Chasing Phantom of the Opera

Summer 2021, Week 5

Tuesday morning

Mayor's Office, City Centre

Sloane Whittier

Thankful for the chance to get a break from the intensity that was HQ, she leisurely strolled up the walkway to City Hall, albeit with a bit of a sore stiffness. 'Just gonna go in, give her a sitrep, maybe talk to Charlotte if she doesn't yell at me to go back, sneak a nap in my office and bribe the others not to snitch on me... Ugh. No. Gotta be an adult. Just go talk to the mayor and get back. There's too much to do and I shouldn't miss out on any of it. Maybe a small nap? No. No. Bad Sloane.'   "Hey, Rob. How's it going? How's the kids?" She smiled at the guard by the door as she walked in.  

Storyteller

"Really good, Miss Sloane. The littlest is having a birthday soon."  

Sloane Whittier

"Ooooo. I'll get her a present, just tell me when!"  

Storyteller

His smile showed how much he appreciated that she remembered the details. "I'll have Lisa make an extra invitation for you."  

Sloane Whittier

"You better! I'm looking forward to it!" She continued on through the halls and made her way toward the mayor's office.  

Damian Eli

Damian stood outside city hall pacing back and forth for a few moments. Since he'd been in New Victoria he hadn't gotten his mail and eveytime he called the post office they put him on hold.. and kept him on hold. And he deserved mail!!! Right? He could do this. Deep breath. Deep breath. He started to hum in his head hyping himself up as he entered the office. "you're the best around nothing's gonna ever get ua down. YOU'RE THE BEST AROUND"  

Sloane Whittier

On a normal day, Sloane filtered out the conversations around her. She's very proficient at just keeping a constant white noise of anxiety infused inner monologue or she throws up her shields and goes about her day. But today? Today she was tired and sore. That combined with the sheer volume, she picked up on the tail end of his song. 'Is that... from the Karate Kid?' Almost to the mayor's office, she spies Charlotte and smiles, but opens up to listen for more of whatever is going on.  

Damian Eli

He approached a worker and took a deep breath. "i. Need my mail. It's been like. Three months.. and fhe post office worker literally put me on hold for four hours and i found out that rhey closed two hours into the call" "You can do this. You need this mail. You deserve this mail. Cue Rocky music.. baabbaaabaaabaaa"  

Sloane Whittier

'Have I... have I heard that before?' She mouthed an apology to Charlotte and turned on a dime towards her office. She just needed to focus for a second. 'Why is that so familiar? Who do I know that sings Rocky and Karate Kid?' She dipped around a corner and zeroed in on the new voice.

[Pather x1 Basic -0 EP]

 

Damian Eli

Damian just waited in line looking down at the floor man. Fucking government took forever with anything. Wait. "I can expect my mail by next week? Thank you. How. I'm lost..." He turned around and tried to remember how to leave and then began just wandering around. "If i said i want your body now. Would you hold it against me. BECAUSE YOU FEEL LIKE PARADISE"  

Sloane Whittier

"Oh my GOD!" She didn't mean to shout out loud, but she couldn't help it. She speed walked out of the office yelling behind her. "I'll be right back, Charlotte! So sorry! Yell at me later!"   Once she hit the hallway, she looked around trying to figure out which direction it was coming from and then headed off towards him and shoots a message into the stranger's mind. 'BRITNEY SPEARS! I know you. You were there the night of the Bolt stand off.' She stopped and waited for him to answer again so she could try to trace him. She just needed to get a better feel for him...

[Pather x1 Minor, -1 EP 24/25 remaining]

 

Damian Eli

"AH" he shouted. Thats it. He was going insane there was a voice in his head he had to leave. He bolted and started dashing towards an exit "Leave me alone strange voice i have no quarrel with you!!!" And then he was outside fumbling for his car keys  

Sloane Whittier

"Got you!" This time she echoed throughout the hallways, earning her some looks. She didn't even try to look normal, just started sliding in her kitten heels as she tried to run on the marble and chase after his general direction. 'Quarrel?? What, have you been reading Shakespeare lately? You're not in trouble, I just wanna talk! Please don't run!' She could feel him pulling away faster than these damn floors would let her catch up. Fucking night staff are damn good at their buff job.  

Damian Eli

"LALALALLA I CANT HEAR YOU!" He ran towards where he parked and unlocked his car starting it and taking a moment to breathe. The voices in his head couldn't follow him out here.  

Sloane Whittier

'You don't have to shout, I can hear you! Just, hold on a damn second!' She damn near fell flat on her face as she slipped on some water in the middle of the hallway by the front entrance.  

Storyteller

The guard went to help her regain her composure. "You alright, Miss Sloane?"  

Sloane Whittier

"Fine, Rob! Thanks! Don't worry! Be right back!" She grabs onto the door and throws it open, quickly trying to scan the parking lot across the street for any signs of movement.  

Damian Eli

"NEVER YOU WON'T TAKE ME ALIVE!" And then Damian was peeling out of the parking lot S&M blaring on the radio as the Lexus screeched out onto the highway  

Sloane Whittier

She stomped her foot on the steps as she saw the car peel out of the parking lot. 'Damn it! I swear I just wanted to talk! I'll find you again one day...'

[Pather x1 Minor -1 EP 23/25]

 

Sloane Whittier

Slinking back into City Hall, the frustration was clear on her face. "Rob, do me a favor? Did you see the dude that just ran out of here? If he ever comes back, call me."  

Storyteller

"Uh, sure? You sure you're alright?"  

Sloane Whittier

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. Just call me next time okay." She panted her way slowly back down the hallway. "Damn it. I don't like that the chief is right. I need more cardio. Holy hell. Breathing. Shouldn't hurt." She panted her way back to the office with her tail between her legs. When she got back to Charlotte the woman's eyes narrowed in on her. "So-"  

Storyteller

"No. I don't want to know. You're expected and you're wasting her time. She has another meeting in 5. Get in and be quick."  

Sloane Whittier

"Yes, ma'am!" She gave a silly salute and then quickly made her way in to the office. "Mayor Sims, I have an update from Chief Butler. I'm sorry I'm late there was an Evo that I heard the night of Bolt's attack. I went after them, but they made it out of the parking lot."  

Mayor Sims

I hate meetings. Monica was repeating that mantra as she prepared for yet another god forsaken meeting! What was the point of having email if you had to see the people just to repeat the damn contents of the email? Why send the email? Why—the door opened and she looked up. A sense of salvation and irritation bubbled up. Salvation because Sloane Whittier presented an excuse—and she’d take any right this second—to not worry about the meeting. Irritation because she was late. Tardiness. Not as bad as meetings but still up there. “A what? No, nevermind. Handle that part. I have—“ Looking at her watch she cringed. “Four minutes before another shitsh—meeting. What’s the update?”  

Sloane Whittier

"Four minutes, I'll be quick then." The woman was very visibly upset, but was doing her best not to show it too much. "Well, apart from every muscle in my body hurting, we found something... concerning. Mayor Sims, I don't like saying this, but AERI has been compromised. We found a tracker on Victory. Luna is going to be in charge of upping security protocols with all of the resources she can put together, but the damage has been done. She traced it to an apartment Downtown."  

Mayor Sims

Monica blinked veery slowly. Looking down at her desk for 15 seconds, she let out a deep sigh, looked back up at Sloane, went to talk, and repeated the process once more. "Well...that's just great." She stood up from her desk and paced a bit behind it. "It's not entirely bad. Victory is the only public figure, so better him than the rest. The compromised location of the headquarters isn't terrible either. Eventually word was going to get out. It just means we need to get it prepared for constant press presence, and therefore potential breaches, sooner rather than later. I take it you're not coming to me without you about to tell me that you're headed down to find who tracked him, right? As they only member of the information gathers I take it that's your job? And let Luna and the Chief know I just got AERI's increased budget pushed through City Council. But it took some hits. We need good press or I can't guarantee come election time I'll still be here to go to bat for your."  

Sloane Whittier

"Uh, well ma'am, the Chief has us under lock and key. We're not supposed to leave HQ without his say so for the next week while we go through intensive training." She twisted her neck to both sides in a stretch at the mere thought of her soreness. "Only reason I'm here in person is we figured it would be better given the situation. I'm supposed to go right back. Should I ask if I can have clearance to go back out after hours?"  

Mayor Sims

Shit. "The training. Yes. No." Her mind was muddled. Exhaustion evident but rest did not come for the wicked or politicians. One in the same, no? "No, the training is the most important thing for you all right now. If someone tried to make a move on the headquarters now they'd be in for a terrible surprise. No, have Luna do what she can in her spare time and gather some information before making a move after the training is done. This is an action against AERI, which means they have jurisdiction to investigate it."  

Sloane Whittier

"I wouldn't put it past Luna to be multi-tasking during some of the training videos and breaks. She's not going to take this lightly and the good news is now she has her sister to help. That'll give her some added confidence and resources. We're all eager to look into this one, Mayor. Don't you worry on that. We'll find them. But I really should be getting back. I was only authorized for a short bit of time and I already wasted some of it chasing that weirdo on my way in here."  

Mayor Sims

"Go, go. Hurry back before the Chief tears us both a new one, but keep me in the loop on this situation." As Sloane left, the Mayor looked at her desk and sighed again. Yet another thing to add to the heap already stacking up.

---

Tuesday afternoon

Saint Marsh Orphanage, The Wards

Storyteller

The orphanage was as lively as it always was, kids racing up and down the back yard, playing some form of tag while the volunteers tried their best to keep the kids entertained and safe.  

Saint Marsh

Tobias was with the volunteers at the moment, playfully chuckling as he chases the little ones because he was 'it'. He scoops up one of the kids, Louise, that tried to dance out of the way. He laughs triumphantly, booping her on the nose and exclaiming "No tag-backs!" He lets her go and she subsequently chases the others around. He looks at his watch, and sees it's about the time a new visitor would be coming. "All right, ye little rascals, I gotta go talk ta someone tha's comin'." He shuffles past the back doorway and makes his way to the foyer, stretching a little bit when he reaches there.  

Damian Eli

Damian stepped out of the Lexus wincing as he placed his hand on the bullet wound running through city hall really hadn't helped his soreness. He'd meant to stop by the orphanage before but his schedule lately hadn't let him. And voices didn't pop up in people who donated to kids without parent's. Right? He closed the car door and walked inside the orphanage adjusting his leather jacket just in case his sound happened to start bleeding through  

Storyteller

As Damian enters the large, old building, some of the older kids that were around 12 and 13 curiously peeked from various corners to get a look at the newcomer. Admittedly, anyone with a watchful eye could see them if they looked hard enough.  

Saint Marsh

Tobias greets the man, opening the front door before the first knock even comes, grinning and stating "Welcome, sir. We've been expectin' ye." He winks playfully and extends his hand for a handshake, further explaining "Sorry, lad. Jus' a thing we like ta say 'round here."  

Storyteller

The young teens snicker from the upper balcony. If they were hidden before, they gave themselves away now to the newcomer.  

Damian Eli

Damian smiled and shook the mans hand. He had to say kids laughing in an orphanage? It was already different than the ones he lived in. "Hi. I'd like to make a donation. Im uh. An orphan myself and. Well i have money I can live without for once. So. I was wondering how to go about that"  

Saint Marsh

Hearing Damian was from an orphanage himself, his face scrunched a little with a kind empathy as he clasps his other hand around the shaking hands. "I am sorry ta hear ye had a rough start in th' beginning of yer life. But it seems ye made yer own way in th' world all the same. It's awfully remarkable when such a thing happens." He releases Damian's hand and ushers him to follow, leading him to the kitchen table to sit as they talk about the details.   "Usually we guide people ta th' World Orphans organization if they want ta make a difference for orphanages across th' globe, and I even have th' means to mail them a check with a letter that you fill out with th' details like yer name an' such. That way, we can help th' less fortunate worldwide. We also gladly accept donations directly ta th' Marsh, where I feel we have almost a family sort of community here."  

Storyteller

Outside the window, Damian might notice a group of kids playing outside with the volunteers keeping a watchful eye on the youngsters. The place certainly seems more like an adopted family of its own rather than a dreary home for the unwanted.  

Damian Eli

Damian sat across from the man and couldn't help but smile. At least these kids had somewhere they belonged a man they could even consider a father. "I did alright for myself Mr. Marsh. These kids. Seem happy and supported. I'd rather my money goes to this orphanage and this one only. I can see it'll actually go towards helping the kids" His eyes drifted over to the window and the sight of the children playing brought a bitter sweet happiness to him. "I can write a check or transfer money. I'd be willing to volunteer if I have free time. "  

Saint Marsh

He smiles warmly at the comment, replying "I'm glad that I'm able ta provide a safe an' lovin' home fer 'em while we find a good family ta take care o' them. As fer th' donation, whichever one is more convenient fer ya is good fer me, and yer time would be greatly appreciated. We do have certain criteria ta meet, but I'm sure a gentleman like yerself would meet 'em. If ya need any forms filled out fer proof of volunteerin', I'm more than happy ta do so."  

Damian Eli

"I'm so sorry I never told you my name. Im Damian Eli" He looked down in embarrassment at his bad manners before looking back up. He reached into his jacket inside pocket and removed his check book. "Do I fill this out to you person sir? Or the institution?"  

Saint Marsh

He chuckles lightly, continuing to smile warmly as he replies, "Not a trouble a'tall, m'boy, some o' our donors like ta remain anonymous, an' I try ta respect their privacy. Saint Tobias Marsh, just Toby, Tobias or Marsh will do just fine fer my name, an' the check will go ta th' orphanage. I like ta make sure my money stays separate from th' place's books fer simplicity's sake, though most o' mine goes there anyway!" He laughs heartily, adding afterwards "I'm glad ta do it, though. Th' rascals deserve a good life in a good home, an' I hope I can provide it fer 'em however I can."  

Damian Eli

Damian couldn't help but feel.. hope. This is why he did what he did. Why he got shot eight times and ine actually pierced why he'd been kicked around cut and just beat to shit. People like this. They deserved a better city. He quickly filled out the check for twenty five thousand dollars and handed it to the man. "Thank you Toby. The kids here. Thank god theres an actual home for kids like me. Not just a place you go and get beat even more"  

Saint Marsh

The man had never seen this much money in one place, let alone had a donation amount this much. $25,000 was nearly five times the largest amount he would have ever recieved, and the old man begins to tear up with joy as he puts a warm hand on Damian's shoulder and says, "Thank you, Damian. If yer still willin' ta volunteer, I'll be happy ta welcome ye to th' Marsh Family."  

Damian Eli

Damian smiled and stood up. "Id love to volunteer. And i uh. I can." He paused trying to figure out how to put ot. "I have. A friend whod be more than willing to keep this place from any. Unsavory people." He winced again at the wound on his stomach. God being shot hurt. And Damian probably looked like a sight with a busted lip almost fully healed and some bruises on his face. Thankfully the jacket hid most the bruises on his arms and the tattoos and scars. "I can't do much heavy lifting at the moment I've.. injured myself in an accident but I can cook and.. do people still read to kids? Im not sure.. how to like. Approach a child"  

Saint Marsh

He smiles knowingly, and responds with a heavy sigh "Well, you an' yer 'friend' are both welcome here. To be honest, half th' reason I haven't moved us to a safer place is b'cause a good portion of our money goes ta extortion. Gangs promise not ta mess wit' us so long as we pay up ev'ry month. So.. if yer 'friend' can help us, it would mean th' world ta me. I jus' worry about his safety, too."  

Anna Marsh

As if on cue after Damian awkwardly explains that he doesn't know how to approach children, Anna bursts through the screen door, two bluebirds flying in with her and a squirrel nestled in her hair. "Tobyyyyy, Mr. Chirchecher says that he needs the bird food, but bluebird Burt says he has plenty of nuts!" She turns to Damian, a wide smile spreading across her face as she sees the new person.   "Hiya! What's your name, mister?"  

Damian Eli

"Just give me a name. And we'll take care of it sir. I promise" He knew his wounds weren't fully healed yet. He'd give it a week then he'd do what needed to be done. Upon seeing the child Damian wasn't sure what to do did he pat her on the head? Or like. Nope he was just gonna say his name. "Im Damian. Who are you?"  

Anna Marsh

"My name's Anna! And this is bluebird Burt-" she points to the bluebird on her right, fluttering to the table. "-bluebird Betty-" she points to the other bluebird, who promptly lands on her outstretched finger. "-and the silly squirrel is Mr. Chirchercher!" The squirrel pops out of her hair and chitters at Damian, and she turns her head to mimic chittering back to the squirrel.

[Path.| Animal Empathy, Basic x1]

  "He wants to know if you have any nuts, Mr. Damian. Do ya have some nuts?" She asks with a chipper voice, completely unfazed that she just talked to an animal in front of a complete stranger.  

Saint Marsh

He chuckles before telling Anna "Lass, what did we talk about with your friends inside?"  

Anna Marsh

She lets out a dramatic sigh, stating "'They can't be on the tables, counters or in the toilet..' But Tobyyyy this is important! Mr. Chirchercher needs to know if Damian's got some nuts for him!"  

Damian Eli

".. I. Hold on" Damian began to search his jacket pocket in hope that he left a snack or something in their but alas no nuts. "Im afraid I don't. .wait. Are. You talking to the animals? Like. A princess from uh. The names not important. Either way that's awesome!"  

Anna Marsh

She nods vigorously, shaking the poor squirrel in her hair as it bobs up and down with her head. It chitters at her in protest, and she promptly stops nodding, adding "Uh-huh! I'm like a Disney princess!" She pretends to be SUPER regal, pulling at the sides of her dress as she curtsies. "I'm happy to meet you, Mr. Damian." She says in her most princess-y tone before skipping back past the screen door and singing some Disney song, the pair of bluebirds taking flight once more and tweeting at her.  

Saint Marsh

"An' the birds are right! We leave Mr. Chirchewhatsit a couple a walnuts by th' tree ev'ry day!" He chuckles after calling out to Anna, ending with a big sigh as his warm smile spreads even further across his face. "Well, we hope ya make a speedy recovery, Damian. In th' meantime, I think th' kiddos will warm up ta ye in no time a'tall."  

Damian Eli

Damian watched rhe child leave a faint smile on his face before turning back to Saint Marsh. "I'll be fine in no time. As for the people harrassing you. My friend will visit them next week." He stood up from the table wincing once more as a flash of pain shot across his abdomen. "I'll be back ti volunteer later this week! But right now. I need rest"  

Saint Marsh

"Take all th' time ya need, lad. If yer friend needs a name, it's Ian Sanchez, head of th' redeemers. They're th' reason I try ta hide kiddos like little Anna as best I can." He looks sadly out the window to the youngins outside, his brow furrowed with worry before he returns his gaze back to Damian with a melancholic smile on his face. "When ye think th' time is right, let me know an' I can provide a bit o' insight. I may not be much help in a fight, but I've got a talent of me own."  

Damian Eli

"I appreciate it." He committed the mans name to memory and started to head out. "I'll be back to help with the kids later. But right now. I need to sleep"  

Saint Marsh

"Sounds like a good plan, m'boy. Stay safe, and... Thank ye fer everythin'. An' welcome ta th' Marsh family." He adds with a big, warm smile as he moves to shake Damian's hand once more before he leaves.  

Damian Eli

Damian shook the mans hand and made a promise to himself he'd keep this place and rhe people in it safe. Then he walked out the door and to his car and left