arcangel finally shows up.
<<Scene Start>>
<<OOC>> arcangel checks to see if she should start with Daria (who has her name on) right after the squirrel incident or if Daria has... other plans for trouble, in the few days before class starts.
<<OOC>> Daria had no specific plans except 1.) hanging out 2.) meeting new people 3.) driving her motorcycle very, very fast, and 4.) exploring the surrounding areas.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Daria, there's a mall a few miles away from the campus.Pyramid Mall."
<<OOC>> Daria says "OOOH! Baby Windy + Mall! She'll go there."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "It is full of people. Of pretty things. Of stores thatapparently come and go according to some random pattern of their own."
>Of music stores that Daria is sure disturbance just came ringing out from...
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Of music stores that Daria is sure disturbance just cameringing out from..."
<<OOC>> arcangel grins. "Anyway. Tell me where Daria is today, in the Mall."
<<OOC>> Daria says "Is this the in-scene part, then? :^)"
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Yes."
<<OOC>> Daria says "Okay. (I'm kinda laggy, just a warning.) This music thing ispretty cool. She'll go hang there."
<<OOC>> arcangel will paint the scene in just a moment. Please hold...
It's a nice day outside, but inside is even better -- full of people (where dothey all come from, anyway?), full of stores, full of STUFF. Daria is on thesecond floor of Pyramid Mall, just strolling along and looking at all the stuffin the windows. And then, a chime of Essence from out of Eagleseye Music, astore whose windows are filled with books of music and instruments (primarilykeyboards and guitars).
<<OOC>> arcangel waves to Mellor. "Daria is at the Mall. This is a day or soafter the first one. Does Mellor want to be at the Mall too, or is Mellorconcerned that someone will do something nasty to it if it's found off-campus?"
Daria looks around at all of the bright and wonderful things all concentrated in one big place. What a fabulous idea! She strolls over to the music store, because there must be something extra-cool going on there.
<<OOC>> Mellor says "Oh, if no-one has openly threatened it in the last 6 hours, it'll assume it's cover is 'safe'"
Music trickles out of the store -- some seriously complex keyboarding cross between a harp and a piano.
<<OOC>> arcangel nods to Mellor. "No one has. Angela, if Mellor is still with her, is interested in the Mall. She keeps counting her money."
<<OOC>> Mellor just tries to think why it'd go to a Mall. I suppose Angela needs to get her hairdye and plastic spiders from somewhere...
<<OOC>> arcangel nods to Mellor. "Bingo."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "And clothing."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "You *cannot* be goth in a frilly white dress, and that's mostly what she's got. And the Smurf purse."
Daria dances and traipses the rest of the way to the store, and walks in, happy grin on her face.
Mellor watches the people in the Mall with mildly malevolant interest, through Angela's eyes. It refrains frmo overt comments. Yet.
<<OOC>> Daria says "Poor Angela. She's gonna get turned into a goth!"
<<OOC>> Daria must save her from this evil fate!
The inside of the store is large and open, with a couple of pianos and several keyboards set up on stands in the middle of the room. Guitars hang on the walls. Violins are over in a corner, and brassy instruments have the other corner to themselves. There appears to be a back room as well, but the door into it is, of course, closed.
Behind the counter, a storeclerk keeps an eye on the half-dozen (not counting Daria) browsers. One of the customers is making all that complex noise on a triple-decker keyboard/organ.
<<OOC>> Daimon says "Join me in idle-land."
<<OOC>> arcangel tells Mellor, "Make a Perception roll."
<<GAME>> Mellor rolls the d666 and gets 1 1 CHECK: 1.
<<OOC>> Daria LAUGHS!
<<OOC>> arcangel falls over.
<<OOC>> Daria says ""This oughtta be good."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Oh man, let me think."
<<OOC>> Demiurge does the watching thing. Giggles.
<<OOC>> Daimon says "Oh, that was slick."
<<OOC>> Mellor, always slick
<<OOC>> Daria has to workidle for a minute or two. brb.
Angela's eyes are drawn to a collection of Men in Black. They appear to be heading towards her (or something beyond her). There are three of them. They wear sunglasses. One is tall and thin. One is a bit shorter and thick-set. The third is broad-shouldered. Angela looks in her purse, muttering something about "Autograph."
<<OOC>> Tarot cracks up. Clearly, Mellor, these are your contacts from the Game!
<<OOC>> arcangel whistles. Innocently. Really.
Mellor twitches mind-tentacles, tickling its host with boredom. "Black's a good colour, it'd suit you,@ it tells her. Then, maliciously, "They're probably drg dealers. You should report them."
Angela gasps, peeeeering at the three men. Her hands fly to her mouth as she whispers, "Ohmigod, is that a gun?" (Indeed, it appears that the broad-shouldered one has a suspicious lump under his coat.) The host continues, "Ohmigawd, what do I do?"
<<OOC>> Daria is back. Sorry.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Daria, your turn for a Perception roll."
<<GAME>> Daria rolls the d666 and gets 3 4 CHECK: 1.
<<OOC>> Daria doesn't remember her stats, so.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Daria, you get a flicker from the corner of your eye as you head into the store. Something familiar in the movement, but not overly so."
Daria peers over to where the flicker came from, still grinning. Malls are fun!
Mellor soothes Angela, murmuring, "Don't worry, everything will be fine. Everything is entirely under control. You have everything under control. Your will is dominant, Now... memorise their descriptions. Then find a way to call the local law enforcement."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Daria sees these three guys, in sunglasses. Daria probably has a clue..."
Angela stares at the three men, trying to memorize them.
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 6 3 CHECK: 1.
Mellor cackles internally. Shopping people on false pretences makes it feel quite nostalgic.
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 1 5 CHECK: 4.
<<OOC>> Tarot says "Let me make a guess. Pyramid Mall. :)"
<<OOC>> arcangel nods to Tarot.
Tarot pages: Let me make another guess. That was the Triad noticing being stared at. :)
Long distance to Tarot: arcangel whistles.
The tallest of the men notices Angela staring, apparently. He turns his head like a bird of prey -- or a Balseraph noticing a particularly tasty demonling -- and half-raises a hand. The other two also pause and stare at Angela.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Daria can see all of this."
Mellor starts to get bad Balseraph-vibes. Sigh.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "A Balseraph contemplating belly-bites on a poor little demonling!"
Daria relies on her Windy trouble-avoiding instincts, and tries to stay inconspicuously within earshot.
<<OOC>> arcangel notes, for all who care, that the tall man's hair is a glossy black, without gray or silver streaks at all.
"Smile," the shedite whispers. "As widely as you can."
<<OOC>> Mellor says "It must be a renegade!!!"
Angela smiles widely.
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 3 5 CHECK: 4.
<<OOC>> Tarot prepares to be summoned to the rescue. Or the trial. Whichever. :)
The broad-shouldered one narrows his eyes and then, as if they were controlled by one mind, they alter their course to head over to Angela. Angela glances away for a moment, and spots someone in a uniform -- Mall Security. The Security woman appears to be watching -- but not moving.
Mellor weaves tentacle webs inside Angela's mind, twisting with nerves. "Tell them, very calmly, that you know what they are up to. And keep smiling. Everything will be alright."!
<<OOC>> Daria says "Did Daria meet Angela in the time since the last session?"
<<OOC>> arcangel isn't sure. "Did Mellor introduce itself as Angela, Mellor?"
<<OOC>> Daria says ""I know Randy, but I don't know if I met Angela, or would have offscreen."
<<OOC>> arcangel has Daria make another Perception roll, if she doesn't know Angela-host.
<<GAME>> Daria rolls the d666 and gets 2 1 CHECK: 2.
<<OOC>> Mellor says "I'd only just 'got' Angela. But in 2 days, who knows? If she turned up to class then maybe"
<<OOC>> Tarot says "If they attended any classes with Tarot, they'd both have been ther.e"
<<OOC>> arcangel says "This is the day before classes start."
The three men stand in front of Angela. She says, very calmly, "I know what you're up to." She smiles.
<<OOC>> Daria assumes she doesn't know Angela yet, then.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Daria, there's something familiar about the way that young woman in the white frilly dress is standing. You can't quite place it, but it's familiar."
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 3 5 CHECK: 4.
The broad-shouldered man scowls at Angela.
Daria keeps watching the events, and resonates on the first thing any of the men in black says.
Mellor soothes Angela further with tentacle kisses.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Roll for resonance, Daria. I'll keep it in mind."
<<GAME>> Daria rolls the d666 and gets 1 5 CHECK: 3.
<<OOC>> Mellor says "(But I won't dwell on that image0"
<<OOC>> Daria ews. Tentacle kisses.
The tall man says, "Did you do it, then?"
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 4 1 CHECK: 3.
<<OOC>> arcangel notes that the trio seem to be focused entirely on Angela, not noticing Daria. Yet.
Mellor pages: If I want to just over-ride her, should I make will rolls, or just keep suggesting words?
You paged Mellor with 'You can take over Angela now if you want.'.
Daria picks up a book and looks at it, still listening.
You paged Mellor with 'You're not pushing her morales right now, though she's a bit nervous and would probably burst into tears if it weren't for tentacle kisses.'.
Angela continues to smile, and her lips twitch once. She flips her hair over a shoulder girlishly and makes a big deal of looking around. "Not yet," she murmurs.
The tall man scowls, very much like a Balseraph about to do something painful to a poor little familiar. "Don't play games with *me*. Did you cause that disturbance or not?"
<<OOC>> arcangel rules, due to that 111, that Mellor does not spot Daria, even looking around.
Mellor pauses in the middle of assuring Angela again of how clever she is, and loses its grip momentarily.
<<OOC>> Daria woo hoos!
Angela's expression goes confused slightly, and she cringes.
You paged Mellor with 'You can regain control easily when you want.'.
Mellor freezes in the back of her mind, then pushes, "Ask him which disturbance he means."
Mellor pages: oookay
Long distance to Mellor: arcangel lets Mellor pose the question to the tall guy.
Angela' eyes widen blankly, "Err. which disturbance do you mean?"
The tall man says, "You didn't hear it, then?"
<<OOC>> Mellor evidently has real trouble with Balseraphs...
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Was your former master a Balseraph, Mellor?"
Angela is flattered into trying her special eye-batting trick that worked so well on Jude. She giggles, and looks at the 'balseraph' through lowered lashes. And shrugs.
<<OOC>> Mellor says "It sounds that way."
The tall man sings something. Two short notes. The thick-set man steps around and takes Angela by the arm.
Angela tries to twitch her arm away.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Daria can see that the Security woman has just straightened up and is coming this direction."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Roll, Mellor."
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 1 2 CHECK: 5.
<<GAME>> Mellor rolls the d666 and gets 4 3 CHECK: 3.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Angela's arm is caught."
Mellor takes over his host entirely and screams at the top of her lungs!
"Aaaaaieeeee!"
<<OOC>> arcangel cracks up.
Daria puts the book back on the shel. When Angela screams, she looks over at the group again, still waiting for anyone to make any sort of direct statement on which she can resonate.
<<OOC>> Tarot giggles.
The thick-set man tries to clap a hand over Angela/Mellor's mouth, and the expression of consternation on the tall guy's face is pretty good.
From afar, Mellor . o O (Oh wait. Can I get them into troubel for attempted abduction and rape...)
You paged Mellor with 'You can certainly try!'.
The security woman starts running toward the group.
Mellor pushes Angela as hard as it can, into struggling, ripping clothes and not fainting!
Mellor pages: Can I sing my Song of Thunder with my mouth covered up?
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Roll Fighting."
<<GAME>> Mellor rolls the d666 and gets 4 1 CHECK: 4.
You paged Mellor with 'Yes. It takes a round of concentration.'.
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 2 2 CHECK: 4.
Mellor pages: OK, I'll try to start concentrating then.
<<OOC>> Tarot just covers her face.
Daria grins, and keeps an eye on the tall guy. He looks suspicious!
The broad-shouldered guy and the thick-set guy manage -- barely, to restrain Angela's kicking and struggling. The tall man steps backwards, looking appalled. He looks around.
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 2 5 CHECK: 6.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Gimme a Move Silently roll, Daria."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Your target is 10."
<<GAME>> Daria rolls the d666 and gets 5 1 CHECK: 5.
The tall man's eyes sweep over Daria, pause for a moment, and then fasten on the security woman who is coming over at a run. He starts to take something out of an inside pocket in his jacket.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Mellor, roll."
Angea's struggles are getting more pathetic and panicked as the voice inside her head goes quiet.
You paged Mellor with 'For your Song.'.
<<GAME>> Mellor rolls the d666 and gets 4 6 CHECK: 1.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Ow. I think that fails."
Mellor pages: Next time, I will try spending all my essence, if I haven't got freed by then?
You paged Mellor with 'Woo! Okay.'.
From afar, Mellor will make much disturbance. But hey
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Daria, you can roll to see if you pick up the Essence-use from Angela."
You paged Mellor with 'For Thunder, does it *matter*?'.
<<GAME>> Daria rolls the d666 and gets 4 1 CHECK: 1.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Daria gets that this girl in white just spent Essence."
The Security woman reaches the tall guy. She grabs him by the coat lapels, ignoring the little card he's trying to show her, and hisses something in his face, real close up.
The other two men are still holding Angela.
Angela is a shivering wreck. She is starting to cry.
Behind Daria, someone seems to be peering out of the store, around her, to look at this wonderful scene. (So are a lot of other people.)
(But only this one behind Daria -- the rest are elsewhere.)
Daria mumbles, "This is just WEIRD. At least a lot of people get to watch." She continues listening to the tall guy, and also to the security guard, resonating on any actual statements made.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Make one more Per-roll for me, Daria, to listen in on the Security woman and the tall guy."
<<GAME>> Daria rolls the d666 and gets 4 1 CHECK: 1.
<<OOC>> Daria kicks check digits. Bah.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Daria can catch, 'think your doing?! ...juristiction... ...ARCHDEAN... ...hear about this...' from the Security woman. She sincerely seems to believe whatever she's saying to the guy."
Whoever it is behind Daria mutters, "Man, Men in Black. Thought I'd..." Then he shuts up. Fast.
Daria turns around and looks at the guy and smiles. "Thought you'd what?"
The other two are still holding firmly to Angela.
Mellor pages: OK, let me know when I can have another go at Thunder?
Mellor withdraws inside Angela's mind, leaving her to face the music/
The guy behind Daria is a skinny teen. His hair is a brilliant red. He has freckles. He pauses to really *look* at Daria. "Er..." His skin is turning brilliant red too, now.
You paged Mellor with 'Go for it.'.
<<GAME>> Mellor rolls the d666 and gets 6 4 CHECK: 1.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "That's a success. Let me do some rolls."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Broad-shoulders, Thick-set, tall-guy, Security woman, redhead teen."
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 6 5 CHECK: 5.
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 6 5 CHECK: 3.
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 5 4 CHECK: 5.
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 3 1 CHECK: 2.
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 2 6 CHECK: 5.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Daria, give me a Will roll."
<<OOC>> Mellor hopes the bal is out.
<<GAME>> Daria rolls the d666 and gets 3 1 CHECK: 6.
Mellor curls itself up tightly inside the host mind, and mirrors her scream with a black drawn-out howl of its own, forcing waves of essence out through every orifice of her body in long deafening waves.
A huge *EXPLOSION* rocks the space where the girl stands. The two men next to her reel away, hands over their ears. The tall man also tries to cover his ears. The Security woman turns toward Angela, rubbing one ear with one hand. The teenager, in the middle of opening his mouth to say something, freezes. Daria's ears hurt, but she's unaffected.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Why, Daria, you think that was a Song of Thunder!"
Elsewhere, Tarot's phone rings.
Mellor says to Angela, very soft, very subdued. "Run."
Angela runs.
The Security woman curses in some foriegn language and runs after her.
Elsewhere, Tarot picks up the phone.
Daria turns to say something to the boy, and stops midsentance. She blinks, sees Angela running, and decides, hey, why not follow the running people? That must be where all the fun is.
Elsewhere, a harried male voice says, "Mall Security. Are you the keeper of kiddies?"
Mellor is too tired to push Angela harder, and concentrates on thinking straight. She will have to cope on her own.
Elsewhere, Tarot says, "Newest class, yes. I take it I am needed there stat?"
Angela runs for the escalator down.
<<OOC>> Daria says "Does it look like the security woman will catch up with Angela?"
Elsewhere, the voice says, "Song of Thunder, second level of the Mall."
Elsewhere, Tarot is, as she speaks, grabbing her bag and gloves.
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 5 5 CHECK: 1.
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 3 3 CHECK: 2.
Elsewhere, Tarot says, "On my way. Advise any friendlies. Anybody onscene I should factor in that you know of?"
<<OOC>> arcangel says "She might, though Angela's dodging around."
Daria will run and follow, though more to see what happens than to intervene.
Elsewhere, the voice tells Tarot, "Will do. Might be some of your others around, or at least some curious bystanders. And a trio in black. But they're out of it right now."
<<OOC>> Mellor says "Yeah! I took out a triad all on my own *preen*"
<<OOC>> arcangel smirks at Mellor.
Elsewhere, Tarot says, "Thank you. On my way." She puts the phone down, and heads for the Mall.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "The Mall, Tarot, is a few miles away from campus. There is, it should be noted, an 'Emergencies only' entrance which Tarot is allowed to use. (And a parking space for it.)"
<<OOC>> Tarot now waits for the Triad to chase the "Renegade". :)
Tarot uses her car, and heads for the Emergencies Only entry.
Indeed, the group of three shake their heads and give chase.
Tarot breaks the speed limit, too, assuming the roads are fairly clear.
Mellor whispers to Angela, wearily, "I'm here. Don't stop."
<<OOC>> arcangel pauses a moment to admire the scene. A girl in a frilly white dress, being chased by a Mall Securitywoman, being followed by a beautiful young woman in jeans, being chased by three Men In Black.
<<OOC>> Tarot | Three teams of arts students grab their video cameras and start filming.
<<OOC>> arcangel will tell Tarot when she's there.
<<OOC>> Tarot says "Right."
Angela does not stop. She reaches a down-escelator and starts clattering down it.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Is that what they call moving-stairs in England, BTW? Escalators? Or however it's spelled, since I can't spell."
Curious bystanders join in the parade. The Security woman is snarling something into her radio.
<<OOC>> Mellor nods! Escalator
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Mellor... Just for grins, make either a Perception or Intelligence roll, whichever you feel appropriate."
<<GAME>> Mellor rolls the d666 and gets 4 1 CHECK: 5.
<<OOC>> Mellor tempted to say Int, because I might have succeeded.
<<OOC>> arcangel nods.
Daria keeps running, though she'll say 'Hello!' or 'How are ya?' to the people joining in the fun.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Mellor, you could have sworn that some of what that security woman is saying is, well -- that sounded a lot like the three syllables that mean, in Helltongue, 'Plague ridden Bal-licking rot-winged' and then something else that you didn't catch."
Mellor suggests to Angela, unconvincingly, that this is very exciting/
In the back of her mind, Angela wails. Her parents are gonna kill her! Twice over if she gets caught!
Mellor pages: OK, if the security woman starts to catch up then I'll try some helltongue on her maybe.
Angela, being small and unconcerned about pushing into people, is actually gaining a little ground. Slightly. There seem to be Security people converging at the bottom of the escalator, though.
You paged Mellor with 'Is Mellor going to *let* her gain on it?'.
Mellor forces Angela into a momentary stop on the stairs, slowing. As the security woman catches up, it hisses to her in helltongue, "My prince will hear of this."
Mellor pages: Worth a try...
The Security Woman hisses right back, in Helltongue, "You think he doesn't know, idiot?"
Daria just tries to stay within eyeshot of the woman in white, then. Call it instinctual fear of authority figures...
Mellor . o O (This isn't good.)
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Is Daria going to get on the escalator, or stay at the top?"
<<OOC>> Daria says "The Man is always trying to keep us Windies down!"
<<OOC>> Daria says "She'll stay at the top."
Past Daria, the three Men In Black come barreling, heading down the escalator.
It can be seen, by Daria's keen Wind-bred eyes, that one of them has dropped a small photograph.
Daria gracefully and quickly picks up the photograph.
The escalator carries Angela and the Securitywoman downwards, where other Security await.
Mellor looks up through Angela's eyes, at the impending 3 who are heading towards them. Without warning, it moves her pretty lips in an ugly wordless snarl.
The photograph is blurry, but appears to be of a red-haired male human. Rather like the one Daria spoke to, actually, but wearing a vibrant orange jumpsuit with numbers on it, and younger.
The Securitywoman says, in Helltongue, "Tell me you're a student, and we can sort this out. Otherwise, the triad gets you."
Daria grins at sticks the photograph in her pocket. She looks around the crowd of shoppers to see if he (or anyone else interesting) is around.
"I'm a student." The words come out of Angela's uncomprehending lips without hesitation.
Mellor has a small instinct for self-preservation.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Daria doesn't see him. She's left the music store behind a while back, though."
Angela adds, in English, "Triad?" She is as surprised by this as her parasite, but not for the same reason.
The Securitywoman nods firmly and takes Angela by the wrist. "Good," she says in English. She turns back to the three Men In Black who have managed to get down to where the two females are. "She's mine. Student. Out of your jurisdiction?"
Daimon has disconnected.
Angela waves weakly at the TRIAD(!)
The escalator reaches the bottom and all must debark. The Securitywoman drags Angela to one side so as not to block the bottom.
<<OOC>> Daria says "Did I hear the security woman? If so, I'll go back toward the music store."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "She said it in Helltongue, the triad part. You heard the "She's mine" part."
Daimon has connected.
The three guys all glare at Angela. If they were not wearing sunglasses, Angela would surely be felled by lasers. They follow as Angela is dragged to one side.
<<OOC>> Tarot hopes her car gets there soon. :)
Daria keeps watching the Angela situation, then.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Tarot is just now pulling up at the Emergency Entrance."
Tarot jumps out of her car, takes a moment to lock it, then heads for the nearest disturbance. Surely that is where she will find her students.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Daria can see that the three guys in black are trying to intimidate the securitywoman and a couple of other Mall Security people."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Gimme a Per-roll, Tarot."
<<GAME>> Tarot rolls the d666 and gets 4 5 CHECK: 1.
Mellor attempts to gather enough energy to keep soothing its host. "Shh. Everything is under control. This was all planned."
<<OOC>> Tarot says "Darn."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Tarot hears faint echos."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "They seem to come from the second floor."
Angela, in the back of her mind, whimpers at Mellor.
Tarot heads for the escalators up to the second floor, at a fast stalk.
Mellor knows that feeling well. Wants to whimper too!
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Tarot sees the three guys in black, as she comes near the escalators. And the security people. And Angela."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Daria sees Tarot."
Angela is in tears again.
The tall guy seems to be in a jurisdiction arguement with the securitywoman who's holding Angela firmly by one arm.
Tarot takes a moment, as she walks, to smooth her face to utter calmness, and to stalk so as to accentuate her height and businesslike suit.
Daria blinks, and starts walking back toward the music store, leaving this situation in Tarot's capable hands.
Aimee has connected.
Mellor is also looking around for potential hosts...
<<OOC>> arcangel says "There are the three security people, Mellor. If they're human."
<<OOC>> Mellor says "Are any of them touching Angela?"
<<OOC>> arcangel says "There are a lot of shoppers, too, but you'd have to go celestial to get one. The Securitywoman is holding Angela. The other two are not -- they seem to want their hands free to flex muscles at the other two guys in black while the tall one argues."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "So if Mellor wants to ooze into the Helltongue-speaking, Song of Thunder-resisting Security woman, it can feel free to try."
<<OOC>> Mellor says "Can I hear the argument? (Are they trying to decide which of them gets to dismember me?)"
Tarot says, as she approaches the group, "Excuse me." She turns to the security woman. "I believe that you are holding one of my new students?"
Mellor would rather ooze into Tarot. (Can Angela throw herself at her teacher)
<<OOC>> arcangel says "They are arguing over Angela's head, about who gets jurisdiction, and questioning Angela (refered to as 'this thing' by the tall guy) while they wait for pickup. Then Tarot arrives."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Angela can try."
<<OOC>> Tarot declares a policy of possessional racism towards Shedim.
<<OOC>> Mellor says "THING! What's that Balseraph calling a thing? Hmmph"
The tall guy says to Tarot "You do?"
Tarot says, quite blandly, "Would you mind explaining what is going on here, sir? You would appear to have caused quite a stir."
You paged Tarot with 'Tarot has a big Force Catcher in her purse, one presumes? At least a level 4 one?'.
Angela, weeping real tears now, tries to throw herself at Tarot. She looks like a wreck.
Tarot pages: I think so.
Tarot pages: For the first few days of term, till the new Shedim and Kyrios learn not to possess staff.
The tall man rounds on Tarot. "Instruct this mortal woman to release this thing into our custody. It created a vast disturbance in a Mall. It refuses to answer our questios."
You paged Tarot with 'Wise.'.
Tarot's voice is mild. "I will be glad to take this student into my custody, sir. You are welcome to question her under the campus conditions of truce."
The tall man says, "She is not on campus."
Angela wails, "They tried to abduct me! *snif* Can I go home?"
Tarot's brows rise.
You paged Tarot with 'The mall is shakey ground -- it's sort of under truce, usually...'.
You paged Tarot with 'But more informally than formally.'.
Tarot says "I am university staff, as are these other people."
Tarot says towards Angela, "What did you do to provoke them into chasing you?"
The tall man opens his mouth, as if to disagree, then winces.
From afar, Tarot nods.
Elsewhere, Daria gets back to the music place. The redhaired guy is not apparent there.
Angela sniffs incoherently and wipes at her reddening eyes. "*snif* He just grabbed me. And I scrsamed. *snif* Dunno... "
The tall man corrects, "My associate took her arm."
He adds, "And she screamed very loudly, then used the Song of Thunder."
Mellor irritably corrects right back, through Angela's lips,"He grabbed her arm. My arm."
Tarot ways, to Angela again, "Did you do anything to provoke their attention in the first place?"
<<OOC>> Tarot er, says.
<<OOC>> Aimee says "Poor Mellor.."
"No."
The other two security guards are fending off curious bystanders. The Securitywoman is standing by, having released Angela into Tarot's custody.
Elsewhere, Daria will look around a little for the red-haired guy, moseying back to the big group of shoppers watching fun, chaotic events.
Tarot glances to the tall man.
Mellor gathers itself enough to take control of the sobbing Angela, it needs her not to fall apart just yet.
The tall guy says, "She was staring at us. She would not answer questions clearly. She may be related to our... investigtion."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Make an ever-popular Per roll, Daria!"
<<GAME>> Daria rolls the d666 and gets 2 6 CHECK: 2.
Tarot says, entirely mildly, "So, she did nothing more than stare at you?"
Angela stops crying abruptly and looks sulkier, more malicious. "I smiled at them. That was all. I demand a lawyer."
The tall man says, "And when we approached, she said she knew what we were doing. My associate says she is ... ridden."
The tall man indicates broad-shoulders.
The broad-shouldered man coughs and says, "By one who is a coward, fearing to be ... bitten."
<<OOC>> Aimee says "He knows Mellor?"
Mellor is proud of its cowardice!
Tarot considers a moment. "The riding entity is also a student at the University, and therefore under the protection of the Archdean as long as it commits no crime..." She pauses. "*Bitten*?"
Broad-shoulders nods. "Bitten. It would do much, to avoid such trivial agonies. It's a coward. Dishonorable."
Angela mutters something very sulkily about how they should go off and be bitten by Balseraphs if they like it so much.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Daria doesn't see the red-haired teen anywhere on her way back."
Tarot says "With all respect, gentlemen, if you seize upon all young people here who "stare at you oddly", we are going to have something of a problem."
Broad-shoulders grins at Angela (which actually turns him kinda cute, in a stern sort of way, Angela notes). "I have been. I bite back."
Daria moseys in, then, becoming part of the crowd of gawkers. She'll flirt and converse as appropriate.
Angela looks at him, wide-eyed.
<<OOC>> Aimee coughs politely.
The tall man pinches the bridge of his nose. "She was resonated upon. We knew she was ridden before she was touched."
Tarot says "If you believe that either entity here knows something relevant to your current enquiry, I will gladly play chaperone while you question them, under truce conditions."
In the crowd, Daria gets a lot of stares -- she seems to distract people.
Tarot says "Otherwise, I must request you to release them into my guardianship."
Tarot's tone is dry.
Mellor gets bad vibes here. Questioned by a triad???
The tall man glowers down at Tarot. "Very well. If you will compell them to answer."
<<OOC>> Daimon takes off. Zoom.
Daimon has disconnected.
Tarot's eyes have a greenish tint in the light. "I will point out that it is currently under sufferance to remain at the University."
Tarot says "Would you care to accompany me to one of the campus cafes? Or will one here suit?"
The tall man smiles at Tarot, thin-lipped. "Indeed," he murmurs. Then, he answers, "The security quarters here will suffice, even though we will be below the eyes of... the campus, in a manner of speaking."
Mellor eyes the securitywoman, hopefully.
Tarot turns to the securitywoman. "Your pardon, lady. An you could find us some room for converse, it would be greatly appreciated. I apologise for this inconvenience."
The Securitywoman says something in numerical code into her radio. "Detention is right this way," she says cheerfully, indicating a direction and her willingness to lead the way.
Tarot inclines her head, and gestures for Angela to accompany her.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Is Angela still trying to touch Tarot?"
Mellor struggles to hold onto the shivering Angela, and asks the broad-shouldered man, "Who are you?"
<<OOC>> Mellor says "If she can. If she isn't about to collapse or anything."
Broad-shoulders says, "Call me... Danny."
Broad-shoulders smiles in a way which could be disturbing. Angela thinks it's romantic.
Mellor retreats within Angela, pulling its tentacles in. If it believed in Lucifer, it would pray.
The Securitywoman leads the way towards a "Authorized Personelle Only" door.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Is Daria following?"
Angela, as Mellor pulls its control in, bats her eyes at 'Danny.'
Daria does not follow, so as to not draw attention to herself. Besides, there is still so much mall to see!
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 6 5 CHECK: 4.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Indeed, there is much mall! Where does Daria go next?"
Tarot opens the "Authorised Personelle Only" door with the air of someone who might have done this before.
Daria goes to the toy store next. There must be lots of fun things there!
The Securitywoman leads the group through some halls, and into a room where the door is marked, "Detention." In the Security Detention area, it is revealed, there is a room with a couch, some chairs, a coffee table, and a coffeemaker in a corner of the room. The couch is low and soft, so that those sitting there cannot get up quickly.
Tarot walks across to the coffeemaker.
Tarot says "How would you all like your coffee?"
The Toy Store is huge. There are all kinds of brightly colored packages, all designed to draw the attention of children. Daria probably qualifies.
The tall man says, "We do not... indulge, while on duty." The Securitywoman says, "Black at the Pit."
Angela tries to catch Danny's eye. The voice in her head has gone silent, but Tarot is here, so how bad can it be?
The Securitywoman adds, "Please."
<<OOC>> Daria says "I'm happy to leave Daria in the toy store. I've got to leave in a few minutes."
Tarot nods, and pours two cups of black coffee, then glances to Angela.
<<OOC>> arcangel hugs Daria. "Okay!"
<<OOC>> Mellor feels bad and sorries for being such a hog.
<<OOC>> arcangel thanks Daria!
<<OOC>> Aimee says "Black as midnight on a moonless night."
<<OOC>> Daria hugs, and joins the peanut gallery.
<<OOC>> Tarot says "An old French recipe for coffee was "Black as night, sweet as sin, and hot as hell.""
<<OOC>> Mellor says "Nice."
<<OOC>> Aimee needs that coffee.
<<OOC>> Daria hugs Mel...uh...hugs Jo. :^)
Danny is still smiling at Angela. Disturbingly. Angela keeps insisting (in the back of her mind) that he is dashing and romantic and maybe she shouldn't have struggled so much to try and kick him.
Tarot brings the Security woman's cup of coffee across to her, then takes a seat in one of the chairs facing the couch, straight-backed.
Mellor sighs and is too tired, through loss of essence, to really argue the point.
Tarot gestures to Angela to take one of the chairs.
Angela sits down carefully, smoothing her pretty skirt. She glances sideways at Danny and smiles a bit.
The tall man sits down on the couch and looks mildly nonplussed. The other two men do not sit.
Tarot takes a sip of her coffee.
Tarot says "Please, ask away."
Danny smiles back at Angela. "And your ride isn't very honorable either," he says plesantly.
<<OOC>> Mellor cracks up
<<OOC>> Aimee adores Danny.
The tall man says to Angela/Mellor, "You, creature. Did you cause that disturbance, just before you sang Thunder?"
Mellor has no clue what Danny is talking about.
Angela may be a mere human, but she knows when she is being insulted, and pouts.
<<OOC>> Tarot just prays the Malakite doesn't resonate her. Things could get so awkward.
Danny adds, quietly, "And deserves a big spanking." He's still grinning broadly now, behind his sunglasses.
<<OOC>> arcangel grins at Tarot.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "He's distracted. Currently."
<<OOC>> Aimee licks her lips. Spanking Malakim..
Tarot raises an eyebrow.
<<OOC>> Daria tosses her roomie in a cold shower.
The tall man clears his throat to get people's attention. Danny does a pokerface.
<<OOC>> Aimee blinks at Daria innocently.
Angela bites her lip and peers at the tall man. "I don't understand?"
Tarot says, calmly, "Mellor, did you cause a disturbance before singing Thunder?"
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 5 4 CHECK: 5.
<<OOC>> Aimee says "Choose carefully. For while the true Grail will give you life, the false one will take it."
Mellor just curls up and lets Angela deal.
Angela sniffles. "I don't understand!"
The tall man says, "Make her rider answer."
<<OOC>> Aimee sees the ugliness factor jump.
Tarot says "Mellor, you have five seconds before I reassign most of your classes and report you to the Archdean."
Tarot holds up a hand, and begins to calmly fold fingers down, one at a time.
At the mention of "Archdean," all three of the Guys In Black make slight faces. The Securitywoman, standing propped in a corner, sipping her drink, beams.
Angela starts to sniffle again, then stops. In a more subdued voice, she says, "He asked that before."
Tarot says "Then answer it now, please."
She says, "No." and adds, "And I told him that before."
Tarot glances to the tall man.
The tall man sits back. "She did not say as much. But she did not." He makes a very annoyed face. "Did you know who did, creature?" he asks Angela/Mellor.
Tarot sips her coffee.
Mellor finally manages to find the right button to stop Angela leering insipidly at the triad.
Mellor still thinks the tall one is probably a Balseraph though,
<<OOC>> Daria hugs everyone goodbye.
Daria has disconnected.
Mellor says "Even if I did, would I tell you?"
<<OOC>> Aimee says "Brave words, little man."
The tall man smiles, thin-lipped. "Your keeper says yes." He gestures to Tarot.
Tarot says, mildly, "Mellor, this is not the time to engage in heroics. This is a Triad of Judgement. They are not from the Game."
All three smile, showing teeth.
Mellor bristles internally at the 'keeper' comment.
Angela smiles politely at Tarot and nods, commenting, "And I took all three of them out, Madame."
The tall man and the thick-set man scowl. Danny keeps grinning. Showing teeth.
Tarot's brows rise again. "Fascinating. You must tell me how you did it, some other time. In the meantime, *do* you know anything about this other disturbance?"
You paged Zebina with 'Triad of Judgment. Shedite of the Game student. Tarot, human keeper of students. Heh.'.
Zebina pages: Whee.
Under demonic control, Angela quite deliberately smooths her hair and sighs. "No," she says sweetly. "I heard nothing. He' probably making it up as an excuse."
Tarot turns back to the tall man.
Mellor adds, "If that's all, can we go?"
The tall man *scowls*. "It was no excuse." He rummages in a pocket and draws out a photograph. He frowns at it a moment, then shows it to Angela. "Have you seen this person?"
The photo is a profile-view of a red-haired young man in an orange jumpsuit.
Mellor pages: Have I seen it before?
Tarot regards the photograph thoughtfully.
You paged Mellor with 'Nope! Well, it's not a very *good* picture, and there are a lot of humans around, so it's possible, but probably not. Feel free to do, 'All monkeys look alike.''.
Mellor forces Angela to hold the picture steady and concentrate on it and NOT on trying to make sheep eyes at Danny.
You paged Tarot with 'He looks like he's in some kind of prison-wear.'.
You paged Mellor with 'The guy in the picture is cute, according to Angela.'.
Tarot pages: Iiiiiiiiinteresting.
Mellor says, thoughtfully. "It's a male human, and he's quite cute..."
Mellor (Damn. I hate it when they do that)
You paged Tarot with 'But Tarot doesn't recognize him, particularly. Though there are some redheaded students on campus, and the photo is blurry enough that it *could* be one of them. Maybe.'.
From afar, Tarot nods. Thanks.
Mellor grumbles, "How am I supposed to know? These gutbags all look the same to me..."
The tall man glares through his sunglasses at Mellor/Angela. "Have you seen him? Answer yes, or answer no."
Mellor says "I don't think so."
The tall man grimaces. The thick-set one mutters something that sounds like "...waste of time..." Danny shrugs and says, "Hey, I got to meet someone."
With extreme lack of grace, the tall man stands up, finally accepting a hand from the thick-set one.
Danny grins at Angela.
Mellor curls back up again and leaves Angela in control. It's trying not to shake too much.
Tarot rises in turn, politely.
Tarot says "Will there be anything else, gentlemen?"
Danny reaches out and puts the flats of his hands on Angela's cheeks, cupping her face. Sweetly, he says, "And anytime you say the word, I'll be happy to give you and your host the spanking you both so richly deserve."
<<OOC>> Aimee chokes.
Angela looks very confused.
The tall man ignores Danny and straightens his coat. "Did you recognize the being in that photo, Ms. di Ordo?"
<<OOC>> Tarot ponders stealing Danny for Fiat. :)
Tarot shakes her head. "I did not, sir."
<<OOC>> arcangel hands Danny over.
<<OOC>> Danny smirks at Tarot.
<<OOC>> Tarot introduces Danny to Daimon.
<<OOC>> Aimee idly wonders if Shannen's Aura would keep Danny from spanking..
The tall man sighs. "Then we are done here. I ... thank you for your assistance."
<<OOC>> Mellor sulks.
Tarot says "I am glad to have been of help in sorting the matter out, sir."
Tarot says "Walk in justice."
The tall man smiles faintly. "And... you." He looks around him, and the other two fall into position flanking him (Danny after a final bright smile and pat of Angela's cheek).
The Securitywoman opens the door for the three men to leave. They do so.
Tarot puts her mug of coffee down. She walks across to Angela.
Mellor mutters something abotu wanting to go home. It isn't talking abotu anywhere on earth
Tarot says "*That* was a Triad of Judgement."
Tarot says "Are you all right?"
The Securitywoman returns to lean in her corner. She speaks a few numbers into her radio, but is otherwise unobtrusive.
Angela looks pouty, "Yes," she says, "But he was mean. I can get him sued for touching me! And the voice in my head is homesick, but it didn;t want me to tell you that!"
Tarot's mouth quirks.
<<OOC>> arcangel . o O (How do you sue a Man In Black? Everyone knows they don't exist. Or have fingerprints.)
Tarot says "Fortunately, such people do not usually come onto the campus itself. You should be safe enough in future."
<<OOC>> Mellor says "Cameras in the mall .;P"
Tarot says "Do you also want him sued for patting your cheeks?"
<<OOC>> Aimee is reminded of the Hunt for Red October "If anyone asks you, that torpedo hit the hull, you heard it explode, and I *flashes badge* was never here."
You paged Mellor with 'Angela thinks Danny's kidding about the spanking.'.
You paged Mellor with 'Angela thinks Danny's romantic and sexy.'.
Angela says spitefully, "I don't care. He shouldn't talk to me like that! I didn't /do/ anything..."
You paged Mellor with 'Mind, Mellor knows Angela is full of it...'.
Mellor pages: Beginning to figure that out, definitely.
Long distance to Mellor: arcangel grins.
Tarot says "This is true. They acted without provocation. However, things will be easier if you let it pass."
Angela adds wistfully, "But he was so romantic..."
Tarot says "You have, I assume, heard of Men In Black?"
Angela interrupts herself abruptly to say simply, "I need a new host, This is killing me."
The Security woman mutters, "I'm not volunteering."
Tarot says "Nor am I."
Tarot's voice is dry. "Besides, how many Shedim can boast of having downed a Triad of Judgement and drawn the romantic attentions of a Virtue?"
Mellor says "A ..?"
<<OOC>> Danny blows Mellor/Angela a kiss.
Tarot says "Malakite."
Mellor curls up tighter and just gives up on today.
Tarot says "Would you like me to drive you back to Campus?"
Angela makes an o of incomprehension and explains, "IT's gone quiet again, and yes please."
Tarot nods. "Do you have all your belongings with you?"
Angela nods and wipes at her face again.
<<OOC>> arcangel scolds Mellor. How is it going to turn Angela goth if it leaves?
Tarot turns to the Security woman. "Thank you for your assistance."
<<OOC>> Mellor considers going renegade. I can't handle this shedite thing. Hosts are _difficult_
<<OOC>> Tarot reminds Mellor of Who holds his Heart.
The Security woman (whose badge, it can now be noted, reads "Harper") nods. "It's what they pay us for."
Tarot nods. "Have the Triad left the Mall yet?"
<<OOC>> Mellor doesn't consider it for very long then ;)
Harper raises her radio and asks, "MIB zero-three?" The radio spits back, "MIB three, 44 B." Harper says, "Nope. They're on the fourth floor now."
Tarot says "We will leave now, then. Thank you."
Tarot moves to the door, gesturing for Angela to accompany her.
Harper nods. "Need me to show you off, or can you manage?"
Tarot says "I think we will be safe enough."
Angela stands up and fiddles with her skirt a bit more. She tags behnid Tarot like a lost sheep.
Harper gives a salute and wanders over to refill her coffeecup. She mutters something in Angela's direction. Sounds like Helltongue for "Don't get caught."
You paged Tarot with 'Does Tarot know Helltongue?'.
Tarot pages: I think so.
Tarot pages: if you'll permit it.
You paged Tarot with 'Tarot picks that up, then. Mind, *Tarot* knows it...'.
Long distance to Tarot: arcangel thinks it reasonable.
Angela's eyes flick towards Harper momentarily and she slumps at the shoulders without breaking stride.
You paged Tarot with 'Of course, Tarot is unlikely to reveal she knows it...'.
Tarot shows no sign of comprehension, as she leads Angela down towards the car.
Tarot pages: Yup. :)
<<OOC>> Tarot says "Can we assume the ride back to the university? Unless the Malakite's waiting to pounce, of course. :)"
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Should we fast-forward to the Universeity, then, Mellor?"
There are no pouncing Malakim.
<<OOC>> Mellor meeps. Yes. (More lectures...)
The ride is uneventful, what with Mellor depressed to silence and Angela confused and mooning over Danny.
Tarot says, as she draws the car to a stop in front of Monty Hall Block, "I am prepared to accept that it was not your deliberate fault that brought the Triad down on you."
Tarot says "However, please remember that off Campus you are, as they say, fair game. The truce no longer holds. The Mall itself is disputed territory."
Mellor sighs and gathers itself enough to phrase a rather cool question, "And is fighting the opposition one of the topics you intend to cover in your classes, Madame?"
Tarot says, mildly, "No. My classes are not concerned with fighting, per se. They are a matter of orientation to this world and to these circumstances."
Mellor reflects, "I'm not so very interested in the fighting, myself." The voice sounds very tired, and a bit pathetic.
Tarot says "Then I would suggest you take advantage of the opportunities to be found here."
Mellor says "And then what?"
Tarot shrugs slightly. "You would, presumably, have free will with which to make an informed choice."
Mellor says "Ah yes. Of course."
Mellor subsides into silence and lets Angela get lectured.
Tarot says "I have no more to say."
Tarot says "I will be seeing you at classes as usual?"
You paged Mellor with 'She's a pushover! She's not lecturing! She's not hitting you! She's a wimp!'.
From afar, Mellor met 3 big scary angels!
You paged Mellor with 'True.'.
You paged Mellor with 'And the Malakite smiled. A lot.'.
From afar, Mellor bets she only got me out of it because she wants something. No-one is _that_ wimpy.
Angela smiles a bit.
Long distance to Mellor: arcangel grins. "Maybe she's a Lilim."
Mellor says "See who?"
Mellor pages: And it did smile a lot ;/
Tarot says "Why, the person who is registered with my classes."
Tarot's mouth curls.
Mellor says "I suppose so."
Angela bounces to her feet and smiles apologetically. "He's sulking," she says. "Was there anything else, miss?"
Tarot pauses. "I would not fix your hopes on that gentleman, Angela. I am dubious about people who offer to spank me at the first meeting."
Angela says happily, "He didn't mean it!"
<<OOC>> Aimee coughs.
Tarot says "I fear that he may have done."
Tarot says "Still, I will trust your voice to keep you both away from him."
Tarot says "Take care, Angela."
Angela shakes her curls out and looks slightly smug. "Did you think he was cute, Miss di Ordo?"
Tarot says "Actually, no."
Tarot says "But possibly I am deficient in taste."
<<OOC>> Aimee says "'Possibly'?"
Angela giggles, seemingly recovered, and flounces off.
Angela makes it up to her room. There is a letter that seems to have been shoved under the door.
Tarot drives back to her office, and emails a report off to the Archdean and Security, with a sigh.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Poor Tarot."
Angela collects the letter. A love-letterm perhaps?
The letter bears a single elaborate gothic M on it.
<<OOC>> Tarot says "Eeee."
The "M" looks a bit drippy.
<<OOC>> Mellor says "Oh that'll be for me then ;)"
<<OOC>> Mellor says "Does it feel like a relic or anything?"
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Nope."
Mellor suggests that Angela close the door, sit down and _then_ open it.
Angela obediantly does so.
(New BB message (6/21) posted to 'MU* Recruiting' by Barbarella: PacificaMux)
The letter reads, in gothic, slightly drippy calligraphy, "I will meet you day after your first class, at the gates. You will report. Bring a female host." There is no signature.
Mellor mentally curls up more. Just when you think things can't get any worse...
<<OOC>> arcangel grins. "We can leave off there, if Mellor wishes to just lie on the bed and whine at the ceiling."
Mellor tries for an encouraging mental tone, "Angela, I'd really like you to meet a good friend of mine..."
<<OOC>> Mellor nodnods.
<<OOC>> Tarot | I look on him as a father.
<<OOC>> arcangel will leave off, then, instead of having Angela ask, "Is he cute?"
<<OOC>> Mellor gigglrd
<<Scene Stop>>