He wastes no time running across the room and opening a telegram box of all things, quickly gathering help the new-fangled way.

You soon head to the tunnels with your mother, wonderfully furnished and wired for electricity. A marvel of a place. There are several passerby, all about different tasks and they ignore you for the most part. Then, something interesting happens. Just as you are headed deeper inside, your mother stops short, eyes bulging as she clutches at the wall to steady herself. Jo! she gasps. She moves jerkily, as though fighting for every muscle to obey her, every inch forward a battle. What's happening?! Then, you both look down at her feet. She is standing on a devil's trap.

Pausing, Josephine glanced down, and as her heart sank, she froze, uncertain what this all meant. No way could her mother be a devil... that was impossible! She needed her mom, and her mom needed her!

Glancing to make sure nobody saw her, Josephine thought about just scrubbing the devil's trap free, and releasing her mom, and every instinct told her to do exactly that, but she froze. She'd never been tested quite like this, over and over, before and she wasn't sure what to do.

Looking around, she knew grabbing a passerby would just get her mom killed, so she smiled, and shook her head,

"Just talk. Why are you stuck on that? What reason could be behind it? Is something in you? Somebody tagging along? We need to handle this before somebody else figures it out." she said, giving her mom a chance to explain.

Wait Jo, I think...just hold on. She concentrates and, as if using every ounce of will she can manage, she manages to walk the rest of the way out of the devil trap, though it is slow going with much effort. Safe on the other side, she breathes heavily, clearly winded from the ordeal. What does this mean? she looks even more upset then you are. I'm not a demon Jo, I would know! What could...wait....Sometimes they would...inject me with something. Do you suppose... she looks terrified suddenly. What did they do to me Jo? she breathes.

Surprised, Jo knew that if she was inhabited by a demon, she wouldn't have been able to walk out, so she smiled brightly and giggled,

"It means you're FINE! They were probably trying to use a devil's trap to control you, and it just didn't work. The stuff or whatever ran out. Let's get going!" her face showed she had no worries, and was happy to see that her mother was alright.

Your mother looks far less convinced. Jo, I don't think it's that easy... she shakes her head. But I suppose we don't really have time for this do we... she sighs. She then proceeds to follow you and you notice from time to time there are more devil's traps scattered here and there. For the most part you try to find another way around but when it's unavoidable she is able to struggle through just as before, looking increasingly concerned as she does. At last you run across Victoria, who looks at you both in surprise. Ah! Back from your trip are you? And who is this? She clearly doesn't understand the urgent nature of your presence but when you inform her Lily is in danger she barks orders to the nearest man to gather reinforcements, already running back with you towards the exit.

ooc: Roll a general knowledge check to see if you actually remember how to get back to where Lily is and what you plan to do when you run into that devil's trap again, bearing in mind Victoria may have a different reaction to seeing your mother struggle with it.

OH NOW I GET A NATURAL TWENTY! ON A FREAKING KNOWLEDGE CHECK, NOOOOOO!

Frowning, Josephine felt like being stubborn, but she'd just gotten her mother back, so she let it go. Her mother hadn't steered her wrong much before, other than telling her to stay away from this stuff, but to be fair, her body had been shattered, and her family ruined by all of this... so maybe she wasn't that wrong after all...

"This is my mother, Victoria, and we're... having trouble. I need Castiel, and I need him quickly. Its an emergency. Do you..." she paused... did Victoria even know who Castiel was? "Do you know how to contact him?"





Heck I don't even remember how comfortable JO is with Cas, lol, but I can't think of anybody better to solve my mom's problem besides that dreamy, dreamy man!

ooc: HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!! That's SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO funny!! You have the weirdest luck! I've never seen it as extreme as yours but years ago I had a really unlucky streak in battle and majorly sucked, THEN I got a quick kill when I was trying to rough up someone I was interrogating. It was...unfortunate.

You are able to give exact instructions and Victoria barks orders to the nearest men to organize a rescue, intent on following after your conversation is done. She appears surprised by your request and turns to look at you searchingly. You want Castiel? I confess, I'm not sure exactly how to do it but I may have an idea of how to begin. It would have to be a very important emergency Josephine. The only way I know is very risky indeed. What exactly is going on? I must decide if this course of action is prudent she waits expectantly and your mother looks nervous as to what you will tell her, no doubt fearing the woman's reaction.

ooc: Now would be a good time to roll a diplomacy and hope you don't have your usual luck!

Taking a short breath, Josephine leapt into it... a bit naively, perhaps, as usual, but her bubbly personality would hopefully help it slide by,

"Because my mother is setting off the devil's traps here in the base, but she's able to just walk out of them through sheer force of will. I want Castiel to advise me, and help pull whatever tiny shred of something bad is in here out, so we can deal with it." she said flatly, grabbing her mother's hand supportively as she spoke.

[6 blank lines suppressed]


22:15, Today: Secret Roll: Josephine Hartley rolled 11 using 1d20.  "fuck it". That's plus 20 I believe, unless I get more bonuses from feats and stuff (probably do, but I'm unfamiliar with her sheet, lol)

Victoria blinks in shock, looking at you and then back to your mother again. W-What? I don't understand, that wouldn't work unless she had demon blood... her eyes narrow at your mother suspiciously.

This is...unprecedented. I think running some tests would be wise. In the meantime perhaps a rendezvous with Castiel is warranted. It will take some time though. What a mess she shakes her head, stressed. Lily's in danger, your mother is affected by...something, and we're down too many good men. Alright, I'm afraid I'll have to make your mother comfortable until we figure this out. I'm sorry, but I really don't think she should leave until we know what kind of a risk she is she apologizes.

ooc: Ok, so let me know what your plans are. Do you want to go back and see if you can help with the Lily rescue or stay and figure out your mom's situation?

Nodding her head, Josephine steeled herself inwardly for the argument she feared she would face, and turned towards her mother,

"Mom, I'm going to rescue my friend. Stay here, work with Victoria, and figure out what is going on. We need it fixed. Castiel will help, I promise. I need to save Lily, though, because she's the only reason we made it, and she's my friend." she said flatly, leaving no room for negotiation in her tone.

Turning back to Victoria, she asked,

"Any quick tips or things you can do to help me with Lily? If not, I'll be off."

Just be careful and stay out of harm's way. You'll not be going alone, I have several hunters that will accompany you, so listen to what they say and lead them back. We'll be here. I'd go with you, but I don't want to leave a situation like this unchaperoned. Besides, if someone else finds out about this, I can't promise I'll be able to keep them calm...she frets.

Soon you find yourself back at the same building as before with twelve men with you, faces all hard and ready for action. Unfortunately the place is eerily quiet and you worry that you are too late. As the men literally break down the door you discover it seems to be empty. There is blood throughout and several dead bodies but no sign of Lily or Marcus. Eventually though your little rescue party does find the man down a hallway, slouched against the wall and barely conscious. He's covered in blood and badly wounded. He glances over at you, clearly upset and trying to stay upright. He took her. I don't know where. I'm sorry.
This message was last updated by the GM at 13:42, Thu 03 May 2018.

Frowning, Josephine didn't like the emptiness... it made her feel like she'd made a mistake.

"You're fine... not your fault." she said to the injured man, patting his shoulder softly, making sure he wasn't injured where she touched him.

"Alright, we need to gather as much information as we can, but..." she bit her lower lip nervously. She was in way over her head, and now her adviser, Lily, was captured!

"Follow the blood. I guarantee you Lily left us something... a marking, trail, or something." she said, and then she began searching, looking for exactly that.

The men spread out and search, and you do too. The place looks like it's been inhabited for some time and you think you even find where they were holding your mother, a locked room with a bed and some women's clothes you recognize. It is well furnished and you are surprised how comfortable it looks considering she was a prisoner. You haven't known demons to care about their captives.

After a while Marcus is able to stand and help you, though shakily. You've never been formally introduced, but he's likeable already. A handsome man with dark hair and eyes that gleam intelligence mixed with mischief, though right now they're more worried than anything else.

He seemed particularly fascinated with her for some reason. Lily I mean, and the few demons he escaped with took particular care keeping her in one piece, so I think she's probably alive at least. I'm sure he'll be after your mother and you soon enough too. I just hate not knowing why! he slams a fist against the wall. Poor man looks like he's been through hell.

Meanwhile your idea about following the blood proves to be somewhat useful and the men track it to a sewer grate where unfortunately you reach another dead end. They could be anywhere now.

Unsure what to do, Josephine saw the way they'd treated her mother, and she paused, thinking quietly.

Pulling Marcus to the side, she decided to interrogate him, in a way,

"Why didn't they kill you?" she asked softly, watching his gaze to see how he reacted to her question.

I think they thought they did he gives a dry smile. I blacked out for a bit, I assume they must have left me for dead. They were in a hurry to get out, probably knew help was coming. They're going to wish they'd finished the job though he adds darkly. Suddenly he turns to you as though seeing you for the first time. I'm Marcus by the way. I don't think we've been introduced, though Lily speaks well of you he adds, extending his hand.

Taking his hand with a curious look on her face, Josephine watched Marcus more closely,

"Alright, so what's the plan? I have no idea where to even start!"

He frowns at your words, handsome face deep in thought. Well, I suppose our best bet is to start with the sewers, see where they go and try to narrow it down. You and I though, should head back and talk to Victoria. If anyone can find her it's her. In the meantime, do you have any idea why he would take Lily? He seemed particularly keen on her after he seemed to realize she's more than she appears. What can you tell me of your father?

"Have you met Lily? everybody is keen on her, she's amazing. she said flatly.

About her father she shrugged,

Not much honestly he was a hunter."

Ah. Well how long has he been...well there's no nice way to say it...possessed? Do you think he's still inside at all? I'm not sure if we can save him but I'll try my hardest! he adds with fervor. You realize now that he knows nothing of your father or the fact that he died years ago, at least you thought he did anyway. It's all very upsetting and confusing and topped with your mother's situation it's about all you can stand.

Wrinkling her brow at him, it was obvious that her emotions were getting fired up, and that had upset her,

"My father has left this world, a long time ago. He has been dead since before I became a hunter."

Relaxing her gaze, she softened as she realized he was just trying to help and protect her. She didn't hate him for that, and she was understanding. He was just doing his best. Still, she was trying to hold back something that had clearly gotten in her eyes, and was making them water now.

I'm not crying... you're crying!

Marcus looks shocked at this, and looks about to say something but then notices  your tears. What?! That's not po- he interrupts himself, seeing your face. Ah...er...I'm sorry...Didn't mean to upset you...I have more questions. Important ones...but perhaps we'd better wait. Or your mother can answer them. You should probably rest yourself eh? You've been through a lot. We can pick up in the morning. The hunters will start searching the sewers. What do you say? Can I buy you a drink? He puts a comforting hand on your shoulder. It's almost laughable, he's barely able to stand upright, covered in blood and bruises and yet he's far more concerned with the crying woman in front of him.

ooc: Hahaha!!

After a second, Josephine nodded her head, responding softly,

"A drink... I could use right now." she said through her sniffles that CLEARLY weren't obvious to anybody. Nope! She was a master ninja with hiding her emotions! She was!

She reached the back of her hand across her eyes, to clear the liquid from the dust particles that had gotten in her eyes, and when she'd done so, she prepared to follow the poor nearly dead man wherever he was going, for some comforting.



ooc: :P

He orders a hansom cab and even helps you inside, wounded or not. He's quite the gentleman it seems, and as you ride to a seedier part of town he starts to mutter something that sounds like latin. It's a little trick I picked up you see he explains, suddenly seeming a bit better. I can heal myself! Well, a little anyway. It's more than most men of letters can do. Even the great Kirk, curmudgeon that he is, never figured it out. It's saved my life more times than I can say. I think it's just about the only reason I'm alive right now actually. What about you? You seem a bit out of your element my dear. I'm all for women hunters, but you lack the bloodthirsty quality Lily seems to have. Are you sure you're up to all this? You look like you've been through hell. His voice is tinged with concern and he scrutinizes you closely, perhaps trying to find this "bloodthirsty" quality you obviously don't have.

THAT irritated Josephine.

"Oh? Maybe I'm not bloodthirsty. What are you gonna do about it?" she asked, suddenly full of fire,

"You gonna try and stop me? Prevent me from helping my friends?" her eyes were full of fire as she glared at him.

Marcus looks at you with surprise and quickly puts his hands up as though in surrender. No, no, of course not! he assures you, clearly uncertain how to placate you. Perhaps you're more up to it than I thought with an attitude like that! I merely want to be sure you're alright, that's all. We lose too many hunters every day. I'd hate to lose another. Look, I'm sorry. Let me buy you that drink. We can brainstorm about Lily eh? he tries to sound cheerful again.