Game of Lies (raylexing/open)

[Desmond Vinson]

As Natasha Darcel, Changeling, soulless, the Trinity Slasher, rode the New York Subway to a popular destination for video gamers half her age, she chattered calmly with “Alex”, the Japanese man with the aura she could not recognize. She doubted that he had given his real name; it wasn’t Japanese, and this man didn’t seem like the sort who would bear a non-traditional name. But she didn’t press the point; each knew that the other wasn’t being entirely truthful. It was the great game of hiding themselves from the prying eyes of mortals and predators alike.

The metal worm of the subway train wound its way through the earth, traveling toward a destination neither of the two was actually particularly interested in. They slid beneath the waters and onto Manhattan Island, clickety-clacking over the electrified rails below them. The subway was crowded, as usual, but it wasn’t rush hour, so they weren’t in the sardine-like conditions for which both this city and far-off Tokyo were famous. Natasha hung onto one of the ceiling straps a comfortable distance from “Alex”, talking about city happenings in which neither of them had any real interest.

Just for the sake of irony, she mentioned the grim Trinity Slasher, neglecting to mention for obvious reasons that she herself was the depraved killer. The time when she would take another victim was approaching, and this was her way of forcing patience: finding something else that interested her. She looked forward to the bloodletting, the screams, because in some cosmic sense they were funny to her. Life was pointless. Why not laugh at its insignificance, and how easily it is snuffed out?

The subway doors slide open, and she smiled even wider. ”This is our stop. It’s just a bit of a walk to get to Nintendo World.”

[Raylexing]

The subway ride toward Nintendo World was nothing special. He did learn one notable piece of information, though; there was a serial killer on the loose. Satoru hated to see innocent people harmed, and he thought to himself that maybe it would be fun to track down the killer and stop him. Of course, the woman in front of her could very well be the killer, with her illusion hiding something important, but he had no evidence to base this on. It was pretty far-fetched, but it still made him suspicious.

The subway had come to the correct stop. It seemed that the woman did not want to lead him stray somewhere. What could she possibly want? He was rather curious. He would test her, see if she really was just a nice person willing to help out a stranger. He was going to make her take all the risks as well, to make the first move. When they walked a bit to Nintendo World, Satoru unpacked his luggage case and looked around for his DS. Of course it wasn't there, as he had made up the story, but he had a plan that would suit his needs. "Oh dear..." he mumbled, "I do believe that I had packed the video game system in my other bag. The airlines lost my luggage, so I only have this carry-on bag. I'm so sorry to put you through the trouble of taking me this far."

Now he would wait for her response. He had given her the first move. What would she do, he pondered. Just in case she was a normal woman, he added as an afterthought, "I really am glad to see the kindness of the people of New York. You are truly a caring and wonderful person, and I shall tell my relatives of your good deeds."

[Desmond Vinson]

Clever, clever being; he was trying to give her the slip. It would be difficult to keep up the pretense that she was just a normal, helpful citizen when he'd effectively thanked and dismissed her, as even the most persistent of New Yorkers would clearly have seen that this was the journey's end. She could offer to take him to his hotel, but more simple travel would be obnoxious, and unlikely to teach her anything. She was going to have to try something more... inventive if she wanted to learn anything more about the creature with whom she was, for the moment, traveling.

"Airline travel," she said, throwing up her hands. "It's almost more trouble than it's worth. I hope you find your luggage. And it was my pleasure to show you around; sorry it didn't amount to anything. I hope you have a good time here." With a smile and a wave, she walked around a corner and vanished. As soon as she was out of sight, she took a deep breath, gathering Glamour and sending it out to flow all over her body. He was eager to get rid of her; where was he going in such a hurry, and why didn't he want her along?

When the fae energy faded, she was a new person. Her face was restructured to be more sharp and angular, and her skin was slightly darker. Her hair now had red streaks intermixed with the normal black, and she wore a tank top and jeans studded with rhinestones instead of her earlier attire. Complete change or her physical form was difficult and draining, but she could make herself pretty much unrecognizable by using a number of small alterations. She changed the way she walked, too, changing her stride so that her hips swung freely. So long as some gang member didn't try to grope her, she had a good disguise.

Heading back around the corner, she watched "Alex" out of the corner of her eye, ready to shadow his movements through the crowd. This would be interesting.

[Raylexing]

Satoru was surprised at the choice Natasha had made. He was sure that she was going to make a move of some sort and try to draw things out longer, but she gave up. Heck, she might even be a friendly New Yorker with a secret to hide with her illusion. Although it must be one hell of a secret to need an illusion powerful enough for him not to be able to see through.

After bidding farewell, he thought about where he wanted to go next. He could go to the public library and find out information on Monsanto. He had already done research, but he wanted to refresh himself on his mission. He asked a few passerbys where the public library was, and after getting directions set off.

Before he started on his way, however, he noticed another being with the same sort of illusion as Natasha. And since Satoru has not had encounters with more than one seeming creature, he assumed that this must be the same person. Apparently this being was unaware that Satoru was able to tell she was disguised. Although she looked and acted like a completely different person, the illusion masking her was the same. Things made more sense now; she hadn't given up on him, but rather wanted to go about her ways in a more cautions manner. Satoru decided to play like he didn't suspect anything, and went about his business.

He headed south on 6th Avenue, making his way down the street until he would get to 40th. After making a left at 40th, he would be at the New York Public Library, at least according to the information he got from the locals. As he passed 42nd street, he saw a patch of grass. Bryant Park came into view on his left.



He was quite tired from the plane trip still, and he hadn't gotten a chance to relax since. Maybe he would take a break from his work and enjoy himself at the park. And maybe this Natasha would follow him still. He stepped foot onto the park grounds and looked for something fun to do.