The Treasure Hunters

[Angelus]

The year is 1492 and I am so close to what I seek. I can feel it calling to me, it's song so strong that I know that I have to have it. I slowly walk through the streets, listening to it calling me- the piece of me that I had lost so long ago that I feel empty without it. I follow its call until I come upon the main town square and hear it in front of me. I turn to look at the large building and my eyes widen when I see that it is a church. I want to laugh at the notion that these stupid humans think that they can keep my most prized possession away from me by hiding it in there. I walk towards it and know that I can bring this place down around them if I want to but I stop myself and walk to the front door. I knock on the door which slowly opens and I look at the face of the priest who is standing there. He looks at me and when he sees they way that I look he tells me that I should come in as I look like I am in a frightful mess. I walk into the church and hear its call getting louder. I look around to see where it is but before I can the priest stops in front of me and looks at me again. The expression on his face is no longer friendly but determined.
"I know what you are you evil creature and I know what you come for- but you will not have it."
I grab him and start to say something but as I do I hear the bells of the church chime and hear several priests walk out, all of them praying. I scream out and drop the priest as their praying gets louder and suddenly I feel something- that wish I seek has been moved and it is moving away swiftly from me. I try to move towards where it is heading but I find that I can not and that the body that I possess is fighting me. The priest that brought me in looks at me and says, "You will never find that which you seek foul creature and you will be banished."
I let out a scream as I was ripped from the body and the next thing I knew was darkness.


It is now the year 2003 and the priest was wrong- I have come back stronger than ever and more powerful. I am the owner of a business that runs almost everything, legal and illegal in this world and I have more wealth than I can count and everything that I want. Except the one thing I truly want. I still hear its call but I can not locate it. That is why I have sought out the best treasure hunters in the world and have asked them to join me. I want what is rightfully mine back.

 

[Angelus]

Adam

Adam sat there with his head in his hands and tried to think of what had brought him to this end in his life. If it hadn't been for Randolph then he wouldn't be in this mess and facing extradiction and life in prison. He let out a sigh and looked at the floor but looked up when he heard the foot steps. When he saw who was standing there he got to his feet and moved to the bars of his cell quickly, looking the man straight in the face.
"You, you did this to me."
"I know. I wish I could tell the police officers what I did to you but you see it would be against my nature and my orders."
Adam looked at him with a confused look on his face.
"Your orders. What orders?"
Randolph moved forward and produced an envelope.
"I was told by my boss that I had to put you into this predicament so that you could be found and I could give you this. You must read it as what you want most, your freedom depends on it."

Without another word Randolph turned and began to walk away and Adam looked down at his hand to see the envelope there. He looked down the hallway at Randolph but saw that he had already gone. He looked down at the envelope and slowly opened it then pulled out the letter.

Dear Mr. Richards,

I am so sorry to have put you in this place but how else was I to find you. I want you to do a job for me. You can say no if you wish to but I promise you the reward is more than you can wish for. I will also throw in your freedom- to get your record cleared. All you have to do is say yes and you will be free from that jail cell you find yourself in right now. When you are free you will come to the Phoenix Tower in New York- you will find it.

Thank you for reading this letter Mr. Richards and I hope to see you soon. Oh, and go to locker 142 in the airport, all that you need to find me will be there.


Adam looked down at the letter with shock and wondered who knew he was here. He looked down at it and said yes, wondering what was going to happen and the next thing he knew the wall closest to him was shattered by an explosion. As soon as he could see again he saw a gaping hole in the wall and ran towards it then out into the street.

 

[Graybread]

Manfred Allison

Manfred sat in the hot tub on his patio, soaking his sore muscles. The cave-in of the small tunnel, at the ‘Valley of the Kings’, had nearly cost him his life this time. If he’d had permission to be there, he wouldn’t have been crawling through the tunnel, but….

“Señor Doctor.” Maria said in her broken English, approaching the hot tub, “You ‘ave a letter.”

He turned his head as she spoke, seeing the letter in her hand.

“Read it for me por favor, my hands are wet.” He was always encouraging Maria to improve her English.

“Si, Señor Doctor,” she said slipping her finger under the flap. Taking the single sheet out of the envelope and unfolding it she read:

Dear Mr. Allison,
Knowing your sense of…ahvenshur Maria stumbled over the word. “Adventure,” Manfred, corrected her. Knowing your sense of advenshur, I would like to invi you on the greatest treashur hunt of all time. Greater than the finds at the tombs of to….”I can not say this word Señor Doctor,” she said apologetically.

“Here, let me have it,” he said chuckling, drying his hands on a towel and taking the letter.

“Gracias Señor Doctor,” she said handing him the letter. “Supper will be ready in alf an hour.”

“Gracias Maria, you can go home if you’d like. I can fix my own plate.”

“Gracias Señor Doctor,” she said smiling and turning back to the house.

Dear Mr. Allison,
Knowing your sense of adventure, I would like to invite you on the greatest treasure hunt of all time. Greater than the finds at the tombs of Tut•ankh•a•men. I know that you will not be able to turn this down, as the rewards are greater than you can imagine.
Please come to the Phoenix Tower in New York as soon as you get your bags packed. There everything will be explained.

The letter was unsigned. He turned it over and looked at the backside, then held it up to the sun to see any watermark.

“Hmmm, better get my bags packed,” he said to no one. Getting out of the hot tub and heading for the house. Certainly can’t turn down the ‘Greatest Adventure of all time.’”

 

[Messalina]

Messalina Bishop

It was 96° out and felt like 110 in the shade. She needed into the air conditioning and an ice cold beer. Messalina swore as she shuffled her groceries in her arms and grabbed the mail from the box before letting herself into the loft.

"Lucy, I'm home!" Messa greeted the blue Himalayan who was head-butting her leg in a manner of greeting. "You'll be fed in a minute, fuzzy one. Patience. Me first today."

She opened the fridge and took out a beer which she replaced with a head of romaine and some brie before turning to open a can of food for the now yowling Lucy. Messalina kicked off her shoes and began to unbutton her blouse as she took a swig of the ice cold brew and shuffled through the mail.

"Junk and bills, Lucy. That's all we ever... " She paused as an envelope with an engraved return caught her eye. "Oooh... high class junk mail. Maybe we should give them a read, huh?" Grabbing a knife from the block on the counter, she slit the envelope open.

Dear Dr. Bishop,

Your educational credentials and recognition as an authority in Art History and Classical Archaeology have led us to seek you out with an offer we believe you will not be able to refuse. Suffice it to say that your NYU project at Aphrodisias in the Maeander River basin may have been a huge discovery but this one will both rival and surpass it. The financial remunerations alone will make it more than worth your while.

If you are interested in learning more, and we are sure that you will most certainly be, please accept our invitation to join us in New York City on Friday, 18 July at 9:00am at the Phoenix Tower.

Sincerely,

Caroline Sandhurst
Secretary, The Phoenix Group, Ltd.

"Well well well," she mumbled as she took another long drink and turned the letter over to look at the back. Why people did that was beyond her, but she did it without fail. One of these days she'd figure out why.

She tossed the empty in the recycle bin and reached into the refrigerator for another as she read and reread the letter. It was tempting. Very tempting indeed. How could she refuse?

 

[Daisymell]

Zara Lane smiled as the last student left her spanish class. She went to close the door when a student from the front office came to her door.

"Miss. Lane?"
"Yes. I am Zara Lane. Need some help with something," she asked with a shy smile.

"Well, actually, we have a piece of mail here for you. So they Secretary had me bring it to you."

"That's odd. I never get mail here. Thank you," she got a piece of candy out of a dish and handed it to the student, "Have a great day."

The student beamed, popped the candy in her mouth and left. Zara looked at the envelope noticing it had no return address and something inside her felt the excitement she had always felt with her parents as a young girl. She missed those days.

She went to her desk and got a letter opener, she kept one just in case...never know when comes in handy. Thats the way she was. Too organized and prepared for anything. Except this...so she took it out and slit the envelope. She pulled out a single sheet of white paper that had typed on it:

Miss. Zara Lane,

I know of your extensive knowledge of languages and your past with your parents. I have a favor to ask. I am looking for a great treasure. I am assembling a group to look for this treasure in a great mission. One where your knowledge and expertise might help. I am sure because you had lived the lifestyle for twenty years you will be comfortable in this group. If you are interested come to the Phoenix Tower in New York City, USA as soon as possible. I hope you decide to be on the team and am looking forward to finally meeting you.

Unsigned

Zara clutched the letter to her and then rushed into action. She gathered her things and raced to her flat to pack and call her different jobs. She finally was going back to where she belonged.

 

[IDreamofBunnies]

Julius leaned back in his dusty old chair looking at the plate of letters his butler brought him, most of them were bills, the staff required to manage the Pryce estate was massive. One of the letters was different, even in its placement, skirting the edge of the plate. He picked it up and carefully cut it open with a letter opener.

Dr. Julius Pryce, Esq.

As a fellow archeologist and admirer of the classical world, I thought it would delight you to know that I am assembling a group of like minded individuals for an expedition like no other. It would be smashing if you could join us at once, and bring that charming zepplin of yours.

Yours,

The bottom of the letter had been smudged, how careless. Still the envelope provided an address, the postmark indicated that it had been sent yesterday. Never one to pass up on an expedition Julius called the hangar to have the airship prepared.

 

[gohan18]

Robert Smith

I had just gotten home from a late night excursions when I heard the door bell ring. I staggerd to my feet as best I could.Opening up the door expecting to find someone all I find is a envelope on the door.

"What the..."

Grabbing the letter off the door I open it to find a letter.

Mr. Robert Smith
I have heard of your lets say unethical ways of getting things done. I am putting together a team of treasue hunters to seek out a rare artifact. I have been referred to you as being one of the best demoltions experts around. If your intrested in a job that pays very well meet me at the Phoenix Towers.Everything you need will be furnished.

"Well ain't that the damdest"

Walking outside I get onto my Harley. Turning the key the beast rumbles to life. Turning the throttle I let it bark before heading off to the Big Apple.

"New York here I come"

 

[Lady_Siren]

Destiny fanned idilly through her closet. She had just returned from a gruel expedition and showered all that grime off of her body. She was in the proccess of choosing as outfit when her aunt entered. She wasn't fazed by Destiny's nudity merely commented that her fingernails were getting to long. "Dear this came for you today. It looks important." She handed the letter to Destiny then just stood there expectantly. Her aunt loved excitment when it came to other people. She loved hearing of all Destiny's exploits and findings. Destiny smiled kindly then opened the letter
"Dear Miss Riley,
Your extensive knowledge in all things paranormal and shall we say "Magical" is quite impressive. Unlike most I respected your fathers work. Due to your extraordinary credentials I would like to enlist your aid in finding an artifact reputed to be extremely powerful. Your pay will of course be large and much to your liking as well as the prestige in finding such a rare artifact. If you choose to accept my offer you will find me at the Pheonix Towers in New York City. I hope to see you there!"

Destiny felt excitment well up inside her. An extremely powerful artifact? Could it possibly be what she had been searching for? She didn't dare hope but it was so hard. All her life she had been searching for an artifact her father had found an old manuscript on. It had been hidden in a secret room in a tome near some old church ruins. He had it preserved and hidden, and had searching the rest of his life for the object. "Well dear? Is it good news?" her aunt's voice brought her back to the present. "It is good news indeed dear Aunt. I am going to New York!"

 

[Angelus]

Adam had made his way to the airport slowly as he kept looking behind him and backtracking to throw off any pursuit. As soon as he walked into the airport he made his way to where the lockers were, wondering what was waiting for him in there. As soon as he made his way to the locker a great shock came to him as he saw Randolph standing there. He walked forward slowly and wondered what he was standing there for.
"What are you doing here. Have you come to set me up and get me sent back to jail?"
Randolph laughed before he handed Adam a key. He then motioned to the locker and said, "This is what you are here for is it not. You better hurry, my boss will not be happy if you are late."

Without another word Randolph turned and walked away from Adam who walked to the locker, put the key in and turned it. As soon as he opened the locker door he received his second shock when he saw a large suitcase sitting in there. He slowly pulled out the suitcase and looked into the locker to see a passport and a airline ticket. He pulled them out and opened up the passport to see his picture staring up at him. His eyes widened when he saw this and then the name. He decided to check the airline
ticket and saw that it was for that night for an hour from now. As soon as he saw that one question came to him.

Who was this person that wanted him and how connected was he?

 

[Angelus]

I sat back and looked out at the city with a rare smile on my face. If Randolph had done his job like I had told him to do then all of the people I wanted would have gotten the letters and they would be coming to me.

I had been following these people for years and knew that they were exactly what I wanted, they would get me what I needed most in this life. I sat back and closed my eyes, hearing its distant call in my head and wishing that I knew where it was or that I had it with me. But I knew that if these people were as good as their reputations then I would have what I have always wanted.

With that thought foremost in my mind I stood up and started laughing, a sound that would have chilled anyone to the bone.

 

[Messalina]

Messalina Bishop

Messalina paid the cabbie and got out, entering the Phoenix Tower through the revolving door at its main entrance. There were Rent-a-Cops stationed at all the elevators and two beside the circular Information Desk in the middle of the lobby. Unsure of where she was supposed to go, Messa approached the desk and asked for directions.

"You're expected," the receptionist told her after consulting the large appointment book in front of herself. "Top floor. Bruce here will accompany you."

Somehow that didn't surprise Messa as she followed 'Bruce' toward the bank of elevators against the far wall. "Top," he said aloud when the doors slid open and they entered. Using a key to unlock a small panel above the floor buttons, the guard smiled as he pressed his thumb to a small screen and spoke his name. "Bruce Johannsen." After a series of whirrs and beeping tones, the elevator began to move.

There was a tall, dark-haired man waiting for them when the car stopped moving and the doors opened. "Thanks, Bruce. I'll take care of things from here."

"Sure thing, Mr. Randolph."

Messalina stepped into what appeared to be a luxurious penthouse rather than a place to conduct business and raised an eyebrow. "This way, Dr. Bishop."

"I know... I'm expected." She smiled and followed Randolph, presumably to meet his employer.

 

[Graybread]

Manfred Allison

The plane landed at JFK International on time for a change. Manfred collected his luggage and headed for the taxi stands, going to the first one in line. The ‘rag head’ helped him load his bags into the trunk then jumped into the drivers’ seat, Manfred entered the back.

“Where to,” the driver asked with an Arabic accent?

“The Phoenix Tower please,” Manfred replied.

The ride to the Tower seemed longer than Manfred knew it should be. Finally they pulled up to the entrance of the Tower.

“That will be $50 please,” the cabbie said.

Manfred opened the door and slide out, going to the rear of the cab to get his bags. The driver followed opening the trunk, and lifting the bags out.

“That will be $50 please,” he repeated.

“I tell ya what buddy,” Manfred said, slapping a twenty into the mans hand. “I’ve been to New York before, but I think this is the first time I’ve seen the ‘Chrysler Building’ three times on one ride.”

He picked up his bags and backed through the revolving doors of the Tower, listening to the ‘rag head’ cuss at him in Arabic, he just smiled back. As he turned around he noticed all the Security Guards posted throughout the main floor. Thinking of all the events that had happened in New York in the past couple of years, it didn’t surprise him. He walked to the Information Desk at the center of the lobby.

“Hi,” he said to the receptionist. “I’m to meet someone here?”

“Your name Sir,” she replied.

“Allison, Manfred Allison.”

“Yes Sir, you are expected. Top floor. Bruce here will accompany you.”

Manfred watched intently as Bruce went through the ‘High Security’ checks. The thumbprint scan was a nice touch.

I love this cloak and dagger shit. he thought to himself.

“So, who am I going to meet,” he asked ‘Bruce’, trying to glean any pre-information he could.

Bruce ignored him as they ascended to the top of the Tower. Manfred thought he might have to pay ‘Bruce’ another $50 fare, as long as the ‘ride to the top’ took. Finally the elevator came to a stop, and the doors opened.

“Thank you Bruce,” said the tall, dark haired man standing there. “I’ll take care of Dr. Allison from here.”

“Yes Sir, Mr. Randolph,” Bruce answered.

“Mr. Randolph,” Manfred said, picking up his bags and tipping his head in acknowledgement. “Now what?”

“This way please,” Mr. Randolph said leading Manfred into the Penthouse.

 

[gohan18]

After riding most of the night I finally make it to the Pheonix Tower. Looking around I see a man wearing a red vest toward my bike.

'Shall I park you bike for you sir'

"Shall I kick your ass you little piece of shit, just show me where I can park my hog."

After finding a safe place for my bike I walk into the building. Not being used to the doors I accidentlly walk around the opening and have to go around again and walk in. Looking around I see the receptionist. Walking over I put my hand on the counter with a thud.

"I got this letter and it told me to come here. So where do I go now."

'Yes sir just follow 'Bruce' and he will show you where to go'

As I follow him I can't help but notice all the the renta pigs all over the place. Getting in the elevator I stare off into nothing until we get where we are going.

'Here we are sir'

"Thanks alot, I probably could have run up here faster then that slow piece of shit"

As I following him he opens up to large set of doors. Looking in a see 2 other people.

 

[Daisymell]

Zara practically leapt out of the cab as she paid the driver and grabbed her bags. She quickly walked into the Phoenix Tower and went to the receptionist.

"Hello," she said with her English accent. "I am here to talk to the person who sent me a letter. Might you..."

"Of course. You can follow Bruce up in the elevator. Here he is. Bruce," she motioned for him to take her up.

The elevator ride seemed long but Zara was way too excited. At the top she met a man who introduced himself as Randolph. She politely gave her name and he helped her with her bags.

He opened a door and she was stared at by three other people. She smiled at them and said, "Hi. Im Zara. Zara Lane," she held out her hand as the others stared at it.

 

[Lady_Siren]

Destiny arrived at the towers and payed the cabbie quickly and grabbed her bags. She entered the towers noting all the security. Her employer must be a very wealthy man. She smiled at the receptionist "I'm here for a job, I was sent a letter?" The receptionist nodded "your name please." "Destiny Riley" She replied. The receptionist nodded and motioned to a man who stood not far from the desk. "Follow Bruce" Destiny nodded and followed 'Bruce' into the elevator watching as he keyed in all the neccessary security. When they finally reached the top she met a man named Randolph. She shook his hand smiling, he then led her to a room where four other people stood. She nodded her greeting anxious to meet her mysterious employer.

 

[Lady_Siren]

OOC: accidently posted twice.. sorry!

 

[Lady_Siren]

[No message]

 

[Angelus]

Adam

As soon as the plane touched down Adam was out of his seat and grabbing his bag. He couldn't wait to get out of the plane and get to a taxi so he could get to the Phoenix tower and find out just what was going on. He stood there and waited as the door opened then slowly walked out and was instantly hit by the smells of his home town. He walked straight into the main part of the airport and watched as everyone walked around. As soon as he went through customs he made his way to the taxi stand and hailed one of them. As soon as he was in the back the driver asked him where he was going and he told him that he was going to the Phoenix Towers.

He sat back and wondered what why he had been told to come here and why he had been broken out of prison. He watched as the streets seemed to fly by and before he realized it the cab had stopped in front of a large, very impressive building. Adam slowly got up and paid the cab driver then looked up at the building and asked himself what he was doing here. He walked straight to the front desk and up to the receptionist that sat behind it. She looked at him when he was close enough.

"Hi, my name is Adam Richards. I got a letter telling me to be here."

"Oh course Mr. Richards. You have been expected. If you would please follow Bruce he will take you straight up to where the others are."

As soon as she finished speaking a large guard appeared out of nowhere to stand next to him. He looked down at Adam before he walked towards the elevator, the doors opening with no sound at all.

Adam followed Bruce into the elevator and as soon as the doors opened Bruce pressed his thumb to the scanner, the doors closed and the elevator began moving.

After what seemed like an awfully long ride up the doors opened in front of him and Adam's eyes widened when he saw Randolph standing there in front of him.

"You, how did you get here before me?"

"Ah, but that is my secret. Now if you will follow me then I will introduce you to the rest of the team."

 

[Morgoth]

J.T. hefted the .50 caliber Stoner, testing it. He nodded to the seller. "I'll take it", he said, ripping off a check and handing it to him. The man left quickly, business concluded, leaving the mansion behind. J.T. went to the shooting range and set the rifle down, lying down behind it. He scoped in, looking for the target. he adjusted a bolt on the sight, and depressed the trigger. The explosive sound was nearly muted as the suppressor did its job. The target down the range was nearly ripped away a second later as the bullet tore into the center, only being stopped by the thick steel sheet behind it. J.T. stood, admiring the weapon for a little bit, then nodded. As he turned, he saw his butler heading towards him. "Yes, what is it, George?" he asked. George withdrew a letter from a pocket and handed it to J.T. "Thanks", he said as George turned and left. Ripping it open, J.T. read.
"J.T.:
I am man with a great deal of money and a noble cause. I am in search of an artifact that, if found, can help all of mankind. If you're interested, come fully prepared to the Phoneix Tower in New York."

J.T. packed the letter away. After a brief 4 hours, his sparkling Lamborghini Diablo pulled into the parking lot. He left the bags in the trunk, moving into the tower. "I'm invited", he said, flashing the letter. "Yes, John will take you up", said the receptionist at the front desk. J.T. followed the large guard, into the elevator, staring in silent contemplation as the elevetor began to move. After a long ride, the doors finally opened. before him, a man stood who introduced himself as Randolph. He followed Randolph to a room with 5 people. "J.T.", he said, offering his hand.

 

[Messalina]

Messalina Bishop

Messalina had been studying the unlikely group of people who had begun to gather, but it was Randolph who held her eye. Their eyes had met more than once in the few minutes since she'd been escorted into what appeared to be a reception area -- though, despite its size, on any other occasion it could easily serve as someone's living room. It wasn't just posh. It was lush. Whoever owned the Phoenix Group and had gathered them all together was beyond wealthy. And it showed.

"Hi. I'm Zara. Zara Lane."

Messalina smiled and took the young woman's extended hand. "Messalina Bishop," she said in reply. "Just call me Messa. Everyone does."

The man who had come in just after her, raised his head and looked at her boldly when she spoke, almost as if he'd recognized her name. As she'd said to Lucy the night before... curiouser and curiouser.

Truth was, she was grateful that Zara had broken the ice by speaking first. The little group, which was growing almost by leaps and bounds, seemed quite diverse, though there had to be some sort of commonality among them. Something aside from the fact that they all seemed to be holding similar letters.

Messalina had spotted a wet bar when she'd come in and gestured with a tilt of her head for Zara to follow her, speaking as she walked. "Anybody thirsty? I'm parched. So... Where are you from, Zara? Me, I live here in the Village."

Walking behind the bar, she looked up as Randolph's piercing eyes met hers yet again. "You don't mind, do you, Randolph?" What was it with this guy and the looks?

 

[Daisymell]

"Umm thank you Messa. I will just have a water...if there is water. If not that is fine," Zara said nervously. "I come from London, England. I am so excited to be traveling again. What do you do Messa?"

 

[Morgoth]

His hand spurned, J.T. walked to a corner, where he sat.

 

[Daisymell]

J.T.'s motion of sitting down caught her eye and she watched as he sat. She looked him over then realized she was staring. She let her attention flip back to Messa and fiddled with her red wool skirt.

 

[Angelus]

Adam looked at everyone in the group then walked over and stood by one of the windows. He didn't know how to react around these people as he was used to being alone. He knew that he had to get along with these people but he also wanted to stand to one side and see just what was going on. He then saw Randolph standing there watching one of the females of the group and wondered what he wanted with her but he knew he was just being paranoid.

He slowly walked over to the closest chair and almost sank into it before he sat back and watched the group again.

 

[Morgoth]

J.T. scanned the group, taking mental notes and evaluating their strengths and weaknesses. Most of all, he attempted to identify just who they were, each one.