Log:The End of Rapentap

2015/01/13 Enforcer Forsaken Ghostfist Matt The Gentleman

1

Sebastien takes a sip of his Coke then looks over at Frankie. "So, are you interested, miss? I know the children would thank you if they could if you would help."

"Yeah. I'll do what I can to help," replies Frankie. She takes a sip of her Rocket Cola and regards Sebastien thoughtfully through Rose's eyes, expression serious. "Can you fill in some of the details? I got kind of the executive summary."

Sebastien smiles warmly up at the Amazonian beauty that is Frankie. He says, "Well, I have not given Rose any details yet. What ones do you want?" He then holds out a hand. "Oh, and what should I call you? Miss Ghostifist? Or something else?"

Frankie reaches out for Sebastien's proffered hand, though it takes a couple of shots to actually grip it - damn you observer bias - with her own strong hand. Shaking firmly, Frankie smiles cheerily and shrugs, "So long as I'm on your case? I'd probably prefer you call me Ghostfist - just Ghostfist - once the case is over, you can call me Frankie, if you like."

When she releases Sebastien's hand, Frankie smiles gently and shrugs. "Start at the beginning. Who's this Rapentap guy and why's he after these kids? Any information you think might be useful to either help me understand what's going on or who's involved would be appreciated though."

Sebastien kicks one foot as his face screws up in thought. After a minute, he says, "Well...Rapentap is a damned soul loosed on the Earth by his Master. He hunts out the best and the brightest, the gifted and the blessed children. He steals away their innocence and replaces it with an emptiness that makes the children truly immortal. Well, mostly truly immortal; they can be killed but it is...difficult."

Rose it turns out has to leave but she calls in an acquaintance of hers to be Frankie's 'eyes and ears' on Sebastien.

Matt flies on not so high looking for activity, its been somewhat quiet, he heard about something last night, some kind of child kidnapping that had been thrwarted by a few heroes, he's happy that was taken care of, and he hopes that tonight is quiet.

For her part, Ghostfist is doing what any good investigator would do in her shoes: Searching for clues where people in the know might congregate. Dressed in her proper hunting attire, Ghostfist strolls through the streets of Harrisburg with the assurance of a predator; anything less would probably get her jumped in this lovely little burg. Quite clearly, she's on the hunt.

Word of kidnapping gets around. It gets to the Department of Social Services. It gets to the streets, and it gets to Forsaken any one of a number of ways. As such, she finds herself prowling Harrisburg area, lurking as she studies comings and goings of various people. It's not quick, and it's not easy, but she is putting together a log of data she can compile and use to track the right people to the right place. So the night finds her, in costume, cape and all... on the rooftop of a tenament without a bicycle hole in the roof... watching folks below as she literally uses a pencil to scrawl notes in a notepad. Some times, old school is better.. more hands on. And then there's Ghostfist.. she stands out like a light bulb in a dark field. Forsaken can't see auras. But she can see badass... this one deserves observation.

Speaking of hunting, Enforcer has found some time between his busy school schedule, watching out for friends, and getting tortured by the people who want his friends dead, to actually bust some heads in the 'burg. He's still trying to drum up leads to track down HELIX, in the hopes that it'll get him a few steps closer to Next Generation, and the people hunting Annie. The last drug dealers he busted a half hour ago had no connnection. So Enforcer stands in the shadows of a rooftop, looking for his next lead.

Each of you receives a text message at almost the same time on your various PDAs: If you want to save the children, meet me at the abandoned church at .

Matt pulls his PDA, frowning, "Missing Children?" he says quietly, and whether this was meant for him or not, he's headed for the church..he's only been there once and he thinks he might know who this may have come from..vectoring off he flies for the church..

Abandoned Church This building is whats left of an abandoned church. The walls are falling in, with the eastern and southern walls punctured in multiple places by large holes as if a wrecking ball had been used on them. No glass remains in any of the windows. The steeple of the church looks as if it was torn off and cast down and now blocks the front doors of the church. The roof is shattered in several places and the top of the steeple is now exposed to the elements. The second floor of the church has collapsed down and the nave of the building is filled with a tangle of dangerous rubble. It stands forlorn and abandoned in the midst of a wide set of parking lots cratered and cracked with grass jutting up through where it can in clumps.

An alert goes off and Enforcer raises his left forearm up. A holovid screen pops up with the message. His eyes narrow slightly as he tries to figure out the sender. But either way, it's a challenge. Or a call for help. Enforcer lowers his left hand while his right hand raises with a line gun, which fires. Enforcer zips off behind it.

Later, Enforcer arrives in the shadows outside the church, his hood drawn up. He remains mostly hidden to conceal his presence in case it's a trap.

Matt lands lightly on the sparse grass that struggles to grow in the desolation. Nature will retake everything eventually, and this abandon'ed church is no different. Matt wonders if the history and legacy of what came before here at this church still lives on in someones memories. He knows all too well that there are times when that is all that is left..

To those of you who can easily see him, Sebastien kneels in what appears to prayer beofer the remains of the altar inside the collpased ruins.

And.. since Forsaken literally activated this burner like.. 90 minutes ago.. only so she could call 911 if the need arose, and tell them where they could find a broken and bleeding kidnapper, she was not expecting to get any texts. She was scrawling in her notepad when it vibrated... at least she got into the habit of making sure the ringer was turned off. It caught her off guard and made her almost drop the notepad...

But she pulled it out and glared at the screen as she read the message, ".. the hell?" she asks nobody, very softly. So, she grabs her grapple gun and is off. Angling through the night to release her line above the church... using her cape to slow her fall so she can land on the roof with gentle steps... at least there are holes enough for her to see inside without -going- inside. She also makes sure to find a spot with cover from above. After all... if others are coming, they could be aerial.

The subdued chirp of her PDA is barely audible over city noise, but Ghostfist pulls her comm-device to check the text message. Frowning, Ghostfist takes a moment to orient herself properly - presumably unaware of Forsaken watching her from nearby - before she takes off sprinting at a rather patently inhuman rate.

Her arrival at the church comes in stages, most of which involve concentric circles where she searches for signs of a trap before moving closer and repeating the process. When, at last, Ghostfist enters true proximity to the church, she takes a long moment to meditate upon her inner power and her surroundings. She takes all of five steps before she stops, turning to frown at the creaky footprints she's left behind.

The monster hunter scowls and promptly attempts to skulk into the church, but some wreckage simply falls over beside her with a resonant WHUMPF. Ghostfist throws her hands up in the air and simply stalks into the church, growling and grumbling to herself as she does so.

"You $#!~@in' called?"

A very faint flickering light comes from inside the ruined church. Two of you can quite easily hear a heart breakingly beautiful child's soprano raised in what sounds like a Latin hymn.

Enforcer notices is friend Matt. If anyone where able to actually see him, Enforcer vanishes in a cloud of smoke and comes up behind Matt. He lets out a very quiet bird whistle; a signal he worked out with Matt so he wouldn't get startled by Enforcer sneaking up on him. He's surprised to see his friend there.

Matt can see in the dark, and as he enters, he attention is jerked to focus on the arrival of someone else, a very malcontent someone else. He is about to speak when he hears the bird call, he nods with a bird call back, knowing Enforcer has his six, "I guess I wasn't the only one to get a message then?" he says to the others, not even looking at Enforcer, knowing that they're on the same page.

Two of you hear a child's voice call out, "Oh hello Ghostfist. No, I did not give you a ca..." Then one might hear a loud sigh. "You cannot hear me can you?" is then said in resigned tones.

Matt looks around, "I can hear you..where are you?" he says aloud to someone who may not be there..

Sebastien This young child looks somewhat like what artist imagine when they try to describe a prepubscent Greek god. This child has a face that doesn't belong in the 21st century. It was thatched with golden curls which almsot seem to glow. His eyes are a deep cerulean blue flecked with silver. MIchelango should have scupled him or Da Vince painted him.

Its probable though that neither of them would have included the battered sneakers, frayed jeans, or grubby t-shirt, though.

(As an additional note, the child has Attractive Appearance 3 - Angelic Beauty. And unless your char is under 20 years of age, you need to make an EGO roll vs a Set Effect of 70 of Fully Invisible Mental Illusion every phase to perceive, hear, or sense the child in any way.)

Swivelling her head this way and that, Ghostfist's hazel eyes sweep the room at the sound of Matt's voice. A moment later, having identified the source, her attention shifts into Sebastien's direction. "Actually I can, Sebastien." Pause. "You didn't call us?"

Sebastien's face lights up. "Ah, you can hear me." He then blinks as someone from outside calls out.

Sebastien shakes his head just before he begins to fade again.

Enforcer remains hidden and silent to watch Matt's back, not making his presence known if he can help he. This smells of a setup, and he doesn't know any of these other people.

Sebastien walks over to one of the holes in the walls of the sanctuary and waves to the one person he sees outside. "Come on in," the angelically beasutiful child says then duck back inside the church.

Although the church has been abandoned, Matt still feels the spiritual roots of the building, the soprano singing and childs voice lends him to think that this is some kind of ghost he's being called to. His history does not allow any of the normal suspicions and disbeliefs cloud his thoughts. As he walks closer, he thinks that it is not a ghost..but a child of heaven. A smile comes unbidden upon seeing the beauty of the child, and he is struck dumb as a part of him feels as if he may not even be worthy of this chance encounter.

"Oh for Pete's sake," grouses Ghostfist as Sebastien's cherubic form starts to fade out of sight. She rolls her eyes and glances around the room for a moment, alighting upon one of the few remaining pews. Ghostfist drops down onto the rotted, cracked wooden bench, one leg up across it as she lifts a hand to rub at her forehead. "Hey, kid. You see and hear Li'l Abner there, right?" she calls toward Matt as he finally enters the building "proper".

Sebastien goes to the altar and lights a few more candles. "Did you get a phone call as well?" This question seems to be addressed to Matt.

Matt turns to Ghostfist, he isnt sure of her attitude, and certainly isn't sure if she's friend or foe, but he takes a leap of faith as possibly she was drawn o this as he was meaning she was called.."I see something.." he says non descriptly..

Matt nods to the angelic child, "Yes..yes a message." he says as he approaches closer, slowly

Sebastien grins widely. "Cool. I wonder who sent it? Do you know?" He bounces on his toes for a moment then goes and puts a candle next to Ghostfist. A few moment after he moves away from it, Ghostfist might notice a candle sitting next to her apparently from out of nowhere. "The curse is weakened here. This place must still be touched by Him. No wonder I like it." the chiuld says.

"Either you see the angel or you don't," remarks Ghostfist. Her brows may be knit in consternation as she stares at the altar where candles are getting lit by invisible hands. She lets out a long suffering sigh a few moments later, shaking her head. "I assume you do, since you're addressing somebody other than me."

"I am not really an angel. I was meant to become something else but well..." The child sighs.

The burner phone Forsaken -was- using... drops in from a hole in the rooftop. Okay thrown. It strikes the ground betwen the child and Matt, and shatters. No words said. Just... phone.. bam! Likely smashed.

Matt shakes his head, "I'm sorry I don't know. You're not an angel?" he says softly to the child.."What curse are you talking about? Why are you here?"

He jumps back suddenly though as something falls through the roof, his hand lights in a flame ready to fire into the ceiling his body language screams that he is ready to fight, and protect this child if needed.

Sebastien looks up at the hole in the roof. "Huh. I wonder who is up there?" He does not seem overly concerned though. The child does kneel down on the dirty floor and gather up the pieces of the phone into a pile. "I've never understood why people litter. We are the caretakers after all." The child looks up at the flame handed youth, "Should you really be preparing to fight in a house of the Lord? Oh, and I am Sebastien. I was cursed by the Devil or rather a Devil to be unheard, unseen, and untouched by all but children until the end of time." He shrugs. "Or soemting like that. I was too busy crying to really pay attention."

As Matt gets jump, Enforcer vanishes in a swirl of smoke, then reappears stealthily on the rooftop where he guesses the phone was thrown from, looking for the source of what he presumed was a failed attack. But since they both can play the stealth game, they may not see each other.

"Close enough by my book," comments Ghostfist when Matt mentions Sebastien not being an angel. She rubs her chin thoughtfully for a few moments, glancing at the candle beside her as though coming to some sort of realization. "Though that could explain why I can't sense him by other means."

Sebastien goes over and lays down on the bench next to Ghostfist. "Could you tell her I'm here? I don't like it when people know I'm around but can't perseive, perceive me. It troubles me."

Matt is torn between powering down and remaining ready, but the little ghost doesn't seem disturbed, and the question about the house of the lord does have a ring of blasphemy about it, so..somewhat reluctantly he powers down. "I'm sorry to hear that.." he says softly to the child, "If you did not call us here...then someone else did." he turns to Ghostfist, "Yes, Sebastian is here, but he says he did not call us. And if he did not, then who did?"

Enforcer's PDA siletnly signals an incoming message.

Unable to find the person who threw the device down into the Church, Enforcer pulls his cloak around him to shield the light from his phone as he checks his message.

Enforcer ses that the message reads: Have to go to bed now. Sasha's reading Wind in Willows. Please help him.

Another text comes in: Him=Seb :)

Enforcer reads over his phone messages, raising a brow behind his mask. . o O (Sasha's reading...? Oh. Oh! Smart kid. I wonder if Sasha knows he got ahold of his phone...heh. Probably does...)

"I don't know. What I do know about his case means it could be any one of a dozen entities," remarks Ghostfist. She reaches down, in Sebastien's general direction, with one hand and sighs a little bit. Her hand may or may not be hovering over Sebastien's face as the monster hunter lounges on the pew. "Someone wanted us here though. And they're not trying to kill us - yet - so maybe we're lucky."

With Enforcer distracted by his phone, Forsaken moves with a purpose. She quietly spools out a bit of her line and then with a twist and toss.. she gets a loop over Enforcer's head and she steps in just as she pulls it tight. In a -harsh- voice, she mutters, "Who sent that text to my brand new burner phone?" Yeah, Enforcer might know -why- she is upset at least.

Just as he's putting the pieces together, Forsaken gets the drop on Enforcer. As the line tightens around his throat and causes a strangled gasp, he drops his phone and it goes the way of her burner phone. Down a rent in the roof, and shattering on the church floor a few feet away from the previous device. It's raining phones! Enforcer grabs at the line to try and pull at it to get some air to breath with. "Would you...urrkk!...believe...it was an eight-year-old?"

Sebastien looks up at the roof. "I wonder if they are fighting up there. All silent and deadly. Assassins are weird. Fun to play Tag with though." He rolls over so he is looking up at Ghostfist. "Does Ghostifist have any questions for me? She's trying to find some missing kids for me. Oh, and I never go your name, youth." He glances at Matt and you can see the years in the child's eyes. Many, many years.

The line isn't choking tight, but it is tight enough to show that it -could- have been choking. Hearing Enforcer's voice, Forsaken lets go all of a sudden. She backs off and lets the shadows cover her just a bit. Not -totally- hiding so much as just... allowing the shadows to obscure her just a little bit. "You are just a child." she mutters....

Matt says "My name is Matthew. And she said she's not sure what she can do for you. She also doesn't know who sent the message." he looks up again as another phone falls from the sky. "I will be right back.." he says as he activates his darkforce and flies through the hole in the ceiling, upon making it roof side he looks around and sees the two, his body erupts in heat, as he glows a furnace red, "Release him." he says simply.

And there is Sebastien lying down on the bench right next to Ghostfist. "Hello. Any questions?" he giggles slightly as sits up.

"Jaysus!"

Ghostfist recoils when she looks down and finds a Sebastien near at hand - quite literally. She blinks a few times before she starts to relax again. "You need a damn bell," she comments, grumpily, glancing over toward the spot where Matt was. "Any leads for me? Something I can use to start finding these kids?" inquires Ghostfist, her gaze tracking upwards toward the rooftop encounter. "Any idea if they're going to kill one another up there?"

Enforcer rubs his throat reflexively after he's released, taking a few steps back to fall in by Matt's side. "She was sent a text, too," he explains to Matt while eyeing Forsaken warily. "And I have an idea who sent it. We should help that kid down there if we can."

Sebastien shrugs slightly. "No, maybe challenge each other like modern day Musketeeers though. D'Artagan was a real jerk you know." He kicks his feet as he adds, "One of the kids, Ryu, is slightly radioactive. He was, hmm, seasoning in a grave when Nagasaki was destroyed. Um, I don't know if they are in this part of town anymore. I've been mostly staying here." He looks over at the altar. "Its peaceful. Least it is when people are fighting!" This last is called upwards.

Matt nods, "He doesn't know who sent it either..but I want to find out more about this.." he says "Go ahead, I'll be right behind you Enforcer."

Enforcer nods once to Matt, and disappears in a cloud of smoke. Sleight of hand and smoke pellets. The simplest of diversions. He reappears down below near where his phone is now in pieces. He sighs, leans down, and picks up the simm card and anything that stores data on it, and drops the pieces into his utility belt. "I'm not planning on challenging anyone. A very special boy send me to help," he mutters to himself as he snaps the utility pouch closed.

Still in the shadows, Forsaken stares at Matt. "Do not presume to give me orders." she instructs before she simply folds her arms over her chest. "What kid?" she asks additionally.

Matt drops through the hole in the roof after saying, "Come inside, you'll see." he falls most of the way before slowing and landing softly. "Sorry about that.."

Sebastien smiles sweetly up at Matt. "Its OK. Its not my house, I just stay here sometimes." He leans towards the three of you, "Its OK. She has a good heart. She's just grumpy. Sort of like Ghostiefist. I think its cause they;re girls."

Matt laughs at Sebatien's words, "Could be...." he smiles, but his smile is short lived, "What were you saying about other children? Are there more like you?" he says again softly, they're in church, and abandoned or not, he still has respect for it.

With the others going below, Forsaken stands there, counts to ten mentally, and shakes her head. Then.. she just sighs and steps forward, dropping inside the church. It's a dramatic entrance, sure... and at the last moment, she flaps out her cape and catches the air... slowing her fall just enough to let her land in a crouch with her cape falling about her. She wouldn't have even come in at all, were it not for someone saying... child in need of help. "So, suppose someone tell me what is going on?" she asks as she stands up straight, the cape draping about her shoulders and down her back.

Sebastien fades from sight just as he begsin to kick his feet and look down at them hanging over the pew as he murmurs, "Well, not exactly. They don't have their souls anymore but otherwise, yes, they are truly immortal like me. Or I'm like them rather. Although I'm the oldest surviving one. Cause we're not truly immortal just really hard to kill and stuff." He looks up. "I mean, well...Rapentap is a damned soul loosed on the Earth by his Master. He hunts out the best and the brightest, the gifted and the blessed children. He the one who makes all of us."

Matt and Enfrocer are looking at a spot next to Ghostfist on the pew. An empty spot.

"Wait, wait, wait. He was "seasoning in a grave when Nagasaki was destroyed"," intones a borderline incredulous Ghostfist. And then people just start appearing. She jerks upright on the pew, hazel gaze swivelling from person to person as they enter. You may all be lucky no one scans as a demon. It then occurs to her that Sebastien's voice is fading out as he speaks, her head swivels toward the cherub beside her on the bench and throws a fist up in the air. "C'mon now! In the middle of answers?!"

Enforcer volunteers his understanding of the situation. "I suspect an acquaitance of mine texted all of us to gather us here, to help," he turns his hooded head to Sebastien, "you." He listens to Sebastien's explanation. "Rapentap? Is that who you need help with?" He's still just catching up to the party.

Enforcer stares at Ghostfist like she's totally crazy. Well, he would if the mask and hood didn't mostly conceal that incredulous look. But there is that sort of air about him to imply it...

There is a long pause before Ghostfist's head turns to fix her hazel eyes on Enforcer. She offers a faintly predatory smile in his direction, pounds the side of her fist on the creaky, rotted bench on which she's seated, and comments, "Sebastien's cursed. Anyone over the age of twenty can't see or hear him under normal circumstances."

Enforcer usually isn't the talkative type, but it seems tonight may have to be an exception. "My friend here can translate," he volunteers Matt, thus avoiding his required duty to talk. How lazy. Matt gives Enforcer a look (which Enforcer knows as The Look), and goes about repeating Sebastien's words.

"That was not the explanation I asked for." says Forsaken in low dangerous tones. She clenches her fists. "I activated a -new- burner phone tonight. Eighty seven minutes later... having not made a single call from it, it received a text meant for me. That is what I wish to have explained. It will not happen again... and I will make sure of that." she remarks. She looks to Ghostfist and nods slowly, "I heard a child's voice earlier while above, but.. I see no child now."

And now Enforcer -has- to speak. Because he's the only one in the know. "A child with a special gift texted you. And me. And the rest of you. So that we would come here to help someone in need. Knowing him, his gift probably clued him in to text you. He is very...insightful."

Helpfully, Ghostfist swirls a finger in the air beside her head - not in the 'you so crazy' way, but in the 'la di da' sort of way - at Forsaken's comment. "Welcome to dealing with magic, sister. It's bat crrrrrrrrrrrrrr- err... It doesn't always make any logical sense and sometimes you just gotta accept that sh- errr... poop happens."

Sebastien's eyes widen as he listens to Enforcer's explanation. The child says, "Oh. That makes a lot of sense. I met him here just a few hours ago." He smiles gently. "Wow. He's better than I thought." His expression darkens. "Which means he's in danger. Maybe. He's buring too brightly."

"This child had best forget how to do that. I liek kids.. I'll die to save any child but.. I will not allow some gifted individual to destroy all that I have put together by magically acquiring the number of a phone -nobody- knows." says Forsaken with a glare. "Either way, this had better -not- happen again."

Enforcer's head snaps to attention to Sebastien as Matt repeats Sebastien's words to the others. "In danger? From this Ratentap person?" Enforcer growls. His previously neutral and guarded calm is replaced with protective anger. And of course his phone is smashed. So he can't text Jordan or Sasha to warn them.

Sebastien looks from Ghostfist to Forsaken to the boys. "I wonder which one is grumpier. Do you think we cold have them have a grump off?" The child laughs then grins.

Snorting, Forsaken reaches for her weapon. It's compact, but a grapple gun with a lot of micro-cable it can spool out. "Who is in danger?" She asks. She ignores the grump off comment and simply focuses on the threat.

For once, Enforcer feels understandable grumpy and concerned. He promised himself he would protect the kids Sasha took in at all costs, and now one of them could be in danger. "A little kid is in danger. 'Maybe'," he repeats maybe in Sebastien's tones.

"Rapentap," corrects Ghostfist, "Names are important. Names are power."

Rubbing her forehead, Ghostfist also tries to ignore the translation of 'GRUMPFEST '064' from Matt in favor of addressing specific concerns. She looks around the room and intones, "Define "maybe". The why, the who, the how. I'll take it on faith that we don't know the where, the when, and the what yet."

Sebastien looks up. "Of course, if we could figure out where Rapentap stashed the kid or kids he kidnapped here in Colonial Bay seven years ago, it might give us a clue as to where he is. Of course, then we have to find him. And even if we can get the kids minds fixed and souls back, well, Rapentap keeps coming back." He looks down at his feet. "All I can do is kill. I can't help figure out the rest of it." He sounds tired. So very tired for such a young looking child. "Each year it gets harder not to just stop. To give up. Its been so long."

"Faith is something I do -not- have in abundance. But... where is this child?" asks Forsaken. "I assume you would contact the child if able. I have a new burner at a dead drop and could retrieve it in less than 3 minutes. Unless it would be easier or faster to go to the child's location."

Sebastien says in quiet voice, "Rapentap is attracted to the best and the brightest. He /treasures/ them. He hates all children but his own but harms even them. That is why none of them last more than a few decades usually. Ryu survives becasue he is the last of Arikage ninja clan. Kami protect him."

"Or you could use mine," opines Ghostfist. She produces a cell phone from somewhere under her long coat, holding it up between thumb and forefinger. "Since, y'know, not everyone throws these things from rafters at paranormal investigators and their clients."

Matt tries his best to keep up with what Sebastien is saying, repeating it to Ghostfist and Forsaken. He pauses and lets it sink in. "Wait, Seven -years-?"

Enforcer starts to understand. "So my young gifted friend texted all of us because he met you and found out you need us to find Rapentap and kill him, and try to save some kids he kidnapped. And because he had the ability to gather us, he may have Rapentap's attention and could be kidnapped next."

Sebastien sits beside Ghostfist kicking his feet and looking tired and sad. "Yes," he whispers. "Its why I stay away from other children. I only bring them harm."

D'aww. Even Ghostfist can't stay mad at tired, sad Sebastien. She leans over and wraps the momentarily visible cherub up in a tight hug. He'll have to suck up being hugged by a woman wearing a Helligator skin coat for the moment. "I'm sorry, Sebastien."

Enforcer sighs quietly. "So what leads are there on this Rapentap?" He looks to Ghostfist and the offered phone. He smirks thinly in amusement. "I try not to make a habit of throwing my phone without a properly rated case."

Rolling her eyes, Forsaken snorts, "So, how do we protect this child from here? With the magical power of hugs?"

Sebastien leans into the consoling hug. He whispers, "I can only read the Bible. So Rapentap may be in other books." He pauses. "I know he was called the Piper of Hamelin once though. And the Bogeyman at times. And he's as afraid of children who can see him as he truly is as he hates them." He slowly pushes out of the hug. "I will go protect Jordan. He's risked enough for me and at least I can kill for him." He hops down off the pew then reaches under it to take out a bundle. It turns out to be bandoleir of daggers. "I can always juggle them if no one comes.:

"Someone calls to make sure the kid is okay and then we take the kid to a safe house," replies Ghostfist. She is still hugging on Sebastien like a protective older sister. "At the safe house, I ward it, throw up a spirit barrier, and we keep the kid there until we can track Rapentap down and geek him."

Enforcer clears his throat slightly. "Actually," he interjects quietly, "The boy's already in a safe house with spirit barriers in place. As long as he -stays- there...he should be safe. Which is why I need to make a call."

Enforcer's gaze follows Sebastien. He looks impressed at the bandolier of daggers, grinning appreciatively. "Not bad."

"What is not bad?" asks Forsaken. She shakes her head. "If the place is warded, then why not -make- the call?" she asks. "As for whomever this is who is harming children... I'd love to have a word or two with him..."

Having lost her charge so that he can collect his "tools of the trade", Ghostfist straightens up in her seat again and shakes her head at Forsaken. She wags her cell around again in Enforcer's direction and blandly comments, "Catch," before tossing it to him. Presumably a ninja can catch it. Looking back over at Forsaken, Ghostfist intones, "Well stay in touch with us and I'll be sure to let you get a few words in edgewise with Rapentap when we find him."

"In touch?" asks Forsaken. "I meant now." she adds. "I wasn't speaking of a long term cooperative thing. I'm more of a ... lone wolf sort y'know."

Sebastien straps the bndoleir about himself as he says, "Sometimes even lone wolves must work together to bring down big prey. And Rapentap has survived squires and knights and witch hunters and priests and the odd witch and me for centuries now. He always comes back." He looks over at the altar. "God willig maybe this time he won't."

Glancing towards Matt, Forsaken snorts, "You can keep your suggestions to yourself." she remarks. "I have my reasons for operating the way I do." She looks to the others, "I have.. my reasons." she adds.

Enforcer snatches the phone easily. Ghostfist is an amazing detective. Even though he's not a ninja. Don't you dare call him a ninja to his face. He starts to dial a number and steps away from the group. He calls over his shoulder to Forsaken, "He's just repeating what the boy is saying."

While the phone is ringing, Enforcer looks thoughtful. "I may know a witch who learned a very interesting binding spell. It may work. But who knows if it will really last?"

And the boy in question now wears a bandolier of daggers and is kneeling in prayer before the broken altar. Sebastien stands up crosses himself then turns to look at all of you. "Be careful. Rapentap is already a damned soul. He will have no problem sending his children after you if he suspects you are after him. And he now has a succubus working with him." He grins. "She's new. I think he Master fears losing one of his favorite tools."

"What bo... oh." says Forsaken as the kid appears. She turns to look his way and shakes her head, "What you're saying then.. is that I need to do things your way eh?" She smirks a bit, "Kid, you might need to grow up a bit before you give me strategic advice, or start playing with blades for that matter." she adds. She shrugs though and says, "Where is this Rapentap? As I said, he needs to take a long jump off a short pier."

Sebastien turns her head to look at Forsaken then smiles sadly, "I was born late in reign of Charles the VII of the House of Valois on the Feast Day of St Stephen in the year of our Lord 1453. I have hunted and killed Rapentap and only freed his children to madness over near 600 years dozens of times. I cannot find him but by chance. Perhaps you all can do better." He sighs then with a shrug, squares his shoulders and heads to a rent on the wall of the church. "I am going to go protect another child. Hopefully this time I won't fail."

Shaking her head, Forsaken snorts, "Your lord, not mine." She says. But then she adds, "If I hadn't seen you pop in and out like that, I'd call BS. As it is.. I'll just ask that you let me help you stop him."

"Yeah, because I really come across as the team player sort," comments Ghostfist. She snorts at Forsaken and rolls her shoulders, casting a glance toward the altar and Sebastien as he pipes up with his history. The monster hunter shakes her head a little bit, glancing back toward Enforcer for a few moments. "A demon and a succubus? Is it monster hunter Christmas already?"

Sebastien murmurs, "Of course. I would be more foolish than I am to deny you, hunter. You all can help each other or so the seer imagines." He grins slightly. "Or so I would guess."

The phone call is answered by a sepulchral voice. "Yes?" It Ziand on the other end.

Enforcer steps further away from the the gathering and covers the receiver, talking in hushed tones. "Hey, it's me. How are you even...? Nevermind. My phone got destroyed. I have reason to believe one of the kids is in danger from some being called Rapentap."

"As I said, this seer needs to stop with the whole... knowing my number thing. Is he gonna know how to reach me no matter how I vary my methods? Because that -is- going to be dangerous... to more than just me." says Forsaken.

There is silence on the other end of the phone then Ziand says in a crisp tone, "I see. Well, I will lock up the house then. Thank you for calling. Do call again when Rapentap is gone. Don't enter the school until then it might kill you if you do. Good luck, child.." He then hangs up.

"Yes and no," replies Ghostfist. She casts a glance toward Enforcer - he may feel her eyes on the back of his head for a second - before looking back toward Forsaken. "If he needs to get in touch with you, odds are he'll just see a way to contact you. In the interim, kid ain't gonna know squat on how to contact you if he hasn't seen a need to contact you."

Sebastien grins. "Well, he is just a kid. You could threaten to spank him." The child then steps out of the church and into the darkness outside. The church seems, well, emptier without his presence in it.

It's such a rapid fire answer and response that Enforcer doesn't have a chance to respond or complain and ask an explanation before Ziand hangs up. . o O (Great. So the house is set to kill me. -Again-. That'll make visiting my Cousin...difficult.) He taps a few buttons to delete the call history of the number he just dialed, then walks back to the others and tosses the phone back to Ghostfist wtih a simple warning of, "Catch."

"Then lets hope he doesn't need to jeporadize my identity someday, eh?" asks Forsaken. She eyes Enforcer. "Kid, you look like you just got told you were grounded." Yeah, she's a psychologist, remember? "Need some help with anything?"

Enforcer's mouth forms a tight-lipped line at being called kid. "Yes. Finding Rapentap as soon as possible. But magic isn't -my- forte." He looks to GhostFist for her expertise on the matter.

Snatching the phone out of mid-air seems to be something Ghostfist is practiced in accomplishing. Once it's in hand, she quickly tucks it away in her coat again. Ghostfist glances over at Forsaken and shakes her head a little bit, tsk'ing faintly. After a few moments, the monster hunter stands up from the pew and sighs. "You don't want me to keep in touch with you, fine. You can keep in touch with me. I'm the yellow pages," she comments toward Forsaken. Looking over at Enforcer, Ghostfist raises an eyebrow, "What? You really want the trade secret to tracking down a demon?"

"I think he wants -you- to track down the demon." says Forsaken. She folds her arms over her exposed abs and just seems amused now. Finally, something that just might be mistaken for the ghost of a smile.

"I don't need the trade secrets. I just want to help resolve this quickly if possible." For the first and perhaps only time, he somewhat nods in agreement with Forsaken. He has a personal interest in this. Thank goodness he has his own place, because he just got locked out of the place where the people he consider family live until Rapentap is dead and gone.

A gentleman's voice says from outside the church, "For the right price, I tell you exactly where to find Rapentap."

Waiting two heartbeats, just long enough for everyone to turn towards the source of that gentleman's voice... Forsaken fires that grapnel upwards to ascent to the rooftops again. Good thing the roof of this building is.... ahem... well ventilated. Her plan is to get to high cover and avoid notice while being on overwatch. Sometimes... well, most times.. when things are dropped in your lap, things you really want... they are a trap.

Matt looks over, "I'll lead..." he says softly, he floats over to head out of the church. He goes slow, and readies himself for whatever may be out there..

Enforcer stays behind as backup should things not be what they seem. Which in the realm of vanishing children and ancient evil men, is most likely the base.

Ghostfist's head swivels toward the sound of the gentleman's voice. Not for the first time, Ghostfist wishes she had X-Ray Vision. For the moment, however, she contents herself with rolling to her feet from her casual position on the pew. Straightening up, the monster hunter starts strolling toward the exit with one hand slipped into her long coat and behind her back... Just in case.

"And what price are you asking, salesman?" inquires Frankie Ghostfist.

Outside, standing a bit away (5m) from the ruined church, is a gentleman dressed in a brilliant white bespoke suit. His shirt is a deep crimson with a tie of deepest sable. Large ruby cufflinks adornn his sleeves and a pocket square of crimson is in his breat pocket. He is extraordinariluy beautiful (Strking Appearance 4) verging on the androgynous. His eyes are covered by a pair of mirrored John Lenoon sunglasses. And despite everying else about him, an aura of pure utter ancient Evil radiates from him.

Matt flares to life, a brilliant white glow surrounds him, and 2 blades they look like Kukri blades form in his hands, blades of pure light. "Who are you?"

Well, there's someone who couldn't blend into a crowd, unless that crowd had the worst blending taste ever too. Either way, Forsaken has little trouble locating the guy as she peers down over the edge of the church's rooftop. Grapplegun is in her hand and ready. And then... there is Matt. Her eyes narrow as she reacts to the brighter light being shed from him. Well, one thing about having really unsubtle folks around, they make excellent diversions..... to aid in her stealth.

With a smile, the gentleman nods to each of you who are visible. In a smooth cultured voice, he asks, "So, have you decided to aid the fallen boy then? Quite a task he has set you. One he has failed to complete." His gaze turns to Matt. "Can you not guess, Matthew Regent?"

Enforcer's eyes drift over the suave devil outside, and then to his best friend, who is threatening someone who looks harmless. But something about him puts even him on edge. He starts to take some silent steps forward to bring him closer to Matt in case of an emergency.

Ghostfist steps outside, though she remains on the consecrated ground of the church. Her hazel eyes fix on Mr. Suave, expression turning unreadbly sour as her arms cross over her chest. There's a 50/50 chance she is concealing a knife using her forearms.

"No, no. That's fine. Don't tell me your price."

Matt raises an eyebrow, "I could hazard a guess..but why don't you just tell us." he stands there ready to fight. This ancient evil draws a reaction from the soulshard of his father and the hair on the back of his neck raise involuntarily...

The gentleman smiles warmly, "Ah, Ms Ghostfist. Thank you for all your good work. It savs me he bother of trcking down those you send back to me." His gaze drift to the darkness concealing Enforcer then back to Matt and Ghostfist. "Well, shall I assume the two of you will talk for everyone?"

Yeah, no deals with the devil for Forsaken. Literally or figuratively though. She can't detect things like magic or evil, but she does have a world class bullshit detector. She just shakes her head and aims the grapplegun to a nearby rooftop. She wants to hear a few more words, but she's planning to GTFO in moments.

Matt shakes his head, "I'm not speaking for anyone, but you need to start talking..because your evil is starting to make me ill." he's not happy with whatever it is he's facing, not happy at all.

Enforcer hangs back and listens to Matt's reaction. He's not fully sure if Matt's the best one to be making careful deals with unsavory people, but as a friend, it's still his job to stay and back him up in a pinch. He finally emerges from the shadows to casually join Frankie and Matt, but lets them lead with the questions for now.

"You should know by now, my dear, dear Fallen Angel, I don't speak for anyone unless they've specifically told me that I'm speaking for them," replies Ghostfist. She maintains a defensive posture, hazel eyes locked on Rico Suave as she turns her lips into a cruel smile, "Though if I've saved you so much time and effort, maybe you'd be willing to throw me a bone."

The gentleman flicks a bit of dust from one sleeve as he murmurs, "You were so very much more interesting when you righteously dying, Regent. YOu blazed bright as the Morningstar that day." He then shrugs insouciantly. "But if you insist: I have no desire for your souls. They are far too untainted for my tastes." The gentleman smiles. "What I do want is Rapentap back where he belongs. My brother should never have freed him."

Nope, no compromising with someone who thinks they're the brother of satan. Forsaken doesn't believe in heaven -or- hell. Not in the biblical sense for that matter. She believes in people with the capacity for great good, and even greater evil. This lunatic has useful info, but maybe this evil son of a bitch who took the kids is either working through this guy, or someone else. Either way, this is not something she is willing to put up with.

Her harsh, uncompromising personality comes into play as up above, the sound of a *cuff* from her grapplegun announces her departure. Her priority is finding the kids, not listening to this arsehole.

Matt feels a tick in his face and his nostrils flare.."We stopped your brethren.." he hisses..his muscles tense. He was there..when his father sacrificed himself. He struggles to control himself, but there is an ancient within him as well, and that persona exercises some control..calming Matt, at least enough so that his rationality returns..

The gentleman murmurs, "And I am glad you did, Regent. They were fools for attempting what they did." The gentleman looks up as Forsaken exits the rooftop and swings away then turns his attention back to the two, well three, before him. "So, where was I?" He taps hs chin as is trying to remember.

"The price for Rapentap's whereabouts," Enforcer helps in the reminding. "But since you're the one who wants Rapentap back, maybe we should be the ones charging."

"Oops. Sounds like you've already lost part of your audience," intones Ghostfist. She heard you up there, Forsaken. One less soul to save from... This. The monster hunter's hazel eyes remain fixed on this personification of evil and her arms remain folded across her chest as she studies him. "You were trying to bait the kids into attacking you," replies Frankie, tone turning slyly predatory, "Presumably so you could lord your power over us. And, if you found us entertaining enough, you'd maybe offer us some tidbit of a clue on where to find Rapentap."

Ghostfist unfolds her arms, that giant bowie knife hers gleaming in the diffuse starlight of the night sky. She smiles that predatory smile at the devil as she makes a point of sheathing the silver-limned blade behind her back again.

"That sound about right?"

Matt remains quiet..waiting.

The gentleman shakes his head. "Ms Ghostfist, I am not some lowly tempter. I want Rapentap back because he was stolen from me by the being you call Lampigiu. That is who Rapentap's Master is." He gestures to the sky, "As for Forsaken, well, she is little loss. If she goes after Rapentap and his children alone, well, I imagine the diseased sould will drink from her skull. She cannot touch him after all."

It's not like Forsaken is planning to engage this evil thing. But -locating- the kids... she can do that. Placing them under surveillance and calling for backup... she can do that too. She's not some rage-filled idiot who plans to charge in thoughtlessly. Her name is the Forsaken because of her past, not because she has forsaken all reason.

Matt says, "So the enemy of my enemy is my friend. Is that the game? Why do you not just claim your own plaything?" he doesn't trust this, but there is a weakness here, "You cannot stand against this Lampigiu?""

Frankie's fist clenches tight enough to turn her skin absolutely white on her knuckles as she hisses out, "Lampigiu." Narrowing her eyes, Ghostfist regards the devil in front of her. She has to resist the urge to laugh at Matt's question.

"No, you're not a lowly tempter. I suspect you're also stronger than Lampigiu. So I imagine it's gotta be a deeper claim that was stolen. Something you can't just retake in the conventional sense."

The gentleman smiles brightly. "And there you point oout the crux of my problem, Regent. Due to pacts older than I care to remember, I am not allowed to harm my brother directly. But he /can/ steal from me." He sighs softly. "The folly of youth I suppose to be able to walk Eden's Shadow." He then gestures at the three of you. "I am not going to bargain with you, but I will tell you three things you need to know. Tidbits you may call them, but you need them. First, even if you 'kill' Rapentap, he will return at Lampigiu's will unless you first destroy Rapentap's mortal remains. Second, those remains are not in this country but their location is recorded in church recomd presently on display in this city. And third, well, you need to secure the 'box' he holds the children's souls in. Otherwise, my brother wins as the children can nver truly be made whole."

Matt is angry that they will be working on behalf of this Fallen Angel, but the children must be saved. They are the innocent...they are the victims, and Rapentap must be stopped...

Being the occasional detective, Enforcer at least knows some of the questions to ask. "What name would he go by in the record? And how would we find him or his box once his remains were destroyed?"

"Fallen soul that needs his bones found, salted, and burned? Sounds like another day at my daddy's office," replies Ghostfist. She looks over at Matt, narrowing her eyes for a moment before she shifts her gaze back to the devil. Or reasonable facsimile thereof.

The gentleman looks over at Enforcer. "Hell's Bells, Enforcer, what a good question. His name in life was Constantius the Trader. And your companion Forsaken has already headed off to track him down. As for the 'box', well, where would you keep souls if not a heart?"

The gentleman laughs as Ghostfist's gaze tracks back to him. "Yes, I do win no matter what choice all of you make, Ms Ghostfist. Do nothing, evil still spreads even if Lampigiu is the one behind it and your souls get a little tarnished from your inaction. Die in the attempt? Well, the world loses some of its protectors. And I find some others to do the task. Succeed? Well, Lamigiu loses a valuable tool and I get to pin it down back where it belongs." He then adds. "Oh, and you all get to save the children. How nice for you."

Matt nods, "That's the crux isn't it, if you could lose, you wouldn't be here." he hates this, but there is no choice....he's not qualified, he is not his father.

"The corpus collossum," suggests Ghostfist at the question of where else to keep a soul. She smirks slightly, moving her hands so she can crack her knuckles in one hand before switching up. Her hazel eyes fix on the fallen angel before her, clucking her tongue as she comments, "There's really only one question left to ask, isn't there?"

The gentleman just smiles warmly. "And what is that, Ms Ghostfist?"

Ghostfist steps forward, placing herself between the boys and the fallen angel. She leans in just a smidgeon closer, not quite in the entity's personal space, but definitely on the very fringe of violating such sacrosanct borders. "How long do you think you're going to win for when we geek your toy, rescue the kids, and live to hunt you and your brother another day?"

The gentleman looks Ms Ghostfist in the face then murmurs, "What a marvelous consort you would make, my dear. I must give it some thought." If he is intimidated at all, it does not show. Then he fades from sight like a dream as he says, "Good hunting! Tell Sebastien he's good boy for me." His dark chuckle fades after he does.

Matt heads back into the church his blazing aura dies down and the blades evaporate "We need to find the church.." he says pulling his PDA, he searches for Constantius the Trader Colonial Bay..

Frankie, once she's sure that the devil they now know, is no longer lingering in the immediate vicinity, whirls around to follow Matt into the dilapidated church. Her leather long coat flares dramatically behind her in the process, one hand producing her PDA that she might begin hunting down information from both the 'net and her web of private investigatory sources on this church exhibit featuring the interrment records on display in Colonial Bay.

By purest chance, or maybe foresight, Matt has the not only a name search going on, but also an image search. While nothing comes up under the andme search, the image search pops up the match of 'Constantius' in an image of a church record book dating from late in Charlemagne's rule in France. The book is not upon deeper search to be part of a traveling exhibit of Carolingian period Church artifacts now on display at St Augustine's Cathedral.

Frankie's webb of sources reveazls that a certain Father Patrice is the curator for the exhibit here in Colonial Bay.

Matt nods, "Bing! Ladies and Gentlemen I've got a hit. Constantius is on display at St. Augustine's Cathedral."

So, Frankie shares the name of the local curator of the exhibit, Father Patrice. One that should be familiar to at two of the three heroes present.

Enforcer leans against one of the stable pillars in the abandoned church, scratching at his chin. Hmm. Stubble. He needs to shave. "Our old friend, Father Patrice, eh?"

Matt nods, "That's a name I haven't heard in months..somehow it figures though." he looks at the others, "Late night visit folks?"

Quirking an eyebrow, Ghostfist looks at Matt and Enforcer. "You know Father Patrice?" she inquires, arms folding across her chest once she's secreted her PDA away once again.

Enforcer blinks and looks at Ghostfist in disbelief. "-You- know Father Patrice?" he sounds surprised as he points at Frankie along with his question. Matt looks over at Enforcer...he lets Enforcer take lead..

"Ghostfist, can you track a person by some sort of psychic resonance left on things they may have owned... or created?" asks a female voice from around a corner. Yep, Forsaken is around that corner, her back leaning on the wall as she holds in her hands... a Tuxedo dressed teddy bear. That's a Whiskey Tango Foxtrot moment, right?

"Monster hunter," comments Ghostfist. She may have just deflected the shocked question entirely. Her attention shifts toward Forsaken, one dark eyebrow quirking upward at the question. Ghostfist shifts away from Enforcer and Matt, purposefully leaving them unsure of whether or not she actually knows the Father, to inspect Forsaken's prize.

"I've never tried that before," admits Frankie, clucking her tongue thoughtfully as she regards Tuxedo Teddy. "Usually tracking them by their scent is enough."

"Well, this has been a few years without the kid. But he did make this.." says Forsaken as she pulls out a sheet of carefully folded paper. Sheet music, written in a child's hand. "I was hoping you, or perhaps a contact you might have, could use them."

After several long moments of what appears to be deep meditation upon the Tuxedo Teddy and the sheet music, Ghostfist looks up slowly. "We'll need to head to Lowtown. Claire Vosser's got a storefront over there, she's supposed to be the real deal when it comes to psychic readings. Try not to be a dick, yeah?"

"Right, so no PI's from the nineteen forties, got it." remarks Forsaken. She folds her arms over her abs and just stands there. "I'll meet you guys there... " she remarks, turning to wander off.

Enforcer purses his lips at the mention of not being a dick. Which means he'll do his best to remain silent.

Lowtown, so called because it was the first part of the city built on drained marshland, is now the main shopping strip of the city, outstripping the quaint stores of Old Town and rivaling Boardwalk Mall itself. The main thoroughfare, running east to west, is Sea Breeze Boulevard, but even the side streets are busy with commerce. The buildings are less closely packed than in the surrounding districts, with more parking lots, but that's not to say parking is always easy. The shop is tiny storefront sadwcihed between a dry cleaners and liquor store, both of which are closed for the night. On the front window is painted 'Crystal Claire, Psychic Fortune Teller' in gold leaf above a brilliantly colored human palm with a blue eye on it. The curtains are closed and the sign on the door says 'Closed' but light comes from behind both.

Aaaand, up atop the building, Forsaken awaits. She's not going in there to have some psychic biddy frustrate her. So she hangs out up there and waits for the expert to do the work here.

Ghostfist approaches the storefront from an alley across the street. How she got here is anybody's guess - MagLev perhaps? - though she doesn't seem terribly put out by the journey, whatever its course. The gumshoe walks pointedly up to the door and *WHUD**WHUD**WHUD*s her fist against the frame. She'll not be breaking any glass this evening, thank you very much, even if she would very much like to with all of the twists and turns the evening's been taking.

From inside the shop, you hear someone cry out, "Yeah, yeah, I know you're there. Give me a sec." The door opesn to reveal: Crystal Claire Vosser is probably not what you expect. She is young looking (no more than 20-21) woman whose black hair is long on the top but sahved short on the sides. At 6'1" her build seems almost strok-like with a thin face and green eyes, coverd with round wrire rimmed red colored spectacles. Her style of dress is uniquely her own. being a mix of punk and traditional Gypsy. She wears baggy pantaloons and worn sneakers with a denim jacket decoreted with studs, rhinestones, and mystic symbols. Hanging around her neck are a plethora of beads and oddly shaped trinkets complemented by large hoop earrings and a qPid at her waist attached to earbuds in her ears.

Matt flies in carrying Enforcer with a firm duel grip of the wrists. He drops Enforcer off on the roof, then lands down behind Ghostfist to accompany her.

The young woman says as she looks around, giong so far as to poke her head outside before popping it back inside. "Where are the others? I really don't have to do this again. I hate watching reruns of my shows." This is all said in a Colonial Bay drawl as she chews strongly licorice scented gum.

"They're busy being anti-social weirdoes in revealing costumes hiding on roof tops," replies Ghostfist. She gestures toward the interior of the shop, "May we come inside, Miss Vosser? Miles to go, people to interview, demons to kill before I sleep. I mean, I take it you already know why we're here."

Up there, on the roof.... Forsaken just glances to Enforcer and reclines comfortably. The key to a good stakeout, don't sit up there crouched uncomfortably. Make sure you won't be creaking and popping when you get up to move. You're also going to want to be able to move -quickly-.

Enforcer snerks and glances at Forsaken, eyeing her costume after Frankie's comments. He remains unsociable. Until Matt blows his cover and says, "C'mon down, Enforcer." Which makes Enforcer pull a face that indicates he might just facepalm at his companion's comments. He sighs wearily, then drops down beside Matt, giving him a scathing look.

Shaking her head, Forsaken gives Enforcer a little wave as he goes.

Crystal Claire pops her gum then stands aside to let Ghostfist, Matt and Enforcer inside. After you do, she locks the door as says, "Nope, no idea. I just knew I'd have four visitors tonight. Hope your not missing a friend, frenemy wahtever." She grins. "Personally, I'm just glad you didn't arrive on horses." She points to a parlor just to the right of the door. "Let's go in and see if I can help you."

She doesn't need to be inside. She has a feeling that the guys in there will tell her what she needs to know afterwards. Plus... Forsaken wants to keep an eye out in case any of this mystical claptrap draws the attention of other evilnastybad(tm) mystical claptrap villain stuff.

The parlor is decked out exactly like you would expect a fortune teller's parlor to look like down to the beaded curtain to get into it, table coverd crimson velvet complete with crystaql ball, and gloomy lighting coming from frilly lampshaded lights. The pyschic plops down in a chair behind the table that is slightly more majestic looking than the others at the table then says, "So, what can I do you for?"

Ghostfist sits down at the table. She holds up her hands for a moment before reaching into her long coat's voluminous folds to carefully remove both the Tuxedo Teddy and the sheet music. The monster hunter smiles politely as she places both objects on the table. "We're hunting a fallen soul that's been kidnapping children for centuries. Both of these things belonged to one of the children and I was hoping you could use them to narrow down where the children are being kept."

The young woman makes no move to touch either the Tuxedo Teddy or the sheet music. She instead blanches completely white at your description of who you are seeking and why. Her eyes dart around the room for a moment then she says in a quiet small voice,

The young woman makes no move to touch either the Tuxedo Teddy or the sheet music. She instead blanches completely white at your description of who you are seeking and why. Her eyes dart around the room for a moment then she says in a quiet small voice, "He's back?"

Enforcer frowns as Crystal Claire panics, looking around as well, but in decidedly less of a panic in case somehow the boogey man is lurking around as the psychic suspects.

Outside, from her position atop the building, Forsaken can see that nothing seems out of order on the street below. That is, untile she spots a small child coming out of an alleyway across the street. This handsome child looks to be Hispanic and about 7 or 8 years old. The child is dressed in nicecalen middle class cloting that has a sizeable dark stain on the shirt. He is carrying sevearl large bottle that have rags stuffed into down into a liquid inside.

A foot stomps on the rooftop twice. It could be a running footstep, but it's pretty serious of a stomp. But then the grapple gun chuffs and Forsaken is hurtling in the direction of the child, reaching the apex of a swing and unfurling her glider cape and retracting her grapple gun. Her plan is to get close enough to try to grapnel the bottle and yoink it out of the child's hands.....

Enforcer glances upwards at the sound of the foot stomping. "I'll look into it," he says as he looks to Matt and taps on his communicator. Then he turns around and starts stalking towards the door.

"I'm going to go with yes," comments Ghostfist. She looks up at the ceiling at the stomp, then nods to Enforcer. The gumshoe collects the Tuxedo Teddy and sheet music from the table, holding both protectively as she calmly intones, "Do you take payment in protection?"

Crystal Claire seems distracted for a moment more then she snorts. Yes, snorts. "Sure, why not?" She takes a deep breath, removes the gum frmo her mouth, carefully places it under the edge of the table, then holds out her hands. Before she touches the teddy or the music, she says, "YOu want a general idea of where the child is?"

And, out goes the grapple line... which at the last second, Forsaken gives a twist and a tug to loop about the kid. Then the grapnel head sticks to the ground and Forsaken herself comes out of the air, landing in a crouch as she tightens up the slack on the line. "Kids shouldn't play with fire." she says emotionlessly.

The child says something in Spanish that has the word 'bruja' in it as he struggles against the grapple line. He then shouts out "Suzy! I'm tagged. You're it!" in thickly accented English.

Rolling her eyes, Forsaken holds the first kid in her line and looks around for this.. Suzy. For the moment, no point in moving and finding out it was the wrong direction. "If you're back there." she says in a mildly raised voice. "There's a second kid. I'm thinking molotovs. Let's not hurt the kids, eh?"

Forsaken spots Suzy back in the alleyway. She really is a good little hider. Suzy looks to be a little gril about 6 years old dressed in a dirty dress a la the 2040's in style. She has brown hair, eyes indeternite at this diatnce. And she has a abndloier of knives with batwinged hilts over her blouse. Well, except for the one she has in her hand and is about to throw.

"Enforcer! Alley!" calls Forsaken. She retains her line holding the first kid, and dashes over towards Suzy, skidding to a stop between her and the building. "Children should also not play with knives. Or run with scissors for that matter." she remarks, "Now, behave Suzy." she offers sternly.

Enforcer vanishes in a cloud of smoke, only to reappear in the alley where Forsaken is running to. He already got the heads up about children, so he's reaching for a few pellets in one particular pocket on his utility belt. He draws out his hand with a polymer webbing pellet held between each finger, then flings one out at the little girl.

Suzy puts very prettily as she says, "Mr Rapentap says the bad girl needs to play Murder with us. Please get out of my way."

"... that works too." remarks Forsaken. She shakes her head, "I think Mr Rapentap would very much like to speak with us. Care to help us find him?" she asks. Then to Enforcer she adds, "I have a feeling these two are only the diversion. Ghostfist and Regent can take care of themselves inside, yes?"

The pellet bursts upon striking the girl harmlessly, exploding in several strands of sticky polymer webbing that shoots out and wraps around her, pinning the girls's limbs to her body. "I'm sure they'll be fine," Enforcer assures Forsaken. "Matt has his powers to back him up, and Ghostfist seems more than experienced and capable."

Planting the Teddy and the sheet music on the table again, Ghostfist sizes Claire up quickly. "I can work with quick and dirty," she replies, gesturing for the psychic to continue. In the meantime, the huntress shifts her attention around the store. "Keep alert, kid," she commands to Matt.

Something catches your eyes about the shadows in one corver of the room, Ghostfist. It could be the way they seem to be getting thicker or it could be the fact that someone is stepping out of them. (Which is BTW, someone else opening a shadow gate for the person.) Someone who upon first glance looks likes a handsome, kindly faced gentleman with gentle caring eyes wearing a long trenchcoat but who, after a moment is revealed to your inner eyes to look like: HIs face is a writhing mass of maggot-riddled dead grey flesh. Where his eyes should be are only deep empty sockets; a void the black of a moonless night midnight. HIs voice is the harsh, whispering rasp of a dying man and his breath blows forth in a cold puff like the putid air frm a long sealed crypt. His yellow and stained teeth are jagged and unevenly spaced in his gruesome gaping maw and the lond blood encrusted naile that tip his bony fingers appare quite ready to rend living flesh. And his once rich robes are tatters that are gripped to his body by layer upon layer of child sized slave chains that gbit deep into his flesh but restrict him not in movement.

"While I'm sure they can take care of themselves, and I know Ghostfist is a specialist in the mojo crap... I think I'd be more comfortable if -you- were in there with them... well, you or me, but I think I'd better take care of these kids." she remarks... starting to retract her grapnel, pulling the first kid closer to her.

Glittering hazel eyes fix on the thickening shadows in the corner of the room. It takes all of two seconds of staring upon the gentleman emerging from the shadows before Ghostfist makes the same kind of noise one would expect a frat boy to make after a world record kegstand. One hand comes up to cover her mouth reflexively as she sucks the bile back down her gullet, lips curling into a disgusted snarl as she icily states, "Mr. Rapentap, I presume."

The hideous figure does not even look at Ghostfist at first, his eyes fixed on Crystal Claire, but then he smiles grusesomely as he looks at Frankie. "Go away before I kill you as well," he hisses. "She escaped me once. Not again." He idly claws at the wall beside himself, his obviously immaterail body still capable of touching the real world apparently as he leaves marks on the wall. Sasha takes a full recovery.

Ghostfist sharply twists her head one way and then the other, cracking her spine before starting to roll her shoulders. She smiles a dangerous, predatory smile as she looks Rapentap up and down a few times. "I'm afraid she's under my protection. She's not on the menu, Piper," elaborates Ghostfist as she backs up toward the psychic and her table.

With a simple gesture, a broad circle of blue light forming under Claire immediately beside Ghostfist. For an instant the blue light appears in the form of a complex spell circle. The instant passes and a distended sphere of blue-tinged air encompasses Claire, Claire's seat, and Claire's table.

Rapentap takes in the sphere for a moment then snarls coldly, "You cannot always be here, witch. I can wait until a better time." He steps back into the shadows from which he emerged. "Pleasant dreams, sweet Claire. I will see you soon enough." His eyes blaze with hatred as he seems to recede into the distance and is gone.