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COLOR="#C18E01">What:</FONT></TD> <TD WIDTH="80%" VALIGN="TOP"> A remarkably magnanimous Lucifer appears in Austin, and grants an audience with those who dare approach.</TD> </TR> </TABLE> <BR> <I>360 - Austin<BR> <BR> The area known as simply '360' is probably the richest section of Austin, despite being outside its perimeter highway, with several multi-million dollar residential districts scattered throughout and most especially around Lake Austin. The incredibly fast-growing industries inside the 360 contribute to the affluency of the area. More then a few of Austin's many parks are in this area, providing some very nice views for the rich whose homes overlook them or any traveler who cares to visit.</I><BR> <BR> Edward is clearly just out enjoying the evening and taking a walk. By the way he looks around with interest it's clear that he hasn't been to this area before. He pauses outside one of the mansions, admiring the graceful lines.<BR> <BR> Kacela has taken a bit of a drive to clear her head regarding the many events that have taken place. Pulling aside to look back towards the lights of the city and the orangish glow of factory lights, she looks fondly at one of the plants that does military contracting. "Biggest mistake people did was put a belief structure around it all. People die for beliefs, people kill for beliefs..." She seems to be musing to herself, arms crossed over her chest as she rests against her car's door. To her right, the bluish-white light of luxuriant personal estates shines...<BR> <BR> Butch has been out jogging this evening. He’s a little sweaty, but not too short of breath. He’s obviously in shape.<BR> <BR> Edmonds is out here for no clear or easily explained reason. He's just here, strolling along with a briefcase in hand.<BR> <BR> Pan is eating LUNCH with a friend from the Care Center named Lara. She and Lara are eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and are sitting on the sidewalk while chewing at each other.<BR> <BR> "Samus Aran." Pan says.<BR> <BR> "Oh come on, Bloodrayne!"<BR> <BR> "You don't even play Bloodrayne! You're too short!" Pan replies<BR> <BR> Detours. Faith hates detours. This one has taken over a half-hour of her time; she should've been home at seven. But perhaps she needs it, which explains why a blue '97 Ford Taurus with generic license plates is making its way through this neighborhood. Faith herself is behind the wheel, tapping her fingers against it as she drives. There's some generic modern Pop garbage on the radio, and she hasn't bothered to turn it off. It'll pass to commercials, or maybe she'll finally grow sick of it and turn it off. But other than that, she's just headed home. She's just taking a long, long detour.<BR> <BR> Sapphira walks out of the rose gardens and back into the main park-like area of the 360. Her hands are clasped behind her and her gaze seems to be moving from pretty object to pretty object.<BR> <BR> Kacela inclines her head as life continues around her, the chatter of children quite some distance aways, perhaps. The footfalls of a jogger going by, or perhaps the rush of wind from a passing car. "Belief, mmm. Warping other's realities to suit one's own, forcing one's idea upon others. Such a wondrous thing," she announces to empty air even as she purses lips, reaching in a pocket to reach for chapstick to liberally apply to her darkened flesh.<BR> <BR> 'People are frightened of the idea of meeting the Devil himself. And well they should be. But the average demon or angel is far more frightened. He /knows/ that Lucifer is real, and he knows just what can happen if the Dark Lord is displeased with you... or if he's just having a bad day.'<BR> <BR> But what is perhaps is to be feared more is when the Dark Lord is in a good mood, or as close to one as the First Balseraph can have. For many humans, they won't know if they bumped into the First Balseraph on the street. But there's something about him that most demons or angels would notice at a moments notice, that confident look in his eyes that just screams 'The Adversary'.<BR> <BR> A handsome man in his mid-thirties, Lucifer is a pale Caucasian with wavy blond hair combed to the side. And he's walking down the main boulevard of Austin's 360, stopping every once in awhile to gaze into a shop or talk to some poor hapless human. If they're foolish enough to make known an odd want, more the pity for them in the future.<BR> <BR> Butch nearly jogs into a wall.<BR> <BR> Butch quickly brushes himself off, and looks about, checking to see if anyone noticed his clumsiness.<BR> <BR> Edmonds turns slightly to watch a car drive past, before turning his attention back to the street ahead of him. And lo, but who should he see but the Morningstar himself, out for a cheerful stroll. Edmonds' smile falters for only an instant before returning to normal, as he takes a deep breath and continues down the street towards Lucifer - if the Morningstar wishes to speak with him, he will. If he doesn't, he won't.<BR> <BR> Edward fails to notice Butch running into the wall, as he almost does the same, at a much slower speed though. His hands reach for something by his side and he slowly lowers them. His face has gone pale and he swallows slightly.<BR> <BR> Kacela arches a brow as a faint thrum, more like a throbbing pressure behind her eyes, begins to build. Almost magnetically, her gaze is drawn to the paragon of Balseraphs, and a shudder despite herself quakes her otherwise stoic stance. Immediately, her mind jumps to the 'favor' she did of springing the corrupt Saint from prison so he could go another killing spree and draw that supposed intercession from an Archangel himself. A faint scuffing of feet catches her attention, and for a fraction of a section, she drags her gaze away from the radiance to peer curiously at the jogger. He had recovered himself before her gaze reached him. With a faint shrug, she turns back towards the object of everyone's attention.<BR> <BR> Pan really likes her vessel. However as she glances towards the Morning Star, well, Pan remembers the old rebellion, and remembers that Loserfir got his butt kicked! On the sad end of things, it wasn't Pan that kicked his butt, it was someone more awesome, and unfortunately Pan has not become that awesome in the intervening years that had passed. "Oh snap," Pan says as she sees the Prince of Lies. Oh, sure, she doesn't -know- it's him, but the feeling is there, and she actually reaches out to cover Lara's eyes with her hand. "Bloodrayne's lame." Pan says, "Vampy ripoff, there are no such things as half-vampires anyway."<BR> <BR> "I thought she was a full-vampire."<BR> <BR> "Nah, half, you can tell because she wears clothing half the time..."<BR> <BR> Sapphira's eyes tend to be drawn to lovely things, and the enigmatic blond man is just one of those things. Her mental rating system puts him right up there... but not quite as high as her favorite person. He is her master, after all.<BR> <BR> As the radio segues into its second repetition of "Harder to Breathe", Faith grits her teeth. /Damn/, the things they let on the radio these days. She finally decides to turn the radio off, taking her right hand off the wheel long enough to violently stab the "off" button on the dash. And that's when it hits her. It's not Symphonic disturbance, but it's a /presence/, the sort of thing one feels when there's a Symphonic bigwig nearby. And something tells Faith that this isn't a mere Superior. /Maybe/. It's a guess, so Faith slows down just enough to make certain that the presence is coming from that blonde guy walking down the sidewalk up ahead. ...Oh boy. This isn't good.<BR> <BR> Butch quickly looks back down the sidewalk to the big guy himself...at least he thinks its him. No...that’s got to be....He shuffles up to the edge of the sidewalk a half block down, in the direction Lucifer is walking. And waits... A thousand things running through his mind.....Why now.....I’m not ready for my hearing yet.....Did someone rat me out.....Was that stupid Kobalite serious about his 'connections'?...Butch pulls out a cig and lights it nervously. IF Lucifer is here for him...then Hiding wont help. Might as well take it like a man...or maybe...this could turn out better than I think....<BR> <BR> The Morningstar stops in his walk down the street as a rather vivacious woman walks toward him. Never the one to pass up taking in beauty, Lucifer bows his head ever so slightly and reaches behind his back for a moment to pull out of nowhere a white rose. His other arm sliding behind his back as he pulls the rose forward and bows slightly, "Michelangelo could not have carved a more stunningly beautiful face." <BR> <BR> The woman's husband, who was up to a moment ago attached to her arm as they walked down the street to head to a play near the Rose Garden, has a moment where his hackles get raised... only to meet the gaze of Lucifer and decide that his life is more valuable than to take offense. He quite literally walks off, not a second glance spared to his wife or her 'special' courter.<BR> <BR> Edward takes a deep breath, clearly trying to control himself. He closes his eyes for a moment and whispers a very soft prayer, he knows that God will hear it. Opening his eyes, he continues to gaze at Lucifer and calm his racing mind. What does the First Balseraph want. Why is he here?<BR> <BR> Edmonds watches this interaction between The Balseraph and the humans, his smile fading slightly. He's about half a block down from the woman and her admirer, his pace not changing in the slightest as it bring him closer, pausing only for a moment to glance at the husband as he walks past to nod to the man. The pause lengthens as he takes a moment to look around, expression thoughtful as he regards those around him. With a slight shrug, he resumes his stroll.<BR> <BR> Pan does something stupid. She doesn't think of Lucifer as 'Loserfir' because she really respects the guy, after all. And if she DOESN'T get vaporized, she can brag to her friends! If she doesn't survive, well, it's all part of the GOOD FIGHT. She uncovers her buddy's eyes and murmurs, "Go on home, okay?"<BR> <BR> 'But I dun wann-'<BR> <BR> "I'll get you two cookies later. -Two- of them."<BR> <BR> 'Woah! Okay!' And Lara darts on off. Pan isn't going to risk LARA on something stupid. Oh no. She wanders on over to Lucifer, Prince of Lies, The Adversary, and Destroyer of Souls and such....tries to look nice and haphazard about it.... and then says, once she gets to the 'lady' and Lucifer, "Hi dad!" brightly. She figures nothing will turn off the wife more than some guy hitting on her...with a kid! Right!?<BR> <BR> Butch watches intently as the young girl wanders over to the Prince of lies. 'whew....that should buy me some time.'<BR> <BR> Oh /hell/. Pun not intended, of course. Faith continues driving down the street behind the Lightbringer--she's fairly certain it's him by now--and his stolen woman. She's doing what her instincts would have her do, of course. Observe for now. Wait, keep your head down, and see what comes of this. And hope to God that the bigger fish doesn't notice you, of course. Hopefully all this trying not to be noticed will not result in her being noticed. That's right about when she notices the little kid wander up to the Lightbringer, the Prince of Lies, and... say something. She can't hear what, but she can't help but feel a little smidgeon of humor. Stupid kid.<BR> <BR> Kacela murmurs, "Beliefs. And a means to an end..." She then decides to amble over, concocting something to appear at least moderately charming to Morningstar himself. Briefly, some joke about ebony and ivory flits through her mind as she paces forward, perhaps seeking guidance, perhaps seeking recognition, on dealing with the matters of the corrupted Saint and his demise. And then... Pan steps forward. Disbelief crosses the black woman's face, full lips drawing tightly over her face. "And to think I came out here to just admire the war machine's plane factory..."<BR> <BR> A minor look of frustration crosses Lucifer's face as he looks down at the child. The woman drops the rose with a hrmmph and walks off. She didn't just drop her husband like a bad habit for a man with a child. "Now my dear, do you think it particularly wise to disturb a man when he is so obviously busy with important matters." The Morningstar is in a good mood tonight, which is the only reason Pan's not discorporeated right now. "Of course wisdom is lacking in most of your 'pedigree'."<BR> <BR> Edmonds was close enough to hear Pan's comment - and Lucifer's reply. His smile thins slightly as he passes Lucifer, nodding his head politely, and glancing down at Pan with a bit of a frown. He continues past a little ways before stopping and turning to look out over the park.<BR> <BR> Ellen walks in, her usual calm happy self, just back from visiting one of the area's famous parks. She sees her friend Pan approaching some strange guy and a woman, neither of whom she knows. She quirks her eyebrow mildly, watching. Then, she approaches with a friendly, curious smile.<BR> <BR> Edward sucks in his breath as the young girl approaches the First Balseraph and instinctually takes a step forward, maybe he throw himself in front of her and take the Dark Lords Wrath onto himself...then he pauses as he hears Lucifer’s statement. He blinks in surprise and peers at Pan, clearly this is not just a mortal. He takes another step forward, curiosity starting to overwhelm the fear.<BR> <BR> Butch 's eyes narrow watching the interplay. He would be worried for the little kid...if he cared about her that is. 'Gotta look out for number one.' Then, the stories start running through Butch's head. He shudders at the thoughts....so many horrible things.....such terrible uses of an infathomable power....He switches to a new cig, tossing the old one out into the street.....Wait what’s this...many more people seem to be heading that way...or are passing by....those fools.....The stories of how quickly annoyed and destructive...and sadistic Lucy can be when he’s out on business start to rush through his head....."I hope I have enough cigarettes.." he mutters under his breath.<BR> <BR> There's a traffic light up ahead. Amber, and it's been that way for a while. Faith curses faintly as traffic starts to slow down; the lead car comes to a halt at the intersection, the other cars pull up behind it... and that leaves Faith on the street, right next to the Prince of Lies, the kid, and a bunch of other people. Faith blinks, tapping her fingers on the steering wheel and chancing a look out the passenger's-side window. You could almost mistake him for another human. She'd be worried--she is--but she's concealing it well. It's become second nature with her. Ignore the fact that you're less than twenty feet away from the lord of Hell, Faith. She turns on the radio, to be greeted by "Bright Lights." She winces. /Why/ do they let this stuff on the radio again? ...And whomever picked the tunes this evening has an extremely unfunny sense of irony.<BR> <BR> "Good evening," Ellen smiles to the two. "A friend of yours, Pan?"<BR> <BR> Kacela squints some, and then looks over her shoulder as more figures gather around. Thinking fast, she looks down and asks in inquiry, "Are you /SURE/ you want to be here? It is after dark, after all. Even if it is a Friday night, you look underage." Kacela shifts weight, bringing herself to finally directly lock her dark chocolate eyes upon his glory.<BR> <BR> Okay, so Pan did her STUPID thing and wasn't IMMEDIATELY killed (in fact, she might have saved a woman's marriage so that they can have babies-CHILDREN! Or at least, saved a woman from having a raunchy night of Lucifer sex. Pan doesn't know how Lucifer prefers to 'do it' but it wouldn't surprise Pan if Lucifer 'lied around' a lot. Heh heh heh. Lied around. The feeling that she made a big 'boo boo' doesn't really go away, though. It's a good thing she wasn't destroyed. She doesn't want to have to tell Christopher 'uh yeah, I am dead because I kept Satan from getting some'. "Yeah, I guess I'm pretty dumb," Pan admits, idly hoping her feeling was wrong (or right and she doesn't get exploded at least), "Most kids my age are smarter, I think. I'm not so good at Math." She glances over to Ellen. Oh DOUBLE SNAP. She throws her a small wave and says, "I think it's the first time we met." She tells Ellen, glancing back to Lucifer, "Sorry thought you were just relaxing." She pauses, "...But Michelangelo’s cool...He's my favorite turtle."<BR> <BR> Pan adds to Kacela, "I'm being naughty," sadly.<BR> <BR> Uzal comes sauntering down the street, smirking disdainfully at the houses of the rich. He slouches, his hands in his pockets, keeping his eyes out for those disaffected in the midst of such luxury. Then, he spots a /very/ familiar face. He stops, peering out from his place in the evening crowd. His face tightens and grows pale; then he forces himself to adopt his usual casual swagger, pretending not to be afraid at all.<BR> <BR> The Morningstar's gaze spots the woman that Pan cut off at her approach just moments before Ellen approaches and makes an 'introduction' attempt. A smile crosses his lips as his eyes twinkle with a tinge of red in his irises. "You know this 'Pan'? Good, take her from here, by whatever means." Lucifer shifts his gaze to momentarily look over the immediate area as he spots Kacela, "Ah, a Nubian Queen, a perfect blend of beauty and royal grace to take my mind off things."<BR> <BR> Ellen blinks once or twice, then turns to Pan, "Come on, Pan, we've got to go," she says, a slight note of urgency in her tone. She reaches out to take Pan by the arm.<BR> <BR> Edmonds finds a convenient park bench from which he can observe the glow gathering of people as they're attracted to the dark power of the Lord of Hell. Resting his briefcase on his lap, he interlaces his fingers and leans forwards, resting his chin on them. "Like moths to a flame," he observes softly to himself, smiling slightly at Lucifer's interest in Kacela, and smiling wider at the rebuff of Ellen and Pan.<BR> <BR> Pan says cheerfully, "Excellent idea!" As she's done all the stupid she's allowed for one d-..we-month! Yes. Besides, Kacela probably deserves whatever the Dark Lord gives her (if anything). She seems to have had her fill of the POWER OF HELL as she will not only allow Ellen to take her arm, but try to drag Ellen away as well by walking very briskly off.<BR> <BR> A silver sedan, marred by the stamp of a prominent Austin real estate firm, tours the neighborhood at a gradual pace. The driver, the real estate agent no doubt, is monopolizing on the in car conversation, flapping his gums about how pristine and natural the setting is. Meanwhile, the passenger, Nicholas Lyman, grins and bears the sales pitch. That is until he is struck by a feeling, potent and familiar. "Pull over," Lyman hastily instructs, "We'll have to cancel our tour for today. I'll be in touch." Kicking open the door as the sedan screeches to a halt, the industrialist emerges dressed in grey slacks, a white dress shirt, and a navy sweater thrown over top. Without so much as a glance in the agent's direction, Lyman gives a wave and immediately begins to home in on Lucipher.<BR> <BR> Edward lets out a soft sigh of relief as both Ellen and Pan depart Lucifer's presence. He glances over as someone steps out of a car and then redirects his attention back to Satan and the black woman he's now talking too.<BR> <BR> Kacela mmphs, and makes ready to perhaps chastise or tease Pan into submission. However, she's interrupted. And not by any mere words, no. These are a purred out croon of saccharine oblivion that would make the lotus look weak. Despite herself, she feels the corner of her mouth crack upwards. "I would expect no other to have a more silvered tongue. I'm just lucky it's dark enough that you can't see the blush. Is it a whim or a mission that brings you here?" At that point, she waves off the question. "Impunity of me to ask. But there's much that's been in motion here, some of which I made my best attempt to aid into existence. Even if it wasn't me, it would have been someone else," she says, rocking back on heels briefly, as if downplaying her importance while also trying still score appropriate brown-nosing points.<BR> <BR> Straightening himself, Uzal steps boldly out into the light. (/Not/ afraid, not afraid, not afraid...) He doesn't exactly smirk at Lucifer, but he doesn't look very deferential either. He finds someplace to lounge casually against a wall, watching. As if just daring Lucifer to notice him...<BR> <BR> Butch shakes his pack of cigs around counting how many he has left...Not too many ...Then all of a sudden a thought crosses his mind...'if theses fools are really dumb enough to get in his way without a 'good reason' then...maybe they are foolish enough to start something.....Hmmmm this could get nasty quickly....<BR> <BR> Faith is still in her car, less than twenty feet from the whole scene that's going on between Lucifer and Kacela, among others. The kid's gone, that's... all right. But the traffic light is still red. Why is it still red? And that damned song is still on the radio, and maybe audible to people outside, just barely. Faith looks at the two of them again, before going back to tapping her fingers on the steering wheel. Still there, still not-worried.<BR> <BR> Lucifer reaches out and takes Kacela's hand, raising it as he lowers his head to kiss it. He recognizes his own when he sees it, but that doesn't stop him from putting on a show for the masses. "A whim to run into the exquisite beauty of this city and it's inhabitants. Why? Is there something you mean to ask of me?" Perhaps it's an offer, but perhaps it is a snake wrapped in a Christmas gift.<BR> <BR> Ellen leads Pan toward the fence of the nearby park, a safe distance away from Ol' Bright-Eyes. She blinks a few more times, looking confused. "Oh, sorry, Pan. Who was that? I felt like we suddenly had to get away..." Her eyes narrow faintly as she watches Luci and Kacela cautiously.<BR> <BR> Edmonds taps his index fingers against his chin, and then sighs softly. It would be foolish to pass up the opportunity - despite the risks. Leaving his briefcase on the bench, he takes a moment to adjust his suit, and then starts back across the park and up the sidewalk to where Lucifer is currently laying the charm on Kacela. He stops a polite distance away, arms behind his back as he waits for the Morningstar to conclude his conversation with the lady. Interrupting the Lord of Hell is -never- a wise idea.<BR> <BR> Pan whispers, "Probably Satan. You had good feelings, yeah. I called him 'dad' and he didn't kill me, so I think he's having a good day." She is fine with going far, far away.<BR> <BR> Faith continues to watch-but-not-watch the Accuser and his latest ladyfriend, still keeping up that calm demeanor as she sits behind the steering wheel. Now that she's gagged down the nervousness (even though doing so doesn't feel /right/), she can actually appreciate the irony of this. Heh. Ask a boon? /No way/. Not when she's got principles, a demanding superior to please, and a bit of common sense. The light, for the record, is still red. It's one of those long, annoying ones.<BR> <BR> Edward eyes flick to Kacela, taking her in, memorizing who she is, for clearly she is one of Lucifer's. He nods to himself, not caring that he is staring.<BR> <BR> Uzal tosses his head. He can't let /Kacela/ think he's afraid of /Lucifer/, can he? Certainly not. He steps closer, smiling -- but /doesn't/ interrupt the conversation. He is walking the careful line between dissonance and punishment. He brushes his hair back, casually, hoping no one sees the sweat he wiped from his forehead.<BR> <BR> Butch Is watching and waiting...when and idea comes to mind....Yes, that could work.....but....I can't wait too long....he'll probably get bored and leave...but if I’m too impatient.....hmmmm I’ll have to time this right.<BR> <BR> Moments ago, Lyman was searching for that perfect home, surroundings to gloss over what he once lost. But he has abandoned such thoughts, perhaps for a more affirming sight, that of the Morning Star, the leader of a rebellion, pursuing what he wants...desires. Smiling to see his truth here in Austin, Lyman lingers close by, eyeing the exchange between Kacela and Lucipher. Perhaps studying the Prince's art or perhaps waiting to make his own request.<BR> <BR> Kacela breathes out a svelte laugh, positively transported by the sensation and the concomitant emotions likely associated with it, a headiness one may get by closely associating themselves with power. Emboldened, she coos out, "We all like to win, and I'm sure all of us would like to see... conflict, the war, come to an end, no? We are your instruments, to be played. And like any serious contender, I suspect that you take great joy in a finely tuned instrument, a honed blade, a smoothly oiled machine. To that end... if I must ask, then I ask simply this: that if you are to focus attentions upon me, it is to be to provide me with that which will help further my ends -- your ends..." And with that, she sweeps her gaze over towards Nicodemus and Uzal, perhaps casting them a feral challenge, flaunting her current position before them.<BR> <BR> The others who approach don't go without notice by the Morningstar, but for the moment the Dark Lord's attention is focused on the one person in front of him, Kacela. The smile never leaves his face as he remains holding Kacela's hand up in front of him. Studying the top of her hand, he turns it over to look at the palm. "Very well asked my dear Kacela. And playing to my ego and pride, quite the gamble on that." But his smile remains as he seems to focus on her hand one last second before letting it go, "Now go, my Nubian Queen, you have something that shall help you upon your quest. But be warned, do not disappoint me, for I shall be watching you now."<BR> <BR> Edmonds has noticed Edward and his stare, and frowns slightly. Smiling faintly at the approaching Nicholas and Uzal, he steps up as Kacela's hand is released. Inclining his head slightly, his voice is level and calm - the calm of tight control. "Sir. I would ask... a boon of you." He pauses for a moment, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. "I ask for the boon you judge best to aid me in directing the twists of Fate and Destiny where it is most advantageous for them to go."<BR> <BR> It's a major blinking day for Ellen. "Satan?... You called him 'dad', Pan..." She peers again through the fence, watching 'Satan' and the growing group around him.<BR> <BR> Edmonds pauses for a moment. "Advantageous to your designs, that is."<BR> <BR> Kacela gives a practically orgasmic shudder at the caress, and then widens eyes some as she feels the jolt of transmitted power. She gives a humbled nod and bow, before objecting, "Ego, no, merely strategy, as befitting for any commander." The blank expression on her face emphasizes the strength of her belief on this matter. The female pauses for a moment, and then withdraws with a gracious enough saunter, the beaded tips of her braids clacking against each other as she practically struts towards Uzal and Nicodemus. "Better jump in line, boys," she hisses out, smirking.<BR> <BR> Pan says, "Yeah, because he was trying to hit on a lady, so I had to do -something- to chase her away." He shrugs her shoulders at those remaining, "Probably all evil people wanting to suck his....uh.." Can't use naughty language in front of the human! "Feet."<BR> <BR> Behind the steering wheel of the blue Taurus, faith allows herself a roll of the eyes at the blatant display of... well... /sucking up/ going on not twenty feet away. (Granted, she did the same more than once, but she's different. She's very different, and that gives her an excuse.) Guh. It's almost embarrassing. Finally, the light turns green, but one last pedestrian decides to scurry across at the last minute. Faith is held up for another ten seconds, and is, at this point, growing /highly/ annoyed. Looks like somebody (or multiple somebodies) are going to be dealing with road rage on the way on. Likely not Faith's.<BR> <BR> Lyman shuffles uncomfortably under Kacela's gaze, tugging at his sweater as if it had shrunk a few sizes. Still, he does not shirk from her eyes, his own widening and intensifying with something venomous. Should Lucifer glance over his shoulder at any moment, that glare would immediately extinguish with a quick blinking. It is the method of the jealous child waiting for the parent to acknowledge them as a sibling is greeted with hugs and kisses. But, Nicodemus will not charge in and try to break up their embrace. He waits to be spoken to.<BR> <BR> Edward eyes flash as he sees another one approach Lucifer and also notes him down before stepping back and half turning away.<BR> <BR> Butch flicks his third used cigarette out into the street and picks up another fresh one as he watches the woman strut her stuff and walk away... 'hmmmm odd...I thought he usually twists and perverts the boons asked of him....maybe....maybe those Kobalites were just blowing smoke...maybe a lot of those stories are....fake...But then again, is it worth it to chance it? Wait...would Lucifer reward caution? Certainly not for my ilk....wait why the hell am I going over this so much! Screw that! That’s never the way I’ve done it in the past and I’m not about to do that now!' Butch throws his now empty carton of cigs across the street into the now piled up cars and grits his teeth into a smile. And strides forward with determination!<BR> <BR> Seeing Kacela's gaze upon him, Uzal's smile widens, almost to a grin. He puts his hands in his pockets, his manner just /this/ side of disrespect. Then, Edmonds comes up, speaking his words, and Uzal just can't help it. "Why, have you nothing more specific than that, sir?" he quirks his eyebrow mildly, addressing Edmonds. "Surely you must have some desires for yourself, other than simply to do what you are expected. Some dreams, some ambitions -- some thoughts of your own." He smiles encouragingly. "This is your chance -- what do you truly wish for?"<BR> <BR> The Morningstar's smile fades as Kacela walks off, as he slides his hands into his jacket pockets. Just then one of the other two waiting directly around him with a request walks up. Eyes shifting from watching Kacela walk away, Lucifer's face is now straight business. "There is always a cost for things you truly want, Edmonds." Lucifer's eyes look over the man who has approached him sternly, "Are you prepared to accept the cost for what you /truly/ want." Just as he makes his query, Uzal walks up, and Lucifer's face automatically turns into a scowl. "Uzal, let us not stick your foot in your own mouth and swallow so early into the evening while I'm around, shall we?"<BR> <BR> Edmonds turns to regard Uzal for a long moment, and then sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I do not seek to dictate terms. That would be... folly." He takes a breath, and lets it out slowly as Lucifer asks him his question. "Of course there is a cost. But objectively, the potential benefits outweigh the risk." He smiles faintly. "After all - this is a chance very few ever are offered. I stand by my request for the boon you judge best in aiding me in directing the twist of Fate and Destiny. I will... accept the price."<BR> <BR> "Is he really your dad?.." Ellen murmurs to Pan, watching through the park fence as if it could protect the two of them from the Adversary. "And, what about /her/?" she lowers her voice to a whisper. Even though Satan is distracted now, he might have super hearing! "Raphael? Has anything changed?"<BR> <BR> Butch marches with a powerful stride up to the group, nudging hard into Uzal's side as he comes to stop next to him. A slick smile on his face.<BR> <BR> zal's eyes flash, /almost/ scowling back at Lucifer, though not quite. He presses his lips tight, standing straight and rigid. Lucifer didn't exactly /order/ him to do anything, so he won't become dissonant. A look of disappointment comes over his face as Edmonds resists the loss of objectivity. He looks to Butch as he is nudged, lifting an eyebrow. "Yes?" he smiles back curiously.<BR> <BR> Earlier, the industrialist managed to carefully hold his disgust for Kacela's success to a simmering glare. Now, at the mention of Uzal's name, Lyman does not exhibit the same restraint. With a side glance to the Prince of insubordination, his lips twist into a sneer of utter disgust. This certainly explains the strange behavior of his men during their attempted apprehension of Christian.<BR> <BR> Lucifer's teeth gleam pearl white as he smiles ever so slightly as Edmonds accepts the cost for what he's asking for. "Very well then, the cost accepted and the boon given." Reaching out a hand, Lucifer brushes the tips of his fingers across Edmonds coat, a brief flicker of electricity spiking out of the tips of his fingers as he touches him. Just as he finishes, Lucifer's hand raises, still having yet to turn around and look at Nicodemus, "Approach, scowling one."<BR> <BR> After a seeming eternity, "Bright Lights" finally comes to a halt. Faith risks cracking the driver-side window, opening it just a hint to try and hear what the Lightbringer and assorted kiss-ups are talking about. She hears the word 'boon' over the too-chipper voice of the radio announcer, and shudders. The cars ahead start to drive on, and Faith follows them, practically tailgating the SUV in front of her in her haste to /get out/. As she leaves the area, she looks back at the Accuser and his crowd of followers.<BR> <BR> Pheh. /Demons/, these days.<BR> <BR> Butch starts moving forward once the deal is cut. But forces himself to stop as Lucy addresses the foolish thing standing next to him. Obviously miffed. Butch plants both his feet and waits....<BR> <BR> Kacela clenches one hand into a ball as she resists gloating further, seeing the two clash. "Well, looks like behaving properly can get you somewhere," she remarks towards Nicodemus, although some of that tone carries with it the same reverent carriage that an older sibling might carry when a brother or sister follows in their footsteps. At that point, she allows herself the luxury of more closely sizing up that luxuriant Tyrean amethyst of his eyes...<BR> <BR> Edmonds hisses softly as the power grounds itself into him. He steps back with a polite nod to Lucifer, ignoring Uzal's frustration for the moment. Taking stock in himself, a slight smile crosses his lips, and he smooths his jacket down. He glances over at Kacela, giving her a slow nod of respect before turning and heading for where he left his briefcase. Softly, to himself he murmurs, "Not so terrible a price..."<BR> <BR> Uzal turns to scowl back at Lyman, because it's safer to scowl at him than at the Morningstar. He continues to stand defiantly, eyes moving from Lyman to Kacela, observing Kacela's regard of the man. He watches disdainfully as Nicodemus approaches Lucifer.<BR> <BR> Lyman looks between the other demons, silently hoping for sparks to fly. But, his attention quickly snaps back to Lucifer, as he is finally addressed. Stepping forward to distinguish himself from the insubordinate and his tormentor, the industrialist lightly bows his head, "Like others I hope for the power to make your vision real, to be victorious in The War." Perhaps, he is just the younger child, insisting on having the same toys, same opportunities, as his older sibling. "But, I will not be vague, and excuse me if I am over ambitious in asking, but I have greatly wished for cohesion here in Austin. One united front against the host. If it is your will, let me draw them together to see your word done." The beginnings of a glowing smile die, flattening into a determined line, "Like others, I am willing to pay the price. Over and over, if need be."<BR> <BR> Pan stares at Ellen, "Hell no, Ellen! What the....What the heck? That's crazy talk! No, it was a total fib." She smiles, "Last I knew, she's doing okay. No spontaneous combustion or nothing."<BR> <BR> Kacela shoots Nicodemus a dirty look at the request. Requesting dominion over other demons? Or other criminal elements? Fine. But this? If it were to pass, that would place him quite squarely as her superior in rank. While no different than before, the arrangement was much more loose, ambiguous, and able to be taken advantage of. Now? Now, this would make things much more difficult. However, any properly ran organization, be it the Austin PTA or the legions of Hell, required a hierarchy. It would just require more... patience on her part. She settles, although this time her gaze is clearly no longer upon Uzal.<BR> <BR> Before Lucifer gives his verdict, Lyman bows his head lower. His hands rise to his face, pulling back his blond hair to reveal to identical bumps of skin...horns. "If I have overstepped my boundaries, forgive me and please, rid me of these."<BR> <BR> There's a very dark look that comes over Lucifer's face, but the smile doesn't fade in the least. If anything, his eyes seem to grow deeper as he contemplates exactly which way to take what Nicodemus asks for and turn it into something to be given. "Very well Nicodemus. I shall give you your boon, but not for a fortnight. You must prove over the next fortnight that you deserve such power. Act well in the coming strife and challenges and you shall be rewarded more than you think." And just like that, whether anyone else wanted to talk to him or not, Lucifer disappears.<BR> <BR> Butch growls outloud<BR> <BR> Edmonds arches an eyebrow slightly. "Hm. That was certainly... interesting." He picks his briefcase up off the bench, checking the contents briefly before snapping it shut again. "When he speaks of strife and challenges... I think I have things to prepare."<BR> <BR> Uzal's eyes flash brightly again as Lyman makes his request. So, he wishes to be dictator here, to unite others under himself and lord it over the city. So, it is war, then. His defiant scowl intensifies, accompanied by a soft snarl, eerily inhuman. Uzal's hatred for Lucifer, which he cannot act upon, is easily transferred to the crime boss. As Lucifer finally vanishes, Uzal tries to conceal his breath of relief. He lifts a hand to brush back his hair, suddenly exhausted as the terror he's been hiding starts to drain out of him. Looking as casual as he can, he glances around, smirking, gaze resting on Kacela for a moment, then moving to Butch. He offers the latter a sympathetic smile, "How unfortunate that he did not notice you. He often seems in too much of a hurry to give people the attention they deserve, I have notice."<BR> <BR> Butch spits into the gutter after his low growl fades..."And just /what/ did you notice pray tell?"<BR> <BR> And as if by some infernal bad fortunate, the faint ghost shape of a large hand reaches out and grabs Uzal before disappearing with him. "Tisk tisk, just couldn't keep your mouth shut while I was around or afterward..." can be heard in a whisper to anyone who was near where Lucifer was.<BR> <BR> With his gaze averted to the ground, Nicodemus accepts the standards of the test with a grateful nod. "I will not fail you," he assures, clearly pleased by the verdict. Then, after Lucipher disappears, the industrialist rises to his full height, producing a cell phone from his pocket. Lyman once again and not a knight bound to his king, he places a call, "This is Lyman. I need a driver immediately. No, I'm not with the real estate agent."<BR> <BR> Butch rears his head back and Laughs deeply and darkly. "Now THAT is funny. It would be even better if he was a Kobalite!" After the laughing fit he spits again and muses to himself....'its true...the dark prince is truly a man of immeasurable power...the stories must be true...still I can't believe I let myself stand in line like a pathetic IMP! argh.... I’m so pissed at myself!'<BR> <BR> Kacela bats eyes only once at the display that sweeps Uzal away from her. That narrows down the objects of her attention, and she fixes the burly, surly man with a faintly disinterested look before turning back to Nicodemus's request for a ride. "Should I start a betting pool on what's going to pull up to whisk you away, mm? The Navigator again, mayhaps?" She crosses arms over her chest.<BR> <BR> As he is grabbed, Uzal's eyes widen... he starts to scream, but the sound is choked off as his corporeal form dissolves, leaving only the celestial echo of his terrified cry in the empty air.<BR> <BR> Edmonds arches an eyebrow as Uzal apparently pisses off the Lord of Hell... and drags him away. "Tsk. Well, we shall see." He glances at Lyman, with a slight shake of his head. "So. Commander of the local forces. Hm. I suppose we'll see." He turns and starts down the street, digging into his pocket and pulling out his cellphone. And calls for a taxi. After all, he can afford it.<BR> <BR> "Ah, that's good to hear," Ellen nods to Pan, speaking softly. "Is she still asleep?" Then, she blinks again as Lucifer disappears, followed by Uzal. "Who was that man with him?" she whispers. "The one with black hair... he looked so scared..."<BR> <BR> Pan points at Uzal as he vanishes and bursts out laughing, "Hahaha! Oh man!" She rubs at her eyes with a hand briefly before lowering it, "Heheh.... Who knows? He's been around though, he's definitely a demon to be so easily snagged like that. I dunno. Either way, hate to be him, hehe..." She cringes, "Uh, sorry."<BR> <BR> Left with the demons he just asked to dominate, Lyman is surprisingly casual. He pulls the phone away from his face, at first, to comment to Kacela. "I wouldn't put your money on that," he says between an amused chuckle, "I've been playing around with a neat little sports car. Lower end, I'll admit. But that just means I don't have to treat it with as much care." As Edmonds passes, the industrialist continues to ignore the person on the line, "Please, commander is such a harsh term. I merely want to see to it that we're organized and that a system of cooperation is maintained." Finally, he places the phone back to his ear, "Yes. I'm at...<gives cross street>."<BR> <BR> Edmonds shrugs slightly, tucking his own phone away, having used the time Lyman was speaking to Kacela to finish telling the dispatch where he wants the cab to pick him up. He snaps his phone closed and tucks it away. "Mmm. Of course - but we are what we are. And in the end, it is more to our nature to command and be commanded than to... cooperate. In general terms, of course. I didn't say I objected. But... we shall see."<BR> <BR> Butch slides his very last cigarette into his mouth and lights up. Standing on the spot where Lucy and the foolish one disappeared. Taking in the moment.<BR> <BR> Kacela breaks into a laugh. "Lower end? Like what, a '95 Mustang? I might have to laugh." Her speech is beguilingly bubbly, perhaps to draw attention away from the ripple that passed through the group over Lyman's request. "And that's something that would beckon be driven one's self, not by chauffeur. Taking some night air perhaps?" A sly expression crosses her face, before she snorts towards Edmonds, "Oh come off it. Speaking of which," she taps her chin thoughtfully, peering at Butch, "Is that fresh meat over there?"<BR> <BR> Edmonds shrugs at Kacela as a taxi pulls up to the curb and honks. "Have fun. Goodnight." He climbs into the taxi, which whisks him away.<BR> <BR> "Poor guy," Ellen shakes her head. She's the /only/ person who feels sorry for Uzal, it seems. She watches the scene in the street thoughtfully. "That's the woman who let Christian out of jail, with Nicodemus Lyman. I don't know who the others are." She sighs, her voice still lowered, "I guess it's starting, then. The end of the world. Why else would the devil be walking around here?"<BR> <BR> Butch takes a long drag off his last cig letting the toxic smoke billow up into the night air. He flexes his fists into tight balls, then lets them loosen, then tighten again, repeating the motion..... "Damn.....next time.....next time....."<BR> <BR> Pan says, "Loserfir doesn't mind tormenting his own kind. He's evil like that." <BR> <BR> Her eyes widen, "I...I don't think that's happening, Ellen. At least, I don't -think- so." She frowns, "I mean, I'm sure he's on Earth a lot of the time doing stuff. He's a busy loser." She chews on her lip, "But it does not bode well, even if it's not Armageddon. I should let Rem' know. Glad he didn't decide to hit on you!"<BR> <BR> Butch looks at Kacela and nods to the woman.<BR> <BR> "Hit on me?" Ellen blinks. "Does he do that? I thought he didn't like humans." She gives a quiet nod to Pan's further words, then she tilts her head. "Did you actually know him... before?" she whispers.<BR> <BR> "Oh, I think he'd use anybody he wants." Pan says haphazardly. "I knew -of- him, he was pretty respected before he went psycho. I was pretty new by the time the War started, but I'm sure freaking glad I got to be around before it started. Gives a sense of perspective." She glances around briefly before adding, "Michael really did kick his scaly butt."<BR> <BR> Kacela appears to be out of range of the hushed exchanges between Ellen and Pan. Instead, she turns her attention to Butch. "Ah, hello there. You do seem quite lost. Some would say we all are, the only difference is in how and to what degree we each are. If you are interested in getting some... direction, I could possibly arrange for some work. Can't have idle hands about." She practically simpers.<BR> <BR> Butch nods slowly. "I respect what you did back there. I like your style."<BR> <BR> "You'll see," Lyman says through a thin smile, not wanting to give away the make of the vehicle. The conversation then turns to Butch, who the industrialist regards with a questioning stare, "So it seems...a new arrival. We'll have to get to the bottom of his story, you and I." Again, with his stress on cooperation. Then, in the growing dark, two headlights pull onto the street and the hum of a high performance vehicle can be heard fast approaching. Reaching the intersection, it slows, as the driver is clearly scanning for something...an address perhaps? Whatever it's looking for, the car pulls over next to a nearby street lamp, which reveals it to be a silver RX8. "My ride," Lyman says, starting over. The street light also reveals the Mazda to have suffered some serious scratching along the lower portion of its frame, damage that Lyman should really fire somebody over. But, all the instruction he gives his aid is, "Passenger side." Then, at the driver side door, Lyman smiles back to Kacela, "I really need to start treating my toys with more respect, don't I?"<BR> <BR> Ellen listens to Pan's account, fascinated. "Why did he rebel?" she asks quietly. "What was it really about? I've heard different stories." Most of them from Sorcerors and other not-too-reliable sources of information.<BR> <BR> Kacela's eyes become a bit unfocused as she seethes with some past recollection. "The moment I fledged, a corruptor was waiting right at the ruins of Gehenna to snatch me up in its tentacles," she hisses out lowly towards Butch, eyes a glitter with hatred. "The best, the only way to ensure that I will never be at a disadvantage like that is to know what opportunities may present themselves, and then take them with all the fury of a tempest when they arrive..." As the sound of a vehicle pulling up can be heard, she mmms speculatively. "At least it wasn't the whitewater pearl. I hear they charge an extra two hundred for THAT color. But that's likely just a mere pittance to you. And I positively DO love how those doors fold out," she remarks to the smaller coupe rear-hinged doors on the frame. "I suppose I should let you two... three..." She hunkers down to regard the former driver, "Alone." With a flourished spin, she begins to meander back towards the intersection where she had pulled her car aside to observe the manicured lawn of the well-kept aircraft plant.<BR> <BR> Butch Nods at the words. And watches the woman leave...she resembles a flame, stylish, quick, and efficient.<BR> <BR> Pan says, "I don't know." to Ellen, "Power hungry? Maybe you're right and he just didn't like you guys? Either way, it's not like I can ask him and trust a word that comes out of his mouth."<BR> <BR> Waving a hand to his fellow demons, as if he did not just try to distinguish himself from them, Lyman hops in his car and speed off into the night.<BR> <BR> Butch finishes the cig tossing it into the gutter. And slowly picks back up his earlier jogging pace.<BR> <BR> <DIV ALIGN="right">Previous: <A HREF="file:///C|/My%20Documents/Websites/logs.html">Logs</A> or <A HREF="mmiv.html">2004 Archive</A></DIV> <BR> </TD> </TR> </TABLE> <MAP NAME="SJG" ID="SJG"> <AREA SHAPE="rect" COORDS="0,0,511,100" HREF="http://www.sjgames.com/innomine/" TARGET="new"> </MAP> </BODY> </HTML>