Erron visits an old friend to get information on the Tablet.
Erron didn't know even where to begin when came to finding the Tablet. The book only said it was last with Ahkmenrah and his brother Kahmunrah some thousands of years ago, back in ancient Egypt. Obviously, that information is quite dated so Erron was back at square one.
Erron knew if he were to be successful, he has to get information on the Tablet and its whereabouts. He also knew to be prepared with whatever the Museum had in store. From what Erron read on the Tablet it brought EVERYTHING to life, so anything was possible. Erron on short notice only brought the following with him: A severed Tarkatan Blade, a nether beast trap, and some ammo for his revolvers. No dynamite(too loud), no Saurian Acid(too messy), and no sand orbs(too messy). With that Erron was ready to set to make his trip back to Earthrealm. Just because he may no longer consider himself an Earthrealmer, that doesn't mean he can't visit there if only for a few days.
Erron knew he needs some extra bullets for that night. This is why he plans to kill two birds with one stone: Get more ammo and while getting more information on the Tablet.
Erron was supplied with several portal stones offered by Kotal himself. Erron wasn't sure how but Kotal was right when he suspected Erron traveled to Earthrealm often to resupply and was curious about the happenings in Earthrealm.
When Erron walked through the portal to find himself in the Big Apple, specifically Manhattan. It also just so happened to be snowing, freezing air blowing in Erron's face. He shivered as walked down the streets in his cowboy outfit, sticking out like a wart on a shaved sheep. It raised some eyebrows but Erron could tell these people have seen weirder things. Especially when Earthrealm was once invaded by monsters.
Yep, Erron thought. It's Christmas a time of year where everywhere you go they play those obnoxious songs. It was supposed to be the season of giving but in reality, it was just an excuse for your loved ones to buy you something expensive. Erron was a simple man with simple needs. All he ever wants is a soft bed, some hot cocoa, and a warm woman(specifical redheads like Skarlet that really get the blood flowing you know?).
Back in his day when Erron was still a scrawny kid, he and his mother didn't celebrate Christmas. It just wasn't as common back then as it is now. As a matter of fact, the Civil War is what caused and created our modern perception of the holiday. Erron remembers fondly of his childhood with his mother. While he was often scolded by her, even she grew soft during this time of year. He recalls making popcorn balls or crude homemade toys. He also recalled seeing the drawings of Thomas Nast. Who's often attributed to creating the modern perception of Santa as a jolly old fat man.
Erron was done being nostalgic when he found himself at an entrance to a night club. He showed the bouncer his "ID" card which gave him the clearance to go right inside. There was a time when Erron Black was called by that name here in Earthrealm, but now in modern times, he went a new identity: Justin Tobias Jerkins.
Once he entered the club with its bright lights, festive for this time of year with red and green, as he saw people party away without a care in the world. All the while those obnoxious holiday songs played. He went straight to the bartender sitting down.
"So what will it be hun?" The female bartender inquired, wearing an elf themed uniform completed with a hat and everything. He had a sunny disposition, figured she had to given the holidays.
"I'm looking for the manager of this establishment," Erron asked as he looked back seeing all the other waitresses also wearing elf themed uniforms.
"Sorry, but he's out for the holidays," The bartender explained. "Would you like some Hot Buttered Rum?" She asked filled with Christmas spirit in her.
"Tell him I'm an old friend, and this is of the utmost importance," Erron explained his patience running thin. "I'm a special VIP, Juan needs to pay up," Erron said in as low as he could, not getting the attention of anyone else. He showed off his Black Dragon Tattoo, proving he was on series business.
The bartender understood what he meant and that insignia on his lower neck. "Right this way sir," She said hastily pointing to a back guiding him.
Erron Black may be a former Black Dragon but he still reaped all the benefits. The average joe knew not to mess with the most expansive and notorious criminal cartel in the Black market. Surprisingly this trick got Erron out of a few sticky situations more times than he could count.
He went right through the door to see his long time friend Juan Ramirez. Erron black was a personal bodyguard for his great-great-grandfather Esteban Ramirez, Erron served them loyally for a whole decade. In return, his family provided ammunition for his guns and the lastest news in Earthrealm. On the surface, he was an honest businessman that owns a club, but underneath said club was stacks of drugs illegally imported from Mexico.
He looked like a stereotypical mafia boss, except slightly Christmas themed. His dark olive skin contrasting with the two pasty white girls in his lap, wearing skimpy elf customs their cleavage on full display.
"Mi Amigo! Qué Pasa?" Juan asked jolly with a cheer in his voice, in a latino accent . "If you came here for your monthly resupply don't worry Luis will get it for you." He said as he took a drink of eggnog from his cup. "HEY! LUISITO! GET THE STUFF!" Juan yelled to a curtain right behind him. He turned back around to face Erron "You cold muchacho? You look like you just got out of a snowstorm." He remarks as he nodded his head toward the ladies to invite and sit on Erron's lap.
Erron put his hand up to decline the offer. Whenever Erron Black was on a mission he was focused on the task at hand. No flirting and ignored all signs of women trying to hit on him. He needed to be on his A-game for this mission, especially as all the realms were at stake.
"What can you tell about the Tablet of Ahkmenrah?" Erron asked getting straight to the point.
Juan had an immediate changed expression on his face, it was now solemn like he just been told someone was dead. "Ladies if you don't mind waiting outside," He politely told them pointing to the door that led to the bar. They both walked out as they gave blow kisses to Erron Black and winked at him. As one of them mouthed the word "call me" using her fingers to insinuate a phone.
Once both women left the room, leaving just the two of them. "Look man I don't want to get caught up in whatever it is your doing," Juan warned putting his hands up in air cautions. "There are rumors man. That place is haunted they say, shit comes to life and stuff. Their been reports of night guards saying they saw a T-Rex skeleton move on its own. Remember the weird things that happened three years ago around the same time? The media would have you believe it was all some publicity stunt, but no way am I buying that for a minute." Juan said looking nervous.
"Oh really?" Erron pretending this is the first time he heard of these stories. "Please do tell me what do you think is the source of all that mumbo jumbo?" Erron pressed still needing a location.
"Well, the leading theory from what I've heard is all that stuff is possible because of the Tablet. It's on display in The Museum of Natural History, in the Hall of Egypt. Although the Museum itself has awful security." "So how come no one ever bothered to steal it if it's so easy to break in?" Erron asked now curious about what his friend was talking about.
"Look muchacho, the reason no has stolen it yet is because it's cursed. It's said everything in the Museum will come to life and chase after you until the Tablet is in its rightful place." Juan explained now horrified of the prospect of what he's saying if it's true.
From what Erron read they was no "curse" and it doesn't explicitly state that everything that came to life had an urge to defend the Tablet. But if it kept thieves from stealing it, that was fine by him.
"Well, you see..." Erron hesitated to choose his next words carefully. "Word is the Museum is gonna get hit on Christmas Eve. I intend on preventing that from happening." Erron said assuring his friend he had no intention of stealing it the opposite in fact.
"So what do you want from me? Ammo? Men?" Juan asked now more on board with the idea.
"Well just to ammo and some a ticket for the Museum itself," Erron respectfully demanded "Also I'm gonna need more 'casual' clothes you know?" "Sure whatever you need man," Juan enthusiast wanting to help an old friend.
Just then the curtain behind opened up to reveal a big man saying "I got you homie,"
"Also one last thing," Erron requested of Juan "I'm gonna need a place to crash for the night."
Important update: I like to apologize that I haven't updated as frequently as I wanted too. Unfortunately some stuff popped up in my IRL life and family first and all that. Hopefully I can at least get this project done by Christmas.
Also for extra context: This story takes place in Christmas of 2009. Which works out perfectly because the Christmas of that year was on a Friday. If you like me to explain my thought process as to how I came to that conclusion let me know. Also I looked it up and the real museum of natural history(at least according to their official website) is open everyday of the yeah except for thanksgiving and Christmas.
Next time Erron will explore the Museum during the day, that will actually come out soon. Hope your all staying and have a wonderful holiday season.