit ruefully, "I have a past argument with the lady there. I'd rather avoid quarrels."

Shannen frowns more "Oh. Quarrels aren't good - it's best to stay on good terms with everyone. Well..how about a park? We can swing or something while talking. Most children won't care a bit. Or sit at a picnic table? Or..there's always the cafe. Ohhh.. do you have money for the bus? It's a bit of a distance and I can cover you if need be."

Alba chuckles. "Oh, I can stand the bus fare for us both. A park's fine. Somewhere nice and fresh and out in the open."

<> Demiurge | Alba . o 0 ( where I can spot people coming )

<> Shannen | Shannen . o O ( where I can spot people coming )

Shannen grins "Good choice! I like you already." She motions down the street "I -think- there's a park down this way. I remember being one there a few days ago and I'd be really disappointed if it went away and no one told me. They have GREAT swings. Oh, you can go really really really really high. And fast. Okay, I'm done." Her grin breaks into a wide smile.

Alba chuckles again, her face full of a mild cheerfulness. "Lead on, Macduff. I'm all ready and waiting to listen."

<> Shannen hrmphs. Macduff.

<> arcangel says "A very violent reference, really..."

Shannen glances quizically at Alba before beginning to walk along the street, waiting for Alba if need be. "Oh oh oh..where to begin. I really don't know. Friends heard about some things in the Marches. Involved Novalis. Asked me to come. Hell broke loose - LITERALLY!"

Alba matches pace with her. "Really? Princes and all?"

Alba - or Caliah - follows Shannen to the park and swings.

Shannen swings..swwwiiinnng "Ooookkkayy. So..what do you..know and what..do you need..?"

Caliah chuckles. She's swinging in small arcs, eyes on the horizon. "I wanted to know what that place you were investigating was. I was told you could give me an eye-witness account."

Shannen pauses "Oh.." she grins "I'm sorry, I'm curious - you said the Lady - did you mean Blandine? I assumed so, since that kind made sense and everything." and nods "Oh. That place was really really really..bad. And not in the good way."

Caliah says, "Elaborate a bit?"

Shannen hmms softly, slowing her swinging a little "Well, they were kidnapping demons. Or something like that. And it was..Kronos, Beleth, and..Nybbas? Yup! Those three. They had set up this place that looked almost like Heaven. I mean, it was so close to Heaven that if you hadn't been there, you'd be like 'Wow! I'm in Heaven' - you know what I mean - but it wasn't. It was just a whee bit too shiny and golden - and I'm not calling Heaven non-shiny or non-golden - but this was like wearing too much makeup or something. Anyway, some friends and I kinda snuck in. It was really really funny how we did it, too - we just impersonated demons who were impersonating angels. Freaky, huh?"

Caliah's frown grows as she listens. "But why did they make this place? What was it supposed to achieve?"

Shannen frowns as well, except moreso "They had lots of reasons. And .. none of them were at all nice." She shakes her head and lets out a sigh "Okay. They took lots of demons. And all of the ones they took got really really really brainwashed - why do people do that? It just isn't nice! Anyway, they had two plans. First, they got ones who might Redeem and made them -think- they were gonna Redeem. Then they'd do bad things or something until they got that idea out of their head. Then..! They'd take the ex-angels, who were fanatically loyal 'cause they were 'saved' from 'Heaven' and give them more brainwashing before sending them back to their old bosses." She lets out a big sigh and goes back to concentrating on swinging.

<> Shannen is -not- a Seraph.

<> Daimon says "You know, all I would have said is, "Once again, demons have proven that they have no taste in torture.""

<> Daimon says "But then she would have tried to prove otherwise, and my life would have sucked. More. Rather."

Caliah says, slowly, "I think I get the idea. No, it isn't very "nice" at all."

Shannen nods, but brightens somewhat "At least the ending is happy. I just wish we could have helped more or something. I was so scared and everything being there. I should've done more."

Caliah says, dryly, "And the place was then broken into many little bits by many big Archangels with big weapons?"

Shannen pauses for a second, thinking "Well, Michael was there. WOW! He was mad. I mean really really mad. He did as much as I could see. And I asked Novalis to come and she did! Novalis got as many demons and such out as she could - ones who might Redeem."

<> Hitherby says "Novalis used the biggest weapon of all -- peace and kindness."

<> Hitherby smiles saccharinely.

<> Shannen cuddles Hitherby.

Caliah says, "Novalis. I see." She doesn't mention Michael, but rocks her swing a little more.

Shannen lets out a small breath "Sooo..is there anything else?"

Caliah says, "You've been very helpful. I understand Daimonique was a prisoner there?"

<> Daimon says "The word is "guest"."

Shannen looks down, nodding "Yes. Poor poor poor poor poor dear. I..I really wish I could help him-err-her out and I hope she's doing better. Poor dear."

Caliah chuckles. "That's the problem with people with multiple vessels. You don't know what sex to call them."

Shannen smile wryly and nods "Yeah. I call him him cause that's what I know him like, you know. Have you met Daimon before?"

Caliah nods. "A couple of times, yes. He's off somewhere the other side of the world at the moment, I think."

Shannen ohs softly and nods "Yes, I think so too." She begins revving for an extra-high swing "I'm gonna jump off. I do it really well - with a twist in midair, too. Do you have any other information you need?"

Caliah taps her foot against the ground, once. "Is he due back soon?"

Shannen shakes her head as she swings by "I...don't...know...no...one..ever...tells...me...things." She grumbles softly.

Caliah laughs. "But they still drag you along on all the dangerous missions?"

Shannen nods quickly "Oh...yeah..." She grins "But...I...don't mind...helping...is...fun!" She slows for a one go by and whispers "And Daimon is kinda cute." before speeding up again.

Caliah shakes her head, mildly.

Caliah says, "Should I come by your cafe if I need to ask you anything else?"

Shannen nods "Of..course. And you can have free coffee, too!"

Caliah says, "Excellent."

<> Demiurge rolls the d666 and gets 6 4 CHECK: 6.

Shannen waits for the swing to arc up up up and foosh, lets go and sailing out, laughing.

Caliah watches her, sitting unmoving on her swing.

<> Daimon says "And Caliah thinks... does she HAVE ethereal forces?"

<> Shannen sniffs.

<> Shannen gets no respect.

<> Daimon says "HELL no."

Shannen is grinning as she returns to her swing "Sorry, I had to do that. It's just so fun and everything."

Caliah smiles. "Absolutely. What else should Flowers do?"

Shannen pauses "Plat trees and stuff." and grins "What do you do, by the way. I never asked.."

Caliah chuckles. "I'm here to be Daimon's guardian angel."

Shannen blinks "Woah?! Really? From Dreams? Or..am I confused?"

Caliah blinks. "No, no. Flowers, like you."

<> Daimon blinks. WTF?

<> Pat says "Novalis has it in for ya, Daimon."

<> Shannen grins.

<> arcangel says "Caliah... is no Seraph,."

<> Daimon says "Maybe this is her "Sorry I left you and your friends to die" present. :)"

Shannen ohs and baps her head "Duh. Stupid me." She grins "Okay, that makes total sense. I'm sorry. THAT explains the 'sister' and everything. Okay, gotcha. Well, if you don't have a place in town or anything, you're more than welcome to stay with me or I can ask friends to find you a place."

Caliah rocks her swing slightly, watching Shannen with what might be the patience of a Cherub. Or not.

<> Demiurge rolls the d666 and gets 6 5 CHECK: 4.

Caliah says, after a moment, "That's appreciated, but not necessary. I'll be fine."

Shannen nods "S'okay. Well..erm..if you're ever bored or anything, you're more than welcome to pop on by and we can go to a movie or have some coffee or walk in the park. And maybe we can work things out with the owner of Sistine's! She's really really nice and I'm sure she'd forgive you if you two just talked it over. Forgiveness is what we go for, after all." She smiles brightly.

Caliah nods. She says, idly watching the horizon, "Of course, it's a fair bet that by now someone is going to have realised what Sistine's is."

Shannen blinks and leans forward "What it is? What do you mean?"

Caliah nods slightly.

Caliah says, "Let's stop being disingenuous."

<> Daimon says "Big word alert, Shannen!"

Shannen nods "Well, I know it's a Tether to Creation. That's pretty obvious. Is there something else about it?"

<> Shannen sticks her tongue out at Daimon.

Caliah says, "I suppose it was stupid of me to try to fool a Mercurian, given your resonance and ability."

Shannen whaggles her finger at Caliah "That wasn't nice." and goes back to gentle swinging "So..what's the real story?"

Caliah glances around again. "The real story? I wanted to know what happened out in the Marches."

Shannen nods "Okay. You got that." and smiles faintly when Caliah looks around "Don't worry.. I left my Malakim in my other pants." She pouts "I hate it when I do that."

Caliah says, mildly, "Oh, I'm not watching out for Malakim. I'm watching out for demons who might be after you."

Shannen blinks and glances around a little before frowning "Shoot. I had just about stopped worrying about that." She sighs "I know, I know. I should keep worrying, but it's such a bother." She pauses "I mean, it's not like there aren't worse things they can do."

<> Shannen says "You just can't help but be nice to Caliah."

Caliah blinks. "There aren't? You mean, being dragged down to hell by demons who have a personal grudge against you isn't the worst thing that could happen to you?"

Shannen nods "Yup. Funny, isn't it?" She sighs "Although. I have a feeling that cleaning up after Haagenti would suck really really really bad. I mean, think 'vacuum of space' suckiness. That sort of thing. It'd be kinda degrading, too. Or imagine having to clean his teeth. ICK! I'd rather watch 'Barney'!"

Caliah looks at Shannen for a while, then says, "Blessed are the innocent."

Shannen grins "For they will something or other. I just know the meek one."

Caliah gets off her swing. "Tell Daimonique to watch out for Kobalites."

<> Sephar just falls over at Shannen.

<> Demiurge | Caliah . o 0 ( Clearly she is a cunning genius who conceals her ability under a cover of flippancy )

Shannen nods and takes in a deep breath "Caliah.." she swallows "Thanks for warnings. I'll be sure to tell Daimonique. Be careful, okay? You're nice and I wouldn't want anything to happen to you. Well, short of Redemption."

<> Pat says "No, Caliah, she's just a goof."

<> Shannen | Shannen . o O ( She probably suspected the silly thing from the start. )

Caliah says, drily, "How kind of you. How very appropriate."

<> Daimon says "Man, the Boss is going to be cheesed at me for a very long long time."

<> Daimon says "At least I give him something to do."

<> arcangel | Caliah . o O (I *am* an angel, dammit!)

Caliah says, "I found you. Think about it."

<> Daimon says "Hell, I wasn't even properly his _servitor_."

Caliah turns, and walks away.

Shannen grins "I try. Have a nice day and keeeeeeeep smiling! Oh, the coffee offer is good, of course. I'd be the lowest life on the planet if I kept my coffee from people." She sticks her tongue out "Oh, like I tried to hide." and pauses "Maybe I should.."

Caliah doesn't turn back.

Shannen waves and goes back to swinging, thinking happy thoughts.

<> Demiurge says "Okay, does Shannen plan to go to Sistine's or phone people and tell them about the Minion of Doom, or is she just going back to her cafe as per earlier?"

<> Shannen says "Well, Caliah's information wasn't exactly new or creative, so I'll just go back to the cafe and brood and then call Sistine's."

<> Demiurge says "Okay. Hm, there's Faber and Hitherby at Sistine's, if either would care to take a call. It's now late afternoon, just before the Paris stuff is about to go boom."

As Shannen dials the number, the phone in Sistine's rings. Marath, busy with some plates of food, nods Faber towards it hopefully.

Faber wipes his hands on his jeans, then picks up the phone. "Sistine's, may I help you?"

<> Demiurge says "Those poor jeans must be among the most abused jeans in all creation."

Shannen rolls onto her stomach onna bed "Hi there. I hope so. May I please speak with John or Marath, please?"

<> arcangel says "Eli's are more abused."

<> Faber grins.

Faber says "This is John. Shannen?""

Shannen says "It IS. Wow, do I sound that much the same on the phone?" She pouts "Oh well. I just had a -strange- run in. I mean strange. Anyway, I was given a little warning to share with Daimonique."

Faber says "Hey, doll, it wasn't that long since I was talking with you, I'm not quite senile. Hm. What was the warning?"

Shannen grins "Yeah, but you sound sooo different. Kinda like.. well, someone else. Anyway, it was 'The green monkey barks at midnight.'" She pauses "No, no..it was 'Watch out for Kobal'. Eh, close enough."

Faber says "What?"

<> Pat says "Watch out for Kobal's green monkey?"

Faber hmms mildly, "Kobal. And don't green monkeys die quickly?"

Shannen repeats herself, more slowly "The green Kobal is watching..err..'Watch out for Kobal'. I kid you not. That's almost an exact quote. I don't know much about monkeys, really. Ask Hitherby!"

Faber blinks mildly, looks around, "Hitherby?"

Faber says "I don't see her here at the moment, who gave you this warning?"

Shannen frowns "Super duper cross your heart with sugar on top promise not to do anything to her? She's really nice and she was only trying to help Daimon. 'kay?"

<> arcangel eyes Shannen. "The Habbalite is 'really nice'??"

<> Shannen isn't a Seraph, mind you.

Faber says slowly, "You want me to make an Oath? I'm not sure I can do that."

<> Faber isn't a Seraph either, is certainly *not* a Most Holy.

Shannen blehs into the phone "Nono. Just try to be nice and don't go running after her with a large, flaming sword. You wouldn't look at all right - only Eddie can pull that act off. Okay. She was a Habbalite of the War. ICK. Named..erm.. Caliah! She tried to impersonate a Mercurian of Novalis. Hah!"

<> Demiurge says "Actually, she tried to impersonate a Cherub, but hey. :)"

<> Shannen says "Close enough :) Mercurians are so much better."

Faber is just stunned for a bit, complete silence. His voice when he speaks again is very, very clear, very cut short, "Where did she go after she spoke with you?"

Shannen umms "Out of the park. I wasn't really paying attention then."

Faber groans.

Faber kicks something at Sistine's. Hard. A wall, which he can't hurt too badly.

The wall creaks faintly, such is the creative impulse behind that kick.

<> Demiurge says "And unless Faber has very good shoes indeed, he just bruised his toes."

Shannen frowns "Is something wrong?"

<> Hitherby says "Caliah, walking by, is hit by the collapsing wall. Such is the power of the Malakim of Creation."

Faber shakes his foot out, swearing under his breath, but the pain actually expresses just a touch of his rage. To the point where he can take a deep, slow breath. "I... uhm... I will not run after her with a flaming sword. She's... Caliah."

Faber just chokes a bit on the name and sighs at Shannen's question. "I'm looking for her."

Faber says "That's all."

Shannen nods slowly "Yes. She is. Why are you looking for her? Have you met her before?"

Marath looks across from the zabaglione, raising an eyebrow.

Faber grins a bit wryly at the look from Marath and at Shannen's questions, "Yes. I've met her before. I have my reasons, they don't, immediately, include killing her."

<> Daimon encourages a little post-nookie murder. :)

Faber adds somewhat blandly, "Though I have, before."

Shannen frowns immensely and audibly sighs "Okay. Just..erm..be nice, okay? She was really friendly and helpful and didn't try to hurt me or anything."

Faber says "Okay. At least I know she's around. What else does she know?"

Shannen hrms "She knows that Daimon isn't around here. I told her about the Marches, but I changed a few details. She told me to watch my back. Well, not directly. She's not much of a swinger. I was really disappointed."

Faber chuckles softly, "Swinger... oh... playground swings?" He sounds a touch wistful, "Too bad."

Shannen grins "Yup. They're great, aren't they? Brings out the children in everyone!"

Faber chuckles again, "Yeah. Okay. Thanks for the warning, I'll get it to Daimonique."

Faber says "If you hear from her again, I'd love to know what you can get from her about where she might be."

Shannen nods "Okay. I'll let you know! Byebye and keeeeep smiling! And everything like that! Be careful and give Daimon my love!"

Faber says "Okay. Goodbye."

Faber looks bemusedly at the phone for a long second after he hangs up.

Shannen hangs up and plops on her bed for a while.

Marath calls across to Faber, "Something personal?"

Faber says "Somewhat."

Marath nods, and goes back to the food.

---

Fiat Justitia