Sage arrives in town

Datr - [Begin Frequency]

Datr - [After stirring the beverage he takes the small spoon out and sets it aside. He wraps his hands around the warm mug with a sigh. He takes a moment to stare down at it.]

Spi - One of those days?

Datr - [Chester sighs, "Great. Again. My favorite."]

Spi - I can always just leave you to roam the streets next time y'know

Datr - ["I'm not on the streets right now." Chester walks over to his sofa and takes a seat.] 

Spi - You also sound sober, though I could be wrong

Datr - ["I'm always sober." Chester takes a sip from the coffee before setting it down. He grabs a clipboard from a stack of papers piling on his coffee table. He puts on a pair of reading glasses from his side table.]

Spi - Not from what I've seen, but alright

Datr - ["Well th-" Chester is suddenly cut off by a banging at his door. He pauses and stares in its direction. "What the?"]

Spi - Not a guest then, before you answer do you have anything on hand? Just in case

Datr - ["Nearby." Chester sets the clipboard and galsses down before getting up. Theres another loud knocking though it's more frantic. He hears a female voice yell from the otherside of the door, "FUCKING OPEN THE DOOR." Chester scrambles towards the door and turns the door handle. The moment it's turned, Harper comes dashing into the room and quickly closing the door behind herself. Chester steps back in surprise.]

Spi - ..Jesus Christ, you know what I said about just in case?

Datr - [Chester looks down at Harper's turtle neck to see it covered in bright blood. Harper is breathing heavily and speaks rather quickly, "I don't have time to explain but you need to trust me. Do you have any weapons???" Chester is wide eyed as he sees several teeth missing from Harper's mouth, their empty places still dripping blood.]

Spi - You're gonna need one either way, and something's clearly happened, I'd say to go along with her for now

Datr - ["Uhm- I mean I have one?" Chester nervously backs up." Harper reaches for a bookcase and starts moving it infront of the door, "Ok, lets get it and hide- hurry-" Harper heads partly into the livingroom as Chester stays still. Harper turns to face Chester, "What are you waiting for!?! COME ON." ]

Spi - What's wrong?

Datr - [Chester states, "I change my mind, I don't have a weapon." Harper looks confused, "The hell you don't. Now lets GO." Haroer grabs him by the arm and drags him with her quickly to the hall. She spots his bedroom as they both go in. She starts searching under the bed, "Is it in here??? We need to defend ourselves if we get cuaght." Chester stays quiet as he watches.]

Spi - Get caught by who?

Datr - [Harper reaches up inder the matress as her ears perk up, "AH HA! Perfect!" She draws out a simple pistol and cjecks the safety on it. She then looks up at Chester, "Our best bet might be under the bed." Chester sounds a bit nervous, "You can't fire that gun." Disant loud steps can be heard slaming onto the stairs of the apartment complex.]

Spi - Why can't she Chester?

Datr - [Chester growls, "No one can, no one's allowed to. Never!" Harper gives a confused look before the steps reach the door. There's rattling bang as the apartment door is busted wide open in one swing. The bookcase that was sitting infront of it is thrown onto its side and slides partway in the hall from the force. Chester jumps and looka out the door. Harper ducks under the bed as Chester joins her hastfully.]

Spi - Can you stop messing around and just take the gun? Or let her use it

Datr - [Chester looks nervously at the gun in Harper's hand. The sound of heavy hooves hits the ground, followed by the sound of something large being dragged. With each step it moves closer to the bed room. It adds a clanking of wooden windchimes the more it moves. Chester and Harper remain silent.]

Spi - ...

Datr - [It moves into the room. From under the bed they see the dark and massive cloven hooves. A few drops of drool fall ahead of them as they hear it breathing heavily to smell the room. It speaks with a low and angered tone, "dissimuler l'odeur des petites colombes." Chester makes a confused look.]

Spi - ...what the fuck?

Datr - [The voice continues more quietly, "Une proie très intelligente..." It walks towards the nightstand. Dragging behind it is a body that moves infront of Harper and Chester. They see the exposed skull of Terminal. There's bite marks along the edges of the flesh and hints of drool. His clothing is covered in fresh blood. Chester quietly brings a hand over his mouth as his eyes water. Harper stays frozen as she stays focused on the stranger.]

Spi - .....tell me that's not actually him

Datr - [The body is pulled further away as it walks. A long tail trails behind it. Its covered in strange dark scales that shine many subtle colors in the light. It has a pattern of rings across it like leapord spots all leading to long and curly hair at the end much like a dragon. There's a gravely hissing as it inspects the room. After a moment it walks back infront of the bed. A large clawed hand reaches down and grabs the edge of the bed. ]

Spi - ...

Datr - [The hand tenses up before throwing the bed up and against the wall. Chester and harper move back and look up at them in fear. Standing before them is a tall melanistic goat nonferal. Behind her is long curly black locks of hair. Rising out of her skull are two curved horns with wooden windchimes hanging from them. They wear an elaborate cloak and have one hand griping a dark claymore. Their arms carry the same pattern as the tail. They smile at seeing them and speak in a motherly tone, "Deux oiseaux, une pierre." They raise the claymore with ease using only one hand. Harper raises the gun and fires at one hand. There's a splatter of blood as she drops the blade and is stunned a moment. Chester's ears ring as he quickly gets to his feet and sprints for the front door, slipping slightly on the trail of blood they had left behind.]

Luna - What the hell.

Datr - [Chester sprints out the door and down the stairwell. Almost tumbling down the stairs he breaks out the front door and onto the street. He looks around in a panick, unsure of where to go. There's a loud scream from his apartment behind him.]

Luna - Are you just going to leave Harper to deal with the enemy? Part of me doesn't blame you, self preservation and all that, but at the same time, that scream is worrying

Datr - [Chester sounds just as panicked as he looks, "That fucking thing is built like a vending machine and frankly I don't know who the hell either of them are!- Where the hell do I go?!?"]

Luna - I mean Harper is Terminal's cousin, but the other person speaking French is new to us.

Datr - ["Ok great grand we can all talk about it over a cup of tea- WHERE THE FUCK DO I GO?!?!?" The scremas stop as theres loud steps again.]

Luna - Let's head to the carnival. Hopefully there's a place we can hide in there.

Datr - [Chester begins running down the sidewalk. It's oddly quiet on the streets as the sun has set and a chill is building in the air. Chester winces while ignoring his leg.]

Luna - What the hell? Just focus on getting to the carnival. We'll have to find a place to hide when we get there. I'm really not liking the vibes Datrs is giving us (edited)

Datr - ["So we atleast know the language they speak. Anyone know anyone French they sent to fucking murder people?" Chester continues as quickly as he can. His breathing from his movement makes his voice strained.]

Luna - Not that I can immediately think of? Plus whoever they are had a fucking claymore.

Datr - ["Anyone here speak french?" Chester continues to run. He's starting to get out of breath as he can faintly see the lights of the carnival in the distance.]

Luna - I can translate it. At first the enemy said something like "You can hide but I can smell you little doves" and then after that, "Smart prey." Oh good, we're almost there. Just push on Chester!

Datr - ["My FUCKING ANKLE AHHHH." Chester keeps on as he reaches teh carnival. Its currently busy and covered up in costomers as he limps into the crowd. He huffs and slows to a walk.]

Luna - Oh gods. I'm sorry Chester. Thankfully we've made it though. Now we need a place to hide from this monster. You should slow.down before it hurts more though.

Datr - [Chester's ear flicks as he hears it. Between the loud commotion of the crowd's laughter and foot steps, he can hear hooves on the wooden boards. He turns to look but only sees the blur of people weaving between eachother to reach the streactions. "They're here."]

Luna - Wait what? How did they get here so fast? You're gonna have to find a place to hide. Though I'm curious if any of the other people can see the massive goat with a snake(?) tail wielding a claymore. (edited)

Datr - [Chester is looking around for the source of the sound as he keeps a hushed voice, "It's a carnival. Not to mention Gambit's carnival. Everyone's dressed up weird." The people around him remain aware as they continue past him. There's a voice he picks up far from his left, "Carol, je sais que tu es là~" Chester begins moving in the oposite direction towards a row of tents.]

Spi - ..You ditched the gun didn't you?

Luna - They said "Carol, I know you're there"

Datr - [Chester ducks into a tent. It looks like supplies for one of the pyro acts, several tanks of gas are lined up by some storage crates, aswell as flame resistant costumes on one side. Chester puts a hand to his nose and whispers, "How do they know my name?"]

Luna - ...maybe they're Terminal. They had that case study on you remember? In it had your full name, "Carol Mathews (Chester)"

Spi - .... don't

Luna - I know that's contradictory. We saw Terminal's corpse. But i have no idea how else they know Chester's name.

Luna -  Sorry Spider

Datr - [Chester moves behind the crates to a hidden split in the curtain of the tent. He steps out to a small clearing completely surounded by the back of tents. There's a broken board in the planks that Chester lowers himself down to drop under the board walk. He lands on the sand before muttering, "Don't tell anyone about this spot."]

Spi - That's what you're worried about?

Luna - I promise not to mention that spot Chester

Datr - ["If I live, I want to still have my job." Chester runs ahead to a wooden door and quickly heads in. He starts down a dark set of concrete stairs as the muffled roar of music grows. He hears the stranger drop onto the sand outside.]

Spi - Why is there a door under the boardwalk?

Datr - [Chester rushes through a door at the end. He dashes into a loud and busy underground club. Nonferals sit at the bar or dance to the music out in the moshpit. The room is lit up with various colors and flashing lights. A thin layer of fog lays at everyobe's feet. Chester runs behind the bar as a nonferal otter is startled by him, "Chess? You know you're not suposed to be behi-" Chester ignores him and reaches under the counter to grab a hidden gun, "Not now-"]

Luna - Whoa, the carnival has that underground? That's so cool! I mean uh I'm glad you know about this place Chester. Do you sense our enemy in the midst?

Datr - [The otter exclaims, "What the Hell-" Chester darts past the bar and around the wall to get into the crowd. He keeps the gun lowered while listening. "They have to be in here somewhere."]

Luna - Probably Chester. They found the entrance under the boardwalk. Just gotta focus and listen for anything sounding like French.

Spi - Unless it can change it's appearance then I feel like you'd know if it was there

Datr - [Chester continues to move through the people. His ears pick up on the wooden windchimes ahead.]

Luna - Here we go. Found our enemy. Be careful Chester.

Datr - [Chester instantly walks up to them. He draws the gun and points it directly at them. The stranger hears a click as they turn to face the barrel of the gun. Their eyes have slits like snakes that stares down at Chester with more intreege than fear. The people around them step back on seeing the gun.]

Spi - Don't shoot

Luna - Only shoot if the enemy strikes first Chester. Until then, do not shoot.

Datr - [With the people arpund them growing quiet, its easier to hear as Chester yells out, "Who are you?!" The stranger remains calm as it responds, "Tu ne me connais pas mais je suis Sage." Chester squints at them.]

Luna - They say, "You don't know me but I'm Sage" which... isn't that Terminal's middle name? I swear Harper called them that when you were at their house. And you had that dream where the snake thing was called Sage.

Spi - ...

Datr - ["From my dreams?..." Chester mutters as Sage gently nods. Chester nods aswell, "Ok... Sage. Simple enough."]

Spi - ..does she know about us?

Luna - Seconded. Is Sage aware of DATRS?

Datr - ["Yeah sure but kind of have more pressing matters at the moment..." Chester growls under his breath before speaking up, "Why are you trying to kill me?" Sage explains, "J'ai été envoyé à. Mais je ne vous dirai pas qui. Je sais que cette arme ne représente aucune menace entre vos mains."]

Luna - Sage explains but in English, "I was told to, but I won't tell you who told me to. I know this weapon poses no threat in your hands." Uh. What the fuck.

Datr - [Chester's grip tightens on the gun as he snarls, "What the fuck is that supposed to mean? I pull one finger and thats a bullet straight through your skull. Don't fucking test me." Sage leans in closer to the gun, putting the barrel right between her eyes. She speaks with no fear and smooth consistant tone, "Tu es chérie, un petit menteur si confiant."]

Luna - Sage says, "Darling (or Deary) you're such a confident little liar". Sage is basically calling your bluff. That gun is loaded right? And we know she can bleed. Harper shot Sage in the hand earlier and caused her to drop her Claymore. (edited)

Datr - [Chester's finger gently lays on the trigger as his arms begin to tremble. His breathing becomes shaky aswell, "I'll fucking do it, I'm not a liar." Sage huffs, "Combien de temps allez-vous repousser les pensées que vous regrettez? Avez-vous besoin d'un rappel?"]

Luna - Uh oh. Translation: "How long will you push away your thoughts of regret? Do you need a reminder?" Chester? Focus please, don't let Sage take advantage of your weaknesses.

Datr - [Chester begins to breathe more heavily as Sage reaches up, grabs the barrel of the gun and puts it to her neck. Sage states, "Pour ton amour." Chester stays still. An icy chill runs up his spine as for a moment he sees the skeleton of a deer standing in Sage's place. It's soulless hallow eyes stare back at him and the red blinking lights turn it's surface into a crimson red. Just as quickly he's back to reality. His nose scrunches up as he tries his best to ignore the smell. Sage keeps the gun to her throat as she waits patiently.]

Luna - ... Sage has no fucking honor to pull some psychological bullshit. But uh Chester? Are you okay? Yo.u're still with us, and none of that was real. Don't let Sage win this using your traumas against you.

Datr - [Chester uses one hand to wipe his face as he looks down at the hand. He sees small red specks smeared into his hand as he drops the gun. Sgae lets the gun fall onto the ground as she takes a step back. Chester puts both hands his face as he starts to cry. The crowd around them still stays quiet as Sage turns around and walks towards the exit. Many people in the crowd rubberneck at Sage with confused looks and some with fear. The bartender rushes out from the people and grabs the gun from the ground. He then walks up to Chester while keeping the gun well out of reach, "Chess, I need you to calm down, its over."]

Luna - Chester, it's over. Sage is gone. You're gonna be okay, can you just take a deep breath in, hold it for a 2 count and exhale for us? It helps regulate your breathing

Datr - [Chester swats at the bartender and growls, "Leave me alone." The bartender backs up some. Chester sighs as he checks his hands again to see no specks. The bartender asks, "You ok man?" Chester puts his hand back down, "Just get me a drink."]

Luna - Wait wtf were the specks supposed to be? I thought they were blood, but they're gone? Anyway, maybe a drink might help a little bit. At least get you to calm down. On the bright side you're alive. Just... I'm worried about Harper now.

Datr - [The bartender nods and heads towards the bar. People slowly begin to speak amonst themselves again as the music resumes. Chester groans, "I'll find out when I get home tomorrow."]

Luna - ...right. What will you do now?

Datr - ["drink."]

Spi - I swear if I have to escort you back again

Luna - Right. Uh though I would recommend telling the bartender what happened. In case the police were to follow up. Wait what?

Luna - Anyway, talk to you later. 

-end frequency

Datr - [End frequency]