Emerald City, Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008  6:00 AM
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A new morning dawned. Alex and Jiro awoke after a long day and even longer night. They had spent a great deal of time with Chen Ming, learning about the city and about the Vampires that were plaguing it. Time was spent in practice as well, Alex and Jiro working one on one to learn something about each other and themselves.

Given the events of the previous day, it had been decided not to press their luck and aggressively look for the undead that night. The plan for this morning was more practice, and then a hunt for information. If anything useful was discovered, then they could see what they could do about the vampires.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:19, Sun 13 Mar 2011.

Alex awoke first, and hopped in the shower first. The morning ritual done, she waited for Jiro to complete his own preparations.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:20, Sun 13 Mar 2011.

Jiro took his time in the shower, lost in thought. I must be completely cracked in the head. I just agreed to go hunt down and in all likelyhood stamp out a vampire's nest. There's also a crazy girl in town who wants me, my father, and grandfather dead. I have a suspicion she'll try again.

He sighed. And to top it off, I'm doing this at the behest of a Triad sorcerer who may or may not try to kill me when this is all over.

Finally, as the water hit that point that generally heralded the hot water heater about to give up for a while, he killed the water and dried off. Dressed, he walked into the main section of the hotel room. "I have given this some thought, Alex-san. First, while I appreciate your offer last night... of the two of us, I suspect your own need is greater. I have lived with this curse for some time, and ultimately it is temporary. Your... condition... does not seem to be. If we are offered a genuine cure by Dragoneye, I would be more than happy to let you take it. I can be patient a while longer."

He gives her a moment to respond, then continues. "I would like to take some time today to train and meditate. Bluntly, I have my doubts of Dragoneye's sincerity. While I have no love for creatures of the night, I am also not sure I want to play Slayer and go a-diving into one of their dens." A pause. "Kamis. You have infected me," he says with a wry grin. "In any event, after some time in training, I am sure we could begin to seek informaiton, to learn more of what these vampires have done, and from there, perhaps learn of where they lair."
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:20, Sun 13 Mar 2011.

While Jiro was in the shower, Alex had been sitting crossed legged on the couch setting up her new laptop. Liberated drug money was tremendously useful to have around.



Alex looks up from computer and gives Jiro a look. "Man, you've been hunting for this for who knows how long. I've had to deal with this for a day. Besides, my problem seems like it might be a bit more complicated. At least I really hope that dimensional travel isn't trivial here for example. A world where it is scares me. Not to mention the fact that I don't think that what would cure you would cure me. I don't know anything about real magic, and seriously saying 'real magic' is kinda freaking, but all the stories and legends I've read suggest that. Since Dragoneye more or less knows what happened to you, he's got a better chance of doing something about it."

She pauses. "I'm also not sure I even want this whole thing to be cured. Being a girl isn't my idea of a good time, and I would love to go back home but... I think I like having super powers. Scratch that. I KNOW I like having super powers. I'm faster, stronger, and healthier then I ever have been. I've got coordination like I never thought possible. I've always dreamed of being able to make a difference, to help people in a very direct way. I... There are no such thing as super powers where I come from. Everything I can do now is impossible. You can only do things like it with good CGI."

Alex closes her eyes and leans back on the couch. "Back home I'm a nothing. Just a guy stuck in a dead end job, coding crap for the Ministry of Health in a programming language older then I am. I've got a little family who will be torn up by me disappearing but other then that... I don't really have all that much calling me home. I don't wish a seconds pain on any of them but... don't sacrifice your cure for me."

Tears leak out of her eyes.

"You do me great honor, Alex-san."

"You are right, that I have searched for some time, and that our situations are not equivalent. You are right that even if Dragoneye is able to cure me, he may not be able to cure you. And-" his lips quirked into a smile, "Being superhuman is indeed a great deal of fun, and helping people is rewarding."

"But, when you say your old life is nothing; when you say you are worthless... that I cannot believe. Alex-san, you are a great man, one with a willpower and drive I see far too seldom in this world. Far too many, when handed power on a silver plate, take the easy way out and turn to evil. You have counted coup on the one who attacked you, but I cannot fault you for that. I have done similar in the past. You have, as you say a job working to keep hospitals running. You have skills from that job I could not dream of having - computers are as arcane to me as magic is to you. You say you want to help people, you were doing so before, and in a scale far greater than most superheroes manage, at the Ministry of Health. I have not known you long, Alex-san, but you are a remarkable man, one who I think will likely be missed. Your old life is not something to be thrown aside so easily, not something to hate or consider valueless."

"As for myself, I have done very little for you since we have met. Seeing what I have of your abilities, I have no doubt you would have overcome those thugs we defeated that first night. Since then, I have put you in great danger; in part by ignorance and in part by my own past haunting me. It would be dishonorable of me to demand anything of you."

A deep breath. "And all this assumes Dragoneye is able to come up with a cure in the first place, and that we survive the process of finding the vampire's lairs. We have much to do before we reach our promised reward. I ask only that you do not throw away your own chances for my sake just yet. Let us both think on this, and accomplish our goals. We can.. what is the phrase... cross that bridge when we get there."

"I think you've misread me something awful, but I don't feel like arguing about it. Let's just say that twenty plus people a year graduate from my program who can do the the job just as well as I can... For the rest... I don't think you understand how damn important you've been for keeping me sane. Without someone who knows what's what with all this weird drek that's been flying around, who can look at me and say 'no, you're not completely crazy. the world really does work this way'... I don't think I'd have made it through the first night much less any longer. So don't sell yourself short. I pretty much knew what I was getting myself into when I went with you to Chinatown. I've watched enough movies."

Alex takes a very deep breath. "So, what's the plan for today?"



"Doubts about the sinister mastermind? Who would have thunk it? His betrayal of us would be inconceivable!" Alex retorts, in a clear attempt to get back into better humour.

Then she freezes. "Wait... Slayer..." She gets a look of concentration on her face. "Something rang a bell there, but I can't place it. Never mind. Anyway, I think some less stressful lessons in what we can each do would be awesome."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:02, Tue 15 Mar 2011.

"I would suggest we head for one of Emerald City's parks and find a quiet, out of the way area to spar. Hopefully, we should avoid too much attention that way. After lunch, we can start hunting information. Time to search, as well as reach a place of safety before dark."  A wry grin. "I have fought enough Vampires that they do not exactly terrify me, but I would much rather fight them on my own terms, than theirs."

Leaning back, he gets a thoughtful expression. "Depending on the type, they may be weaker durring the day. Burning their lair down around them while they sleep has some appeal."

[OOC: 18:00, Today: Jiro Koji rolled 12 using 1d20+8. Knowledge: arcana re vamps. Probably not enough to tell me if we can safely pull the Bolshevik Muppet routine on them, but it's a start.]

"Always does, but it just isn't practical. The powerful ones will survive, and their blood dolls will die in the flames. I'm not making that mistake again." Alex said, her voice somber. "But finding the lairs they use is an excellent idea. I'll need just a couple minutes to finish up with my computer then we can get going. Daylight's burning."

Jiro nodded, then did a double take. "Wait, blood dolls? 'not making that mistake again?" He gave his companion a strange look. "Alex-san, are you just messing with me, or something?"

Oh Kamis, if this... whatever it is that takes over when Alex is fighting, is talking now... I hope it's friendly.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:09, Tue 15 Mar 2011.

Alex raised an eyebrow. "Huh? What are you talking about?"

Kuso. Jiro felt crawling horror begin to dawn, and knew he was going slightly pale. "I suggested burning down the vampire's lairs durring the day if possible, and you replied, and I quote, 'It's not practical; the strong ones will survive, and it'll kill all their blood dolls. I am not making that mistake again.'"

Alex looks spooked. "I... I did, didn't I? That's not good! How the hell did I know that? It doesn't feel like something I saw in a movie or something. It feels real, like something I learned and learned well. What the frack is going on?"

Okay. REALLY spooked.

Jiro exhaled slowly, collecting himself. "I wondered if something like this might have happened." He paused, taking a moment to choose his words carefully. "Alex-san, do you remember yesterday, at the gym, when I suggested we spar so that you could master your abilities, rather than be mastered by them?" A pause while he waited for a nod.

After getting it, he took a breath, and continued. "There have been... oddities, I suppose, in the way you speak and act, especially right after a fight, that seemed out of place to me, which is why I suggested it in the first place. You seem to know, almost as well as I, who have trained since I could walk, how to use your abilities. I suspect, now, that you were gifted some knowledge along with your powers."

Mind racing, he hastened to add, "This is not a bad thing! You are still Alex, this has not made you into some other person. Simply... added something." At least two somethings, and swapped one something for another, but I'm biting down on that thought right good; because I somehow doubt off-colour humor will help matters. "We can, I think, learn the root of this; harness it. I have read of things like this happening; in cases of reincarnation," Possession, but that's a can of worms I don't care to open just yet, "Ancestral memories... even something like a mind-reading accident. I.. we would have to look into it some more, do a little research, but this is not something you cannot master."

"And do not think I would abandon you because of something like this. You have fought beside me and proved a valuable and honorable companion, and I will stand beside you, Alex-san."

[OOC:21:18, Today: Jiro Koji rolled 28 using 1d20+8. Arcane lore for gifted knowledge/memories.]

Alex takes a series of deep breaths. "Ok. I can deal with this. My body has been altered so as to be completely unrecognizable, I guess it makes sense that my brain has been played around with. I just need to figure out what all has been changed."

She takes another deep breath and looks thoughtful. "Of course without an uncontaminated baseline, I don't know how the hell I'll be able to reliably figure out what all is screwy up top. I didn't think ANYTHING was wrong, but now that you point it out, I can see more then a couple places where I acted... wrong. Or at least wrong for me. Screaming in panic while covering your eyes and wishing the monsters would go away isn't exactly the 'right' response to an attack by the walking dead."

"I think all I can do is start a journal recording what's going on. Encrypt the hell out of it, but write it. We can review it when we get some downtime and try to figure out what doesn't seem right for a programming geek who's never been in a real fight in his life. If you could also make notes, mental or otherwise, about things that seem off that would probably help."

"This sounds reasonable to me, Alex-san. I would also suggest meditation. And above all else," He paused and put a hand on her shoulder. "Remember that you are not alone. A good friend is a most blessed thing to have in times of trouble; of this I speak from experience."

Jiro stood. "For now, let us break our fast, and then, perhaps, find a place to spar. I picked the food yesterday; your turn."

Alex places her free hand on Jiro's shoulder in response and gives a firm squeeze. It's not quite hard enough to be painful, but it's close. Judging by how casually she appears to have done it, Jiro is pretty sure she just massively underestimated her strength. "Partners then. Let's hit the road."

Alex finds a place that serves fried eggs, breakfast sausages, tea biscuits, and killer pancakes. She orders all that, in quantity, and seems to have no trouble polishing it off.

After breakfast, the pair find that the city has a number of large parks. One in particular seems promising. Very few people, and a few isolated clearings for practicing in.

Jiro felt very, very full. Have more pancakes, you thought. They're like okonomiyaki, but less filling, you thought. You're an idiot.

As they walked to a quiet corner of the park, Jiro tried to let his stomach settle. He was more or less fine when they reached a good spot. "This should do for our purposes. I suggest we start with light sparring, and work up from there."  He settled into a defensive stance, and prepared to begin.

"Alright. Now, since I know nothing about martial arts, you should walk me through what we are doing. I don't want to relay on whatever skills got uploaded to my brain along with the boob-job."

Make no comment on the boob job line. That way lies pain and death. "In that case, we can start with the basics; some beginners drills. Just watch my movements, and follow."

Remembering his own early lessons, Jiro starts to lead Alex through some basic punching drills, moving on to kicks and more complex moves when and if it looks like she's ready.

Alex hit's Jiro with question after question about what she is doing. Every time she seems to be getting the hang of something she stops, explains what she thinks she is doing, and goes through it again. Sometimes, she can't explain and so asks to begin farther back.

"I want to make sure I'm actually learning, not just using the auto-complete and wizards to get through the assignment."

Jiro does his best to answer Alex's questions, dipping occasionally into martial arts truisms. He picks his words with care, struggling occasionally with the english, to get his answers across as best he can. He watches closely for cues in Alex's fighting style, and her movements, to try and spot the 'auto-complete and wizards' kicking in. When it does, he gently lets her know.

[OOC: Skill Mastery'ing Sense Motive and Notice as we work, running 22s on both.]

A couple hours pass. Alex makes remarkable progress in that time, even ignoring the impressive skills that she seems to have gained from her transformation. The training seems to be working.

The pair take a short break for some water.

Alex kicked off her flipflops and sprawled on the grass.

"Well, this has been going better then I expected. I think I'm starting to actually understand all of this. What I'm still not sure on is Ki. I know, or think I know, what it is but I don't really get it. There are legends and movies about people being able to do what you do back home, but nobody can even come close to what you can do. Can you tell me a bit more about it?"

Oh, of course. A nice, simple, easy question. Kuso. "Ki is, well; it is a sort of spiritual energy that all living creatures generate. It permeates the air, and it flows through the body like... well, like oxygen in the bloodstream."

He paused a moment, trying to find the right words to explain himself. "It is... you can visualize it, you can manipulate it's flow, and in so doing put more energy or power into a maneuver. With great practice you can..." His brow furrowed and he muttered for a moment in Japanese. Then, "You can touch the ki that surrounds you, be it in the air or in another. You can manipulate it, like... dragging your fingers through sand; to leave a trail you can see. I can urge another to heal by guiding another's energy. That is how I project energy as well." A shrug. "There are any number of things that can be done with some creativity, energy, and meditation."

"All that said, there is a... knack to it. Everyone has ki, but not everyone has enough to really make use of it; especially some of the things I do. Like anything, you can learn, but one's inherent gifts can pose... issues." A moment. "Your skills are impressive, and I suspect you have a great deal of potential. There are some strange... eddies, I think is the phrase I want, in your ki. Perhaps a conflict between your mind and your, well, your new body. I know I had a great deal of trouble adapting to the differences between ki flow in my normal body and my cursed form."

"I am rambling again, gomen. Still, Alex-san, I hope some of it was useful."

Alex nods along with the explanation. "That's exactly what I was thinking it was. Glad to see my pop culture habit wasn't wasted time. If you're willing to teach, I'm willing to see what I can learn. Hell if girl ki flows differently, and it makes sense that it does, trying to teach me something might be useful to you."

She leans back, resting on outstretched arms. "That leads into another question that I've been wondering about. I already know more then enough that you don't owe me any kind of explanation about your past but... I am kinda curious. The girl with the grudge that was mentioned, and the Singapore thing. If you're willing to tell me, great. If not, it's nothing that I need to know. Again, don't feel that you have to tell me anything because of trouble that it's causing. You've already said enough to fulfill that debt."

"You have every right to ask, for if we do work together, my past may well impact you." Jiro sighed. "There is a story there, and it starts not in Singapore but in Tokyo. I beg your patience; I will be as brief as I can."

"My ability to manipulate ki became apparent early, and I have honed it from youth. In my home of Tokyo I also gained my... chronic hero syndrome, I suppose you could call it. I did not abide thieves or other scum. I defeated such a one who was trying to steal from some young girls, and left... an impression on them. One of them, Omiko Nakamura-" there is a hint of longing as he says the name "-developed a... what is the Western term... a 'crush' on me. I thought nothing of it at the time, and considered her simply a friend."

"I had few friends; when I was not in class or cram school, most of my time was spent in training. I have studied the martial arts since I could first walk.
Omiko was a friend when, frankly, I needed one, for while there was no doubt in my mind that my family cared for me, I had no siblings, no classmates I was close to. She was my friend, and I tried to be hers. But no more than her friend, for it would not be appropriate. Nor was I worthy of such; her father Takashi Nakamura owns a major manufacturing company in Japan, and is of high-class Samuria stock, including one of the Shoguns. My family is poor, and while we too trace our bloodline to the Samuria, it is not so honored or high class. He approved of me as a friend of his daughter because I knew my place and was an honorable youth."

"We grew to be close friends, and Omiko's crush... did not go away, though we thought it had. Three years ago, Takashi presented her to the son of another powerful industrialist. The two families had arranged a marriage for them, as preparation for a merger of their financial empires. Omiko... Omiko refused, saying she wanted me only."

A long pause as Jiro struggled to find the right words. "Omiko is my best friend, but I have no illusion of being worthy of her. No illusion that we could ever be more than friends. But she did not heed that, and Takashi did not care. He flew into a rage and it was decided that... I would leave the country for a while while things... cooled down."

"My father and my Uncle Tetsuhara went with me on a training journey around southeast Asia. We studied with distant masters, fought in a number of old training grounds... Eventually we found our way to Singapore. While we were there, we stumbled into the middle of a Triad drug ring."

A sigh. "They were bleeding a village dry, abusing its people to manufacture their drugs. We... decided we could not let this remain, and invaded their production facilities. It... did not go smoothly. Many of them had guns, and there are many volatile chemicals involved in the production of drugs. A fire broke out and hastened the destruction beyond our control. I had thought we managed to get all the workers out before it, well, exploded, but recent events lead me to believe otherwise." He paused, expression clouded.

"Their thugs escaped, as did the workers. Thus the Triads learned of who attacked them. They had a sorcerer in their ranks, whose retaliation you have seen on me; father and Uncle Tetsuhara were able to resist its effects."

"We tried to avenge ourselves upon the Triads, to force them to give a cure... but that failed. As weakened as my ki abilities are now while I am in my cursed form, I was much, much weaker then, and they had more men than we could overcome simply with strength. We returned to Japan in shame."

Another sigh, and he took a moment to gather himself. "As to the rest, the girl who attacked was named Wei the Lotus Blossom. She told me her father died because of what we did. I... cannot fault her for her rage at myself and my father and uncle. But I would hope for a chance to speak with her again. My family has done hers wrong. I do not know if it could be made right, but I must try for the sake of my honor. I do not need more enemies."
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:08, Wed 16 Mar 2011.

Alex is silent throughout the story, and for some time after. "Right. I'm going to refrain from calling bull on the whole worthy thing and arranged marriages as that's a cultural thing that I'm not going to win."

"For the drug den thing... I think you did the right thing. If her father died, Wei does have reason to be angry but she's directing her anger in the wrong direction. If her dad was there either he was one of the thugs and so should have known dying the price he might pay for his dark ways. If he was one the workers, he was someone you were doing your damnedest to save and just weren't perfect enough. When trying to stop evil, the innocent and evil both suffer. It happens and there is nothing that can be done about it. You just have to remember that your actions caused a net decrease in suffering. Sadly, some people just don't get that."

"There was this one guy who I had after me, can't remember his name. He came after me hard after I staked his... brother I think it was, not long after he was turned. He blamed me, for not saving his brother in the first place and for killing him later. Didn't want to accept that I couldn't be in two places at once, and protecting ten people was more important that protecting one person. He refused to believe that his brother was already dead, and what I turned to dust was nothing by a demon wearing his skin. A monster that was going to kill and kill until it was stopped."

Alex sighs, and looks down "Goddess grant that Wei isn't so stubborn, so blinded by hate and rage. I did everything I could to convince him, but nothing go through. He tried to kill me and my friends on more then one occasion. Finally he went to far and made a pact with a demon and..." she trails off.

A moment later Alex goes pale. "I did it again, didn't I?"

Jiro gripped her shoulder. "You did. But I think... so long as we know what is and is not you, you will not lose yourself to this."

He took a moment in thought. "You have every reason to be uneasy, Alex-san. More reason than I, even. And you are coping much better than I did at first. You are strong, Alex-san. Strong enough to overcome this; to make these memories simply... an asset. All knowledge is power, Alex-san. You can use this. And I will help you as much as you let me."

Jiro stood. "For now, let us go back to our practice. We can face but one problem at a time; and mastering your skills, I think, may help master the memories."

Alex just bites her lip and nods before standing. "Right. I can do this. I just pray to god that there isn't a very confused vampire slayer running around in a COBOL coder's body back home."

Jiro coughed. "Ah, I wasn't going to say it... but I would be lying if I said  I had not had the same thought."

A pause. "If nothing else, from what you have told me, at least she will not have to confront any vampires in a programmer's body."

"For now, let us practice. After that, and lunch, we have vampires of our own to hunt."

Practice continues, and moves into some basic lessons on Ki. Here, Alex doesn't seem to have the massive head start that her new memories but at least Jiro thinks she has some potential. It's hard to tell though. He doesn't have the same ability to sense Ki flows that some he has trained with do. When he heals, he has some sense of it but not enough to be useful for this purpose.

"Well, for what it is worth, I think you have the potential to make practical use of your ki. It would be harder to teach, however."

He looks at the sun, now close to directly overhead. "That said, I think now would be a good time to break for lunch, then start looking into the vampire problem. Your choice of restaurant again."

"Cool. I'd love to be able to fire energy bolts or even better, heal with a touch. That is just to damn useful. Still, it can wait." She says.

"I saw a place called Starbase Coffee on the way over here. Looked like they have free wi-fi. I don't know anything about the food, but I doubt it will kill us and I could try to learn something while we're eating. Sure it won't measure up to the Shrine of Saint Timothy's for coffee, but then what possibly could?"

"I will never understand the north-american obsession with coffee. Still, lead on."

I can always get tea. Most of these sorts of places make at least passable tea.

Starbase Coffee is a home to decent coffee, mediocre tea, and overpriced food. In Alex's mind this is forgiven by virtue of free wifi. Really, really good wifi. It's clear they didn't cheap out on the internet here.

Alex sat down with her extra-large triple-triple, large ham sandwich, and apple fritter. Her computer appeared on the table as if by magic, and it doesn't take long for her to become utterly enthralled with what was on the screen.

Jiro is treated to the sight of someone who can type one handed at better then the speed most people can type two handed. The other is busy with her food... at least for the little time it takes to vanish.

[OOC: 13:12, Today: Alex rolled 27 using 1d20+12. Computers Check.
Looking for anything that might hint at strange things happening in the city.]

Okay, my few lingering doubts about Alex's story are vanishing. I couldn't type half that fast with a gun to my head. Suffering from some dismal tea and looking around, he took in the crowd. I do believe this is a Gathering of the Weird. This should be as good a place as any to start asking around. Putting the tea out of its misery, he decided to start his information search here.

Walking up to a group of chatting folks, he politely introduced himself. "Good afternoon. I'm newly arrived in town, and wonder if you might be able to tell me a bit about things?"

10:27, Today: Jiro Koji rolled 26 using 1d20+7. gather info on vampires.

Jiro ends up getting locked in conversation with a couple of young men who seemed to have an impressive knowledge about potentially supernatural things that could be going on in the city. The world 'otaku' springs to mind.

The most useful sounding information is as follows - A week ago someone was found completely drained of blood. The cops were refusing to confirm that it was a vampire attack, and are claiming it seems to be an isolated incident. However, rumors have been floating around that people have been dropping out of sight for the last week or so as well. Calling in sick to work, not being around during the day, only being seen at night. The otaku are convinced that it's a vampire plague getting started.

Furthermore two street gangs have been getting more aggressive and a gang war may be in the offing. The otaku are convinced that this is because two rival master vampires are building armies in preparation to battling for control of the city.

They express the wish that the city had a proper super team. The city was quite lacking in one, not like those jerks over in Freedom City. They had what? 5 teams that were based there and a bunch of independents? Sure the Freedom League spent most of it's time dealing with the bigger picture, and the Atoms were always going off to other dimensions or something but they still looked after their home town. Then there were the Freedom Knights, the Next-Gen, and even those tame super-villains in Project Freedom. It just wasn't fair.

"I've discovered that the impossible is in fact possible. There is something stranger then the internet. THIS world's internet. Good god... Still, I like to think I've gotten good at picking out the BS from the good stuff." Alex paused a moment to take a bite from her second sandwich.

"I spent a lot of time researching every damn thing about weird stuff that I could. I just don't know the world well enough to tell at a glance like I did at home. I swear, the laws of physics must have been repealed some time ago because... well, not important. Let's just say I know a lot more about supers then I did an hour ago. About all I managed to learn was that someone was drained dry last week, and the tubes are filled with people guessing about a vampire attack. If it's one of the famous ones or some new no-name freak. So you learn anything good? "

"Mostly the same; though there are rumors of several other people dropping out of sight and others suddenly only appearing at night." Jiro shrugged. "They also believe a gang war is brewing, and that it is being instigated by one or more vampires, but I am not sure how much creedence to give that one."

A pause. "As far as the Internet is concerned... well, I can see that it might seem abnormally strange. I live in this world, and I find it abnormally strange, but I am a simple martial artist, not a techie or otaku." A grin had won past his discipline.

"All that said, were you able to get a location for any of these attacks? Narrowing a search area could be quite useful."

EDIT: fething tags
This message was last edited by the player at 06:21, Sat 19 Mar 2011.

Alex looked back at her computer, and her hands flew. "Uhh... Here we go, got a location for the first body. Looks like it wasn't far from her actually."

She clicks a few more times, then blood drained from her face. "Isn't that where we met?"

She turns her laptop to reveal a Google Streetview showing that very alley.

"What?" He sat forward and looked closer at the display. It was, indeed, that alley. "Kuso."

A moment of thought. "Unless you can find some other locations, it makes as good a place as any to start looking. If a bit... unnervingly close to our hotel."

"Right, I'll see what I can do." Alex turns the computer back and works some more magic. A couple minutes later she has a marked out map with some red circles and dots on it.

"So I've cross referenced all the news reports on violent crime in the past few months, filtered out all of the things that don't seem to fit what we are looking for and marked the sites on my map. As far as I can tell, there has been an unreported spike in crime in this area. I mean, it's been reported but nobody has really noticed how focused things seem to be around here. This line here more or less points towards Chinatown, while this one here towards the downtown core. I figure that we are sitting in ground zero, with the bad guys working to expand their power."

Alex seems to be positively bubbly with excitement. "And look at this graph of the growth rate... this fits almost perfectly with the typical pattern of a new infestation by a master looking to establish a powerbase. I'm just impressed at how no more bodies have been coming to light drained of blood. Whoever is in charge must be keeping a tight reign on it's minions." She bit her lip, chewing on it thoughtfully.

"Hmmm... the pattern breaks over the last two weeks. Huh... I wonder..."

[OOC - Cinematic Hacking and Info dumps for the win! It wasn't ALL wiki-walking earlier.]

Should I mention she's channeling her inner Buffy again? No, not right now - derailing her train of thought wouldn't be good. Not when we're on something of a roll. "I can confirm some of those points." Quickly, Jiro pointed out the spots where the otaku had mentioned attacks. "Also, the places they mentioned gang violence overlap this map... too well for me to consider it coincidence. Here-" he pointed at an area near Chinatown almost exactly along her line; "And here." He pointed at an area nearby. "That one, I must say, is annoyingly close to our hotel as well. I begin to think, Alex-san, that even without the... incentives we've been offered, we would find ourselves pulled into this mess before long."

Oh merciful Kami-sama, what have we gotten into now?

"That's it! A power struggle! That's why the body was found, it's sign that the master has lost some control. One of the more ambitious and powerful fangs decided that it wanted top spot and made a move, splitting the group. The slight flattening here, and then the sharp growth. They're gearing up to take one another head on. I knew I was missing something. I guess you aren't just a pretty face Tommy." Alex flashes Jiro a flirtatious look. A very well practiced one.

"Okay, this is going to be a hard one to tackle and you haven't been hanging around me long enough to be able throw down with what's in store for us. I think it's time to get the band back together." She leans in to the computer and starts making notes. "Gabe should be up for it, he always is and don't look at me like that Tommy, he and I have been done for a long time." She sighs, but doesn't look up to see any expression on Jiro's face.

"Anyway, I'll also call Sarah and Josh. They're such a cute couple, and we'll need their magic brains for this. Hmmm... who else... How about Glenn. He's... someone I've never met before and I have no idea who he is..."

Alex reaches up and places both hands on her face. She starts taking a series of deep breaths.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:49, Tue 22 Mar 2011.

Oh, this is subtle. Kuso. Kuso, kuso, kuso. Jiro glanced around worriedly, wondering for a moment what to do. Then he reached out and gave Alex's shoulder a squeeze.

"Breathe, Alex-san. Breathe."

What the hell do I say now? There's no simple answer to this... "I know how disturbing it can be to have unfamiliar thoughts in your head. I suffer something lesser in my cursed form. You are still Alex. You are still you. This... I think it came out just now because you are reading about things, thinking about things, that your gifted memories touch on."

Jiro took a breath of his own. Think, genius. Think fast. What can I do to help? A slow blink. Oh dear. Well, I could, but... Hell with it. A little embarassment will not kill me. "It seems a bit unfair that you must shoulder this alone. I can do only a little but perhaps... what is the phrase... misery would like some company?"

Alex takes a very deep breath, then glances at Jiro. "I always hated that phrase... but..." She looks away, then continues softly. "I think this might be easier if I didn't think you looked like my current boyfriend."

"Oh god..."

Don't say a damned thing about her having excellent choice in boyfriends. Jiro gave her shoulder a squeeze. "In that case, I would be happy to help." I am going to regret this. Probably a lot.

Standing, Jiro headed for the washrooms. I... think I just noticed a problem. No nice, neutral, handicapped washroom, just mens and ladies. Well, I am committed. Nothing to lose but my dignity.

Glancing around, he picked his moment and darted into the mens. Nodding to the man at the sink, he headed for a stall to, well, stall a moment. Listening closely, he heard the taps shut off, waited for the sound of the door, and ghosted out of the stall. Doing his best to resemble a hole in the air, Jiro ghosted across the bathroom to the sinks for a dash of cold water.

Then, ever conscious that she was now, rather thoroughly, in the wrong bathroom, she ghosted for the door, prayed a mental prayer that any nearby god or kami might keep anyone from looking at said door just this moment, and slipped out.

She kept up her stealthy tread until she reached the customer area, then relaxed into a casual gait, giving the barrista a quick smile as she walked past and walked back to the table she and Alex were using. "This better?"

[OOC: GOGO Hide In Plain Sight and Skill Mastery: Stealth. Array is in ki focus for the Speed - moving at half rate to note take a penalty to the stealth check; skill mastery give me a 22 on the stealth.]

The patrons had no better chance of spotting Jiro then they had of beating him in a straight fight.

"Yeah... it is. Thank you. Oh that was fracking strange." Alex says, her breathing still strained. "I think whoever I borrowed this body from had a thing for football players. Blond football players. I really don't know how the frack I was confusing a guy who could have been on a Nazi recruiting poster with a little Asian dude. All the while wanting to get this done with so I could drag him back to my room and jump his bones. Again."

She looks Jiro in the eye. "You said you have strange thoughts from time to time. About men."

Kuso. Well, I suppose I was asking for this. Jiro nodded, feeling her cheeks heat a little. "I... yes. I... I notice them more in this form. It's... I know the stereotype of young men is that they always look at pretty girls, but never in the eye? I... I trained myself out of that, more or less, in my normal body. Discipline. In this body..." She took a deep breath, felt her cheeks grow hotter. "You remember last night, when we walked into the arena of iron and Zhang Peter and Chen Ming were waiting for us?" She waited a moment for a nod. "My first thought was 'Kamis, those boys take good care of themelves.' Well, my first thought after 'oh dear.' I... I know I checked out Zhang's ass when he lunged past me, too."

She took a moment to try and force the heat from her cheeks; fruitlessly. "I find it... embarassing. Both for the lack of discipline and the... specifics of that lack." And now my cards are on the table, and she likely thinks I am a hentia. But she asked. And I answered honestly. That, I hope, should count for something.

Alex's cheeks heat to match. "I had the same thoughts. I kept squelching the idea that I should pin Chen for a bit, maybe see how good he was with ground work. It's more then just her thoughts though. I... I'm not as good at not staring at attractive people as you are, but I'm better then many people I know. That's gotten harder since... well..." Alex points at herself "Now I find myself looking at both. I notice, and then I get creeped out. I... I'm not homophobic, got a few friends who are both gay and not shy about expressing their love, but I've known that my preference was straight without any bi-curiosity. That still holds true... only she also knows she's straight without any bi-curiosity either. You ever check someone out, only to realize they weren't what you thought? The oh god, that's a guy thing? I'm getting that and 'oh god, that's a girl' to."

Alex's looks like her face is on fire, and her voice is very very soft. It goes even softer when she mutters. "Doesn't help that you're hot as hell in both forms..."

"I... know what you mean and... Alex-san, I know this will probably be uncomfortable but in the interests of honesty... You seem attractive to me as well; in both my forms. You are fiercely intillegent, you have strong physical gifts, you learn very quickly and, well, I find you fun to talk to. And... this sort of... condition seems tailored to create uncomfortable situations."

A pause. "I, too, know a few people who'se preferences are... broad. It is not the most comfortable thing, but it is nothing dishonorable. Believe me, I do not think less of you for it, Alex-san."

Jiro stood, giving her friend's shoulder a light squeeze and smiling. "Come on. We have some investigating to do."

Waiting a moment for Alex to fold up her laptop, Jiro heads for the exit, intent on giving that first alley... a very thorough look.

Alex nods sharply. "Yeah. Enough angsting about my life being screwed up. Let's go find some undead heads to break."

The alley where the pair met is much as they remember it. At first glance there are no signs of anything unusual. A brief rain last night washed away the blood, and the SMG fragments have been cleaned up.

Alex starts looking around, trying to find if there is anything of interest.

[OOC: 14:31, Today: Alex rolled 20 using 1d20+9. Search Check. ]

At first there doesn't seem to be anything worthwhile to find. In frustration, she kicks an empty plastic jug. It bounces off the left wall of the alley then hits the right one in a higher spot, and bounces back to the left. Instead of hitting the wall, it hits something else. A previously invisible glowing circle, hanging in mid air about twenty feet from the ground. Strange symbols are visible on the outer edge of the circle.

"Woah... Jiro? I think I found something..."

Eyes widening at the circle of runes, Jiro stared. "That you have," she said in English, then, squinted at the runes, muttering in Japanese as she tried to make them out; wracking her brains.

[OOC: 19:44, Today: Jiro Koji rolled 16 using 1d20+8. arcane lore check.]

Jiro looks up at the runes for a few moments before they vanish again.

Jiro took a long moment to gather her thoughts, then said, "Well. This is... probably not a good sign. I have seen magic circles like that before, inscribed in mid-air. It is a style favored by many magic users in my country." She looked at Alex. "But the runes themselves appeared to be of european extraction. They ususally are used for summonings."

"But in my experience, and from what I have heard, they should not be... sticking around... like this. And they tend to be a tool of powerful mages."

"I was just thinking that looked like something I'd seen when researching the Goetia and the Keys of Solomon for a Dark Matter game I was running back in high school. Once again geek knowledge from another universe proves to be somewhat accurate. So, we have a strange powerful magic sitting in the same place that a Vampire killed someone and..." Alex pauses.

"Wait a second. Summoning. Jiro, when I woke up I saw a bright flash of light and a falling sensation, before hitting the ground." She walks right under the circle and lays on her back.

"Yep... This looks pretty much exactly where I landed when I arrived here." She leaps to her feet. "Are you pondering what I'm pondering?"

Jiro felt the corner of her mouth twitch upward in a smile. "I think so, Alex-san, but where will we find three gross of twinkees at this hour?" I have no idea what Dark Matter is, but I at least caught part of it.

Then her brow furrowed in thought. "I know of the Keys of Solomon. The circle was similar, but not, I think a match. A related seal, I believe. As to landing here, given its apparent power, I can see it being used to... pluck someone from another world, but I cannot be sure. My knowledge of magic is... not as great as I would want, given the givens. But it certainly seems a good theory."

I wonder... Briefly Jiro gave the alley's walls and assorted trashcans and dumpsters an appraising look. I could do it easily... should I? "I wonder what would happen should I try to hit it..." A pause, then, "It would likely be better if we contiued our search. I would like to check some references, and take another look, before I do anything... rash."

Alex giggled at Jiro's knowledge of the Brain and his minion.


"Uhhh... I'm not so sure about poking things. It might be a portal or something and you could end up going somewhere else. Or it might break and that could be my ticket home. Of course it could fade away before we figure anything out if we don't poke it. So... you're the expert here and I'll back you one hundred percent."

Thank you so much for that non-answer. "As you say, there are too many chances of things going... badly... if we do something rash. I would not want to strand you. It has persisted this long.  I think it would be safe enough to let it wait another day or two. I can do most of the research I wish to do on the internet... actually, I could use your help with that - you seemed much more adept with computers than I am earlier."

"For now, I would like to see what there is to see near here; see if we can find any hints of the bloodsuckers and their activities. Soon enough, we will have to meet up with Chen Ming."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:14, Tue 22 Mar 2011.

"The fact you think you can find reliable magical information terrifies and excites me. It's... wow." Alex's mind seems blown.

She soon shakes it off. "Let's see what we can find then."

[OOC: 00:45, Today: Alex rolled 12 using 1d20+9. Search Check. ]

"You would be amazed at what one can find on the internet, if one knows where to look." Jiro looked around for a moment. I need another point of view here.

With a cursory glance at the walls, Jiro bounded upwards; bounced off one alley wall to the opposite one, then up and across again, coming to rest grabbing hold of a fire escape and looked down, trying to take in every detail.

[OOC:Up The Wall and Skill Mastery: Acrobatics to walljump to a good viewpoint

 21:47, Today: Jiro Koji rolled 21 using 1d20+2. Search check.]
This message was last edited by the player at 05:09, Tue 22 Mar 2011.

From above, Jiro sees something that would be impossible to see from the ground. There are faint marks around the edges of the alley, and out to the street. At ground level, it looked random. From above it looked like part of the magic circle in the air, on a larger scale.

"Oh. Kuso."

From her perch, Jiro took a breath. "Alex-san, I do not mean to alarm you, but it appears... that a much larger version of the magic circle you revealed is inscribed around this area. We are... in its center."

"Oh."

Well, nothing else leaps immediately to mind... "I think, perhaps, we sould get out of this alley for now, and give the general area a bit of a search. I do not know if it is dangerous here, but I also do not know if it is not dangerous."

Putting words to action, Jiro heads for the alley mouth, bounding from wall to wall in a controlled descent, landing gracefully in the center of the alley just before it exits to the street.

[OOC: Up The Wall and Skill Mastery: Acrobatics again. 22:21, Today: Jiro Koji rolled 12 using 1d20+8. Knowledge Arcana.]

"Giant Summoning circle on the ground... Yes, time to move." Alex said, and followed Jiro out of the alley.

Now that Jiro knows what to look for, he discovers signs that the circle covers the better part of a city block, with the very center being in the Alley.

Beyond that, they find nothing of note before it is time to meet with Chen Ming.

The Most Auspicious Chinese Restaurant was somewhat crowded as Alex and Jiro entered. Smiling politely to the seater, Jiro said, "Good afternoon! We are expecting to meet someone - has Chen Ming arrived yet?"

They are waved to a table. Walking up to it, Jiro sees that Chen already has a plate in front of him - an empty one. "My apologies if we are late, Chen-san."

"Well met. Alex, Jiro." Chen Ming said, rising at the approach. "You are quite on time, I simply arrived early to enjoy a brief meal before we began our work."

A few pleasantries are exchanged, and then the group heads out to an open area of sidewalk, where they can talk in relative privacy. Chen Ming takes a close look at each of the women, although it doesn't feel like he's checking them out. "I trust your training went well?"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:53, Tue 22 Mar 2011.

"I believe so. We have also made a few discoveries in our investigations." Briefly, Jiro outlines the overlap between the gang violence and the vampire attacks, and Alex's theories about the same, as well as the summoning circle and it's position being the same as the first of the officially reported vampire attacks. She does not mention that the circle is also where Alex first arrived in this world.

"I do not know how much of that Dragoneye is already aware of, but I state it to be thorough." A pause. "In light of we have found, is there anything you know of that may be of import?"

"Hmm... I know little of magic but I can confirm that what you have learned fits with my own understanding of the situation. I do not believe that such detail had been discovered however, nor the scope been fully realized. As far as I knew it was mostly the Ruthless Asian Gang that was the center of the problem. You are a most... effective pair."

Chen falls silent for a moment as a pair of teenagers walk by. They wolf whistle and shoot Chen a thumbs up while checking out the girls.

"I do know the location of their home turf, and their main hangout. They number perhaps two dozen members who would be fit for battle, although if they have been recruiting they may have many more."

[OOC: Yes, according to my research the Ruthless Asian Gang is a real world Seattle gang.]
This message was last edited by the player at 17:53, Tue 22 Mar 2011.

Jiro shoots an unkind glance at the two leering teens, but no more than a glance. You knew this would probably happen, and hey, what do the little gaijin fools know? Looking at Chen, she nods. "That information would be, I think, quite useful. If you could give it to us, that would be excellent." She glanced to Alex, nodded fractionally. "That said, I think we will take another day or two to gather more information before doing anything... decisive. It would not do for us to act rashly and make the situation worse."

"Of course." Chen Ming says. He gives the address and a description of the area.

"What is your next step? If you have nothing in mind, I can show you around the areas you are most interested in. I suspect that it will be easy enough to pass as a group of friends seeing the sights. Any attention we attract will be easy enough to deal with, at least during the day."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:53, Tue 22 Mar 2011.

"That sounds reasonable to me, Chen-san." She glanced at Alex. "Unless you have any other ideas?" She let the question dangle.

The very foreign girl had filled in a few details during Jiro's explanation, but otherwise remained quiet.

"Right now what I want to do is bust in there and drag every one of those blood sucking frackers out into the sunlight... but you are right. We don't know enough and we don't want to disrupt the balance of power too much before we have some understanding of what it is. Let's scout for now, but I would like to try to get my hands on one of them tonight and see if we can get some information out of them. I want to know more." Alex's voice is cold and hard.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:38, Tue 22 Mar 2011.

Buffy's driving. Kuso. Got to at least try to distract Chen... Jiro nodded decisively. "In that case, let us get moving. Chen-san, if you would lead the way?"

As they walked, she moved up just beside the Chinese and gave him a light nudge with her elbow. "Admit it, Chen-san," she said, soto voce, "You're only giving us a tour so everyone sees you in the company of two pretty ladies. Trying to make people jelous?" The flirtatious words came easily, disturbingly so; not for the first time, Jiro wondered if the spell that had cursed her was derived from one of the more recreational gender change magics. Endure, Koji. And  pay attention; joking aside, this is a scouting. Kamis willing, Alex can gather her wits. His wits. Bah.

Chen shoots a look at Alex, but allows Jiro to distract him from asking any questions.

"If word got back to my wife that I was doing this thing, she would slay me where I stood." Chen replied, his voice grave.

He stops to wait for the light to change at a crosswalk. "It is well that I am not married."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:52, Tue 22 Mar 2011.

Jiro smiled. "It is well indeed. Mostly, I kid. It has been a long day and some levity seemed... appropriate." Don't think about Alex. Don't think about Alex. For that matter, please don't flip out really blatantly, Alex....

Alex smiled a bit at the jokes, but she seemed focused on taking in the surroundings. Her head swiveled back and forth, scanning for danger or opportunity.

Chen Ming chuckles "One must keep perspective in dark times." he says, carefully not looking at Alex. "Now, do you see that red brick building there? That is used by the Ruthless Asian Gang to sell their drugs. It lies on the edge of their territory."

Jiro gave the building a quick look, trying to get some idea of what she was looking at; but distracted as she was between Alex and wondering how much Chen had noticed about Alex - And how much do you want to bet he wouldn't have noticed if you hadn't gotten paranoid, baka? - she didn't get as good a look as was her normal wont.

[OOC: 11:09, Today: Jiro Koji rolled 17 using 1d20+12. Notice on the gangbanger hideout. Teach me to let the GM spook me into a gamble...]

"Sounds like a good first target. This is right on the edge of map of the troubles, and on the far side from the other group, meaning their actions are focused in the other direction. A strike her could give us a better idea of what we are looking at without risking running into their main strength."

Jiro is pretty sure that it's the Buffy mode speaking here, but he's not 100% certain.

[OOC: 14:21, Today: Alex rolled 13 using 1d20+7. Perception. ]

To the pair, this building looks fairly normal, albeit run down. There is very little to call it to your attention.

Stop reacting. Your paranoia is not helping. "I would like to see some of the other sites first, but yes, this seems... a viable place to start. Still, taking a little time to see what the other sites look like should cost us nothing."

Jiro felt a bit uneasy, in a way that had nothing to do with Alex. Run down as it is, even with brick on the outside... we would have to be careful; the interior is likely a massive firetrap. If one broke out... I will not allow my carelessness to kill bystanders. This I swear.

"Fair enough. We can't move until dark anyway." Alex says, and turns to Chen Ming "Where to next?"

"Follow me." Chen leads the group to a few other sites, even taking you past the main hangout. It's clear that this IS a gang hangout, from the people in the area. There is some tense moments, but the group manages to get through without any confrontations.

Jiro can tell quite clearly that Chen Ming can see there is something not right about Alex, is curious about it, but is also controlling that curiosity. He suspects that Chen realized this some time ago, probably when they first met.

As the three of them finished their tour of the Ruthless Asian Gang's territory, they started towards the other area of activity. "Alex, please excuse my rudeness; but I would like to ask Chen about some personal business."

She turns back to Chen and continues in Chinese; "First, I would appologize. I underestimated your powers of observation, and dishonorably tried to distract you. Alex's situation is.. complex, and it is Alex's tale to tell. Your concern is appreciated." A breath. "That said, I do have a genuine question. Do you know what became of Wei the Lotus Blossom? Is Dragoneye holding her for interfering with his challenge?"

A pause as she gathered her thoughts. "If she is still in the city, is there a way to send her a message?"

Alex shrugs. "With how free with information you've been so far, I'm not going to bitch if you have something you don't want to talk about."

She looks at the window of the store they are walking past. "Ah, perfect. I'll be right back."

"You owe me no apology. You act to protect a friend from danger, and that speaks well of you." Chen's voice is friendly as he responds to the apology.

When the question of Wei comes up, Chen's visage grows darker. "Now it is I who must apologize. There is little I can say that would not violate oaths of secrecy."

He sighs deeply. "Wei is no prisoner. If you wish to send her a message, that can be arranged. I suggest in the strongest possible terms that you do not attempt to do so at this time. I can say nothing else."

That... does not sound good. "Thank you for your frankness, Chen-san. I will not ask you to violate your oath."

Jiro took a breath, glancing around the street, and continued in low tones. "I understand your concerns, and appreciate them, but... Me and mine have taken something precious from her. I understand her anger, but I hope we do not always have to be foes." Another breath. "I would hear her side of the story, and I wish that she would hear mine. I would like to talk with her, if she is interested." She looked the man in the eye. "On my head be the consequences; I know there is risk and danger and I would face it. Because to run from the suffering I have caused another would be dishonorable."

Switching back to English and looking towards the store, she muttered, "And what's taking Alex so long, anyway?"

Chen is silent for a long moment. "There is some protection to be had from being in the service of Dragoneye, even temporarily. You will not be troubled by those who follow him. Even those from outside his authority will respect his wishes here. So long as you do not confront those people, they should not confront you. This is a good thing, for fighting within the ranks when danger threatens hurts us all. When the threat has passed there will be time for rivalries to be resolved."

That sounds distinctly like a way to say Wei is working for Dragoneye without actually saying it. I appreciate you skirting your oaths to give me informaiton. "That sounds fair enough."

She glances again at the store Alex vanished into. I do not fear what Alex might do, but I am less sure of Buffy... "One moment; I shall see what is taking Alex so long."

She heads into the store, looking for Alex.

It was a clothing store that Alex went into. Jiro sees Alex at the cash, paying for something. Judging by the number of people in line, it looks like that is why she way delayed. Actually, considering the numbers, she must have spent zero time shopping.

Her payment done and her prize in the bag, she heads out of the store. She smiles at Jiro, but doesn't say anything until they are back on the street, and away from the crowd. "Ah, all done your questions about Miss Lotus Blossom?"

"Yes. It was... illustrative. I take it you found what you were looking for?"

Not waiting for any real response, she continued; "Let us all three continue. I would like to see the, ah, lay of the land, and then strategize some more."

"I figured that was what you'd wanted to talk about." Alex said with a smile.

To save time, the group hops on a bus to get closer to the next area of interest.

"I know less about this area then I do about those closer to China town. Still, I have lived in this city for some time."

Alex looked around as they walked, but something seemed to be distracting her.

[OOC: 18:26, Today: Alex rolled 12 using 1d20+7. Notice Check. ]

The group gets off the bus on the far side of the trouble area from China Town.

Now that he knows to look for it, the signs that the people in the area are scared are plain to see. It's subtle, but there. From the way people keep looking up at the sky or at their watches while rushing about their business, he gathers that they know enough not to be out at night.

With the time you have there is no way to find details about local dens, but a better sense of the area is gained.

It's getting close to dark now.

Giving the sky a look, Jiro calculated that they'd have time to get back to the hotel, and grab some kind of takeaway en route, before dark. Whatever else we do tonight; I think Alex is going to need a little downtime first. And food. Should have had something more than that horrible tea at Starbase. "Thank you for your help, Chen-san. Shall we get in touch again, say, in two days? Same place and time?" She waits for the martial artist's reply, then gives a respectful bow.

Turning back to Alex, she says, "If we hurry, we can get something to eat and make it to the hotel before sunset. A little privacy for planning would be a good thing now, I hope." Even if Buffy's driving, that should get through. Oh, this is a frustrating, delicate line to walk. I want to help you, Alex, but... I do not know how...

"I will see you there." Chen Ming pulls a card out of his pocket. On it is neatly written a phone number "Should you require me before then, call this number. Whoever answers will be able to get in touch with my quickly."

Chen bows to the pair. "God Bless. May the Lord watch over you both."

With that, he hops on the bus that just pulled up.

"He watches over us all. Go in peace." Alex replied to Chen.

Once he was gone, Alex addressed Jiro's comment. "That sounds like a plan. Lunch is starting to wear off."

Jiro pocketed the card. "I thought as much. Pizza?" Food. Safety. Talking, and planning. I think, however, that I don't want to go out vampire hunting tonight. I don't think it would be good for Alex, as it stands.

Pizza it is. It's starting to get cool by this point in the day, with the sun starting to set. Still, there should be plenty of time to get the pizza and then back to the motel.

That would be if it wasn't for a few cooking delays. The pair are still on the street as the sun finally sinks below the horizon.

Note to self: do not go to that pizzaria again. Carrying two pizza boxes, Jiro is nonetheless alert; watching the surrounding streets carefully. Also trying to ignore pangs of hunger; lack of lunch, and spending a fair bit of time smelling some good food cook, was catching up to the aquatransexual.

[OOC: skill masterying notice - 22 on the check.]
This message was last edited by the player at 00:11, Wed 23 Mar 2011.

With it starting to chill off, Alex reaches into her shopping back and pulls out her prize. A long black trenchcoat. She swiftly dons it, then pulls her laptop backpack around in front of her. Two wooden stakes come out of the pack and disappear under the coat. "Perfect. I've been wondering how I was going to carry these things all day."

She doesn't do the coat up, instead leaving it hanging open so as to ensure easy access to the weapons hidden within.

http://i63.photobucket.com/alb...rhero/1M00004_01.jpg
[OOC: 20:10, Today: Alex rolled 10 using 1d20+7. Notice Check. ]
This message was last edited by the player at 00:21, Wed 23 Mar 2011.

A trenchcoat and wooden stakes. Is this Alex thinking, or is this Buffy? Jiro tried to keep her expression neutral. "It is a good look for you, Alex-san, though not one I would have thought you would go for."

"Ever since I watched The Matrix, I've wanted a coat like this. Just never figured I'd be able to pull it off. Now that I can... To bad that large numbers of firearms are pretty much out of the question. Not that I think they would bother Vampires much, if what I've seen in pop culture is anything to go by." She pauses. "Nope, no strange insights on the topic from her memories there."

Jiro doesn't bother to mask her reaction, sighing in relief. "I am... glad you are able to pull this off. And that this is you, not Buffy or whoever else is in your head. I am... worried about you, Alex-san. I think... it would be best if we did not go hunting tonight. That is why I told Chen Ming to meet us the day after tomorrow; to allow us to take our time."

A moment's introspection, then, "And so far as firearms go, I  have heard of a few enchanted firearms. I was even shot at by one, a few months ago. A submachine gun. It was... unpleasant. Some with endless magazines, pistols that hit like cannons... they are not the most common of magic weapons, but they are not unknown. Guns blessed by priests also exist, but they tend to be relics; older styles. And I have it on good authority that most monsters, vampiric or otherwise, do not enjoy being shot by very heavy weapons, though they withstand such better than humans." A pause. "That said, I am only vaguely familiar with the laws and ways to acquire such weapons in this country. Sorry."

Another pause, and Jiro feels her cheeks heat a bit. "Ah, sorry for rambling. I, ah, have heard many tales of such."

[OOC: 17:32, Today: Jiro Koji rolled 27 using 1d20+8. arcane lore re: magic or blessed guns/ammo and how they on vamps.]

Anything further is interrupted by the sounds of a muffled scream coming from somewhere nearby.

Since there is no doubt that the meddling kids will go to investigate, they soon find five gangbangers dragging a couple into an alleyway.

Hearing the sound of a scream, Jiro races towards it with a sharp "Kuso!"

Quickly enough, she sees a group of thugs. Pausing for a moment to place the pizzas on the hood of a parked car, she slides into an offensive stance and prepares for battle.

[ooc: 17:44, Today: Jiro Koji rolled 15 using 1d20+6. initiative.]
This message was last edited by the player at 00:47, Wed 23 Mar 2011.

"No, it wasn't Buffy who made me buy the coat... though I think she helped me pick it out. After all, it fits perfectly and I didn't try it on... Huh... I don't think her name is Buffy either." Alex contemplates the question for a moment, and so misses the scream entirely.

It doesn't take a genious to figure out that Jiro had heard SOMETHING when he cursed, so she takes off after Jiro, but she is a few steps behind. Still lagging a bit behind the situation.

[OOC: 20:51, Today: Alex rolled 5 using 1d20+4. Init. ]

Hidden in the shadows of the alleyway, The leader of the thugs spots the pair running at them. He snarls "You three, grab them. The rest of you, get these bloodbags out of sight."

His minions leap to act, fangs shining in the streetlights. Two of them effortlessly drag the struggling captives off the street, while the three spread out to surround Jiro and Alex.

Even caught slightly off guard by how swiftly they attacked, Jiro avoids his playmate. Alex dodges the first easily enough, but the second manages to get a hold of her.

-0-0-0-
[OOC: 20:57, Today: Gamemaster rolled 17 using 1d20+7. Init. Jiro hears the snarled order, but can not see the leader. Alex does not.
21:02, Today: Gamemaster rolled 18 using 1d20+8. Attacking Alex.
21:02, Today: Gamemaster rolled 19 using 1d20+8. Attacking Jiro.
21:02, Today: Gamemaster rolled 10 using 1d20+8. Attacking Alex.

21:04, Today: Gamemaster rolled 15 using 1d20+12. Grapple Check.

Alex is flat footed and does not have uncanny dodge. She has no trouble resisting the grapple attempt]
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:10, Wed 23 Mar 2011.

"I am already tired of dealing with you vampires, and this nonsense is only just starting." Disdaining the one before her, Jiro bounds off a fire hydrant, then a newspaper box, and lands next to the monsters dragging the couple into the alley, fist already cocked, ghostly blue light flickering around her form.

Taking a brief moment to aim, she unloads a punch into the face of the vampire holding the struggling woman.

[OOC: 18:15, Today: Jiro Koji rolled 17 using 1d20+12. Ki Strike. DC 21 toughness save if that hits.
Skill Mastery acrobatics and Up The Wall to get over to the target]
This message was last edited by the player at 01:18, Wed 23 Mar 2011.

His fist snapped the vampire's neck, dropping it to the ground. His followup attack reduced the second vampires face to ruin. The innocents fell to the ground as the monsters they had been struggling with suddenly released them.

"Big mistake." Alex said with a laugh as she reversed the hold.

[OOC: Attacking unarmed, taking 10, DC21. The body, conscious or not will still be grappled.
21:22, Today: Alex rolled 32 using 1d20+19. Grapple Check.
Taking ten on the attack roll to throw the target into his buddy.]
This message was last edited by the player at 01:24, Wed 23 Mar 2011.

Alex's victim is as powerless in her arms as his normal prey is in his. She tosses him one handed at another vampire. He narrowly ducks under the incoming body, but that doesn't save the thrown one. There is a sickening crack as he impacts a streetlight.

From out of the Shadows, the source of the hidden voice appears. He looks shocked. Jiro attracts barely a glance, for he is focused completely on Alex.

"IT'S HER! HOW DID SHE FOLLOW US HERE!" He exclaims, sounding terrified. A moments pause, and he turns and runs down the alley.

The two surviving minions look at one another, nod, and start running down the street.

[OOC: 21:24, Today: Gamemaster rolled 24 using 1d20+5. Toughness Save.
21:26, Today: Gamemaster rolled 16 using 1d20+12. Grapple Check.
21:26, Today: Gamemaster rolled 15 using 1d20+5. Toughness Save.   ]
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:32, Wed 23 Mar 2011.

Hearing the vampiric voice and its terrified exclamation, Jiro tenses; glancing from the couple to Alex. Oh, this could be very bad. Who is he? How does he know who Alex is - or perhaps who Buffy is - and what does he mean by 'follow us here?' And how is Alex going to react?

The martial artist's stance shifted to one of neutral balance, waiting with baited breath to see what Alex's reaction is.

[OOC: if Alex goes after the leader, I will too, at full throttle to try and catch him up. If not, I'll shift the array to blasting and shoot one of the fleeing vamps.]

"OH, NO YOU ARE NOT GETTING AWAY THAT EASY!" Alex yells, and takes off after the leader. Her coat billowing around her, and her flip-flops pounding the pavement.

Which leads to the question how does she run in flip-flops?

[OOC: Taking off at a full run after him]

I should have known. Jiro charged into motion, sensitive hearing picking out the fleeing vampire and using her fullest speed to try and catch him up. Charging after a vampire, in the dark, in an unfamiliar city. This is going to go so well. "Alex-san; do you have a plan?"

The Vampire is fast, damn fast. However the girls chasing it are at least as fast. This isn't a chase that will be over soon.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:03, Mon 23 May 2011.

Still running full tilt, the girl doesn't let her eyes wander from her target.
"Yes. THIS!" Alex says, and pulls a stake from her coat.

"SLAYER'S JUDGEMENT!" she yells and lets fly.

[OOC: move all out after the target, and surge to throw a stake.
21:57, Today: Alex rolled 21 using 1d20+14. AoA5, throwing. ]

The stake strikes the fleeing vampire dead on over the heart, coming to a stop only bare centimeters from dusting the creature. It falls to the ground, twitching.

[OOC: 22:03, Today: Gamemaster rolled 15 using 1d20. Toughness Save.
Disabled, Stunned]

Jiro keeps up her pace. "An excellent throw. My compliments."

Reaching the twitching vampire, Jiro hesitates, then asks, "Alex-san; you mentioned earlier trying to take one prisoner. Is that the plan, or should we just dispose of this one?" More to the point, how WOULD we go about taking one prisoner? This situation is getting more complex by the moment, and I fear my friend is being lost in the midst of... something else. And yet, if the body is that of an actual Vampire Slayer; some other person; can I begrudge this? Too complicated...

"He's gotten away from me three times before, and never once answered a single question I have asked. He has been killing people for the last hundred years. It ends tonight." Alex's voice is cold as Iron.

Unless Jiro acts decisively, she steps forward and puts her foot down on the stake. HARD.

"If you are sure, I will not stop you." I do not relish the idea of trying to keep a vampire under control, anyway. Then, in an inner prayer, Kamis have mercy, that letting Buffy do this will not harm Alex, mind or soul.

As the vampire crumbles to dust, Jiro says, in subdued tones, "Let us hasten back, and make sure no other harm has befallen their would-be victims." Or our pizza.

The Vampire gasps out a few words before Alex's foot comes down. "No... you couldn't follow us here. He said..."

Then all that was left was dust in the wind.

"It's done. Finally, that murdering bastard is dead. Laura, if you're watching us... you can rest in peace. You and your family has been avenged." Alex bends over and retrieves her stake. "Come on Sarah, let's go make sure those people are okay."

She turns and heads back to the scene of the battle at a more subdued pace.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:32, Wed 23 Mar 2011.

No. No, no no.... For a long, bleak moment, Jiro watched Alex turn and begin to walk back to the alley where the fight had begun. Then decision filled her, and she stepped forward, one hand dropping onto the taller girl's shoulder and closing in a vicelike grip.

"Alex-san. Look at me." She spun her friend around, met her gaze, anger burning in her green eyes. "Alex-san! Take hold of yourself! Look at me! I am not Sarah! I am Jiro! You are not this vampire huntress; you are Alex! Programer, and friend." A ragged breath. "And whatever ghost lurks behind your eyes, listen well. Alex is not your toy to play with. That creature you just slew said you could not have followed them; I am no mage but I can recognize a summoning seal. They came to this city through some great magic and you followed, and Alex; my new friend and companion, was swept up in your wake."

Jiro's tone dropped into cold fury. "And I swear this in the names of the gods of my father; If you swept Alex into this situation deliberately, no force in heaven or hell will protect you; for I do not appreciate the powerful casually treading upon innocents."

This message was last edited by the player at 02:59, Wed 23 Mar 2011.

A wave of emotions explode across Alex's face. Jiro sees Surprise, fear, rage, understanding, confusion, relief, and sadness pass in sequence. There is moment when Jiro is convinced she will attack, but it passes.

Haltingly she starts to speak. "You... You're not Sarah. You're Jiro. Jiro Koji. I Remember. I met you yesterday. The men, they attacked. They shot me. You beat them. We are in Emerald City. I am not in Toronto. I am not in Seattle. Emerald City... I've never heard of it before but it's here."

She stares at her feet, talking in bursts. "Vampires. It all comes back to the Vampires. We fight them, and it makes me remember... remember what? I... who am I? I... I am Alex. Alexander? No... Alexandria. No, Wait. Both. Neither. I... I... am... Alex. That's who I am. Alex. Just... just Alex."

She looks up and almost shouts her next words. "I Remember! I was at home, and then... I saw... something. Then darkness and I was at home, but not my home. It was... yes. The Vampires, no, later. They were later. We fought, had to fight! The Vampires, and the... the demon... no, Demons. They wanted to kill everything. I couldn't fight so I had to fight... They fought with me, helped me. I helped them. We won."

"I REMEMBER! They helped me. I was hurting me, and they helped me stop... how? I don't know. I DON'T KNOW!" Alex falls to her knees.

"i remember... The Darkness... I was in the darkness. It... I wouldn't end. I was there and there and there and... then I was home... but it was home, I was already there... I... I got scared and yelled, and then I was in the darkness. It was longer... forever... I was in the darkness and it hurt... it hurt so bad... why wouldn't it stop? Oh... it hurt so bad... mama... it hurt..." Alex breaks into tears, yet keeps talking through the sobs.

"I remember... They found me, and they talked and talked and talked and none of it meant anything... I could hear them... see them... but they made no sense... too big... it was just too big... they wouldn't fit! They talked and the words made me break... they were too big... not right... they... did... something..."

"I remember... they were sad? But not sad... it was too big to be sad and it hurt so bad and they did something... and it hurt... I saw me... and the pain... oh why won't it stop... please let me die... anything... just stop the pain... and no. They said no... and then they stopped... and the Darkness came back... but short... and the pain stopped... and I forgot! I was here! but I REMEMBER!"

"I remember..." Alex collapses, still muttering "I remember"

[OOC: 22:50, Today: Alex rolled 24 using 1d20+10. Will Save.
23:10, Today: Gamemaster, on behalf of Jiro Koji, rolled 28 using 1d20+8. Diplomacy.
22:54, Today: Jiro Koji rolled 26 using 1d20+12. Sense Motive.  ]

Watching Alex collapse - both of her collapse - Jiro's heart sank. Oh Alex. Oh, Alexandria. Oh, this is you both talking, and I fear the reason why is more complex than I can guess. And I fear my words wounded you; gravely.

She sank to her knees beside Alex, and pulled her close into a tight hug. "I am here, Alex. I have you, and I will not let you go. I am here. You are strong; you both are; Between us, the demons cannot hurt you any more. We will not let them." I have torn open a wound; one caked in filth and scab. Merciful Kamis, let this pain drain out like pus and infection; that healing might begin.

However long Alex needed to recover her wits, Jiro held her, trying to act as an anchor. Merciful Kamis, I pray I have not just destroyed my friend.

[OOC: array is in healing; whatever good it may do for this]
This message was last edited by the player at 04:23, Wed 23 Mar 2011.

Time passes, and gradually Alex calms. More time passes, and Jiro is able to bring her to her feet. She's still quite out of it, able to do little more then be lead around, while leaning heavily on Jiro for support.

Supporting Alex, feeling still quite concerned, Jiro retraced the path they'd chased the vampire down; what felt like hours ago now. Reaching the alley mouth, she sees the two vampires she'd dropped in the fight. Gently putting Alex down, she dug a stake out of her jacket. "Please forgive my hands, Alex-san, but I have need of this for a moment."

Two sharp, precise stabs later, and the vampires are dust. Jiro puts the stake back in Alex's jacket and helps her to her feet once more. Out in the street, she sees the pizza still where she left it, and gathers up both boxes in one hand, the other holding her friend close. "Let's get back to the hotel, Alex-san. We should be safe there."

Alex gives a small nod, and allows herself to be lead, clinging desperately to Jiro.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:47, Wed 23 Mar 2011.

The pair manage to get back to their room without incident. Alex collapses on the couch the moment she is through the door, asleep or unconscious Jiro can not tell.

The pizza, though cold, is excellent.

Jiro spends a long time staring at Alex as she sat upon the bed, hunched up and hugging her knees. Alex and... Alexandria? They are... as one. I do not understand this all; yet I cannot deny that. In trying to help my friend I have wounded him; and with him another; and I can think of no way to help them.

After several hours, she falls into an uneasy sleep. Kamis, if you still listen to my prayers, please, bring some measure of healing to Alex. He... They both have suffered much. Grant them comfort; grant them peace.

Grant that, in my haste, I have not killed them.

The night brings no answers, but sleep does come.

Elsewhere...

"So. She is here. This will complicate matters. Go. You will survive for now."

[END CHAPTER 2]