Shepherd's Haven Event: Devil's Night

[devils_shadow]

Who: Damon the doppelganger and OPEN TO ANY IN SHEPHERD'S HAVEN
What: Devil has an announcement to make in the form of arson and violence. Aforementioned player plot shenanigans.
Where: Shepherd's Haven
When: Forward dated to the night of October 30th, and probably into the morning of the 31st. Devil's night, in other words.
Status: Open with some closed-ish subthreads!
Warnings: Arson and violence?

No night had ever been so aptly named.

Shepherd's Haven wasn't anywhere near Michigan, but that didn't mean the festivities of Devil's Night couldn't be spread to far and wide locales. It was the perfect night, in fact, for the creature known as a demon to remind the sleepy little haven of precisely why it was unwise to prod the beast. Perhaps the one who called him there had forgotten, or perhaps he simply thought the devil had more bark than bite.

Oh, how wrong he was.

It began with fire. Several fires, to be precise. Small at first but fed with whatever accelerant Damon could find on hand. Fuel left unguarded, dry hay or straw. Did you know compost burns very well? It does, oh how it burns. And each fire set at different locations across the town, so quickly and so close to simultaneous one might almost think that they were set by several people at once.

Or one that could move very, very quickly.

The cherry on top was a door with a fading red "X" painted on it, ripped from its hinges and set ablaze, then left on the steps in front of the town hall.

[[OOC: Leaving this fairly open for anyone to react to and have their own threads/etc. of what's happening. Separate threads will go up for some more planned stages of the event, but if anyone wants to be unfortunate enough to run across Damon while he pursues his arsonist rampage through SH go ahead and put up a toplevel and just toss in the comment header that you want me.

Have fun dealing with those fires and rampaging demon, guys!]]

Comments

Lazarus and OPEN

[numberedshepherd]

Something's wrong. Lazarus is up late, as is typical for him, on the eve of Halloween and (incidentally) his 28th birthday. As he sits typing at his kitchenette table while the rings under his eyes darken and deepen further, however, the normal cast of moon and lantern-light is interrupted by harsh red flickering visible through his window. He closes his computer, eyes widening as he faces it and bolts from his chair. On his way out, he grabs his ice stave, but doesn't have time for shoes.

Several buildings are already in flames as he sprints across the grass barefoot toward the town hall, where Nux's door, painted with a red X, is still burning on the steps. He freezes it solid with his stave in time to keep Shepherd's Haven's largest building from catching, and he wastes no time in going inside and sounding the siren that's loud enough, hopefully, to awaken and alert everyone in the endangered community.

His mind is racing. There are important papers in the town hall, but the building is not presently ablaze, so they're not the most pressing priority. The people are, but with the siren wailing, even the frailest can do something to help themselves and get away from the fire. The animals are a different story; locked in the barn, which is burning, the chickens, sheep, goats and cows are going to perish if they're not freed. They can be rounded up again tomorrow, but only if they're alive.

He runs to the burning building, throwing open the door and doing what he can with his ice stave to beat back some of the flames. Sometimes he wins out and is at least able to douse the flames with the water when the ice melts; other times, it's hot enough that it evaporates too quickly to do any real good. He has to work swiftly. The barn is already in a panic, the animals straining against their pens, and he's very nearly trampled by them when he's pulled the latches and shoved open their enclosures. For a second, the heat and smoke start to get to him; he sinks to his knees, vision spotting, before forcing himself to stand and stagger the rest of the way outside before he can succumb.

The barn's lost, but most of, if not all, the animals got out OK. Still coughing and sore-footed by this point, he run back out into the street, searching for people who appear to need help... as well as the one who is responsible for this threat.

[solvethepuzzle]

Nathan, due to similar poor habits, is also awake at this time. He is dressed for bed, technically, in the white cotton pajamas he'd Echoed back, but he tends to change into those when it starts getting later regardless.

He hurries to the window, and stops short when he sees the flames. That is . . .

They are far enough away from his house, but that hardly means that it is a safe place to be staying. Simply because it is not on fire now is no guarantee it will stay that way. He needs to get out, find others, figure out what is happening.

It does not occur to him either to put on shoes; he is too focused on just getting out. He eventually catches the sound of coughing, and sees Lazarus rushing through the streets, the old stave in his hand. Nathan does not waste a moment getting to his side.

"Are you okay? Do you know what's happening?"

[numberedshepherd]

Moving, much less quickly, is a challenge with the added burden of trying to breathe after inhaling smoke and heat. Lazarus is struggling to remain upright when Nathan appears at his side asking about his state, determined but vulnerable. As tempting as it is to sink to the ground though, his eyes widen when he glimpses Nathan, and grabs the young man by the arm and wheels around toward the storm shelter, an underground cellar where canned goods are kept this virtually undetectable to those who don't know exactly where to push aside the sod.

"I'm fine. Don't know what's happening but I'm going to find out," he vows hoarsely, pulling Nathan along with him. "I need you to stay out of sight until I say it's all right to come out, OK?"

[solvethepuzzle]

He hardly has much choice in being pulled along; Lazarus may not be a physically powerful person, but he is (like the vast majority of people) still stronger than Nathan, who honestly is putting up no resistance to it anyway. He has no desire to stay out here.

"You're staying out here?" There is a tinge of worry in his voice. Staying out is dangerous.

[numberedshepherd]

Lazarus' strength lies elsewhere besides his scrawny limbs and stressed heart, but it comes to Nathan, that doesn't particularly matter. All that does is that he's stronger than Nathan and that when push comes to shove, he can prevail. This is important, because at this juncture, he feels that he truly needs to. It helps that Nathan's not struggling, which indicates that he's smart enough to realize that being aboveground in the settlement is no place for him while it's in flames.

"I have to find out more, and I have to stop it if I can," he says, kicking the sod away from a flat cellar door. "Not to mention going back for Misa, as I haven't seen her yet and don't know if she's OK." his eyes dart back and forth as he stands aside, waiting for Nathan to descend into the dug-out space but more than ready to shove him if he takes too long.

"If the person I think is behind this is afoot, I might also need to make a sandwich," he mumbles distractedly.

[solvethepuzzle]

Nathan's first instinct toward any danger is to get away from it if at all possible. Of course he does not object to getting into the shelter at a time like this. And he would have headed right in, if not for a few things mentioned in that explanation. Getting Misa to safety he understands, but what is he going to do to stop all this?

And the last part is just . . . strange. The reference is lost on him.

"A sandwich? ... Who do you think it is?"

[numberedshepherd]

Of course, given the circumstances and Nathan's understandable lack of context, that probably sounds completely insane. Though Lazarus is throwing glances over his shoulder, staggeringly aware of just how little time they have, he owes him at least a rushed explanation.

"I think it's Tony's doppelganger," he says. "We've had our differences but I've also gotten through to him before, with the offer of food. Doppelgangers aren't always exact opposites, they're at least always different sides of the same coin, and I think that I can reason with him if I show him a little bit of kindness. He's similar to Tony that way. I want to try to reach him without resorting to violence."

That... probably also sounds insane.

"I have to try, Nathan."

[solvethepuzzle]

Tony's . . .

Nathan, being watchful of the network, is aware that he has resurfaced along with a few others. But he'd never seen any intent to do something like this expressed. Which means it must have been off-network if it had been expressed at all.

And Nathan of anyone, more than anyone perhaps, understands the desire to resolve things without violence. Even if it sounds insane, it is something he would also prefer. He just . . . if it doesn't work . . .

"You think he might listen when he is in the middle of burning down the town?"

He would like to believe it. He honestly and truly would. The problem is that is not sure at all that he does.

[numberedshepherd]

I believe Catholics call it a Hail Mary pass. He swallows, steeling himself, already restless. Every moment here is a moment something could be going wrong and getting worse outside.

"I don't think we can fight him," he says softly. "If he has the same abilities Tony does, there's a strong likelihood that no one here can take him on sans ensuing tragedy. If we have a chance, it's appealing to a different angle. Of course... if it doesn't work, it's important that you stay out of sight until the danger's gone. Promise me you'll do that."

Re: Lazarus and OPEN

[meteormercenary]

Jacob moves as fast as he can down the road, granted he is wavering. His stamina is not in the best of shape right now, thanks to his fight with Damon. He's suffering gashes worthy of stitches along his left arm and across his chest, his shirt torn across the front. He helps those he can sees in a panic, trying to help them escape to somewhere safe, away from the demon and the fires. He can only hope he's making a difference.

He sees someone staggering ahead of him, a familiar form, and it doesn't look like he's doing well. Jacob tries to pick up his pace to a small jog as he heads toward the man.

"Lazarus!" He calls out as he catches up. He moves to set his hand on the man's shoulder. "Are you alright?" He's panting a bit and bends over to catch his breath, starting to feel a pounding headache from the earlier stand off.

[numberedshepherd]

Lazarus hasn't yet been in a fight, but he's as winded as if he had been throwing and taking punches all night. He's in poor shape and all the smoke and running have done his stamina no favors. He looks up blearily at the approaching individual, on guard because he has no idea who was the cause of this current dire situation, but when he sees Jacob up close, his dark eyes widen.

"What's happened? I'm trying to find out what I can about this, and who's responsible. What do you know?" he asks breathlessly, eyes on Jacob's arm and face tense with concern.

[meteormercenary]

Jacob shakes his head, and motions to grab Lazarus' arm, as if to pull him along.

"There's a man who looks like Tony," he stops for a moment, not sure if Lazarus knows who he's talking about. "A man with white, trim hair, and a sword, he's setting fire to everything. He said he had an 'invitation'. I tried to fight him, but he's too fast. We have to get out of here, and everyone, if we can."

Mentioning Tony's name, he hopes Tony's alright. But, this is an emergency. It doesn't do anyone any favours to dash around in danger looking for someone who may or may not be there. Jacob's face isn't exactly panicked, but obviously filled with concern, for anyone who may stumble into the path of the demon.

[numberedshepherd]

Whether or not Lazarus knows should become abundantly clear in the next few moments, as his face blanches from pale to some ashy shade of grey. He knows, even before Jacob clarifies; he might have suspected even earlier.

"There's an emergency shelter underground... you should have been made aware of it when you arrived. We use it to store canned goods and it's fairly well-hidden. The teleporter's location is too central to risk herding everyone toward it to travel single-file," he rattles off in a flat, hurried monotone. He pulls his arm away, clearly not intending to go anywhere Jacob tells him to for safety's sake.

"I've had dealings with Tony's doppelganger before. I might be able to talk him down and get him to leave," he says. "Get to the shelter. There's a generously outfitted first aid kit there. I'm going to fix this."

[meteormercenary]

Jacob's face is a mix of confusion and being stubborn. How do you talk something like that down? And Lazarus' already pale face becoming even more so proves this guy is even more dangerous than what he had encountered.

"Look, I'm not claiming to know more than you, but he let me go." Jacob visibly grits his teeth at the memory. "I was lucky that he let me go. I landed a hit on him, and he didn't even blink. I don't think it even singed him. If he fights you, what do you have to defend yourself?" It's a question directed more at Lazarus' weakened state, whether he has powers, a weapon, or nothing at all. Damon's expression alone struck fear into Jacob's very being, the speed compounded that fear. He doesn't want someone else to be stuck against that. Jacob shakes his head, his expression becoming almost desperate. "Come to the shelter with me. If you say we can wait this out, why can't you?"

[numberedshepherd]

He's dangerous and merciless, and Lazarus has been easily incapacitated by him before and locked in a closet for days, all for a little bit of money. He's as petrified as anyone, but Shepherd's Haven means too much to him not to at least try.

"I know how it looks and sounds," Lazarus says softly, hands tightening around his ice stave. "But I'm not planning to fight him. Doppelgangers aren't always precise opposites of their originals... there are truths that run deeper, and they're still at the very least different sides of the same coin. Once I got through to him by making him a meal and leaving it for him. We stand for peace here and I have to at least try that."

[meteormercenary]

Jacob stares. It's not that he doesn't understand where Lazarus is coming from. Peace is important. Admittedly, he didn't think of that when he first saw Damon. There was something about Damon's entire presence that made Jacob go instantly into defense mode. Could this demon be reasoned with? Even if it's an option, Jacob doesn't like the fact that Lazarus will be going it alone.

He gives a painful sigh as he thinks and scratches the back of his head. With a mild grimace, he looks Lazarus in the eye.

"Then let me come with you."

It's not the best of ideas, he knows he doesn't stand a chance against Damon, but he's got to stand a better chance in battle than Lazarus does. Maybe he can use distractions to his advantage.

[numberedshepherd]

Peace is the most important thing in this uneasy world. It's the mission statement of this community. It should be something that Lazarus is willing to put his life on the line for, and even though he's afraid, he's also in a leadership position. To crawl into a hole with those who trusted him enough to follow him to a strange land would feel wrong.

He shakes his head. "He let you go once. I don't think he would again. You're brave to offer, but I think my chances are better alone. Please see to your arm."

[lovesickkiller]

Misa has spent most of the day planning for Lazarus's not-really-surprise party for the following day. Presents have been bought and a vanilla cake topped with strawberries and cream sits enticingly in her refrigerator. She usually tries not to stay up so late (beauty sleep is a must, after all) but seeing as her boyfriend's birthday technically begins at midnight, Misa is awake. Awake, and hiding in his bedroom, and ready to pounce the moment that the clock strikes 12. Making good birthday memories has to begin as soon as possible!

Then the fires start. At first Misa thinks she must be seeing things, imagining lights in the darkness outside from staying up too late, but before long the siren is sounding and the fires are all too real. Misa bolts up, hastily throwing one of Lazarus's far too big jackets on over her lingerie and slipping into her shoes before running out the door.

She surveys the damage, sees that the barn is worst off, and heads there knowing that it's where Lazarus will be.

[numberedshepherd]

It's true that Lazarus technically turned 28 years old at midnight. It's also true that birthday candles are the furthest thing from his mind as there are far more urgent things burning, and there is simply no way he can be everywhere he needs to be at once. He's racing back from the storm cellar where Nathan is already safely stowed, only to see that the barn's already on the verge of collapsing. There's no help for it... except for a small, dark-haired figure who is altogether too close to it, wearing one of his jackets that all but swallows her up.

He pulls her back, his face and neck streaked with smoke and soot. "They're out," he pants, almost doubled over from the strain of breathing and speaking following his sprints. "They got out, they'll... be OK..."

He wavers where he stands, but only for a moment. So much still needs to be done. This isn't a drill. He acts quickly and decisively, taking her firmly by the hand and pulling her the same direction he took Nathan.

"Nathan's already in the storm cellar. You'll be well-hidden and safe there while I get to the bottom of this."

[lovesickkiller]

Misa gasps as she is suddenly pulled back, but it turns to a sigh of relief when she sees who it is. He doesn't look good, but he looks quite a bit better than she feared. She tries to embrace him and offer her support when he wavers, but just as quickly Lazarus is pulling her off somewhere else.

"The storm- what? No!" she objects, digging her heels into the ground. "We should both hide there! Something bad is going on, let the people with powers handle it!"

[numberedshepherd]

Her affection is appreciated, but it would be more appreciated at another time. Unfortunately, this is an occasion that requires a lot of quick thought and quicker acting, and one false move could prove disastrous.

He should put out a Network message and call for help, but even though the doppelganger is setting fires and causing destruction to a place that Lazarus holds dear, he's determined to try to cause this without violence.

"I think I can get through to him," he says breathlessly, long strides just shy of a run he seems to be restraining himself from breaking into. "I've done it before. We're not enemies and I have to figure out why he's doing this and convince him to leave. I think I can do it. I want to do it without anyone else getting hurt, including the doppelganger."

[lovesickkiller]

"Are you crazy?!" she demands, attempting to physically hold him back with little luck. "He's attacking us! For no reason!! You can't get through to a monster, we have to hide!"

[numberedshepherd]

It's been suggested. He bites his tongue on the waspish reply, thinking it through, realizing that he has a chance at getting there and it requires, shamefully, a little bit of deception.

"All right," he says, sounding reluctant and starting to pull her toward the storm shelter. "You win. Come on, we'll both hide."

[lovesickkiller]

Misa stops short for a moment, seemingly dumbfounded to have actually gotten her way. But she bites back the 'really?' on the tip of her tongue and hurries along beside him, not wanting to give him any chance to reconsider.

"Right- there's nothing we could do, we should leave this to the people that can fight," she repeats. Hiding is the logical choice of action. Lazarus must see that. Nathan is already there, and he's the only person she can think of that they have to worry about immediately. Anyone else living nearby should have someone to protect them; someone that Misa hopes will come and deal with the situation, and soon.

[numberedshepherd]

He surges toward the shelter, strides long and grasp on her wrist as firm as his own damaged one will allow.

"Yes," he answers, just present enough to make it sound genuine. "Yes, that's right, of course..."

The shelter's in sight. He kneels, pulling open the door and pushing Misa in ahead of him before following after her.

"Sit down," he requests, but it sounds more like an order as he begins poking around the supplies for something specific.