⇨ The Tourist Trap: WEEK 2

[ringleaders]

Who: Anyone, anywhere in Portland.
When: October 7st - 14th, 2017
Where: Portland area, in the new reality.
What: The week begins as the time of the Animal Fair finally arrives! Meanwhile, the truth of this reality starts to be revealed, and forces both human and celestial alike attempt to take advantage of a rare opportunity.
Warnings: Individually marked!

BY ANY OTHER NAME↴ Tensions thicken as various supernaturally forces react to the events of the previous week. Something critical is afoot, and it's only a matter of time before things start coming to a head. It's time to find out more about what's happened to this world, and what will happen in its future. ► A NIGHT AT THE FAIR: From the night of the 7th to the morning of the 8th, the Animal Fair is officially in town. There is a top level down below with more information, though you can also RP content from this elsewhere if you wish. The host, who is very likely something called a Wyld Fae (if you discovered that ICly), will be present, but they will only be appearing to you of their own accord and attempting to track them down by force will be ineffective. Just kick back and relax! Fairs are supposed to be fun. ► THORNS IN YOUR SIDE: Culminating in a full fledged attack against the Sanctuary, it would seem that The Rose Queen is declaring war on the changeling population of Portland. Though the vicious attack of thorns against the safe house was eventually stopped, it wasn't without damage, and the black roses that caused it are still popping up around the city and threatening the places where homeless and lost changelings would be likely to congregate. It's obvious now that this is a serious threat - will it ever stop without an intervention? ► HELL ON EARTH: As Anath's march draws near, the first waves of her demons will be entering the city. Primarily acting as scouts and foot soldiers, these demons will be attempting to secure loyalty from the local demon populace, as well as taking out any angels they can manage to catch. It's a level of aggressiveness against heaven's forces that hasn't been seen for years, and it's a foreboding hint of things to come. These demons can be NPCed by anyone, and will mostly be thugs or manipulators who don't know much about Anath's plans but do know that you need to join their side. They are also rowdier than most of the demons in Portland, and are a threat to the innocent mortal populace as well, if they decide to try to get their kicks here. ► THE WIZARD POLICE: The Enlightenment Council seems to have demanded control of the local Circle chapter, and now backup has arrived. These mages are being sent out into the city as if they are a police force, and will be attempting to demand control of various common supernatural areas, as well as questioning community members that they run into. Whatever is going on, it seems to have resulted in the Council instituting what is essentially martial law... of course, not everyone sees any need to heed their demands. If you are a demon, warlock, or other rogue element, expect to be harassed or even attacked by them. These character can be NPCed, and if you need additional information you can ask the mods.

Comments

[diamondsare]

It looks ... ordinary, save that there's no pavement or cement anywhere, all crushed pebbles or bare earth instead. The home is in good repair, the small bit of lawn is mowed, what little ornamental plant life there is tended and orderly, a faint scent of barbecue in the air - though that might be the neighbors. There's also the smell of chlorine that suggested someone, be it the people in this house or neighboring homes, has a pool. It seems utterly mundane.

The woman seated on the front steps however isn't. She's visibly a demon, and a rather tall one - they're a bit distinctive even when they're shaded a bit blue at the extremities, if the horns and batwings alone aren't a giveaway though there probably aren't too many he's met that also have feathery peacock-like tails. But demons are better than fae, right?

Maybe. Hell, souls, damnation, etc.

She stands when Greg and his son are spotted, a frown on her face. She'd been intending to not even be in this city by now, and taking this boy suddenly to Hawaii as well was awfully tempting. Instead of saying anything to them as they approach, she turns enough to open the door and lean in a bit to notify others. Her husband and her son specifically. "Company's here."

Company. Not the likely bait to a whole lot of dangerous trouble while a demon army is also bearing down. Just company.

[fragileandsoft]

He doesn't want to do this. More than anything, Greg just wants to stay with Steven. But the Queen will be looking for Steven, and Greg will be the first place she'll look. The stinging, painful fact is that for now Steven will be safest away from his father.

"Don't worry, Steven." Greg squeezes his hand back as they approach. "You can count on Miss Blue. She'll take good care of you. No one gets past her."

Handing off a firstborn child to a demon has always sort of been considered a no-no in parenting circles, but Greg trusts Blue. Mostly. He certainly knows she won't have any trouble with anyone who comes to bother her, anyway. She'd mentioned a tropical escape, and honestly Greg can't make up his mind if that would ultimately keep Steven safer or not.

He meets Blue's dour expression with a smile--tired, weak, desperate, but ultimately grateful. "Thanks for seeing us."

[starseedling]

Steven is absolutely nervous, but that doesn't mean he won't trust his father on this one. Both of the Universes have been taught a hard lesson about choosing one's allies, and he expects that Greg is as reluctant to trust people as Steven is. At least where this whole problem is concerned.

And she already knows he's a changeling! That's one big barrier out the door. According to Greg, she's known about Steven for some time, and has a half demon son of her own. He hopes he gets to meet him.

Steven is shy in his approach, but he'll come to meet Blue at the door, tentatively extending a hand to her in greeting. This feels weirdly familiar, somehow, complete with feelings of uncertain anxiety.

"I'm Steven," he says quietly, looking up at her. He wants to be polite.

[diamondsare]

In theory a fae won't think to poke around the home of a demon for her lost spawn. That's the going hope, anyway, and if she did ... well.

Blue had plans. Ones she'd rather not use, but they would probably work. Until then, she had to keep a small veggie-boy content, which she's certain she can do. "I'd say it's no problem but, well. You'll forgive me if I don't." Her tone isn't accusing, just a little weary. She could hardly say no after all, even if it complicated matters.

Steven's timidity is greeted with a far less weary smile. "Hello, Steven. Call me Blue. I guess you'll be staying with me for a little bit. We'll have dinner ready in a while, until then if you like video games, I'm certain my own son Rin would be happy to share."

What kid doesn't like games? ... Then again if he's been off in fae world for Satan-knew how long, he might not be familiar with them at all. Well, Rin would solve that problem in short order.

"..Greg, will you be staying for a meal, maybe a cup of coffee?"

[fragileandsoft]

Yes, he'll certainly forgive her for that much. It seems that there's nothing but problems in this city these days. Greg's smile warms as the two of them greet one another. It feels like a long time coming, with how much she's heard about him.

"Well..." He squeezes Steven's hand one more time. Paranoia pushes him to leave as fast as possible, just to make sure no one can possibly track him here, though he refuses to give in to the impulse. "Ahh, I ate a little before heading over. But, if it's all right... I wanna make sure Steven gets settled before I head out."

His stomach growls faintly in protest of his attempt at restraint. Those instant noodles did not fill him up well. "Ehh. W-well, a little something might be nice."

[starseedling]

Steven's smile becomes more genuine as well as Blue greets him, and he nods a little, in quiet agreement with her suggestion. It a weird feeling - like he's abruptly remembering a hobby that he'd otherwise forgotten about until now.

"I like videogames," he says, as if it's a bit of a revelation as well. He's still anxiously holding onto Greg's hand though, apprehensive about the moment that he'll be leaving. Hearing Greg agree to stick around for a little while is very nice. Though it does prompt him to ask something.

"Do you really have to go?" he asks Greg, looking up at him uncertainly. He knows why Greg is doing it, or at least he thinks he does... it just hurts a lot to be separated again so soon after they were reunited.

[diamondsare]

She knew how to deal with some children, at least. Maybe not all little boys were like half-demons (though plenty of moms would likely loudly disagree..) but liking games and liking food seemed to be a pretty strong common thread. "That's wonderful. I'm afraid I have no idea what he's into these days, but I'm sure he'll have something you'll like."

And she was going to have to find out if fae children even ate the same things she usually fed her own family. It could get awkward otherwise.

"I doubt anyone suspicious is going to come looking this soon. Why don't you stay, say hello to Shiro? Maybe a quick game of cards, it's been ages." It might help the boy too, to have an adult he knew .. at least somewhat, hanging around a little longer. This arrangement wouldn't last forever but ..

"..Either way why don't you both come in?" She opens the door and leaves it that way, beckoning. The interior is a bit cool but otherwise alarmingly ordinary if one didn't quite notice the changes to the interior to accomidate hooves or claws or wings and tails, a shed feather lurking here or there in corners. But the amenities are reasonably modern, and easily recognizable. "I'll see if I can scare up the men in my life and they can come say hello too."

[flashover]

Both the men had heard Blue call for them, but hadn't chosen to come outside. Rin hangs back as a friendly looking fellow in an obnoxious dad shirt comes to the door. He offers his hand to Greg.

"Greg! It HAS been ages! I don't think I've seen you since... man, was it that barbecue years back? Goodness. Please, do come in. It was my turn to cook tonight, so we're having hot dogs and hamburgers, with plenty to go around. Rin, boy, say hello."

Rin finally comes forward, currently not hiding any of his demonic features and offers a wave to Greg and Steven. The kid looks a lot younger than him, but is definitely sporting some supernaturality about him.

"Uh. Hey. I'm Rin," he says with a bright smile on his snout. Then he looks up at Blue and tilts his head. "What's goin' on? I didn't know we were having company."