NachtMusik -- Logs

The morning passes relatively uneventfully until the band rises. Obviously not a group of morning persons, the band seems a bit groggy, but the appearance of the black suited man and his little baggies of fun seems to have taken the edge off. They're moving a lot more smoothly than the zombified performance back at the club. Wrenchial seems to have taken off. He left a note, in his excruciatingly small capitals, with Rosenstern, who, having walked home, spent most of the morning talking with (you guessed it) Marty, the World's Only Arrhythmic Drummer. The note is to the effect that Wrench is on his way to get to work on the venue, while the band needs to be at a small downtown studio at 1 PM today to record the single. Most importantly, he adds, they have to be there ON TIME, as the studio's booked solid. The note is signed, "Love, Darkness, Sidearms, Wrench."

Shateishael wandered in earlier, shirtless, with the information that Nick had some errands to run, and then told a fascinating story to his angelic counterparts -- about vicious, shellacked, legless torsos that he needs to talk to Mitrah about and then probably figure out how to eliminate. At the note he raises a disdainfully amused eyebrow, "Sidearms... hmf. Figures." He grins, then checks the time -- can't afford to have the band be late, it seems.

Rosenstern is holding the note, having already puzzled over the signature bemusedly. He's been keeping an eye out for Druiel, been doing his best not to be too much of a morning person at the members of the band who aren't fully coherent, and of course talking with Marty. He raised an eyebrow at Slate's shirtless arrival, but was understandably perturbed when he heard why. He agreed that it would definitely be something to inform the 'local authorities' of, as Dominic put it. "Should two of us scout the route the band are going to be travelling," he asks, "-or just all of us stick with them?"

Shateishael finishes rolling up his sleeves on the next shirt in his limited repertory, then tucks his small hammer-pendant down inside it. "Might as well just ride along with them, Rosen, and I'll take the bike along for just in case? And we should give the band a 15 minute warning as well, right?"

Taygeta has no idea what the creatures under the city are, but isn't too sanguine about them. Getting the band to their recording session isn't a problem -- they have transportation on tap -- but getting them there on time is going to require a bit of ingenuity. He shrugs. "I can scout ahead as we go. I think we should give them a ten-minute warning. Might get them ready in fifteen that way."

Rosenstern nods, "Sounds good. We should start rousing them now; let them know when we have to leave. Fewer surprises that way."

Shateishael nods at Taygeta and Rosenstern, "'Kay. I'm gonna let y'all handle them, then." He grins wryly.

Marty, grinning aimlessly, hops up and says, "No problem, I'll help get them up and moving."

Taygeta looks bemused at Slate's dodge -- how'd he get stuck with the dirty job? "Thanks." He lets Marty take the lead on rousting out the band.

Shateishael gives Marty a faintly surprised look, then nods, "Thanks, man." He waits until Marty's off to murmur very quietly, "Sure wish that kid would take some drumming lessons... he seems to have his shit together other than that."

Rosenstern grins, "Thanks, Marty..." For not the first time, he wonders about Marty. He's learned very little about why Marty is... well, the way he is. A drug-free drummer in a... punk? hardcore? metal?... band, who isn't into the drugs like his fellows are. He replies to Slate, "He's got it together a lot, definitely. I'm still wondering what he's doing here..." He frowns. Would this have anything to do with Druiel choosing this band...? Shateishael smiles and shrugs, shelving the issue for later.

Marty's chipper demeanor does not endear him to the rest of the band. It does, however, get them moving. It's possible that they're just trying to get out of range of hearing Marty's humming. "Think I'll go for a walk outside... the sunshine's callin' my name..." He drags Phil to his feet. "C'mon now... we're late. Get up, man, jump! Might as well jump..."

Getting the band to the studio is fairly painless once the band is brought back to life. The entourage sends a driver along with, to haul the equipment. The band arrives right on time, and loadout goes smoothly. The engineers appear to have been briefed on the situation, and have no problem with several curious characters in their studio, which is fairly nondescript, except for a framed, autographed picture of The Who sitting in the place of honor on the wall. The engineers are youngish men in their twenties, and very professional.

As the band is filing into the booth to tune up, there's a minor commotion as someone appears to be trying to talk their way past reception. Shateishael visually checks to make sure the band's all present and accounted for and okay... then takes a quick peek around the corner to see who's trying to get in. Rosenstern remains with the band as he sees Slate is on the commotion, keeping his attention on them and their immediate surroundings, glancing over to Slate now and then. It's Zara, who appears to be strangely unsuccessful in talking her way past the receptionist. Shateishael grins and waves to Zara, then says to the receptionist, "She's okay."

The receptionist seems quite dubious about this, but the younger of the two engineers shrugs and waves her in. Zara smiles a bit to Slate, whispering, "I'm sorry I'm late, dear... had to arrange to have the shop taken care of. Terrible, on short notice."

Shateishael grins, even as he eyes the older angel curiously... he'd have thought someone like her would be a snap at talking humans into stuff. "S'okay, Ms. Zara. Here, have a seat." Rosenstern spots Zara entering, and smiles warmly, waving to her.

Zara smiles, "Thank you." She has a seat where she can observe the band in the booth. The band is getting ready to finish tuning up, and the engineer announces, "This is Take 1. Let's hear it, guys." Shateishael stands by Zara's chair, out of the way of the professionals, and watches interestedly. Rosenstern remains nearby Zara as well, though he attempts to keep an eye on just about everything, most particularly overhead. He doesn't think it likely Druiel would come in through the front door. Shateishael wonders idly if the band will sound any better today... then just leans back against the wall relaxedly and folds his arms. This is probably going to take a while. Might as well be comfortable.

Taygeta punches the number for Zara's shop into the cell phone, just to see who'll answer. He is received by a slightly-annoyed sounding man with a somewhat effeminate demeanor who reports that Zara is not, in fact, at work today, and likely won't be back until after the weekend. Taygeta nods to himself and thanks the clerk. "I'll call back on Monday, then."

The band starts in on the first track of the single, starting out with the same song that the angels recall from the club. The sound, however, is much better, and those assembled can make out words and actual melodies now. Everyone, even those not particularly musically inclined, is impressed. The band is actually awake and alert now, and it's a very catchy tune. And while Marty still sucks intensely, it's overshadowed by how very good Donna, the singer, is. She's a very charismatic performer -- very soulful -- and while she enunciates about as well as Michael Stipe and no one can really tell what she's saying exactly, she undeniably says it with feeling. Zara in particular seems taken with her.

Shateishael glances down and smiles at Zara's reaction. Looking back up at the girl singing her heart out, he's not surprised the Novalite would like her, if the kid is this good at making people happy. He frowns quietly, one hand lightly brushing his mustache, and hopes Druiel will listen to sense -- and Zara -- and that the girl's not who the seraph of Teenage Death is actually after.

Taygeta watches the band as Aric, and keeps an eye on the approaches to the studio building, switching from pigeon to sparrow to starling every now and again. He is ... intrigued by the band's improvement in a more disciplined environment. Not nearly as bad as they sounded last night. It's still not Benny Goodman, but they do have talent.

Rosenstern keeps his attention varying, but he can't not be intrigued and interested in the music. He's rather amazed; when they aren't strung out and apparently cruising for a fix, they sound pretty good. However, he doesn't like being suspicious. Being suspicious denies the inherent good within mortals, though sometimes that inherent good is buried under a great deal of excrement. But from the word 'go' this has been uncomfortable. Wrench knew full well what he was protecting the band from when he asked a favor of them. Rosenstern loves the singing and the music, he honestly does... but that twitching in his mind is interminable, and there's something about all this... this mess that is disquieting. He can't help but think that there's some link between Druiel, and the band... possibly even... Marty...?

And just then-- the power dies.

Shateishael darts forward, heading for the doorway into the room the band is in, "Rose, stick with Zara! Tay, what happened at the rear of the building?"

The engineers swear a bit. "God damn it. I think we blew a breaker. Hey, can someone go check that out for us while we check our gear here?"

Rosenstern looks up sharply, his breath catching. "Something happened..." he murmurs softly and urgently, hoping the other celestials will catch the meaning in his words. He blinks at Slate's leaping into action, and nods quickly, standing but staying near Zara and Taygeta.

Taygeta's outside self checks for problems, following the lines into the building to check for sabotage. Taygeta's bird vessel doesn't see any damage to the lines. However... looks like there's something moving around in the narrow alley behind the studio. Taygeta flies down a little closer to the figure, wary after Slate's description of the creatures under the city, but curious as to whom this might be. Whatever the figure is, it just kicked in the back door. There's quite a loud bang.

Shateishael opens the door, and pauses there, so he can go either way if necessary. If the engineers get upset... too bad. The band appears to be blinking in the darkness. "God damn it, man... what's the fucking problem?" "When a problem comes along, you must whip it." "Shut the fuck up, Marty." Shateishael pulls his tiny pocket flashlight out and clicks it on, careful not to blind anyone with it, and keeping it slowly moving around the room. He is met by a rather annoyed looking Donna. "Man, what's going on out there?"

Shateishael says tersely, "Power's out. Y'all c'mon out into this room for now, 'kay?" He'd like them and Zara all together if possible.

Donna sighs irritably, and most of the band groans. "Aw, man," but they do as they're told, and file into the mixing booth.

Shateishael sympathizes, but will hustle them out. He looks a bit relieved when they're all together, and settles next to Zara again, keeping the flashlight lit. However, at the bang he hands it to Rosenstern, "Careful, don't flash this in anyone's face, okay?"

Taygeta blinks. "Slate. We're getting company. Someone just kicked in the back door."

Shateishael nods a little grimly, then snaps at the engineers, "Which of these doors lead to the back?" He eyes the equipment, wondering what would happen if he just shoved some of it into the doorway to block it... probably be a bitch to replace. He looks around, hoping for something less expensive to hand.

The engineers look at each other, a little off-put, and the older of the two indicates the fire door. "That way... hey, what's going on?"

Shateishael nods, then says politely, "Ms. Zara, may I have your chair please? I'd like to jam the door with it." Zara nods quietly and moves back into a corner, getting her back to a wall.

Taygeta steps close to the seraph and whispers urgently. "Might be Drew, it's about the right size. And it's armed, I think. Something metal in its hand."

Shateishael rams the chair firmly up against the door, "Tay, is there a clear path to the van available?"

Rosenstern swallows slightly and takes the flashlight, nodding and feeling a little foolish for Slate to feel the need to remind him not to do that. He keeps it pointed at the ground and tries to carefully herd the band and the engineers away from the back door. He also glances in the direction of the front door, trying to see if anyone is coming in from the front.

The inner door bangs loudly. Once, again, and then it's quiet.

Shateishael backs away warily from the door, "Everyone get out of this room. NOW. Keep 'em moving, guys. Tay, tell me now -- path or no?!" The band, having decided this is a little too weird for them this early in the day, is moving quickly in the other direction, toward the front door.

There's a loud, high-pitched sound, as something strikes the door again. Anyone turning the flashlight on it will see seven inches of knife blade protruding from just to one side of the door handle. Shateishael steps lightly to the side, then lashes out sharply with one booted foot, in an attempt to snap off the blade in the door.

Rosenstern leads the grouping towards the front, cautiously, just in case whatever's coming in through the back door might decide to leave through the front. At the sound of something hitting the back door, he decides that, yes, whatever is trying to get in is still having at the back door, and so he hurries the pace. The engineers decide to take the better part of discretion and go with.

The knife doesn't break, though it does withdraw. It pops back a second later. Shateishael mutters, "Shit," and doesn't try again. If the attacker has another knife he doesn't want to get stabbed while kicking. He backs out, leaving last, making sure even the engineers are out of the room, then says quietly to Zara, "Is this Drew's usual style, ma'am?"

Zara is backing away from the door, and murmurs, "I don't know, child... I've never seen." Shateishael nods to Zara once, not taking his eyes off the door as he backs out. He crosses his fingers that Drew, or whoever this is, doesn't make a mad dash for the front.

Taygeta says, "Zara, Rose -- keep 'em together. I'll take point. It looks like he's a lone nut." He leads the way back to the front door while his bird vessel watches outside the building."

Taygeta leads the way, cautiously at the doors, but gets the band and the technicians outside with no difficulties. "Okay, into the van, people, but don't take off unless the nutcase comes out of the building. Studio folks, I don't think he's after you, but I'm not taking chances at this point." He turns then to watch the door while his other self watches the approaches.

As Slate is leaving the back room, the rear exit slams open; the chair that wedged it shut snaps in half. Something is stalking into the room; backlit by the open rear exit. It appears to be relatively slight and wearing a heavy leather jacket. A long dagger dangles from one hand; the blade gives off a soft symphonic hum. The figure staggers, apparently having put its weight into breaking the door.

Shateishael says calmly, "Heya, Drew," then braces the next door to be slammed shut. To Zara he adds quietly, "Looks like it is Drew, complete with nasty blade. We wanna get the humans outside and try to talk to him here?"

The figure staggers forward a bit. "Now what." Zara blinks a few times, squinting into the dark. "Drew... is.. that you?"

The figure straightens a little. "Z... Zara? What're you doing here?" It takes a step back, lowering the blade.

Shateishael squints at the blade, now that they're alone in the room with it... looks like it's got a Laurencian Blade Blessing on it. Still, those can wear out, given time... maybe if they can stall the boy long enough...? He murmurs calmingly (he hopes), "Ms. Zara's here to talk to you, Drew. We all are. We want to understand what you were trying to say night before last."

Drew halfheartedly raises the blade... then drops it again, seeing Zara so close. "You really don't know, do you... you haven't figured it out..."

Shateishael quietly stays a bit ahead of Zara, although not aggressively in front of her, so he'll have that fraction of a second to react if necessary. "Explain it to us, please?"

Druiel mutters brokenly. "You know... you know what demons do in their spare time? When they think no one else is around?"

Shateishael says, "No. Tell us?"

Druiel says, "They talk about what they'd do if they met Lucifer." Shateishael nods quietly, listening and watching alertly. He wonders how this pertains to Drew's Word... but lets the boy tell it the way he wants to.

Rosenstern is leading the grouping towards the front, when a little voice twinges his memory -- he'd said he would help to talk to Druiel, blast it. He lets Taygeta lead them outside, and makes his way back down the route they had taken. He slows as he hears voices, and comes to a stop as he rounds the corner, seeing the frozen tableau before him. His breath catches. Druiel..., he thinks. I had hoped it wasn't him... but I guess I knew it was... He approaches the group, slowly and trying to be as unthreatening as possible.

Druiel jerks back a little, raising the knife when he sees Rosenstern coming. This angle catches the light better; Drew doesn't look too good. More to the point, he looks insane. Less directly, and slightly more worrisome, is the fact that he appears to be growing horns. Shateishael draws in his breath slowly, his eyes widening. "Oh, Drew... why won't you let Ms. Zara help you?"

Zara gasps quietly. "Oh, my God."

Drew takes several steps back. "Don't... touch me. Just listen to me." His voice is cracked and very hoarse. "Listen. If a demon ever meets Lucifer... he can ask him for a... a boon. A gift. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

Shateishael nods slowly, "Yes. But Drew... you know as well as I there are always strings attached to those."

Rosenstern stops short as Drew moves sharply, raising his hands quickly but not too quickly, holding them open. His face is clothed in unfaked concern and worry, but when the light catches Druiel's face, his breath stops. Discord... no... Fall... He's Falling, and Falling fast... "It's a boon that's a two-edged sword, Druiel," he says softly. "No matter what you ask of that one, no matter what relief you ask from him, there'll be a worse price to pay for that boon."

Drew says, "Shut up! Listen, there's not much time! A demon met Lucifer, okay... and he couldn't make up his mind. So he asked Lucifer... he asked Lucifer if he could have a way to get him later, when he knew what he wanted." Shateishael nods silently, listening.

Drew continues, "He agreed... and he gave the demon a song. A song, and if he sang it ten million times, then Lucifer would come back to grant the boon... well, someone got the song! Furfur's got it! Furfur's got the song and he's using these kids to spread it across the country for him! Lucifer's coming... Lucifer's coming... and he's going to crown a new Prince at the music festival! Now do you understand? If I don't kill them..." Shateishael nods slowly, finally understanding. What a horrific dilemma... no wonder Wrench wants them kept alive...

Taygeta waits outside for several minutes. When no one comes out, he decides to go back in. He turns to the driver. "Watch the door. If the nut comes out, take off and call the cops. I'm going in to see what's happened." He re-enters the building and makes his way back just in time to hear the end of Drew's story. Drew backs up again when he sees more people coming. He bends down a little as if to spring, knife raised, but holds his place for now.

Shateishael puts a hand up without taking his eyes off of Drew, "Let's not get crowded here, guys, please."

Taygeta stops well back from the others and holds his hands out. "I just wanted to see what was up. The humans are ready to go if need be."

Rosenstern bites his lip; if he were human, he would be chiding himself that his Mercurian nature wasn't seeming to be much help. He's not human; he's celestial. Some things cannot be resolved by one's nature alone. But Druiel's story is disquieting. Could that be it? It sounds fevered, mad. But there'd be no call for angel to lie to angel, and stranger things have happened, particularly from the Infernal, chaotic side... and yet... his gaze flicks up to the horns upon Druiel's head. He's only seen them on angels who have become horribly discordant. He would guess Druiel is Falling... but is he? He doesn't like discounting the word of an angel... but is Druiel still an angel?

Of course he is. He's not Fallen yet. He may be Falling, but he hasn't descended to the Infernal hosts yet. There's still yet time... and if his story is true, then maybe, just maybe, this might be what can help him. "Which song, Druiel?" he asks. "Which song that the band is singing is the summoning Song?"

Druiel rasps, "Their hit. The single that they're recording today... the one they're going to sing at the festival. But... they're going to... do something to it... it's got to be Furfur's voice that says the words..."

Rosenstern's eyes flash. Furfur... whomever that is. "Maybe... we don't have to see any deaths. If we can prevent Furfur's voice from singing the last chords of the Song."

Druiel adds, "If... someone else sings it... then they're entitled to the boon." He jerks upright a little, gesticulating, "That's why I have to kill them! I can't let them bring Lucifer here!"

Shateishael nods quietly, "Rosen's right, Drew. Even if you kill these kids... Furfur will eventually find someone else to sing. Better to make the kids miss the Festival, and have time to plan a better response... than to kill them."

Druiel groans quietly. "I'll... I'll... I don't know about that. But... if I just... if I can just kill this one last time... I won't have to do it again... not for a long time." He looks up, "Zara... you understand, don't you?" Zara looks quite horrified, and doesn't seem to know what to say. "Drew..."

Taygeta says, "How much of the hit they're planning is the Song? Maybe we can alter the critical parts."

Druiel sees that Zara doesn't really understand, no, and that he's definitely on losing ground. He starts to backpedal. "I'll let you... you can figure it out... maybe you can do something about Furfur. But I still have to... have to kill them. Just this once more... then I can stop for awhile."

Shateishael shakes his head slowly, "We're missing the point here, guys. It's Drew that needs our help right now." Quietly he says, "Drew... this is tearing you apart. You don't have to work alone on this. Let us do some of the work for you, and let Ms. Zara heal you some, okay?"

Drew keeps backing up. "Zara... stay away from me. I'll... I'll hurt you. I'll drag you all down with me. Just stay away."

Nuts. There goes that idea. Rosenstern is pretty sure that no mortal would properly handle a boon from the Father of Lies. Marty's image appears briefly in his mind -- No, it's too much of a burden, to put that even on him. "And with only one more time to sing that song..." Something doesn't make sense here. We Celestials should have found that to be an Infernal song. Instead... well, I rather liked it. Zara seemed to like it, too. It wasn't a bad song, and didn't seem Infernal.

Maybe that's the lure of it?

Rosenstern says quickly but gently, "Drew... your Word will be with you a long, long time. Don't fool yourself into thinking that this will be the last time in a while." He takes a few hesitant steps closer, towards Slate and Zara and Drew. "I know your nature, Druiel. You are one of Laurence's, this is what you feel you must do, but YOU are the master of your Word."

At Slate's words he nods quietly. "Let Ms. Zara help you. Then we can come to a resolution that helps you, and prevents the Song from being sung. Druiel...!"

Shateishael takes one small step forward, holding out one hand, "Give me the knife, Drew. You aren't alone. We won't abandon you. Give me the knife, please, so Ms. Zara can help you."

Drew tenses up visibly when approached. In a very small voice, he says, "...stay away from me."

Shateishael nods to Drew slowly and calmly, "All right. They'll back away, and then you can give me the knife, okay? That way Zara can help you. You trust Zara, right? And you know I wouldn't lie to you." To everyone else he says, "Back up a little, please?"

Rosenstern stops his advance; though he wasn't very close to Drew, he doesn't want to drive the angel back further. He glances to Slate, and nods slowly, taking several steps backwards, unhesitatingly. Taygeta nods and edges back a little, though he's already at the rear of the group. Drew tenses up visibly, taking a step back, and raising the knife. "...stay... back." Zara seems frozen in place for a moment, but does back up quickly once she comes to her senses.

Shateishael sighs internally. Well, at least everyone's back a bit from Drew and the kids are currently safe outside. Now what... more distracting, maybe, so the knife has time to lose the Attunement? He keeps his voice slow, quiet, and low, as if he were talking to a spooky horse, "They're all backed away now, Drew, just like you wanted. You can put the knife down now, like we agreed, so Ms. Zara can help you, okay? And Nick has an idea for you that we were talking about last night -- it's a way that we thought we might be able to help you with your Word. You wanted help with your Word so you wouldn't have to kill, didn't you? We can help you as soon as you give me the knife, Drew. Let us help you..."

Shateishael eyes the hold Drew has on the knife carefully. How much skill does the young Laurencian appear to be displaying? Slate's willing to try taking the knife away from him, if necessary, but he'd like to tilt the scales as much in his favor as possible if he has to do so. He frowns in a bit of annoyance... too dim in here to be sure exactly how good the kid is with the dagger.

Drew says softly, "I'm warning you... don't come any... closer. You can't help me anymore."

Shateishael says calmly, "Drew, no one is beyond help, and if anyone told you that... they lied to you. C'mon, man... you're keeping Ms. Zara waiting." He holds out his hand again, and patiently repeats, "Give me the knife, please, Druiel."

Drew takes another step back; this gets him mostly in the doorway. "I'd know it if they did," he says softly, and turns away. He starts to head back toward the exit.

Shateishael follows, "Then you know I'm not lying. Why are you disregarding the truth, Drew?"

Druiel snarls, "You want the truth?! Listen hard... I'll hurt you if you come any closer. Get away from me... you can have them for tonight. Tomorrow... tomorrow it's over, whether Furfur gets his wish or not."

Shateishael says patiently, "For the love of god, Drew, what is wrong with you? Can't you see yourself?! You need help now, man... not later." He steps forward again, a slow walk, "Don't you remember what I said to you? I won't be attacking you, Drew. If you think it's really the right thing to do, to attack someone who wants to help, who won't fight you back... go ahead."

Drew doesn't turn around. "...you're persistent. I'm sorry you got involved in this... Wrenchial shouldn't have..." He trails off, mumbling, and sways visibly, leaning against the wall. "...if you live through this... I hope you won't be too mad at me." With that he fades, and those present can hear him through the Symphony taking Celestial form again.

Shateishael swears under his breath, then says, "What are you on, man? You don't get away this time!" He calls back to his friends, "I'll contact you when I can! Zara, you coming?" as he tries hastily to fade into Celestial form. Taygeta releases the sparrow from control as Drew flees in Celestial form, and follows Shateishael's lead. The Symphony reverberates again, though more faintly since the Kyriotate is not fully Celestial.

Zara can't seem to muster the strength to lose her Corporeal form, as horrified as she is, but with a burst of Essence she forces herself to do so; a large and beautiful white bird garlanded with some sort of flowers wheeling once and taking flight through the ceiling after the fleeing Seraph. Shateishael is too distracted to shift easily into celestial form, but takes heart when he sees there are people following the crazy Laurencian. He takes a deep, slow breath, forcing himself to calm. Slow and strong... just like Stone. Let's try again...

Once clear of the building, Zara and Taygeta can spy the fleeing angel at the very edges of their vision, headed rapidly out of town. The first thing that Taygeta notices is that Zara and Druiel are extremely fast in Celestial form. So much so that he's lost sight of Druiel and Zara is quickly outstripping him. It appears, though, that Zara is just a little faster, and is gaining ground on Drew.

Shateishael struggles again to change, trying to subsume his worry for Zara and Drew both... but unfortunately his concentration is not all it could be. "Sonofa-" He doesn't waste any more time -- just bolts out of the building to the van and starts up his bike, "Aric, which way? Nick, can you stick with the band?"

Taygeta's Aric vessel follows Slate out to the parking lot and gives him directions. "Shall I come with you?"

Shateishael says, "No, Nick will need backup, and you're already following Celestially, aren't you? Keep the band safe."

Taygeta nods. "Will do."

The chase leads the angels rapidly out of town. The city gives way rapidly to parkland; the outskirts of the Enchanted Rock. Taygeta catches up to Zara, who appears to have come to a hover near the great Tether itself. Outside the Tether itself is a massive Kyriotate, hued peculiarly like that of the pink granite the mountain is comprised of, and blocking the Cherub's path. Taygeta joins Zara and looks around. "Where's the kid?"

Zara answers Taygeta as he catches up. "He's gone to ground in the Park somewhere... but we can't get in. Mitrah refuses to let me pass."

Mitrah repeats herself for the benefit of the newly arrived angel. "From here is David's territory; you don't pass."

Taygeta says, "This is your charge, Mitrah. But why have you let Druiel pass?"

Mitrah replies, "Druiel has my permission to work here. You do not. Why are you chasing him?'

Taygeta says, "We are trying to prevent him from Falling. His Word is distorting his judgement."

Mitrah says, "His weakness isn't my concern. But I'll make certain that he doesn't leave my Tether, if what you're saying is true."

Shateishael comes roaring up on the bike, and throttles down at the gate, seeing Maxine standing there and waiting, arms folded. He pulls off his helmet, looking up in some awe at the sheer size of the Kyriotate... then nods politely to it and Maxine both, "Ma'am. May I come in?"

Maxine isn't smiling. "You want to tell me why angels are invading my Tether?"

Shateishael smiles quirkily, honesty compelling him to point out, "Well... they're not, actually... you're not allowing them to pass. However, they were following Druiel 'cause I asked them to, since he's manifesting horns and was staggering like he was sick, last I saw him corporeal... and um..." he looks a bit embarrassed, "I... got flustered, and didn't shift to celestial so well." He adds quietly, "And he is part of the angelic community... if he needs help he should get it. He'd do the same for us."

Maxine folds her arms. "Horns. You're... not lying to me. No, of course you're not." She sighs. "I knew this was going to happen." Shateishael gives her an amusedly incredulous look... then just grins and shakes his head. He ruffles a hand through his sweaty hair, waiting for Maxine to decide what she wants to do.

Taygeta doesn't bow, as such, but shifts in the customary Kyriotate acknowledgement of a superior. "This will suffice, ma'am, though we would like to help more actively if you would allow it. There seems to be a greater problem that we could use his help with, if he can be redeemed."

Maxine looks back at the mountain. "I need Druiel alive and on our side, for a little while longer at least." The massive bulk of the Kyriotate whirls a little in place. "That is not necessary. I don't require your aid." Shateishael tilts his head thoughtfully at that statement from Maxine... then just nods. Maxine says, "Druiel's been helping me with something. And since it's been years since I've seen another Stone Angel here, maybe you can help me as well."

Shateishael nods again, "Be happy to, ma'am. Um... you want me now?"

Maxine frowns. "No. Just take my word that I'll take care of Druiel for now."

Taygeta bows again to Mitrah. "As you wish, then."

The ranger adds, "It's waited this long, it can wait a few days more." The Kyriotate fades back into the bulk of the mountain.

Shateishael sighs... then just nods again, "Okay." He looks up at the Novalite and the smaller Kyriotate, "Thanks, guys. You wanna head back to town, and I'll join y'all there soon?" He turns and looks back at Maxine, adding politely, "Ma'am... may I have a moment of your time?"

The ranger nods as the others depart. "All right."

Back at the studio, after it appears that the threat is passed, the engineers are getting quite antsy to hurry up and get this over with for today. Taygeta floats down before he departs. "We'll be back at the hotel. They've finished what they could do after the power came back."

Shateishael nods to Taygeta, "Thanks, man. I'll be there in about one-two hours."

Shateishael waits until the others have left... then says quietly, "I'd like to tell you something David said to me, ma'am, if you don't mind." He takes a breath, then repeats David's words to Mitrah, "He said his Seneschal at Enchanted Rock had been on her own for many ages, and was embroiled in her own struggles. He said I might not find you sympathetic. He said he held you in high regard, ma'am, and that you didn't need his instruction, and if I wished to aid you, I would do best to ask you directly." He studies the Maxine vessel for a few seconds, then says quietly, "I'm asking now, ma'am. I'd like to help, but I'd really like to know... what's going on, please? Why're you willing to let this happen to Druiel?"

Maxine folds her arms, and takes a deep breath. "I haven't spoken to the Master in ages. I'm glad he still thinks of me. How old are you, Slate?"

Shateishael looks a little embarrassedly at his boots, "Umm... not very old, ma'am. Only about uh... one millennia, thereabouts?" He looks up at Maxine again, "Still... even kids can help sometimes, can't they?"

Maxine smiles faintly. "Then you're old enough to remember the Tonkawa, aren't you?"

Shateishael thinks a moment... then nods, "Tonkawa, yes, if I'm remembering correctly the Apache spoke of them with some reverence by the time I was hanging around hereabouts. Uh... I think they thought of them as benevolent mountain spirits that lived in Encha- er, in you?" He wonders how to refer to Enchanted Rock... "In Cerro del Almagre, they called it."

Maxine shakes her head. "Hardly. I had a few worshipers here in times past. Indigenous people. Natives. Good people, and I kept them on God's side, even if they didn't know it at the time. The Tonkawa weren't on my side, Slate. Just the opposite. You know they practiced ritual cannibalism, right?"

Shateishael looks surprised, "They did?! No, ma'am, I didn't know!" He pauses, then smiles -- it's nice to know of other Davidians that kept good people on god's side -- makes him feel part of a warm, larger, caring community. Curiously he asks, "What happened to them?"

Maxine frowns. "I've got an enemy here. He hasn't been here as long as I have... almost, though. He's desecrated our catacombs... and he set the Tonkawa against the people that worshipped here. We've been doing it for centuries, over several cultures." She adds, "The Tonkawa ate human flesh. You know whose camp that places them close to."

Shateishael straightens uneasily, but just nods, listening intently. Maxine's voice hardens. "Saminga's laid claim to the catacombs in the hill country. That nauseous cockroach that's squatting there now... he's the one that's been at me since before there ever was an Austin. His name is Frexindetious. That's where Druiel comes into this."

Shateishael thinks, This would explain those... those things Nick and I found. I need to tell Mitrah about them -- but after she's done. Don't think I want to rudely interrupt a Seneschal. He nods again, carefully remembering names.

The Seneschal says, "I'm done softshoeing around with Frex, Slate. I'm going to destroy him, and soon. For good."

Shateishael thinks a bit... then nods slowly again, "Okay... I'm with you. How does Druiel come into this, though, please? And... when you're done, I think I got something I need to tell you about, please?"

She continues, "Druiel did me a service in exchange for working here. He brought me uranium. From the catacombs. Frex must have thought he could corrupt Drew into serving that rotting puppet he calls his master." Shateishael's eyes widen slightly... then narrow in disgust and worry. Maxine says, "Just a little bit. A few pellets at a time. But he brought me enough after awhile... Frex gave it away freely, of course... because he doesn't think anyone could sluice enough 235 out of it to do anything useful. He's too stupid to realize that's exactly what's going to happen."

Shateishael thinks, Damn, I wish Tay or Nick were here... they'd know more about what this means... "What... are you planning on doing, ma'am?"

Maxine says, "Years ago, Slate, my people danced for a long wet season. And they got it. It backed up the aquifer and flooded Frex's precious hideyhole. But when they came and rounded both our peoples up onto reservations... we both lost power. The aquifer lowered, and he reclaimed a little of his power. Since that time... I've made up my mind what I'm going to do. I'm going to blow him up. I'm going to shatter his caves for good. And the aquifer will back into what remains."

Shateishael just... blinks... slowly. This is well beyond whatever he could do or would conceive of... he wonders how much damage this will do to... to the surrounding Rock, the landscape... the people... "Um... okay... I... can't say I understand all the ramifications of this, ma'am, but I guess you've already thought that through...?" He cautiously asks, "Uh... there's one thing I can't help but wonder... how will this affect the human city, ma'am?"

Maxine says, "I'll sink it far enough that it'll look like a seismic anomaly. And no more radiation will sink into the water table than would normally bubble up from the core in that event."

Shateishael nods slowly and trepidatiously, taking a deep breath, "Well... you'd know better than I would, ma'am." He takes another slow breath, then nods, "Okay. How can I help?"

Maxine takes a breath. "Nothing for now. I'll... try to keep Druiel out of trouble for right now." A small note of guilt creeps almost imperceptibly into her tone. "Come back here if you need to use the Tether, Slate. We'll talk more then." She pauses. "Wait. What did you want to tell me?"

Shateishael winces inside at the tone in Maxine's voice... then impulsively reaches out to touch Maxine's arm lightly, "Ma'am... if you'll let me, I'll come back just to talk with you...?"

Maxine gently moves her arm away. "That's fine, Slate. Later. I'm busy now... I have to see to Drew. What do you want to tell me?"

Shateishael sighs softly... he doesn't understand this place at all, he thinks... the angels are deliberately solitary and inward turning, and it's the damn demons that are being open and friendly?! He gathers his thoughts, then continues, "Yes'm. Um... I'm thinking some things I saw might be the handiwork of this Frex demon." He describes the legless horrors he and Nick found -- and, more importantly, their location within the city. He concludes with, "So... I got the feeling from Ms. Zara that there weren't any other Stone angels in town to deal with this, so I should take care of it... and I was wondering if you could give me any advice on that?"

Maxine takes this impassively. "Those are his work, yes. They're twice as strong as Saminga's regular spawn... but they work only in his caves. And they decay twice as fast from the noxious resin. I had no idea he'd come so close to the city, though. I guess we'll have to move the schedule up."

Shateishael winces internally again. Okay... maybe this isn't something we want to just blunder blindly into... I'll have to try and plan out how to deal with this later. He nods to Maxine, "Okay. Will this change the effects on the city that you talked about?" He thinks a moment, then adds, "I have to keep an eye on some folks through tomorrow night. After that I'm available... and if there's an emergency sooner we can make time as necessary."

Maxine says, "You're a good man, Slate. But I've been working on this since before you were created. It'll wait. Do what you have to. I'll hold onto Druiel until then."

Shateishael smiles ruefully, "Thank you, ma'am. Uhm... y'know, if you really need someone to help, I've been working with some folks that are good, dependable people too, even though they're not also Stone angels?"

The ranger nods. "Good. If you trust them... I'll take it under consideration."

Shateishael smiles more sincerely this time, "Thanks again." He glances over Maxine's shoulder towards the park, then raises his index finger to his temple, "Guess I should be heading out then, ma'am... I imagine you're kinda busy. Sorry to disturb you."

"Until later," she says.

Shateishael smiles with pleasure at the ancient Stone angel's use of the timeless ritual to him, "Stay strong, ma'am." The ranger heads back up toward the mountain.

When Aric tells him that the coast is clear, Nick turns to the band in the back, and says, "Okay. I think everything's calmed down. Let's go see if we can finish a record." The band agrees heartily with this suggestion, and piles back into the studio. The engineers, a little shaken, nevertheless are eager to get the proverbial show on the road.

Rosenstern sighs softly. Part of him had wanted to join in the chase, but with the distressed people remaining behind... he had to calm them, even if, according to Druiel, they were tools of Furfur. Pawns. That was all. He helps to guide the people back into the studio; a glance at the busted door and he wonders, briefly and with some humor, if someone is going to ask about that, and what his answer would be. As the band plays, he keeps his senses open, listening, trying to hear something -- anything -- vaguely resonant of the Infernal in their song.

Taygeta paces nervously, unhappy with his other self being miles away instead of watching his back while guarding these humans. It really doesn't sound like a song that would summon Old Nick. I wonder if Drew's sources weren't pulling his leg. Thessaloniki spends the time lost in though, I wonder how Slate is doing? and I wonder how much Wrench knows about this? and Who is Furfur, anyway? Answers do not come to him, only more questions. He paces in the Engineering booth, a nervous Ofanite habit, until they tell him to knock it off.

The rest of the recording goes smoothly, and Donna performs remarkably well, as before. Marty still sucks, however. With the completion of the single recording, the head engineer announces, "Great job, guys... that's a wrap." The younger engineer retrieves a set of tapes and approaches the angels. "Well... here we go, guys. We were told that one of you would courier these over to Burning Sea's pressing facility."

Thessaloniki nods and collects the tapes, asking for the address almost automatically. The younger engineer gives him the address of a place on the west side. The three tapes are labeled, "Music," "Vocals," and "Alternate Vocals." Thessaloniki asks, "What's on 'Alternate Vocals'?"

The younger engineer shrugs. "Got me. Recorded about five days ago. Their producer just left instructions for them to be taken over to Burning Sea with the final cut. Um, he said the publicist would be there if there were any questions."

Thessaloniki says, "Okay, gotcha." To the others he says, "Let's get everybody back to the hotel, and I can drop these off in my car, okay?"

Rosenstern frowns slightly. The music was good, he couldn't pick anything out of it. It sounded like typical hardcore or punk metal or whatever it was -- he can tell a chrysanthemum from a cherry blossom, but not glam rock from poser rock for his life. But if Druiel is right... wait... no, that can't be it. Friendly Marty, being the one Infernal influence? That would make sense as to why he sucks so badly, beating an Infernal rhythm out of tune with the others' song... but... but it's Marty... Rosenstern really hates to be suspicious.

He catches the last part of the conversation between Nick and the engineer, and that sets off even more warning bells. Five days ago? It's too bad we don't have a player to play these tapes... Thessaloniki murmurs to Tay and Rose, "I'll take care of these tapes. Trust me, okay?" and grins toothily, his slightly-mad old codger grin, as he heads back towards the hotel. Once there, and the band safely inside, he takes the tapes and says, "Hey, an important errand to run, yeah?"

Rosenstern blinks a little to Nick and smiles quietly, nodding. "No problem," he says easily, while in his mind, Well... it's kind of cheating, but... Wrench never said anything about the tapes. He frowns slightly at that thought. Wrench... wonder where he was last night when everyone was sleeping. Probably meeting his Infernal supervisor, literally the boss from hell... wait... no, not everyone was sleeping. Marty was up all night. In fact, I don't think he's slept at all, for that matter. That's not so bad, neither have I... but wait again, I'm a celestial, he's a human...

No.

He's supposed to be human...

The young Novalite has a sudden, faintly crawling sensation inching its way up his corporeal form's spine. It's not a feeling he's had often, but it's been there, and he recognizes it. Some nameless instinct makes him turn around slightly... there, Marty's door... it's slightly ajar... Marty's in there, he's still awake, heck of a morning person... in fact, there's Marty right... there... and Rosenstern sees him clearly... much more clearly than he would have expected...

Oh, by the Garden... Novalis, I'm sorry. All that time I was talking with him, I hadn't even guessed... He closes his eyes, and turns around, slowly, and says in a low, quiet voice to Nick and Tay, "I think... that there is something we need to take care of, first."

Thessaloniki says, "All rightie. You want to come with me, Rose? Or, do we need to talk a bit?"

Rosenstern hesitates slightly. He thinks; the festival is later... but we should bring attention to this right away. And if he can discuss it... "Yeah... I think we need to... make plans about how we're going to guard the band during the festival. What happened today was pretty freaky, and we should figure out how to prevent that." It's not lying, really. They really do have to talk about the festival.

Thessaloniki says, "All right."

Rosenstern nods to Nick, trying to not look overly relieved. He walks with the others a ways away from the band, prattling on about security they're going to provide, possibly checking ID, that sort of thing. When well out of earshot he glances back, hesitates a moment, then drops his voice. "Marty is... apparently Infernal," he says in a quiet rush. "While we were in there, I caught a glimpse of him in his room. He was... changing. Moving his face. He changed the shape of his nose."

Shateishael wanders in, running one hand through his hair and helmet dangling from the other, "Hey, guys," then irritatedly, "Cool... could anything else possibly go wrong." He looks around, then adds calmly, "Could we possibly think of a better place to discuss this?"

Thessaloniki mutters, "So if I shouted, 'Hey, Furfur!' and if Marty looked, do you think it'd bother the band if I blew his brains out?" He sighs and says, "Why is straightforward never a good solution any more?"

Shateishael stares in amused incredulity at Nick, urges folks unceremoniously into an empty room and shuts the door, then looks at Taygeta, "We clear here?"

Thessaloniki hmms and says, "Well, we can mangle the tapes pretty good."

Shateishael sighs once they get the thumbs-up from Taygeta, "Okay. Good... Nick can take care of that. I'll feel sorry for the band, but they'll get another chance later, I'm betting -- that girl is good. So... what do we do about the fake Marty?"

Taygeta says, "And that explains how they were going to shift voices. Trouble is, if they're planning to use the Alternate tape, and don't get it, they'll get right back to him. What if we just switch the labels?"

Thessaloniki smiles, then says, "Ooh, wait. Magtape. I'll just put them in the car in the right place. Immediately over the alternator."

Shateishael says grimly to Nick, "Please. Be. Sure."

Thessaloniki says, "I'll be sure." Shateishael nods to Nick in relief... if Nick says he'll take care of it... it will be taken care of. Nick adds, "Were they going to use the 'Alternate' tape? Doesn't he sing on the main track?"

Taygeta says, "Donna sings on the main track. She's the one with the voice."

Shateishael pauses, then says slowly, "Hold on. Why were we handed these tapes?!"

Thessaloniki says, "Because we're Security? Am I missing something?"

Taygeta says, "Wheels within wheels within wheels... does Marty know what we are? Did Wrench tell him? Does Wrench even know that Marty's an Infernal?"

Rosenstern murmurs, understanding Shateishael's concern, "We'd only be handed them if Wrench and anyone else," that is to say Infernals, of course, "-involved in this believed we weren't somewhat suspicious."

Shateishael shakes his head slowly, "No, I think we all are, Nick." He thinks for a long moment, then says bitterly, "Either we're being set up to take the fall for this... for summoning Lucifer -- or... or they're assuming we'll destroy these... and they already have back up copies of their own!"

Taygeta says, "Or Wrench is using us to sabotage Furfur. Who does Wrench work for?"

Shateishael continues slowly, "So... if there's backup copies already, but we assume we've destroyed them... we'd relax then, wouldn't we? We wouldn't try to stop the band from playing... so... we need to prevent the band from playing, and not assume we've successfully stopped them."

Thessaloniki says, "We can't do anything if they have backup copies, except deliver working tapes. I can take care of that; I know what do to. Is the problem the band playing, or Furfur singing on the track?"

Shateishael says, "Furfur. And Wrench works for Belial... he said. No guarantee it's the truth."

Thessaloniki says, "Okay. So, I'll make sure they get tapes without Furfur. Can do."

Taygeta says, "From what Drew told us, the song is a Summoning. The voice will be the summoner... so if we delete Furfur, then Donna gets the boon."

Thessaloniki acks, "Oy, that's right. The song can't go out. How much does it have to change to no longer be right? If we speed it up, slow it down, or just hack out a piece, will it still be a Song?"

Shateishael adds quietly, "Here's another weird question, guys... how did Drew know about this?!"

Taygeta says, "Good question. What did you find out from Maxine about him?"

Rosenstern rubs his head, sighing. "I'm almost sorry I threw this wrench into the works." He drops his hands. "At the very least we can deny them use of these tapes. Who knows, that might put a crimp on things." He blinks to Shateishael, and frowns. "He must have learned it from somewhere... maybe he ran into a demon at some point, who was feeling particularly talkative...?"

Shateishael draws in his breath slowly, "Drew... oh my. Let me update y'all... but please, promise me first you won't repeat this?" Taygeta nods. Rosenstern blinks, and nods also. Thessaloniki nods, but thinks, I'm not sure I want to know what else can go wrong.

Shateishael tells the group about the conversation he had with Maxine... then adds, "So... we've got Wrench who apparently works for Belial, and Drew whom Saminga's trying to seduce... and somehow both of them are giving us opportunities to screw Furfur's summoning up." He narrows his eyes, thinking, then adds slowly, "Seems to me the demon princes are giving us every opportunity to stop this... boon from being granted." He adds bemusedly, "Which is just... damn weird."

Thessaloniki hmms. He asks, "Wonder what boon he'd ask for?"

Shateishael says, "A big one. He's had time to think about it."

Taygeta says, "Doesn't matter... from what I know of that crowd, they'd jump at a chance to sabotage a rival -- especially if we get to do the dirty work for them."

Rosenstern frowns. "Maybe not. Hell has their own politics. Demons tend to work on their own, and maybe often at cross-purposes. Maybe the demon princes don't want Lucifer to be summoned by Furfur. Because that might make Furfur far more powerful than they." Rosenstern sighs and rubs the back of his neck. "Not that I've met many demons, but... that's how I imagine things might be for them."

Shateishael hmms. "So... what it boils down to is... we need to stop the summoning, which means stopping the song. Okay. We don't want to kill them. How can we keep them from the festival? The band, I mean. Nick will take care of the tapes."

Rosenstern says, "And if the demons do it, there's probably some sort of 'treason against Hell' clause in their contracts which would prevent them from preventing it directly." He thinks for a moment. "Do we need to keep all of them away? Maybe we only need to keep Marty away."

Shateishael murmurs dryly, "Let's err on the side of conservatism, Rose, eh? The alternative is so much worse."

Thessaloniki says, "For the nonce it'll be enough to delay them. Considering the time of day, that'll be pretty straightforward."

Taygeta says, "If he's an Infernal? Good luck. If he's really Furfur? Forget it."

Thessaloniki adds, "A summoning of that sort for poor Donna? I think that would be bad."

Shateishael nods worriedly at Nick's words, then reiterates, "How do we stop the band from making the festival?"

There's a knock at the door. Shateishael sighs, then yells, "WHAT?!"

Thessaloniki says, "Especially..." and stops. Rosenstern is about to talk, then shuts his mouth quickly, looking to the doorway.

Marty's voice is on the other side of the door. "Hey... guys?"

Shateishael strides over to the door, yanking it open... and not coincidentally being between it and his friends, "Yes, what?!" Rosenstern represses a shiver, and he looks quickly to the others, trying to compose the best, most casual face he can muster. Shateishael is about ready to slug Marty, he's so steamed right now.

Marty says, "Hey, guys, I can't find my drumsticks; have you... why is everyone looking at me like that?"

Shateishael snarls, "Internal disagreement about Security. They're not here!"

Thessaloniki says quietly, "We're just worried about the Festival tomorrow. What if that nut comes back, you know? It'll be a zoo. That's all."

Shateishael takes a slow breath, then adds, "Sorry."

Marty blinks a few times. "Uh. Right. I'll, uh... um... I'll look somewhere else."

Taygeta says, "S'cool, Marty. He worries too much. They're not here, though."

Shateishael enunciates carefully, "Thank. You."

Marty mutters, "Who pissed in your Cheerios, man..." and wanders off. Shateishael shuts the door carefully and slowly, resisting the urge to rip it off and bat Marty into the next county with it. Rosenstern remains disquietedly silent.

Thessaloniki says, not without sarcasm, "We could take 'em out to my place and strand 'em there. We could take 'em to the Festival and make sure it doesn't actually happen. Rain, thunder, lighting, random acts of God." He sounds pretty much like he's out of ideas.

Shateishael turns to the others once he's taken another breath, "Okay. We have one. Day. to figure this out. May I suggest we get Zara in on this too?"

Taygeta says, "Nah. Needs something subtle. If we alter the song just enough to damage the Summoning, he'll be stuck. He won't be able to try it again because it'll be close enough to what these folks put out to violate copyright."

Thessaloniki asks, "How much has to change?"

Shateishael says, "Yeah, but- right, what he said. How much, and what? How will we know?"

Thessaloniki says, "And... yes, let's ask Zara. Maybe she's got an idea."

Rosenstern nods quietly. "That's... probably a good idea." He looks a bit frazzled. "To get Zara, that is."

Taygeta says, "We need to pump Drew about it, if we can. See if he knows any details."

Shateishael nods, "'Kay. Moment, I'll get her. She's been, like, bonding with Donna." He snorts amusedly at Tay, "Good luck getting to him," then strides out the door for Zara.

Zara has been spending most of her time since returning to the hotel with Donna. They appear to be getting on amazingly well, and have been talking almost constantly together. Zara is in Donna's suite, of course, and is gently rubbing the singer's temples. Donna's looking a little green. Zara assures the Stone angel that she'll take care of that, though, no worries. "What is it, child?"

Shateishael studies the singer silently... looks like Furfur's getting ready to eliminate the singer from the equation already. He looks to Zara and says politely, "Sorry to disturb you, ma'am, but we have a bit of a problem with how to handle mobs of people well for Security... we thought your advice would be real welcome?" He adds, with a long, steady stare at Zara, "Soon as possible, please, ma'am?"

Zara nods, "Of course! Lead the way."

Shateishael looks relieved, nodding politely to Donna, "Hope you feel much better soon," then leading Zara back into the other room so she also can get the oh-so-wondrous news.

Thessaloniki waits for Slate to come back and asks him, "Could you phone the ranger station and ask?" Slate nods, then asks Tay if he can borrow the phone again.

Taygeta nods. "No problem."

Thessaloniki says, "If we think it's helpful, Slate."

Shateishael nods grimly, "Might be, man. Let's see what Zara has to say first."

Zara is updated... then everyone stares expectantly at her. Zara's face drops a little. "Oh dear..." She fidgets a little bit, then glances at Slate. "I suppose there's no point in keeping the truth from you, is there, child." She sighs, a bit guiltily. "That... isn't Marty."

Shateishael rolls his eyes, then says carefully, "Yes'm, he's not. You wanna tell us how you knew that, please?" He wonders if anyone in this band and hotel suite, except for him and Nick... and maybe Rose -- are who they say they are... then hastily squelches that thought. Rosenstern blinks at Zara slowly for a moment, before glancing to Slate, then back again to Zara. He sighs quietly. It's bad enough the others are royally peeved about this turn of events; I can't blame them, but still... and now this...

Zara sighs. "Because Marty is dead, child. He died a week ago. That's Tomas."

Thessaloniki oys, "That explains why he's such a terrible drummer."

Shateishael stares at Zara for a long moment... then gets up, walks over to a wall, and slams his forehead into it once, hard. A moment later he sighs, turning back around, rubbing his forehead, "Well... at least that's real..."

Zara blinks and asks Nick, "Is he going to be all right?"

Thessaloniki says, "If he hasn't hurt the building, yes. If he has, it will be hard to explain." He then adds, "So. That's not the force of evil we're worried about, that's Catchy Tunes. Do you have any suggestions as to what to do about this song of summoning?"

Shateishael sighs, pacing restlessly around the room, then comes back to stare incredulously at Zara, "Could someone please tell me WHY y'all are helping Furfur?!" Thessaloniki looks confusedly at Slate. Shateishael waves his hands agitatedly, "The Song will supposedly summon... Lucifer! I'd think we'd want to stop that, not help it happen? Hello?! Am I missing something here?!"

Rosenstern frowns. "Tomas. One of the people who frequent your place. An... angel. The Angel of Catchy Tunes." We were ready to do something... well, for me anyway, discordant... to him. He sighs, and then looks intently to Zara at Slate's question.

Taygeta says, "Yes. We're trying to stop it in a way that doesn't let Furfur do it again when our backs are turned next month."

Shateishael sighs, rubbing his face, then dropping into a chair, "Sorry, ma'am. I've just had... kinda a real trying day so far..."

Zara sits down. "Calm down, child. I'll explain as much as I know. Tomas came to me last week... right after they found the bodies under Treaty Oak. He was almost in tears. He said that it was his fault, that the Old Guy had got out of control. Marty was killed that night... and Tomas begged me to help him. I didn't do very much... I just did his hair, showed him how he should dress... and he used his Song to change his features. He's pretending to be the drummer so he can keep that song alive."

Shateishael says incredulously, "Marty was Hellspawn?! Oh, god... who else knows this?!"

Zara says, "Keep your voice down, child. I'm getting to that." Shateishael nods, taking a deep breath, and shuts up. Thessaloniki sits down on something vaguely sturdy and rubs his face in both hands, muttering something very quietly. He listens.

Zara continues, "Tomas told me that he was out with the Old Guy... and he'd stopped at Wrenchial's for a visit. Just for a minute, Tomas said. But... something happened. He left the Old Guy in the car... when he left Wrenchial's those men... the Hellsworn that they found under the Oak... they jumped him. But they didn't know about the Old Guy in the car. They used Songs. He thought they were Demons. He killed them all. Marty was in the crossfire."

Thessaloniki says, "Oy."

Shateishael says slowly, "The Old Guy... murdered an innocent bystander?!"

Zara sighs. "He did. The noise in the Symphony was deafening."

Taygeta winces. "I can imagine."

Rosenstern is just rather too shocked to say anything as the pieces come together in a horrible, awful picture. He tries to find a seat to lower himself into, instead settling for half-falling heavily into a chair. This can't be right. Novalis said this would be peaceful, pleasant; a 'people place' for a 'people person.' Why would she tell me that, if Austin is really such a horribly confused place? Angels murdering innocents... demons conspiring against each other... Seraphs lying, Falling...

Thessaloniki asks, "So, what's the point of this current set of confusing and complex set of circumstances? To preserve a song which will cause something best avoided to happen? Who's Furfur?"

Zara says, "I don't know that. You'd best ask Tomas."

Thessaloniki says, "Which, the goal, or who Furfur is?"

Shateishael just stares at Zara for a long moment... then shakes his head slowly. With increasing frustration he snaps, "Is everyone here MAD?! What the hell is going ON here?! This isn't a Truce city... this is Bedlam! We've got homicidal angels, and friendly demons, Seraphs that are lying, and no one with any sense of solidarity or community?!"

The Novalite shrugs. "I don't know either. Just that Tomas begged me to help him keep that song alive." She sighs heavily. "Calm down, child. It's out with, now... we'll think of something."

Thessaloniki says, "Slate. I agree with you. Anger will not help. Nor will simply leaving them to their mess." He sighs and adds, "I promised. And the band is mostly innocent kids." To Zara he continues, "Does Tomas know what the song might do?"

Shateishael stands up abruptly, pacing away around the room to collect himself. A few moments later he turns back and nods once, tightly, "You're right. I'm sorry... I just- well, it doesn't matter. Now we just need to figure out... how to handle this damn song."

Thessaloniki asks, "And, can we verify that somehow? If someone's lied to Druiel to make him do these things that would be a big piece of confusion."

Zara says, "I don't know that. Only what Tomas has told me."

Thessaloniki says, "If the song is really harmless then there really is no problem. How can we tell?"

Shateishael says, "Okay. We've got two folks involved here... Tomas and Drew. One says it's good, the other says it's bad. So... let's talk to the one we can actually talk to right now." He strides over to the door, and leans out, "MARTY! You want these drumsticks or not?!""

Rosenstern coughs softly. "If Tomas doesn't know... can't we tell him what will happen? He's got to be master enough of his Word to know that 'Catchy Tune' doesn't need to mean, 'Apocalyptically Catchy Tune.'" He doesn't sound particularly confident, however. The last angel with a Word they talked with was certainly not the master of said Word.

Marty wanders back toward the suite, "Yeah, yeah... hey, are you guys still pissed off at me?" He sees Zara, and spies the looks on everyone's faces. "Oh, shit." He looks at Zara, "I'm busted. Aren't I."

Shateishael opens the door and waves 'Marty' in, then closes it firmly behind the... blurting angel. Taygeta says, "You could say that. Sit down."

Thessaloniki makes sure Marty is in and the door closed. He says, "Why didn't you tell us, man? We assumed the other way."

Rosenstern says quietly, and with a note of depression. "Come in, 'Marty.' We need to talk this out... or there's going to be a lot of pain and sorrow." Shateishael puts his back to the door, folding his arms. He is not going to whack this damn stupid... no. Definitely not. Yet.

Marty, or rather Tomas, finds a place to sit near Zara. "Well, man," he says to Nick, "Would you have believed me?"

Shateishael glares at Tomas, "You didn't even try to convince us, dammit!"

Thessaloniki says, "Slate, please stop. Anger is not helpful at this moment." Shateishael takes a deep breath, then nods once again, keeping his mouth firmly shut. Thessaloniki says, "We can scream at him later when we're out of this. Remember; he's got a darn good reason for this. He's protecting his Word."

Tomas says, "Look, man... I'm trying to get this tune out. It's a great tune! And it's what Eli told me to do. I'm supposed to give people catchy tunes. I didn't know about... the other stuff... until later."

Thessaloniki looks at Tomas, and asks, "Do you know the whole story about Druiel and this song and what it might cause to happen?"

Tomas nods. "I do now... at least, I think I know most of it." Rosenstern swallows slightly. For the moment, he lets this be between Eliite and Eliite. Shateishael just... glares.

Taygeta says, "So what are the words? I haven't been able to figure them out yet."

Thessaloniki says, "According to Druiel, if this is played enough it'll summon Lucifer. That would be bad. So it needs to be changed, but still be catchy. Now, I don't know where Druiel heard this or if it's true. If it's not, then it's not really a big deal. Is it worth that risk?"

Tomas says, "It's actually not the whole song. Just that really, really loud refrain at the end. And it doesn't actually make sense, but it's played loud enough and it sounds angry enough that it plays with the hardcore kids. It's actually Infernal, but it's corrupted to be said phonetically... so humans can say it."

Thessaloniki says, "So if we just edit that part out of the tapes it wouldn't cause the problem?"

Tomas says, "Well... it'll delay it. But with all the media coverage... it's likely that ten million people will get it broadcast into their homes. That might be enough... and if the CD goes out... it'll get played enough eventually."

Thessaloniki says, "If we take it from the tapes it won't go out on the CD. Can we get you guys to drop it from the song? It's horrible noise."

Shateishael walks over to put a hand on Tomas, checking to see if the guy's lying at all. Tomas says, "That's not the problem... if the song gets sung... he's gonna show up. But if-" he pauses to stare at Slate, then looks back to Nick, "-if Furfur doesn't sing it... he doesn't get his wish. What do you guys know about Furfur?"

Shateishael says slowly, "So... you know this thing can summon Lucifer... but you're trying to get it out anyway?!"

Thessaloniki says, "Nothing. And we were told that WHOEVER sings it gets the boon. Donna, or you." He also asks, "Who sings this?" and shows Tomas the 'Alternative Lyrics' tape.

Shateishael looks up at Nick, "Far as he knows, he's telling the truth." He stands back from Tomas.

Tomas says, "That's right." He grins. "Heh. Man, that dude's got no subtlety. Figures. Calabite. That's Furfur's vocals." He adds, "I guess you guys need to hear the whole story now."

Shateishael opens his mouth to snarl a reply -- then catches Nick's eye and subsides, folding his arms and glowering silently. Nick says firmly, "I guess so."

Rosenstern blinks. "You mean there's more? More than what we've just heard?"

Tomas says, "Okay. I've been buds with Wrench for a long time. We used to hang out in New York together. We set up some great concerts together." He grins nostalgically. "Anyway, back in New York Wrench got into some trouble... some schemes of his all kinda fell apart at the same time and he had to take help from this guy called Furfur, another one of Belial's... or he'd end up looking really on the outs with his boss. So... he's in this guy's debt. Furfur wasn't anything at the time; he had this Word called Hardcore, which basically referred to this loud-ass music that wasn't even popular at the time."

Shateishael doesn't interrupt or show it, but raises a mental eyebrow, ooookay... here I thought it had to do with porn... that's... really weird though. I thought only Austin was a Truce city?!

Tomas says, "Well... I guess Furfur finally called in his debt, because Wrench slipped me a tape about a week ago... that had this song on it. I knew that it was gonna be big. Really, really big. I knew I had to help out. Our Words kind of complement each other... we've been making each other look good to each other's Superiors for a long time. I didn't find out about... the other part... until Druiel told me before he disappeared and... went... mental. And... I think I figured it all out."

Rosenstern blinks again. This guy is taking a monumental risk, he thinks. If Dominic ever got wind of this... Shateishael snorts under his breath, "Mental... that's one way of putting it. So... how'd Drew find out about it?"

Tomas says, "I don't know how Drew found out... but I don't think Drew would lie to me. I think he's right... and here's what I think about the song. Furfur's already got his Word... now there's only one place left for him to go! He's gonna ask Lucifer to make him Prince!"

Rosenstern deadpans, "Prince of Hardcore?"

Shateishael facepalms in horrified incredulity... a moment later he hisses at Tomas, "And... you're... helping this happen?!"

Tomas says, "It makes sense! Why else would Wrench act so weird about this? If Belial found out what Furfur was gonna do... he'd barbecue him! And Wrench too, for helping! That's why he's setting it up so it can't be traced back to him!"

Taygeta looks very skeptical. "Do we really need another Infernal Prince, Tomas?"

Tomas says, "Depends on who you ask. I don't know anyone that likes Furfur. He's... well, he's kind of an asshole. And... secretly, I was hoping that it'd be Donna who got the boon."

Shateishael gives Tomas yet another horrified look, Is my face gonna get stuck this way around this idiot?!, "You'd wish that on some poor mortal?!"

Rosenstern says gently, "You know that any sort of boon from Lucifer is going to have a horrible price, Tomas."

Tomas says, "Furfur calls himself Frankie when he's around the band, acting as producer. He's using Donna's smack habit to keep her on a leash... that's why Hugo came to the party last night. Listen! If Donna got the boon... you know what she'd do, don't you? She'd wish Furfur into the cornfield, man! Furfur would go down, Belial wouldn't kill my friends, and I could still pull off the catchiest tune in years!"

Thessaloniki gives Tomas the hairy eyeball, "Are you out of your mind?" Shateishael is utterly speechless. He just stares at the idiot boy.

Taygeta says, "Cornfield?"

Shateishael snaps at Tay's query, "Dead." He's still too incredulously horrified at Tomas'... 'plan' to even look at Tay as he says it though.

Tomas frowns. "I haven't seen Eli in years, man. I don't know where he is or what he's doing or what he expects me to do, except the last instructions he gave me... so that's what I'm doing."

Thessaloniki says, "Does Donna know this is part of the plan?"

Tomas says, "Of course not. No mortal is in on this. You know the arrangement."

Thessaloniki says, "Do you really think she's not young and corruptible enough to want some huge power? That she won't get herself in terrible trouble?"

Rosenstern looks steadily, albeit confusedly, at Tomas. Insane. They're all insane here. We're all insane here. That's the only explanation. Novalis, Novalis, Novalis! Someday I hope you can tell me what's happening here. "Donna has free will. When faced with the Father of Lies, there's no telling what she'll say. Nobody -- not Celestial, not Infernal -- can afford to have Lucifer summoned here, to Earth, for any reason."

Thessaloniki stops, and shakes his head. When Tomas mentions Eli he settles, and tries to regain the inner calm he had when he spoke to the archangel last night. Shateishael's head suddenly jerks around to stare at Zara. He studies her for a moment... then says slowly, "I do not believe I am asking this... but could you convince Donna to wish for no more than Furfur's death?" Rosenstern blinks, looking at Slate in shock... but then slow understanding and acceptance dawns on his face, albeit trepidatiously.

Tomas says, "Donna doesn't know anything but hurt, man. All she'll know is some guy is gonna come up to her and ask her if he can do her a favor."

Thessaloniki resists the urge to take the tape to Dominic and telling him to play it 10,000 times. Shateishael sighs, looking back at Tomas, "Why don't you just ask Teen Death to off her... and you too, while you're at it?"

Tomas says, "Fuck you, man."

Shateishael stares at Tomas, "That's what you're doing to her, guy. You're just doing it slower than he would."

Thessaloniki says, "Please, let's not do this. This isn't helping." He calms again and tries to relax, to think straight. Shateishael glances at Nick... then nods, straightening up and going silent again. He finds it disturbing that Tomas is willing to be so casual with the girl's life.

Tomas says, "Whatever. I'm trying to make the best of this situation. There's no way I can stop Furfur without fucking Wrenchial. But Donna... she's gonna make it, man. You heard her. You know. If we got Furfur outta her life..."

Thessaloniki suggests, "And Wrench, and Hugo, and Lucifer, and maybe all of us, too..." His attempt at calm has not worked well.

Rosenstern says, "There's got to be a better way of getting him out of her life than putting her into Lucifer's life."

Tomas repeats himself. "It's gonna happen anyway. I just don't want Furfur getting off on it. If you got a better plan... I'm dying to hear it."

Thessaloniki asks, "Why does it have to happen?"

Shateishael says, "Why is it going to happen anyway, if you know what piece it is that needs removing, and we have the only masters?"

Thessaloniki says, "The band would have to not play that part live any more, too."

Tomas says, "Furfur's just gonna have his own vocals distributed. He owns the copyrights. If not Stool, someone else playing a cover." The angel adds glumly, "...and he'd even get royalties on it. What a burn."

Taygeta nods. "He's got a point there... it's what I've been saying. If we don't stop him effectively, he'll just try again later."

Shateishael says, "Okay, so we need Furfur dead." He pauses, then says slowly, "How do we get him out to Treaty Oak?"

Tomas says, "You gotta be kidding me. I've already got the Old Guy in trouble once."

Shateishael glares at Tomas, "That's not the only person you'll be screwing here, man! Did you stop to think about that?!"

Tomas says, "I've been thinking about it every fucking second since Marty died. Don't hand me that parental rap, okay?"

Shateishael says, "I think a Seneschal can handle it a little better than a poor mortal girl, too, y'know? Parental, my ass! Don't dodge the issue!"

"It's not a 'parental rap'," Rosenstern says softly. "It's commentary from someone who's not emotionally involved." Well... not emotionally involved in quite the same way, at least... Thessaloniki silently wonders How much discord would I collect if I just drove away from all this mess? He answers his own question, I can't. I'd let Eli down. What can I do, though?

Shateishael stops and takes a few more slow breaths, then says, "Look, Tomas. We've only got two choices... kill Furfur, or hand someone the ability to summon Lucifer. So... you got a preference?"

Tomas sits back and folds his arms. "I've told you everything I know. You guys can lecture me, you can help, you can do whatever you want. Just pick something, okay? I've got to get this song out. If I can do that and fuck Furfur over at the same time, that's the win for me."

Shateishael stops again and just stares for a long moment at Tomas. Finally he says slowly, "You expect us to clean up your mess... don't you?! That's why you're telling us to pick something!"

Thessaloniki says firmly, "Gentlemen. Stop it. Being angry with each other will not help us. So. We have to kill the demon, apparently. How does one kill a demon so he's really, truly dead?"

Tomas says, "I don't expect you to do anything except what Wrench hired you to do. I know what I'm gonna do; I'm gonna go out there and play my ass off, which is exactly what the rest of the band are gonna do."

Thessaloniki shakes his head again, "Waitaminute. If we put the song out, it goes out with the lyrics intact. We can't do that."

Shateishael shakes his head slowly at Tomas. He looks at Nick, then at Zara, "Ma'am? You know how to kill a demon permanently?"

Zara says, "Same way you kill any Celestial, child. You soul-kill them. Hasn't been a death like that for ten years, though, not around here."

Shateishael thinks a bit, "Okay. How about if just the vessel were killed. That'd keep him gone for at least a bit, right? At least 'til after the festival?"

Zara nods. "Certainly."

Taygeta says, "It's not permanent, that way, Slate, and he'd try again later. Better to hijack his Boon."

Shateishael nods, "Okay." He studies Zara for a long moment, then says slowly, "Ma'am? You willing to take Donna's place? And wish Furfur eternally gone?"

Thessaloniki says, "You think that summoning Lucifer, he'll give an angel a boon?"

Taygeta shakes his head. "Unless it's her voice on the tapes, it'd still go to Donna."

Thessaloniki picks up the tapes, and says, "That could be arranged."

Zara sighs and shakes her head. "I can't steal this moment away from her... it's what she's been waiting for all her life. But... I can ask her to be careful. I can ask her not to accept favors from strangers. Maybe if she doesn't ask him anything he'll just leave. Nothing said he'd have to give them anything after he shows his face. Or... I could tell her what to wish for. It's worth a try. I like to think she'd trust me."

Shateishael looks at Nick, "Dunno, man. All I know is that's what the summoning song's supposed to do, according to that guy." He nods his head towards Tomas, then stares at Zara incredulously, "'Steal this moment'? How would it be stealing this moment if you looked and sounded like her -- and saved her from such a terrible temptation?"

Rosenstern sighs, and says gently, "Ms. Zara... we're talking about the Father of Lies. He set up this arrangement knowing that he can get something from it. If there is any possible way to get Donna to ask anything of him... he will do it, and he will -- likely -- succeed.

Zara says, "I'd be taking away the one thing she's worked for since she was a child. I won't do that."

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Last modified: 2002-Mar-30 13:54:51

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