Masquerade: The Autumn Court

[Morrdh]

Morri

Morri turned to glance at the new arrivals; a couple of strangers she'd never met before but seemingly allies. Though when she saw the third person to enter the apartment, she exclaimed in Gaelic. She wasn't that surprised that the Elder Kindred had been using her to eavesdrop, though it was still far from reassuring.

"So we don't need ta bring ye up ta speed." Said Morri as she eyed Anna warily. "That saves time, I guess."

"So wots yer master plan ta deal with big bad demon guy?"

"Inquisitor huh?" Morri said, this time to Reynolds. "I should probably disclose that I'm a wolf and that I'm most assuredly NOT 'bouts ta get me claws out. Though if it makes ye feel any better, I was raised Catholic."

"On the subject o' wolves, I should really go and fetch the rest o' me pack."

[Luminesa]

The Safehouse

Caladrielle simply nodded to Morri offering thanks for services rendered. John folded his arms as he listened to Alexei rattle off a plan, which, was pretty bare bones all things considered. Nikolai simply grunted at his part. Then there was a knock at the door and John moved over cautiously towards it. Peeping through the hole before opening it slowly. Revealing Reynolds and Montferrat. The two moved into the apartment with Reynolds glancing at Alexei while Montferrat turned behind him as a feminine form crossed the threshold. Anna.

"Can't help overhearing absolutely everything courtesy of Morri. Recruited Montferrat who then scooped up the last surviving member of the Inquisition in Los Angeles." Indicating Reynolds who seemed utterly on edge being next to Anna. Montferrat must have gone through extreme lengths to convince the Inquisitor to join them in this endeavor. The latter speaking up, "The Templars will meet at the Church to assist in clearing the building."

But as for the Inquisition it seemed just Reynolds was present. Something which begged the question to the rest of the room. So Reynolds spoke calmly, "Rome is blind to this. No one in the Inquisition is aware of what is going on and the channels have been dead to anything going to the West of the Rockies."

Anna clasped her hands behind her back, she was not gird in her armour, rather in leather breeches and jacket with a matching turtleneck. Hair cascading around her shoulders. "As expected. The Inquisition likely is already infiltrated by Demonic agents. I would not be surprised Belial ordered the proverbial communication lines be cut the moment his Cult began to spread outwards in earnest."

Abandoned Consilia

The Mages surged through the sublevel halls in search for the rift. Needless to say it did not take long as they followed the source of the hunger. The gaping wound in reality. Until, moving into the abandoned laboratory, they saw a blacker than black mass. Static power and deep biting cold emanated from it. The gaping hole in reality was before them and the Mages could sense, no feel, the everlasting emaciation of the Abyss. Calling them, begging, seducing the Mages to step through and give themselves to the famished predators therein. They were running out of time. As the rift showed jagged edges and tears streaking off from its central mass. Beings, things, cold denizens of the Abyss on the opposing side had been lashing out, bashing, at the rift try and widen it. Increase the hole in reality until they could pass through fully. But now, it merely was eight feet across and seven feet wide, roughly circular and slightly oblate. With jagged edges and fissures in a half dozen places.

Alexei - A Simple Twist of Fate

Alexei would have liked a reaction from the room, maybe some questions or some concerns, but John just stared at him as if he was paint drying on a wall. Ah well, perhaps the conversation will flow better with breakfast...For those of us who actually eat... he thought. He smelled the food Morri was cooking, and he sighed. Just a few seconds longer and they would have a piece of normalcy. Yet seconds came, and normalcy flew out of the doorway as three figures entered. Two of them old, and one new.

Reynolds was the last person he was expecting to see in the morning. Reynolds with Prince Anna behind him was even less likely. A stranger stood with them, someone who apparently knew the Inquisitor. The last Inquisitor of Los Angeles. "Ahem. I would say there are two in this room, thank you," Alexei muttered, after giving Reynolds a glance and then looking to the coffee cup. "...Perhaps demons were the reason we both wound-up in the situation we are in, or a certain Prince who killed every other Inquisitor in Los Angeles by her own bare hands? After all, it would be quite unlikely for a dozen or so men to all kill themselves with a gunshot to the back of the head...stab wounds to their own hearts with medieval swords...hm...I wonder," he murmured, as he walked over to each person in the room and gave them a cup of coffee.

He then walked over to Reynolds, one hand on his hip and a cup of steaming coffee in his other hand. He kept his voice down as he stared up at the man who had aided Maxwell in throwing him out of the Inquisition. Of course, Alexei did not know of the torture Reynolds had suffered at Nikolai's hand, but given his own frustrations he did not care so much. Many of those same Inquisitors were all too happy to forgo having some sort of faith, provided they got to torture a man with a car battery. "Well, Reynolds, I should say I'm glad to see you. I'm sure that would make this situation slightly more comforting. How do you like your coffee?...Black, bitter, and full of betrayal? After all, my father, your superior, was not the one who brought a heretic into the order."

He handed the man a cup, and walked back by Morri's side. His face was calm, perhaps a little stern, but he gave Morri a sweet smile as he stood by the stove. "Now...our Fae companion has mentioned the specific church where our cult is hiding. Since now we have...the three of you...I suppose you have some suggestions for how to tackle Belial and his band of demons?" he inquired. Giving the Prince a sharp nod, he continued, "Anna, I'm sure, knows them all by name. And she did come in armor, so I assume she is ready to go. I'm ready as soon as I've had food, though...I'm not sure what the three of you are planning to eat. I suppose we could make more. I'll do that part, since Morri has been slaving over the stove for the last few minutes."

[Imperialisium]

The Safe House

"I could care less what you are," responded Reynolds quickly to Morri. He made no attempt at hiding his disdain, if not downright distaste for being the room, but he had little option and if the Vatican was blind to this. Which, if any knew it would be Reynolds. Then it was likely something that he would otherwise have had to handle alone. So here he was, surrounded by beings he was sworn to destroy as heretical affronts to God. As Alexei spoke, Reynold's eyes shifted to the young man. So the Heretic lives. Among fiends, colour me unsurprised. Reynolds watched Alexei make the rounds. Muttering and murmuring.

John took his coffee with a nod and began sipping it black. Nikolai of course didn't drink coffee but nodded at the gesture as he went to the fridge and pulled out a blood pack. Breaking the seal and sucking on the little plastic tube like a straw. Offering one to Anna whom took it hesitantly. Copying Nikolai's method of obtaining sustenance a moment later. Then Alexei wound to Montferrat and the Templar took it, "Two? Thought you were Excommunicated?"

Reynolds didn't offer any clarification as he took the cup smoothly from Alexei. His face remaining passive as Alexei spoke him, looking up at him, pathetic self pittance. My faith is unwavered. You threw yours out a long time ago, boy. A dull rage growing inside him as the bodies of his friends, of Hideyoshi, of Manning, of Maxwell, of the Bishop Verio.

Alexei wound back to mentioning Caladrielle and the sorceress perked up. "Yes, the bones point to a Pentecostal Mega-Chu," splash

Reynolds had walked up to Alexei, spun the smaller man around, and dumped the sizzling fresh cup of coffee onto the mans face. "Speak ill of dead companions again, Apostate, and I'll be sure to send you to whatever Hell awaits." Reynolds may have struck Alexei, had it not been for the fact he bodily was lifted and pulled back by unseen hands. Invisible hands which forced him into a recliner to sit as he fought vainly to get free. Anna's eyes glowed red.

Adjusting her leather coat she grimaced in annoyance, "Enough! You are more than welcome to kill each other as much as you please after this threat to us all has been dealt with." Moving nearer Alexei, and incidentally blocking any retaliatory strike from the ex-Inquisitor or Morri for that matter, Anna continued, with eyes slowly dimming back to their typical brilliant green electric colouring, "Now, I will assist of course. At least I'd give whatever dysfunctional motley band this is a fighting chance. Though, unfortunately for you Alexei, any Demons I know are of name only via what literature I have read. Not that they would be amical to help me anyways."

Ronald Reagan Medical Center

Hiiss-splat

Red and black viscous liquid splattered the floor. A body with burnt out eyes, hears, and mouth falling to the ground. "Hmm hmm," came an elegant voice as a finely dressed man moved down the hall. Two other bodies hit the floor shortly after, "Hmmm hmm the Shareef don't like it," A fourth man, a doctor, made to punch the well dressed man. Who easily side stepped and gave a flick of the wrist. Shattering the doctor's jaw with twenty teeth clattering to the ground, "Rockin the Casbah, Rock the Casbah." Grabbing the Doctor the well dressed man made a swift motion left, then right, then spun as if dancing with the discombobulated doctor. In time for the doctor to catch several bullets to the back.

The well dressed man dropped the fresh corpse to the ground as he zipped with a blink of an eye to appear behind the two gunmen. Tapping them on the shoulder. Slowly turning around and once they glimpsed their target was now behind them. They made to move-snap. Finely manicured fingers grasped them by the back of their skulls and violently, gracefully, snapped their necks. Reaching up, the well dressed man adjusted his tie, "Now over at the temple, hmm hmm."

"Lucifer." Came a deep, guttural, male voice.

The well dressed man turned around on his heel. "In the flesh. Been too long Eriskagel...four millennia? Five?"

"Why're you here? Los Angeles belongs to Belial," stated Eriskagel. Wearing the body of a young female physician assistant with hair dun up in a loose bun.

"Thanks for telling me who you all are here under orders from," responded Lucifer cheekily.

Eriskagel gritted the assistants teeth as his eyes flashed coal black and red. "Belial can't be stopped. His hold grows by the hou-."

Lucifer's eyes flashed solid white and Eriskagel screamed. Blackness erupting from the physician assistants body. Fleeing before the Devil and passing through the glass of a nearby window. The physician's assistant collapsed to the ground. Lucifer's eyes returning to normal as the Blackness vanished into the night. The physicians assistant stirred, "Wha...what happ-," she saw Lucifer and then the bodies. Lucifer looking back, "Uh, right," the latter scrambled over to the assistant, "Come now love! Quick! There's a crazy gunman on the loose!"

Hoisting the physicians assistant up onto her feet he made to pull her along the hall.

"Bu..Doctor Kramer!" Pointing to a corpse in the hallway. Lucifer chattered rapidly, "Those were there when I got here! Come now, love, we got to go!" Pushing open an exit door he plopped her down onto the grass. "Run along love and don't call the police till you're pretty far!"

"What?!"

"Crazy gunman, many guns, lots of bullets! Bye!" Slamming the door shut, leaving the physicians assistant utterly lost and confused over what happened. Lucifer let out a sigh. "Right, time?" Pulling out a silver pocket watch the Devil checked the time, "Mmm six minutes and twenty...three seconds till Police arrive." Snapping the pocket watch closed Lucifer walked down the hall and took a left. Moving away from the bodies he left in his wake, "Now if I were a Governor attacked by Fallen Elohim were would I be?"

[Luminesa]

The Safe House

"I could care less what you are," responded Reynolds quickly to Morri. He made no attempt at hiding his disdain, if not downright distaste for being the room, but he had little option and if the Vatican was blind to this. Which, if any knew it would be Reynolds. Then it was likely something that he would otherwise have had to handle alone. So here he was, surrounded by beings he was sworn to destroy as heretical affronts to God. As Alexei spoke, Reynold's eyes shifted to the young man. So the Heretic lives. Among fiends, colour me unsurprised. Reynolds watched Alexei make the rounds. Muttering and murmuring.

John took his coffee with a nod and began sipping it black. Nikolai of course didn't drink coffee but nodded at the gesture as he went to the fridge and pulled out a blood pack. Breaking the seal and sucking on the little plastic tube like a straw. Offering one to Anna whom took it hesitantly. Copying Nikolai's method of obtaining sustenance a moment later. Then Alexei wound to Montferrat and the Templar took it, "Two? Thought you were Excommunicated?"

Reynolds didn't offer any clarification as he took the cup smoothly from Alexei. His face remaining passive as Alexei spoke him, looking up at him, pathetic self pittance. My faith is unwavered. You threw yours out a long time ago, boy. A dull rage growing inside him as the bodies of his friends, of Hideyoshi, of Manning, of Maxwell, of the Bishop Verio.

Alexei wound back to mentioning Caladrielle and the sorceress perked up. "Yes, the bones point to a Pentecostal Mega-Chu," splash

Reynolds had walked up to Alexei, spun the smaller man around, and dumped the sizzling fresh cup of coffee onto the mans face. "Speak ill of dead companions again, Apostate, and I'll be sure to send you to whatever Hell awaits." Reynolds may have struck Alexei, had it not been for the fact he bodily was lifted and pulled back by unseen hands. Invisible hands which forced him into a recliner to sit as he fought vainly to get free. Anna's eyes glowed red.

Adjusting her leather coat she grimaced in annoyance, "Enough! You are more than welcome to kill each other as much as you please after this threat to us all has been dealt with." Moving nearer Alexei, and incidentally blocking any retaliatory strike from the ex-Inquisitor or Morri for that matter, Anna continued, with eyes slowly dimming back to their typical brilliant green electric colouring, "Now, I will assist of course. At least I'd give whatever dysfunctional motley band this is a fighting chance. Though, unfortunately for you Alexei, any Demons I know are of name only via what literature I have read. Not that they would be amical to help me anyways."

Ronald Reagan Medical Center

Hiiss-splat

Red and black viscous liquid splattered the floor. A body with burnt out eyes, hears, and mouth falling to the ground. "Hmm hmm," came an elegant voice as a finely dressed man moved down the hall. Two other bodies hit the floor shortly after, "Hmmm hmm the Shareef don't like it," A fourth man, a doctor, made to punch the well dressed man. Who easily side stepped and gave a flick of the wrist. Shattering the doctor's jaw with twenty teeth clattering to the ground, "Rockin the Casbah, Rock the Casbah." Grabbing the Doctor the well dressed man made a swift motion left, then right, then spun as if dancing with the discombobulated doctor. In time for the doctor to catch several bullets to the back.

The well dressed man dropped the fresh corpse to the ground as he zipped with a blink of an eye to appear behind the two gunmen. Tapping them on the shoulder. Slowly turning around and once they glimpsed their target was now behind them. They made to move-snap. Finely manicured fingers grasped them by the back of their skulls and violently, gracefully, snapped their necks. Reaching up, the well dressed man adjusted his tie, "Now over at the temple, hmm hmm."

"Lucifer." Came a deep, guttural, male voice.

The well dressed man turned around on his heel. "In the flesh. Been too long Eriskagel...four millennia? Five?"

"Why're you here? Los Angeles belongs to Belial," stated Eriskagel. Wearing the body of a young female physician assistant with hair dun up in a loose bun.

"Thanks for telling me who you all are here under orders from," responded Lucifer cheekily.

Eriskagel gritted the assistants teeth as his eyes flashed coal black and red. "Belial can't be stopped. His hold grows by the hou-."

Lucifer's eyes flashed solid white and Eriskagel screamed. Blackness erupting from the physician assistants body. Fleeing before the Devil and passing through the glass of a nearby window. The physician's assistant collapsed to the ground. Lucifer's eyes returning to normal as the Blackness vanished into the night. The physicians assistant stirred, "Wha...what happ-," she saw Lucifer and then the bodies. Lucifer looking back, "Uh, right," the latter scrambled over to the assistant, "Come now love! Quick! There's a crazy gunman on the loose!"

Hoisting the physicians assistant up onto her feet he made to pull her along the hall.

"Bu..Doctor Kramer!" Pointing to a corpse in the hallway. Lucifer chattered rapidly, "Those were there when I got here! Come now, love, we got to go!" Pushing open an exit door he plopped her down onto the grass. "Run along love and don't call the police till you're pretty far!"

"What?!"

"Crazy gunman, many guns, lots of bullets! Bye!" Slamming the door shut, leaving the physicians assistant utterly lost and confused over what happened. Lucifer let out a sigh. "Right, time?" Pulling out a silver pocket watch the Devil checked the time, "Mmm six minutes and twenty...three seconds till Police arrive." Snapping the pocket watch closed Lucifer walked down the hall and took a left. Moving away from the bodies he left in his wake, "Now if I were a Governor attacked by Fallen Elohim were would I be?"

Alexei - Family Affair

Reynolds had a little bite to his bark, apparently, and Alexei taunting the unchained guard-dog was not the most responsible of actions. Yet given that he had been annoyed so early in the morning, more by Anna but partially by the last remaining Inquisitor, he felt that he had a reason to be angry. He was mentally braced for a fight, though he did not have his sword or any other weapons on him. His sword was under his bed, waiting for use, and others were hidden. He had taken his time walking around the room and handing others the coffee, however, and as the atmosphere around the room began to simmer, his eyes flickered back to the newcomers.

At least Monserrat had been polite, when asking about Alexei's status as an Inquisitor. He rubbed his temple and stared at him. "...I was excommunicated on a faulty basis by Inquisitors who apparently have been under the influence of demons. My father was an Inquisitor who was...close to Augustine Maxwell. It was due to his influence that I became a member of the Society of Leopold when I was 14. I have...focused on protecting the Masquerade, which...given Anna's revelation that we are being attacked by demons which normal humans cannot fight without help, now seems far more justified. But unfortunately, if Belial has invaded a megachurch, we may be a little late for that..."

He went to take a sip of his own coffee, only for Reynolds to finally march toward him. He saw the coffee in his hand, the way he thrust his shoulder back as if he was going to swing a punch. While Alexei could not step away in time, as the older man had grabbed his shoulder, he was able to block his face with an arm as the steaming coffee splashed in his face. He gasped, and felt his entire body flash with shock as the hot liquid hit his skin and clothes. While the knit sweater caught a fair bit of the coffee, he managed to get some of his on his cheek, forehead, and in his hair. "...Ahhhhhhhhh!...You..."

His hands shook as he took a step back, which Anna's quick interference allowed him to do. Part of him wanted to grab the sword in his room and to retaliate, but he knew that fighting Reynolds would bring nothing good. The last thing he had wanted was a fight between all members of the party, something he had barely avoided the previous night. Now he took a deep breath, exhaled, and went to the sink to wash his face. "...Only God can send me to Hell, and honestly I've endured fates almost as awful as Hell, recently...and please, Prince Anna...put him down..." He sighed, and gave Monserrat a weary look. While he did not expect him to be a happy, friendly ally, at least he was here and was a fresh face. Maybe he would believe him. Maybe he knew more about Maxwell. Thus, he had to keep on his good side, if possible. "...If God wants us to fight then we have to do it together...I'm sure that the demons we're fighting will require it, in fact..." he muttered. He also made sure to give Morri a look of reassurance, as if to say, Don't hit him back, I'm fine.

Anna's response, however, did not give him the most hope. She said that she did not know any demons, but he felt in his heart that he could not entirely believe her. Yet after being burned by coffee, he did not wish to argue. "...Any knowledge you have shall be helpful. Now...if I may go change my clothes very quickly, I would appreciate it. In the meantime, please feel free to start eating breakfast, whoever wants any." He then walked to his bedroom to change his sweater. As he tore-off the stained one, he glared down at it and sighed shakily. "...Oh father...how long must I bear this...and Maxwell..." He chucked the sweater toward a basket in the corner, and missed. "...How much longer must I suffer for your sins...all without answers, as well..."

[Morrdh]

Morri

A deep growl issued from Morri's throat as her posture became more aggressive and she prepared herself to shift forms. Though Anna's intervention halted things escalating any further, so Morri relented. Instead she settled for giving Reynolds an evil look.

"Ye don't wanna be nice." She said to Reynolds directly. "Fine. I couldn't care less."

"But know this." She continued. "If this big bad demon thingy emerges from wotever pit o' balefire from whence it came, this city is effectively getting the equivalent o' being nuked. The city along with thousands if not millions o' innocent lives...gone."

"We're trying ta stop that from happening."

"So put yer ego ta one side and help out, ye can bicker with Alexei all ye want once the dust settles."

[Parcia]

The Safe house

As the moment, the door to the place would swing open and hit the door with a Thud. The towering form of Jonah Slaid casually strode in among this proverbial cat fight among super natural beings and simply stood behind the large couch that made up the centerpiece of the living room's furniture.

He eyed them all down, sighed, and rubbed his tired eyes. "As the good...several millennia old blood witch has said, we have larger fish to fry." He unslung the repeating crossbow and set it down on the table. Jonah then took out a pack of Marlboros and his lighter, taking a moment to light a cig and proceeded to look over the maps he had laid out among the small dining table.

"Forgive me if I've heard this before, but do we have any leads?."

[Luminesa]

Alexei - Rising Temperatures

Alexei found a baby-blue sweater somewhere in the back of his closet, and he threw it over himself as soon as possible. The burns that had managed to settle on his skin twitched and stung even when they felt the soft cashmere, and he groaned. He had dealt before with broken ribs, a blood bond, and several near-death experiences, and the fact that coffee burns were stinging him made him frustrated. He had to remember that despite everything, he was still somehow human, and he had to deal with small wounds as well as larger ones with grace.

Yet as he pulled the sweater over his head, another voice joined the cacophony of voices outside of his door. This time, he was surprised to hear the aforementioned voice, the booming and threatening bass of Jonah Slaid. Jonah...oh God help us... He had thought for sure that after the previous night, he had decided to bail from Los Angeles and to go to Vegas and hide. After all, his wife was pregnant, and with twins. He had every reason now to leave. Yet for some reason he was here, though fortunately he seemed calmer than the previous night. For what it's worth, I hope that Reynolds does not actually try to pick a fight with him, otherwise we may need a new safe-house...and my apartment is not an option...

He walked back into the living room slowly, glad to still smell breakfast in the air. He saw that in the time since he had walked out of the room, Morri had nearly changed into her Crinos form. She had a scent about her when she was about to change, and her hair was standing on end. Somehow, Anna had managed to save her from getting into a fight with an Inquisitor, something Alexei had dreaded happening if he was to leave her alone. Yet she was just fine, though still angry. Then there was Jonah, his giant form looming over the innocent couch. He was much like a giant gargoyle, protecting the peace while appearing as frightening as usual. "...Jonah. I'm...happy to say that, for once, I'm glad the FBI hasn't found you yet. I think they are soon to have larger problems, especially now that they have the attempted assassination of a government official on their hands..."

He sighed, and walked to the kitchen to fix plates of food for anyone interested. Since Nikolai was slurping away at a blood bag, he went ahead and made plates for Jonah and John, then for Morri. He was not about to give Reynolds another container of something hot to throw in his face, nor did he want Morri to do so. However, he did give Monferrat a plate, hoping he would not jump to extremes and attack him. He contemplated for a moment about giving Anna a plate, knowing he had not offered any to Reynolds. Yet offering food to the Templar should have been enough to demonstrate he was not going insane, or at least that he knew how to be a gracious host, just one who wanted to avoid having more burns to treat. He decided to let both of them serve themselves, and instead went to make Morri and Caladrielle's plates. "...Since I'm not sure if you two want to eat or not, you're welcome to what we have," he said to them over his shoulder.

He then turned to Jonah to answer his question. "Caladrielle has found that our demonic presence is in a...Pentacostal church somewhere in the city...Um...I believe I forgot the name you said, since I was hit in the face with a diabolical cup of coffee." He did not face Reynolds as he answered, though his eyes flickered to him. "Anyhow, I suppose that means that we have our location. Now we must plan on how we will strike. Since an attack on the mayor of Los Angeles has just happened, traffic is going to be busy and people are going to be hurrying everywhere to avoid an impending storm. Whether or not that means we dodge unwanted attention is up to us. By the way...I believe we are missing someone. Morri, have you seen Connor?" He turned to look at her as he finally fixed his own plate of food to eat.

[Imperialisium]

The Safe House

"Do I seriously look that old?" mused Anna in a sarcastic tone of voice aimed at the direction of Jonah. The Ogre having burst into the apartment with his typical gusto. As Alexei passed out food the group seemed to convene for the task at hand. Anna stood with one arm under the other. Right hand up with her index finger tapping her lower lip. John ate while Nikolai munched on a second blood pack. Caladrielle spoke up to respond to Alexei forgetting the name, and to inform the newcomers, "The Angelus Temple, is the name of the Pentecostal Church in question. Confusion will beset Los Angeles as Belial's growing presence and multiplying servants wreak all manner of anarchic chaos. I suspect the United States Government will try to move into the city as well to re-establish order. We must assume some level of infiltration has occurred at the California National Guard level."

Anna nodded, "Let me handle the United States Government should they arrive." Her voice was slightly ominous and it was up to interpretation if she meant that she would either misdirect or fight any National Guard forces which arrived. Then again the United States was deploying troops to the Middle East with two carrier task forces heading to the Persian Gulf along with various regular army and marine forces. Fighting was spreading throughout the Middle East thanks to the Camarilla and Ashirra drawing knives at each other.

"Whatever the case, we must move quickly." said John. Earning nods from Nikolai and Caladrielle.

[Morrdh]

Morri

"So we're going this?" Morri asked out loud. "Hitting where the Big Bad Demon Thing is hiding hard and fast?"

"Oh boy." She sighed, realising the seriousness of the situation. "Tis gonna take me time getting the rest o' me pack since, ye know, I can't just contact 'em fer...uh....reasons."

"Seriously though," Said Morri as she looked at Anna. "Wot's yer plan?"

[Imperialisium]

Morri

"So we're going this?" Morri asked out loud. "Hitting where the Big Bad Demon Thing is hiding hard and fast?"

"Oh boy." She sighed, realising the seriousness of the situation. "Tis gonna take me time getting the rest o' me pack since, ye know, I can't just contact 'em fer...uh....reasons."

"Seriously though," Said Morri as she looked at Anna. "Wot's yer plan?"

Anna raised her eyebrows, "Oh this is my show now?" The Vampire rubbed her chin, "Time is not on our side. My forces can handle any incoming outside forces. Montferrat?" Anna glanced at the Templar who raised his head, "My Knights will be coming into the Church to handle the foe's lackeys. I have twenty men with me." Twenty Templars, Garou, Anna's forces holding the outside perimeter, and themselves. It sounded like a much more even fight now.

Nikolai switched on the TV, "It's already started." Indeed, things in Los Angeles were not looking good as more and more violence and chaos swept through Los Angeles. Even Southern California with riots, looting, crime, and even outright gang warfare ripping through towns from Long Beach to San Diego.

[Luminesa]

Morri

"So we're going this?" Morri asked out loud. "Hitting where the Big Bad Demon Thing is hiding hard and fast?"

"Oh boy." She sighed, realising the seriousness of the situation. "Tis gonna take me time getting the rest o' me pack since, ye know, I can't just contact 'em fer...uh....reasons."

"Seriously though," Said Morri as she looked at Anna. "Wot's yer plan?"

Anna raised her eyebrows, "Oh this is my show now?" The Vampire rubbed her chin, "Time is not on our side. My forces can handle any incoming outside forces. Montferrat?" Anna glanced at the Templar who raised his head, "My Knights will be coming into the Church to handle the foe's lackeys. I have twenty men with me." Twenty Templars, Garou, Anna's forces holding the outside perimeter, and themselves. It sounded like a much more even fight now.

Nikolai switched on the TV, "It's already started." Indeed, things in Los Angeles were not looking good as more and more violence and chaos swept through Los Angeles. Even Southern California with riots, looting, crime, and even outright gang warfare ripping through towns from Long Beach to San Diego.

Alexei - Science and Progress

Alexei felt a twinge of bruised pride, as Morri turned the floor toward Anna, but he could not do anything about the fact. Anna was the most knowledgeable about the situation, as far as he could tell, and she had managed to get a Templar to come help their forces. Not only Montferrat, however, but twenty other Templars. That number was impressive, and given their skill with such advanced enemies as these demons, the former Inquisitor felt a little relief. Anna had managed to work quickly to give humanity some sort of edge, and this was only the first day of their planned assault. He sighed, as he scraped the last pieces of eggs and bacon onto his fork and swallowed them hard.

Yet that relief did not last, as Nikolai turned-on the TV to show that the people were acting in a state of violent chaos. Without a rhyme or reason to explain what had just happened, and given the demons' presence which was increasing throughout Los Angeles, the people were turning into whirls of chaos. Cars were on fire, people were fighting in the streets, some were unconscious on sidewalks. Things that Alexei had tried to keep from happening for ten years were now happening before his eyes. He drank a long sip of coffee, and let the hot liquid scald his throat without a care.

"...Ahem. Well...Thank you, Caladrielle, for reminding me of our targeted destination...hm..." He coughed, as he felt the hot coffee turning to acid in his anxious stomach. He grabbed the carton of milk out the fridge and poured himself a glass. "...How...fast can we assemble everyone?...We need to go to the docks, to get Connor...and then we need to go. That's...all we have time to do...unless...anyone would be willing to grab Kensington and to convince him to help us save our home..." He spoke a little softer, but still with the firmness and urgency he needed to get a message to his companions. That ever-pulsing question about Morri's speed hit him once again, and he internally groaned and drank a gulp of milk.

[Morrdh]

Morri

"Trouble is that the docks are the other side o' town." Morri pointed. "It'll take, wot, an hour ta get there and another hour or so getting ta that church. Possibly longer."

"Course," She said quietly to Alexei whilst giving Anna a dirty look. "If I was still on good terms with the pack totem I could use that ta instantly message Connor ta get his arse moving. Though after all this is over I'll be having words 'bouts changing the totem, owls are quite easy ta please."

"Anyway, we need ta make a decision now."

[Parcia]

Jonah
The War Council

He listened well and let a soft sigh escape his lips. "Most of my forces have left the city during the evacuation, for better or worse, and are a few hours out at most. I could draw man power from the local criminal elements loyal to the Kei-jin, but they'd be thugs with Guns at best."

He took a moment to look around and take stock of the arms and munitions he had brought with him in the days before. "I've got all manner of rifles, pistols, shotguns and I think..." He disappeared off in to a side room and reappeared hefting something out of a history book. A amalgamation of black steel and wood, stamped with the eagle and runes of the SS, something that, 6 decades earlier, had terrified him as a young paratrooper. Recently repaired and in full working order, Jonah set the MG42 down on the table next to his crossbow, several belts of 8mm mauser draped over his shoulder.

"So, no shortage of fire power. If your...knights need anything, feel free to ask."

Taking stock to the map one last time, he turned to the Men of the cloth and shot back a question. "Speaking of which, your men have their own transportation? I have a pair of extra cars and a few of my Blades, but thats it really."

[Imperialisium]

The War Council
Safe House

Anna smiled at Morri's look of dissatisfaction over the issue involving her totem. But she did not entertain a reply. Instead, Montferrat spoke in reply to Jonah, the Templar kindly replying, "My men have transport. Thank you. But we must move quickly. Time is of the essence."

At this juncture Caladrielle said, "We shall rendezvous a block from the church and move towards it in a concerted manner. I suspect no demons will interfere openly against us until we're within the building. At least, while there are civilians about. Until Belial is fully manifested that is." Earning nods from John and Nikolai.

"Then let us be off," mused Nikoai. He and John rising and leaving the apartment with their weapons. Montferrat and Reynolds followed next. Anna shortly after casting a wandering eye at Caladrielle. The Changeling sorceress blanching once Anna had left. Seeming a touch weak for a solid half a minute until she regained her composure. Leaving sixth.

[Morrdh]

Morri

"So..." Morri muttered to Alexei after everyone else had left. "Wot are doing?"

"Hate ta put ye on the spot." She sighed. "But I need an answer in the next few minutes."

"Being back on good terms with the pack's totem would be a huge help as it means I wouldn't be effectively going into the fight with one hand tied behind me back." Continued Morri. "Without the totem I'm basically cut off from the rest o' me pack and us wolves are social creatures, those o' us without a pack connection....well...it doesn't end well."

"So wots yer answer?"

[Luminesa]

Alexei - What Happens In the Umbra

Alexei let the rest of the conversation drift by him, as he was left to make a decision with Morri. At least some of his concerns had been solved. Belial would not likely strike first, which meant that the group had a narrow window to assault him and his demons. However, they had to act as quickly as possible. John and Nikolai followed Anna's lead and left as soon as she commanded them. Meanwhile, Montferrat assured Jonah and Alexei that he had his own transport-team, and that the Templars would be able to reach the church quickly. He and Reynolds left without an incident, and Jonah with them. Now, Alexei and Morri were the ones left.

The safehouse felt strange with only the Garou and the former Inquisitor standing alone in its kitchen. The stove was off, food had been served, and Alexei's food had barely settled in his stomach before he was forced to make a choice. The implications were serious no matter what they decided. Alexei could be a parent once all of this was over. However, he preferred being a parent to Morri's baby than being obliterated by demons. "...I suppose...we don't have much time...and that means we have to do what we need to do now..." He gave a deep sigh, and stared at Morri.

"...I suppose we could go to the Umbra, very quickly ask the Totem...all that we need to do...and well...if they respond either way...whatever helps us save the world. Though um...I have to say I'm a little nervous...regardless of what happens next..." Alexei gave a quiet blush. He walked a little closer, and smiled nervously. He felt like an anxious teenager asking a girl to prom. "...Well...let's go to the Umbra and we'll talk about it," he muttered.

[Morrdh]

Morri

"The Umbra..?" Morri asked in surprise. "Well if yer sure ye wanna do this?"

"OK, take me hand then." She said once Alexei had consented. "Keep hold o' it till we're safely across, ye really don't wanna get lost 'tween here and the Umbra."

After Alexei took hold of her hand, Morri glanced round for the nearest mirror or window to use it's reflective surface in order to make the crossing that much easier. Focusing hard, it wasn't long before Morri felt the now familiar sensation of the world slipping sideways and the room was replaced by an empty impression. Though here and there were various technological items were located in the 'physical' world there was cobwebs round them filled with fat little spiders that paid little heed to the newcomers.

"Follow me." Morri said to Alexei before leading him outside where the impressions of cars and the buildings were covered in cobwebs that seemed to stretch far as the eye could see. Finding a relatively open space Morri stopped, did a quick glance round and then took a deep breath before looking looking at an immense Moon that dominated the sky. Though to Alexei it appeared Morri was looking at empty sky for the Inquisitor could see a bright shiny light high in the sky, different from the sun in the physical world.

"Stallion, totem of the Emerald Hunters." Morri calls out. "I, Morrigan O'Malley, come 'fore ye ta receive yer...judgement."

The silence passed by painfully slow before the sound of hooves could be faintly heard in the distance, growing louder until a great horse galloped into view before trotting to a halt a short distance in front of Morri. The horse just looked at Morri and snorted, Morri herself could feel it's presence and it's...displeasure when it spoke in her head. An exchange took place between the two, though there were no words that Alexei could and his only sign as to how things were going was the frown on Morri's face. The exchange ended when Morri turned away from the stallion and looked at Alexei.

"OK, it's like this." She sighed. "Got ta try and sever the link with Anna, theres a way o' doing so though it's a case of it might work and it might not."

"I've got ta undergo a rite o' punishment, but that can wait until big bad demon lord is dealt with." She continued. "After that, it'll be a rite o' cleansing ta make everything right and proper again."

[b]"However, a chiminage is expected...ta least appease the totem I've got ta mate."

[Luminesa]

Morri

"The Umbra..?" Morri asked in surprise. "Well if yer sure ye wanna do this?"

"OK, take me hand then." She said once Alexei had consented. "Keep hold o' it till we're safely across, ye really don't wanna get lost 'tween here and the Umbra."

After Alexei took hold of her hand, Morri glanced round for the nearest mirror or window to use it's reflective surface in order to make the crossing that much easier. Focusing hard, it wasn't long before Morri felt the now familiar sensation of the world slipping sideways and the room was replaced by an empty impression. Though here and there were various technological items were located in the 'physical' world there was cobwebs round them filled with fat little spiders that paid little heed to the newcomers.

"Follow me." Morri said to Alexei before leading him outside where the impressions of cars and the buildings were covered in cobwebs that seemed to stretch far as the eye could see. Finding a relatively open space Morri stopped, did a quick glance round and then took a deep breath before looking looking at an immense Moon that dominated the sky. Though to Alexei it appeared Morri was looking at empty sky for the Inquisitor could see a bright shiny light high in the sky, different from the sun in the physical world.

"Stallion, totem of the Emerald Hunters." Morri calls out. "I, Morrigan O'Malley, come 'fore ye ta receive yer...judgement."

The silence passed by painfully slow before the sound of hooves could be faintly heard in the distance, growing louder until a great horse galloped into view before trotting to a halt a short distance in front of Morri. The horse just looked at Morri and snorted, Morri herself could feel it's presence and it's...displeasure when it spoke in her head. An exchange took place between the two, though there were no words that Alexei could and his only sign as to how things were going was the frown on Morri's face. The exchange ended when Morri turned away from the stallion and looked at Alexei.

"OK, it's like this." She sighed. "Got ta try and sever the link with Anna, theres a way o' doing so though it's a case of it might work and it might not."

"I've got ta undergo a rite o' punishment, but that can wait until big bad demon lord is dealt with." She continued. "After that, it'll be a rite o' cleansing ta make everything right and proper again."

[b]"However, a chiminage is expected...ta least appease the totem I've got ta mate."

Alexei - Crime and Punishment

Trusting Morri to lead him into the viscous, shadowy realm of the Umbra, Alexei took her hand and squeezed it tight. He watched as she searched the room for a mirror, and he could feel himself beginning to sweat. Waiting for the moments to pass gave him plenty enough anxiety to pile onto his other concerns. Yet he figured that the Garoua knew what she was doing, and indeed, she acted urgently, knowing that neither of them had time to waste.

The world began to shift and curl around him, and with it his stomach. Yet he kept his nerves and his breakfast, as he felt them both slip into the Umbra. He gasped for air, still not used to the sensation of moving into this other world. He clutched his chest with his free hand, and grasped Morri’s hand with the other. He did not want to somehow get lost in this mysterious place.

A strange ritual began before his eyes, as Morri called into the darkness and received a response. A huge horse, ethereal and mighty, snorted and trot into view, its powerful muscles carrying its dignity and pride as to stood before the Garou. It seemed to pass judgment without speaking, only throwing its head to the side to show its disdain. Alexei shuddered, knowing somehow that this gesture was not a good sign. After a few moments of watching this exchange in silence, the former Inquisitor looked to Morri, and her response stunned him.

“...Break...the bond with the Prince?!” He knew that Anna possibly could hear them, but speaking her name would possibly give her access to the area, and he cringed as Morri spoke her name. “...Agh...the problem is...you are bound to her in your mind, and I am blood-bound to her...though my problem is...easier to fix. Ahhh...” He scratched his head and rubbed his temple with his free hand. “...What a mess...If you have a solution, however, we might as well try it now. If not...we’ll see what else we can do...and then...I’ll bear your punishment with you, if all else fails...” He gulped, knowing that Morri’s punishment would be harsh and unrelenting. He felt horrible for being part of the problem, and yet he knew that running and leaving her to suffer now would be irresponsible at best, and murderous at worst. Thus he sowed his bets, and he gave her a steady gaze as his unspoken promise.

[Morrdh]

Morri

"Tis worth a shot." Replied Morri. "Though dunno how much help ye'll be but still...thank ye."

"Right now, ye might want ta find something solid ta hide behind." Morri added. "This is gonna be ugly and I don't want ye getting hurt."

Morri waited until Alexei had retreated to a safe spot, then turned round to face the nearest impression of a car before taking a few deep breaths. Suddenly she threw her head back and howled, her stature almost doubling in size as she did so. Her red hair grew and altered, becoming fur like in appearance as it absorbed her clothing and her muscles became thick and powerful. Her fingers extended and sprouted claws as he face became fully lupine with lagre jaws packed with deadly fangs. Throughout the transformation Morri had continued howling and by the time the cry had finished she had assumed Crinos form, the war-form of the Garou that combined the most terrible elements of man and beast.

It bristled with primal fury, though it was a form that Morri was reluctant to take. Truth be told she felt more comfortable in Hispo, effectively a dire wolf, where she relished the greater speed and sharper senses that the form offered. Part of it may had been because she felt the wolf stronger in her than others, part of it may had been because her Auspice had the lowest Rage off all the Auspices and she felt as though she could barely control the fury of the Crinos form. Now she simply pointed it in the right direction by lashing out at the car and letting her fury rage loose.

---

In the physical world, the car alarm of a parked car randomly started blaring.

---

Morri continued bashing away at the car for a few moments before reverting back to Homid, or human, form once more. She stood there breathing heavily as she felt the burning rage inside of her subside, wondering whether her efforts had been enough to sever the connection that bound her to the Kindred Price of LA.

[Imperialisium]

Rendezvous Point

John and Nikolai had been the first to arrive at the rendezvous near the Angelus Temple. Their journey becoming progressively more bizarre the closer they got to the Pentecostal Church. The streets were strewn with abandoned vehicles and traffic jams. Violence and gangs prowled the streets left and right. Gunshots and sirens rang out practically in continuum throughout more and more of Los Angeles. Riots, gang battles, and clashes with the stretched Los Angeles Police Department spreading like wildfire throughout the metropolis. Medical services were faltering, people were trying to flee in a mass exodus from the city, only to mysteriously find various roads closed, blocked by sudden wildfires, or clogged with so many vehicles that the traffic was at a stand still.

"Guess this might be it," mused John.

"Hah, I was alive for Bolsheviks, this is nothing!" replied Nikolai. Though, as John could see, the Russian vampires comment couldn't hide his own anxiety over the situation.

A black van pulled up beside them and out trooped a squad of heavily armed men bearing the sigil of Anna's Black Legion. Her dedicated corps of human soldiery. Part of the very same unit which had stormed the ultramax jail holding Mikhailov earlier in the year. A second van, and another squad, then a third, and a fourth. A whole platoon was assembled. They were soon joined by heavily armed soldiers with white sashes on their arms with the symbol of the cross. The Templars. Their equipment not quite hiding the fact they wore mail and plate under their modern combat rigs. Swords, maces, and axes at their hips. Montferrat led them.

"John. Nikolai.." Montferrat nodded to the Legionnaires, some indulged him with a nod of their helmeted heads.

"You boys ready?" came Anna's voice as she stepped from an alleyway. Several Rothai waiting in the shadows, in addition to the hulking form of the gargoyle Brutus. Montferrat replied, "Yes, where are the others?"

The bronco with the bulk of Jonah swiftly pulling up dismounting answered that part of the question. "Morri cut her link with me. Clever girl. But I imagine Alexei will be here shortly, she'll be in tow with her pack close on her heels," responded Anna.

"We must move swiftly. Every minute the power of Belial grows across Los Angeles. He could break free at any hour," Montferrat.

One of the Legionnaires stepped forward and spoke to Anna directly, "My Countess. Sniper team deploying on the roof spots a cordon of cultists and likely possessed around the Church. Frenzied mobs are clogging the approaches just beyond." Indeed, the growing hollering roar of the violent, destructive, frenzied crowds of humanity driven to bloody hedonism by the manifesting aura of Belial was metastasizing across Los Angeles. "You're to engage any and all targets. Civilians expendable." Anna's voice was cold and authoritative. The Legionnaire didn't even so much as twitch an eye brow at the rules of engagement given to him. Merely nodded and bowed his head in respect to her.

[Morrdh]

Morri

Morri wasn't sure what she'd expected, though it all seemed so...anti-climatic. There came no dry response from the kindred Anna, mocking her efforts or a force procession. Truth be told, Morri wasn't sure whether to be relieved or anxious about the lack of a response. Granted Anna was probably pre-occupied with the upcoming battle, but either way Morri was sure she'll receive a response in due time. She did offer herself in lieu of one of Jonah's offspring for the kindred prince's help in saving the city.

And Alexei, well, things had gotten interesting there...

Reconnected with her pack again, that was like rapture as she felt whole once more. It was hard to describe the exact feeling in words, though she had a black void of despair deep inside of her that was steadily growing and now it was gone. Connected again with the totem, her pack, her spirit felt wholesome and energized. She'd never felt anything like the overwhelming sense of relief that she felt when she was able to speak with her pack through the totem and directed them to hurry to the church.

Now to battle.

Anxiety was gnawing inside her now, though of the aftermath rather than the battle itself. Part of the agreement with the totem was a punishment rite, something she would have to face no matter what. Then there was the fact that despite severing the connection, it looked as though she'll remain a pawn of Anna unless something more worthwhile was offered to the vampire. Lastly there was Alexei, neither had talked about it but things between them had fundamentally changed. Once the dust had settled they would have to decide how things are going to be moving forward, not something she particularly relished.

Her thoughts were interrupted when they neared the church, or rather it's projection in the Umbra. It was engulfed in a black sickly mass that felt unnatural even in the spirit world, she could only imagine what it was like in the physical world going by all the disturbances. Changing from the Glasbro dire wolf form back to Homid, she then shifted both her and Alexei back to the material world close to where the group had assembled.

"We're here." She called out. "The pack is on it's way."

As she spoke, she stared at Anna in order to spy any reaction from the kindred.

[Luminesa]

Alexei - Rusty Cage

Alexei did not know if happenings in the Umbra were meant to be a blur, or if they had simply made a decision and everything had flowed together. Yet he had felt the force of Morri's rage, like a giant rubber-band snapping and releasing a huge wave of energy. Even if he could not see the human world from this vantage point, he could tell that some sort of violence had leaked through the Umbra, and yet with this eruption came a release of sorts. Morri had howled and writhed in her Cronus form for what seemed like an eternity and then slowly became humanoid, sinking back into her usual form as the rage steamed away. She turned toward him, and he gazed back at her.

Seeing her momentary exhaustion, he had walked toward her and wrapped his arms around her. He had rocked her in his arms, enjoying the silence that fell around them like autumn leaves. He sighed, knowing that this dark place would be the last peaceful refuge he would find for some time. He untangled some of the knots in her long, curly red hair, and he stared into the nothingness around him. He then closed his eyes, and kissed her forehead. "...You're free...soon, we'll all be free together...We're almost there..." he whispered.

***
Morri and Alexei thrust themselves back into the real world after some time, back into the noise and the chaos. People were running and screaming in the streets, calling each other on the phone to panic about the situation unfolding in Los Angeles. The army fighting the demons had all gathered now in front of the church, and Alexei gazed around him to take a mental inventory. Anna and her normal crew had assembled, along with a chilling black van full of armored soldiers he did not recognize. The figures he noted in the shadows of a nearby alley, however, were far, far too recognizable. The tall, stony figures of the Rothai, almost like gargoyles waiting to swoop and tear through the now-feeble Masquerade. Yet they were allies all the same, at least for the moment. The former Inquisitor shuddered hard for a second, and also wondered if perhaps Katarina was among them. Yet his eyes turned swiftly from them to take a note of the Templars that had arrived. Their own presence gave him a semblance of comfort, but no comfort could last for long in this environment.

The Garou pack would soon arrive, but even with so many reinforcements, Alexei felt anxious. He had never done battle against a demon, not like this, and today he would learn. He drew his sword, mumbling a prayer and allowing his Faith to flow through him as he did so. "Come Holy Ghost, Creator Blest...and in our souls take up Thy rest...Come with thy grace...and Heavenly Aid..." He gazed around him at the group one last time, and then turned his eyes to the door. What strange allies he had, and yet all of them needed some sort of blessing to defeat the demons behind the door. "...To fill the hearts which Thou hast made..."

[Imperialisium]

A Devil's Night

Fires continued to bloom sporadically throughout Los Angeles as the ravenous energies of Belial continued to grow and spread its infectious urges. Turning even pious and puritan members of society into the violent, the lustful, the depraved, and gluttonous. Chaos reigned in Los Angeles as the police began to lose whatever control their had over the situation. While the National Guard found themselves under fire from mortal cartel and gang forces and thus were stuck outside the city. Televisions all across America could only watch in horror as this metaphysical plague continued to creep across Southern California.

As the assembled coalition of rather unlikely constituents began to move forth. They soon found their way blocked by throngs of deranged Los Angelenos. Many brandishing some form of fire arm or blunt object. Bodies laid sporadically about the street.

"Clear the way," ordered Anna. Her Black Legionnaires moved into ready positions and without ceremony. Opened fire. Automatic weapons fire from assault rifles, battle rifles, and even a few LMGs brought in as squad support weapons scythed down over one hundred individuals in short order. But the hordes didn't part. Rather, their eyes drunk with demonic rage and blood lust, surged forth. A pair of legionnaires readied their underslung grenade launchers.

Plunk-plunk!

A pair of detonations as two 40mm grenades detonated among the crowd. Only then did the crowd waver. Anna pressed onwards, her Rothai and mortal soldiers advancing under the darkness. Illuminated by a chaotic and burning Los Angeles. The rest of her unlikely compatriots in tow. The Pentecostal Church appearing among the urban landscape before them. Individuals in dark robes and ritualistic scars began to move from the steps. The crowd stopped retreating. While from the East and West, adjacent boulevards, thousands of demonic driven Los Angeles natives were advancing.

"Anna turned to her compatriots. Advance into the Church. The Cultists ringleaders will be there with whatever lesser Demons have managed to get through. They will undoubtedly be trying to finish whatever ritual is needed to fully bring Belial to Earth. I'll hold off the horde."

Anna drew her blade, shining with a malevolent inner fire, while the Rothai hefted their weapons. Lips curling to reveal their fangs.

[Luminesa]

A Devil's Night

Fires continued to bloom sporadically throughout Los Angeles as the ravenous energies of Belial continued to grow and spread its infectious urges. Turning even pious and puritan members of society into the violent, the lustful, the depraved, and gluttonous. Chaos reigned in Los Angeles as the police began to lose whatever control their had over the situation. While the National Guard found themselves under fire from mortal cartel and gang forces and thus were stuck outside the city. Televisions all across America could only watch in horror as this metaphysical plague continued to creep across Southern California.

As the assembled coalition of rather unlikely constituents began to move forth. They soon found their way blocked by throngs of deranged Los Angelenos. Many brandishing some form of fire arm or blunt object. Bodies laid sporadically about the street.

"Clear the way," ordered Anna. Her Black Legionnaires moved into ready positions and without ceremony. Opened fire. Automatic weapons fire from assault rifles, battle rifles, and even a few LMGs brought in as squad support weapons scythed down over one hundred individuals in short order. But the hordes didn't part. Rather, their eyes drunk with demonic rage and blood lust, surged forth. A pair of legionnaires readied their underslung grenade launchers.

Plunk-plunk!

A pair of detonations as two 40mm grenades detonated among the crowd. Only then did the crowd waver. Anna pressed onwards, her Rothai and mortal soldiers advancing under the darkness. Illuminated by a chaotic and burning Los Angeles. The rest of her unlikely compatriots in tow. The Pentecostal Church appearing among the urban landscape before them. Individuals in dark robes and ritualistic scars began to move from the steps. The crowd stopped retreating. While from the East and West, adjacent boulevards, thousands of demonic driven Los Angeles natives were advancing.

"Anna turned to her compatriots. Advance into the Church. The Cultists ringleaders will be there with whatever lesser Demons have managed to get through. They will undoubtedly be trying to finish whatever ritual is needed to fully bring Belial to Earth. I'll hold off the horde."

Anna drew her blade, shining with a malevolent inner fire, while the Rothai hefted their weapons. Lips curling to reveal their fangs.

Alexei - Fear and Loathing In Los Angeles

Belial awaited inside the poisoned maw of the enormous megachurch, which was much different than Alexei's expectations. An enormous steel building, glistening with the cruel autumn sunlight that refused to blink for the weary souls below. The crowds of people spilled and poured around the church indiscriminately, driven by mindless rage and hatred. They attacked anything and everything that moved or did not move around them, and blood puddled as people were beaten and knocked unconscious. Screaming, cursing, and police sirens blended into a cacophony of panic. Alexei took a look around him, taking-in this pandemonium, and seconds later Anna's army retaliated.

The former Inquisitor stared in horror as the Legionnaires fired into crowds of civilians. People who were generally docile or unassuming now wielded weapons and were gunned into the streets. Piles and piles of nameless people littered the streets, brought to their untimely deaths without sympathy or consideration. The Legionnaires moved ahead as soon as the shots were fired, but Alexei could not help but stare. He moved toward one body closest to him, and he listened to the man as he gurgled the blood pouring into his lungs. Despite the chaos building around him, he found time to place a hand on his chest, to soothe his pain with his Faith, and to whisper a prayer in his ear. Yet as he stood once again and gazed at the countless other people who needed healing and Last Rites, he knew they needed him. Using his Faith, he murmured a prayer of absolution for the dying people around him.

"Give them healing, God. Let their last moments know your mercy, for they shall not know what comes next for us, the poor, banished children of Eve. Absolve them, God, and let them go to their rest..."

Alexei's quick prayer of absolution ended when he heard Anna's command to storm the church. He nodded to her, though the sharp grin on her face-and on the faces of the Rothai-shook him. He knew that once they entered the unholy womb of terror festering within the infected church, they would have to fight for their lives. He quickly pulled through the crowd, shoving and pushing raving civilians aside, trying to preserve his energy and focus on the demons he had to face. After all, the rage exploding around him was merely a symptom of Belial's own miasma. "...Though I walk in the valley...I fear no evil..." he murmured, as he followed the Rothai, "...because this time...this time...redemption will be mine."

He gave Anna a look, as she promised to stop the horde. He did not know which one he should fear-the ferocious and beautiful Prince, whose sword was like dancing lightning encased in iron, or the swarming hordes coming to attempt to destroy her. Then again, a mortal man had managed to stab his heart...but then again, Alexei still had his doubts about Maxwell's mortality. Nevertheless, he nodded to her, and held his sword at the ready. "The only ritual that will be finished is the one that sends them back to Hell," he promised. He then walked after her servants, gazing forward to try and find the cultists who were waiting to assail them.

[Morrdh]

Morri

Morri frowned, not relishing in the slightest the task that laid ahead. Through the totem she warned the rest of the pack what was waiting for them and had confirmation that they were close. Innocents had already died and many more were likely to die before this night was out, their only real hope was that they would succeed in more were saved than were lost. Though that made the task ahead no less grim.

"Sooner we end this." She stated. "The better."

She took one last look at Alexei with a hard-set look on her face, then started running towards the church. As Morri moved her form shifted and changed, her limbs extending and altering their muscle mass as they sprouted fur. Her bulk grew as she leaned more forwards in her run until she was running on all fours, her appearance becoming that of a large canine in the process. By the time her transformation was complete she was a large wolf-like beast that oozed a prehistoric primal rage; a nightmare from humanity's dark and most ancient past. Dire wolf.

The Garou called the form Hispo and counted as one of their war forms, a form that Morri favoured over the furious Crinos form that was slightly larger and stood upright. Hispo was just as dangerous, though Morri favoured it more for it's amazing speed and agility which had served her well in the past. Sensing the rest of her pack joining her, Morri let out a terrifying howl moments before she smashed her way into the crowd outside the church.