Cherice’s description of what happened to her before she was killed takes everyone aback. The three Champions decide that continuing to talk outside is a bad idea, and that they should go back to the Green Room instead. Justin, however, decides not to join them and heads home.
Once inside Intel joins them and even though he knows about the majority of the supernatural shenanigans that happen within the city limits, he knows absolutely nothing about Cherice’s resurrection. He does mention that he has heard of a rare occurrence, not too dissimilar to what happened in “The Crow”, where someone returns from the grave to avenge their death, and once that task is complete they can finally be at rest. He’s not sure if that is what happened here or not, but “it sounds pretty legit”.
Regardless, all Cherice knows it that she’s been undead for the past month or so, and in all that time she’s no closer to finding out anything about her death or her attacker. “I heard talk of a DJ who knew about these things. That DJ being you, of course.” Cherice says pointing at Intel. “And when I came to see you last night to get some answers I saw the fight outside between the three of you and that antler creature. I figured it was time to stop going at it alone and get some real help.”
“We’re flattered.” Liam says.
“Well, it’s not like you people have anything going on in your lives anyway. I’ve been watching you all. You have pathetic social lives. No offense.”
“None taken.” Saorshe says through clenched teeth.
Intel steps up and adds, “I know someone who might have some answers. His name is Jasper King. I’m supposed to meet him tomorrow night, but something’s come up. He’ll be at the UIC Pavilion at 6p. Tell him I sent you.”
They all go their separate ways for the rest of the evening.
The next day both Liam and Saorshe go to their jobs to make that kibble money. Saorshe keeps an eye on Sissy, while Liam walks on eggshells around his boss. Neither wants to cause any trouble at their place of employment… they all have bills to pay.
It’s getting close to the time to meet at the UIC Pavilion, and both Liam and Saorshe have been trying to call Justin to give them the location of their meeting. His phone is either dead or off the hook because all they ever get is a busy signal.
Cherice, looking no worse for the wear, joins them in front of the rather busy pavilion. It’s really packing them in tonight, and as they approach the front doors they can see why… tonight’s event is a Windy City Roller Derby bout between the Chicago team “Hell’s Belles” and the “Dairyland Dolls” of Madison, WI.
They each pay the $20 admission fee (Liam spots Saorshe the cash since she’s, as she likes to call it, “po’”) and head inside. It’s a madhouse inside as the rowdy crowd cheers and jeers as the teams are introduced. They find some available bleacher seats and sit, realizing that they have no idea what Jasper King looks like and should wait for him to come to them.
The bout begins, and the Jammer for the Belles, a lithe lass that goes by the handle “The Nailer” (player Sarah), is kicking some serious ass. She stands at a miniscule 5’2”, but is fast and mean on the track. The bout only just started and she’s already on the verge of scoring a Grand Slam. The crowd goes wild as she makes her way toward the pack once again. She dives right through, and just as she’s about to clear the group, the opposing team’s Pivot lunges at her in an attempt to knock her down and put the kibosh on her ability to score. It’s almost as if The Nailer knew it was coming; she quickly dodges the Pivot’s attack and skates right past her as she falls to the ground. GRAND SLAM!!!
It’s been 10 minutes since they arrived and there still is no sign of Jasper King. Getting a little impatient, Liam heads down to the concession stand to get a beer. While waiting in line he notices a ratty looking older man who is about 4’11”, 200 lbs. with the pimply complexion of a teenager watching the bout next to the alcohol vendor. His cheeks are deeply scarred from bad acne and there are strange tattoos peeping out from around the neckline of his dirty shirt. Something about him just seems off to Liam, so he keeps an eye on him. Just as he’s about to order his beer, the man turns to Liam and says “Meet me behind the bleachers with your friends in 5 minutes.”
Liam takes his bottle of Goose Island and heads back to Saorshe and Cherice, tells them that he found Jasper and together they head off to meet him behind the bleachers.
They see the man waiting for them and he immediately takes a liking to Saorshe, licking his lips and straightening his wild hair as they approach. The man introduces himself, “I’m Jasper King. Intel told me you’d be here. So what the hell do you want?”
Liam speaks up first and asks, “You ever heard of someone being resurrected to avenge their death?”
“That only happens in the movies, kid. I assume you’re talking about this pale ass broad over here.” Jasper says while pointing at Cherice.
“This ‘pale ass broad’ will cut you in half if you ever call me that again, fat man.” Cherice retorts.
“Sorry, sorry. It’s just that I’m missing the bout. I loves me come hot chicks on roller skates beating the crap out of each other.”
“So, yes or no?” Saorshe asks.
“No. Never heard of it happening before, sweet cheeks. Is that all?”
“There’s one other thing… you notice anything strange going on in the city lately. Odd murders and such? Demons making random appearances and all that?” Liam asks.
“Well, I’m more of a vampire expert so what you’re asking is outside my field of expertise. But I have heard mention of a few things. A close friend of mine told me about an “entity” of sorts that’s set up shop in the city, and its influence can be felt by all supernatural creatures, both local and non-local.”
“This ‘entity’ have a name?” Liam inquires.
“Not that I’ve heard, Lassie.” He jokes in reply.
“Lassie?”
“Don’t play dumb with me, Mr. Werewolf. Intel told me all about you three.” He slinks up to Saorshe in an awkward way, “Especially you.”
“Umm… eww.” Saorshe manages to squeak out before a series of loud screams coming from behind her gets her attention.
They all turn to see a group of six textbook Wrigleyville douchebags heading for them, throwing every spectator in their way like ragdolls. It’s a strange sight; these dudes are wearing flip flops, alligator tees with the collars popped, sideways baseball caps… the works, but their faces are contorted into a sinister visage. Their brows are deeply furrowed, the ones not searing cheap sunglasses have yellow eyes and are licking their fanged teeth with evil delight.
“Ahh, shit. Not these guys again.” Jasper exhales.
“Who are they?” Liam asks.
“Vampires.” Cherice plainly states.
“What do they want?” Saorshe asks.
“Me, most likely.” Jasper replies.
One of the vamps grabs two spectators by their collars and hurls them at the track. They land right in the path of the oncoming pack. Roller derby girls are flying everywhere as the have no time to stop and crash one after another into the fallen spectators. A pile of eight derby girls are covering the entire width of the track. The Nailer comes around the corner, sees the pile-up, and since she’s going so fast has no time to stop. She slams into the pile, flips head over heels twice and lands painfully on her back.
“These guys were making my street a living hell! So I directed the fuzz to their hideout… told them it was a meth lab. The pigs trashed the place. I figured they’d turn up sooner or later. They know my weakness is the derby.” Jasper explains.
“Awesome. And they’re coming right for us.” Liam says.
“If you help me I can make it worth your while.” He says to Liam.
The vamps are all standing before them. “Come here fat man. Payback’s a bitch!” one of them proclaims.
“Go to hell, d-bag!” Jasper yells while hiding behind Saorshe.
The vamps move in for the kill and a massive battle ensues. Saorshe’s Ball of Light manages to throw one vamp through the front door of the pavilion and into the street, while another smashes two more against a brick wall enough times that they crumble. Liam manages to decapitate one with his sword, then heads out into the street to finish off the straggler. Cherice beheads another, and with an assist from The Nailer, who uppercuts the last vamp right into the path of Cherice’s katana, the bloodsuckers are dust.
“Oh my god! Intel was right! You guys are the goods!” Jasper screams.
The remaining spectators have fled and all that remains in the pavilion are the banged up derby girls, the corpses of the spectators the vamps killed and the heroes.
“Who the hell is this?” Jasper asks pointing to The Nailer.
“The name’s Kayte. Kaye Conklin. But my derby name is ‘The Nailer’. Now can someone please tell me what the hell just happened here?”
“Long story.” Liam says matter-of-factly.
“Nice uppercut.” Cherice manages to say without her usual acerbic tone.
“Thanks.” Kayte says, still in shock.
“Look, enough with the making friends shit. I need to see Intel. Can you three escort me back to SubTerranean before more of those turds or the cops show up?”
The three nod at Kayte as they head out. Liam says, “Can you deal with the cops, please?” to Kayte before heading out the door.
“Yeah, sure. I guess.” She mumbles to herself as she looks around at all the carnage surrounding her.
The three manage to escort Jasper back to SubT without incident and hook up with Intel in the Green Room.
“I knew those vamps would come looking for you, which is why I sent my peeps here to deal with it.” Intel informs.
“Nice of you to warn us in advance.” Cherice says.
“No problem.” Intel says as he heads back into the hallway with Jasper to talk.
“Has anyone tried to call Justin again?” Saorshe asks.
“Hang on…” Liam takes out his cell phone, dials Justin’s number and ends up with the same result they’ve been getting all day… busy signal. “Maybe we should have gotten his address too.”
“How does all this help me find my killer?” Cherice bitches.
“It’s not our fault Jasper didn’t know anything about your ‘condition’.” Saorshe replies.
“Well then, lets get back out there and look for some answers.” Cherice states.
“We will, I just have to ask Jasper something…” Liam trails off when Jasper and Intel come back in the room… with Kayte in tow.
“I found something you lost.” Intel proclaims.
“Hey. I heard you guys mention SubTerranean back at the Pavilion, so I thought I’d come by and see what was going on.” Kayte says.
“So what happened with the cops?” Saorshe asks.
“I told them what I saw. A bunch of crackheads showed up, trashed the place and ran. Only thing is, I know they weren’t crackheads. They were vampires.” She replies.
“Yes they were. And you all took care of them real good.” Jasper interjects.
“You OK?” Saorshe asks.
“I’m dealing. I knew they were out there somewhere, I just never thought I’d end up seeing one face to face, let alone cold cocking one.”
“Join the club.” Liam says. "I thought vampires weren't from around here?"
"They usually aren't. You'd most likely find vamps on the far south side, but you could run into a few in Wrigleyville too. They love their Cubs games."
Liam nods, then asks, “Jasper, can I see you in the hallway for a minute please?” They head out to the hallway. “What did you mean when you said if I helped you you’d make it ‘worth my while’?”
"They usually aren't. You'd most likely find vamps on the far south side, but you could run into a few in Wrigleyville too. They love their Cubs games."
Liam nods, then asks, “Jasper, can I see you in the hallway for a minute please?” They head out to the hallway. “What did you mean when you said if I helped you you’d make it ‘worth my while’?”
“Oh yeah. I’m well aware of your ‘condition’, and know a fella in the same boat. He can help you learn to control the werewolf instead of letting it control you. Interested?” Jasper asks.
“You bet your ass!”
“I’ll talk to him and will contact you through Intel. I don’t have a cell phone.”
“Lose it?”
“Can’t afford one.”
“Ahh.”
Jasper leaves as Liam returns to the Green Room with a big grin on his face. He sits down and joins in on the rest of the group becoming acquainted with their new friend, Kayte.
The next day, Saturday.
All the current media is atwitter with talk of a brutal sexual assault that ended in death last night in Logan Square. The body of the victim was found behind a bar called The Mutiny on Western. Even though the sexual assault was considered “Brutal”, there is no official cause of death being given by the coroner’s office. This, of course, has attained the complete attention of Cherice.
She calls Saorhse and tells her that she wants to go down to the morgue tonight, and to call the others and ask them to come too. Saorshe agrees and calls Liam, Kayte and Justin. Justin’s phone is still off the hook making her worry about him all the more.
"Due to the 'incident' at the pavilion, the roller derby is shut down for the next week to allow for a full investigation. Pretty much means I have no plans." Kayte says.
Saorshe does a little research, and finds that there are two morgues in the area: one in Wicker Park and another in Andersonville. She has no idea which one the victim was taken to, so she puts it to a vote. Everyone chooses Andersonville.
"Due to the 'incident' at the pavilion, the roller derby is shut down for the next week to allow for a full investigation. Pretty much means I have no plans." Kayte says.
Saorshe does a little research, and finds that there are two morgues in the area: one in Wicker Park and another in Andersonville. She has no idea which one the victim was taken to, so she puts it to a vote. Everyone chooses Andersonville.
Everyone meets up at SubT first to go over the plan. Saorshe performs a glamour spell over a few old work badges to make them look like UIC Med Student IDs. They also practice their cover story before heading out.
Once at the Andersonville Morgue they can see that there are a bunch of employees outside smoking, eating and chitchatting away the evening. Must be break time. Perfect! However there is still a security guard inside the lobby that they’ll have to deal with. They slip inside, speak to the guard and tell him they’re a bunch of UIC med students that are here to tour the facility as part of their job interview process. The guard, not being too bright, believes their story and lets them sign in and they head off into the back to a break room where they’ll meet their tour guide. They, of course, don’t wait and head off to where the bodies are kept. They find three rooms that could possibly hold the corpse of the victim, so they split up.
In the first room Liam finds a large walk in cooler that contains the body of the victim from last night’s assault. He calls the others to come and join him, and when they do they all notice that she shares a strange resemblance to Cherice; the same hairstyle, same basic body type and height/weight ratio. It’s odd. And Soarshe notices something else too… below the woman’s naval is a mark. A brand…
Cherice lifts her shirt and finds the exact same brand below her naval, only hers looks incomplete; sections are missing. This visibly upsets Cherice beyond belief, and the others decide that it’s time they left before their tour guide comes looking for them. Before they depart, Saorshe touches the mark on the corpse. Using her psychometry ability she can only glean a name… “The Pentacle of Solomon”.
After they leave the morgue, Liam begins to chat with the others outside about wanting to check out the other morgue in Wicker Park. Liam’s reason is that he wants to see if the body he found outside his apartment the other night is there and if there’s some sort of explanation as to how it happened. Everyone agrees except for Cherice, who is so shaken that she decides to call it a night.
The others arrive at the Wicker Park morgue and find a totally different situation awaiting them. This place’s security is a lot tighter; there are three guards at the front desk and it looks like there are security cameras everywhere. If they want in they’re going to have to play this one cool as a cucumber.
They head in and speak to the guard, giving the same reason they used at the last morgue as their excuse for being there so late. It doesn’t seem to be working this time however.
“You’re not on the guest list, and it’s nearly midnight.” The main guard says.
“Well, we got sidetracked. Tonight hasn’t exactly gone according to plan. We should have been here hours ago but we had dinner meetings, hit traffic, you name it. This is the earliest we could get here. You sure there’s no one here that can give us a tour?” Kayte asks.
At that very moment one of the interns comes out to see if his pizza delivery has arrived and sees the three “students”. He introduces himself as Dave and offers to give them a tour. The guard isn’t cool with it, but basically tells him that if anything happens it’s going to be on his head. Dave agrees and takes the three students into the back.
They bring up the “mysterious deaths” that have been plaguing the area, and Dave replies with, “We have one of them here. Want to see?”
Dave takes them into an examination room where the body of a man is lying on a gurney under a number of lights. It appears perfect in every way; no cuts, bruises, discoloration. Nothing.
“So how did he die?” Saorshe asks.
“We can’t figure it out. We’ve done everything except an autopsy and can find nothing wrong with the body. It’s in perfect shape. We perform the autopsy tomorrow if you want to come back and observe. I’m sure it would look great on your resume.” Dave replies with a grin.
“Maybe.” Liam says walking toward a large wall of pull out freezers for individual corpses. “I am interested in a case I read about yesterday. A body found in a dumpster. Supposedly turned inside out from what the newscaster said. You wouldn’t have happened to have received that corpse, would you?”
Dave walks over to the coolers and opens one, pulling out the shelf with a large garbage bag sitting atop it. “You mean this one?”
Liam looks pale as Dave opens the bag. When he shows everyone what’s inside they all step back in disgust.
“Nasty!” Kayte exclaims.
“You got that right. Looks like someone put a grenade in this dude’s chest. Only thing is there’s no burn marks or anything like that. From what we can tell the dude just popped.” Dave explains.
“Lovely.” Saorshe says with her hand over her mouth. She looks at Liam and says, “Can we go now?”
Liam nods his head in agreement. They all shake Dave’s hand as he offers to continue the tour, but they all want to get the hell out of there before they barf all over the joint. They hurry out and once they are a significant distance from the morgue they stop and take a few deep breaths.
“I don’t know what the hell is going on around here, but this is some fucking crazy shit you people are into.” Kayte proclaims.
“Yeah, we kind of just fell into it.” Saorshe says.
Liam looks drained and tells them, “I think I need to go home. I’m not feeling too well.”
“Me too.” Kayte says.
“No problem, I’m going to head over to the library and do some research on that symbol we found.”
They say their goodbyes for the evening and separate.
About an hour later Saorshe is sitting in the Occult section of the library flipping through some of her family’s books looking for information on the “Pentacle of Solomon”. She finds what she’s looking for in one of her ancestor’s diaries. The entry reads “The Pentacle of Solomon is from the 17th century grimoire The Lesser Key of Solomon. Its purpose is to prevent a soul from returning to its original vessel after it’s removal through magical evocation.”
“Well now. That explains a lot.” Saorshe says to herself.
