'No!' Penny interjected firmly, equally firmly putting a hand to Ian's chest to hold him back. What in the world was he thinking? She didn't need any foolish, valiant, chivalric, doomed efforts. 'No. No one is selling a soul, their own or any other. I was only exploring the situation. I want to know why Belial wants us. If Crowley can gain power with a soul, what power can Belial gain?' she explained, reassuring Ian, but eyeing Crowley as she asked her questions.

'You said that was the best way. Now give me the second-best.'

Ian gives a small half smile at your protest. Well next time fill me in on your little plan, I wasn't about to let you go throwing your own soul away. Honestly though, if nothing else comes of it I am serious about my offer. I'll be alright, don't you worry about me he gives you a wink.

Meanwhile Crowley looks irritated at having lost his deal. I don't know exactly why he wants you only that without you he can't completely gain his form. He's only halfway here as it is, part of him is still imprisoned in the pit. You can imagine how powerful he'd be if he got all the way out. Funny thing is if Lucifer knew about this there would be quite literally hell to pay. There are a few who are still loyal to the big man downstairs, plus there's Baal's supporters too who've been duped. Could be quite a split in your favor if you ever figured out how to organize he shrugs. As for Kate, well it all depends on where she is. I assume that your people of letters or whatever you're bloody called have already tried their part. Future me said something about Juliet being able to sniff her out but only if she's in this plane of existence. Like I said, she could be any time any place. I suppose you could take Juliet to different years, see if she picks up anything but honestly that would take forever. You really are best off with my deal.

Simon followed Lilly careful to give her space if she needed. He would rather be with her than not.

Penny could hardly discuss her plans in front of the demon; even if she took Ian aside to confer, Crowley would suspect something. Still, it was a courageous offer, and Penny was taken aback by his offer of self-sacrifice.

But at last, Penny had gained what she needed to know. She was intrigued to learn that Belial was somehow still partially imprisoned in the pit. He was no mere possessing demon. Did he need a sacrifice, a key, another vessel to possess? It was a clue to his motives and needs, at least, something she could start to work with.

And Juliet could track Kate down. That was very useful. Penny was convinced they were all still in New York, in this time period. Travelling to and from Hell would surely not be in Belial's best interests if he was trying to escape, and everything centred on New York in 1890.

'Do forgive me if I take the tempting offer of a demon with a pinch of salt,' Penny said smoothly to Crowley, 'But let us take it under consideration for the time being.' She was tempted to have Crowley warn Lucifer or the Baal worshippers, but suspected that would only lead to a bloody demon war in New York, with Kate lost in the clutches.


OOC: Do I have anything else to ask Crowley? It's late right now, and I'm drawing a blank. I'll post again tomorrow if I think of anything.

Nodding her head conspiratorially, Josephine leaned in and spoke quietly,

"So they're all interrogating Emma, and should really be teaming up with her?" she asked, and assuming that was confirmed, she laughed,

"These allies of mine are really something stupid, hmm?" she laughed, maintaining the facade with Sarah.

After a while, she nodded, and spoke,

"I need to set some stuff up, before we break out of here. Let me go convince a few of them to leave, I'll assure them I can watch you, and so on. Within no time, we'll be out of here, alright? Be patient." she assured Sarah, giving her a soft look.

When that was confirmed, she headed downstairs, and immediately searched for Lily. Assuming she found her, she approached, and whispered,

"I need to speak to you... in private."

Penny regarded Crowley thoughtfully for a time, trying to analyse the demon as a matter of interest while she wondered what else to ask him while she had him in her summoning chamber. Questioning him about the Ring of Solomon would risk every other demon learning they sought the fabled artefact, and bring no end of further trouble. Of course, Penny recalled, it had been the future Crowley who had told them of the Ring in the first place, but that Crowley had had the benefit of a 123 years and a promotion. What did this lowly Crowley know? What else did he know? 'Do you know how we might defeat Belial, or at least weaken him?' she inquired.

'And what do you know of the witch Emma Bently? I understand she also served Hecate? Did she happen to sell her soul, by any chance?'

ooc: I'll get the others later today! Sorry for my delay Penny, it's been a crazy few days. Luckily you seem to be fine without my advice :)

Penny: Even without his full strength Belial isn't someone I'd tangle with. The thing is, since he's not entirely freed from his cage he isn't exactly killable. As long as some part of him is trapped he is not really mortal. Of course that means his powers are limited too but that hasn't seemed to slow him. Emma was rumored to have means of stopping him but she kept them pretty private, even her husband doesn't know of them. And yes, she did serve Hecate, or at least pretended to. That woman seems to have an agenda all her own. I think she really was loyal to Baal and didn't like being played. Funny thing is there isn't really a way to revive Baal that I know of. I'm sure there's one out there but it's been lost for centuries. Belial is just tugging everyone's legs. He's going to have a lot of people mad at him when everything gets out.

Jo: The woman seems eager to trust you, perhaps it is her desperate circumstances but she wants to believe you.

Simon: Lily seems surprised by your following her. How am I supposed to storm off if you follow me? she demands. Her eyes are a bit irritated but you also sense she is touched that you followed her. Before you can discuss it further though Jo arrives, asking to speak to Lily privately.

both: Hearing Jo's request the Indian nods with a glance at Simon. I'll be back in a minute Simon. If you are up for getting on my good side again you could do me a favor? I need something from the basement. It's in a crate that Victoria packed away for me. It's a letter. Don't read it please but it is from a man named Benjamen Colten. Do you think you could manage?

In the meantime she turns to speak to Jo, presuming Simon gives them privacy.

So, she either had to force Belial fully back into this cage and trap him there, or else free him completely in all his power in order to slay him. The former seemed unlikely to keep him bound for long, the latter was certainly much too risky, and both most likely quite incredibly difficult. Regardless, Penny would do whatever she had to in order to free Kate. Or else somehow raise Baal and set him against Belial, but as Holmes had said, never multiply your demons.

'I have some last, general questions, just a matter of scientific research, then you may be off.' Penny said, thinking, trying to gain some information without raising alarm. 'If a demon takes a human host, does the demon then have access to that person's memories? Or do such things remain hidden?'

'Can mortal vessels possessed by a demon or angel be affected by natural substances? I mean, drugs, poisons, liquor, hot spices, and the like?'

'And, ah, I hope you do not think me indelicate, but... do they need to attend to... bathroom matters?' the prim Victorian lady asked, rather embarrassed to be asking so crude and distasteful a question.

She listened attentively to all answers, then concluded 'Well, thank you very much, Mr Crowley. You have been exceedingly helpful. I may call on you again. If we are successful, the way shall be paved for your own rise to power. However, in return, I would advise you not to trust all that that future monarch has to say.' she added, hoping to wrongfoot the Crowleys and disrupt any plans they had to accelerate or consolidate their rise to power.

'Good luck with your game. By the way, you were leaning too hard on the billiard table, no doubt to steady your hand against your inebriation. I can see the creases on your cuff. The resulting tension in your arm puts off your aim, undoing any benefit of the drink. Relax your arm and you might find better aim. Lean your hips against the table, if you must.'

She waved Crowley off.

Penny: He answers easily, looking eager to return to his game though of course duly impressed by your billiard advice. Depends on the demon. Puny ones won't get as much information as others will but most of us can glean quite a bit of information from our hosts. It is quite useful. And natural substances are tricky. Poisons may kill the body but we don't need our meat suits to be alive to use them. Liquor is a personal favorites of mine. Yes we feel it but not as much as a human would. Just...takes the edge off. And no we thankfully do not have to take a piss. Don't miss that, you'd be surprised by the time it wastes he chuckles. And thanks for the advice, billiards and otherwise.... he references your thoughts on his future self. If you run into any dead ends with Kate you know how to get in touch he gives Ian a wink and with that he disappears.

Ian turns to you with a frown. Well that seems like a stellar individual he says drily. Is he self serving enough to trust I wonder? And what of Kate, what if we really can't find her by other means. I meant what I said. I'm willing to offer myself and you needn't worry about me. I think I have an idea but it's not really something I can go into right now

Simon gives a nod and says, "As you wish."

As he walks away he glances back, curious as to what the new girl might want with Lily by herself. When he reached the door for the basement her opened it and went inside.

12:53, Today: Father Simon Cole rolled 8 using 1d20+5. Search.

When he reached the basement he sighed as the crate did not jump out at him. This might take a while...

Nodding as Simon left, Josephine smiled at Lily,

"Ooh, looks like you've gotten yurself a catch there, hmm?" she laughed happily, glad to see Lily happy, then she got on to business,

"I've convinced Sarah that I'm on her side... Don't ask how..." she said, laughing softly again, before she relayed the information she'd gotten from Sarah,



Afterwards, she shrugged,

"I've got her baited on the hook, so I wanted to ask, what else do you need from her? She doesn't seem to know too much, but I'm sure I could wrest plenty more out of the other one, if needed. Still, we might do well with a "release and follow" plan, or something similar, and if I convince her I'm with her, it'd be easy to track us, since I'd be leaving clues or something." she said, uncertain. She was clearly looking for some kind of guidance here. As good as she was at all of this stuff naturally, it was still new to her.

'I believe we can rely on him.' Penny judged, contemplating the space where Crowley had been only moments before as she processed what she'd learned. 'Apparently, he shall be the next King of Hell, and he needs us to preserve the future history and prevent the ascension of Belial if he is to achieve his own ascension. His own future self told him that. Plus, hunters in the future seem to find him almost reasonable to deal with. He may be the only demon we can depend on, though not trust.'

Then she turned on Ian, irritation and fear flashing in her eyes, as her terror at Ian's offer finally broke through her reserve. 'No! How could you be so reckless, so stupid? Selling your soul! Nothing good would have come of it. And don't make me choose between you. Even in this, I shall not sacrifice one good soul for another. You both mean too much to me—' she broke off, having said too much. She looked down at the floor, ashamed of her own inquiries, made in the same vein, and her emotional outburst. 'I was only exploring the situation. I wanted to determine why Belial desires us. I wanted to know my current going price. I had no intention of going through with any such detail. But I could hardly say so in Crowley's earshot.'

'Then again, I do have ways and means of getting out of a contract.' Penny mentioned mysteriously, 'And even demons must succumb to lawyers...'

She breathed out, refocusing on the problem of rescuing Kate and foiling Belial. 'Well, I have some ideas, but what do you think? What do you propose we do next?' she asked Ian.

Penny: At mentioning how much he means to you Ian gives you a wide grin and looks genuinely touched as he teases, So I've grown on ya a bit eh? I knew getting dressed in front of ya would have its consequences he then winks to show he's only jesting. Alright, if you think we have another option I suppose I can keep this old soul where it belongs. I suppose our first course of action is to summon that hound of yours, see if she can find Kate. Do you have anything of hers we can have her track? It may be that she's not been kept here though and if she's too far away I imagine even a hellhound will have its difficulties. You may need to find some way of summoning that Cas fellow, he may have a better option then Crowley.

Jo: Lily laughs. Yes it would seem so. It's a very new relationship so I'm still figuring the man out. He's so good I want to throttle him at times but then that's also a lot of his appeal. I've had enough of bad men, you should learn from my lessons and go after a decent fellow when your time comes. she advises. After listening to your news she frowns. I knew you were good but I didn't know you were that good! You have quite a way with you don't you Jo? I'm too afraid to plunge you into the lion's den like that. You said yourself the park is full of demons and unfriendlies. How could we possibly keep the upper hand without an army at our backs? No, there has to be some way that she passes through safely. Even as a witch she would make a tasty meal for a wendigo so there's got to be a trick to it. Their natures can only be put off so far. Find out her method. She may be more inclined to tell you if she's actually out of this house and on the way to the park because it will be show your loyalty and she will have reason to trust you. We can follow and recapture her before she gets to the park. You will have until then to pry the information out of her. Once we reach the park though your little ride ends and we send her to the men of letters prison. I'll not enter that place without proper preparation. If you are agreeable we should do this in an hour or so when things are winding down so she thinks we're asleep. In the meantime I have a very limited window of opportunity to talk to Emma without Simon there. I don't think he would approve of my questioning tactics. That stupid letter should keep him busy I hope. You can come if you want but it won't be pleasant and you may think me cruel by the end... she already starts walking to the room where Emma is kept.

Simon: The place is a mess and even though it is wired for electric lighting the bulbs do little to illuminate the place. There are crates, parcels, boxes, shelves, everything is jam packed to the gills though it seems to be organized in a strange fashion. Most of it seems to be supplies like herbs and ingredients for Victoria's hoodoo though there are many tomes and writings as well. You do find a box of Lily's things but it is not the crate and it seems to be more personal affects. You pull out some of her Sioux paraphernalia such as hand beaded jewelry, a ceremonial dress and even tiny buckskin booties from when she was a toddler that look well worn. A small rosary and bible is mixed in which leads you to think it was from her school days. Then in a wooden frame you see a photo of Lily sitting in a chair, a man standing behind her with his hands on her shoulders. She is smiling but the man's face is a blank mask as is usually the case in photographs. She is wearing a lovely white dress and veil and you recognize it instantly as her wedding photo. This is her ex husband it seems. He is remarkably handsome but you can see already he has a cruel eye about him. The glass on the frame has been cracked, likely the result of Lily and not some accident. You see an open envelope with Lily's name addressed on it. From the folds and creases it has been read many times...

Laughing and shaking her head slightly,

"No thanks, I like men of action. I've met a lot of 'em, and I've noticed the best ones to have around are those that do, not those that philosophize." she said, shrugging. Personal preference, she supposed.

"I'll convince Sarah its a good idea. We'll leave in about an hour." she agreed, glad to have a plan.

When she heard of Lily's tactics, Josephine nodded,

"My tactics may be a bit more... gentle, but if you prefer your method, I can support you."

Thinking he has found what he was looking for, Simon takes the envelope and puts it into one of his pockets. He closes the lid on the trunk and makes his way back to Lily. When he finds her he hands her the envelope, "Unread, as requested, M'Lady."

Penny fought back a furious blush.

'It was Castiel who suggested I summon Crowley, immediately after Kate was kidnapped, so I would assume the angel has no better idea than the demon in this matter.' Penny answered glumly.

'Using the hellhound to track her was my idea too. I am convinced Kate must remain in New York, in this time and realm. Belial has too many non-demonic creatures serving him; he cannot be transporting them all to and from Hell to serve as his guardians... It is not certain,' she admitted, 'But, regardless, we must try.' she decided with resolve.

'A hellhound does not track by scent like a mortal hound. Like the black dog, it is a spirit creature, and tracks the soul by the psychic traces it leaves behind. I need something Kate was particularly attached too. We'll have to return to our hotel rooms to find something suitable.'

Penny: He listens with interest. You seem to know a lot of these hell hounds, I suppose that's a good thing considering you are mistress over one. I only hope next you unleash it that it stays clear of me. I don't think I could survive it as Lily did. But then as you already know she's not exactly human... he shakes his head.

Soon you are at the hotel, the room has still be held for you. As you rummage through her things there isn't a lot to find seeing as how she traveled light to your year. Your best bet is probably her phone as it holds all of her pictures, data, music, everything. Seeing how attached people in the future are to these devices only makes you that much more determined. It's really your only option right now.

ooc: If you do summon Juliet let me know where/when and roll a concentration check please :)

Jo: Yes well I never was good at gentle I'm afraid. Besides, Emma's too clever to fall for tricks and the time it would take you to gain her trust isn't available to us. Now, before we go in just try not to judge me on what you're about to hear. And whatever you do don't tell Simon about it! He might actually take me seriously she gives a grin. Soon the pair of you enter Emma's room and the woman sneers at your entrance. Lily gives her a long glare and suddenly decks her right across the face. The next fifteen minutes you hear such astonishing threats from the Indian that your jaw drops. If she hadn't indicated she wasn't serious to you before you would be worried that she would actually fulfill them she is so intense. Besides the witch's assistance Lily also demands that she start working with Simon to improve her twisted soul though you realize this is more for the priest's sake then for any concern on Lily's part. Emma grows frightened and starts to nod quickly, swallowing hard. For a moment you swear you see Lily's eyes change to a smoky gray, the pupils and irises disappearing though after a second you wonder if it was your imagination, strange lighting perhaps? Now, you have two options Lily finishes. You can either help us, save the world and your own skin and let Simon help your black little soul as I've discussed, or I can get to work on all the lovely things I've mentioned. Which will it be? The witch sighs and agrees to the first option and Lily gives her a brilliant smile. Glad to hear it! With that she pulls you out of the room. Sorry about that. It doesn't work for everyone but she's been through such trauma that she's particularly susceptible to threats right now. Sorry if they got a bit graphic...

By then Simon returns from the basement, carrying a letter.

Both: Simon, should you hand her the letter she will scrutinize it and shake her head with an odd look. Oh, actually this is from James... she murmurs. My previous husband...sorry the one you are looking for has an address I need. No matter though, we need you back here anyway. she looks at the letter with distaste. I suppose you can read it sometime if you like. It's not as though I have anything to hide. Right now though we must prepare to leave. Jo has gained Sarah's trust and we have a plan to get her to tell us the secrets of Central Park. Apparently there is a safe method through the place and Jo thinks she can get her to tell if she pretends to break her out. You and I will follow closely and recapture her before she gets to the park. It would seem that Belial has something important transpiring there but he has too many guards to find out the usual way she shakes her head.

Shrugging Lily's concern off, Josephine responded,

"Hey now, give yourself some credit. I trust what sort of person you are, apparently, a bit more than you do. Sometimes you've gotta do what you have to do." she said, smiling at Lily to reassure her.

Later on a bit, when Simon rejoins them, Josephine sounds more confident than she actually feels,

"I've got a chance to work with Sarah. If I've got a chance, I've gotta take it. Besides, whats the worst that could happen? Right?" she laughed the worries away, returning to Sarah's side as soon as the others let her, ready to get this plan underway.

Simon was on board right up until Josephine asked what was the worst that could happen. A darkly sad looked came across his face as he looked at her. Clearly he is remembering something. "When I was training with The Order of Exorcists, I asked that same question. My mentor and I were assigned to a young woman from Sweden. She spoke no Italian, yet when under the influence of the demon she spoke perfect Latin, even knew improper names of body parts." His voice trailed off and then returned. "A newspaper reporter bribed an official of the church to let him go with us to the exorcism. My mentor protested, but being young I asked the same question that you just asked. During the exorcism the demon displayed its power by eviscerating the reporter through his mouth."

He cocked his head, "Have you ever seen someone's small intestines come out there mouth? I have. So forgive me, the worse that can happen is far more gruesome than even I can imagine, and I have seen a lot to base my imaginings on. Please, this is no game, this is real. You are in real danger. Contemplate that, and let it keep you sharp, yes?"

Laughing softly, Josephine said softly,

"I've seen that trick before. "I don't speak English" and then when dramatically appropriate, speak in perfect English." she said, shaking her head,

"I appreciate the concern, but here's how I look at it: there's a job that needs to be done. I'm the only one of us who can do it. Danger is irrelevant, because of those facts." she said, trying to look more brave than she felt, "I can't concern myself with personal danger, when the lives of all are at stake."

On going through Kate's few remaining things in this time, Penny's first thought had been her engagement ring, which seemed a traditional object of emotional attachment. But only in her time. After Kate's engagement with Dalton had been broken off, it did not seem to hold as much importance any more. At last, she seized upon the portable telephone, full of images, friends, memories, always on her person – perfect. Penny navigated through the album of electronic photographs until she found a picture of Kate, in case the hellhound needed further direction.

'Let us head down to the alley to summon the hellhound. You can keep watch, keep people out, and stay out of sight. She is liable to attack the first thing it sees.' Penny hoped that did not include herself... She chuckled, amused by the situation. 'Well, at least we won't have to hide Juliet. She's invisible! We can walk our hellhound down the streets of New York in broad daylight!'

*

Once she'd successfully summoned the hellhound, Penny would show Juliet the phone and the picture of Kate. 'We are going to seek her out. But you must heel and stay by my side, and no one is to be attacked.' she told it firmly.


OOC: Concentration 19
16:09, Today: Penny Dreadful rolled 19 using 1d20+6. concentration.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:21, Sat 01 Aug 2015.

Simon nodded, and then held his hands out palms up. He closed his eyes and lifted his face. He prayed in Latin for Protection for Josephine and for her soul as every good priest should. When he had finished he opened them again and smiled. "Well then, shall we be off?"

As they walked he asked Josephine, "Do you have a weapon?" He pulled his coat back, showing her his own peacemaker. "If you do, allow me to bless it for you. If not, then please take mine."