Onna struggles to follow along with the conversattion, she seems to pick out the last bits. "Your bodies were missing from the ground. You do not come back until now."

:: Moira's eyes narrow on Shiver's face as he claims no link to the Ito clan. Stepping close and lowering her voice to a private level. ::

"I think we are beyond secrets."

With his voice lowered as well,
"The son of Ito is dead. I would remind you, that an oath upon your magic, binds you from speaking of what you learned within."

Shiver thought for a second. If their bodies had traveled to the deeper metaplanes beyond, then it is possible that the blending of psyches within Angelina and Desdemona which took place after her trial is a foreshadowing of danger to come.

And it could explain why the ronin did not strike...

:: Moira's expression grows dark. She is certain that this Ito clan was here because of Shiver, and his refusal to explain his connection with this clan despite the danger it poses to the group as a whole concerns her greatly. His veiled accusation of misconduct on her part, solely for warning him that his lie was compromised offended her greatly. ::

"You endanger us all by refusing to speak. Perhaps this is where we should all part ways."

:: The hard edge under her tone is a strange and alien sound to anyone who knew Moira before this quest. ::

"The van, ergo, I was the first target. One crept close to my van, but underestimated my survival instincts; The fool attempted to place a bomb on my door panel, he was rather shocked to find that a foolish plan. The rest neglected the power of nature to counter their stealth. Mud is a damnable thing, counfounding both wheels and ruthenium polymer equally if one relies too much on either. What didn't fall to foresight, fud and bullets mell to Onna's skillful blade."
Murrey faces Onna and bows deeply, "Omae, call on me whenever you have need of a safe ride.
Murrey points out the remains of mud slung about in donuts and deep rivets in the soft earth.
With a youthful grin Murrey adds, "I have tactical footage from the drones with the highlights if you like."

Bakatare cuts the growing confrontation short with more precise and clipped speech, accompanied by a motion for the group to load into the van.

"This is neither the time nor place to discuss dissolution of the group. The information we needed we have, regardless. We know who their target was, and can plan accordingly. Let us leave this place now."

He nods to Murrey to start up the van, and leads by example, being the first to climb inside. He directs Murrey to query Shiver for a seperate drop off location.

To Shiver he simply says, "I'm sure you'll understand if I don't invite you back into my home."

Onna blushes slightly at Murrey's offer and returns the bow, giving just as much respect as was offered. "I thank you for you kind offer and having seen your small machines in battlle, I know how honored I am by it. I, too would like to offer my aid should you ever need it." She reaches into the small duffel bag and removes a small card, it has contact info brushed by hand. She offers it with both hands to Murrey. "If I may, I require a ride to my home in the International District, if it is no problem?" The card lists an address for a buddhist temple in the heart of the International District.

"Of course."
Hot drek!
"Now boarding, the S.S. Zap-an-ass, please take your seats and bind the ammo melts."
Murrey turns to Shiver,
"I'm not sure I know what's going on. I'm sure my drones could play it back for me, but for now, I'm going to respect everyone's privacy. Where would you like to be dropped off? I can arrange secondary transport to meet us en route and take you on to another destination if you feel the need for more privacy, the coice is yours."

"You will do as you believe true, Bakatare-san."

Shiver waits for the last of the team to climb into the van. He would be the first out departing and there would be little reason for him to crawl over the others in his age.

"The downtown core, across from the Library please, Murrey."

Climbing into the van and waiting for the stragglers to climb in, Murrey fires off a note to his Toyota Elite Park in safe lot Gamma.
As Shiver takes his seat and everyone is buckled in, Murrey slowly pulls out, changing the paint job, transponder and plates to match a uniform delivery van.
Once the van is on the highway, he allows the auto-nav to keep them on track for the Downtown Library and slides his consciousness over to the Toyota.
Seeing that the Elite is parked in the right area, he alters the paint, transponder and plates to that of a local hotel in the area of the Library. and leaves it parked.
Murrey returns his consciousness to the van and begins checking for tails, moving the group through various choke points along the route to the Library.
Over the van intercomm, We should be fear the library within a new minutes, do you wish for alternate transport from there Shiver?

"Further transportation will not be needed."

Watching the high rises and hotels pass by, the old troll feels the age of the city in his bones. The library was a modern design with a neo-classical influence and it was around the corner from his residence.

Shiver placed his hand in his pocket, touching the thin sliver of metal carefully. The needle held purpose and power, he would have to be careful with it.

"Will you be staying with them cousin or returning home?"

Angelina started, having been lost in thought. Having stepped back to give Shiver and Moria their space for their quiet words, she wondered at this sudden tension between the two. But she added the cause to the list of things that she and her guardian needed to explain. "Yes, I'm coming. It seems we may finally have time for that long talk that is way overdue...."

Finding a parking spot, the van pulls to the sidewalk and idles. Shiver looks to the driver who though unconscious seems to still be aware of the van.

"Thank you for this."

He steps out of the van, settling the fedora back neatly between his horns. With a hand out for Angelina to step down from the van, he glances over the group one last time.

"Come cousin, if we are lucky we will be able to collect fish and fruit from the market. Stay in touch, Moira."

Until me weet again.
Once the door has closed, a message comes quielty over the intercom,
I'm nervous about this, prior to your hiatus, we were a cohesive unit. How I see veiled threats and hushed tones; moreso than is nealthy, even in our line of work. Should I tail them?
Into his drone network, Van, when they have moved a safe distance away, make headway to the Bhuddist Temple in the international district. Then, Murrey returns his consciousness to the car, scanning for the two former passengers and watching where they go for as long as possible without tailing while awaiting an answer.

Bakatare speaks quietly, enjoying the split no more then Murrey.

"No need. We're not splitting up because we suspect they'll betray us. More because of threats that exist to them and them only that we have no wish to be caught in the crossfire of."

"Well, hopefully this eventful day will at least come to a peaceful end." Angelina said as she stepped down. "So what was it that you and Moira were talking about?" she asks as they went their separate way from the others. Thinking of them...she hoped they were alright. But...she was an optimist. Always looking for the best in everything. It was better than the alternative.

Understood.
Murrey instructs the car to rendeavous at the final destination and returns to the van, letting it take them to their next destination. The MK-6 writes down Murrey's phone # for Onna to keep and hands it to her.

:: Moira maintained silence throughout the ride. She felt strained and worried. It was odd to her that those who were mere strangers a day ago, were now bound to one another so completely after travelling to the Gallery. She found herself worrying about Shiver and his charge, her one time friend now so changed. Would they be ok on their own? Her irritation at Shiver's refusal to answer honestly regarding the attackers faded quickly through the ride. She was emotionally and mentally exhausted. ::

:: As they neared the drop off point for Shiver and Angelina, Moira touched her hand to the locket worn around her neck, calling on her little friend she had missed strongly while on the quest. The astral wolf whined softly and licked at her fingers the moment it arrived before her. He could sense that great changes had occurred and just like the canine shape he bore, he felt unnerved and concerned. ::

:: Speaking to her companion through their thoughts, she reassures him she will be alright, but that she has a favor to ask. ::

"Please accompany my friends. There are powerful enemies after them and they cannot remain with us. Help them in any way you can. Let me know if something dreadful happens. Thank you my friend."

:: Leaning forward, Moira appears to pet at the empty space before her, though anyone looking astrally would see her fingers ruffling the thick fur on the top of the white wolfs head. ::

:: As Shiver and Angelina exit the van, Moira rests a hand on the door holding it open as she looks out at Shiver. ::

"Be safe my friend. I am sorry....for this. I am sending Laluna with you to watch over you. If you need her, simply say her name."

:: Moira's eyes pointedly shift to the alert white wolf now standing beside the aged troll. ::

All

The city seems strangely mundane after the events of the last several hours. You watch people beginning their days as they move through the city. You see conversations play out all around you as people flow together and apart.

Moira

As you settle into your body once again, you feel a slight vibration and start. You quickly realize it was your pocket sec letting you know you had voicemail. As you fish it out and examine it you see a text message scroll by.

Hope you're all not dead..I have your pay at my place, feel free to come by and get it when you can. - Iblis

Bakatare

Seeing Moira check her messages, you begin to do the same and see the icon for Jonathan. You quickly access the message.

"I hope everything is going well at your end, sorry for the time it took but I found a......gentleman who has the gift you're looking for. Give me a call."

Shiver

As you move through the flows of people with your charge in tow, you soon realize that Mynce will be wanting to hear a report of your progress.

He grimaced as the cellphone rang.

After they'd dropped Shiver and Angelina off, left Onna near the edge of the Retreat she called home, and arrived back at the apartment, he headed straight for the shower, spending almost an hour trying to wash off the taint of yet another strange and disturbing supernatural affair. It didn't work, of course, it never did. Stuff like that stayed with you.

Feeling physically clean, at least, but not yet up to talking with Jonathan, he sent a simple text message thanking Jonathan for his effort and asking him to set up a meet as soon as it was possible. He made sure to pass on the standard finders fee.

That done, he looked to the remainder of the assembled group, some members new, some old.

"I don't know about the rest of you, but I need sleep. Anybody that doesn't?"

:: Moira sat still on the end of one couch, laying her head back on the cushion and resting her eyes while Bakatare showered. When he returned to the group, she lifted the head. ::

"Im exhausted, but we received a call from Iblis. She has our payment ready. Someone should retrieve that first I think."

Pulling up to the curb a few blocks from the temple, Murrey bids farewell to Onna, "Sore dewa, uruwashii kitsune." "Until we meet again."
He again lets the flow of traffic wash over him as he slides the van through the light crowds and into the darkening night.
"I could stand some gut-eye. I'm going to switch out vehicles prior to that though. This doesn't look like the kind of place where a work van shets parked for too long."
Once everyone has unloaded their gear, Murrey takes the van out alone and heads to a Stuffershack to gas up before taking the van to a safe paking lot near the house. He then begins the long process of hoping trams and buses and finally walking a block or two before meeting up with his Toyota Elite and getting it fueled up before making his way to the apartment with the others and some eventual shut-eye.

Bakatare shakes his head as Moira speaks.

"I don't think it's vital. The money will still be there in 8 hours."

Shiver walked down the street with Angelina. Downtown quited itself in the evening hours, but the area directly around Pike's Place market was always busy. The two of them talk quietly deciding on fish for dinner, fruit for breakfast, each acutely aware of what they were not saying to each other.

That conversation would come in the hours at home, between walking in the door, cooking, and finally retiring for the night.

Hiroto pulled up outside the appartment block behind the van. "Is there somewhere relativly safe I can park my bike?"

Once his bike was secured away, he carefully slid two sheathed swords out of a rack, and picked up his bag, following whoever headed inside and upstairs.

Shaking his head slighly at his own lapses, Bakatare turned towards the newer members of the team, giving them a precise bow.

"My apologies. This will be our base of operations for this particular run. It is my apartment. Secuirty is light, but please refrain from carrying any obvious military grade weaponary out in the open. Feel free to use the kitchen and the bathroom. Since I assume we'll be sleeping in shifts, my bed is also available, as is the couch and any other furniture."

Introductions done and sleep needed, he turned towards the aforementioned shower and bed.

Hiroto returns Bakatare bow, "Thank you, you are most kind, I require little rest or sustenance. I can watch while those who need to rest may."

:: Moira nods her agreement to Bakatare and sits down on the couch. Within minutes, she curls up in a ball at one end and is fast asleep. Her dreams are thankfully silent as her body and mind recover from the recent traumatic events. ::

:: Sleep was needed but short lived. The dreams started roughly 5 hours into her rest and within minutes she was awake, shivering with sweat. The thought of returning to dreamland was enough to force her out of her cramped sleeping position and headed for the shower. ::

:: Once clean and refreshed, she returns to the main room to wait for the others to ready themselves for the next stage in their plan. ::

Responding to Angelina's question from before, Shiver's voice is the quiet rumble of distant thunder.

"We were speaking of many things which came to light while we were upon our journey. Moira believed that I had something to do with the attackers."

His hands focussed on washing each dish carefully by hand. It gave him something to do while his eyes glowed across the twilight of the penthouse.

Most of a night's rest later finds Bakatare pulling a clean suit jacket out of his closet.

Heading into the living room and seeing Moira already awake, he gives her a supportive pat on the shoulder as he walks by, sharing as much of his compassion as he's able to in the moment.

After the group was all awake, he settles on one of the arms of the couch, legs crossed in front of him. The clean suit seems to have done as much to restore his spirits as the nights sleep and the shower have.

"So, we need a couple of people to pick up the cash at Iblis's, and we need to hash out the last details of our party crashing. Murrey, I assume you're up for the courier duty? Any volunteer's to go with him?"

"I would be more than happy to accompany you, if you could accomodate a stop by my own place. This dress has seen much too much use."

"Of course, when would you hike to lead over there?."

"Now works. The rest of us will hash out the details of the plan, and get your input when you get back."

"And were you?" Angelina asked. She was more conscious now of what her guardian told her...or didn't tell her. She wondered if she'd get the truth, or a sugar coated lie. And this was just the beginning. She needed to get the details of his dealings with Mynce.

"I cannot say. Given the timing of the attack, I would say that they were attempting to stop the quest. It is possible that they were hunting for me, though the attackers are hired killers and thieves. Their presence suggests that someone who knew about the ritual tipped them off. While I have suspicions on who that may have been, I cannot say for sure."

Shiver set the final plate in the rack to dry and began laying out the cups for tea.

"Which tea would you like?"

Hmm....Angelina pondered the response. "The mint tea would be nice." she answered. He had given her an answer. But not a complete one. Of course, she couldn't blame him for not wanting to air theories before they were founded. "Why would someone want to stop our quest? It wasn't like we were harming anyone else. "

Murrey hauls himself up off the couch and out the door to the elevator, queueing up the car to start and get warmed up as they wait for the elevator. As they ride down the elevator he calls up the sensor feed for the van, checking for unwanted company.
"So, tear woo?

The large troll carefully scoops the tea leaves into the pot and adds the boiling water from the kettle on the stove.

"Someone would stop our quest for the same reasons that the Hunter traveled through the Gallery and killed Paladin. Our target is a group which doesn't handle competition well. They would be well-inclined to stop us before we could gain the knowledge to put a stop to their plans."

Moving over to the chairs across the coffee table where he and Angelina regularly sat to discuss their daily activities, Shiver brought the tea tray with him.

"Sugar or honey?"

"I thought it was said that the Hunter had been after me, for the Heart." Angelina replied. "Sugar please." Such routine details amid all this disruption to their life. But she wasn't going to be distracted. "So seems that would make for two interested parties."

"Perhaps so, which would make an excellent parallel to our own group. Those who protect Iblis and our people for money, and those who do it for loyalty and love..."

Placing the sugar within easy reach, he added one lump of sugar to Angelina's tea. No sugar in his tea, Shiver instead adds a squeeze of lemon.

"What do you remember of the time's when Desdemona was in control during our journey?"

"Of the earlier occurances, I remember nothing. However, since I turned over the heart, I remember everything with perfect clarity. Madness would indeed be the fitting realm for her to have taken her test. Unfortunatly, that is one that would be doubtful she would return from."

Murrey

You feel the slight sense of displacement as you shift your focus to the vehicle outside. The area quickly forms in your mind, an image built the sensors. Nothing seems out of the ordinary, aside the constant low hum of the downtown rigger traffic.

Moira & Murrey

The area buzzes with movement as people begin to make their way home from the day shifts. You seem to take a route that baffles common sense but somehow manages to avoid the majority of the traffic at this hour. You watch the mundane landscape scroll by through the window and note when the neighborhoods change. You are once again greeted by the sight of the Elven District. The lush plants and small quaint homes tucked amongst them. You approach Iblis's house to find the majority of the street parking taken by an assortment of cars. As you pull into the driveway you are greeted to the site of a BBQ in full swing. The front lawn is packed with Changlings and the distinct THUMPA THUMPA of music is heard from inside the house. A single body seems to respond to your arrival. You watch Izzy push his way through the crowds towards you. Dressed in boardshorts and a tanktop, his skin giving off its own sunset colored corona of light. His face is eager and open. He waves his hand trying to grab someone's attention from inside the vehicle.

She sighed. "Fine fine." she said in irritation, though it didn't seem aimed at Shiver. "You admitted to a connection to the Ito back at the Gate of Horn and Ivory... are you sure they weren't looking particularly for you, as the Dragon was for me?"

Murrey Pulls the car over to the curb, getting out to wave back to Izzy.
"Hey tummer, long chime no see. Is the fuzzy mistress inside?"

:: Stepping lightly out of the van, Moira can't help but smile at the brightly colored boy. He sure looks a thousand times better than when they found him in that awful place. ::

"Hello Izzy. You look great, looks like you've been having quite a lot of fun over here."

Murrey & Moira

The young Changling stops short of you both, seeming to look beyond you to see if anyone else exits the car. "Hi, where's everyone else?" You can see his hands shake slightly as he fidgets. Up close the signs of withdrawal are evident in his body. "Did Paladin come with you?" He appears to gaining a little more wieght and he seems tired but content. "Uhm...right right, Iblis is round back manning the grill." He gestures to along the side of the house towards the yet has unseen backyard.

:: Hearing his question regarding their fallen comrade and seeing the signs of his struggle against his own demons, Moira realizes that the truth in this instance could shatter a delicate balance. With a look to Murray, Moira smiles at Izzy and takes a step closer to him, wraping an arm around his shoulders and in effect leading him back to the party and towards Iblis. ::

"No, he wanted to, but had other errands that needed attending to."

Bakatare taps out a quick message to Jonathan as he finishes off the last of the mostly soy meal.

Glad you found it, when and where can we meet? He made a mental note to set aside the syringe and the piece of rope in some sort of container for transport.

"In the mean time, we need to set things up." This last is directed to the remaining party members.

He takes a piece of paper and sketches a rough layout of the Bodybag.

"This is the location of the party. It's a small S&M club, run by Madam Yu. We've been given permission to do what we need to do here, but our orders are to minimize collateral damage, both to people and property. Moira will be on the stage here," he indicates, "and the rest of us will be mixed in with the catering crew that's coming in for the party. Our thought was to put one or two people out in the crowd or hidden somewhere in the crowd. Our main objective at this point is to destroy a single item, a magical foci of some kind, that the target is carrying. We don't know what it looks like, but we can guarantee it will be both powerful and present. We have enough magical support that identifying the foci should be easy. We'll let you know as soon as we've confirmed it. It is the primary target here. Once it's destroyed, everything else gets easier."

He looks up at this point to check for questions and the like. "I don't know what everyone's specialty is, so I need you guys to chime in with the best uses for you."

Moira & Murrey

His face seems to deflate. "Sure, you all are working but let him know I said hi." He falls in step with Moira. As you round the edge of the building you're greeted by the sight of even more Changlings gathered in the backyard. You see your employer decked out in platforms, hot shorts and a tube top. Her hair in done in two pigtails doused in glitter and sporting an apron that proclaims "KISS THE COOK!". She stands in a U shaped arrangement of grills with tongs in one hand and spatula in the other. You can see and smell an assortment of meats and veggies grilling. She notices you round the building, giving a jaunty wave with her tongs and motions for you to join her.

Bakatare

As you begin the flow of planning you are alerted to an incoming text message. The ID is Jonathan's.

I want you to remember the gift you were looking for is quite rare. The gentleman you need to meet can be found in the barrens at the following GPS coordinates. Night would be a beter time to meet with him. Just show up and he'll make an appearance. I would bring physical protection of some sort, I don't think there will be trouble but he is a little more street than I am used to dealing with. Take care.

"Will wo Izzy, soon as de see him."
Murrey follows Moira and Izzy round the back of the house, sending a quick command to the car to find a spot to park. Upon seeing Iblis and the others he whistles appreciatively and returns the wave.