Quoth the Raven (Samantha/John)

[Augustine]

After their second successful hunt, the two had returned to the battle bus.  Tolya was apparently quite pleased that Samantha hadn't come back with more injuries.  Apparently this was a rarity.  However now the problem was figuring out how those beasts had gotten here.  They clearly weren't intelligent enough to figure this out themselves, normally it wouldn't have been unreasonable to assume it was just a random incident.  Devils got pulled randomly to Earth not that infrequently and since the big incident it had become more common.  The second set though, it was very obvious someone was pulling the strings.  One pack would have been one thing, but an extra big beastie showing up out of nowhere?  That stank of someone doing it on purpose.

To that end, Augustine and Tolya had turned to the internet, to a specific domain called the Velvet Underground.  No better place to find info about the supernatural according to them, and then well it was a matter of research and waiting.  Samantha manned the laptop, while Tolya was at his station working.  He'd taken Samantha's Kukri knife from her after she'd arrived and stripped off the handle to get to the tang and had been carefully working on it off and on for hours, taking only pauses for sleep.

At this point it was early morning, passing into night.  Samantha was seated in a camping chair in front of the open laptop dozing off.   No one would have blamed John if he'd turned in to get some sleep himself at this point in time.  Then there was a ping from the computer and Samantha jerked up, "Ah, wha?"  She yawned heavily as she leaned forward and moved a finger on the touchpad to get the screensaver to go away.  "Mmm, another message, I swear to god if this is another dipshit who has no idea what they're talking about..."  While the Velvet Underground was the most reliable place online for supernatural info, it was hardly foolproof, there were still plenty of people posting and claiming all kinds of wild shit that was obviously not true, or had nowhere near enough information to be actionable. 

"You swear to what?  You'll curse a ton and then go drinking?"  Tolya asked cheekily getting a dark look from Samantha before she turned back to it.

"Mmm...Delamere Forest...old graveyard..."  Her eyes narrowed as she looked through the response.  She'd posted a general query on if anyone had noticed anything unusual in Delamere, people acting suspiciously, strange newcomers, any sightings of a person or persons moving about at night strangely.  They'd gotten plenty of replies but most of it was useless but this?  "Holy shit they got pictures."  On the screen was an image, not great quality but it showed two figures in an old graveyard, very old and seemingly abandoned, two large figures standing apart, a glow coming from the ground beneath them.  "Quality's shit though, what kinda fucking phone does this asshole have?  Can't even tell if those are wings, or they've just got capes and it's windy.  Not all that close either..."

She went through a few more pictures before standing up abruptly.  "Alright limpdicks!  We've got a lead, unfortunately Delamere Forest's a big bitch and we ain't close, so it's going to be a bit of a drive!  Tolya, you hurry up with that goddamn knife!"  She was heading up to the front of the bus, to go sit in the driver's seat, and soon after, Tolya and John would both feel the engine rumbling to life.

[John Black]

John had not been aware of such a website. The Velvet Underground would be something he'd keep in mind from now on though, along with the normal information lines that Charon, and by extension, the Umbral Witches had. Although for the moment the Velvet Underground was probably the superior choice. Otherwise, he would have needed to go back to his boat to get in contact with the Umbral Witches and see if any new related information had popped up. Which was unlikely since he was currently the main man on site from their organization in the area as far as he knew.

John did take some time to get some rest though, waking once he heard Tolya and Pro talking, and Tolya giving his cheeky reply before listening in. Sitting up with a small groan as he looked at the pair and stretched.

After a few minutes, it seemed they had a new destination to investigate. And seeing as he had a minute with Tolya he decided to ask a question.

"I don't suppose I could trouble you for some new gear? If you have some to spare anyway. I'd like a knife and a shotgun." If Tolya wanted more details about what specifically John might like, he was happy to give them, but he wasn't fully aware of what Tolya might have tucked away, so tried to keep his question simple. Figuring Tolya knew what he had to work with, and could just make some suggestions that John could decide on himself, or Tolya could just toss him whatever he thought would suit John assuming he had the gear to spare.

[Augustine]

Tolya didn't look up towards John as he approached, but he was focused, a big lens over one eye as he very carefully etched into the tang of the knife, looked like he was nearly done, even if John probably didn't know what those runes and symbols did. "Ahhh, I knew it was only a matter of time before you realized you were in the presence of a master craftsman." Tolya chuckled, but it was restrained, to keep any vibrations out of his hands.

"A shotgun and a knife. Do you also want a gun and an explosive? I can't exactly give you details on how long it'd take with details that vague, or do you just want any shotgun?  Doesn't matter if it's semi-automatic, double barrel, magazine or fed?  I could ask a hundred more questions about that and the knife, so why don't you tell me the details hmm?"

A gloved finger wiped down the tang of the knife before he held it up, inspecting his work extremely carefully for even the slightest flaw, while the bus gently rolled down the road, Tolya seeming unaffected by the occasional light bump as Samantha took them along. 

[John Black]

Indeed, Tolya had more than shown he was a capable engineer of weapons. Pro on her own was no doubt effective, but could she be the terror she was without the man behind her that made the weapons she put to such good use? John was eager to put such weapons to the test himself.

"I just didn't want to impose in case supplies were limited." John offered simply. "But given the choice I did have weapons in mind." He hummed deciding on what he wanted since he had only been considering potential options until this point.

"I want a Double-Edged Karambit and sawed-off double-barrel shotgun. If possible I would like the Karambit extra durable. Otherwise, I risk snapping it. My strength is much greater than average, so if possible I'd like to ensure it doesn't snap in the middle of my using it." He noted. "And if you have any special ammo for the shotgun, that would also be appreciated. Dragons' breath and Flechette, in particular, would be great." He'd mostly relied on his sword, and pistol until now. And both were effective, without a doubt.

However, he wanted to have a little more variety, in the hope that it might make him a little more effective. Pro in particular had more than displayed how big a difference a shotgun, and knife could make. She was deadly with that Kukri of hers. And that blowback from her shotgun was brutal. She'd knocked a leaping wolf clean out of the air when she had shot it. The memory of that brief moment stuck cleanly in his mind.

His fists alone were strong and deadly, but he didn't really want to stick his hand into the maw of a wolf when he could lodge a knife or shotgun into it instead. So he hoped that Tolya could accommodate him. He didn't think he was asking for anything too difficult to get at least. The Karambit might be a little exotic, but no more so than a Kukri.

[Augustine]

"So you do in fact want two completely ordinary weapons." Tolya replied with a shake of his head, although his tone was a mix of simply teasing and slightly mocking, slightly. "I do not make fragile weapons sir, but you shall have your weapons." He set the knife onto a stand, keeping it suspended above the surface of his work desk, before wheeling himself out and moving down the bus towards a heavy metal chest. Opening it up, inside were several metal racks, stacked so they were vertical, and each could be slid up individual. Sliding one of these up, it had...four completely different shotguns set onto the rack, one of them being a classic double barrel that Tolya took off, before wheeling his way back to his workstation and setting it down.

"The knife will take longer, but I should have the shotgun done, as well as Samantha's knife before we hit our destination." Confident words from a man who didn't actually know where they were going, in fact John hadn't been told either. "As for ammo you can find plenty in that locker just down that way." He'd gesture to a large, double doored locker, the shelves were stuffed with ammunition of pretty much every kind imaginable, and conventional specialized munitions like Dragon's Breath wouldn't be hard to find...well it would be, but there was plenty in there.

"Oi, Tolya, are you giving away my ammunition?" Samantha called from the wheel in a joking tone.

"Wouldn't dream of it!"

[John Black]

He took significantly more amusement than offense to the words, his expression mild, failing to express outwardly how amused he was internally. He was glad that Tolya could oblige his needs all the same, simple as he was making them.

However he did have something in mind for a more complex order, he was curious if Tolya would be able to oblige it though. In part because he had a version that would be somewhat difficult but likely more than feasible, and a 2nd version that would have been ludicrous for any normal human to attempt even if the object in question could be obtained, then modified.

"I do have a future request as well if you will indulge me." He noted. Wondering what Tolya might think of his request. Deciding to go with the most feasible version for now.

"So, I would like a minigun," He started. "The M134 Minigun is what I had in mind. Do you think that would be possible for you in the future?" He wasn't sure how easy or hard obtaining such a weapon might be. But even so, it was likely easier than the more complicated version of the request. He might still attempt the 2nd version of his plan later, but the difficulty of the 2nd was worlds apart from simply going for an already existing gun that human hands could feasibly make use of.

He was also pretty sure that plan 2 was on the insane side of things. But then Tolya did seem a little eccentric. Even so, he didn't want to be judged too harshly by the man yet for requesting something that might be too much of a logistical nightmare to attempt. He'd broach the subject another time when he felt more comfortable with the man, assuming they ever reached that point where John could feel comfortable enough to ask for something basically unheard of.

He did go to collect shotgun ammo in preparation for the shotgun he was going to be given later though, figuring he would be close enough to hear Tolya regardless of his reply. Grabbing twelve standard buckshot, six dragons' breath, and six flechettes. Though while he was grabbing the ammo he did realize something interesting as he was sticking shells in his pockets. And it seemed that he was gaining some new abilities. He'd have a little time to explore them on the bus, though the first ability was simple enough. Storing objects into shadows. Which made carrying the shells a little more convenient. And made him curious about what else he could store away.

[Augustine]

Tolya didn't look up as John mentioned another thing he wanted, he was focused on the shotgun, getting it clamped down as he produced a handsaw to get to work on the weapon. Although once he heard the request he barked out a laugh before calling out.

"Why can't your requests be as simple as his huh?!" The response from the front was a single hand lifted off the wheel to flip them both off while Tolya laughed. "I don't have a minigun, but if that's really all you want I can give you a dozen places online or offline where you can acquire one. Goodness, but you must live a most unfortunate life if you think that's hard to acquire." The sound of the saw slicing steadily through the barrels of the shotgun was...unpleasant, but Tolya didn't seem to mind it, working steadily to cut through them.

"Honestly, you're acting like you're requesting I build excalibur when all of this are just normal weapons. She on the other hand, hah, take Roulette, the revolver she carries. The munitions are magic of course, but they're completely blank, you put those in a normal Nagant and they'd just fire like normal, it's Roulette itself that charges them, conferring a random elemental effect upon the rounds, and take this knife. Once it's finished she'll be able to move the thing by mere thought, and far further out than her arms could manage, and you think a normal minigun you can find from any black market arms dealer is a monumental ask? Tsk, tsk."

[John Black]

Tolya sure did make it sound easy to get the things he wanted. Although in John's case, he always felt that magical weapons were easier for him to acquire than an arsenal of modern military weaponry. If the Umbral Witches had a minigun, it was not something he'd ever gotten to try. But then it was a bulky weapon, and the majority of the Umbral Witches were female, so he was unique in that sense. Not that he felt any of them could not make use of the weapon, just that it was hard to imagine an Umbral Witch doing it in a way they might find tasteful.

"I'd say magic is a little more common in my organization than technology. But perhaps it's simply that I failed to ask around..." He mused, seeing as the Umbral Witches were far from lacking in resources. He hadn't intended to ask for Excalibur, and clearly his request wasn't on par with that request... But if Tolya could make it, John would want it.

"And a random elemental effect? I'm curious why that is." He would think that the random elemental nature of such a weapon would mean that since it was not predictable that it might one day prove unreliable. But he supposed the effect would usually be more effective than not. Even so, the lack of consistency might seem bothersome to some.

"I'll consider potential effects for such a weapon once I have it. Or perhaps you could make some suggestions? I don't suppose you have any Tolya brand special designs that I could consider now or in the future." He questioned with amusement, figuring that Tolya might have a particular area of expertise, but then again maybe he was a jack of all trades when it came to weapons. Maybe he wasn't lacking in any particular area when it came to special effects for weapons. John didn't know just how skilled the man was, or what resources he had to make use of. All he could say at this point was that Tolya was very good at making weapons for Pro.

"The knife also sounds impressive. I can see how being able to manipulate it with only a thought would be useful. A telekinetic charm then?" He asked, wondering if he should not get a similar charm for himself in the future on some of his weapons. Or perhaps he would have similar but alternative options to gain the same result.

Either way, he appreciated that Tolya seemed well-connected. It was no wonder he didn't feel he needed any organization backing him. It seemed like he was more than capable of getting any mundane items that Pro might need, so long as the funds were there. Which did make John curious about the magical side of his skills, and the potential limitations and extent of his skills. "I'm also curious about what you consider your best work so far. And if you have anything you might consider, or have planned, to be your magnum opus."

John was feeling pretty chatty for the moment. Tolya seemed willing to indulge him, but he did hope he wasn't distracting the man too much. Normally he kept to himself, though that was more because he felt like he made people around him feel awkward than any real desire to be alone. His lack of expression was often off-putting to people who expected to see something else presented on his face while talking with them. But he did intend to end his questions there and focus on relaxing and enjoying the drive while the gear was being made until they reached the place they were going.

[Augustine]

"Hah, little holed up tower of wizards huh?" Tolya replied as he slid the now severed barrels aside. He opened a drawer near him, pulling out a sheet of sandpaper, of the quality and grit for metal. He appeared to enjoy doing things by hand, battery powered tools weren't that rare a thing that he couldn't have them on the bus if he wanted.

"The answer my curious friend, is convenience. Roulette's not 'finished'. She is the essential starting point for such a weapon and more importantly the ammunition. Those shells you just got, consider for example if instead of having to actually load in Dragon's Breath, you could merely pull the trigger and the shell would be altered to have the desired incendiary properties. Guns are not paintings. You don't 'finish' them unless they're meant for mass production, but a single, personal weapon? That is a form of art that is ever ongoing and expanding. For now Roulette's effect is random, but she has the framework for turning a round with a very simple magical charge into one of three completely unique elements, and that alone is a hell of a thing."

Tolya turned the sawn off, inspecting the barrels, before returning to grinding down with the sandpaper. "As for my finest work so far, that'd be this knife, once it's done, and please, charm is such weak wordage. It is an Arcane Framework, the basis and blueprint from which any and all other absurd upgrades she demands can be built upon and off of.  As for my future projects, I'd never be so gauche as to label some future project my 'magnum opus'.  Artists who stake such things are artists who have set their own death date.  Alas though in terms of 'special suggestions' everything special I make is first served to her.  If you aren't suggesting it yourself then she has 'dibs.'"

[John Black]

"Ah, I understand." He said nodding. The framework that he currently had going was the foundation that he would build on to create greater works of coexisting enchantments, a structure of magics, each another cog in the magic that made up its arcane structure. John was interested in seeing the end result once the revolver and knife were more developed since clearly the enhancements that were currently placed into the weapons were only the base hinting at what the full abilities of each could become.

"It is an impressive beginning for the weapons to be sure. I'd like to see the future result of both weapons one day, I am curious what they could do a year from now." He noted, curious if he ever would.

"Hm, and understood. I'll consider potential special effects for my weapons beyond what I've already requested later." Since their time was limited right now anyway. Perhaps once the demonic invasion they were dealing with was subjugated he could make a more impressive personalized request.

He just watched Tolya work after that, considering potential questions, though now the most prominent thought he had was where Tolya had learned his arcane skills. He was quite skilled with enchantments, or at least his explanation suggested that his creations so far were fairly impressive.

That thought also lead John to wonder how Pro and Tolya ended up partnering up. He had no doubt that was also an interesting story.

[Augustine]

"Hah, yes please, I'd like more of a challenge than simply working a saw on a double barrel. Speaking of, your shotgun sirrah." Tolya would hand the weapon to John, before turning his attention back to finishing the knife. Very passionate about his work clearly but seemingly not much of a fighter, that was Samantha's job after all.

With John not asking those questions but merely considering them, the gunsmith would continue to work in silence while the bus trundled along those UK roads. The UK wasn't that big a place, and where they were going couldn't be that far from where the wolves hunted, so it wasn't likely to be a very long drive. While he wouldn't know without asking Pro, it probably wouldn't be too long a drive.

[John Black]

"Thanks," John said taking the new gun and looking it over. He didn't load it yet, just in case, though he intended to once the bus came to a stop.

Instead, he stuck the gun under his coat and it stayed there. He didn't have a harness ready for it or anything of course. He just stuck it in the same place he had stuck the shells for the gun. The shadows were now apparently a good storage space for him and he was taking advantage of that fact. This whole mission had been very profitable for him and his growth apparently.

From his sword gaining power, and now himself in the way he could manipulate shadows to some degree. He'd always known he had some ability with darkness, but it was only in the last few days he'd really begun to tap into this ability. Perhaps because the wolves they had been facing happened to have some similarity to him? He thought that perhaps he had seen something of himself in them at least when it came to his own abilities. Whatever the case something had clicked and things were starting to line up with his own personal power. When it came to the growth of his sword he was less certain, perhaps because this was the most combat it had seen in a long time. Perhaps the taste of demon blood was giving it strength. But he was also aware of something when holding the sword, a growing sense of something niggling at him, like an itch in the back of his mind whenever he touched it. He hoped that was a good sign.

Thinking of power and personal growth though he decided to make his way up to Pro. He imagined she was more or less free to chat a minute and he was curious about the abilities she had displayed as well. "Hey, Pro, mind if I chat with you a bit?" He asked coming up to the front of the bus.

[Augustine]

"Of course, while it's hardly an intricate work, treat it well regardless, yeah?" Tolya called after John as he headed up to the front of the bus.

Samantha was in the driver's seat, in a relaxed posture, the window to her left cracked open and a cigarette in hand, the other lazily on top of the wheel. She didn't look at him as he approached, or say anything for that matter. One could be forgiven for thinking she hadn't really noticed him at all except she registered no surprise when he did speak.

"Ain't no laws against it are there?" She replied, before taking a drag on her cigarette. Strange thing for one to say driving across the UK in a bus filled with military equipment.

Had she even entered the country legally?

[John Black]

John wasn't entirely sure what to make of her response but decided that at the very least it was permission to speak. So he took a bus seat nearby, but not behind her, sitting down to talk.

"I wanted to ask about the ability you were using in the last fight. I noticed it once or twice, that you were moving around through the air." It hadn't exactly looked natural either, not like she was flying, but more like she was being jerked around like a fish on a line. Yet she had been in control too. Like she was both the fish and the fisherman. Or at least it seemed that way to him since she had not seemed at all distressed by the motions.

He scratched his cheek in contemplation. "My own abilities seemed to have been rather rapidly expanding from the last few days as well. I can do a few new things, as can my sword it seems." He noted lightly.

[Augustine]

Samantha took a long, slow drag from her cigarette before turning to blow it out the window next to her, listening as he spoke or...at least presumably she was. She didn't look all that attentive, one hand on the wheel as the bus coasted down the road. Then after he finished.  "Yeah I jump pretty good."  That...wasn't much of an answer was it?

"Unlike you devils though, it takes a hell of a lot of practice.  It's a skill, not an ability."  Then she'd take another drag from her cigarette as if she'd given him an answer...and in a flippant sense she had.

[John Black]

John was pretty puzzled by her initial reply, though the follow-up didn't give him the kind of details he was hoping for, and it left him unsure of what to think.

A skill, not an ability. Or so she said. But the way she moved around seemed pretty supernatural to him. He supposed that someone could have skills with magic, but he would still have considered that an ability before he considered it a skill.

He considered pursuing the topic further, but wasn't sure he'd get anything useful out of it. He wasn't sure in what way he could approach the topic that would not have some negative connotation to it. But he supposed he could explore the outer edge of the topic at least.

"The jumping was impressive." He agreed. "And it's something you practiced? I've never seen anyone jump quite like that before. It was very unique."