AsBloodTurnsEverCold

Kojo watched Boone pocket something he picked up off the ground curiously. It had an odd look to it, a strange shine? Was it some poor woman's broach? Some unfortunate gentleman's pocket piece? He had no idea but he was certain the Deputy would attempt to pawn later. It wasn't his concern for now but...something about it did concern Kojo. The man pushed it away as she helped smooth his coat on Alicia, not concerned about the stains it was likely collected from the blood that adorned her. Kojo wasn't worried about the coat and only turned to look at Missy. His strange eyes locked on hers for a moment as he returned the nod and to Alicia as she thanked him quietly for the coat. He chuckled "You ladies do get home safe and be careful at the Golden Stag. The lights of the Saloon doesn't make gentlemen of beasts." but he could at least be sure they'd be away from these fools...for now. Kojo was staying though and with Alicia covered and the ladies off he'd stand up and put his hands on his hips. "Now gentlemen. Lets take a look at those wires." he said hoping they didn't keep to much attention on the ladies as they left. He'd have to collect his coat from Alicia later but for now he was complying with the law and made his way over to the ladder. He undid his bowtie in the meantime and shoved it into his pocket as he moved over to the ladder at the side of the stage and started to climb up to the catwalks. He wasn't sure what all was happening here. If there was blood it meant either someone else died up here or whatever they were dealing with was no ghost....but ghost or not someone did die. It was no less dangerous and whoever this phantom was had to have known how to navigate right? Once up to the catwalks he made his way over to the wires to get a good look at them. He was familiar with this theater and everything in it. A musician knew their grounds. They knew the acoustics, and what every part of the performance did. He looked around, ignoring the needy hum that was growing more oppressive on the stem of his brain to see if he could make a good deduction of what might have happened up here and why these wires were covered in blood. -------------------------------------

Yeah I kinda figured maybe you'd wanna set that scene even if they aren't there instantly. Fluff it up stuff like that. If not then I'll go ahead and post with Kojo

Kojo is staying behind for a moment Alicia and Missy are going though they're going to change first Figured you might write to set that up or check on the butler or something though. Its a bit of a brief split atm.

Nothing strange going on in the mysterious lab! Don't worry about it. I'll give today and a little bit of tomorrow for Magnificent to reply before I post with Kojo again.

Local man was promised a good evening with good music and instead he just watched a guy die! He could see that for free at the local mine. Total rip. He didnt even get the music! Alicia does have the perfect chance to test those cleaners that way she'll know it can hide totally-not-evidence of her innocent and totally-not-insane expirements upon the townsfolk.

Its a good thing no one asked for the money on their tickets back

Kojo is a pure-hearted gentlemen who simply thought the young lady could use a coat to hide things. Of course a visit later to check on Alicia and potentially retrieve it would only be proper! (and seeing more of the intriguing and potentially dangerous maybe vampire is just kind of a bonus.). He can inquire more about her! If he doesn't see them at the Saloon of course. Have to check on Missy too at some point. That poor woman. Being wrapped up with Thane and accruing owed favors. At least they're free from the stooges for now.

Very considerate mad scientist! Considerate to Kojo I suppose lol poor fans just wanting to potentially get their hands on a piece of paraphernalia and ending up strapped to a table. Kojo might indeed need to stop by to get the coat again. If he doesn't let her keep it though. Its a very comfy coat.

Hopefully no fans start trying to accost Alicia while Kojo is trying to explain why theater wires should probably not be bloody. She could also always sell the coat to the first person with a proper bid.

Turns out murder is a good way to ruin a perfectly exciting evening. Can't even impress the ladies in peace anymore

Can definitely see the headlines now. Kojo's shows are for sure cursed. Someone died this time instead of just ending up naked running through the isles.

Kojo knew how these men operated. He knew their boss for far longer than he had simply been the sheriff of this little town and he knew how much danger the girls were in with the eyes of the men on them. It was only the barest of pulls to do their jobs that had Boone sending his men upward towards the Catwalks where blood flowed, but he knew it was their usual demeanor that kept them locked upon the womenfolk with intent still. His eyes narrowed at Boone's reply but it was the gentle hand from Missy that stopped Kojo dead in his tracks. His cold blue eyes landed on her and the man would relent. Kojo was no fool and he knew that she was correct. He didn't move from his spot, merely loosening his bowtie around his neck as Missy did her thing and invoked some...connection to Joshua. That poor woman. He had no idea how close she might be to that monster but he could tell it wasn't a pleasant invocation. It was seconded swiftly by calling upon Mr. Blackwood. Money spoke. Power spoke. Kojo had money but he stood opposed to Thane and his cronies. Edmund, however, was closer to them. Kojo couldn't help but let out a silent chuckle. Missy was clever. Kojo's eyes just drifted upward. He was fairly certain he knew this place as well any other. He might not have owned the place but any good performer knew their mark but whether they'd find something he did not know. Someone had died up there. It was the only thing that made sense which meant there was another person to pay homage to when the time came. He waited nearby, prepared, even futilely to try and aid them should the deputies be so foolish as to cart them away. Edmund seemed to agree to whatever deal silent deal passed between them. It appeared, at least to Kojo, that Missy was also one to make deals with devils. He wondered why she might go so far but appeared they had all come down on the side of making sure Alicia did not suffer needless accusation for a murder she did not commit. He'd nod to Edmund "I think we could all use a drink Lord Blackwood." But of course another request from Missy for a cloak or Shawl and this...Kojo could do though he did not want to move away he nodded to her "Of course." he stated. Alicia, the poor thing, seemed to look to Boone for permission. Kojo would removed his tuxedo coat and drape it over Alicia "Do take this for now. I'll find something more suitable for you." he said before turning on his heel to move to the curtains. There was definitely plenty of shawls and cloaks Alicia could wear but if not then Kojo's coat would do just fine. He certainly had no intention of asking the Deputies for permission to do the right thing so he'd duck into the back to find something proper for Alicia.

I think 4 is good with an extension to 5-7 if its more or less an important reply being waited on for the scene. I just didn't want to totally take the reins on that until we were at an understanding. Life does get in the way but I definitely want to keep this moving steady.

I was actually planning to go ahead and post today, but yeah was waiting for Magnificent to post. I do think giving people a few days to a week is fair before moving forward to keep things pushing forward.

It seemed the mess with Aldert was put on hold. Kojo knew it wasn't a permanent end but with all voices remaining turned against him at that moment it left no choice. Kojo continued to try and help Missy but Alicia's voice took his attention as she confirmed there was no chance to save Mr. Ward. Kojo shook his head "A good man was murdered today. Its a loss for everyone." and that was all Kojo could really say on it. Perhaps he could write Mr. Ward's epitaph to be preformed much latter. It was all Kojo could do to honor Mr. Ward but the truth was it was not as though they were friends. That was part of the sadness of it wasn't it? Perhaps if tonight had gone well Kojo could have gotten to know Mr. Ward. Who knew what life he left before it was ended? There was time for that later but for now Mr. Ward was just....a corpse. The night was dead. The thing that held his soul was unfed and there were no answers at that moment just a group of strangers and some suspicious circumstances that could have led anywhere. Kojo looked to Missy as she called his name and asked him about the stage. He'd move away from Millie, pulling his gloves off his hand to stuff in his pocket as he did so. His blue eyes looked upward "No ma'am no rooftop entrances. The boy is right, we have ladders." he confirmed to Missy in his deep tones. He was fairly certain there was no rooftop access. This place had an interesting make absolutely but he had never seen a rooftop to access this place from. He was curious too but as he looked along those who had an interest Missy and Edmund seemed the most interested in the phantom. He was too. He understood Missy's interest in a way. He'd listened to her stories before and this...figure. This legend was something she had spoken of before wasn't it? Didn't seem like a legend now. Kojo couldn't help but laugh a little bit at Edmund's words "That Lout? No more likely to figure this out than a blind dog." with a good hint of venom for the man they called Sheriff. He looked to Edmund again "Couldn't think of a worse way to meet a benefactor than in the midst of a murder." he chuckled lightly before he climbed onto the stage again as Edmund took a certain...tone with him to make sure everyone stayed for the sheriff. It was a little annoying but the situation was tense and Kojo had the same thought. The musician looked towards the young man "Gather the workers if you will young man. The deputies will wanna talk to all of you but don't let the ladies roam alone. Last thing they need today is-." Kojo's voice was gentler, more understanding at least before the doors were thrown open and the sound of heavy footsteps filled the hall. The acoustics of the hall were incredible. The Deputies. Kojo was worried about exactly them and for a good reason. It didn't take them long to prove why as their eyes focused hungrily on Missy. The air around them was as rancid as Thane's. Kojo took a deep breath "The Sheriff told you to send potential witnesses away? Sei nicht dumm...don't you need statements from everyone here? " he said. Truthfully he couldn't imagine Millie would be in too much trouble but Alicia? He didn't fancy her odds. Kojo looked to Edmund and Missy "Would you at least allow them to stay to help me with my instruments?" he asked trying to give them a reason to stay though he imagined Edmund himself would find one. He did contribute to it after all. This situation was no less tense than watching a man die.

Carlo could only look on in shock as the woman known as Red Jenny made her way into air. It all seemed so still and now silent even as the panicking souls made their ways out. The man only looked on with shock, brought back down by a rising thrum in his head at his brainstem. He placed a gloved hand there for a moment and stood there in the silence of the dark. It was only when the lights flickered back on that Carlo allowed himself to breath. A ghost? Truly? It wasn't as though Carlo did not believe in spirits and the like....his very nature was entwined with things he did not fully understand but this? A man was dead and his assassin had vanished into the shadows without trace. Carlo had no words to make of it....not at at that moment. He used the returned light to look among who was left, who had not fled. Thane was nowhere in sight. He looked towards Kirsa's box still expecting, perhaps, to see the steel blue eyes of his employer peering from the shadows herself still. He looked around...his stage, his moment, their chance at a good memory. Ruined. He couldn't help but frown a bit seeing this but as he looked and with a sigh made his way away to let the Good Doctor work. He wasn't much use up there was he? He would make his way off the stage and look upon the seats to do what no one else was at that moment. People were still making their way out but who knew who else was there? He noticed a figure struggling to stand and made his way over to her "Here let me help." although the closer he got the more he thought he recognized this woman. Wasn't she the Gearhart woman? The one who made good repairs on the now unused steam organ he was so looking forward to playing for them this night? "Are you alright? Hurt?" he asked with genuine concern. This night was a disaster. And then works, not too far from a man who looked more like he belonged here than most but certainly not a native to the states. The man's words were barbed and aimed at the pale doctor who had her hands covered in the blood of their once hopeful host. Carlo's blue eyes narrowed but he would not be the first to rebuke this man. Sir Edmund Blackwood. A benefactor had made his way there, his temper no less fiery. Carlo could feel the hum spreading but there was no such time. "Sir, we're all abroad at the moment. A good man lies here bleeding at the hands of someone we all saw. Have some class." that hum was spreading further but Carlo...perhaps Kojo when the lights did not shine on him would not indulge in the rage of the two men. He gestured to them "If he does still breath do not let the last thing he hears be anger." though he had no idea. Alicia did look freighting covered in the blood of an innocent man but it wasn't her doing. They were all unsure. What was going on?

Ah damn yeah that wouldn't make anything easier at all. Hope it clears up for you. I hate when that's happens here. Not usually constant but deeply exhausting.

These things happen. Sounds like a damn busy day.

It as time finally. Kojo gently adjusted his gloves again as he stood there prepared to duck through the shielding cloth that separated him this world from the next. The muffled sound of Mr. Ward starting his opening lines. Kojo....Carlo took a deep breath, his foot tapping against the wood for a few moments. A count. It was slightly muffled but as soon as the sound of clapping drifted through it would be Kojo's time to step out into the slight. To bring these people into his world once again, or for the first time. That hum in his head grew stronger, sang with more anticipation and at some point it became quite difficult to tell if it was him or it that currently desired this the most. There was, ideally, no time to think about it. Kojo just needed to give his opening and once the piano was pushed out it could begin. It would be a good night. It should have been a good night. The light that crept through the cracks in the curtain suddenly went dark. The world outside gasped and then fell silent. It was already dead silent behind those curtains but an unspoken whisper did pass between them all. Was this part of the show? Kojo couldn't recall anything like this during rehearsal? Perhaps a mistake? They waited...and waited. A hum broke the quiet. A melody but it did not belong to Kojo. It disturbed him almost as much as the hum in his head did. It rose up almost as if to meet it but it was not a thrilled hum. Once the lights came back on Kojo expected to hear a muffled joke and to be called forth onto the stage but that was not what happened. No. It should have been a good night. It wasn't. Silence...and then screams. The world outside set into panic and in his head a discordant roar. It was not a good night. The performers all shared a concerned look "A fire maybe? Y'all heard anything?" one of the fiddlers spoke. No one quite moved at least until Kojo made her way out of the curtains with panic. Out of their little peaceful world and into the real one where it was chaos. It was always chaos but this was something else. His strange eyes wide as he watched people scramble every which way trying to reach safety and from what? Her. That screeching in his head was practically one of fury as his eyes set upon the figure that had ruined the night. Clad in blood, as unknown as the night itself. It was a figure of myth in its own way that made the town of Prospect Junction something else. He'd never seen her but damn if he didn't know the name the same way everyone else did. Kojo was cursed because the devil himself had just decided to pay tonight's show a little visit in the form of a woman. A wraith. God help the poor little children. Red Jenny. The denier of the feast. Kojo practically froze in place for a moment. What was this...specter doing up here and what he she? He looked around and there was Mr. Ward, bleeding out. It didn't look particularly violent but clean. Practiced! Damn it all. It'd be one thing to deal with a crazed fan but it was another thing to deal with this. That poor man had been looking forward to the night and there we was forced to grasp at life! Kojo looked between her and the bleeding body and prepared to make his way forward. He wasn't a medicine man though and dammit he didn't have his gun. A venue like this did not normally permit one! He looked about for Mr. Thane. Where was that bastard when he was actually needed? He only looked back to see the smaller figure of a pale creature climb up onto the stage. A myth of her own but not a threat for the night...unless she was interested in Mr. Ward's body for the bounty it offered. It wouldn't be surprising if the legends were true. He still didn't quite believe them. One eye twitching Kojo moved forward "Hey!" a practiced voice cutting through the noise. Lips pursed and tongue positioned as he whistled. It sounded beautiful itself. Steady and loud cutting through the screams. It was a motion Immaculate and practiced to get attention as the performer placed himself between Mr. Ward, his assailant, and the good doctor. It was Kojo's night thought this wasn't quite the attention he needed. It was the attention he'd have to take. He wasn't sure if he'd have to try and defend himself or lead her away but hopefully no one else would end up in such a sorry state. He felt as though he might....It certainly wasn't happy but probably less so than he was at that moment. Damn it all.

Well no one can say Mr. Ward didn't give a killer opening. I hope Mr. Cash put up those No Refund signs.

It was...surprising Kojo had to admit. His surprise wasn't down to a lack of faith in the skills he'd acquired, nor the fame (and infamy) he enjoyed (and bemoaned). He'd played all over, and spread his name. He'd toured the Americas where they would have him, played in hallowed halls all over Europe, enjoyed crowds even in The Orient, and more. His name was known even if it wasn't the name he was born with. He knew the power of music, of sound, of stories delivered on instrument and yet...he was here. He'd played here plenty and yet he couldn't have ever guessed he'd draw this level of crowd in a place like this. He supposed the proprietors of the hall were more than thrilled. He was too. It was simply a marvel and the curtains hadn't even been drawn yet! His strange eyes drifted to the fiddler and nodded "Yes, it seems they are." Kojo shared his nerves but the smile on his face said he was ready. He shifted his attentions back to Mr. Ward. It was hard to say any of the players had higher hopes than their Compere here. He was dedicated to this Kojo could tell and he did appreciate it. The arts were important to him too so it was merely another hope to carry on his shoulders. He'd hardly be one to turn it down. It did seem that they were all feeling it. Don't choke. The anticipation was just as heavy for him as it might have been for others. The jitters before the show was normal, but more than that he couldn't help but think of the crowd. The sight of people who rarely joined them for these events. They are here with open hearts. Sing to them and pull their spirits free, enraptured with the melody. His body hummed with excitement and desire to see the looks on their faces when it all began. What would they think? What would they feel? He wanted it too. He knew, however, he needed to keep control. The music could play him just as well. His reputation surely wouldn't survive if this ended up like that night at the Teatro Olimpico. He needed to remain steady. It was difficult to keep his ego in check with this man in play "Well then, it does fall to me to ensure they leave here contented. I hope you will all help with that." one more encouraging statement as they had hit the point of no return now hadn't they? "All prepared Mr. Ward." it was time, and it fell on him to make sure they were properly introduced. The stage-hands got into place ready to push out the piano, the opener of the night once they'd been introduced. Kojo pull his gloves from his pocket and slipped them on. Anticipation was half the work, now it was the follow through to match. Surely tonight would be a good night. It needed to be.

The air was electrifying....and yet a little strange. His eyes closed just a little hiding those strange orbs as he listened to the hum of things. Life, as it were, was music in its own way and its bore its crescendos and went through its calandos it was all performance. Constant. It was hard not to notice when the crowd would hush and the previously excited atmosphere would shift just a little. Kojo would peel back the certain just a little and peer out. It was hard not to notice the wide-berth certain segments of the crowd gave a short, pale woman with golden hair and eyes of fire opposite his own. A figure of myth even if it was merely rumor. A vampire out from her castle to enjoy the musing of the night. Kojo let the curtain fall again. He didn't fully believe in her given title, but the air around the lady was that of doom. He was familiar. He had no idea what truth, or not to the rumors and he did desire to find out but for no he had to keep his mind on his mind....well as much as he could. All this life...it was making the hum in his head all the louder. He didn't have too much room to ponder as soon Mr. Silas Ward moved through the curtains. The master of ceremonies. Kojo widened his gaze and looked upon the man who appeared to be taking his job quite seriously. He could recognize the overly glinting smile combined with eyes searching anything and every movement for error. Kojo did not move from his spot until the man's gaze turned to him. The musician finally steadied his foot and and met the man's smile with his own "Yes its quite the turnout isn't it? Not just for myself but all of us there upon that stage to show their skills in some way isn't that right Mr. Ward? I'm certain you'll make sure they know they're in for quite the show." he smiled figuring that being friends to the master of ceremonies would make sure they get a good introduction. "You have quite the shine to your top lights Mr. Ward. Are you as excited to get this show on the road as we are?" one of the ladies asked. Spirited bunch but they too were ready to go! The heavy curtains muffled the sound but damn if they couldn't still hear it. "I sure am tired of sitting here all muzzled. This horn of mine is ready to blow." He peeled back the curtain a little bit "I am wondering if our friendly Mr. Cash lowered the ticket prices or if my lavish manager really did increase the advertising. I would not have expected this." and he closed it again. Yes, it was a veritable sea of people sitting in well tended seats whispering to themselves. Excitement, trepidation, some....worry. It all made sense and by the time the curtains finally parted he was sure they'd all have their minds set. He looked past Mr. Ward to the prop boys. The piano getting ready to be rolled out for the opening song. Its smooth surface and ivory keys. A feast for a feast. He could hear the hum in his head and feel another. It felt...stranger but what was what he thought it was? He was excited that much was clear. The desire to go out there and put on a good show was bounding through his body. He could see it now, if all went well, the emotions that might arise. It was a good night. The perfect venue for him as Mr. Ward said but for more than himself. He supposed that was all it was at that moment. Desire. He folded his hands behind his back. He was just as ready as the crowd was. That's all it was he was sure.

Prospect Junction is a good name

Decided to edit my post a bit, add a little life to the post and use the prompt even though I had already posted. I feel a bit better about it.

Alright placed down Kojo. First replies for a character are always a bit difficult.