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Matt Walker ([info]this_fire_burns) wrote in [info]marvel_nextgen,
@ 2010-04-17 23:42:00


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Current location:Los Angeles
Entry tags:inactive - matt walker, marlow, sydney ashcroft, team - defenders

Dark Pact
Matt's most recent case was, on the surface, a simple one. A middle-age father of four skips out on his family to join some kind of New-Age Spiritual Club (read: cult) that offered to eternal peace and tranquility. The wife was understandably distraught, as her husband left in the company of a beautiful, young twenty-something who was saying all the things Victor Pabst wasn't hearing elsewhere.

Matt almost considered it an open-and-shut case until Mrs. Pabst showed him pictures of the symbols that her husband started drawing on the basement walls four months ago. Pentagrams, mostly in animal blood,  adorned the walls of their Queens home. Matt had already decided to take the case on that alone, as the symbols were the kind used to summon demons and other baddies from the Otherside.

But when the wife indicated that Pabst had been using their children's blood to make the symbols, something inside Matt snapped a little bit, and he'd offered her a reduced rate. He hoped that Pabst was really just a guy who was being manipulated by some rogue sorcerer and that he hadn't actually become one; otherwise, this would get ugly in a hurry. He should have gone to Lynch with this, but knowing her, she'd bring the cops into it and if he was dealing with a summoner, this would get a lot of unprepared cops killed.

So he made his way to Los Angeles himself, leaving Whisper in the company of Mrs. Emberstein.

Two days after his arrival, Matt finds himself inside a warehouse not far from the Staples Center, looking at the same symbols from the pictures on these walls. If these people are summoning a demon, he doesn't have a lot of time to find them and stop it.

Just about every summoning ritual he's ever heard of requires a sacrifice, and someone will die if he can't connect the dots.



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[info]this_fire_burns
2010-04-19 12:52 am UTC (link)
Matt is currently trying sense any residual spell energy from the ritual done here, so he's very aware of the shift in energy when someone teleports into the building.

He spins, staff at the ready to guard himself from any oncoming threat.

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[info]marlow
2010-04-19 05:38 am UTC (link)
In the time it took for her to blink, a protective shield of shimmering pink surrounded her.

Slender, empty handed, and dressed in jeans and a tie-dyed tee shirt received as a gift from Zoe, Marlow hardly appeared to be a threat, but magic shift in the air around her belied that impression. She didn't smile at the man but she was curious about what he was doing here.

"Is this your work?" she asked with a nod to the symbols on the walls.

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[info]this_fire_burns
2010-04-19 12:40 pm UTC (link)
The way she was dressed made her seem eccentric, and less threatening, but the fact that she'd shielded herself so quickly put the lie to her being harmless. Maybe she was just another interested party coming to investigate this.

And maybe every necromancer in existence will suddenly choose tonight to stop practicing forever.

"No, not mine. I don't summon demons, as it's a good way to get one's face bitten off. How did you know about this place?" he asks.

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[info]marlow
2010-04-19 02:11 pm UTC (link)
"I followed you," she said absently, looking more closely at the symbols. "Demons are common in Los Angeles. You are the unusual energy I felt in the area."

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[info]this_fire_burns
2010-04-19 02:28 pm UTC (link)
She followed him? He was the unusual energy? Matt didn't know if this was a well-played act or if this woman was as...off as she seemed, but he'd err on the side of caution.

"Let's say for a minute I believe you. You got any idea who's behind this?" he asks.

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[info]marlow
2010-04-19 02:53 pm UTC (link)
She was as off as any Sorcerer Supreme apprentice could be and still be functional. "Not a name, no. Demons are common here. I think it's the sun. Someone who is summoning with a ritual is probably not from this part of the country." She turned to look at him. "You're not from this part of the country, are you?"

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[info]this_fire_burns
2010-04-19 03:13 pm UTC (link)
"No, I'm not. The way you're talking, I'm guessing you are, though." Matt says. Another body on this case can't hurt, but he's still not certain about her.

He turns to look at the symbols again, and something about the layout catches his eye that he didn't pick up on previously.

"The way these symbols are laid out remind me of something used to summon a demon...but they're off somehow. These people aren't going after a run-of-the-mill demon. And these people need to be shut down if they're going after a Big Bad. Otherwise, I don't think even the super-types this town keeps on payroll can shut it down." he says.

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[info]marlow
2010-04-19 03:24 pm UTC (link)
"They would try. Last fall we battled an attacking army of demons. Three thousand. A godling sorceress and I defeated the demon warlord on the battlefield and sent them back."

She peered more closely at them, the protection shield falling away in a swirl of fading pinpoint lights. "The Defenders are gods and mutants. They don't get involved unless something happens. This hasn't happened yet." She nodded. "It must be stopped."

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[info]this_fire_burns
2010-04-19 03:38 pm UTC (link)
"You're with the Defenders, huh? Wouldn't have guessed." he says, looking Marlow over a little more closely. Early twenties, petite, good-looking. He almost asked her if she was a goddess, but he didn't want it coming across as some kind of cheesy pick-up line.

"You're right, though. This needs to be stopped, but I'm running cold on leads. I tried looking for energy spikes, but the number of people in this city is interfering, which I think these guys are counting on." he says. He realizes immediately that he doesn't know her name yet.

"I'm Matt Walker." he says, offering a hand. She's much shorter than him, so he tries not to feel awkward about the height difference as he does so.

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[info]marlow
2010-04-19 04:24 pm UTC (link)
His height is not much compared to the Asgardians. She's not in the least disconcerted that he towered over her. In fact, meeting someone who lived with magic in every part of their life and wasn't a god was something of a treat for her.

"Marlow." She put her hand in his to squeeze gently. "Yes, I am. You're right about the city. I also think the entertainment business here along with the ocean nearby creates a natural conduit. It runs on illusion and diversity. People come and go, people disappear and are remade into other things. Rituals can be lost in the ebb and flow with a little effort."

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[info]this_fire_burns
2010-04-19 07:17 pm UTC (link)
"Nice to meet you, Marlow." he says.

"Well, I've got a couple of names and addresses to go on. Provided that the guy I'm looking for isn't using an assumed name, I can find him and the people he's working with." Matt surmises.

"How...comfortable are you with magic?" he asks. Okay. She can shield herself and recognize demonic sigils, but that's no indication of training or power. He doesn't want to bring a young woman in on something like this.

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[info]marlow
2010-04-20 07:18 am UTC (link)
"In what way?" Just as gently, she tugged her hand from his. "I've been apprenticed to the Sorceress Supreme of the Dark Dimension since birth."

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[info]this_fire_burns
2010-04-20 12:47 pm UTC (link)
Matt's eyebrows raise of their own accord. He's heard of the Dark Dimension and what comes out of it; Ian was very thorough in describing that there are demons and other Outsiders who'd love nothing more than to get into our dimension and throw the equivalent of a supernatural kegger.

And she's been apprenticed to a Sorcerer Supreme?

That answers several of his questions at once. He gains control of his expression and nods, trying to remember who the Sorcerer Supreme of the Dark Dimension is.

"You were the apprentice of...Clea?" he asks. "Then you must know how to handle yourself. I've learned from a few different people myself, but you probably haven't heard of them." he says.

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[info]marlow
2010-04-20 01:09 pm UTC (link)
"Clea raised me," Marlow confirmed, nodding before she turned back to the symbols. "You're right, I probably have not heard of your teachers unless they know Clea or Doctor Strange. Perhaps I can one day meet them? I arrived on Earth when the Defenders formed and it's been the longest I've spent here, and I think sometimes Malibu is another planet altogether."

"You have some names and addresses. Do you want help in locating these people? I would happy to lend any assistance you need and a place to stay during your search."

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[info]this_fire_burns
2010-04-20 02:00 pm UTC (link)
"Thank you, Marlow. The help would be welcome, since I'm still not sure who or what I'm up against aside from a wannabe sorcerer.It may get a little borning, having to call hotels and find out if our guy has checked in. Fair warning." he smiles.

He blinks a little as she also offers a place to stay.

"Sure, why not? I didn't exactly handle that after getting here and I was trying to cut down on how much magic I used before we find these creeps." he says.

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[info]marlow
2010-04-20 02:51 pm UTC (link)
"I like Los Angeles. It has a good energy balance. Making phone calls and tracking down those who abuse magic is a small price to keep it this way." Her slight smile didn't so much as twitch. "Defenders are powerful in the ways of gods and mutants, but allies will always welcome. A word of warning - no matter how much Ohu asks you to help him get a dragon or a lightsaber, the answer is always no. You'll understand when you meet the gods."

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[info]this_fire_burns
2010-04-20 02:59 pm UTC (link)
"No lightsabers, no dragons. Got it." he grins. She had to be joking. Lightsabers, fundamentally, weren't real...though a lot of magic could duplicate the effects of one.

And the true dragons were so scarce as to be mythic; anyone who tried to capture one would likely die in the attempt if they were lucky.

"So there are actal gods on the Defenders? I thought the news reports were just blowing that out of proportion. Most God types usually don't want the spotlight." he says.

"You hungry?" he asks.

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[info]marlow
2010-04-20 03:13 pm UTC (link)
His humor over the most recent things Ohu was not allowed to have was understandable. He would understand when he met the spider god.

Was she hungry? She was always hungry. And amused that his tone was much like Sarah's. The motherly woman was always trying to feed her in the attempt to put on enough weight to match her height. The energy she used in conjuring and practicing sucked up the extra calories fast.

"Yes, I am. And yes, they are actual gods. The children of Thor. He was an Avenger as well. We had Argo, son of Hercules, but he moved to New Orleans. That was a relief. He was nice, but his fan club at the gate was annoying."

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)


[info]this_fire_burns
2010-04-20 03:36 pm UTC (link)
"Okay, let's get something to eat, my treat. Then we'll meet your friends and get back to work. How does that sound?" he asks.

Yes, a part of him wonders how much of this is good luck and how much of this could be a trap of sorts, but he's playing it by ear for now.

"You're pretty quick on the shielding, Marlow. I noticed that the moment we met." he says.

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[info]marlow
2010-04-20 04:43 pm UTC (link)
"I'm good with magic." No ego, no inflection, just a simple statement of fact. "Shields and illusions are spells I don't need to think about. Clea drilled them into me from before I had memory. Where would you like to eat? I can take us anywhere."

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)


[info]this_fire_burns
2010-04-20 04:54 pm UTC (link)
"Anywhere, you say? I know this really good grill on Chicago run by a guy named Mark. Best steak sandwiches in the country, in my opinion." he says.

"You're not a vegetarian are you?" he asks, realizing he'd just assumed a great deal with his suggestion.

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[info]marlow
2010-04-20 05:14 pm UTC (link)
She laughed a bit. "No, not a vegetarian. Sarah's pot roast is too good. Especially with the little onions and garlic potatoes."

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)


[info]this_fire_burns
2010-04-20 05:20 pm UTC (link)
"I haven't had a good pot roast in a long time. This Sarah sounds like an amazing cook." Matt says.

"Let's hit Mark's then figure out what's next."

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)


[info]marlow
2010-04-20 05:45 pm UTC (link)
Something other gleamed out of Marlow's eyes for a split second. "Tell me exactly where it is and I'll teleport us."

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)


[info]this_fire_burns
2010-04-20 06:56 pm UTC (link)
Matt gives her the exact address of Mark's and smiles.

"Don't try to teleport us inside. He's set up things to keep that from happening."

(Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

(no subject) - [info]marlow, 2010-04-20 07:21 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]this_fire_burns, 2010-04-20 07:35 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]marlow, 2010-04-20 08:01 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]this_fire_burns, 2010-04-20 08:22 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]marlow, 2010-04-20 08:49 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]this_fire_burns, 2010-04-20 09:08 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]marlow, 2010-04-20 09:22 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]this_fire_burns, 2010-04-20 09:29 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]marlow, 2010-04-20 09:53 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]this_fire_burns, 2010-04-20 11:25 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]marlow, 2010-04-20 11:31 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]this_fire_burns, 2010-04-20 11:38 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]marlow, 2010-04-20 11:49 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]this_fire_burns, 2010-04-20 11:53 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]marlow, 2010-04-21 12:11 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]this_fire_burns, 2010-04-21 12:24 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]marlow, 2010-04-21 12:43 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]this_fire_burns, 2010-04-21 12:57 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]marlow, 2010-04-21 01:10 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]this_fire_burns, 2010-04-21 01:16 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]marlow, 2010-04-21 01:34 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]this_fire_burns, 2010-04-21 01:40 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]marlow, 2010-04-21 01:51 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]this_fire_burns, 2010-04-21 02:08 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]marlow, 2010-04-21 02:20 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]this_fire_burns, 2010-04-21 02:26 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]marlow, 2010-04-21 02:31 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]this_fire_burns, 2010-04-21 02:41 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]marlow, 2010-04-21 02:51 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]this_fire_burns, 2010-04-21 03:01 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]marlow, 2010-04-21 03:20 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]this_fire_burns, 2010-04-21 03:29 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]marlow, 2010-04-21 03:41 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]this_fire_burns, 2010-04-21 04:10 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]marlow, 2010-04-21 05:32 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]this_fire_burns, 2010-04-21 07:43 am UTC
(no subject) - [info]marlow, 2010-04-21 01:35 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]this_fire_burns, 2010-04-21 01:48 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]marlow, 2010-04-21 02:27 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]this_fire_burns, 2010-04-21 02:35 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]marlow, 2010-04-21 02:48 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]this_fire_burns, 2010-04-21 03:01 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]marlow, 2010-04-21 03:15 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]this_fire_burns, 2010-04-21 03:35 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]marlow, 2010-04-21 03:55 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]this_fire_burns, 2010-04-21 04:04 pm UTC

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