Roleplaying Page for Pg. 177!

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Roleplaying Page for Pg. 177!

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Mz.Hyde

Mz.Hyde

@disqus_NnFUI30kih 6 months ago

No Jasper, Henry doesn't have someone special in his life. Lanyon broke up with him years ago, Morcant left after a one night stand, and Mz. Hyde left him months ago because he and Hyde never took her out anywhere. AND SHES NOT COMING BACK FUCKER SHE GOT A BETTER MAN THAT TREAT HER RIGHT! *Sassy snaps*

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Pyrogue • 6 months ago

((  I thought that perhaps we could pick up a few days after the Red Death Redemption RP, where Millie can teach Ezekiel the proper scientific method, how to Not Kill People™ and all that jazz? ))

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MillieGriffin  Pyrogue • 6 months ago

((Do you want to do the new RP now on this page or do you want to wait for page 178 so we have a fresh page to start on?))

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Pyrogue  MillieGriffin • 6 months ago

((Yeah, we should probably wait until the next page. See you then :D))

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MillieGriffin  Pyrogue • 6 months ago

((Okay, See you then ^u^))

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MillieGriffin  Pyrogue • 6 months ago

((oh, yeah sure. I'll just do one last entry to wrap that rp up and we can start a new one.))

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Tairais  Pyrogue • 6 months ago

(( How to Not Kill People™, brought to you by the creators of Is That Giant Squid Building A Ship? and It Only Blew Up A Little, I Swear! ))

(( Sorry for my nonsense, I just found that bit particularly funny :P ))

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Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago • edited

((Let's get this ball rolling! :D This is part 1 of 3, taking place the Saturday after Valentine's Day. Tairais, whenever you're ready to begin. ^-^))

As the sun rose over the sleepy city of London, Hela pulled out the clothes she’d wear for the day.

She’d just begun swapping out her pajama pants for slacks when a sudden thought occurred.

Hey, Charricthran? Don’t pop in, I’m getting dressed, She said in her mind, quickly adding the latter part, But I was wondering if you could do Helen and I a favor. Wanted to ask before I forgot.

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Tairais  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago

Shoot! I'm always up ta doin' favors for a pair o' friends.

It wasn't as if he were doing much else; he was simply watching the sun rise over the fog, the whole of the city shifting blearily as it rose.

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Helen Jekyll  Tairais • 6 months ago • edited

Helen left a letter for Lewis on the desk in her office--She figured it'd be best not to send him post in the middle of the night and that the normal mail might be a bit too slow, so she was wondering if you'd deliver the thing yourself and maybe bring back any response of Lewis'?

Hela wiggled her way into the more practical pants, pausing briefly in her thoughts.

I'm taking the day shift this morning, so she was hoping for an answer before her turn rolled around.

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Tairais  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago

Can do! I'll call on ya when I've a response.

He took wing then, diving into shadow and out into Helen's office, where he found the letter easily. In between wingbeats, he dove into the shadow cast by the desk on the floor and flitted into The Other, headed for Lewis's flat.

He shed his feathers in a nearby alleyway before walking up to the door, knocking politely, but firmly enough to be heard.

(( Jekyll1886 ))

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 6 months ago

Lewis was abed, so sound asleep he may as well have been dead to the world.

It was, after all, sunrise Saturday morning. And he was quite the Friday-night partier.

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

Charricthran waited for a minute or two before shrugging and walking back the way he'd came. He slipped the letter through The Other and onto Lewis's kitchen table, adding a small note explaining the circumstances of it.

That done, he set about trying to find something that would preoccupy his time until Lewis, Hela, or Helen got his attention.

...

The ducks in the park were always fun to antagonize...

(( Jekyll1886 ))

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 6 months ago • edited

Some time past noon, Weir awoke and dragged himself downstairs to make tea.

Somewhere in the back of his mind, he noticed the letter on the table, but wasn't cognizant enough to pick it up and read it until after he'd had a few cups.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited

The letter was dated from the night before in Helen’s elegant handwriting and read:

Dear Lewis,

Elaina has recently asked if she may go out boating with me so that we may discuss any memories that have yet to return and sort out our current relationship. As she is quite impatient to head out, I thought it’d be best to ask for your blessing now rather than wait for the start of next week—the sooner I’m allowed to go, the better, I think. I’ve already made arrangements for Hela to take my place in the morning, so that I may spend the afternoon with Elaina.

I hope this letter finds you in good health and I eagerly await your response.

Love,

Helen

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago

Hm--I wonder why she didn't simply tell me this yesterday, thought Lewis.

Wait...

He looked again at the date on the letter: the night before.

He straightened as a sinking feeling shot him through and his blood turned to ice.

He recognized this trick--he'd invented it!

Handwriting be damned! This is Hela!

And if Hela was trying to fool him, it could bode only ill.

He rushed from the house in his pajamas, throwing on his paletot as he sped out the door.

He looked everywhere--Helen's house, the Society, the lakes at Regent's and Hyde Parks--desperate to find her.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited

((Change of plans, seems we're skipping to part 3! XD))

Weir's first stop, Helen's home, came up empty--nobody was inside, and neither Elaina nor the girls could be found in the area.

Both of the parks proved to be just as fruitless, containing only the average Londoners going about their day in the lovely greenery.

The Society, however, did contain Elaina--along with a few other strange phenomenons.

As Weir approached the building, several of these became apparent:

For one, the pesky aura denoting the interference of a demi-god had completely vanished from the door between Helen and Hela’s room.

For another, so had any energy indicating either of girls’ presence within the Society.

Instead, there seemed to be a human-sized void of energy within Helen’s room, with only the slightest flicker of energy casting ripples against its blank surface.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago • edited

Weir raced into the Society and dashed toward the room in question.

Elaina's energy emanated from her nearby room, and, to Weir's surprise, it seemed to indicate she was in perfect health, if a little nervous.

The flicker-rippled void, however...

Heedless of the consequences, Lewis burst into Helen's room. Force of habit meant he unthinkingly shut the door behind him, which--given his current form and adrenaline-fueled state--resulted in a resounding SLAM, the vibrations passing through the very floor.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited

Lewis found himself face to face with the source of the null energy zone, a tall, lean woman with sharp features and light-blue eyes like ice. Her hair was a shade of very dark brown, nearly black in color, and fell just past her shoulders.

And, at this moment, she was recoiling in sheer terror at Weir's sudden entrance, her startled expression morphing to one of realization and horror.

"E-Ed-dw-ward," she stammered as she scrambled back against the desk, a violent trembling taking root in her limbs.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago • edited

The being before him looked exactly like Hela. Sounded like Hela. Had Hela's mannerisms. Why, then, didn't she feel like Hela? Instead there was a...a...nothing.

Well, not quite nothing, but almost--the only scrap of energy he felt was concentrated behind her left shoulder. There was a metaphysical component to it, but it was tinged with magic the likes of which he'd never encountered.

So...was it Hela, he wondered? Or simply something wearing her skin?

Either way...

"Worse," he said as he shifted back to his usual guise, expression angrier than she'd ever seen. The fiery rage of a Hyde was joined by the icy fury of a Jekyll wronged. Both were shot through with a look that alternated between vengeful grief and the hard, "I brought you into this world, and, by God, I may just take you out" stare of a strong parent about to discipline a child who'd gone beyond the beyonds.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

"Please Lewis, please Lewis, please--"

Her voice broke. Ever fiber of her being was saturated with fear, her panic-laden thoughts escaping unimpeded.

"I don't want to die, please, I don't want to die, please don't make me die."

She sank to her knees, babbling with hardly any pause for air and desperately groveling before him in hopes of mercy, her form quivering with a jittery energy born from a mix of what seemed to be sleep-deprivation and terrified adrenaline.

"I'll do anything I can, just let me fix it, please, please, don't let me die."

She didn't care if she looked weak, didn't care for her pride nor image, not when her life was on the line.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago • edited

"Who are you? What the Hell is going on? What have you done with Hela?" The rapid-fire questions came out half growl, half yell, as he stalked swiftly to her and, with one hand, hoisted her up by the front of her collar. Their faces were separated by a mere fraction of an inch as as his eyes bored into her; he shook with rage and betrayal and loss.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

"I'm Hela, I'm me," she cried hysterically, hiccuping with sobs as she tried in vain to pull away, though her struggles lacked any real strength, "It's me, Lewis!"

Desperation and terror filled her gaze along with no small amount of tears, begging, pleading with him.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago

He blinked.

She seemed genuine.

But, then, how...? And why...?

He straightened, muscles relaxing a little, though he was still wary.

He lowered her down and let go.

"You don't feel like you." The statement conveyed an unspoken demand for an explanation.

"Start talking." He crossed his arms and regarded her where she was.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

Hela crumbled to her knees when she was released, curling in on herself as she weeped with relief and the aftershocks of her terror.

Her struggle to calm down well enough to comply was plain, and though she gave a mighty effort, it was still some time before she could get out anything intelligible.

"I....I n-need to kill E-Elaina..." she finally managed, her voice wobbling through shuddering breaths. "I t-thought if I did it before you came b-back, y-you wouldn't be m-mad."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago

"A sorely mistaken assumption which your lying via the note undercuts, but go on."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited

She cringed at his tone, all too aware she was still in hot water, even if his anger had lessened for the time being.

"Y-You can usually... just tell when s-someone is feeling something, b-but I... I d-didn't want that w-when you came b-back and f-found out about everything, s-so... everything's h-hidden n-now."

It was a rather meek explanation, and she wouldn't meet his gaze after, hugging her legs to her chest with a bowed head as she sat on the floor.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago

"So..." he summarized, counting the pieces of the puzzle off on his fingers as he spoke, "you wanted to murder a lodger, didn't want me to learn of it until after the fact, lied via letter to cover your tracks, and didn't want me to sense you once I did find out.

"'That about cover it?" he asked, neither pleased nor impressed.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited

Hela did nothing to conceal the hurt in her gaze as she looked up to Weir.

She glanced back down after a moment, swallowed, then got to her feet.

"May I... get the fire going?" she asked him, gesturing feebly to the fireplace.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago • edited

"Why--is it the last component to some magic ritual you're doing?" he asked in a flat tone, Hela having broken his hard-won trust.

"Also, you've an odd little wisp of a soul-bit behind your left shoulder. I pray that's at least something you intended to happen in this...whatever it is you've done to yourself, and not an unplanned side effect that'd put you at even further risk."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited

She said nothing at first, simply allowing his words to wash over her until the sharp pain in her heart they had caused settled back to a dull ache.

Then, very, very quietly:

"I wanted to show you my plan and the fire would get rid of the papers afterward, so there's no evidence."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago • edited

A sigh, as he relented. She had been fairly honest--if a bit vague--with him thus far, at least so far as her body language and micro-expressions evidenced.

"Very well, Hela. Go on."

His tone indicated he'd moved past the bulk of his anger and into damage-mitigation mode, gathering information in order to work out how best they ought to proceed.

The sting in his heart would take much longer to heal.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited

Nodding, she approached the hearth and set to work.

Only after she made certain the fire she would continue burning in earnest did she rise, going to Helen's desk, where she prepared several sheets of paper and a pen.

Hela began by drawing a timetable ranging from Friday (the day before) to Monday (two days from then).

As she spoke, she began jotting brief bullet points under the appropriate date columns, her words sounding as if they'd been memorized.

"Friday night, after borrowing the doctor's form to convince Elaina to agree to the date, I wrote a letter to you in Helen's handwriting asking for permission to go boating and left it in her office."

"This Saturday morning, I asked Charricthran to deliver that letter to you, making sure to mention I was dressing myself while we spoke--by that time, I'd... the 'odd little wisp of a soul-bit', as you called it, and knew I'd be risking discovery if he was in the same room as I."

"My...hope was you'd send back your approval without any issue, once again through Charricthran, who would be asked to leave the response in the office, if it was written, to avoid him noticing anything off. If necessary, I would claim to be in the bathroom, which should keep him away same as getting dressed did."

"Once I was cleared to leave, 'Helen' would find Elaina and--" She grabbed a new sheet of paper, sketching what appeared to be a map of the South-Eastern portion of Britain before returning to her timetable. "--take a train or cab to Dover, where the pair of them would find a boat requiring only one to control and set sail into the Strait of Dover."

"As it gets dark, there would be an... unfortunate incident, where Elaina ends up overboard due to turning her back to a wave. 'Helen', of course, would search for hours to find her, but to no avail."

"Early the next Sunday morning, 'Helen' has given up all hope of finding her loved one and returns to shore, where she pays for her fair back to London."

"By the time 'Helen' arrives at the Society again, it's midday, and she calls a meeting to announce the tragedy of Elaina's death and say she'll be taking time off because of it. She'd obviously be very distraught at this point, and would refer to the deceased girl on more than one occasion in a way that would make her seem as if she'd never truly been a real Lodger, nor a resident, just a guest of Helen's."

"And," continued Hela, pausing in her notes to pull a bundle of files from a desk drawer and set it where Lewis could reach, "If you check the Society's records, they will say the same."

She returns to her carefully jotted notes.

"After the meeting, 'Helen' would retire to her room and wouldn't be seen for the remainder of the day--Who would blame her, after all, when she's just lost someone near and dear to her heart?"

A beat of silence as her hands finally go still, resting flat against the desk's surface.

"The... following day, Monday, is when I planned to be seeing you again. I was going to dress in all black and explain that I was here instead of Helen because she simply couldn't stand being awake after so fresh a loss."

She swallowed.

"And then when you figured out that I was lying, I'd be able to say, yes, I killed Elaina, but she was never a Lodger, wasn't in London, and I will not get caught."

see more

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago • edited

Weir closed his eyes and was silent for several moments. They seemed to stretch into eternity before he spoke at last.

"A brilliant scheme, so far as plans and technicalities go," he stated, no emotion to his voice.

"The most foolish thing you could possibly do, as far as its aftermath would have gone."

Finally opening his eyes, he turned to look at Hela and shook his head. There was a slight hint of blue between the green and brown of his irises.

"Are you, by chance, feeling suicidal?" he asked her in all seriousness.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited

Hela carefully gathered up the papers denoting her plan, putting them all in a pile before going rather still.

"If I was, would I have begged you for my life?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago • edited

"Helen will be, if you kill Elaina," Weir stated, as if it were as incontrovertible as the law of gravity. "So much so, I doubt even her promise to me will be enough to stay her hand."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

Hela swallowed audibly, staring down at the notes she held.

"I know that."

A beat's hesitation, then she walked to the fire, feeding each page to the flames.

From the amount of residue that rested at the bottom of the fireplace, it was safe to assume she'd done this at least several times before.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago • edited

"What, then, are you trying to accomplish with this?" Weir asked in all honesty, tone devoid of any emotion save for detached curiosity and perhaps a sense of acceptance of the inevitable.

Do you simply intend never to cede control back to Helen?

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

"I-I....wanted to do a killing right for once," she said, her back to him still, "And I think... I think I've had more than enough of Elaina for one lifetime. She's... only ever taken advantage of Helen and I."

Hela turned, looking as if she were going to say more when she met Lewis' gaze, her expression immediately flickering somewhere between concern for him and fear for herself.

"...Are you alright?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago • edited

"An irrelevant question, at this juncture." The tone was efficient without being curt.

"If you dislike Elaina, there are other ways to deal with her that won't endanger your continued existence and wouldn't have broken the trust of those who would protect you." Weir's voice held neither anger nor love nor hurt, simply objectivity. The eyes were half-lidded and a touch bluer, the mouth neutral. The posture, too, was different--straighter, stiffer, more contained. The breathing was shallower but no quicker, and nearly silent.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

"Lewis, you're scaring me," she told him with a quiver of her voice, looking as if she'd take a step back if it weren't for the fireplace behind her.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago

"That isn't my intent," Weir stated neutrally. "Shall I take a seat to put you more at ease?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

Hela opened her mouth to refuse, then hesitated, changing her mind.

"Please do," she said, nodding.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago • edited

Weir complied.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

Hela stepped cautiously towards him, standing just on the other side of the desk as she peered into his eyes.

"What's wrong with you?" she asked softly, that same mix of worry and trepidation mingling within her.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago

Weir didn't move a muscle at her approach, regarding Hela with the same detached interest as an ornithologist noting the habits of a bird.

The expression changed to a mildly puzzled one at her question, as if the parameters of her query didn't make sense or no data were available to give a proper answer.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited

"Say something, Lewis. Please."

Hela leaned closer, halfway reaching a hand to touch his face, but she hesitated, uncertain if he'd react poorly.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago

"What is it you wish me to say?" The head cocked and eyes squinted ever so slightly, as if confused by Hela's reaction.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

"I..."

Her shoulders sagged and she looked down.

"...I don't know, I..."

For a moment, she paled, swallowing with difficulty.

"I just don't know why you're acting like this, I guess. It scares me."

After a beat, she went around the desk, very slowly embracing him from behind, her arms wrapped loosely just below his neck. In her left hand, she held a small knife she'd pulled from her pocket while behind Weir.

Hela rested her head on top of his, exhaling heavily.

"I'm... I'm sorry, Lewis. For everything."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago

"Is the knife for you or for me?" came the question, spoken softly. It held no fear, though one could sense it held weighty import.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

"Will you let me kill Elaina?" asked Hela in return, her voice weary rather than threatening. It seemed she found no joy from this situation.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago

"Not unless or until you naturally reach the point of more-or-less permanent balance and decide to then, with your whole heart." The answer was not entirely without emotion, though it was muted. There were subtle hints of love and hope and sadness, with an undercurrent of unspoken adamance.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited

A long sigh.

"I don't want to fight with you on this, Lewis."

She shut her eyes for a moment, growing quieter.

"Do you think I'd have put so much effort into this all if it wasn't necessary? Do you think that, if I thought there was any other way, I'd still hurt you and risk death by Helen's hand?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago

"I've no wish to fight with you, either."

He put his left hand on her left forearm and gave it a squeeze, though whether out of love or prudence or both, it was difficult to say.

"I think if you thought there were any other way, you would take it.

"I also think you may not have thought of other possibilities. Which is why you should have talked it over with me.

"But we have the chance now. Nothing is yet done. Tell me: Why must Elaina die?" By his tone, it seemed he was open to being reasoned with.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

For nearly half a minute, Hela remained silent and still.

"...I can't tell you," she murmured at last, "You... You would just have to trust me on this, but I...I know I've already ruined any chance of that."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago • edited

"Hela..." he said, turning his head to look up at her and meet her gaze, "you can tell me. If you choose to. It's as simple as that. Whatever your reasons are, they will not break me." Though the blue hadn't disappeared from his eyes, it had lessened, now merely a fine line.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

Hela stared at him, looking quite conflicted.

"I can't tell you," she helplessly repeated with utter sincerity, no louder than a whisper.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago

"Hela," he asked with a look of concern as the thin, blue line faded completely, "are you under some type of duress--prohibition--restriction? Magical or otherwise?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

"I have to kill Elaina. You have to let me kill Elaina, please." Her pleading tone was charged with the smallest spark of panic, fear dancing behind her eyes.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago • edited

"If you don't, will you die?" he asked as he rose while still keeping hold of her, muted panic seeping into his own gaze.

What sort of Devil's bargain have you made?! he wondered as an icy pang ran through him.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

Hela seemed to be struggling greatly to find an answer to that, beginning to tremble in his grasp.

"I can't-- I need to--"

Clenching her hands into fists, she shuddered with effort.

"Stop, stop, stop talking."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago

"Will you lose your soul," he uttered the gut-wrenching, vertigo-inducing realization as it occurred, voice no more than a whisper as his arms fell slack and the world slowed.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

"Lewis," she said sharply, "Let me do this my way. Let me take care of Elaina. I can do it."

Her breathing sounded a touch strained and she grabbed ahold of his shoulders to regain his attention as well as her own balance.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago

He laid hold of her upper arms in turn, his grip like a vice.

"Are you under a magical obligation and/or pact which necessitates your killing Elaina with dire, if not fatal, consequences to you if you don't? Blink once for yes and twice for no."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

Hela squeezed her eyes shut, shaking her head weakly. The motion hardly seemed conscious as she was gasping for air, one hand clutching at her chest.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago

Well, thought Weir, either she's putting on one Hell of an act, or I'm correct in my assumption.

This left him with the unpalatable choice of believing Hela was lying to him--again--stopping her, and chancing she'd not expire or lose her soul...or believing his hypothesis and letting her go ahead and murder Elaina, which would eventually put Hela and Helen's life at risk due to Helen's guilt.

I hate magic.

"Either you're one Hell of an actress, or you really are in over your head."

A sigh.

"Does it have to be you who kills Elaina?"

Helen would hate him for it, but at least she wouldn't hate herself.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited

Hela coughed hard once, then twice, trying to get her breathing back into a stable rhythm. It took a moment for his words to register after that.

"I have to. 'No other way," she mumbled blearily in response, sounding quite miserable.

Sensing Lewis' various forms of displeasure (presumably with her), she tried to take a step back, only to find that Weir's grip on her didn't budge.

Blatantly confused by this, she looked up to him with a questioning expression.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago • edited

At her words, time slowed with the feeling of the final nail being driven into his coffin--and hers.

A long exhale of breath escaped him as he loosened his grip. His head drooped and his arms came to dangle limply beneath slumped shoulders as he caved forward. He nearly continued the motion at the waist, but caught himself and confined it to his upper torso only.

"Go." The word was quiet. Hurt had given way to brokenness.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

"Lewis..."

She reached out, hesitantly placing her hand on his shoulder.

"It...It's going to be okay soon. I'm going to fix everything."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago • edited

"I pray you're right," came a whisper. "For all our sakes."

Or Heaven help us.

He forced himself to take a breath, to muster his focus and lift his head to look her in the eye, his own manifesting the earlier multiplicity of colors.

"Don't die."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

"'Wouldn't dream of it--I like living too much for that," she assured with her best attempts at a grin, though it faded moments after.

"Don't.... don't give up on me just yet... please."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago • edited

He straightened slowly and regarded Hela with all seriousness.

"I haven't," he stated truthfully, though the hint of neutrality in his undertone told her he might have come damn close.

"It's Helen you'll need to worry about."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

"I know," she said glumly, staring down at her shoes. Her stomach was churning unpleasantly with dread, and it showed readily on her expression.

"I will... do what I have to when this is all over to try and mend things. Whatever it takes."

She started to look up at him, her gaze holding an entire story, but she glanced aside almost too swiftly for even a glimpse of it.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago • edited

"I understand," he said with a nod, grateful for that, at least.

They'd fix things as best they could, the both of them, despite all this...mess.

"Godspeed, Hela."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

“Thanks, I'll... see you later, Lewis.”

Her sentiments were genuine, if rather muddled with regret.

With a last look to Weir, Hela stepped into the other room to change and dress herself.

She had a date, after all, and it wouldn’t do to be late.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago

"Stay safe," he said with a nod.

When she'd gone, he pondered what to do.

He was sorely tempted to follow after the pair, just to keep an eye on them. Yet doing so, he knew, would play havoc with Hela's nerves if she chanced to sight him. And if that happened, it might well bollox the entire affair, endangering everyone.

He wondered whether he ought to go home, but thought it might look suspicious if both he and "Helen" were absent from the Society on the same day something happened to Elaina.

He was just resigning himself to having to pretend at normalcy and go about his daily affairs at the Society when he remembered it was Saturday--no one would expect him at the Society today, nor tomorrow. In fact, his presence here now would be unusual in itself, and therefore possibly suspicious.

Resolved to sneak out as quickly and quietly as he could, he left the room and locked the door behind him, then made certain to exit the building while no one was watching.

He'd soon made his way to Hanover Square, and was about to walk up to the door of his flat when a possibility occurred to him.

Charricthran, he wondered, are you busy?

((Tairais ))

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

Nup. Whatcha need? An' did'ya see the letter'n all? Hela was waiting on a response a'fore Helen's turn apparently.

He banked a gentle turn and dove into smoke billowing from some factory below. Wasn't too much different to flying through the smoke a slumbering dragon left behind, come to think.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 6 months ago

Anything. Everything. Whatever you can do.

With the speed of thought, Lewis conveyed all that had transpired to Charricthran.

Whether Char could find a loophole in the possible pact or simply keep an eye on Hela to keep her safe, Weir'd be appreciative.

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

... Sh*ite, right. On it--can definitely be near, dunno what I can do about the pact without knowin' the wordin'.

Charricthran tucked his wings and dove, changing direction as easily as breathing and little more than a bullet made of black feathers as he shot towards where he could now hear Hela Whispering.

Crikey.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 6 months ago

Thank you, conveyed Lewis, immensely relieved. I'll see what I can find out.

Decision made, he doubled back and headed for the Society.

By the time he arrived, Hela and Elaina had left in a hansom cab.

He made a beeline for her and Helen's rooms, searching for any scrap of evidence, any clue as to what magic or summoning she'd used.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited

Hela was currently making pleasant chatter with Elaina as they both rode to the train station, smiling at the other woman's excitement for their day out.

Meanwhile, though Weir practically turned the two rooms upside down in his search, leaving no nook nor cranny unchecked, nothing related to Hela's current predicament could be found among the girls' belongings.

((Tairais))

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Tairais  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago

Charricthran, for his part, was doing his best impression of a Perfectly Ordinary Raven, darting between tree and building in the company of some others of his kind and cawing when appropriate.

He kept an ear to the wind for snippets of the conversation in the hansom below, unwilling to get any closer for fear of drawing attention to himself.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 6 months ago

It occurred to Lewis Hela might have the text or scroll or whatever it was--if there was one--on her person, in which case he was out of luck.

Still, he reflected, the Society's library did have an entire section of books on magic.

He'd try his luck there after one last scan for energies in Elaina's and the girls' rooms.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited

Unaware of her being observed, Hela continued to entertain her companion with ideas for their time on the water, or perhaps a nice place to eat before then.

All around her darted the silver and gold Whispers visible to Charricthran alone, each carrying their own Secret.

Hands, outstretched and received.

Heartache, knife ache, turned in his back.

Whirlwind, urging, pushing, gone.

Prowling, snapping, teeth at the heel--she has no choice but to move forward, to go back is to fall.

Choking, cloying, a coin to never fall, fingers pressing metal to table.

Clean hands but for her promise, trembling, determined, set.

Though younger and tinged with danger, these vital pieces of information were far quieter than their more harmless brethren.

One flashed by her shoulder, skimming just over where magic pulsed in an unfamiliar language, but with familiar intent, seeming to produce the odd lack of...everything that coated Hela like a thick blanket. And woven within the foreign energy, only just discernible, was some other enchantment, though it was difficult to tell what its purpose might be, with how intermeshed it was with the other.

((Tairais))

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Tairais  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago • edited

Charricthran tilted his head and contemplated a discarded chip on the ground before pecking at it with a singularly birdish sort of glee.

A heaviness pulled at his mind on the inside of that facade as he contacted Lewis with what he'd interpreted the Whispers to mean--they weren't terribly straightforward things, but they meant well to help.

Right, couple'a things, now tha' I'm close enough ta hear her all Whisper-like: Firstly, Hela didnae summon whatever did the null-stuff on her--it came ta her. Second, Hela knows tha' whatever it is is gonna take or try an' take her somewhere. Thirdly, 's long as Hela's in this deal with whatever it is, Helen can't pop 'round ta say hello.

An' whatever this thing is, the magic hidin' her soul comes from it--tha' little spot on her shoulder's the anchor point o' the null-stuff, but there's somethin' else woven in there tha' even I cannae figure out.

He took in a slow breath and exhaled as he fought with another raven for part of a run-over mouse, scavengers that they were. He wasn't particularly interested in winning, but he was pretending for the sake of it all.

She was also tellin' the truth tha' if she doesn't do this, she'll die.

The other raven drove him off and he took to the skies again, cawing as angrily as he could while still in the realm of realism.

An' finally... she's gonna try an' kill ya. Or fight'cha, at the very least.

He said all of these as calmly as he could manage, emotion having become a luxury he couldn't afford to indulge in the moment he found all of these Whispers.

(Hela was falling, Helen had fallen and was quickly going ringing, ringing, and the two of them still yet standing reached out with half-blind yet fiercely loving hands, searching for torches to light the dark.)

(( Jekyll1886 ))

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 6 months ago

Lewis was in the library.

He'd first found the register of who'd checked out which books in past, and found those under Helen's and Hela's names. Unfortunately, this turned out to be a dead end, as there was nothing in them related to the task at hand--Helen's books all related to things Jekyll and Hyde, while Hela had only ever checked out one: a book on how to care for a kitten.

Next, he searched for books about magic and voids and nullification, but the most relevant one he found was about how to muffle the energies emanating from magical machinery. It didn't quite fit what he needed, as it was focused on muffling the energy in a way that seemed natural rather than cutting off all energy altogether, explaining that doing the latter would negatively affect the continued functioning and efficiency of the machine in question.

He'd just closed this book when Charricthran related all he'd learned.

The bottom dropped out of the world for Lewis.

He found himself on the library floor some few seconds later, mustering his will to pull himself into a sitting position.

The book in his hands had vanished.

A flood of thoughts raced through his mind, denial fighting anger bouncing off of sheer panic.

Through it all cut the swath of logic.

Hela was in a bind.

How to free her?

Find what bound her.

Find leverage over it.

Get it to release her from her pact.

What was leverage?

Names were leverage.

Find its name.

"We must find its name!" he exclaimed. Tell me anything and everything you can find out about whatever it is that's snared her. I'll turn the restricted section upside-down if I have to.

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited

They've put an enchantment on her instead o' a spell, so they're nowhere nearby, likely. Hela's Whisperin' says tha' whoever they are, they're capable of sharin' her mind, ain't human, an' either they assumed a human form or they've multiple. Hard ta tell completely, sorry."

Aside from the tone of remorse, Charricthran delivered his information in a matter-of-fact tone, trying to provide some measure of support in what was almost definitely a panic-inducing time, to put it lightly.

The enchantments themselves are tricky--there's two, as I mentioned earlier, but the null one o' them's a bit like rope. Hastily made, done by someone with plenty o' skill but not a whole lotta time. Tha' said, the guy's gone an' put the equivalent o' sewin' thread in the ropes, all tangled up so's I can barely get a read tha' it exists--more time an' effort in tha'.

He swooped down to land in a nearby tree, watching the cab as it meandered to its destination.

All o' it's tinged with... I wanna say oil. Consumin' oil--if Hela had magic o' her own, it'd be cloyin' an' eatin' at the color o' it. I don' much like looking at it.

A pause, before services offered with a nonchalant hesitancy.

I could halt time long enough ta separate the two enchantments an' get a read on the other, if you fancy. They're not tied ta the spellcaster, an' I'd no' be breakin' them unless I could tell there'd absolutely be no consequences, but it could give us more information."

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 6 months ago • edited

Lewis rankled and shivered at once at Char's description of the enchantments and their consuming nature.

Please do.

He entered the restricted section and began looking for lore on anything that could sap the life, magic, energy, or spirit of a person and consume it for itself.

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited

Charricthran nodded in a way more felt than it was seen, then set to work.

His eyes closed and opened inward, a web of strings draped in gossamer silks pulling at his eyes, a riot of muted colors he could only half-see, his eyes only picking out the red and gold against the shades of black-gray-purple-white that made up his spectrum of visible light.

He looked to the sky, glittering with stars and a river of gold above, swirling, tempting, Singing of all things that had been, would be, and were in the moment.

Across universes. Across the whole of every multiverse, the span of uncountable lifetimes and immeasurable worlds.

He was only concerned with halting one, and Time had never been his realm. That had belonged to Tairais, after all.

He blotted out the reach of the river with wings spanning universes, tucked out of sight and in The Other place where all the worlds he'd walked converged, and all the worlds he'd never been to were just on the edge of the Shifting Paths.

Time, that ceaseless river, ceased to crawl forward in that moment.

Knowing that, Charricthran set to work analyzing the strange mix of rope-and-thread before him with all the patience and skill of a surgeon. In a sense he was, carefully trying to extricate the two pieces of enchantment from each other without tearing one from the other, lest he cause some unknown effect.

Where the 'ropes' causing Hela's nullified energy were hastily assembled to the point of being amateurish, the 'thread' was something altogether, carefully crafted lines of instructions written in the trail of woven magic that hummed with a malevolence unrivaled by all but a few of the most sinister enchantments he'd encountered in his exceedingly long lifespan.

He read these instructions with a frown that only grew deeper as he progressed down the list, frown turning to a snarl as the section he was reading vanished behind the ropes it was tied to.

He paused and calculated risk even as the press of Time threatened to buckle his wings like so much tissue paper, demanding that this dam blocking its path be removed with all the force of inevitability.

The most important bits of knowledge were often hidden things.

With a heavy sigh, he gritted his teeth and pulled at the bubble he'd created across the whole world, making a smaller bubble within it localized entirely on the enchantment before him.

Though his lungs ached with the imminent threat of suffocation and collapse, he pressed forward, tugging the rope aside and gleaning what information he could from the thread as it went silent before Charricthran cupped a starry hand around that, halting it as well.

He'd been rewarded for his risk, though the worst of it all was yet to come. There was no telling when this pull on the Well within him would sent him ricocheting back into it as if he were little more than a rubber band.

That in mind, he took a moment to brace himself for what was sure to be a riot of terrible feedback as he pulled the changes in time within himself, reverse all his poking and prodding as if he were changing the direction of a boat on a tumultuous sea, one oar straining against the tide.

He came to a small time before he'd fluttered onto the roof of the hansom cab, fortunately displaced onto the ground of a nearby alley where he could watch until he began his flight towards it again.

He resumed his rightful place some few seconds after, and informed Lewis of everything he'd gleaned not a second after he'd been given permission to do after he did.

Right. The smaller 'thread' enchantment has a bunch o' conditions tha' deactivate it: removin' it from the nullifyin' 'rope' enchantment, removin' it from Hela, changin' the frequency o' the rope, removin' the rope, tamperin' with it or otherwise threatenin' it, or havin' it touch what I can only describe as 'Jekyll' energy, likely meanin' Helen.

He paused, and took a long, slow breath against the creep of nausea in his throat and the pinprick of a headache at the base of his neck and eyes.

Those conditions don' apply if the either enchantment are touched with the liquid, oil-like energy I mentioned earlier, or an energy I can only describe as it's opposite: white-bright, taut, an' like string sharp enough ta cut.

He snarled internally, taking flight with a squawk as the hansom hit a rock and jostled him from his perch.

There's two o' em that have a hand in this mess.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 6 months ago • edited

The world threatened to drop from beneath Lewis once more, but, this time, it was halted by one simple, pure emotion:

Rage.

He was going to kill whoever had done this to Hela, his Hela, his Helen, his kin deeper than blood. He was going to find both the bastards and make them SUFFER, then obliterate them from existence entirely.

But first...he had to find them.

Thank you, Nald'su. I'll set to searching.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

There was no shortage of texts in the restricted section of the Society's library pertaining to Weir's topic of interest--it seemed that supernatural creatures of all kinds have been feeding off of humans since their very beginning, evolving as they did.

Descriptions of demons and ghouls and spirits could be found along with lists of how to summon, control, and destroy many of them; no two types were exactly alike, and with so many different types of beings, it was little wonder it took Lewis the entirety of an hour to locate something applicable.

It turned out to a rather small book when compared to the massive tombs of demonic lore that filled the shelves, almost to the point of being able to fit in one's pocket, and was titled Analyzing America: What You Need to Know About the Spirits that Lurk There.

The book told of a certain kind of spirit or life force that are said to be omnipresent called Manitous, which inhabit everything from pebbles to plants to mountains. Each one of these spirits is comprised entirely of æther, a metaphysical substance theorized to produce sentience in all living things, along with a mix of three out of the four basic elements unique to each individual spirit, causing them to be forever unbalanced and occasionally seek out their missing piece.

These beings of energy most often are too weak to take a solid form and remain anchored to a single part of nature for the entirety of their existence, only occasionally manifesting as a transparent wisp when the amount of æther surrounding their territory is just right.

There are, however, rare exceptions where a very powerful Manitou can form a body and began walking among mortals to find the element it lacked.

Meanwhile, as Weir's research session came to a close, Hela and Elaina had already reached their train and were settling in for the two hour ride from London to Dover as the the locomotive pulled out of the station.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago

Based on what Charricthran had conveyed to him, Lewis wagered the oil-like energy might be a manitou that lacked fire, while the white-bright, sharp one might lack water.

Given what Char had relayed about the form or forms in question, at least one, if not, both of them must be very powerful indeed.

But where did they come from? thought Weir.

America, obviously.

But, then, why the bloody Hell are they in England?

What are their Names?

He let Charricthran know what he'd found.

Ever encounter the like? Lewis asked afterward. Moreover, how do we kill them? he wondered, searching the book for any advice on how to combat or escape from a manitou that'd latched on.

They had to free Hela--and Helen. They had to find a way.

((Tairais ))

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

Charricthran resisted the urge to growl from where he was hiding in the shadows cast by a seat on the train.

Closest I've got are the creepy buggers tha' wear other people's faces--like the one tha' jumped me in Richard an' I's shop.

Short o' findin' them an' overpowerin' 'em myself, I've nothin' on this particular sort, sorry.

He added in a quick update regarding the progression of events, mind frantically trying to figure out something to help them find these creatures.

After a moment he thought of something, though it would make his crashing later worse...

I can try ta scry the two energies we found. If I get a decent enough look at them, I'd be able ta pull us to 'em. Still leaves the matter o' not knowin' what we're fightin', but I can bend the whole gettin' there bit.

He paused again, a measure of hesitance entering his voice again.

Tha' said, given my own power, I may fair be able ta overpower 'em regardless. An' as an aside, what's happenin' with this Elaina? Am I s'posed ta let her bite it, or are we savin' her. Assumin' the latter, figured I might check.

If they were trying to end this without Hela taking Elaina's life, they needed to move quickly.

(( Jekyll1886 ))

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 6 months ago • edited

Please try to scry if you can, answered Lewis, inexpressibly grateful for Charricthran's help. Knowing where they are can only help us.

As for Elaina, Hela shouldn't make her move till they're on a boat, so we've until then, at least.

In the meantime, I've an idea that may help us against these manitou if you do find them.

He headed home, there to ransack his personal library on all things esoteric and alchemical, paying particular attention to aether, elements, and the energies of the spirit.

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

Noted.

Charricthran was careful to step back from the connection between his and Lewis's thoughts before concentrating on the scrying. It was fortunate that he did, as releasing the energy to do so sent a lance of bright fire straight from the back of his head and into his eyes, his world narrowing to nothing but searing light for thirty seconds.

Color and sound slowly swam back to his vision after a few long moments, nausea churning his stomach like some tumultuous sea.

No grand amount of new information, and he'd gone and shot himself in the foot a wee bit, but there was something, at least.

They're no' in this dimension, so I cannae find them unless I push out further inta other nearby ones. Given everythin' else I've been doin', 's no' impossible, jus' risky.

That was putting it lightly, but he could deal with a month-long coma if it meant Hela and Helen were safe.

That just left the small matter of... knowing very little about their situation, still.

Say the word, an' I'll cast further out. I've not much else I can do 'til they get ta the station, anyhow.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 6 months ago • edited

Save your strength. I've an idea. Just...follow, for now.

After checking the appropriate tomes and treatises, changing clothes, and packing sundry items into pockets, Lewis gave Charricthran a heads-up:

I'm going to use the Other to pop somewhere, if that's alright.

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

Charricthran did as he was bade, settling back into the darkness he'd claimed as his seat for this journey.

No arguments on my end.

As far as he could tell, everything was still stable. There wouldn't be any risk of things falling out of place until much closer to the time limit he could feel tick, tick, ticking away at the back of his mind.

Twelve hours. Hopefully everything would be resolved by then. He'd do everything he could to ensure the fact.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 6 months ago • edited

Lewis emerged from Charricthran's shadow in the guise of Henry.

Now on the train, Weir made a beeline for Elaina, wagering he'd find Hela disguised as Helen nearby.

The two were, as it turned out, only three rows ahead.

Lewis fell in the aisle to the side of Hela, making a play at being an older man who'd simply lost his balance or who equally likely might have an underlying medical condition.

"Oof!" he cried, clutching his chest as he hit the floor.

((Helen Jekyll ))

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited

"Oh good Heavens!" came a worried cry, and, within moments, a pair of gentle hands came to rest on his form, one coming to cradle his head.

"Are you quite alright, sir?" asked Hela, her expression a mask of concern as she steadied Weir and checked his vitals.

Meanwhile, Elaina simply watched "Helen" and the man quizzically, looking as if she felt a bit awkward just sitting there.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago

He coughed twice and shook his head, looking at "Helen" with a pleading look of muted alarmed in his eyes.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited

"Easy, sir, I have you now." She said in a soothing voice. "Simply focus on breathing in...and out... In...and out."

People were beginning to grow agitated with whispers and gasps of concern, a low murmur filling the cabin.

"It's alright everyone, I'm a doctor," she announced loud enough for all to hear without looking away from her patient, "Please, stay in your seats—I can take care of him."

Though her voice held all the gentle kindness and care in the world, her gaze, hidden as it was from anyone else on the train as she leaned over him, threatened a much less positive connotation to her words.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago • edited

"Thank you, doctor," he said after another cough. "I think I merely...knocked the wind out of myself...silly me."

With her support, he was able to sit up.

"Terribly sorry," he apologized, still seemingly catching his breath.

"If you would...help me to my seat...I think I'll be fine."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

Nodding, she smiled warmly at him as she were a mother hen caring for one of her brood.

"Certainly," replied Hela, the single word all the assurance in the world that he'd be treated tenderly.

But, when she wrapped one arm around his back to assist in his getting up and placed her other hand on his shoulder as well, her grip was just a tad too tight to be entirely comfortable, though one could not tell from simple observation.

Just as, the tension in her muscles could only be felt rather than seen as she pressed against him to ensure he remained upright once they were both standing, Weir positioned at her right side.

"Which way to your seat, sir?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

((Tairais))

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The Fox • 6 months ago

( Jekyll1886 I tried to find a snarky fox with sunglasses but Google disappointed, so you'll just have to imagine a suitably stylish vulp yourself. )

Jekyll1886:

"I-I don't live anywhere--I just need a bed for the night," she confessed. "I'm willing to p...pay my way, so to speak," she admitted with a hint of embarrassment she managed to smile through.

-

Callum mulled on this for a second. He knew their situation well. It was often enough that he saw Emma's sort wasting away on the street. Often enough, he pondered how much better off they would be serving a Beast. With Emma in front of him know, Callum couldn't help but think on what he could do about it.

His eyebrows shifted, then, with a quiet laugh, bid her forward.

" Sure! Why not!

You can come with us. We've got room for one more. I'd be happy to help you stay warm tonight. "

Letting Nell and Mary get off first, he stepped up and took her shoulder in a strange, but comforting, gesture. He looked to Ned.

" Well? We off? "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 6 months ago

Despite her anxiety, Emma smiled, relieved--at least she wouldn't freeze tonight.

"Thanks."

Callum spoke to Ned.

"Aye," the latter confirmed, an eager glint in his eyes.

* * *

Adhering to the principle of "Share and share alike", the eight of them rented a room in a house of ill repute, passing a pleasurable night together.

* * *

They awoke in a pile the next morning, the covers a mess, the fire gone cold.

For reasons of his own, Ned had left while everyone else was asleep.

* * *

Lewis dragged in to his flat around five in the morning, managing a "Hello" to Malemi before he forced himself into the shower.

Afterward, Weir got into bed and fell straight asleep.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

Malemi greeted him with a sniff and immediately scampered off with a hiss. For all he was happy to see Lewis was safe and home, the smell of a raucous night out inspired nothing less than disgust.

It wasn't till Lewis fell asleep that Malemi crept into his room and settled next to the bed, laying there in the somber quiet with a bitter relief to have his friend back. He lay there, listening to him sleep, till he himself drifted off.

--

Callum woke with a snort.

It sounded as though he had an army round, and it felt that way too, the heat of bodies the warmest thing he's ever felt. Shifting out from beneath the midnight aftermath, he paused to take in some fresh air and chuckled to himself as the night came running back to him.

Ned! That Ned! Talk about a surprise!

He'd never quite been so surprised and delighted with someone so like him. How he was related to Lewis Callum didn't know. The doctor was one thing, but Ned? Well, he was true kin. No wonder Weir had said not to worry. Balfour was trouble and then some. He probably could take a spar with him easy, then go hunt down a good time. Hell! Maybe even hunt a man down!

The taste of last night's fortunes still clung fresh on his tongue as he licked his teeth and went about navigating the maze of bodies crowded round him.

After some confident creeping round and redressing, he detangled Emma and shook her gently.

" Emma....Emma... "

He whispered in her ear, his words tickling her hair.

" Emma, I'm about to leave. "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 6 months ago

"Muh?" Emma roused, eyes opening to sleepily focus on Callum.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

" I'm about to leave. I want you to come with me. "

He looked down at her with a hushed eagerness.

" I think I know how to help you. "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 6 months ago

She tilted her head curiously, as if trying to discern whether he were serious.

"How?" she asked quietly, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

" I'm going to go get you a Master. "

He smiled softly, comfortingly, its honest belief strengthened by mighty contrast of his roguish, wolfy features.

" I can't tell you how, not till I show you. Now get up and dress, I want to leave before the others wake. "

Standing up, he smiled and ducked out of the room to wait outside.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 6 months ago • edited

Emma, knowing nothing of Beasts nor Masters, thought Callum simply meant someone to employ her in a household.

"Really?" she asked, breaking into a grateful smile that bordered on tears of joy. She'd have a proper roof over her head again! Regular meals! And, most of all, honest work! She wouldn't have to degrade herself as she was forced to these days--she could begin to forge a new life for herself!

She looked up at Callum as if he were the Messiah himself.

"Thank you!" she exclaimed, barely able to keep her voice low. "God bless you, sir--Callum! I'll get dressed straight away!"

She emerged shortly, smile refusing to leave her face.

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Tairais  The Fox • 6 months ago

(( Me and my bad photoshop skills live to serve :P ))

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The Fox  Tairais • 6 months ago

AHHHH HE'S BUTIFULLLLLLL ;;;;;w;;;;;

I'm actually gonna f*cking save this on my computer. I love him so much. He's the new baby BOI

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Tairais  The Fox • 6 months ago

(( Hee ^^ Glad ya like him! ))

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The Fox  Tairais • 6 months ago

THere he IS

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Tairais  The Fox • 6 months ago

(( !!! Oh my goodness! XD Bless ))

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Wizardblizzard • 6 months ago • edited

Jekyll1886 Helen Jekyll MillieGriffin Wizardblizzard • 2 days ago

Millie handed the letter back to Isabella.

"Maybe Char would know... They did have his smile after all..."

She let out a sigh. "Sorry if I'm not being much help I just... Um... You know..."

"That's all right - if you don't know, you don't know. Thank you for listening. Good to talk to someone about it.

"I'll try and find Charricthran, although that's often easier said than done. If I find out anything, I'll let you know, shall I?"

((Millie ccome with me or not as you like))

She set off again, heading in the direction of Richard Prince's room; it was as good a chance as any. Charricthran slept somewhere in the attics of the building, she thought, but she didn't know exactly where or how to reach it, let alone whether he'd be in it right now.

((Tag Tairais and/or Jekyll1886 and/or Helen Jekyll ))

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MillieGriffin  Wizardblizzard • 6 months ago

Millie followed, she just wanted to make sure Char was alright.

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Tairais  MillieGriffin • 6 months ago

Richard was actually just leaving his room as the two approached. At the sound of footsteps, he looked up from where he was locking his door.

"Ah, Signora Walker and Signora Griffin, hello--do you have need of me? I was about to run some errands."

(( Wizardblizzard ))

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Wizardblizzard  Tairais • 6 months ago

Oh! Hello Dr Prince.

Do you know where Charricthran is? Something odd's happened.

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MillieGriffin  Wizardblizzard • 6 months ago

Millie gave a small wave, "Hello Dr. Prince, uh– how's your heart feeling?" she asked politely.

(Tairais)

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Tairais  MillieGriffin • 6 months ago

Richard gave Millie a warm smile that crinkled the corners of his eye.

"Better with every passing day, thanks to your remarkable skill. I simply cannot sing your praises enough."

He turned to half-face Miss Walker with a slightly perplexed frown.

"Something odd? Well, I suppose he is known for such things. While I do wish I could help, I have been somewhat preoccupied this week, and the last I saw of him was at the start of it."

He drummed his fingers on the top of his toucan-shaped cane, gaze drifting towards the ceiling as he thought on the matter further, an idea resolving as he snapped his gloved fingers.

"Ah! Perhaps you might seek the council of Doctor Weir on the matter--the two of them are good friends, and I know Charricthran spends a fair amount of time in his company when he is not occupied with work. I do hope that is helpful..?"

He seemed genuinely apologetic that he couldn't be of more service, his smile growing somewhat lopsided in its sheepishness.

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Wizardblizzard  Tairais • 6 months ago • edited

Isabella listened with pleased interest to the remarks about "hearts", wondering what their girl wonder had done this time, offering Millie a look of I-don't-know-what-you've-been-doing-this-time-but-well-done. One didn't ask, but one could always listen.

She brightened at the suggestion about Lewis.

"Oh! Good idea - I'll see if he's in. It's been a while since I've seen him in any case.

"The fact is, some kind of spirit or something - or rather, or someone - not meaning to call him or her a something - appears to have paid us a visit. Leaving strange messages, partly in some sort of unknown language. Miss Griffin, who's seen him or her or them, thought they reminded her a little of Charricthran. And, well" - she spread her hands and gave a nervous smile - "I think it would be as well to find out what's going on".

(MillieGriffin)

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MillieGriffin  Wizardblizzard • 6 months ago

Millie's smile towards Richard's answer to was a three mix between pleased, satisfaction, and relief, "Oh good."

When she so happened to side glance at Isabella to see the smilon her face her cheeks turned a rosey color. She listened to the two, and as she listened to Isabella explaine what had happened Millie's smile shrank to nothing. Finally she gave a quick nod of conformation to Isabella's statement.

(Tairais)

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Tairais  MillieGriffin • 6 months ago

Richard, for his part, didn't seem particularly surprised.

"Ah, that sort of odd. The... 'spirit', as you called them, appeared to me as well. While I will admit to being curious, there are a few other matters that require more urgent attention at the moment. If you would not mind as a favor, could you perhaps share with me what you find?"

(( Wizardblizzard ))

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Wizardblizzard  Tairais • 6 months ago • edited

"Certainly I will. Thank you."

* she headed for Lewis's office*.

((MillieGriffin Jekyll1886))

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MillieGriffin  Wizardblizzard • 6 months ago

Millie gave a quick wave to Richard before following Isabella.

(Jekyll1886)

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Jekyll1886  MillieGriffin • 6 months ago

The door was slightly ajar, and the sound of pen on paper could be heard from within.

((Wizardblizzard ))

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Wizardblizzard  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited

"Lewis? It's Isabella and Millie, may we come in? Something rather strange has happened that I, we, wanted to ask you about."

((MillieGriffin))

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MillieGriffin  Wizardblizzard • 6 months ago • edited

Millie was close behind her.

"Hi Lewis..." She said with the small wave.

(Jekyll1886)

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Jekyll1886  MillieGriffin • 6 months ago

"Hello, Millie, Isabella--do come in," he greeted them with a smile as he rose from the chair behind the desk.

"What do you wish to talk about?"

((Wizardblizzard ))

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Wizardblizzard  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

Isabella smiled back. "Well." She tried to collect her thoughts, and, rather wearily, began the story for the third time.

"For the last few weeks I've been having peculiar dreams. There was this person, or possibly two people, who were somehow also a star? They were thousands of years old. I think they were dying."

As she spoke, she searched Lewis's face for any sign of recognition. There was no reason why he should know anything about it, it was Charricthran that she and Millie were looking for if anything, but in Isabella's experience Lewis generally knew about most things.

"I remember a lot of arms, and a lot of eyes, and shadows and snow. And I had to get somebody to draw a picture of them, because she kept losing her nerve and not knowing if it was right, but... I must have got this bit muddled... the girl who was drawing the picture was also me? I don't know. You know how dreams get when you try to remember them. The star-people wanted the picture so they would be real, because they needed to tell somebody something, or something. I remember not being quite clear at the time exactly why or what they wanted to do."

She paused. She looked as if she rather expected to be told off. "I know that sounds terribly careless. They were so worried, and it all seemed all right at the time.

"I thought they were just dreams, you know? Mostly I hardly even remembered them afterwards, it's only really dawned on me now. And then today I received a very peculiar letter. In two different hands, and some of it in a foreign language - I don't even recognise the alphabet, if it is one. As I was reading it, I heard a voice speaking, briefly, and then it went away.

"It was..." she pauses, remembering... "rather wonderful but later I got worried because I still didn't really understand what was happening, do you see? So I went looking to see if anyone had seen anything and met Millie."

"Do you want to tell Lewis what you saw, Millie, or shall I? As best I can."

((MillieGriffin))

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MillieGriffin  Wizardblizzard • 6 months ago

Millie let out a sigh and pinched the bridge of her nose, "Um..."

She didn't really feel appropriate about having this mystery hunt, thing, right after right after seeing someone she could only assume was close to someone she knows die. She definitely didn't feel comfortable blabbing about it to every single person they came across. She just wanted to make sure Charricthran was okay, but since even she didn't know where he was, she supposed this was the only way, so she went ahead.

"They were blurry to look at but they were basically how she discribed them... They had Charricthran's smile... and their name was Tairais-vur-Keldra..." She hesitated, then continued, "I think I just watched them die..." She then looked up straight at him, "I just want to know if Charricthran is okay, could you please tell us where he might be?"

(Jekyll1886)

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Jekyll1886  MillieGriffin • 6 months ago

At Isabella's mention of "thousands of years old" and "dying", Weir's eyes widened. He held his peace as he continued to listen. He seemed surprised at her mention of dreams and drawings, but not terribly so when she said she'd gotten a letter.

Millie spoke, and he nodded.

"Charricthran is presently incommunicado on some affair to do with the fair folk--eastern Europe, I believe. But if he weren't alright, I'm certain he'd find a way to get a message to me--he always has in times past."

He contemplated how to phrase what he needed to tell them next.

"As for the being or beings...yes, they were dying. Have passed away, by now," he said quietly, voice just above a whisper and full of somber gravity. "They knew Charricthran, once, though I'm afraid I can't offer details about the relationship, save that they were on friendly terms.

"The letters, as I understand it, were their final farewell, cast across time and space."

He looked Isabella and Millie both in the eyes, with an unspoken request to be kind to his soon-to-be-grieving friend, before concluding, "There's one waiting for Charricthran when he returns."

((Wizardblizzard ))

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Wizardblizzard  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited

She seemed rather grave at the information that Charricthran was away dealing with fairies, apparently recognising this as something to be taken seriously, but not in the least surprised.

The implication of that was not lost on Isabella: Charricthran still had to find out what had happened. What a homecoming that'll be. Isabella nodded slowly several times. She met Lewis's eyes; the expression that could have been read, Please be kind to him, was met by one that could have been read, Scout's honour.

"I'm glad," she says quietly, "they got their chance to say goodbye. And I'm glad if nobody else is in danger, at least. I was just wondering what I'd done, you know?" She would have liked to say more, if they'd been alone, but wondered if she hadn't probably said more to MMillie than could really be explained away anyway.

((MillieGriffin))

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MillieGriffin  Wizardblizzard • 6 months ago

Millie nodded solemnly at Weir's look.

"Actually when I said, 'make sure he's okay', I more meant mentally...? emotionally...?" she explained unassuredly, in a soft voice, "I suppose if he doesn't know yet he's fine, for the moment... But when he does find out, I... I kind of want to be there for— well I don't really know if he'd even me around... I guess I just want to help— or maybe I should just mind my own business..."

(Jekyll1886)

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Jekyll1886  MillieGriffin • 6 months ago • edited

Weir was reassured by the look in Walker's eyes.

"I'm certain you've done nothing wrong," he replied. "If anything, I'd say you've helped--if you got a letter, that's a sign of favor, from what I've been able to piece together."

Millie spoke.

"Ah," said Lewis, understanding now. "I'll assuredly do my best. When he gets in, I'll see what he wants, what he needs. If that includes you, I'll inform you straight away. If he'd rather not, I'll still pass on your warm regards. It can only help to know you care for him."

Grief is never easy, reflected Lewis, altogether too familiar with it. And everyone deals with it in his own way.

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Wizardblizzard  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited

"Me too." Isabella nodded several times and gave Millie what was probably meant as an encouraging look. She'd never been very good at knowing what to say about this kind of thing.

She added suddenly, "I'll miss them."

((MillieGriffin))

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MillieGriffin  Wizardblizzard • 6 months ago • edited

Millie didn't meet either of their gaze, instead looking at her feet.

A small bitter chuckle came out of her, "Wish I met them sooner..."

She then looked up at Weir,, "Thank you, Lewis."

(Jekyll1886)

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Jekyll1886  MillieGriffin • 6 months ago

Lewis nodded in agreement with Isabella.

"So do I," he seconded Millie's sentiment.

"Anytime," he replied to her thanks.

((Wizardblizzard ))

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Jekyll1886  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

((Wizardblizzard ))

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Jekyll1886  Wizardblizzard • 6 months ago • edited

((Just tag me when you want me. I presume Millie wants to put that Millie's headed there, too--you may want to tag her.))

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Wizardblizzard  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

((Knew I forgot something, ta!))

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RBDECEPTICON17 • 6 months ago

(So who's the lucky bloke, Mz. Hyde? ^-^)

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Mz.Hyde Mod  RBDECEPTICON17 • 6 months ago

(Look at the Valentine's day thread and see for yourself!~ ;))

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RBDECEPTICON17  Mz.Hyde • 6 months ago

(Fair do, Mz. Hyde. X3)

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Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago

((The Other Rp continues yet again! Let's get this vampire murdered! :D

Jekyll1886:

"Oh, ah..." he did a quick mental calculation, given he had two pieces left of the yellow and eight of the blue, "four shillings, six pence for the lot, sir."))

"Yours Truly will double that, and you will come with him to drop the cakes off at home," Ayato commanded, victory twinkling in his eyes.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago

Nine shillings! thought Weir, face lighting up.

"Certainly, sir!" he agreed with a ready smile and an enthusiastic nod.

He followed after Ayato, the tempting smell of sugar, butter, and almonds wafting up from the slices of cake on the tray.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

Ayato had soon led them to a dead end in the road where he stopped, hands on hips, to stare at the wall before them.

"Huh. It seems you've taken us down a wrong turn. Oh well." He shrugged, then, faster than the human eye could follow, took the tray from Weir and appeared again behind him, leaning against one side of the alley as he picked up a slice of cake from the stolen dish. "Yours Truly will enjoy this now instead."

At the moment, the vampire was blocking the only exit.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago • edited

Wrong turn? You're the one leadi--

Ayato relieved Weir of the tray and popped up behind him.

Lewis spun round to face him, Weir's expression conveying nothing but surprise and confusion.

Holy mother o' God, who is this man?

Doesn't matter, so long as 'e buys the cake.

I s'pose 'e can eat it now if 'e wants, but 'e really should 'ave paid for it first.

Should I ask about it?

What if 'e gets unhappy I did an' I lose the sale...or worse?

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

Holding the tray in one hand, Ayato swiftly consumed a slice of yellow cake with his other, carefully licking each finger clean afterwards before giving his fangs a similar treatment.

“Hrm. Yours Truly isn’t impressed,” he said with a disappointed glare in Weir’s direction.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago

"Well to be fair sir, a man of such refined tastes as yourself would probably find the deluxe cake more to his liking," Lewis offered quickly, tone placating bordering on pleading as he steepled his hands.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

The look from Ayato in response was some mix of ‘I better’ and ‘Did I give you permission to speak?’ as he grabbed one of the blue slices to try, though the compliment in regards to his taste did ring a chord of self-satisfaction within him.

It took only a single bite of the new slice to realize just how divine this version of the recipe was. Seeing as he had plenty of slices left and even knew where to get more cake when those ran out, he didn’t bother to savor the taste so much as shovel it into his mouth to get as much of the flavor as he could all at once

Just out of sight, Hela readied herself on the rooftop, waiting.

“That,” Ayato said as he finished, licking his lips clean of the last few crumbs, “was some very good cake.”

Now to make it even better, came a hungry thought as he set down the tray, moving towards Weir at inhuman speeds.

Only, before he could reach the man, an extraordinarily unfamiliar sensation of strain and fatigue overtook him, causing him to stop abruptly in surprise only halfway there.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago • edited

Taking advantage of Ayato's momentary disorientation, Lewis changed form in the blink of an eye, the act as natural as breathing. He was on the vampire in a heartbeat, driving his pale yet dusky fingers into the creature's eyes in an effort to crush them.

The time was now or never, for Hela.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

Ayato howled in agony and rage at the sudden attack, his hands darting out to clasp around Weir's throat in a vice-like grip, set on crushing the life out of him.

At the vampire's cry, Hela had launched into action, scaling her way across rooftops and down the side of a building to land just a handful of feet away from the fight, drawing both her hatchet and a smaller, dagger-like knife as she approached at a sprint.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago

Despite Ayato's grip on his throat, necessity and rage united in Lewis to help him retain his focus. He kept his hold on the vampire's eyes and, with a dizzying surge of adrenaline, suddenly squeezed them even harder.

He was rewarded with a wet, gelatinous feeling over his fingers.

Ayato was blinded--at least, for the moment.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

The vampire had hardly finished his first sound of anguish when the pain in his eyes reached an entirely new level of Hell and he bellowed louder than before, all thought overridden by the immense agony.

Instinctively, out of a desire to get the source of his torment far from him, Ayato tightened his grasp on Weir's neck and sought to throw the man aside.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago • edited

Just as instinctively, Lewis switched his grip to place his thumbs in the eye sockets and his other fingers around the sides of Ayato's head and held fast as best he could. This rendered the vampire unable to throw Weir without also coming along for the ride himself.

The two of them staggered, but neither gave way.

Ayato, however, unlike Lewis, had no need to breathe--there was only so long Weir could hold out before he lost consciousness--not to mention much more pressure might well snap Weir's neck. A prolonged fight would tip the odds in the vampire's favor.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited

As Lewis and Ayato grappled back and forth, Hela finally reached them and swung the hatched at the back of the vampire's neck

Unfortunately, her aim was just barely off as he jerked with the effort of trying to shake Weir and her blade struck below at his upper shoulder instead, eliciting another roar.

Gritting her teeth in effort and with a flicker of frustration, she tugged the weapon free, winding up for another attempt.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago • edited

Lewis, knowing he'd soon run out of breath, let go of Ayato only long enough to hit him with a proper Glasgow kiss. Weir put all his effort into the headbutt, which was enough of a shock to the vampire that Lewis was finally able to slip his neck out of Ayato's grip.

Drawing in a grateful, ragged breath, Weir quickly took advantage of the opportunity and grabbed the monster's upper arms where they joined the elbow, determined not to let Ayato choke him again.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

Staggered and dazed from the impact, Ayato wasn't able to recover fast enough to stop Weir from seizing his limbs, only managing a halfhearted hiss at the man before an explosion of agony at the back of his neck, near the base, signaled another blow from Hela, which threatened to bring him to his knees.

Never had he experienced a fight so unbelievably stacked against him. Even with other vampires, he was evenly matched enough with them to just exchange injuries until him and his opponent grew tired of it.

This...torture was entirely new.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago • edited

With his grip on Ayato's arms, Lewis was able to keep the vampire from fleeing.

Ayato's near-collapse from the ax blow, however, made Hela's next attempt to sever his neck more difficult, due to her target moving downward and then upward.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

A snarled curse came with Hela's next swing--striking the exact same spot was difficult enough without more motion being added to the mix, and she considered herself lucky to have hit neck at all when the hatchet cut into a spot only a few inches above her previous attack.

Panic set in as the pain began to feel distant, almost separate from himself. He was very wounded and, judging by the location of the brunt of the attacks, very much in danger of dying.

This gave him just the burst of desperation he need as used what remained of his speed and strength in combination to jerk his arms free, hardly aware of the strain that came with it. The instant he no longer felt Weir's grip on him, he darted again at inhuman speeds, stopping when the smell of brick was strongest in front of him, only able to go a handful of feet before a wall stood in his way.

He hacked and spit into his palm as he ran, quickly moving to rub the liquid over his ruined eyes.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago

Given the end of the blind alley was only four feet away, all Lewis had to do was pivot and reach out to grab Ayato by the collar, jerking the vampire backward and into Weir's grasp.

With one hand, Lewis held both Ayato's wrists behind the monster's back as he pivoted again to face Hela.

Weir used his other hand to grab the vampire's hair and tilt its head back, presenting Ayato's pale throat to Hela as an easy target for her ax.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

Despite all of his desperate thrashing, Ayato couldn't break free from the hands that suddenly seized him again, and he cried out in outrage and fear.

At the sight of Lewis offering up the vampire, Hela paused for only a split second, surprise rapidly turning to wicked delight as she broke into a grin and readied her weapon.

In one swift and fluid motion, Hela shifted her entire body with the swing of the ax, bringing it down on one of the deeper cuts she'd managed to inflict before.

The blade cut cleanly through the monster's neck like knife through butter, severing its body from its head and ending its life in an instant.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago • edited

Both Hela and Lewis were covered with a sluggish spray of purplish-black fluid, the liquid a mixture of Ayato's unnatural blood and the Prussian-blue cyanide.

"Well done," said Weir with a grin.

He set the body down, leaning it against his legs, and placed the head in its lap. He quickly removed a vial from his pocket and tipped the corpse to one side to collect a sample of the liquid from its neck. This done, he pocketed the test tube. It was the work of but a moment.

He spied the tray of cake at the entrance to the alley and couldn't help but smirk--their trick had worked like a charm!

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

" 'Finally got a clear shot," returned Hela in a manner that just teetered on the edge of becoming a 'thank you', practically glowing in self-satisfaction.

"Gotta say, that went a lot better than expected," she admitted as she tried in vain to wipe off the splatters that now covered her skin and clothing, "Though you did get strangled half to death."

A curious glance to him.

"You hurt?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago

"It did indeed," he agreed.

"My throat's rather less than well," he admitted as he put a hand to it and winced. His voice did sound a bit strained. "But it's nothing I shouldn't recover from in time."

He looked to her.

"You?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

Hela chuckled and shook her head.

“He didn’t get the chance to touch me, with the Hell you gave him—the worst thing I’ve to deal with are the stains.”

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago

There goes another set of clothes... he lamented inwardly.

"Good," he said aloud.

He looked to the body, then back to Hela.

"Any suggestions on disposal?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited

"Leave it. It'll only last a half hour, at most." She grinned. " 'No better way to dispose of evidence than to let it be carted off to some other world."

"Oh, and," she continued as if it was an afterthought, only able to partially conceal her sly smirk, "If your throat is really giving you trouble, you could always give the b*stard a lovely French kiss goodbye before he vanishes--Should work wonders on you."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago

He nodded, relieved the body would vanish on its own.

Hela suggested he kiss the corpse.

"Har-de-har-har," returned Weir, not at all amused. "I don't fancy dying of cyanide poisoning, thank you."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited

"Fair--I suppose that would probably take away from most of the healing properties," Hela replied, the poison having genuinely slipped her mind.

She gave a shrug that seemed to say 'Oh well'--at least she'd tried to help him out, even if it turned out her idea was likely to cause more harm than good.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago

"Healing properties?" echoed Lewis, cocking his head at her.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

Hela mirrored the tilt of his head with one of her own.

"Did you not know? His spit has a sort of healing agent--it's how the vampires keep their victims from bleeding out when they bite an artery."

She reflected on the chat they had prior on Ayato's abilities.

" 'Must've forgotten to mention it earlier."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago

"Ah."

He thought on the vial in his pocket with a renewed sense of potential.

"Interesting."

He reflected that, soon-vanishing body or no, it still wasn't wise to stay here in the alley overlong.

We probably ought to take the cake away, too.

He picked up the tray with a grin.

"Anyone else you don't like?" he offered with a tilt of his head toward the cyanide-saturated pieces.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

Hela gave a short bark of laughter at that.

"I've already cleaned out my house years ago, thanks. Besides," she said with amusement, bending down to wipe her ax clean on the dead vampire's clothing, "I don't kill with poisons if I can help it. Too terribly dull."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago

"No vengeful vampire lovers to mourn him, I take it," surmised Lewis with a chuckle.

And, really, Ayato was such a right arse, Weir wasn't at all surprised no one would miss him.

"Right. I'll dump this, then."

He strode from the alley and found a place to dispose of the evidence.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

"Maybe just the slaves--anyone with half an ounce of freewill left wouldn't shed a tear," she confirmed, snorting at the thought of someone actually caring for the creature.

She remained on one knee, giving Weir a lazy wave goodbye as he left.

"Safe travels."

By the time he had returned to the alley, cake-less, Hela appeared to be in the middle of dismembering what remained of Ayato, one arm already in three separate pieces.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago • edited

He tilted his head at her.

"Will that help it vanish, or are you takin' a souvenir?" he asked casually.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

"Neither," said Hela with a huff of breath, prying her hatchet from one of the deceased vampire's bones, "This is just for stranding me in bed for nearly two weeks. Hated every second of it."

She shifted her weight, about to swing again, then paused, glancing to Weir.

"You wanna go?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago

"Nah, go ahead," he said, and leaned against the alley wall to keep watch. "'Bastard deserves it."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

Hela broke into a grin that threatened to split the sides of her face.

"He does, doesn't he? 'Tis a real shame he can't feel it anymore."

She returned her gaze to Ayato, nodding to his ruined eyes.

"You gave him a lovely time while he could, though."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago

"Heh," he chuckled as he surveyed their handiwork.

"'Glad he got to feel real fear."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

"It might've been the first time for him," agreed Hela in a pleased tone, "Fear is... certainly an experience best had by all. He may have been near immortal, but he wasn't alive without it."

With that, she nudged Ayato's head into a better position with her foot before bringing the hatchet crashing down on the middle of his forehead, a giddy sound of delight escaping her at the impact.

She had just pulled the blade free again when a sudden thought occurred.

Quickly setting the ax aside, she dropped to a crouch beside the head, pulling out a small knife from her pocket.

"You want a trophy?" she asked, her tone all hurried excitement as she opened the vampires mouth and began trying to carve out one of his fangs.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago

A baleful laugh escaped Lewis.

"'Love one," he said with a predator's grin as he leaned over to look at the vampire's mouth.

He knelt down and held the head still so she could cut the flesh more easily.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago • edited

Hela swiftly extracted the pair of pearly, razor-sharp teeth, aware that if she didn’t do so soon enough, the body would vanish along with any collectibles.

They both came away with no small amount of blood coating their surface, though she did manage to scrap away most of the flesh with her knife.

“Here you are,” said the Hyde as she finished, passing one of the fangs to Weir, “Your very own toothpick—just be mindful of the cyanide.” She grinned.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago

"Heh."

He took the proffered fang, wiped it with his pocket square, then offered the latter to Hela.

The tooth itself he examined, taking in the way it curved ever so slightly to a point as he held it between his fingers, before he tucked it away for later.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

She raised an eyebrow at the gesture but accepted the cloth nonetheless, cleaning her own prize before returning the pocket square to him.

"Well," Hela began as she stood, smiling with fiendish camaraderie, "It has been a pleasure working with you, Dr. Weir, but now we must find a way to get you home."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago

Lewis placed the cloth in his breast pocket.

"Indeed," he agreed. "It's been fun," he said with a glance to Ayato's remains, "but I'm eager to return."

Weir put a hand to his neck, rolled his head, got a satisfying click, and returned to his usual guise.

"When your inter-dimensional visitors arrive, where do they typically pop up?" He recalled he own somersaulting entrance into her kitchen.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

" 'Round the living room, usually near the front door, though there's the occasional sap that lands nearly on top of the fireplace," she answered before giving a brief, curious glance his way. Does he think to go through the spot in reverse?

"I could show you the exact spot--I'd like to get back home and wash off anyway."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 6 months ago

He chuckled at the idea of a random man given the inadvertent hot seat, even as he counted himself lucky he'd not landed there himself.

"Let's do."

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Tairais • 6 months ago

(( The Fox and Jekyll1886 -- Dinnertime lads!

The Fox:

With his claw, he cut a rough bit of sausage from the link and dangled it over Anniceris's head. He twirled it round to get the dog to circle for him.

When Lewis offered to make eggs, Malemi chirped enthusiastically, the snack dropped in his sudden hunger.

" Yes! Let's~!

Eggs for dinner! "

Malemi slide off the table and fetched the eggs, taking from their carton with points of his claws. Holding them close, he brought them to the counter put them on an extra dish he'd put out.

His hackles wiggled with anticipation, tail curling from side to side.

Jekyll1886:

Anniceris snapped up the dropped hunk of sausage, then, when he'd finished, looked first to Malemi, then to Lewis, for more.

Weir'd watched the dimming and rekindling of the light in Charricthran's eyes with a touch of concern followed by gladness.

"Will do," Lewis said with a nod and a smile.

As he got up, he noticed Anniceris.

"Oh, fine, here you are," Weir relented with a chortle as he tore off another chunk of sausage and gave it to the corgi.

This done, he continued to the counter and the stove and set about making breakfast for dinner.

When he'd finished, he set their plates and silverware before them and gave Anni the rest of the torn sausage.

"Bon appétit."

Tairais:

Charricthran watched Lewis cook with softly fascinated smile as he propped his cheek on his hand. Much like with Richard, he found it amazing anyone could cook without setting everything on fire, like he seemed to do with everything except baked ziti and snickerdoodle cookies.

He managed to shake himself from his reverie moments before Lewis put the dishes before him, fascination upturning into gratitude.

"Vinxa, Weirmrith. Looks delicious!"

As one might've expected, he paused with a forkful of food just shy of his mouth and held it there for some odd interval. This time, however, it was to savor the scent of the food as much as it was that still-lingering tension not unlike bracing for a slap to the face.

He took the bite and stifled a very satisfied sound as best he could, each new flavor one he'd no memory to bring to surface. It was such an odd thing, texture over teeth that wasn't simply just remembering how things should feel- how would he have possibly known what any of this felt like after so, so many years?

He took quite a bit of time to eat, a disbelieving and awestruck smile on his face the entire time.

~*~

Fox's go o/ ))

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The Fox  Tairais • 6 months ago

Malemi was eager to chomp into his eggs, finishing them in an easy few bites so he could watch Char eat his. He was practically glowing with amusement with each bewildered bite the being took, and the memories of his own first time played in his mind.

The initial confusion, suspicion...the nibbling at the edge...till he grew confident in its contents.

He sneaked a glance at Weir before purring and going back to Char.

When he finished, the cat was the first to cut in.

" How was it? Did you like it? "

( Jekyll1886 )

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 6 months ago • edited

Lewis was pleased to see how much Charricthran liked his egg-in-a-basket with sides of sausage and toast. Though Weir didn't stare so long as to be rude, he did look rather frequently, between bites of his own dinner.

Malemi stole the words right out of his mouth.

((Tairais ))

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

Once he'd finished, Charricthran set his silverware down carefully, considering his words equally, if not more so, a slight furrow to his brow.

"In a word? Intense."

He passed his tongue over his teeth, memory half-forming it into the forked thing it had once been before it passed for humanoid again. The taste was still there, savory and delightful, all things he'd forgotten how to feel in their truths.

His thoughtful look broke into another shark-toothed grin, a half-huffed laugh slipping past his lips.

"Bloody intense, bloody delicious. I cannae remember what it was like doin' this-" He waved a hand over the table and towards the kitchen. "-all the time."

His eyes crinkled again as he added, "Tha' said, I'm glad ta remember now, with you lot."

(( The Fox ))

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MillieGriffin • 6 months ago

Pyrogue

Assuming it was room service or the like, Ez rose from one of the chairs and went to open the door.

"Uh, I-- Oh. Millie, nice to see you again. What... what brings you here?" he asked.

___

MillieGriffin

Millie didn't say anything, she just held the sealed envelope out to him with a small smile on her face.

(Pyrogue)

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Pyrogue  MillieGriffin • 6 months ago

“What’s this about?”

He took the letter, a little confused.

“Come in, come in...” He stood to the side so Millie could enter.

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MillieGriffin  Pyrogue • 6 months ago • edited

Millie took only a few steps in.

"Open an' read it..." She said pointing at the letter, her expression unchanged.

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Pyrogue  MillieGriffin • 6 months ago

“Alright.”

He broke the seal and removed the contents of the envelope, unfolded it and began to read.

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MillieGriffin  Pyrogue • 6 months ago

It read that Ez was invited to come back and work under Millie at the Society— signed by Helen and initialed by the co-founders.

As he read it Millie watched his expression carfully with the smile still on his face.

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Pyrogue  MillieGriffin • 6 months ago

As Ez read the letter, his expression gradually shifted from mild confusion to shock, then a moment later to elation. He grinned.

"I...." He was speechless.

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MillieGriffin  Pyrogue • 6 months ago

Millie's smile turned into a big toothy from ear to ear, and her eyes gleamed excitedly as she gave him two thumbs up.

"Eeeeeeeeeeeeeee!"

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Pyrogue  MillieGriffin • 6 months ago

He returned the smile. “So... So I’m back in?”

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MillieGriffin  Pyrogue • 6 months ago

"Uh-huh... Welcom back...!"

At this point she started bouncing in her boots a little. Then the thought struck her.

"Ah—! Do you need help packing?" She offered.

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Pyrogue  MillieGriffin • 6 months ago

“Oh, it should be fine. I don’t have too much to pack away, and I didn’t even unpack half of it.”

He walked over to where his suitcase was.

“So what are the conditions of this arrangement then?”

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MillieGriffin  Pyrogue • 6 months ago • edited

"You work under me, most of what I said day before applys, I report weekly to Helen, and she reports bi-weekly to the co-founders." She explained as she watched him pack what little he had to, "You're now going to have the title Junior Cryptovirologist, and I, Senior. Although the name, 'Cryptovirologist' may change to 'Crypto-microbiologist'."

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Pyrogue  MillieGriffin • 6 months ago

He nodded. “Sounds good to me.”

He set about packing his things.

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MillieGriffin  Pyrogue • 6 months ago

Once he was packed they were off back to the society. On the way down William caught sight of them.

"Oh leaving so soon?" He asked quizzically.

"Yes, the uh– renovations at home finished sooner than we expected." Millie said as she signed Ez out, "Lovely place though, would come again."

"Very well then, perhaps you'd like a refund for the time you didn't use?"

"No, we're in a hurry, just keep it."

William blinked in surprise, "A-are you sure?"

"Yeah, bye." She said before they both walked out of the front door and were on their way back to the society.

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Pyrogue  MillieGriffin • 6 months ago

"Thank you," he said to William as they left.

"So... what made the co-founders change their minds?" he asked Millie as they walked down the street.

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MillieGriffin  Pyrogue • 6 months ago

"It was your aid in locating the seller of the red death, of course. When you showed the co-founders you were an earnest with making it up to the society they decided to have you back."

Millie pondered something again, then turned to him, "How well do you remember your last talk with Helen?" She asked.

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Pyrogue  MillieGriffin • 6 months ago

“Well, she called me into her office, I explained what happened, she told me to fill out a questionnaire about the seller, and then... I was dismissed.”

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MillieGriffin  Pyrogue • 6 months ago

"Did either of the co-founders come in there during your discussion?" She inquired.

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Pyrogue  MillieGriffin • 6 months ago

“No.”

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MillieGriffin  Pyrogue • 6 months ago • edited

Millie paused as she thought for a moment then continued, "Okay, now, what exactly did she do right after you gave the report, did you see her send it straight to the co-founders?"

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Pyrogue  MillieGriffin • 6 months ago

"Uh..." He thought for a second. "Dr Helen had copies made, yes. But she didn't get any sent to the co-founders -- at least, not while I was in the room. I assume she discussed it with them later."

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MillieGriffin  Pyrogue • 6 months ago • edited

(I kinda had to reword my last question up there, she's still asking the same thing but it's reworded.)

Millie gave another pause as she mentally checked off a list in her head.

"Alright, you said after you filled out the questionnaire she dismissed you, how did she word it? Did she say she decided to, or the co-founders decided to?"

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Pyrogue  MillieGriffin • 6 months ago

“She decided.”

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MillieGriffin  Pyrogue • 6 months ago

"Ah." Millie said with an affirmative nod.

That's what I thought...

"Thank you, Mr. Hollis." She said as they approached the society. She skipped up the steps and opened the door for him.

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Pyrogue  MillieGriffin • 6 months ago • edited

“Thank you,” he said as he stepped into the Society once again.

How strange, that just yesterday he thought he’d never see the inside of this place again and yet here he was. He paused for a moment, just taking it all in again, before snapping out of it.

“Why do you need to know about all that?”

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MillieGriffin  Pyrogue • 6 months ago

"Oh, you don't have to worry about it.", She said waving it off, "I was just checking something is all."

She let out a deep satisfied sigh, "Well I suppose you're eager to get resettaled, do you want help with that?"

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Pyrogue  MillieGriffin • 6 months ago

"Ah, no. It's alright," Ez said. "Do I have the same room, or have I moved?"

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MillieGriffin  Pyrogue • 6 months ago

"You are a room, a little closer to ours." She walked up and handed him his key with the room number on it, "If, you're sure you don't want any help, I'll see you tomorrow after breakfast."

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Pyrogue  MillieGriffin • 6 months ago • edited

He took the key. "Thank you. Uh, I suppose I'll see you tomorrow."

Ez made his way to the room number shown on the key, unpacked his belongings and simply stood for a minute, thinking about something.

I don't think many lodgers will be pleased to see me again. Not after yesterday's events.

* * *

(( Do we want to skip 'til morning here or does someone have something to say? Jekyll1886 Helen Jekyll ))

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MillieGriffin  Pyrogue • 6 months ago

On her way through the halls society she noticed she was passing Helen's office. She paused a moment, side-eyeing the door with a smoldering glare, with a huff she shook her head and kept walking.

Next time...

(End for now.)

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Jekyll1886  Pyrogue • 6 months ago

((If Ez moves back in, isn't that pretty well the end of the RP? I don't have anything planned for the next day; I thought Lewis's part was done.))

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Pyrogue  Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

((Ok. Just making sure that nobody wanted to add something. :) ))

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Jekyll1886  Pyrogue • 6 months ago

((Cool. ^_^ And a hearty "Welcome back" to Ezekiel!))

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Tairais • 6 months ago

(( Irina Leví Continuation of GatC--hope you don't mind that I've reposted!

Irina Leví:

Irina gave a small start. She once again took a look around and down to her cup

"After all, sir", she said softly, " you can remember the time. You see, I'm not even sure if I was in the same year or month of June when we were sailing through America and the storm happened. I remember very vaguely my childhood before I was separated from my family by that New Holy Inquisition." She recounted this with a tranquility that could be said inhuman. "Tell me, is it 1885? Judging by the wind, I would say that autumn starts."

Tairais:

"I... believe it is closer to 1887? I may be incorrect. As for the weather, I believe you are correct."

Richard took the news of a holy inquisition quite well for a refined gentleman, the only reaction he had to give being a somewhat distant look in his eye that mirrored the tranquility Irina herself was expressing.

"It has been a number of chaotic years," he added softly. ))

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Irina Leví  Tairais • 6 months ago

"Yes", she commented, followed by a sip of her drink. She stood looking at the sky for a while, doing a meditation on those about life and other things. London was a magnificent place, despite having seen little of it.

"What things usually happen if one is like that, right?" Irina said with a chuckle, "Surely my birthday will have passed and I missed it, not knowing I'm finally 21!"

she smiled a little, fixing her gaze on Richard.

"Thank you, I suppose, for having accompanied me."

The crowd seemed to calm down and diminish. The lanterns began to light the way. How fast did the day go by? She knew that it could not be everything. Irina wondered if Richard wouldn't mind if ...

"London is magnificent, and I did not know how much could be found in it," she observed, finishing her drink, "but, I would like to know, if it is possible, sir," she murmured making sure he only heard her, "What about London at night?"

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Tairais  Irina Leví • 6 months ago

Richard's smile spoke of a deep understanding before it melted into something more lighthearted and less distant.

"But of course! You asked me to, and I was more than glad to deliver."

He had to give a sheepish smile as Irina lowered her voice.

"I am afraid I do not do much roaming by night. There are a great deal of... unsavory characters that I am not of the ability to ward off. As I have said, though, I do have an acquaintance that is familiar with these things, and I am certain he would enjoy showing you around the city further--I would have to send word to him, however, and there is no certainty that he would answer promptly."

His voice was similarly low, and genuinely apologetic.

"Consider it a debt that will be paid with interest. It is my own fault for not knowing enough to fulfill your request adequately."

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Irina Leví  Tairais • 6 months ago

"Oh, it's okay, I understand you're not used to it, but it could be another day, if your acquaintance is-"

The response was suddenly cut short by a choked cry that exclaimed pain. The skin turned pale, the dark circles around her eyes intensified and the face became blurred, and as if that were not enough, the body became skeletal.

Something worse than a headache and the sensation of a cut body felt Irina.

"I think," she said with a thin voice, "it's better to go back to the workshop... For the... Uh..." And very awkwardly she got up.

((Sorry I haven't replied back! I was busy with school! If I don't reply tomorrow, have this Chibi Irina:

Thumbnail

This have the power to have a good day, because she's 50% music, 50% magic and 10000% love!))

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Tairais  Irina Leví • 6 months ago

(( She's positively darling, aaa! /)^w^(\ Don't worry about how long things take--I'm in school myself, so I understand! ))

Richard had been about to respond when Irina cried out in pain, causing him to all but leap to his feet in his haste to offer aid.

"Yes, let us get you back to your workshop--Charricthran will find a day to show you around as soon as I ask it of him. Come, come, can you walk, or would you prefer my arm to lean on?"

He didn't seem particularly off-put by Irina's almost skeletal transformation, though he was very much concerned for her continued wellbeing.

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Irina Leví  Tairais • 6 months ago

((Sorry once again but now for music and violin classes. I'm unfortunally the teacher))

"Eh ... I'm ... well, not good, hehe" she said with a depressive and horrifying smile, that instantly erased from her face, not to scare Richard, and took him by his arm.

"This way," Irina said weakly, advancing slowly and awkwardly, signaling the scientist where to go. Maybe she was sick or ill, but she used all her strength for certain things, and in the aspect of spatial, musical and visual memory, she did not fail at all, even allucinating because her health.

They were already arriving at the beautiful facade of the workshop when the door opened.

An old, chubby, almost bald man, whose face caused tenderness, had a white mustache that was twisted downwards along with his expression of strangeness and fear.

"I-Irina?" Said Mr. Schmidt with horror.

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Tairais  Irina Leví • 6 months ago

(( And once again, don't worry about it ^^ life happens as it will ))

Richard gave the old man a small, but polite smile despite his concern.

"Ah, Mr. Schmidt, I hope and trust? I am afraid Miss Levi is unwell, and I am ill-equipped to render aid. I do not suppose you would mind letting us inside so that I can assist her in getting to a place where she might see her health restored?"

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Irina Leví  Tairais • 6 months ago

"Please, come in!", Mr Schmidt said.

He led Richard to a sort of living room, almost carrying the lady in his arms, and left her on an old sofa. Mr. Schimdt took off her gloves, coat and hat, revealing thin, callused, veiny hands. He immediately examined Irina, who was about to faint from the pain.

"This is not any case of illness, however, it is not so serious this time, but ... EVA!" Mr. Schmidt went off to the stairs, but quickly walked away when he heard a voice from a woman announcing her arrival.

"Here I have the crystals" said a woman a little younger than her husband, wearing. Eva Schmidt was a woman of gypsy descent and, putting into practice her traditions, she brought a necklace with large white crystals, which she immediately put on Irina's neck. Mrs. Schmidt was surprised to see Richard, specially by his height.

"And whoever this gentleman is, we are grateful and in debt to you", she said, doing a reverence.

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Tairais  Irina Leví • 6 months ago

Richard shook his head, casting a glance to Irina as he did so.

"There is no need for debt--I can only assume I am partly to blame for her current state, illness or no, as I was the one showing her about London."

He gave a small bow to the Schmidts before continuing.

"Please, if there is anything I might do to help, allow me to do so. I owe her as much."

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Tairais • 6 months ago

(( *Golf clap* XD ))

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Jekyll1886 • 6 months ago

((XDDDDDD))

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