Match of the Millennium

Description: Following a case of haunting at a castle in Strolheim, Walter investigates the interior. He is joined by Velvet, who finds himself getting more up close and personal with the ghostly entity inside than he wished...

[WALTER]
It's a dark and stormy night as one stands before the looming gothic castle! The thing is one of many European castles, almost stereotypical with its architecture as well as vine-encrusted look. It's been passed down through a number of families, investment groups, and now a historical society trying to keep it in one piece.

Part of that is dealing with the reports of strange lights, and hauntings! And so the society has called upon one Walter Bardsley to cleanse the place. With a place so big, he'll need some help, so the draconic-man has called upon the help of the locals. Surely they can send him a worthy nun to help him on his holy mission!

Walter's foot tap-tap-taps as he stands just before the front door of the castle with it's dual-gargoyle knockers. His battered Honda sits in the courtyard, and there's a suitcase in his hands with the Exorcism essentials: holy water, bible, cross, spray bottles of more holy water, and of course a multitude of spears.

So many spears, because this is a world of fighters.

Froooown! "Where /is/ she!?" Comes the impatient Walter as he squints through darkness with beady scaley eyes on the path through the courtyard!

[VELVET BLUE]
"I heard we needed a young priest and an old priest, but I didn't think you were /that/ old... old man~" the darkness answers Father Walter as out of the gloom a pair of yellow eyes wink open at him, before the left one literally winks as the rest of the figure melts into view. Yes, It's Velvet Blue--most of their full-body suit part and parcel with the darkness itself, being of dark spandex, with just a short jacket over the shoulders. The gloves and boots they're wearing are decidedly more light-catching--and eye-catching--being long and prismatic, rainbow, holographic. Plus spike heeled, of course.

"Reminds me of when we met up here in the forest ruins of that old castle, you like these old sorts of shithouse places, huh," Velvet shrugs and is already eyeing themselves in a small folding compact mirror, puckering lips and snapping the compact closed, making a ghostly imprint of those lips flapping towards Walter, using the literal cupid's bows as wings--like an overfriendly brightly-colored moth.

[WALTER]
"Yeee!"

Man, Walter sure can get a high, rumbly pitched yelp when he's surprised. A familiar voice and familiar being has found the good Father. Pardon him while his jaw drops, his eyes peer at that showy-yet-stealthy outfit and...well those heels are both beautiful while managing to make his ankles hurt in sympathy.

"Bloody...V...Velvet!? Don't sneak up on me, please, exorcisms always put me on edge. You look..." Beautiful? Enchanting?

Sigh. "It's good to see you again. Hah, memories, hmm? Well, no time for dancing this eve! Congratulations, you are now my most holy understudy. You're no nun, but you'll do. Watch out for cobwebs. And errant ghosts!" Both hands' fingers wiggle. WhooooOooooo!

Speaking of, ghost smooches! Gehk! Eyes go wide, wings flap, and then he leans in and /pokes/ it! Then he's taking out a cross and...is that a super soaker? Both are shoved towards Velvet before he's wrapping an arm around their waist. Yoink!

"Inwards and onwards and may the Lord bless us both and calm the spirits that dwell within this place!" He begins. His tail flicks holy water at the entrance. Then his free hand yanks open the door.

"Beautiful persons first!" There's a /wave/ of Spooky Mists, and Walter and Velvet might have to duck some actual bats flapping out. Inside?

Tapestries showing medieval scenes, plush carpeting, and dust. Lots of dust. A stairway upwards, rooms to the right and left. Walter's motioning to the right.

"First stop, the sitting room. Supposedly the last two owners died there. Midnight whispers and strange shadows according to the caretakers." Explains the dragon. What could they find within!? The air is uncomfortably damp, and chill. And sure is dark...

[VELVET BLUE]
"Hmm... just ghosts, huh? No vampires? ghouls? Not even a cryptid, or something? Alright--woah!" Velvet is not about to let Walter go in alone, especially not in a place like this--even if the dance card does sound a little boring to him. He's not expecting the Father to pull him along with him like that, however.

Following along with Walter and crossing the threshold to the castle, Velvet's tail flicks about as he stands near the priest as he performs his sanctifying rites. Though not a darkstalker by birth, the rites themselves--as well as the holy water, if it was truly blessed--does have a certain tangibility to it--leaving the hairs on the back of his neck stand up, as they could feel the elemental whiteness in it--though it was likely not the least bit 'Christian'.

"Likely died of boredom, from the look of this place--they needed some interior decorators in here, because uh, dayum," Velvet made a wincing grimace and fingernapped, promptly stalking away from where the priest was standing, likely heedless of the danger about.

[WALTER]
The sitting room is, well, somewhat boring as these things go. Who knew what purpose it had when it was an actual fortress of warriors, but now it's just a simple sitting room: more of that obnoxious plush carpet, a fireplace that isn't even lit, dust, a single couch with a sheet over it...and a small statue on a table. Walter is quietly praying over the fireplace, sticking one of those push-button adhesive lights to the fireplace. Ker-click!

"You're more than welcome to give your complaints to the preservation society. It could use a disco ball I'm sure." Comes the priest dryly, poking Velvet's shoulder as they're un-priest-napped.

That danger comes in the form of merely bumping into the statue. It's vaguely shaped like a person. No identifiable features, no tangible gender, nothing.

Instead, a light mist emanates from the thing's mouth. It floats up, pink and spicey and just ~crawling~ in the mind should Velvet breathe it in.

And a spirit to go with it. A long dead ghost of a scullery maiden, grown wicked and powerful with the years, whispering to any that would listen.

"Take them all. Join them with us...our love, for eternity!"

Love unrequited past social boundries and dead spirits don't mix, particularly as it's seeking to take over the beautiful Velvet!

[VELVET BLUE]
"Mnnn, I'll disco ball /you/," Velvet utters some playful banter under his breath as he saunters off, Walter not hearing him go due to the overly thick carpet muffling the darkstalker entertainer's footfalls even in his boots. This seemed like a sort of dull excursion, even Velvet did get to run into that adorkable priest dragon again--of course, Velvet's lack of taking this thing serious was however going to cost him.

"The heck...?" he muttered, having bumped into the old statue, not having paid enough attention to muss bumping it with his elbow, he looked up just in time to get his hair blown back by the sudden phantasmic rush of air--and the breath!

"Bwuh!?" Velvet had faced down some unsightly creatures in his time--destroyed ghouls, fought werewolves, sealed vampires into their crypts for preying on the local populace--no sort of ghost was going to get the better of him--

<10 minutes later>

"Oh my, sweet Father Bardsley..." Walter would hear a rather familiar voice behind him, if he was still attending to the business at the fireplace in the sitting room.

Turning would greet him with the sight of... Velvet? But, since when did Velvet wear a full nun habit and robe... one that was a bit more form-fitting than the rest Walter had likely seen, split at the hem and running all the way up to about upper thigh, where he could glimpse the sight of pink nylon stockings, as well as very white and long platform heeled boots, ones with long conical heels amd crosses emblazoned on them.

"Thank you so much for inviting me along on this trip to assist with my conversion..." Velvet looked a little strange with the habit covering their hair, and the day-glo lime green lipstick they'd been wearing was replaced with something a fair bit more subtle--pink, the cheeks rosy, at that.

[WALTER]
During those ten minutes while Velvet was gone, under the influence of Ghost? Well, the Priest has been doing his priestly duties! Rituals, holy water, the occasional dusting of a spot that annoys him, prayers, and absent-mindedly talking to his 'assistant' who is totally there.

Hint: Velvet had slipped out and Walter hadn't noticed, so single minded was this dragonpriest.

"Ah!"

The draconic one's heart jumps in his chest, he whirls around! Spying Velvet in their new attire. What's a priest to do!? This /is/ an exorcism, it helps to have a nun. And this is quite the alluring nun before him at that! His look is torn between scandal, insult, and...is that a spark of joy in his eyes? As the thought that maybe he's led a good soul like Velvet to religion! But is this one of their games!? The thoughts intermix, and he tries to hide his flushed face in the bible. Literally. Decorum, Walter!

"V...Velvet! Is that really you? Wait, when did you change? Where did you get those clothes? Don't tell me this is some joke or lost bet. That barkeep /was/ one for weird bets. I still have the clown shoes!"

But then Velvet is talking about his conversion, calling him sweet, and his heart actually beats a bit faster.

"Velvet. Are you really...? I'm so glad to help, my friend! Come, your beautiful soul must shine brightly with the Lord's grace! We have ghosts to fight, however. So...stay close to me! That habit suits you. Very striking!" He's not sure if those heels are standard issue in this part of the country, but he's not going to question it.

"Come, my precious bat-infused Sister! Next room. We have ghosts to calm!" He's making his way towards the upstairs, and picks the first of the supposedly haunted bedrooms. His back is turned to Velvet as he hauls open the door. It's a big suite: silken four poster beds, a big vanity, and a closet big enough to live in. There's even some old clothes gathering dust in there!

But the room, as warm as it looks, is far too chill. The spiritual energies are the worst here...and seep right towards poor Velvet, trying to deepen his possession!

Doesn't that Priest look like a pest? A scrumptuious pest to be brought to the realm of the supernatural...FOREVER!?

Walter, oblivious, is currently inspecting a chair and dousing it with more holy water. "Mind performing a blessing, Velvet? If you're going to wear the habit, you should try. Just pray to the Lord in your heart, and think of the things that bring peace to all beings, here and deceased alike!"

[VELVET BLUE]
"Of course, father," Velvet nodded with a sweet smile that was perhaps a bit too saccharine for their face--though the more plain look to it and the makeup perhaps made it less odd. Though there was something slightly off with it, somehow...

Once in the bed rooms, Walter might feel an arm around his waist once Velvet sidles in behind him, as if on cue.

"Oh, Father Bardsley, your holy rites are so /amazing/ and your scripture is on point..." Velvet craned their head with their yellow eyes over Walter's shoulder, one hand falling over his and leading it to the slit in the side of their robe, against their leg. No sooner than the dragon priest likely felt the pink lacy garters of Vel's stockings beneath his fingertips than did the darkstalker nun shake--abruptly, as if they had a chill run up their spine.

"Oh... oh, sorry Father, something just... went through me," he stepped back a bit, grinning.

Of course, above the former entertainer Walter could spy with his annointed vision the glowing upper torso of some kind of ghostly figure, hovering over him.

"Father, I need you to give me your communion..." Velvet was already drawing their foot-long white straight bladed wakizashi from their boot beneath the slitted part of the nun robe, body seeming to shiver again briefly before they lashed out at Walter with it!

COMBATSYS: Velvet Blue has started a fight here on the right meter side.

                                  >  //////////////////////////////]
                                  |-------\-------\0      Velvet Blue

COMBATSYS: Walter has joined the fight here on the left meter side.

[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////////////]
Walter           0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0      Velvet Blue

COMBATSYS: Walter blocks Velvet Blue's Battle Dance.

[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////////////// ]
Walter           0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0      Velvet Blue

[WALTER]
No matter how single minded, well...it's Velvet. They're distracting! One might note that Walter's in /no/ rush to push away Velvet as they sidle up to him and press against his side. The room is freezing and Velvet is warm and there's just this /atmosphere/!

"Flattery, dear Sister, will get you someplace as long as you adhere to your studies! You'll surpass me in no time with dilligence, and a skilled tutor!" That tutor would be him, of course, how generous this priest!

Lace! So silky. Yeah he's shivering too here. "Poor dear, I'd give you my frock but..." Vague waving motions with his free hand. And then he turns to look at the beghosted 'nun' as they move away.

And then his eyes go wide in horror.

"I am a bloody idiot! Velvet! Knew it was too good to be true! Don't worry, I'll...gah!" Velvet knows how to use that sword, and it shows! The dragon-priest is too cornered to dodge, and so he grabs the nearest thing to one of his spears that he can...one of the bed posts! YANK!

He lashes out, wood and steel clashing, Velvet's blade biting into the un-annointed shaped bark.

Slice! The head of the post falls, but Walter only has a light cut into his frock. He scrambles onto-and over-the other side of the bed.

"Forgive me, dear, I'm going to have to exorcise you of this foul spirit! BEGONE! In the name of the Lord, flee the mind, soul, and lacey underthings of this vaguely pure soul!" He pours holy water over his improvised weapon...and then makes a series of rapid thrusts aimed for Velvet's legs...only to then do one final thrust at that looming ghostly figure!

COMBATSYS: Velvet Blue blocks Walter's Aggressive Strike.

[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////////////   ]
Walter           0/-------/-------|=------\-------\0      Velvet Blue

[VELVET BLUE]
?"Uhhh--Father..." the sound that is coming out of Velvet now is a little tormented and cagey sounding, like they were struggling against whatever has a hold on them, but whatever /it/ is is too strong, and besides--it seems able to utilize the entertainer's perhaps somewhat hammy nature and passion for showing off against them!

"Ooh, don't make me do that to you, Father, I don't want to cut off your tail..." the darkstalker shivers again as Walter speaks, as if the command of his is having some tangible effect on the possession.

"S-Shut up--" hands reach out as Velvet attempts to tackle into and pounce on Walter, trying to knock him right onto the bed, wrestling with him!

COMBATSYS: Velvet Blue successfully hits Walter with Medium Throw.
- Power hit! -

[     \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////////////   ]
Walter           0/-------/-----==|==-----\-------\0      Velvet Blue

[WALTER]
Positive aspect: it seems that his commands are actually working! Also he's managing to not get possessed himself, or get murdered by the spritely entertainer! Walter considers this a good thing thus far.

Down side? While Velvet is clearly trying to resist as well, they're not there just yet! It's a priest's duty to help those in need, and defend souls! He's a knight, technically, too! And he has to help maidens in despair!

Hopefully Velvet won't take offense at being thought of as a damsel to be saved, because that's what's on Walter's mind!

At least at the forefront, there's also the fact that he just got pounced.

Walter proves less spritely than Velvet, and those hands and then the whole of the good Sister Velvet slams into him like some kind of very beautiful freight train, hammering him down onto the luckily soft bed. This doesn't mean that Walter's brain isn't a bit scrambled from the impact, or that he loses his impromptu holy weapon, or that he's not dazed and wrapping arms around Velvet's waist. The pair go tumble-rolling in the bed, as Walter's own claws try to scour up and loosen where Velvet might have a grip on him!

"I...I really hope this hotel's security cameras are off!"

He does not want to explain why he was wrestling a nun in a bed in a castle to the Vatican.

Walter's solution? Massive, burning flashes of holy chi! The dragon-priest goes limp, waits until Velvet has him nice and pinned, then radiates a burst of golden chi that's as searing as it blinds!

"Demon, be smote by the power of the Lord given unto me! Out! By the Virgin Mary and Jesus' name, amen!" He can't quite get to his cross, so....

He leans up and, while still chi-infused, tries to bite Velvet's ear too! The holiest of chomps!

COMBATSYS: Velvet Blue dodges Walter's Blinding Light.

[      \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////////////   ]
Walter           0/-------/-----==|==-----\-------\0      Velvet Blue

[VELVET BLUE]
Velvet is actually quite a bit less hulking power than they are agile with strong energy powers, however as a darkstalker they're still leagues above normal humans, even physically. Walter is of course not human either, but even he might be having trouble with him--able to feint away from his thrust earlier before pouncing--and currently wrestling with him. Velvet looks a bit crazed, especially as they wrestle against the preist dragon.

"Ahhh!" the sudden influx of burning holy energy is enough to push Velvet back and off him--the dragon priest's teeth catching the shoulder and collar of the robe and it tears off as Velvet leaps back, now left in the gleaming white leather leotard, pink stockings and boots they Walter had likely seen before--and perhaps too outragoeus to be believed, even as that light subsides. The collar of the leotard was very high, locking with a strap and buckle around the throat.

"Eeek!" Velvet rears back with a flat hand and prepares to paint brush slap the mighty priest for disrobing them as such.

COMBATSYS: Velvet Blue successfully hits Walter with Quick Strike.

[         \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////////////////////  ]
Walter           0/-------/----===|===----\-------\0      Velvet Blue

[WALTER]
Walter lets out a sigh of relief as his shining dragon-light manages to get Velvet off of him! It helps he can breathe again! But before he can go on the offensive...he takes in what Velvet is wearing!

He gawks juuuust a bit at Velvet's choice of clothing! That leotard, the absurdly pink stockings, the heeled boots! It's...it's scandalously alluring, and Walter doesn't know how to feel about it. "I...I'm sorry Velvet! That was brutish of me! I'll buy you a new habit, promise!" Yeah he feels a bit bad here!

The hand of karma comes for him in the form of a massive slap! He can't quite dodge out of the way. SMACK! Right across the cheek, and he's sent flying into the big vanity. Smash! Little mini-bats circle above his head as he pulls himself from the wreckage, face reddened in the shape of a dainty hand.

"I deserved that."

Then he shakes himself off, stands, and kicks up his faux-spear again into his hands.

"But no time for that! Less oggling of the beautiful bat, Walter, more exorcising!" It's Walter's turn to leap upon Velvet! A straight thrust with the blunt end of the bedpost, right for that glorious stomach!

"Collars are for pets! Be cast down for your choice in throat-wear! And also, BEGONE GHOST! Velvet is too pretty for your possession, especially on the verge of a religious experience!" He chides the ghost!

COMBATSYS: Walter successfully hits Velvet Blue with True Thrust.

[          \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ///////////////////////       ]
Walter           0/-------/----===|======-\-------\0      Velvet Blue

[VELVET BLUE]
As Velvet is struck in the chest with that blunt wooden bit, there is a horrific shriek that rolls out of them like that of a wounded animal, definitely the priests oaths and holy power had more effect than just the blow itself. This was more like it was smote by holy touch.

"Arrgghh--" the possessed figure trembles and growls, raising their right arm and a medly of chi projectiles in geometic shapes fly toward Walter--the color scheme of them is very... toybox, red, green, yellow, etc.

"You can't stop me priest, this one is mine~" the hoarse voice is gloating, as if already triumphant. It's manipulating Velvet's own chi-based powers for it's ill-gotten ends!

COMBATSYS: Walter just-defends Velvet Blue's Neon Carnival!

[        \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////////////        ]
Walter           0/-------/----===|======-\-------\0      Velvet Blue

COMBATSYS: Walter has left the fight here.

                                  >  //////////////////////        ]
                                  |======-\-------\0      Velvet Blue

[WALTER]
Walter winces at that shriek. He doesn't enjoy that bit of fighting. Especially not someone he considers a friend, even if one vaguely heretical. ...That's a lot of his friends actually. But exorcisms are never pleasant, and so the dragon-priest goes as stoney faced as he can. It's a lot easier to do when it isn't personal. Or vaguely your fault!

But he can't dwell on guilt when there's incoming deadly chi-geometry to contend with. He ducks, just a bit too slow, and the shapes smash into his back with a sputtering array of glittery colors. It would be pretty if it wasn't also agonizing. There's a sucked breath, the smell of scoured scale, and Walter muffling whatever words are trying to bubble forth from his mouth. Best to not curse while he's trying to be at his holiest!

"Never! Their soul belongs to the themselves and the Lord, foul spirit! Furthermore, Velvet is BETTER than you! Come on, Velvet! I'll sing at whatever club you like for /three days/ if you take Jesus into you and cast out this spirit from yourself! God helps those who help themselves!" Why yes, Walter is bribing the bat for his very soul. He's willing to bend the rules if necessary.

With that, the man leaps forward once more, golden light filling both spear and his free hand. He makes slashing motions with both, and the golden chi turns into ravaging claws set to slice and tear! Hopefully at the ghost rather than /too/ much of Velvet!

COMBATSYS: Walter successfully hits Velvet Blue with Twin Claws.

[         \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////////////              ]
Walter           0/-------/---====|=======\==-----\1      Velvet Blue

[VELVET BLUE]
"Arghh--" Velvet howls as much at the priest's oaths and blessings but also at the attack that came through--catching Velvet's front and knocking him back against an armoire nearby, leaving him dazed for a moment. If Velvet was more in control, he might have said something like 'What, really??' at the singing offer from Walter, but alas at the moment he is not.

As he draws himself back up, he acts swiftly and pre-emptively--drawing back a boot and bringing it up into Walter's thigh area--with those huge platform stiletto heeled boots. Well, this is probably a normal weekday night for Walter, to be fair.

COMBATSYS: Walter endures Velvet Blue's Stiletto Pierce.

[               \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //////////////                ]
Walter           0/-------/=======|=======\====---\1      Velvet Blue

[WALTER]
Is Walter going to lizard-wiggle out of his kareoke obligation? Who knows! But he sure isn't able to wiggle out of the oncoming stiletto that's aimed for him. He sees it coming. There's this moment of realization that spirit (and perhaps Velvet, if he's in there anywhere) might see. A little whimper, then anger, then resignation. A tightening of muscles!

The dragon gives out a roar that is...well, he's sounding like and perhaps /feeling/ like a female dragon right about now as he doubles over in agony even as he's pitched back by stilettos. Yup, that knife has pierced the armor, and it's a little red and the priest writhes on the ground in agony for a while. Good thing dragons heal amazingly fast.

He may also have a career in opera by that pitch too.

There's little consideration on strategy here. No, Walter instead throws himself to his feet, very lop-sidedly lopes with tears and agony on his face, and then tries to leap on top of, wrestle to the ground, and start pounding Velvet with...

Yeah he's trying to beat the unholy out of Velvet with a bible at this point.

"In the Lord's name!!!" Squeaks out the lizard-preacher.

COMBATSYS: Walter successfully hits Velvet Blue with Perching Dragon.

[               \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////                      ]
Walter           0/-------/=======|=======\=======\1      Velvet Blue

[VELVET BLUE]
"Ooh, looks like that hurt~" Velvet says with a bit of uncharacteristic sadistic glee--bringing the boot down on Walter even as he writhes around on the ground.

"Oh, shush, dear--some people pay good money for this, you know--ahhh!" suddenly, he's pounced, the dragon ontop of him and beating him over the head with that bible--hard enough that it smacks him in the face hard enough to leave imprints of pink against it from Velvet's lipstick.

"G-Get off--" Velvet grabs the priests collar and rears a fist back, trying to give him a straight punch! ...Well, in an amusing turn of phrase for Velvet, ohoho.

COMBATSYS: Walter blocks Velvet Blue's Power Strike.

[                 \\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  ////////                      ]
Walter           1/-------/=======|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2      Velvet Blue

[WALTER]
Walter will remember that boot! Mostly because there's a boot-print on his face. Curse you Velvet for...well basically existing at this point.

He wouldn't have it any other way, which might explain partially why he's being extra vigorous in hammering the poor ghost-bound lounge owner with the physical incarnation of the holy word.

Notably he's making sure the lipstick'd end isn't being wiped off. Is this some kind of battle-prize?

That fist meets a combination of hastily tucked wing, and just general scale. Also Walter has amazing abs under those scales, thank you very much. Which is to say he winces and has a bruise on both, but lets out a martial-artist's breath with a prayer on his lips!

"You're better than laying down and being the plaything of a ghost, Velvet! And spirit...you're better than causing sorrow for the living." He puts his attention fully on the spirit. His face softens.

"Your time is passed. There are those that love you waiting. You would not cling to this world and seek to put some purpose to an end if it weren't so! No, let this humble priest do it in your place! Now, for the last time..."

A sucked in breath. He gets up, grips Velvet's waist, and tries to pull them to their hands and knees. He puts the whole of his faith and being and arm into the next blow!

"BEGONE!"

Down falls bible and hand in a...well it's more of a Holy Smack than a Holy Thrust, but Walter is being creative! SHIIIINE!

COMBATSYS: Walter successfully hits Velvet Blue with Holy Thrust.

[                 \\\\\\\\\\\\\  < >  //                            ]
Walter           0/-------/-------|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2      Velvet Blue

[VELVET BLUE]
There is a great expense of energy on Velvet's part, as he steels himself--forcing his body to remain locked in place as the ghost can still be heard howling--Walter taking him by the side and drawing him to his knees--there is a loud pop, a tiny explosion heralded by a whiff of ozone and blue light--and something /leaps/ up and out of the darkstalker, fleeing out of the room and deeper into the expanse of the old castle.

"Ugh..." Velvet falls against Walter, out of weakness, but also in need of support, breathing hard.

"Ahh... I hope you know... I'm not going to let that offer of yours... go to waste..." Velvet coughs and laughs softly, before briefly passing out against the dragon priest. All signs of the ghostly presence are gone. Nothing strange remains, except whatever oddness about Velvet was there to begin with.

COMBATSYS: Velvet Blue takes no action.

[                 \\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Walter           0/-------/-------|

COMBATSYS: Velvet Blue can no longer fight.

[                 \\\\\\\\\\\\\  <
Walter           0/-------/-------|

[WALTER]
This might be a sin, but Walter drops the bible. He lets out a sigh of relief, and is basically a holy rock amidst the departing ghostly sea for all of about five seconds. Everywhere hurts. Some places over others, but just /everywhere/.

"Of /COURSE/ that's the part you heard! You...you obnoxiously beautiful person you!" Walter is trying to be stern. To be priestly. To be serious!

Instead he's smiling and sounds way too happy to hear his darkstalker friend of sound mind. If battered.

The guilt in his voice attests to that fact.

Cue a medkit, much first aid, and eventually some hauling Velvet to rest outside of the haunted castle with the exorcism done. A few dragon-claw scritches through dark hair, and a lap for a headrest in a much safer hotel.

"By the way.../Sister Velvet/...I've already signed you up for choir. You've earned a B- as a nun in my book."

VENGEANCE!

Log created on 20:13:43 04/01/2020 by Velvet Blue, and last modified on 21:32:41 04/08/2020.