Simon/Jo: Lily smiles at Simon's offer to Jo. It's alright, we've seen that she's properly outfitted she pats your shoulder. I suppose we had best be going, it's getting late. Oh, and by the way Emma has turned much more agreeable. I think when we return you'll find she's open to working with you regarding more theological matters. She gives you an incredibly innocent smile but says no more on the matter.

Soon the plan is in motion. Sarah seems eager to trust Josephine now that she's made good on the plans to get her out. The two of you "sneak" out and down the street, hailing a hansom cab despite the late hour. Meanwhile Lily and Simon follow in the wagon at a safe distance. Jo, you recall Lily's strict warning not to let her in the park though she assures you that they will be right behind and you needn't worry.

As you ride towards the supposed destination, Sarah grudgingly admits her secret. There is but one pathway through the park that is safe, warded against all manner of nasties and used by witches and demons. She claims it is on the east entrance but it is well hidden from view. She has nothing more to offer regarding details of the park or Belial's further plans but that is not surprising as she seems to be a lower ranked witch on the pecking order. By now the cab has stopped at the entrance of the park. It's time to make your move even if it is just keeping the woman close while Lily and Simon make ready...

ooc: Let me know prep plans for when the witch gets out of the cab please.

Penny: Fortunately Juliet is more agreeable this time. You are able to see the smoky figure (for only you can see even that much) seemingly sniff Kate's picture and then concentrate before barking ferociously and running around in frantic circles. The hound is almost hyper but she tears this way and that and has no actual direction but is seemingly confused, scampering wildly only to return to your side and whimper as though unsure what to do. Ian watches, bewildered. That is not a good sign I'm thinking...

Penny watched the hellhound's display with increasing concern, not least because it seemed far from normal behaviour. A wild, maddened hellhound was even more terrifying. 'No.' Penny murmured, before snapping 'Heel! Sit!' She tried to calm the hellhound, patting it – very gently – on the shoulder. So much for second-best plan; what could she do now? Penny looked up into the smoky, barely seen eyes of the hellhound, sympathetic to the beast. 'What is the matter, girl? Where is she?'

Simon will cast shield of faith on both himself and Lily. He will make sure his pistol is loaded and the angel blade is close in hand. His normal bag with exorcism gear is over his shoulder. He nodded to Lily that he was ready.

Lily's words echoed in her head, about not letting Sarah enter the park, but Josephine knew that if she went just a little further she could probably see the entrance, and how to access it!

It was too much temptation for Jo to turn down. They needed her to do this!

Nodding her head as Sarah spoke, Josephine distracted her with chatter about becoming a witch, trying to solidify in her mind the fact that she was interested. Hell, if things went poorly, Jo wasn't stupid... she'd pretend all the way, and make sure she didn't get turned on! No reason to reveal herself and get killed.

Sticking close to Sarah, Josephine tried to get her to reveal her methods for accessing this path.

Juliet is still frantic, whimpering and scratching and running around in circles. Suddenly a voice behind you startles you and Ian both. Well that wasn't very nice of you to do to my Juliet You turn and see the Crowley from the future looking at you disapprovingly. Ian pulls out a pistol for of course he's not seen this Crowley yet. The demon rolls his eyes. Put that down, it won't do any good. I'm not completely here you know, makes time travel a bit more doable. I don't have the energy to keep popping back and forth for little chats he explains. As he talks Juliet goes toward him, panting happily. He pats her with a rare smile. What's this? Huh, it seems she likes you he looks at you with mild surprise. But then you are a Darkmoor, what did I expect? I assume you must have had her try to find Kate? If she's reacting this way it means she's either not on this continent or not in this time. Looks like your options are running low.Who is this? Ian demands, still holding his pistol raised.

I will show you when we get there Sarah says firmly. I suppose there is no harm in you seeing it. Even if your people did find out the path there's no good you can do with it. You'd need an army to make it out alive and an army you most assuredly do not have, not after Belial took down half the Men of Letters she chuckles. You're lucky you are on our side, most of humanity will be obliterated when he returns, well those that aren't enslaved anyway she shrugs. By now you've reached the park and she gets out, glancing around warily. You see Lily's wagon nearing but she has kept enough distance you can still make it into the park before she could conceivably catch up. That is if she doesn't shoot Sarah first. If you give her the chance, Sarah will head straight towards where you presume the path is, though a thick copse of trees seem to be all that is there.

ooc: Simon, just waiting on the final actions of Jo before I post for ya.

Seeing that they were so close, Josephine laughed with her, and nodded her head. She needed to see the way to activate it for the others, so she could tell them, and they could at least try. Oftentimes, evil people were arrogant and thought their methods were unbeatable, but therein lied their weakness.

Waiting for Sarah to activate it, taking mental notes, and then tackling Sarah to stop her was Josephine's plan.

'We might have to ask—' Penny began, as she heard Crowley's other familiar voice behind her. 'Well, speak of the devil... Mr Crowley, this is Mister Ian Shaw. Ian, this is the future Mr Crowley, King of Hell. You've only just met. Please, you may lower your weapon.' she introduced, with more politeness than she'd shown either Crowley previously. How should one handle polite introductions across different times and host bodies anyway?

'We did. You may recall we discussed it.' She looked with concern at Juliet, now happily back at Crowley's side. She hoped to have the hellhound's services a little while longer. So, Belial had moved Kate out of this country, this time, or this plane of existence. That left her with almost no options for pursuing her. Of course, even selling a soul for Kate's location would still leave her with no means of reaching her. 'Can I send Juliet to roam the world? Or have her hunt for Kate in Hell?' she inquired. 'If not, then, please, give me your third-best recommendation.'

Penny: Ian looks stunned at this new Crowley but quickly recovers. He's seen far stranger. You could. It would take forever though and that you do not have. I seem to recall my past self offering a deal. If you go this route I suggest you deal with me rather then him. He will do right by you, well as much as a demon can be expected but I have a bit more to offer then he does he looks smug. I've come a long way you know. But, if you are determined to hold on to your miserable little soul I suggest asking Mrs. Bentley for help. Believe it or not she is one of the most powerful witches I've ever had the misfortune of meeting. If anyone can find Kate it's her, though I don't know how cooperative she will be Ian pipes in then. If she gets us a location the men of letters can get us there. Well, probably he adds sheepishly. Even Emma has her limits. She can probably get you a time and general place but to find the actual woman, well that's where Juliet will shine he looks at her proudly. Keep her a while longer, you'll need her for more than finding Kate. Remember though, I do want her back!

Jo: You are forced to move quickly in order to keep Lily from catching up. You know the Indian assumes you've gotten all your information by now and she will make her move quickly. Sarah seems all to happy to hurry things along though she seems unaware of Lily and Simon approaching. You glance back and see Lily start to run, realizing how close you are to the park. Things are getting stressful. As you head to the copse of trees you hear her mutter something in what could possibly be Latin and a pathway suddenly appears, winding into the dark trees. She goes to rush forward...

ooc: Go ahead and roll a couple of grapple checks Jo, let me know if you need clarification on any of it but it saves time if you roll 2-3 of them for me in advance.

Simon: As you get out of the wagon you are both surprised to see Sarah and Jo head off far quicker than expected towards the park. This was not the plan. She's gotten overambitious...Lily growls as she pulls out a pistol and starts to run. Come on! We can't let her in the park! ooc: You will be there within a couple of rounds though you should be able to shoot at this range. However, keep in mind Jo is close to the woman and there is a risk of hitting her.

"Oh my god, get down!" Josephine shouted, leaping and throwing herself at Sarah, still maintaining the lie, in case she was too slow, as that would pay off later she knew, "Somebody's behind us, and they're armed!" she said as she threw herself at Sarah, pretending she was trying to 'protect her new ally' instead of 'prevent Sarah from leaving'.

She tried to shout it loud enough that Lily and Simon would be tipped off to her ruse, but if they were too far away, she wouldn't blow her cover with an unnecessarily loud shout.

05:58, Today: Josephine Hartley rolled 14 using 1d20
05:58, Today: Josephine Hartley rolled 9 using 1d20.
05:58, Today: Josephine Hartley rolled 1 using 1d20.
05:58, Today: Josephine Hartley rolled 16 using 1d20.
05:58, Today: Josephine Hartley rolled 9 using 1d20. grapple.
Didn't know what to add to them, but I rolled!

Simon held off shooting for fear of harming Josephine. He reached for Lily's wrist as well, "Whatever she is doing, we have to let her play it out."

Naturally, a crossroads demon would keep pushing for a soul-trade; Penny ignored Crowley as he reiterated his proposal yet again. And then it all came back to Mrs Emma Bently again. 'Regrettably, Mrs Bently and I are not on speaking terms, it seems. She blames me for her death. You hurl one formal dinner spread at someone, and the world comes to an end.' Penny sighed, exasperated at the futility of it all, how all of fate had hinged on her one impulsive, ridiculous act. Well, perhaps Miss Green could get something from her alongside obtaining the location of the Ring of Solomon.

'Of course, I understand. I shan't try to keep her.' Penny reassured Crowley, before adding teasingly 'It is up to her if she wishes to go back.'

Penny a raised a finger, halting Crowley before he could vanish. 'One last question, out of curiosity: what does it take to travel backward in time several days? Even to send a simple message?'

Penny: No, she likes you he admits somewhat grudgingly regarding the beast. Consider it a loan for now.

In response to your question he makes a face. It is very difficult and imprecise. I doubt I could do it unless I got very lucky. Even coming back now is trying to tear me apart, that's why I only sent a portion of me here. Too much meddling I'm trying to do, though nothing is so much as what Belial has done. The timeline isn't supposed to go the way he's forcing it and it's not been easy on him either. Once things are through shifting and the chips start to fall he will solidify and gain even more of his power, if he's fully freed on top of it he will be next to unstoppable. But you didn't ask about that did you? he smirks. So in short, it is hard, possibly impossible. Why? What did you want to say and to who?

Jo/Simon:
Sarah allows herself to be pushed down but if you try to hold her she won't be pinned for long. Run you fool! They won't know how to follow us inside! Now hurry! she snaps. She starts to run further inward. You realize that the entrance will soon close itself again and without knowing the phrase the other two may not be able to follow...

Simon: As you grab for Lily's wrist she shakes her head frantically. It's not that I don't trust her Simon, it's that she's too new to all this! She is in over her head! What if we can't follow them on the path? She could be trapped in there with all of Belial's minions! Her mother would kill me! She will try to continue running after the pair unless you physically stop her.

Penny pursed her lips in thought, thinking through the business of time travel. 'I thought perhaps that I might send a note to myself in the past, warning myself not to, say, flip a dining table and soup tureen over the Bentlys. I could've let them leave without a fight. Then, now, perhaps, Emma Bently would be alive and sane and working to undermine Belial, and she might even work with us against him, we would not have been distracted trying to resurrect her, and history would remain on track.' Penny was grim, eyes downcast; it was hard not to regret her actions, to feel guilty for them, now she knew all their terrible consequences. She told herself she'd acted as any hunter would, as Ian and Kate would have done beside her, and she could only ever act on what she knew in the present. It didn't change the situation or her regrets, however.

Penny thought darkly of the original history, the one without Kate, in which she was meant to have died. Kate had inspired her to take, given her and Ian the numbers to risk attacking the Bentlys. It had been Belial who'd allowed Kate to pass through the portal to 1890, perhaps to bring about just these circumstances. If she could undo all that...

Josephine was trying to bluff still, so Sarah would feel like they were "two of a kind being caught" instead of her being tricked into revealing her secrets. Still, she was running out of time, and she might have to go with Sarah, if things get dicey. She wasn't really sure how to adjust here, and she desperately wished she had Lily to ask for advice. Still, she had to do what she could for Lily, and the others... they'd have done it for her!

Wrapping her arms around Sarah's backside, as if she was terrified, Jo's shaky voice came out,

"I...I'm scared! They have guns! I... I can't move..." she stuttered, gripping Sarah and closing her eyes, hoping Lily would reach them quickly.

Simon decides Lily is probably right and follows her towards Josephine.

Penny: Crowley looks amused. Coulda woulda shoulda he chuckles. Though I do wish I could have seen it at least. I remember that Emma woman, not a pleasant creature if I recall. But there's no changing that now. May as well deal with your consequences. At risk of sounding optimistic, you may yet still recover from your blunder. Death wouldn't waste his time getting involved if there weren't some chance, actually neither would I. Hm. Well, I suppose I'd best leave you to your mess. If Emma turns too grouchy I'm always at your service. In the meantime Juliet stays with you til this is all sorted. Just be careful of her, she's a lot of dog...

Simon/Jo: By now Simon and Lily are quite close and it seems that they may just make it before the entrance closes behind them. Sarah, frantic at being manhandled at such a time, squirms away from Josephine and starts to run down the trail. Fortunately Jo's distraction worked and Simon and Lily are able to make it through just before the entrance closes again, seemingly vanishing into nothing but trees. You have a feeling if you tried to get through without the right words you would find yourself lost in the woods for that is all you can see. Stop right there witch or I empty my gun into your back! the Indian snarls as she races after her, motioning for both of you to follow if you aren't already. The woman responds by hurling a fireball back at Lily though it is wide enough to engulf much of the trail. She doesn't seem to care about Jo anymore, it is every woman for herself apparently.


ooc: Ok, roll a reflex save please and also if you wish to aim with your weapons you may or you can roll a constitution check to see if you can outrun her, etc.

'A small hope, then... Well, thank you for your advice, and again for the loan of your hellhound. And I do promise to be mindful of her. Good day.' Penny farewelled Crowley, doffing her hat. The King of Hell was surprisingly likeable, for what he was. He wasn't all fire-and-brimstone as many demons were. That she, she supposed, was a dangerous aspect. She could not let herself grow to depend on him.

She turned to Ian. 'Back to the safehouse, then?'

He nods, looking thoughtful about all that had transpired. Looks like it's Emma again then. She seems far too important for my taste. If she does cough up Kate's location Victoria can get us there so don't you worry about that he reassures you. We'll find Kate and I'm sure she'll be alright, I just know it.

When you return you find it surprisingly empty. Sarah the second witch is gone as are Lily, Simon and Jo. The wagon is gone too so likely they went somewhere purposefully and there is no sign of foul play. Victoria is likely at headquarters still but you can always ring her if you need as there is a telephone in the brownstone. The only person still here is Emma, well warded and bound by chains. Should you go to see her she will look strangely edgy and jumpy as though frightened by something.

Simon sidestepped around the fireball and took aim with his revolver. This time he hit perfectly and was glad Lily was around to see it.

09:24, Today: Father Simon Cole rolled 8 using 2d8. Crit damage.
09:23, Today: Father Simon Cole rolled 7 using 2d8. damage.
09:23, Today: Father Simon Cole rolled 20 using 1d20+8. Conf Crit.
09:23, Today: Father Simon Cole rolled 28 using 1d20+8. Revolver attack.
09:22, Today: Father Simon Cole rolled 25 using 1d20+5. Ref Save.

"Sarah, wait!" Josephine called out, leaping sideways to avoid the fireball as she did so, "Stop... this isn't necessary! Just stop, and we'll talk our way out of this one. I'm sure we can discuss things with these two and be on our way in no time!" she called out, trying to stop the woman in her tracks.



Natural 20 on save
DC 18 or DC 23 talk down Will save for her to ignore me talking her down. Not entirely sure how this works, but I'm trying to convince her to be indifferent, and allow Lily to close the gap to her NON violently.

Finding the old brownstone empty, Penny was alarmed, fearing there'd been yet more foul play. She searched every room for her companions and was beginning to apply her detective's eye to the situation. That told her they'd likely left willingly, but she rang Victoria on the telephone, just to be certain. Penny was irritated; Emma Bently, and, indeed, the entire safehouse, had been left unguarded, and that was far too much of a risk to their security. Any fiend could have broken in while they were away and sprung free the witch, or else she had the time and privacy to attempt an escape herself. And furthermore, couldn't they have left a note? Penny updated Victoria on the failure of using the hellhound to track down Kate and what she'd learned from Crowley.

After she hung up, unable to set out again, Penny stalked about the house for a time, still sore-tempered over the matter of security and frustrated in her efforts to find and free Kate. She'd already been in Belial's clutches for far too long, and every moment not spent  searching for her filled Penny with dread and grief. She couldn't bear not knowing, not being able to free her friend and some day, it seemed granddaughter.

At last, Penny strode boldly into the room where Emma Bently was held captive. 'Good morning!' Penny greeted with ferocious good manners. 'No, pray, do not get up.' she said to the chained woman. 'I do hope you feel like talking today, for I have brought a friend.' Behind her came Juliet, invisible but no less perceptible, exuding a palpable sense of dread and a heavy mass that caused the floorboards to creak alarmingly. The greater hellhound made a soft growl, sounding like thunder rolling across the moors.