Karlos Basoalto: He's been sat on this bench near Bethesda fountain for an hour or so now, just watching the water, thinking things over.

Laidab: She liked being here. No one judged her here and she knew it well enough she barely had to use her cane.

Corbin Drake: (Ohhh...I have an hour-ish!!!)

Malcolm De Witt: He's got the afternoon free and heads to the park for inspiration.

Corbin Drake: He prowls through the park, letting Karlos sit and not talking to the...thing other people don't know well enough to judge.

Malcolm De Witt: 7,3,3,2,

Laidab: 3,5,10,8,6,4,9,

Laidab: 5,

Shadowgirl: So it's about 4pm, the light is starting to dwindle but the sun hasn't set yet. There's a crispness in the air, winter is coming and soon. Leaves crunch under the feet of joggers and walkers though the crowd is considerably smaller now than it would have been at the same hour a month ago. Only the legions of homeless that dwell year around in the park have resisted the pull of cold and coming dark to warmer places it would seem.

Laidan: ((Thanks SG...)) She recognizes a few of the scents, mainly Malcolm's cologne and the distinct smell that is Cobrin from when he was in her house.

Malcolm De Witt: He wanders along the paths, not really seeing anybody he recognizes, doing his best simply to let the energies flow through him. It strikes him he'd better go to the fountain and meditate, after all that he did to save Arlett.

Karlos Basoalto: ((*Grumps* And that is what happens when you unplug your laptop))

Shadowgirl: One of the homeless people, an older man that Laidan'a met before calls out her name in a low, gravelly voice. Beside him on a bench, a pretty but wilted looking Hispanic teenager sits braiding the stems of fallen leaves together.

Shadowgirl: (hugs a troo)

Laidan: She slowly starts walking again, gently tapping her cane. She tilts her head towards her voice, and smiles, moving that way.

Laidan: ((her NAME. ))

Karlos Basoalto: It finally seems to dawn on him that it's heading toward dusk. He draws a breath, looking toward the sky.

Corbin Drake: He glances darkly at the man who calls Laidan, lips twitching a little, and stalks to a good place to watch over a decent amont of space.

Shadowgirl: Laidan can hear the rustle of the girl's hands as she twines stems around eachother and perhaps smell the unwashed teenager but she doesn't speak. Rather the man does as she shuffles to his feet, bones creaking. "Lassy, kin you watch the girl 'ere a bit. Or listen ta her 'least?"

Shadowgirl -> Karlos Basoalto: per + alert

Karlos Basoalto: 7,4,9,9,6,4,

Malcolm De Witt: He realizes it's too close to dark for him to get any decent meditation time in, and sighs as he reaches the Fountain.

Malcolm De Witt: 3,4,4,9,

Laidan: "Of course." A faint smile. Fingers carefully reach out to find the bench. They may brush against the man once but she doesn't seem to mind, carefully sitting beside the girl.

Shadowgirl -> Karlos Basoalto: Karlos can feel the guardians out there watching him closely. They not being visible about it, of even from close by but he knows he's being observed.

Karlos Basoalto: He brightens as he sees Malc, and rises from his bench, walking around the fountain and over toward him.

Shadowgirl: The man nods a bit not that she can see. "Thank ye lass I won't be too long. Jus' be sure not ta let the girl walk off or something." He reaches over and pats the girls shoulder and she looks up at him with blank, dark eyes before she looks back to her braiding, having made almost a full frown now of scarlete leaves.

Malcolm De Witt: HE glances around, feeling as if he's being watched, only seeing Karlos when he's quite close.

Malcolm De Witt: His eyes go a bit unfocused and he looks around again.

Malcolm De Witt: 6,6,8,

Karlos Basoalto: He smiles softly, reaching out to hug Malc. "You okay?"

Laidan: "Alright." An ear tilted towards the young woman, unseeing eyes staring off. Her fingers move out to just -lightly- touch the edge of the girls clothes. So she knows where she is.

Malcolm De Witt: "I'm good..." he smiles, returning Karlos' hug. His eyes remain unfocused and he seems a bit distracted.

Karlos Basoalto: He whispers softly "The guardians are watching. As ever."

Malcolm De Witt: He nods, hugging Karlos a bit closer. "What are you doing here?" he asks softly.

Karlos Basoalto: "I needed a little space. Somewhere to do some thinking." He smiles warmly, hands moving around to caress Malc's spine gently.

Malcolm De Witt: He nods, echoing that sentiment. "I was hoping to get some inspiration." He smiles, a bit sheepish. "But it's a bit too close to dusk for any serious meditation."

Karlos Basoalto: He nods a little. "Want to walk me home?" He grins gently.

Laidan: Her brows furrow a little bit, shaking her head slightly as she breathes. Speaking softly. "What's your name?"

Shadowgirl: The girl blinks and looks at Laidan like she's seeing her there rather suddenly. She lets out a startled wordless yelp and jumps over to the side.

Malcolm De Witt: "Sure, if you like."

Shadowgirl: Along the path back from the checker's house Papa Rust can be seen meandering.

Karlos Basoalto: He smiles softly. "I'd like. Unless you have anything on this evening?"

Laidan: She stiffens in surprise, head whipping around to follow her movements. She rises to follow. "What's wrong?"

Malcolm De Witt: "I have rehearsal. But I don't have to be there until seven."

Shadowgirl: She breaths a little hard for a moment before reclaiming her crown of leaves. ~sp~ "I don't speak english."

Laidan: Well... that is going to be a problem. She tries to calm herself, ear cocked towards the girls voice. She pauses, a hand pointing to herself. "Laidan." Softly. Not slow, like the girl was dumb... but softly.

Malcolm De Witt: ((just so's I'm clear, because CP is alot of acreage, where are Laidan and the girl vis-a-vis malc & Karlos and Corbin? Like how far away? In direct line of sight, or in a totally different part of the park?))

Corbin Drake: The sudden noise gets his attention for a second, but nothing looks really wrong. Maybe they're playing. He watches a few seconds.

Karlos Basoalto: He grins. "Well then. For today, you can break curfew. Meditate here a while, I'll look out for you, then I'll walk you back to school and get a car from there."

Shadowgirl: She looks over the woman slowly and then down at her cane. For all her teenager years her mannorisms are far more akin to that of a toddler. "Maria," She says finally.

Shadowgirl: (They're all in the same area so maybe Laid and 'Maria' are about 10 yards away)

Malcolm De Witt: He smiles, kissing Karlos gratefully, then moving over to sit crosslegged on the broad rim of the fountain and stare into the water.

Laidan: "Maria." She repeats, a little smile. Another pause, and then a gesture torwards the bench. Obviously trying her hardest.

Malcolm De Witt: ((And Corbin?))

Shadowgirl: Poppa nods a bit to Corbin as he nears him, though it's subtle, nothing a casual observer would notice.

Shadowgirl: (I assume he's near by since he heard Maria)

Karlos Basoalto: He sits beside Malc, back to the water, watching those nearby. His eyes finally find Maria, and he smiles sadly.

Malcolm De Witt: He takes a deep breath, quieting himself, gazing with unfocused eyes into the fountain.

Shadowgirl: The girl reaches over suddenly and plops the crown of leaves on Laidan's head.

Corbin Drake: He nods lightly in return, but doesn't get up, just racks him with his eyes.

Corbin Drake: (Yup, near Lai and Maria. Not close, but near enough to hear louder noises.)

Shadowgirl: Rounding the fountain towards Karlos and Malcolm the older man steps louder, drags a foot a little, making enough noise to make his presence known at least.

Laidan: She twitches a little in surprise but nothing is hurting... a pale hand reaches up to slowly trace the crown. She seems almost amazed, smiling lightly. "Beautiful."

Karlos Basoalto: He rises to his feet, approaching Poppa Rust quietly, offering him a polite nod.

Malcolm De Witt: 6,8,7,3,

Shadowgirl: The girl laughs a little weakly and pulls her knees up to her chest as she looks around, "I died here once." She says in perfect english, her tone almost reminecent, chipper.

Shadowgirl: Poppa glances at Malcolm and then looks back to Karlos with a deep frown before casting a glance around, "The girl."

Karlos Basoalto: He nods softly. "How is she?"

Laidan: "Did you?" She murmurs, showing no shock or surprise. Moving carefully towards Maria.

Shadowgirl: She nods slowly before putting her chin on her knees. "Two to the chest one to the head."

Shadowgirl: Poppa looks back over his shoulder towards where the other two are and then to Karlos, "You ever done something like this before?"

Laidan: "That had to hurt." Her voice still soft, motherly. Crown gently lifted off her head and held in a way she indicates she wants to put it on Maria's.

Shadowgirl: Maria doesn't move at all, she just huddles there, staring around. ~sp~ "It burned."

Corbin Drake: He glances over the area again, eyes lingering on Lai a minute with the girl, and again on the pair talking to Poppa Rust.

Karlos Basoalto: "Not on such a large scale," he murmurs softly.

Laidan: She frowns, maybe hearing the tone in her voice. A hand reaches out, searching for the young woman. Gently touching her when he does find her.

Shadowgirl: Poppa frowns a little. "Last night she said she was Mera. This morning she was Rat. Not a rat but Rat. Some times she's dead. Some times she's not. Some times she thinks she's me. Some times she wont' speak english at all."

Karlos Basoalto: He frowns worriedly. "That... shouldn't be happening..."

Shadowgirl: She doesn't flinch at all when she's touched this time. Her eyes sort of drift closed and sigh sighs softly. "It's cold. Underground."

Laidan: "I'm sorry that had to happen." Gently, almost as if she could understand. Her fingers warm on Maria, not gripping very tightly. But letting her know she's there. "Strength."

Malcolm De Witt: He continues to sit still, staring quietly at the fountain with unfocused eyes, a deeply loving smile on his face.

Malcolm De Witt: ((and he'll do that for a while, unless something happens to jar him out of it. I'm gonna drop nick so as not to time out and drag others with me.))

Shadowgirl: Poppa's expression reads pretty much 'you think?'. "The younger ones, they were making bets this morning. If she was faking, if she was insane, if she was just confused."

Shadowgirl: (*hugs Singha*)

Karlos Basoalto: He frowns, deeply concerned, and casts a glance to Malcolm, then strides toward Maria, slowing before he gets there so as not to frighten the girl.

Shadowgirl: She shrugs a little under Laid's hand, "Some people like it deep down in the cold. They hide. Safe. Safe as houses. What's that suposed to mean?" Her head pulls a little to the side.

Laidan: "I don't know. I've never heard that expression." Softly, head twitching a bit towards the footsteps.

Shadowgirl: She looks up as Karlos approached, "Fag." She grumbles with mild annoyance.

Karlos Basoalto: He pauses, eyebrow quirking.

Shadowgirl: Poppa moves after Karlos but at a distance.

Shadowgirl: She lapses back into sullen silence, picking at her clothes irritably.

Karlos Basoalto: He glances to Laidan, then approaches once more, taking a seat the other side of her. "I'm Karlos," he murmurs softly.

Laidan: She picks up the crown of leaves again, silently offering it to Maria. An ear turned slightly towards Karlos, briefly. "Laidan."

Corbin Drake: He frowns a little as they abandon Malc, and drifts that way a little.

Karlos Basoalto: 9,5,9,2,10,8,

Karlos Basoalto: His gaze snaps immediately to Corbin as he approaches Malcolm.

Shadowgirl: (the other side of Laid or the other side of 'Maria/Sarah')

Karlos Basoalto: ((Other side of Sarah))

: Malc continues to meditate, smiling beatifically.

Shadowgirl: She doesn't move away from Karlos, she just hangs her head a bit, letting her tangled black hair fall over her shoulders and cheeks while she fidgits restlessly with her cloths.

Corbin Drake: And Malcolm's oblivious. He shrugs lightly and stalks off toward the other side of the park.

Karlos Basoalto: He offers Maria his hand. "What's your name?"

Laidan: She fidgeted in the silence, easing a bit when Karlos speaks.

Shadowgirl: He looks down at Karlos hand with a frown, "Malcolm."

Karlos Basoalto: He frowns further, glancing back over to Malcolm, then to her once more. "Do you really think so?"

Corbin Drake: (And, I'm off for a few hours. Catch you guys soon, I hope.)

Shadowgirl: (see you hun)

Karlos Basoalto: ((Tata *hugs*))

Laidan: ((*hugs*)) And her brow furrows in confusion.

Shadowgirl: She shakes her head a little. "I'm not sure."

Karlos Basoalto: He nods softly. "I'd like to try to help you. Do you object?"

Shadowgirl: She just sort of stares at him blankly, "She has no pictures in her dreams."

Laidan: Totally lost, just listening to the pair intently.

Karlos Basoalto: He tilts his head. "Who, Laidan?" He glances to the blind lady, then to Sarah again.

Shadowgirl: She slips back into spanish, thick, Mexican spanish. ~sp~ "She was born in two places."

Karlos Basoalto: He gazes at her.

Karlos Basoalto: 10,5,4,2,2,9,4,

Laidan: Still simply listening to the pair, the crown of leaves turned over slowly in her hands.

Shadowgirl -> Karlos Basoalto: He sees complete blackness briefly, then her memory shifts to a flash of Malcolm. A flash of Ellis Island. Trevor in Chains. Mera. Darkness. Cold.

Shadowgirl: She leans over and rests her head on Laidan's shoulder with a wistful little smile."

Karlos Basoalto: He just gazes at the girl, shivering a little.

Shadowgirl -> Karlos Basoalto: Then just empty.

Karlos Basoalto: He blinks, shaking his head slightly, utterly confused.

Laidan: She blinks, stiffening a little at the touch, but not pulling away. Carefully raising the crown to place it gently on Maria's head.

Shadowgirl: She stares at the trees blankly, ~sp~ "The night is dark and full of terror." She mumbles absently.

Karlos Basoalto: He rises to his feet, moving toward Poppa, shaking his head a little. When he gets there he murmurs softly "When a cub first... changes... How does it happen? Does it begin with dreams?"

Laidan: She just tentativly strokes Maria's hair... very motherly in in her actions.

Shadowgirl: Poppa frowns as he watches her and nods to Karlos, "Sometime times. We've appealed to the spirits regarding her on several occations though, they've assured us she is kin."

Shadowgirl: She closes her eyes and purrs softly.

Laidan: She keeps up the stroking gently, unsure of what's going on, just knowing this girl is... different somehow.

Karlos Basoalto: He nods. "I think she's picking up the dreams of the people around her. That's how they used her to find lost cubs. Those whose dreams were beginning to show hints of a change..." He looks worried.

Shadowgirl: She doesn't say anything else. Just stays close to the side of the blind woman and silent. Almost looking peaceful.

Laidan: 7,5,10,2,6,7,2,

Laidan: She stays close to Maria, almost protectivly. Like a mother wolf and cub.

Shadowgirl: Poppa frowns as he looks back over to the girl and the metis, "So now that you've cleared her memory... and put her close to Mera."

Karlos Basoalto: "It's like putting a radio right by the antenna." He frowns.

Laidan: She listens partially to Karlos and Poppa, but most of her attention is on the girl

Shadowgirl: (ack brb)

Shadowgirl: (back)

Shadowgirl: Poppa looks around slowly, "You don't think she's doing any harm to Mera do you?"

Karlos Basoalto: ((Sorry, back. Bloodied but unbowed))

Shadowgirl: (*chuckles* I only got a half hour be warned)

Karlos Basoalto: ((I better stop injuring myself then))

Karlos Basoalto: He shakes his head. "I doubt it very much. What does Mera say?"

Shadowgirl: She girl reaches up to feel around over Laidan's face, groping blindly.

Laidan: She stiffens a little at the touching but she lets the girl touch her. Smooth skin with only a few scars here and there. She has pretty enough features.

Shadowgirl: She feels around slowly over Laidan's cheeks and nose.

Shadowgirl: He looks towards the fountain with a slightly distant look, "Nothing..." He shakes his head. "She doesn't seem to care."

Laidan: It almost feels like the woman still has a bit of baby fat in her face. When he nose is touched, she inhales deeply out of reflex.

Karlos Basoalto: He frowns worriedly. "Is that... usual?"

: ((Open?))

Shadowgirl: The girl draws her hand back and straightens her crown of leaves before getting up slowly.

Shadowgirl: (By the fountain in central park Lurkie)

Laidan: Her hand falls away from Maria, a slight frown. 'Looking'up to her. "Maria?"

Shadowgirl: Poppa tilts his head a little, "She doesn't always speak when spoken to. But does the antenia really care about how close to it the radio is?"

Karlos Basoalto: "I wouldn't have thought so." He shakes his head gently, looking to Malcolm, then to Sarah once more. "Would you like me to take her home, see if her condition improves there?"

Shadowgirl: ~sp~ "Time for sleep." She looks around slowly.

Jeremy Thomas: He walks toward the fountain just to head there, whistling idly as his staff taps against the ground in beat with his footsteps.

Jeremy Thomas: ((DD: Jeremy is a very average-looking person. He stands 5'11", and is a little bit thin at 145 pounds. At 28 years of age, he still has a baby-face, and despite his full goatee, he is commonly mistaken for 18-20 years old. His hair, a medium-brown, goes down to about his mid-back, and is usually either worn in a loose ponytail or untethered. As stated before, he has a very youthful face, with bright blue eyes that flash with intelligence and full cheeks. His right canine is missing, but that's neither here nor there. Something about his features suggests maybe a Welsh origin. He usually dresses in casual clothes, including wrestling T-Shirts and jeans, a leather jacket, and his walking staff, which he is rarely if ever without. He is also never without his military-surplus backpack, an olive-colored thing that holds his belongings.))

Laidan: She stands up slowly, not sure what Maria is doing or what she said.

Malcolm De Witt: He's sitting on the broad rim of the fountain, staring quietly with unfocused eyes at teh water.

Shadowgirl: Poppa frowns and takes a few steps over to the girl just incase she takes flight again. "If you have a safe place to keep her you could try. She might be better off. But if she is aware of Mera's pulse mayhaps she'd be best kept here if she is not."

Malcolm De Witt: ((and let me know how long he needs to meditate))

Karlos Basoalto: "I have somewhere, but... It's not mine. I'll speak to the owner, see what he says, and come back to you."

Laidan: She pauses a little, hearing Poppa's voice and his steps... but she promised to stay near the girl.

Jeremy Thomas: He sees Malcolm and smiles, heading his direction, but not calling out. He recognizes a meditation when he sees it.

Shadowgirl: Poppa takes the girl by the elbow and smiles fainlty to Karlos. "Well then. Let me know when you have heard. I believe I'll get this lovely lady back to her tent now. Thank you for your assistance Laidan."

Laidan: "You're welcome sir." Softly.

Shadowgirl: (And I gotta scoot to get the kiddo. I'll see you all later!)

Karlos Basoalto: He nods, watching Poppa guide Sarah away, then sighs softly.

Laidan: ((Bye! Thank you!))

Karlos Basoalto: ((Tata :) ))

Laidan: She sighs softly, a faintly puzzled look. Tugging her cane out with a soft sigh.

Malcolm De Witt: He pulls slowly out of the meditation, sensing the increased activity around him. He smiles at seeing Jeremy and of course, Karlos.

Karlos Basoalto: He approaches Laidan, for once not moving quietly, stopping as he reaches her. He offers his hand, fingers touching hers lightly. "Pleasure to meet you," he murmurs.

Jeremy Thomas: "Hey, Malcolm. What's up?" He grins at him.

Laidan: She takes his hand in hers, a faint smile. "A pleasure to meet you as well."

Malcolm De Witt: "Hello, Dream. Have you met Laidan?" He motions toward the blind girl. "I've run into her on a few occassions but I didn't realize she...was a regular here."

Karlos Basoalto: He shakes her hand gently, then releases it. "Thank you for watching over her."

Laidan: She just looks a little bewildered at the thanks. "She... she needs to be watched." A slight shake of her head, as if to clean it, looking to Malcolm. "Hello Mr. De Witt. And I do come here often."

Karlos Basoalto: He offers Jeremy a warm smile. "Hello there, stranger..."

Malcolm De Witt: "Hello, Laidan. It's good to see you again."

Laidan: "You as well, Mr. De Witt."

Jeremy Thomas: He nods, understanding, and looks to Laidan, smiling. "Nice to meet you, Laidan." He grins to Karlos, nodding. "Hey, man. How're you doing?"

Laidan: "Hello." She says softly to the voice adressing her.

Karlos Basoalto: He heads over to Jer, offering his hand, cheekily using the handshake to draw him into a hug and pat his back. "Good, good. The usual, you know?" He grins warmly. "You?"

Jeremy Thomas: He hugs Karlos back, smiling. "Can't complain too much. Good to see you." He pulls gently away, smiling to him, and moves a bit toward Laidan. "I'm Dream. Or Jeremy, if you prefer proper names."

Karlos Basoalto: He smiles, stepping aside, slipping his arm round Malc's waist.

Malcolm De Witt: He leans into Karlos with a contented sound, looking up at the sky. "It's...nice...to be outside...at night."

Laidan: "Pleased to meet you Jeremy." A light smile to him.

Karlos Basoalto: He smiles, nodding. "It is, when you can get a moment that isn't filled with kidnapping attempts, murder, assault, fire, and unpleasant odours from the harbour.."

Malcolm De Witt: He frowns, his optimism tarnished by the cold reality of Karlos' words. But then he brightens. "You're with me. I can handle the rest."

Karlos Basoalto: He grins. "Damn right."

Laidan: "Goodnight Mr. De Witt, Mr. Karlos, and Mr. Jeremy." Softly, cane started to gently tap. Realizing she is not part of this gathering.

Jeremy Thomas: He raises an eyebrow to Karlos. "That sounds like more then the usual..."

Karlos Basoalto: He blinks at Jeremy. "Does it? You don't pay enough attention, then." Smiles a little, then looks to Laidan. "Good night, Laidan. Take care."

Malcolm De Witt: "Good night, Laidan." He waves to her, frowning, as if sensing her loneliness.

Jeremy Thomas: He nods to Laidan. "Nice to meet you."

Jeremy Thomas: He shakes his head to Karlos, sighing. "No, I don't, I'm afraid." There's a tiny bit of self-indictment there.

Karlos Basoalto: He nods Malcolm in Laidan's direction, patting his butt before turning to face Jer fully.

Laidan: She moves off, cane tapping, slowly disappering.

Malcolm De Witt: He's not sure what that means, but tentatively heads off after Laidan. "You...don't have to leave...really."

Karlos Basoalto: He murmurs softly to Jer: "Seems the Sabbat are trying to start a war."

Laidan: She pauses, glancing back at Malcolm with a smile. "That's alright. I don't want to intrude."

Jeremy Thomas: His eyes widen to Karlos. "What? But the treaty..."

Malcolm De Witt: "How can you intrude? You belong here."

Karlos Basoalto: He nods. "They smashed right through it and tried kidnapping me. They're claiming I broke it first by attacking them, but I didn't. I was in a bar when a fight broke out that they were in. I didn't even get involved."

Laidan: "You three know each other." As if that made perfect sense to her. Turning to hear him better.

Malcolm De Witt: "So? If you stuck around, you'd know us too."

Jeremy Thomas: "Shit." His lip curls a little, frustration lighting in his eyes. "Have we tried to make contact with them, or is that out the window?"

Laidan: She blinks slightly as if that thought never occured to her. "You don't mind...?"

Karlos Basoalto: "We're giving that a try. Going to see how they take to the idea of a tribunal. I'm hoping if they have any sense they'll use it as an excuse to use the guy they sent after me as a scapegoat and let it drop for a few more years."

Malcolm De Witt: "No. IF you're...part of the...community here...then it's best for you to know what's going on."

Jeremy Thomas: He nods. "Yeah, here's hoping." He frowns, lighting a cigarette. "Wierd timing for them to do it now. Not that I can claim to understand the way they think." He shakes his head.

Laidan: She pauses, and she smiles brightly. Moving carefully towards Malcolm. "Thank you..."

Karlos Basoalto: He shakes his head. "They think in decades. They must've had this planned from the moment Malcolm bought me off them." He scowls.

Malcolm De Witt: He smiles. "Would you like to take my hand?"

Laidan: "That's alright." A smile. "I can hear you, and Mr. Karlos. And I know here pretty well. But thank you."

Jeremy Thomas: He furrows his brow, clearly not aware of that detail himself, but not asking. Not the kind of thing one just asks about.

Karlos Basoalto: He huffs slightly, crossing his arms.

Malcolm De Witt: He arrives with Laidan, smiling. "What did we miss?

Jeremy Thomas: He looks to Malcolm. "Karlos was just updating me on current events."

Laidan: She tucks her cane away, listening.

Malcolm De Witt: "Oh. About Heaven?"

Karlos Basoalto: He shakes his head. "About the great Karlos robbery."

Jeremy Thomas: He shakes his head. "Our friends across state lines."

Laidan: "What's Heaven?" She murmurs. "Fausto mentioned it..." She seems just a little lost.

Malcolm De Witt: "Oh..." He nods. Then looks to Karlos. "Should we go talk to them?"

Malcolm De Witt: "Heaven's a new drug that's hitting the Raves in town. It's got some...unique properties."

Jeremy Thomas: "I've heard a little about Heaven through the grapevine." He frowns.

Laidan: "Raves? What kind of properties?"

Karlos Basoalto: "I'm not talking to anyone. Fausto's dealing with that." His scowl deepens, and he glances to the night sky above once more.

Malcolm De Witt: "It's wonderful." Malc says, his eyes going a bit dreamy. "But stay away from the antidote."

Malcolm De Witt: He scowls, looking to Karlos. "FAusto? He doesn't know anything about them. He had to call me to find out where they...work out of."

Laidan: She moves to open her mouth and then shuts it. Just listening.

Jeremy Thomas: "I'd talk to them, but I don't know much about them. Never even met one, beyond the one time." ((Plus, that would make me even more schizo then normal. *S*))

Karlos Basoalto: He glances to Malcolm. "So now he knows."

Karlos Basoalto: He shakes his head at Jer. "No. I don't want them to know just who I have connections with. Single point of contact. We'll leave it there."

Laidan: And she silently listens

Joshua Coil: *Just out for a stroll, heading from the Queens area. He walks with a slight slouch, into the park. With a packed lunch, surprisingly enough, and a thermos of coffee. Not so surprising.*

Laidan: 9,2,3,2,6,2,9,

Laidan: She hears footsteps, but she can't tell where they come from.

Jeremy Thomas: He nods to Karlos in acquiesence. "Your situation, your call." He seems a bit concerned about the 'one person' theory, but says nothing.

Joshua Coil: *He flops down on a bench, not really paying attention to ... well... anyone. A quick look around, though.*

Joshua Coil: 10,7,5,3,6,

Joshua Coil: *Movement... looks like a busy evening. He pours himself a cup of coffee. Tonight seems to be a simple night. Jeans. Tee shirt. He sips almost absently.*

Malcolm De Witt: He goes quiet at Karlos' obvious smackdown, and just heaves a sigh.

Karlos Basoalto: He doesn't exactly seem overly thrilled with the situation either. "I should get my ass home. I've been avoiding going out at night, but I got caught up here." He sighs softly.

Malcolm De Witt: "I don't remember my dreams since that day I missed school," he says, as if trying to get some kind of attention that's not negative.

Karlos Basoalto: "There you go." He smiles a little. "Proof that missing school is bad for you."

Laidan: She's quiet. Listening.

Malcolm De Witt: He frowns, seeming to bristle slightly. "So...I guess...I should head off for rehearsal?"

Joshua Coil: *Maybe he simply doesn't notice the others there. Maybe he doesn't want to. Or maybe he's just so engrossed in his coffee. Mmmm... non-angst. Good for the soul. He smiles, as he sips at it.*

Karlos Basoalto: He lifts an eyebrow. "It was a joke, love. I would rather you had been with me than gone to school. I needed you."

Jeremy Thomas: He glances at Malcolm. "Missing school made it so you forget your dreams?"

Malcolm De Witt: He sighs, making a face, as if he's angry with himself for not getting the joke. "But...what I was trying to say...was that this time...with Heaven...wasn't like last time."

Karlos Basoalto: He tilts his head, taking Malc's hand. "No? How was it different?"

Malcolm De Witt: He shakes his head to Jer. "No. I usually don't remember my dreams. But...then I took Heaven...and every night for like...a week...I remembered what I dreamed about...but then..." He trails off, it suddenly occuring to him that Karlos might not want him to talk about this.

Jeremy Thomas: Ahh. It was Heaven. He listens, quietly.

Karlos Basoalto: He gives Malc a little nod.

Laidan: She tilts her head, listening herself.

Malcolm De Witt: "Well..." He nods back to Karlos, drawing in a dee breath as he thinks about what he's going to say. "This time...like last time...all i could think about was how much I love the city...and the people who love me...and the first time....I felt all...charged up from it...but this time...I wanted to give somethign back...because it felt like something was beign born...and I wanted to feed it...but as soon as I did...the high stopped."

Laidan: She frowns, just a litte bit as she listens. "Fausto... said those with spiritual ties shouldn't take heaven."

Joshua Coil: *Oooh... bristle at the name said in the darkness. Fausto. Very much bristle, and a pause in the sipping of the cup.*

Karlos Basoalto: He nods to Laidan. "We're still trying to figure out exactly what it does. If it screws us over, at least it'll only be us." Then he looks to Malc. "I felt like I was giving birth. But the moment I did, it was over..."

Laidan: "But..." and she falls silent, not finishing. She knows too little about this, she will let them do it. It's not her place.

Malcolm De Witt: He scowls darkly. "Fausto should mind his own business."

Jeremy Thomas: He nods to Laidan. "Sounds like a smart idea. Has anyone gotten a sample to analyze in any way?"

Laidan: She cringes, just a little bit, at Malcolms tone. "He asked me to tell... Poppa. So no one would take it."

Karlos Basoalto: He nods. "It's been analysed backwards and forwards, up and down. Heaven seems to have no addictive properties, no side-effects, no toxins, nothing whatsoever negative about it. But the 'antidote' seems to be something worth avoiding."

Malcolm De Witt: "The antidote kills dreams. That's what Mera said."

Jeremy Thomas: "Is the antidote another drug? Or something else?"

Karlos Basoalto: "I'm thinking that doesn't sound good. Heaven lets you remember your dreams. It seems to have some spiritual component. But if Heaven gives, and the antidote takes away... What if even Heaven can never give it back again?"

Laidan: "It does have a spiritual component." Mumbled spftly.

Joshua Coil: Then that is the purpose of even taking it? *He growls in slight annoyance, and finally gets up from the bench. Walking away from the four gathered.*

Karlos Basoalto: "The antidote is to kill off the effects of having taken Heaven. I can only imagine that an awful lot of people..." His eyes widen in horror. "Oh god. I could barely stand to take Heaven. It was overpowering. What if most people just pop the antidote the moment it gets that far?"

Laidan: Lost. TOTALLY lost.

Malcolm De Witt: He nods to Laidan, then remembers she's not seeing him and says "It does, Laidan. It...rejuvenates the spirit. It lets...humans...dream like...the curtain never fell."

Karlos Basoalto: "What if the antidote... I don't know, suppresses people's spirits somehow?" He looks like he wants to run the three or four miles back home right now.

Laidan: "It can cause the user to awaken the weaver, the wyld, or the wyrm." She whispers it. "That's what Fausto said."

Jeremy Thomas: "You think Heaven was made simply in order to get people to take the antidote?" He looks deeply troubled.

Karlos Basoalto: "No. I think Heaven was made to enable people to touch the Chaya. I think the manufacturer's financial backers have put forward the antidote."

Laidan: Yeup. Lost again

Jeremy Thomas: "So we need to find out who made both, and why."

Karlos Basoalto: "We know who made both. It's not something I want public knowledge. Damnit..." He looks set to walk away then and there. Shakes his head. "We have to buy him out."

Malcolm De Witt: "Yes," he says to Laidan. "That's what Mera said, not Fausto." He scowls, growing bitter at the idea of the man taking credit for something he didn't discover. He frowns at Karlos' look and draws in a deep breath. "It's not beign made any more. I bought the rights to the process. But the people who were funding it might...try to reverse engineer it."

Karlos Basoalto: He looks to Malcolm. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Jeremy Thomas: Okay, now his expression matches Laidan's.

Laidan: And she falls silent, almost frustrated. So terribly out of the loop in this whole thing. "He relayed the information to me, and I relayed to those he told me too. That's all..."

Malcolm De Witt: "I did tell you." He blinks at Karlos. "You...were the one who told me how much money I'd have to scrape together."

Karlos Basoalto: "I was?" He runs a hand through his hair. "Fuck."

Malcolm De Witt: He frowns at Karlos, then looks to the confused looks on the faces of the others.

Karlos Basoalto: "I gotta go. You want me to walk you back to school?" He looks to Malc.

Jeremy Thomas: He looks at Malcolm and Karlos, clearly confused, but sure the explanation will be forthcoming.

Laidan: She looks more frustrated than confused but she's obviously letting to go.

Malcolm De Witt: He sighs, and nods to Karlos. "Alright." He seems to think he's done something wrong but is confused about what that might have been.

Karlos Basoalto: He nods to Jeremy. "Come by sometime. I need your help." Then he nods to Laidan. "Miss Laidan. Thank you for your time." He gives Josh a nod then strides away swiftly.

Laidan: "You're welcome... bye..."

Malcolm De Witt: He gives Jer an apologetic look, then says to Laidan "I'm sorry, I have to go right now." He scurries after Karlos.

Laidan: "Bye. Its alright..." To Malc, even MORE confused.

Karlos Basoalto: He takes Malc's hand as he walks, squeezing it tightly.

Malcolm De Witt: He holds onto Karlos' hand, looking relieved that Karlos takes it.

Karlos Basoalto: He says nothing to Malc until they're clear of the park. ((To bat-midtown!))

Jeremy Thomas: He nods. "See you guys later."

Jeremy Thomas: ((Nods to Karlos, rather.))