Big Trouble in Little Chi-Town

[Chase]

Lasses...or lads? God, what was this guy smoking? Chase bowed his head, shaking it slightly. Let it go, he thought to himself, let it go. "I can separate business and pleasure fine, thanks. What does that have to do with anything?"

Raising his eyes, he listened with genuine interest to the item's history. Most cursed pieces had fantastic tales about them, regardless if they were rather redundant at times. "Wait-did the Duke kill the witch's family or his wife's family?" He shrugged his shoulder uncomfortably, glancing about the room. "What? It might matter."

As Sylus motioned for him to exit the room, Chase stole one final look at the Shiva Nataraja. While he found the piece entirely disgusting as a work of art, he was very curious about the stone, itching to hold it and figure out how it worked exactly. Having lingered long enough, the teen turned to follow the Irish man. They'd have it in their possession by the end of the night, and then he'd be free to analyze it in greater detail.

"So the moon activates it?" Chase asked, verifying Sylus's account as the temperature dropped to normal levels in the windy city. He didn't give the museum a second look as they walked away, having noted the security cameras upon entrance. "Yes, I have a place to stay," he nodded, placing cold hands in warmer pockets.

The duo reached the corner of the street, and Chase took the opportunity to face Sylus while they waited for the light to turn green. "Look Sylus, if we're going to do this, you've got to stop treating me like I'm five. I'm not new to this scene, alright?" His eyes flashed darkly. "I've seen more than enough of my fair share of death and nightmares coming to life, and what does that mean? It means I'm prepared. So yes, I do have a place to stay. And yes, I have the right attire and equipment we'll need. Clear enough for you?"

[Casey]

“Just don’t want ya to have a stroke at twenty five,” he said lighting the cigarette, “I’m looking out for your best interests. I swear!” He held up his hand with the smoke and put the other over his heart. Though he was trying his best to look innocent but his halo was probably on crooked.

“The Duke killed the witch’s family,” he clarified, “Duchess would’ve bloodied him herself if it was hers. Well if she was anything like me mum she would have.” He took a drag and exhaled through his nose. Kid was dedicated that was for sure. “Moon and month is the common factor, yes”.

He met Chase’s gaze head on. Head tilted back slightly and arms crossed except when he was moving the cig to his lips. The light turned but he didn’t move, just stood at the intersection shaking his head slowly at the boy. Few people gave him odd looks and likely figured he was scolding his child or something. That’s what he hoped at least.

“Look Chase,” his voice had become a little deeper, accent thicker, “I t’ant treaten’ you like lsome Chiseler. If I thought you were some snot nosed brat I woulda drove up to Casey’s door and given him a bating me self. You gotta be wide for this gig and yous knows whatche’re doing. Those complements aside you’re also an uptight who is so caught up on me acting like a wanker that you’ve barely considered that maybe I have a reason for askin’ the things I do.”

He shook his head and head across the street as the light turned again, “I asked if you had a place to stay because you just got in ‘ta town this morning. Figured I’d be polite and book ya a room at the hotel I’m staying at if you didn’t already have one. The clothes on the other hand is so we can get into the place tonight. What did you think we were gonna break in all Mission Impossible like?” He shot Chase a look like the boy was insane,” Feck no. There’s a Charity event going onto night. Strict suit and tie, and if we’re gonna sneak in we need something better than your street clothes.”

[Chase]

Chase kept his gaze leveled with Sylus's, refusing to drop contact no matter how wrong he realized he might have been. Which, in reality, was only slight. Of course he knew what Sylus asked about whether or not he had a room; a monkey would understand. Now as for the clothes...that's where his assumption turned on him. Every other time he had been asked to help retrieve an item, it usually involved stealth and sneaking around buildings. How was he supposed to know this time would be any different?

"Understood," Chase nodded firmly. "And...thanks, for thinking ahead of time. Staying in the room next to you would probably be the best move. I haven't checked in yet, so I'm sure the hotel won't mind if I cancel." It wasn't like he paid with his money. No loss there.

The signal finally changed favorably, and the walk sign lit up across the street. "As for the charity event, I can come up with something decent." Did that old party attire still fit him from the previous year?

[Casey]

He nodded at Chase with the seriousness melting way from his face, “Good to hear, I’ll be seeing if I can get you a room when we arrive then.”

“While this may shock you,” he continued down the street, “I do think ahead quite often. Like that’s how I got these,” he pulled two tickets out of his pocket and flashed Chase a evil smile, “The real Mr. Conrad thinks there is a problem within his firm, poor fellow. Invite is him plus one. Think you can pass as me son or nephew? How’s your Irish accent?”

He motioned for Chase to follow as he suddenly turned into one of the higher class hotels. After crossing the large white marbel lobby he smiled at the girl behind the counter.

“Good afternoon Mr. Cassidy,” she smiled back, less plastic than she would with other guests, “Can I do anything for you?”

“Yes you can, Caroline,” he said,” You got a room next to mine or on the same floor for me nephew?” He stepped out of the way so the girl could get a clear look at Chase.

“I see good looks run in the family,” she said and gave Chase a flirty wave. After clacking away at the computer for a few moments she hit a button and produced an actual key for Chase instead of a card. “Room 7-6B, it’s two down from you Mr. Cassidy.”

“Thank ya kindly sweetheart,” he gestured like he was touching the brim of a hat, “Charge it to me account darling.”

“This way Boy ‘O,” he called as he walked to the lift and said the bellhop, “Seventh floor if you will.”

[Chase]

After inspecting his room for any possible threats, Chase returned to the windy streets of Chicago in order to relocate his bike from the resturant to the hotel. The cool air nipped at his ears and the sound of angry horns littered the streets as he quickly paced down the cracked sidewalk. As his bike came into view, he smiled. The fresh coat of touchup paint he added a few weeks back gleamed in the sunlight.

Chase felt a surge of pride as he threw his leg over the seat and took hold of the thrust. He loved his ride like nothing else in the world. Through every hunt and job and mission, it had been his faithful companion along the entire trip. The occasional moments where the bike had retained damage Chase severly regretted. Usually his first priority once they had reach safety was to give his baby some TLC.

The return trip to the hotel took less than five minutes, and within ten he had prepared himself for the night ahead. Brushing a loose strand of hair out of his eyes, he caught sight of the bed behind him in the reflection of mirror. The weariness of an all night trip and the fast-paced tempo of the day set in and Chase weighed the thought of crashing. The clock revealed that he had about an hour to spare.

The last thing he needed was to fall asleep mid-mission, right? No harm could come of catching up on a quick minute of sleep. He collapsed back onto the bed, peace overcoming him as he drifted off.

[Casey]

i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss229/LimeZombie/sylus2.jpg [/img]




He chuckled as the boy zombie walked through the hotel. Didn’t even seem to notice he had just paid for one of the more expensive rooms. Shaking his head he figured he would have to pay the kid back later. As of now he had a party to get ready for. His things were more than ready but now he had to mentally prep. That could take a good while.

Sighing he sat on the bed in his own room and crossed his legs. Closing his eyes he relaxed his breathing and tried to find the right mindset for the night. He wasn’t sure if he ultimately achieved the mindset but it was good enough to work.

He quickly got dressed before walking to Chase’s door and knocking, “It’s Sylus. Ya ready yet boy’o?”

[Chase]

The persistant banging on the door jolted Chase from slumber, and he tiredly glanced at the clock, wondering who on the good planet of Earth would wake him up in the middle of the night. Eyes half-opened, the blurred red numbers slowly came into focus and the memory of the past twenty-four hours returned, causing him to bolt upright.

Sylus and the fancy charit event. Right. Finally it was game time.

Without a doublecheck in the mirror, Chase swung the door open as he slid the card key into his back pocket. "Never been more so," he grinned, any previous hint of tiredness disappearing. This is what he lived for: the chance to help. The moment of action. The turning point to turn the world in a better direction. And they were finally about to get rolling. No, he wouldn't dare be tired at this time. Not when things were about to get interesting.

"So what's the battle plan?" he asked as they walked down the hall. "Uncle and nephew? And, for background, what does Mr. Conrad do for a living?" His hand carefully rubbed the amulet still tied around his wrist in anticipation.

[Casey]

(add in pics later)



“You say that now,” he chuckled, “Have you ever rubbed shoulders with the higher ups in society or just had them thumb their noses at ya?”

He wasn’t trying to be critical of the boy or anything. Surface wise it was all in jest. Not to say he was without concern, the upper class could be sharks on a good day. One tell that you weren’t one of their own and they swarmed or worse avoided you. It wasn’t always that bad, there was a few nice ones but luck never favored him.

“Battle plan is we go in, get noticed as little as humanly possible, get the stone and get out,” he said flatly, “no special effects, or flirtations with disaster if we can manage it.”

“Seems plausible,” he mulled over the relation since it probably work better than the father son idea, “How’s your Irish accent? As for the real Mister Conrad he’s in construction, so if anyone offers their condolences just nod and look somber.”

[Chase]

"Top o'the morning to ya, laddie," Chase attempted the accent, frowning as the words stumbled awkwardly from his mouth. The entire hall went silent. "Maybe I'll just be a mute nephew, how about that?"

He mulled over the plan as they continued the path downstairs and to the museum a few blocks over. The chilly night air rolled right off of him as he double-checked every piece of information he had learned in his mind. The artifact was a gem that relocated organs and the like when under moonlight. The best time to do that was tonight, when the charity event provided a cover in. He would play the nephew of a construction worker, making sure at all costs to avoid the Irish accent. Dead give away.

Chase wondered if it would prove a problem if they didn't converse with anyone. Wouldn't that eventually look suspicious? Or maybe not. He hadn't attended any ridiculously formal events before. Not his type of place.

They reached the reception area of the museum and Chase's thoughts were confirmed. The congregation mulled around elegantly, noses high in the air. Few couples who tolerated conversation stiffly stood, eyes darting about, looking for escapes. He readjusted his tie, wondering if the disapproving glares stemmed from the fact it was slightly crooked or from a teenager entering the premises. He suddenly couldn't wait to finish the mission.

"Lead the way, Uncle," Chase nodded to the older man, feeling very much out of place.

[Casey]

He raised an eyebrow at Chase’s horribly sad attempt. Some people had a talent for accents and, this young hunter was not among that class. If he was it was the back of the class. Shaking his head he stepped in front of the boy and signed a bit.

“Unless you know what I just said, let’s stick with the stupid American Nephew,” he chuckled, “And by the way, you were supposed to Irish not a leprechaun. Best be leaving out the top of the mornin’s. Sounded like a bloody fool. Well, more so.”

“Course,” he paused, “ah, never mind. We can always discuss the what ifs later, eh Boy ‘O?”

Stepping into the halls, he plastered on his best fake smile and started greeting the other attendees. It was a comfort to know they were just as fake if not more so than he was. He may have lied and conned his way in, but he went by it honestly.

“Sure,” he said with a smile when they were finally away from others, “that is of course unless you wanna take the lead on this one, and I run distraction.” He slipped a small box out of his pocket and offered it to Chase with a wink.

[Chase]

"My pleasure," he nodded, pleased by the gesture. Chase slid his hand around the box and quietly tucked it in his pocket, not drawing attention to himself. With a quiet dismissal, he retraced their earlier steps until he returned to the Shiva Nataraja.

The piece was quite ugly, Chase decided, eyeing it warily. Whomever had decided to hide the stone on this piece must have had some knowledge that it would be safe. Who in their right mind would pay a load of money for something that looked like it belonged at the bottom of the sea? He glanced left then right before stepping over the red rope surrounding it. Quickly and professionally he slipped on a pair of latex gloves to prevent leaving tell-tale prints on the scene. Cops on his tail were the last things he needed, Chase thought as he bent down to get a better look at where the stone sat hidden.

The hole on the right, it was. He tried at first to see if his finger would fit through the hole, but it was too large. No problem. A good Hunter was always prepared. And for anything. From the hidden pocket inside his ebony jacket he produced a small pair of tweezers. His moved down until he was eye level with the statue and carefully placed the edge through the hole. Since the opening was small, the tweezers blocked a majority of his vision, causing him to blindly rely on the sense of touch.

After a few moments of shifting around, Chase finally caught it. Immediately –but carefully- he pulled it out of the statue and with his other hand grabbed the case Sylus had handed him. Upon opening it, he discovered it boasted a salt-filled interior and what looked to be a led lining. Good. Maybe the old kook did know his stuff. He placed the stone within the container and sealed it before shoving it back in his pocket. The gloves came off and headed back to his jacket pocket with the tweezers.

A moment later, Chase strolled out of the room, returning to the role of a bored teenager. Between his mandatory glances to the door like he wanted to leave, he nonchalantly noted the locations of all the security staffing the event. Wait-where’d they all go? A good amount had been present when they entered, but now none remained. His eyes widened as he entered the main lobby. So that’s what Sylus meant by distraction. Quite impressive.

[Casey]

A distraction, when well planned, is a rather relatively easy thing to pull off. An over planned can back fire and draw to much attention. A totally unplanned doesn’t last long and can result in incarceration. Neither of the previous he wanted, so he planned just enough. He knew exactly what to say to who, what to not say to others, and what to say that might sound like it has a hidden meaning. After that he just had to step back and let the others do all the work.

He didn’t do it to the nice folk. First of all they did absolutely nothing to deserve it in this life or a former. Second, it was really hard to quickly work them up into a frenzy. To willing to talk to others and figure things out instead of just assuming. So he found every backstabber, cheater, and crooked person he could before hand, found out who knew who and politely set them after each other. Tell the cheater that the lovely lady over there, who happens to be the cheater’s wife (who also has a habit of cheating), seems to being along nicely with the man she’s talking too, you get a couple’s argument. More of an annoyance which the upper class tries to pretend isn’t happening. Get three more arguments with couples, two between business partners and add the champagne, it’s only a matter of time before someone throws a fist. And one turns it two, two turns into four.

He took a flute off the tray before taking the tray itself and towel from a dumbstruck waiter. He took a spot next to the door and set the tray down. Leaning back he watched as the fight grew, the yelling got louder and security and a few good Samaritans tried to break up the fight. That wasn’t happening. Chuckling he drank the champagne and admired his work. Seven minutes, record best.

When Chase came back he smirked again. He picked up the towel and hung it over the boy’s arm and offered him the tray.

“We’re going out the staff entrance, unless you have any complaints,” he explained, “Don’t say a word and give me the stone once we get outside.”

Walking through the kitchen he got a few curious looks. When someone asked what was going on at the party, he just shrugged and gave him a clueless expression. He stopped just before the door and drained his glass and set it on the counter. Stepping out into the night air he couldn’t help but laugh. Lovely night it was shaping up to be.

[Chase]

Chase nodded in response to Sylus's command and tried to follow without looking back. He found it rather difficult; the sight of grown men pounding each other, decked out in nice looking clothes, surrounded by women, and in a museum no less was quite astounding. He'd have to ask Sylus later on how he managed to accomplish that.

A few staff members threw them odd looks. Chase ignored them and continued walking behind the Irish fellow. They were so close to being finished with the assignment; no random nuisance would delay them now.

As the duo stepped outside, the elder erupted in laughter. Chase lifted an eyebrow. "C'mon old fella, we're not quite out of the ballpark yet. Save the laughter for a few blocks down, cool?" As much as he wanted to enjoy the success as well, Chase knew that things didn't always go right. The moment where victory seemed to be clenched in hand was the moment it was ripped away by something unexpected. At any moment a security guard could come chasing after them or the stone might randomly activate.

Giving Sylus a playful shove, they continued three blocks down, where Chase finally dropped the stone into the man's large hands. "Mission accomplished." Despite the cold air, he let out a grin. "Easy."

[Casey]

“That ‘tant a victory laugh,” he whipped at his eyes, “That be a, that never gets old laugh. I swear rich or not, the human condition makes folks idiots. Bless ‘em all.”

He stuck his hands in the tux pocket and felt a surge of longing for his wool coat. Thing was warmer and he felt much more comfortable than in this get up. Wasn’t going to complain terribly much since it was keeping him warm, he’d change back into something more suitable or rather less suit-able back at the hotel.

“Thanks boy ‘O,” he took the canister and gave Chase a proud smile, ”Guess this just proves Casey right. I’m sure he’ll be mocking me for even considering you weren’t.”

He continued down the alley way a few paces before slowing to a stop. Tilting his head he listened for a moment before letting out a frustrated sound. He started walking again at a faster pace and didn’t look at Chase, “I think we’re being followed. Best be ready boy, you may be getting a surprise examination.”

[Chase]

Upon hearing the warning, Chase's senses heightened. Predictable. Of course something would be following him. Logically, it would be a security guard who either noticed him stealing the stone or thought it suspicious that the two would leave through the staff entrance. A warm sensation pressing against his wrist suggested that their escape hadn't been noticed. His fingers wrapped around the charm, nearly burned in the process thanks to the heat. What was following them was supernatural, and from the intensity of the heat, not something to be reckoned with.

"I'll be mocking you for considering I wasn't ready," Chase jested, keeping the facade that they hadn't noticed the follower yet. With one hand he patted Sylus on the shoulder, "Forget whatever Casey has in store. The lack of faith hurts." With his free hand he reached for the spare pistol stored in a hidden jacket pocket.

A stray breeze blew the faint scent of sulfur past the Hunters. "Demon," Chase breathed quietly. The gun wouldn't kill it, but it might slow it down enough for an exorcism.