Monsterhearts: Blood in the Water

Wednesday August 20th, 12:55 PM
Elsinore High School, Locker Rooms
**Shane**: *Oh I think we're just beginning.* **He smiles, as Liam and Chris look to him, his eyes glimmer gold.**

**Liam**: **He narrows his eyes, and takes a cautious step back from him.** ...Shane.

**There's a sudden shill scream from outside the locker room. It's repeated a second time and then joined by several others.**

**Chris**: **He looks towards the entrance of the locker room and then at Shane, immediately assuming he's done something. He grabs his jacket out of the locker and runs outside.**

**Shane**: *Well? Don't you want to see more of your handiwork?* **He slowly looks to Liam.**

**Liam**: **He takes a few steps back, away from "Shane", and then runs out of the locker room with the other boys.**

**As they run out to the pool-yard, Coach Boomer and Ms. Lara are standing at edge of the pool.**

**Coach Boomer**: Get back! Everyone get the hell back! **He has his arms out wide as he keeps students away from the pool.**

**Ms. Lara**: **She's at the edge of the pool with a stern and grim expression, after a moment she runs for the office.**

**As Chris and Liam move towards the pool they can see a long bloody trail leading towards it, near the edge of the pool is a pair of winged brown glasses, the lenses bloody and broken, and a severed arm lying halfway over the edge the pool. An expanding crimson cloud fills the pool itself, along with red pulpy chunks that float on the surface.**

**Chris**: **His eyes go wide and he takes a few steps back from the pool, though he's not evne near the edge to begin with. He looks at the glasses, recognizing them as Principal Foxx's.**

**Liam**: **As he sees the pool his skin turns pale and he turns and runs for the bathrooms.**

**Coach Boomer**: Everyone to the gym! *NOW*! **There's sounds of sirens filling the air as paramedics and police arrive at the back side of the school. The kids all start moving towards the gym.**

**Chris**: **He takes a few more steps back and then moves to the gym.**

**Shane**: **He walks up next to Chris, walking beside him normally.** *Well that's one witch down. How many more do you think I'll have to pick apart before they scatter to the winds?* **He looks over at Chris and pats him on the back, hard enough to cause Chris to stumble.** *This is fun. You're a good friend, Chris.*

**Chris**: **He looks over at Shane and just silently fumes.**

**Shane**: **He smiles and puts his arm around Chris.** *So what do you think happens now? I guess the vice principal will step up.* **The two of them move into the large gym, where several aids have already shown up and are instructing the students to sit.**

***Meanwhile, in the boy's bathroom...***

**Liam**: **He wipes his mouth with the school's cheap toilet paper, and walks out into the bathroom, having just thrown up. His eyes are watering from the short ordeal, and he coughs a few times as he moves to the sink and begins to wash his hands and face.**

**Avarada**: **His monotone voice fills Liam's ears, and his shadowed reflection darkens the mirror in place of Liam's reflection. His mannerisms and tone of voice are notably different when he isn't speaking through Shane.** *You humans seem so fond of hope. That a witch would agree to have any part of what you've done.*

**Liam**: **He coughs again and looks up at the mirror.** I'm going to stop you. Whatever the hell you are... You're not hurting anyone else!

**Avarada**: *Is that confidence or desperation? I put no stock in idle threats, Liam. I have seen nothing notably impressive from you, other than your completely unimpressive actions. Should I wish, I could snap Chris's slithering little spine right now. Then what would you do? This would all be over.*

**Liam**: **He gulps nervously and looks to the door. Then back to the mirror.**

**Avarada**: *I can end this charade at any moment, and when I decide that I am done with you, that is exactly what I will do. All the power is in my hands, Liam.* **The shadowy reflection fades and it's just Liam in the mirror.**

**Liam**: **He runs from the bathroom to find Chris and see if he's alright.**

***Meanwhile, in the gym...***

**Shane and Chris are sitting at the top back of the bleachers, at least a little bit away from others. It looks like a lot of kids from other current PE classes have been funneled into the gym as well, so the bleachers will soon be full.**

**Shane**: **He's eating a snickers bar, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees.** *She didn't really put up a good fight. I heard witches in this town were powerful. Imagine my disappointment when I walked up to her and popped her arm off like that without her so much as tossing out a simple spell.* **He takes another bite from the candy bar.**

**Chris**: **He lets out a low, aggravated groan, but tries to play along, as he knows acting out here is just going to make a scene. He speaks in a low tone that can't be heard over the other kids.** ...So she was a witch?

**Shane**: *A truly awful one. I wonder if she even has a coven?* **He finishes off his candy bar and throws the wrapper at Chris.** *You know, back during the salem trials, the real witches could sense me hours before I made a move. Witches today have gotten soft... Just look at that pathetic sack...* **He motions to Liam as he watches him walk into the Gym.**

**Chris**: **He looks at the wrapper that hit him and kicks it away in annoyance, he looks at Shane and then to Liam. He tries to think of what he could do, feeling trapped by the situation.** ...So why don't you make this a bit more interesting, and tell me how you could you tell she was a Witch?

**Shane**: **He seems to think about it for a moment, then shakes his head.** *I think it would be more interesting to watch you figure it out.*

**Nemo**: You guys talking about witches? **He's standing to the side of them, it seems he made his way up the other side of the bleaches and walked over without either of them noticing. He's dressed in a grey tank top, the sides are ripped off, but it says "Elsinore Tigers" on the back. He's also wearing baggy black PE shorts, it looks like he might be on the track team.**

**Chris**: **His eyes dart to Nemo, he's immediately concerned with other people being near to Shane.** ...Umm... Can't you sit anywhere else? **He says it with obvious annoyance.**

**Shane**: **He smirks, looking up at Nemo.** *Who's this?*

**Chris**: His name's Nemo.

**Nemo**: **He nods at Shane slightly.** Hey. **He looks at Chris.** What's up man, I thought we were cool.

**Chris**: **He sighs.** Why would you think that? **He looks away from Nemo.**

**Shane**: *Don't mind Chris, he's anxious due to what happened.*

**Nemo**: **He narrows his eyes.** So what happened? Why the hell were we all brought to the gym?

**Chris**: **He sighs, but doesn't say anything.**

**Shane**: The principal's body was found at the bottom of the pool, in pieces. It was horrible.

**Nemo**: ...What? Really?

**Chris**: *Yes*. Really. **He looks very upset.**

**Shane**: ...Wonder who did it... **He looks at Nemo with an expression of worry, then looks down.**

**Nemo**: Yeah, yeah, real dramatic. **He rolls his bright blue eyes and sits down a few feet from Chris. He seems unconvinced that the Principal was killed.**

**Liam**: **He's managed to make his way up the bleachers, pushing passed the other kids, and standing the next row down from them, he keeps his eyes on Shane.** ...Did I... Miss anything?

**Shane**: We have a new friend, Nemo. **He leans forwards to look passed Chris at Nemo.** ...Nemo, this here is Liam.

**Nemo**: **He nods to Liam.** 'Sup.

**Liam**: ...So umm... Cool... **He slowly sits down, away from Shane, more towards Nemo and Chris.**

**Nemo**: So do you guys actually believe in witches?

**Chris**: Sure.

**Nemo**: You know one of my best friends was a witch. Was really powerful one too... **He seems to say this in earnest, but Chris and Liam don't have a chance to say anything as loud whistles ring through the gym.**

**Coach Boomer**: Everyone calm down! Quiet down! **He's standing in the middle of the basketball court with Dr. Thredson, and a female police officer.** This is Lieutenant Bishop. Listen to what she has to say! **He motions to the police officer. One of the aids walks up and hands her a microphone.**

**Officer Bishop**: **There's a loud sharp ring from microphone feedback for a moment, causing everyone to wince slightly, including the Lieutenant herself.** ...Afternoon. I'm sure many of you are wondering why you're been brought here, and what's happening. Some of you have probably already heard terrible things, I'm sure the school rumor mill is already churning out information of dubious accuracy, so I'm here to set the grim truth straight. **She pauses and lets out a quiet sigh.** We found Principal Cordelia Foxx at the bottom of the swimming pool, mere moments ago. **There's numerous exasperated gasps and talking quickly starts up in the bleaches.** Now. *Now*, we don't know what's happened, this could've been an accident...

**Nemo**: **He sighs.** You fucking idiot. **He looks passed Chris, over at Shane and shakes his head.**

**Shane**: **He narrows his eyes and looks over at Nemo. Nemo just shakes his head and looks back to the officer as she speaks.**

**Liam**: **He overhears what Nemo says and silently wonders what he meant.**

**Chris**: **He does the same, a look of curious confusion over Nemo's remark filling his face.**

**Officer Bishop**: ...I, along with a team of other investigators, will be questioning each of you one by one. The school is notifying your parents, guardians, and they will be here to pick you up shortly after we've finished questioning you. If you know anything about what's happened, I *implore* you to answer truthfully. Thank you. **She hands off the microphone to Coach Boomer.**

**Coach Boomer**: Alright, when we call your name you will be escorted to my office, where you'll answer a few questions and then be on your way home! Everyone stay calm. I know this is a terrifying situation, but keep your head on straight! **Ms. Lara hands him the rolecall for both classes.** ...Alright... Kyle Young. Kyle Young... **He looks up, Kyle standing up.** To the gym office Kyle... **Kyle moves down the bleachers quickly.**

**Shane**: *Well this should be interesting.*

**Coach Boomer**: **He calls out another name. He seems to be going in reverse alphabetical order.** Shane Ward. **He looks to Shane, spotting him quickly.** Shane, to my office. **He motions at him several times.** Let's go.

**Shane**: **He stands up.** *Wonder what I should tell them...* **He looks at Liam and smirks, before walking down the bleachers.**

**Liam**: **He watches Shane leave for a moment, and then turns to look at Nemo.** ...Who were you calling an idiot?

**Nemo is gone, apparently having left without any of them noticing.**

**Liam**: ...Where'd he go? **He looks at Chris.**

**Chris**: **He narrows his eyes, something about Nemo not seeming right to him.** ...I don't know.

***A few minutes later...***

**Liam is sitting in front of Officer Bishop in Coach Boomer's small office.**

**Officer Bishop**: Alright. I just want to start off by saying that you're *not* in trouble, and you're *not* under arrest. Just need you to answer a few questions and then be on your way, alright? **She's seems friendly enough, despite her professional demeanor.**

**Liam**: ...O-ok. **He nods.**

**Officer Bishop**: Alright, where were you at one pm today?

**Liam**: The locker room. I was getting changed for swim class.

**Officer Bishop**: Alright, and when did you first hear that something was wrong?

**Liam**: Someone screamed, and then a few more followed, screams that is, so I ran out to the pool...

**Officer Bishop**: Continue, please, if you can.

**Liam**: I... I saw the blood. **He turns pale.** ...I got sick and ran to the bathroom... Then everyone was called into the gym.

**Officer Bishop**: Hmm... **She tilts her head.** Are those bandages under your shirt there? **She points her pen at Liam's shoulder.** Were you injured recently Mr. Riley?

**Liam**: **He pulls his shirt down a little.** ...Just some small cuts, from doing yard work. **He lets it go, and shirt shirt snaps back into place.**

**Officer Bishop**: **She seems to notice something, then writes something down.** Alright. You're free to go, your father should be at the front of the school.

***A little bit later...***

**Officer Bishop**: **As Chris sits in front of her she sees his arm.** Afternoon, Mr. Courier.

**Chris**: ...It certainly isn't a good one. **He's zipped up his jacket, it's kind og uncomfortable over his bare chest.**

**Officer Bishop**: Certainly not... **She sighs and straightens up some papers.** I'm going to start by telling you that you're not under arrest, I just want to ask you a few questions, and then you'll be free to go.

**Chris**: **He nods.** Anything.

**Officer Bishop**: Where were you at one pm today?

**Chris**: Isn't this kinda quick?

**Officer Bishop**: **She narrows her eyes and tilts her head.** I'm sorry?

**Chris**: ...I guess I'm just nervous, but it seems like you guys got here fast, and you're already questioning people... That's all... **He looks down.**

**Officer Bishop**: **She writes something down.** I see here that you just moved to Wildomar, from Louisville.

**Chris**: **He nods.** About a week ago.

**Officer Bishop**: Well, Mr. Courier, I'm not sure how they handle homicide investigations in Kentucky, but my little town here, Wildomar, has seen a great deal of... Darkness, for the passed year or so. When we get a call like this, we act fast. Now. **She looks Chris in the eyes.** Where were you at one pm this afternoon?

**Chris**: I was changing in the locker room, talking to a few friends.

**Officer Bishop**: When did you realize something had happened?

**Chris**: Well there were a few screams... So I ran out. These weren't... Regular screams, you know, I could immediately tell something was wrong.

**Officer Bishop**: **She nods.** Then what happened?

**Chris**: I saw the blood trail... The arm... The Principal's Glasses... A moment later we were called into the gym. I didn't... Really get a good look at anything in particular... It happened fast I guess.

**Officer Bishop**: **She looks down.** I have several claims from various faculty that you were the *last* person to see Cordelia Foxx, before she was found in pool.

**Chris**: ...What?

**Officer Bishop**: You had an appointment with her, apparently she spoke with you about suspension, due to recent violence in the school yard. How did that go, Mr. Courier?

**Chris**: I... What? That was... This morning. No one saw her for hours after that?

**Officer Bishop**: It would seem that after your appointment, Principal Foxx remained in her office through lunch. No one saw her leave. So again, Mr. Courier, how did your meeting with Principal Foxx go?

**Chris**: She said that she'd let the fights slide. The second fight I stepped in to help a female student that was getting hit. If I got in another one again, I'd face disciplinary action... Compared to Principals at my previous schools, I liked her. I thought she was fair. **He looks down, feeling bad, but also confused that Officer Bishop might be accusing him.** ...Umm... After that she asked about a friend of mine, Brendan I think, but we call him Odie... She said she knew his mother... Odie's in the hospital, you see.

**Officer Bishop**: **She narrows her eyes.** Odie is in the hospital?

**Chris**: ...He's really popular huh? Everyone knows him...

**Officer Bishop**: He works as a Jr. Detective with a former colleague of mine. What happened to Mr. O'Dywer?

**Chris**: **He holds up his arm, pulling the sleeve of his jacket down a bit.** There was a downed power-line that we got caught in. He got hurt, bad, and he's in a medically-induced coma.

**Officer Bishop**: **She shakes her head and says under her breath.** Damn... **She peaks normally.** Alright... **She leans back in her chair.** Well you're free to go, Mr. Courier. I'll be investigating your claims, of course...

**Chris**: **He stands up and heads for the door.**

**Officer Bishop**: Oh yes, before you go. Who was the girl that was hit?

**Chris**: Lilith... I don't know her last name... Red hair, 5'5" or 5'6". She's Australian or something.

***A few minutes later, outside the front of the school...***

**A lot of the kids are waiting outside of the school, not many of their parents have come pick them up. It looks like school has been canceled for the rest of the day for the whole student body, so there's a bustle of cars coming and going.**

**Chris**: **He's anxiously waiting at the front of the school, waiting for Agatha to pick him up.**

**Tate**: **He walks up next to Chris.** So did you see her? **He seems to just suddenly be there.** ...Like in the pool?

**Chris**: **Tate catches him off guard and he looks over at him.** ...Uhh, yeah... Kinda... I dunno... **He looks up the road.** It happened kinda fast.

**Tate**: I was late to class, so I guess I missed it... I heard it was pretty bad...

**Chris**: **He looks over at Tate.** ...It was.

**Tate**: ...From the way the police worded it, it sounded like a... You know... Murder.

**Chris**: ...It was gruesome. That's all I know. **He looks at Tate.** You're lucky you didn't see it.

**Tate**: **He frowns a little and looks away.** ...I know you didn't really know her, but she was actually a cool lady.

**Chris**: **He's not sure what to do, so he just pats Tate on the shoulder lightly.** ...She was better than any of my other principals... At least... As far as I knew.

**Tate**: **He lets out a long, disheartened, sigh.** I hope they find the bastard that did it.

**Chris**: ...Yeah. **He looks away from Tate, downward.** Me too...

**A dark blue mini-van pulls up in front of them. The passenger's side window rolls down, a blonde boy, probably about 15, looks out at Tate. Chris recognizes him from the hospital the night Odie was taken in, he was playing Pokemon while waiting in the emergency room.**

**Hunter**: Hey! We were looking all over for you at the back of the school! Let's go Tater Tot!

**Tate**: Seeya Chris. **He runs towards the car, opening the side door and getting in.**

**Chris**: Later... **He says it quietly, more to himself, as Tate has already run off by the time he responds.**

**Nemo**: But we already know who killed her, don't we? **He's suddenly standing next to Chris, opposite the side that Tate was standing. It's possible he's been standing there a while, and Chris simply hadn't noticed.**

**Chris**: **He immediately looks to Nemo.** What the hell is your deal? Who are you *really*?

**Nemo**: Well I'm not answering *that* question, because the answer would take a *very* long time, and it would be needlessly confusing. **He pulls out a black pack of cigarettes.** But I guess we can drop all pretense, huh? I'm not a good liar anyway. **He puts the cigarette to his lips and lights it with a small blue lighter. He takes a really long drag, and then breaths out a stream of smoke as he speaks.** Shane's fucking possessed. You know it, Liam knows it, and I know it. That's why I'm here.

**Chris**: ...So what are you then?

**Nemo**: Someone who wants to help. Well, we'll be helping each other. **He looks over at Chris.** Your mother is clever, been around a long time, but she doesn't fully grasp the delicacies of how these things *should* be handled. Things have changed since the days of yore. You attract too much attention and someone shows up to ruin your day.

**Chris**: And you expect me to trust *you* over *her*?

**Nemo**: Well if you don't want to know my way, I can tell you where to find another witch, per an agreement.

**Chris**: **His eyes go wide, then they narrow.** An agreement?

**Nemo**: I also know the demon's name. **He raises an eyebrow at Chris.**

**Chris**: How the hell do you know so much?

**Nemo**: Occam's razor. **He says it rather smugly.**

**Chris**: ...What?

**Nemo**: I keep an eye to the sky and an ear to the ground.

**Chris**: **He sighs in annoyance.** And what's stopping me from just beating the living shit out of you until you tell me?

**Nemo**: Baby snake threats? **He shivers fakely.** Yeah, real scary. **He takes a drag from his cigarette.** Anyway, maybe you should save that tone for people that *aren't* trying to help you? You're up shit-creek, buddy. I'm offering you a paddle, the only thing I ask is that you give me a lift to my car once you reach the bottom.

**Chris**: Nothing's so easy.

**Nemo**: Not with you at least. **He puts his cigarette in his mouth and takes another drag.** Look, you have *no idea* what you've gotten yourself into. Stick with me, and I'll show you the ropes. You just have to help me out while you do it. Is that so much to ask?

**Chris**: ...The fact that you're not telling me how to do this out of good faith makes me hesitant.

**Nemo**: Nothing in the world is free. It's ever more true in *our* world. **He narrows his eyes.** I give you something, you give me something. It's the way it *has* to be. No exceptions.

**Chris**: Like a deal with the devil?

**Nemo**: Hah... **He shakes his head.** Nothing so fucking dramatic. **He flickers his lighter on a few times.** I'll let you know my offers again; First, I'll fix the demonic problem with Shane *myself* and it will require *no* witches, at all. So you can drop Liam entirely, if so you wish, *and* you don't have to go through the trouble of finding a *second* witch. **He takes another drag from his cigarette.** Second, I can tell you the name of a witch, one that would be ready and *willing* to help you, and you can go on your marry way trying to please your monstrous mother, who is unpleasable. Third, I can tell you the name of the demon. In return for any of these, you'll be *obligated* to help me.

**Chris**: **He looks away from Nemo, the thought of being able to save Shane weighing heavily on him, even though this is shady as hell.** ...You'll save Shane?

**Nemo**: Likely with better success than your mother's method. The ritual she's planning on using is akin to cutting out a brain tumor with a bundle of C-4.

**Chris**: What would I have to do, in order to take your first offer?

**Nemo**: Turn on your mother. Work with me, and for the man I work for.

**Chris**: *What*? **He shakes his head.** You fuck'n serious?

**Nemo**: Why are you so attached to her anyway? I can't imagine her being *loving*... **He finishes his cigarette and throws it to the grass, stomping it out.**

**Chris**: **He looks down, he's always wanted her approval, but Nemo is right. She's been incredibly cold, apathetic to Shane's situation, letting a demon run about the town.** She doesn't actually give a shit about Shane...

**Nemo**: If she did, she'd have stopped him before he killed an innocent woman. **He shrugs.** There's a way to fix this situation. Save your friend. Stop the demon from hurting anyone else...

**Chris**: And what if you can't stop him? What if you fuck up?

**Nemo**: You can fall back on your mother's "solution". If I am unable to help you, you are not obligated to help me... That's the rules. It's the way these things work...

**Chris**: **He looks down at the grass in silence, after a moment he looks to Nemo.** ...Tell me what to do to save Shane.