Curses, Lies, and Liars Part 2

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Curses, Lies, and Liars Part 2

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Catt Hatter

Catt Hatter

@catthatter 2 years ago

(Hey ho, here we go! Part 2 of the story where Catt got rescued from drowning in the sewers by @Mz. Hyde and then fell into a coma for about a week!

Oh yeah, and Elder was a part of this too... I guess.)

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Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

Catt's crying grew into sobs that shook her body, she wrapped one arm around his side and clutched a handful of his vest.

'I like being cuddled. It feels safe, and warm.' said the writing.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

He held her close, let her cry on his shoulder, reassured her. They continued like that for some time. He knew she needed to.

All tears fall in their time.

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

At the far end of the room, the paper began to peel off from the edges of the protruding rectangle.

"I-it was s-so col-ld!" She sobbed.

'It hurt, it was dark and I was alone!'

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago • edited

"Mm," he acknowledged, holding her close as the floodgates of emotion opened up within her.

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"A-and I used to like sw-swimming!"

A roll of detached paper fell to the floor, then another, and another, sounding like dry leaves in autumn.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

A smile, sad, small, and rueful, settled briefly on his lips at the irony.

"More's the pity," he agreed, stroking the small girl kindly.

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

'I miss being able to swim.' said the writing. Catt's tears had begun to subside, sobs reduced to gentle weeping by the comforting embrace.

The now exposed door glowered at the pair from the far end of the room, unnatural shadows dripping from the cracks in the worn wooden panels.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"We could find you a safe pool, you know," he offered. "No rivers, no currents, the water warmed by the summer sunshine. What do you think?"

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

She looked up at him. "R-really?"

'I don't deserve it. Do pools even exist yet?'

Was it just them, or did the river seem to be getting louder?

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"Yes, we could. The Marshall Street Baths, for instance. Perfectly safe. The plunge pools are large enough to swim in," he said with a kind, reassuring smile.

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

"That, sounds nice. Are they warm?"

'I don't have a swimsuit... or want to be seen without proper clothes.'

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"Warm enough, in summertime. And the private bathing areas have hot running water, if you go first class. We could certainly find you a bathing suit. Would you like to go sometime?"

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Catt nodded. 'Yes please.'

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"So would I," he agreed with a smile. "It's a fine place. We'll have to get out of here first, though. But I have every confidence we can do just that!" he said, lifting her up to rest on his hip. Her regarded her fondly. "I'll be with you, you know, Catt. On the journey ahead. Remember that."

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Ok." she nodded again.

'Thank you.'

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"Very good. Let's get going."

Still carrying Catt, Lewis turned to face the door. Its foreboding presence was undeniable.

"Nothing worth doing was ever easy," he explained, approaching the portal, "but we will do it." He placed his hand on the knob. "Together."

He gave it a turn, and opened the door.

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

A shadow fell into the room, like the inverse of a sunbeam in summer. The wind that swept into the room sapped away the previously warm atmosphere, and Catt hugged more closely to Lewis and shivered.

"I don't like this..." she whispered softly.

The wall writing made no comment.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"Neither do I," admitted Lewis, holding her close. "But we'll get through it. For starters, imagine yourself a coat, and it shall appear. Like this." He closed his eyes in concentration, and a long, fur cloak, dappled cream and light brown, appeared around him, soft against Catt's cheek. "You see? You can do it, too. Any coat which suits your fancy. Just focus on it, how it would look and feel, and how very warm it would be."

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Catt frowned a moment, uncertain if it would really be that simple.

"Well, I guess I could try." she reasoned.

Shutting her eyes, she concentrated on what would be the warmest coat she could have. At first a fur coat, much like Lewis' started to take form around her shoulders, then it flickered to a pink snowsuit with a hood, then it was a black winter cloak that was much too big and heavy for her.

"No, no. This isn't it." She mumbled from under the oversized hood.

She shut her eyes and focused. What was the warmest, nicest thing she could have as a coat?

As she thought, the heavy winter cloak began to shrink. Folds in the fabric morphed into sleeves, the hood into a collar, and slowly the whole thing began to glow, growing brighter and brighter until the fabric itself could no longer be seen. Though it now looked to be made of light, it didn't hurt to look at.

Lewis could feel a gentle heat radiating from the strange garment.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"There we are," said Weir with a pleased little chortle. "That's a coat you can be proud of; not everyone thinks to go beyond the merely physical. I daresay we're ready to set out."

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Well," she said shyly. "There's not much that's nicer than a summer's day, and it looked like we might need a flashlight."

Catt looked out into the blackness beyond the door, and held on more tightly. She felt very, very small.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"True enough," he said with a smile. Holding the illuminated Catt close, Lewis stepped over the threshold, taking them into the blackness beyond.

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

They had only gone a few steps and already the light from the room was dwindling behind them. There was the sound of pebbles crunching under his shoes while the river continued it's cacophonous serenade.

In the small circle of light, he nearly tripped onto a mound of smooth stones as it rose out of the ground.

Laying just on top of the pile, barely in sight, a pale, battered hand could just be seen.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"Bloody--!" he cut himself off, as he narrowly avoided the rising rocks. Yet he kept hold of Catt, and shortly regained his balance. He took in the sight before them.

"It looks as if someone's trapped, Catt," he stated, adding silently, if they're lucky. "Have you any idea who?"

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

She shook her head. "I don't think so."

As if in response to her voice, the hand shifted. Clawing slightly at the stones.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"Or not," he corrected himself. He backed up a few steps to keep Catt out of harm's reach...if harm was coming.

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

The rocks shifted, and ragged breathing could be heard from the darkness.

Suddenly, something small was hurled from behind the stack, aimed right at their heads.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

Weir instinctively stuck his left hand out in front of them, blocking and catching the thrown object.

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

SHE STOLE MY HOUSE!! An angry, rasping voice shouted in his mind as he caught the smooth grey stone.

If Catt had heard the voice, she didn't show it.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

Who stole your house? asked Lewis, in his own mind, in reply.

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

A bedraggled, beaten, figure with long dark brown hair that was plastered to her face, dragged themselves into view on top of the rock pile.

She glared at them with her one good eye, the other was swollen shut.

Catt merely cowered against Lewis' shoulder in terrified silence.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

Lewis dropped the stone to free up his hand in case another came their way.

The figure before him either hadn't heard his mental query or didn't want to answer it. Taking a chance that it was the former, he asked aloud:

"Who stole your house?"

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

The figure reached for another stone and threw it at him.

THAT BRAT ON YOUR ARM. The voice shrieked. IT WAS MY HOUSE AND SHE STOLE IT FROM ME!!

"W-what's going on?" Catt asked timidly, her voice barely audible.

The drowned looking woman turned her glare fiercely on Catt, and hurled a rock at her head.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago • edited

Lewis once again caught the projectile.

"I'm not sure," he whispered to Catt. "But I'll ask."

"Catt?" he asked the bedraggled woman before them, letting go of the rock as he did so.

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Another rock. THAT'S NOT MY NAME!

Catt hugged the doll and sniffled, trying to hold back her tears.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago • edited

Another catch...and drop.

"It's alright," he whispered to the little one. "I won't let them hit you."

To the other, he explained:

"No, I meant, 'Is it Catt who you believe stole your house?' And what is your name, by the by?"

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Catt just whimpered, hiding her face.

The woman's rasping got more intense as she threw the next stone.

YES HER! AND I DON'T KNOW...I don't know my name. SHE MUST HAVE STOLEN IT TOO!

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

Another catch, another drop.

Lewis pondered names and nicknames, and thought back to the allegory he'd given Author.

"Any chance it's Catherine?" he asked calmly. It's worth a shot.

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

The woman looked shocked for a moment of silence, then she raised trembling hands to her head. A guttural noise came from her, like she was trying to scream.

The ground began to shake.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"Iiii'll...take that as a 'yes'," Weir remarked, backing up, young Catt held close.

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

The shaking became worse, and by the light of Catt's coat, cracks started to appear in the dark air.

"What's going on?!" She cried.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago • edited

"I think," he said, with a reassuring smile, "pretty soon, we'll get to go swimming. And, though it won't be the Marshall Street Baths, you'll be perfectly fine if you just imagine a nice, warm wetsuit for yourself, and hold onto me."

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Colour drained from her face as quickly as the warmth from her coat. Her lip trembled.

"N-no! No!" Lightning cracked across the void, announcing a torrent of icy rain that pelted down on their heads. "I can't hold on in the cold! I can't move!"

The ground bucked, nearly knocking them to the ground while the woman groaned and writhed on her pile of river stones.

"Don't make me!"

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"I'm not making you," he explained. "Though the river may come. But, here," he said with an arcing wave of his hand. A transparent, green-tinted sphere enveloped them. "You'll be safe with me. This," he assured, gazing at the bubble around them, "is part of me, of my soul. And my soul is sacrosanct."

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Sacro-what?" She sniffed, tears or rain still making her cheeks shine in the dim light.

Another rock came sailing towards them.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago • edited

"Inviolable," he said with a grin. "Tougher than diamonds, more relentless than water, flexible as a serpent, and quicksilver-quick."

A glowing, green tendril shot out from the shield to catch the stone.

Why, won't anyone help me? WHY ONLY HER?! I'M HERE TOO! WHY??!! The woman's words echoed in Weir's mind.

"I've not forgotten, you, love," Lewis addressed her as he dropped the stone. A laser-like line of green light shot out from the shield. It headed for Catherine, whirring around her, faster and faster, until a similar sphere surrounded her, too. With a thought, Weir brought the two spheres together, attached to one another like twin soap bubbles. He reached his free hand through the barrier connecting them.

"Take my hand," he proffered. "You've no need to throw stones now."

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

The woman looked around the bubble in confusion. From this distance, and in the better light, they could see why she hadn't been able to speak. There was a deep gash in her neck.

She reached a tentative hand to take his, but her hand went through it. Giving Lewis the sensation of cold water splashing through his arm and into his head.

I-I just don't want to be hurt again, I don't want to be in pain. She grabbed for his hand again, another splash of icy water. Why does she get to be in the warm outside while I'm stuck in here, in the cold, wet and dark?

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"You don't have to be, Catherine," he offered, thinning out the energy from his hand into the spheres until the former was translucent. "But I think you and Catt here have to become friends, or at least tolerate each other, first. You need to talk and listen to one another."

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

The world shook again and she grabbed his hand, the cold water rushing loudly in his ears.

She doesn't deserve it!

Catt whimpered. "What's going on? I wanna go back inside. It's scary out here, and she doesn't say anything. So how can I listen?"

Catherine made to lunge at Catt, but only crashed into the translucent green wall and growled.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago • edited

Lewis looked directly at Catherine.

"Deserved or undeserved, she's here, and so are you. You'll simply have to learn to live with each other. It's not an easy process, but it will be worth your while. For the both of you."

"Let me help with that, then," he said to Catt. "I could let you hear some thoughts in your head. They'd be," he turned to Catherine, "you talking." He regarded each in turn. "Alright, loves?"

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"B-but..." Catt looked at the ought-to-be-dead woman, and back to Lewis. "She-..."

Let me talk to her... Catherine leered through her icy thoughts. I'll let her know exactly what's on my mind!

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago • edited

"She...?" he asked Catt.

Through the filter of my soul, yes, he thought-spoke to Catherine alone. The sooner you learn to live with her, the better your chances at sunlight. It's up to you.

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"She's after me." Catt whispered. The ground rocked again and thunder rolled across the black space above them.

She's supposed to live with ME! she snarled, the water splashing into his face with irritation. I SHOULD BE THE ONE LIVING!

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

The conjoined spheres levitated just above the ground.

"What do you think she wants?" he asked Catt softly.

She'll have to learn to live with you as well, Catherine. But tell me, why do you say you should be the one living? I'm unaware what's transpired. Please help me understand.

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Well, look at her." Catt said sadly. "She doesn't exactly look alive. Is it any wonder she want's my life?" Wind whistled around the spheres, and blew the rain against the sides.

Do I look alive to you? Besides that I'm freaking OLDER! THAT MEANS I WAS HERE FIRST!!

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago • edited

"Then you're sisters, of a kind," Weir said to the both of them. "Or perhaps a sort of mother and daughter. In any case, you need to care for one another. Love and accept each other. Acknowledge what has gone before. And what's come to exist now. Or I've a feeling this will end terribly for you both."

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

(That it could, Doctor. That it could.) Said a somewhat unwelcome voice.

"Sisters? I... I've never had a sister." The tiny Catt felt caught somewhere between intrigued, confused and scared. This strange lady was trying to attack her a few moments ago.

How could it end more terribly for me? I've been stuck here for as long as I can remember. Catherine grumbled in his mind.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago • edited

Lewis startled for a moment at the voice, then winced, reined himself in, and got back on task.

"Well, the thing is..." he began, addressing Catt and Catherine, "strange as it may sound, you're both part of the same person. So to fight each other would only be to fight yourself. I imagine if you both wanted to, you could link hands and feel each other's emotions, or even join together. At the very least, you'd know what the other'd been through. A bit of empathy." An idea occurred to him. "Catt, Catherine...why don't you let me feel and know what you do? I could help it along, direct the flow, serve as a," he chuckled, "weir."

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

'Don't people usually argue with themselves?' The strange writing from the room spelled out behind Catt. "J-join together?" She asked fearfully. "I don't want to be an amalgam with that! She's mean!"

I am not! I just want what's mine! The woman objected, not realising that Catt couldn't hear her. She turned back to Wier. How would that work? What's a 'weir?' Were you making a pun with your name?

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago • edited

Ay, that they do. The words appeared in a shimmering blue script behind Catt.

"Then communicate, at the very least," he suggested to the little one.

To Catherine, he explained:

It's a structure used to control or alter the flow of a river. Water still passes, but it doesn't deluge. And, yes, I was making a pun. But a fitting one, in this case.

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Catt looked uncertainly at the woman in the adjacent bubble, who suddenly made a sound like a choking dog underwater. She jumped in surprise, this didn't help Catt's opinion of the weird lady one bit.

That's funny! But I still don't see why I should have to share what rightfully belongs to me, especially with that little thief. She retorted. I should be the one at the helm!

(You already are you dummy!)

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"You've already begun sharing things," said Lewis to the two. "You may as well continue. What else are we all going to do here, encapsulated as we are? It's not as if we've a pressing engagement," he said with a half-laugh.

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

The storm continued to buffet the outside of the shields, pushing them along like a boat in water. Or maybe it was the ground that was moving. In any case, the river was getting louder.

Catt whimpered. "How can you know it's safe?"

Catherine just looked around, trying to see where the voice had come from.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"Because I made a promise I'd take care of you--both of you. And I shall. My word is my bond, when I give it. These spheres around us are me. Catt and Catherine...you are safe. And you are cared for. Come Hell or," he grinned, looking about them, "high water. Now, Catt, you needn't fear Catherine. She is you, and vice-versa." And, Catherine, don't you see that by joining with Catt--peaceably--you'd have what you wanted? You could see the sunlight again, no longer trapped here. But you have to make the trip together. I'm sorry; that's simply the way it is. The architecture of the psyche isn't up to me.

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Catt groaned at the 'high water' comment and buried her face in his shoulder.

Catherine eyed him suspiciously. How do I know you're not lying? People lie all the time to get what they want. What makes you different here?

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

Weir soothingly stroked Catt's back as if to say, "There, there."

Would you feel a modicum of my soul, to know my intentions? he queried Catherine silently.

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Catt shivered, the coat's heat long dissipated as they drifted over the river. Its currents and eddies churning in the darkness and dimly illuminated by the spheres.

What does that mean?

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago • edited

Lewis's cloak vanished as he began to glow. A light--and radiant heat--spread out from him and in from the spheres, warming Catt and Catherine both. At the same time, each could feel the intensity of his intent; soul, will, and emotion all fused into one. More than words echoed in both their minds:

I shall keep you safe. I will bring you home.

He'd said/felt/emoted it with the entirety of his being. Any dissembling was impossible.

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Lewis felt Catt relax against his shoulder, soothed by the warmth and honesty. It felt good to know she could trust someone, despite everything else.

Catherine however, cowered against the light, she looked almost transparent. She covered her eyes with her arm, and a great wave reached up from the river and crashed against the spheres.

Ahh! Ok! Ok! Turn it off! It's too bright! She cried.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago • edited

Weir duly dimmed the light, though the warmth remained for Catt.

My apologies, he thought-spoke to Catherine. His left hand--the one inside the barrier with the woman--remained translucent, but took on a darkness as its heat faded away. Better?

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Yes... She nodded, her breath rasping through the gash in her neck. So, now what?

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"Now..." said Lewis aloud, "I need you both to reach out. To one another." He created a third compartment, this one cylindrical, where the spheres connected. "Here." It was fashioned so that Catt could reach through to this shared space but not intrude on Catherine's; the same held true for Catherine with regard to Catt's bubble. "Just...trust. Trust each other as much as you trust me. For I trust you both. And the only way home is together."

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

'I'm not sure I like what I can trust her to do...' Said the writing, as Catt hesitantly reached into the space.

I don't think that's possible. Not everyone has your integrity. she gave a rough chuckle. I certainly don't.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"If you can't trust integrity, put your faith in practicality instead. Do we all want to be stuck here forever? Personally, I think it might get rather dull after a bit."

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Given your strength, I doubt we'd be able to keep you from leaving. Catherine said wryly, reaching in to take Catt's tiny hand in her broken one.

Catt gasped at the touch and the writing scribbled out, 'Cold, she's so cold. Idon'tlikethecoldmakeitstop!'

Catherine's form spasmed, like static on a TV, and became slightly more translucent, but she held on. So warm... she sighed.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago • edited

A promise is a promise, thought Lewis.

"You'll be fine. You're both safe here. Hold on as long as you can. I'll be here for you. I know you can do it."

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

I don't know if I'd ever let go... it's, so soft... Outside, the river calmed and the oppressive darkness began to dissipate. However the storm got worse, lightning rolled across the sky briefly illuminating the grey horizon.

"I, c-can't feel my fingers." Catt shivered, clinging to his shoulder tightly. Lewis could feel her body temperature beginning to drop, despite the offered warmth. 'I'm scared!' cried the charcoal writing.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago • edited

Interesting, Lewis reflected as he observed the water and weather.

"It's only temporary, Catt. Just keep holding on," he instructed. "You will be alright, even if it doesn't look it right now. Trust me. You're stronger than you know."

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Catt groaned and tugged at her hand feebly. 'I don't wanna...'

The woman in the adjacent bubble sighed. She smiled as her body relaxed, slumping forwards into the wall, and began to dissolve.

The surrounding area could now be seen even without the lightning flashes. Monochrome grey hills rolled into the distance while the heavy thunder clouds pressed down from above.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago • edited

"It's almost over, love! Just a little longer!" he encouraged.

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

As the woman faded out of sight, the rain slowed, and Catt's arm dropped limply to her side. She shivered slightly in his arms, sobbing quietly.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"You did well, love," he said, soothing her and holding her close, as the second sphere melded into the first. "Very well. Take as much time as you need." Then we'll set out.

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

'Why did you make me do that? Make us do that? I can't move my arm. I wanna go back inside, I'm cold.' Bemoaned the writing silently.

Catt sniffled.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"It was the only way to give you a chance of leaving this place. Of calming the skies and the river, so they wouldn't strike you down nor pull you under. They're yours to control now, as you please."

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"...I wanna go back inside." she sniffled again. "Where's my room?"

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"It's your mind, your room; you'd know better than I would. But, do you really want to go back inside a room where dolls hurt you when there's an entire world just waiting for you to explore it? Think of the fun you could have!"

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"I don't want to have fun right now!" she cried. "I want to go back to my safe warm room where people don't talk me into doing things I don't like! I still can't move my arm!"

Outside the sphere, a cold wind whistled around them, blowing the river beyond the hills and out of sight.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"It takes time for warmth and feeling to come back after something like that. But they will return. Also, forgive me, but that room was rather less than safe: When I found you, you had a small sword through your palm. I don't want to see you hurt unnecessarily, love," he said gently.

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"I-I want my room! I know what happens there!" Catt tugged on his vest in protest.

'I deserve it anyway.' said the script.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"Your room," echoed Lewis. "Something familiar, predictable..." he realized something, "controllable." He sighed. He understood, but it saddened him all the same. You're part of Author, after all. I should have known... "You can make things happen here, too, you know. Or anywhere else you go. The commonality is you. You have power and agency and," perhaps "free will," so far as I know.

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

"Th-that makes no sense." she whimpered. "I just wanna go home. Just take me home."

The wind pushed the rocks and hills by underneath them, and in the distance, there could just be seen the shape of an outdoor play-house drifting on the rolling hills like a ship.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago • edited

"Ah, home," said Lewis, an idea sparking. "Yes, that's good. Think of home, of your room. Remember it, how it looks: The bunk beds, you and Sozo. Your friends at the Society. Think of how the beds look, the frame, the mattresses, the color of the covers. Think of the taste of tea and time spent in friendly company. Concentrate on all of this. For this makes home."

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Mm...I'm too tired for concentrating."

Despite her moaning, the scene around them shifted. Over the moving, wave like hills a giant pair of bunk beds bobbed into view over the horizon, followed by the battered armoire that also sat in her room.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago • edited

The furniture approached, getting closer...and larger.

And larger.

And larger still.

By the time Catt and Lewis settled on the bottom rung of the of the bunk bed's ladder, it was apparent each piece of furniture was the size of a skyscraper, relative to the two minuscule figures.

"Bloody..." whispered Weir, gaze turned upward as he marveled at the sheer scale of it all.

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Slowly, the giant armoire tipped over and crashed into the ever shifting stones, causing a swell that rocked the beds. In the distance, beyond the line of rising hills, Lewis could see familiar shapes of the other Society members flickering in the sunset light. Mz. Hyde, Dr. Helen and Elaina, Richard and Elias, Dr. Hen and Dr. Alano, and even Lewis himself. All giants projected against the sky.

Catt yawned, "Mn, no blood. Blood means someone got hurt."

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"That's very true," agreed Lewis. "Catt, if you're sleepy, why not get yourself up to the mattress? It looks rather inviting, doesn't it?"

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Catt blinked slowly, looking up at the ginormous mattress. "Hn, yeah.."

Other familiar relics began to bob to the surface of the waves. There a bench from the entrance hall, over there a bed from the infirmary, and, a ways off, a somewhat familiar stained wooden table. The ropes still hanging from the edges.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

Weir recognized the last as the site of Catt's torture, of the suffering Alice and Elder had celebrated. Lewis had, after all, seen the video file, though it now resided safely with Harry Jekyll in another dimension.

Weir chose not to draw attention to it. Catt would deal with that when she was ready.

"Then why not imagine a way up?" he encouraged. "Anything you fancy. Remember, you have the power here, the control. It's your psyche, your bed, your home."

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Mmn...okay..." Catt's head nodded with oncoming sleep, and suddenly, they were drifting upwards. Like gravity had been reversed, and slowed down.

The world tilted, and they fell onto the pillow on the lower bunk.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

He had wondered which method she'd choose. He couldn't help but smile. They'd floated safely to the pillow. An excellent sign, and a wonderful first step on Catt's journey to self-confidence.

Lewis exhaled, a peaceful sigh, and allowed himself to relax. The pillow was rather comfortable... Still, he'd not "sleep" until Catt did.

"You did it, love," he congratulated her, his smile serene. "Sleep well."

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Mm, g'night Dr. Weir." She mumbled, curled up against him, and was soon breathing slow and peacefully.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"Goodnight, Catt," he returned. When she began fading away, back into consciousness, he, too, let himself drift off to "sleep".

* * *

They woke in the infirmary, Lewis still draped over Catt, the Hatt on her head.

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Catt blinked, confused by her surroundings. The light was too bright, and there was something, wait no- Someone lying across her. As her eyes fought to focus in the infirmary's lighting, she recognised who it was.

"Um, Dr. Weir?" she croaked. Ugh, why was her throat so stiff? Talking shouldn't hurt or be this difficult.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago • edited

"Hn?" said Lewis with a sudden intake of breath as his eyes snapped open and his head popped up. He blinked, vision coming into focus. He was in the infirmary. In front of--and underneath--him was...

"Catt." He smiled; a relieved sigh escaped him.

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"What happened?" She asked, squinting. She felt very awkward being leaned on, and the fact that she was in a hospital gown didn't help.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"Oh. Sorry," said Lewis, quickly scrabbling off of her. "My apologies." He rested himself in the chair nearby. He took a moment to compose himself, then continued:

"Mz. Hyde brought you in. You were hypothermic; we got to you just in the nick of time."

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Catt rolled her eyes and groaned. "Again? Really?" She considered trying to sit up, but sighed and decided it wouldn't' be worth the bother. "I'm starting to think the water here doesn't like me. Where is she? Is she okay?"

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago • edited

"Likely attending to her duties, at the moment. She was injured, but is ambulatory." A pause. "Catt...I need to inform you of something else, as well."

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Bad news?" she asked softly.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"Not terribly; it's taken care of, for the moment." A chuckle. "After all, you did wake up," he said with a smile.

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"What's that mean?" Alarm rose in her throat, threatening to make her voice crack. "How long was I out!?"

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago • edited

"A week, Catt. You were out for a week," he replied calmly, trying to soothe her frazzled nerves.

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Oh heck..." How could that happen? She'd only just been rescued! What kept her out?

Colour drained from her face as these and many more questions ricocheted around her mind.

"W-well," her voice shook, "I guess that would explain the sore throat, and the hunger."

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"Yes. Though we did keep you hydrated," Weir explained. "The thing is, Catt...there was no physiological explanation for it. From a medical standpoint, you should have regained consciousness much sooner."

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"What's that mean?" This was all so confusing. Now she was getting a headache, fiddle.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago • edited

"It means...it means we were going to lose you, Catt. Not physically. But your mind retreated into itself. You..." he shook his head, "you weren't going to wake up." Concern creased his features. "Ever."

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Uhh....yikes?" Catt wasn't sure how to respond to that. It hadn't happened, so she shouldn't be scared. But still... What did it mean that she wasn't going to wake up? What happened that was different this time? She'd woken up from being shot and was okay after. Okay there was memory loss, but still, she woke up on her own.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago • edited

"I was left with no good option but to..." He paused, struggling to find the right words. How to explain something like this? It wasn't common knowledge--nor a common ability. Hell, I didn't even know I could do it until Richard pulled me in...

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"I doubt you were sleeping on me for the fun of it." Catt said bluntly. "What were you doing?"

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

Lewis sighed. There was no easy way to phrase this...

"I had to come into close physical proximity in order to overlap our auras," he stated. "I...helped you pull yourself back into consciousness, Catt. I was in your mind, your soul, with you." He waited, uncertain how she'd take the news.

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Oh." She wasn't sure if she should feel self concious or violated or something. As she thought about how to handle the info, fragments of pictures started drifting into her mind. This made it impossible to focus on an emotional reaction. She regarded the mental pictures with interest, and thought she might as well ask.

"Did it involve a giant bed and some giant green bubbles?"

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"As a matter of fact, it did," said Lewis, breaking into a smile despite himself. "Do you remember, then?"

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Some, I think. Was anyone else ther?" She glanced at the bedside table, had that doll always been there? It looked like Dr. Lewis.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"Another part of your self. And Author," he added, unnerved by the doll. It hadn't been there a moment ago. "But the important thing is, you came back to the waking world under your own power. I offered guidance, but you're the one who took the final step. It was of your own free will."

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Author was in there?" She sounded surprised. "Author!"

(Yes?) They said, walking in.

"I thought I told you not to come in without an invitation!" Yup, she was annoyed.

(You did invite me. Or, at least part of you did. You asked for help, so I got pulled in. Didn't do much though, this guy had things, really well under control.) They gestured to Lewis. (I'm actually quite impressed.)

Catt pouted.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

Lewis gave a brief startle and stood, but quickly regained his composure.

"When I do a thing," he answered Author, "I don't do it halfway. Besides," he said, turning to the patient, "you, Catt, are the one by whom Author ought to be impressed. You showed great fortitude, and trust. And you brought us...home," he said, a fond smile spreading.

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Catt blushed at the compliment. "I don't remember it being that much..." she said with a smile.

(I still feel I owe you thanks for going in after her. By my own rules and agreements, there was nothing I could do.)

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago • edited

"You were fantastic! Give yourself a little credit, Catt," he laughed with a wave.

He turned to Author.

"You know what the irony is, Author?" His tone was...wistful, with just a hint of pity. "It's what I would have done anyway."

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

(I know.) Author nodded with a wistful, almost sad smile of their own. (And that just makes it sound like all the more reason I should thank you. You did rescue someone I care about.)

Catt was silently thinking on the murky images, trying to find what she should be trying to take credit for. It wasn't working.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"I merely tossed out a lifeline," replied Lewis. "Catt's the one who used it to pull herself in."

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"W-well," she swallowed. "People would be sad if, i-if I didn't come back..."

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"Precisely," agreed Lewis. "Those people, Catt, are your tethers. They moor you to this realm, to life itself. And as long as you and they still live, life has meaning."

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Catt smiled shyly. "Heck if I know why they all care so much. But that being the case, I'd better make sure they get to stick around for as long as possible then right? We can keep each other anchored."

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"Indeed so," he said with a nod, pleased at her understanding. So few people knew what was truly important...

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

The silence hung around them like a soft smile for a long moment, but not uncomfortably long. It was peaceful, and goodness knows that they could use more peaceful moments.

Author still had something to say, but wasn't sure how to make the subject transition. Catt cleared her throat.

"So, what happens now?"

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"You rest up, Catt. I'll have Rachel make you something to eat; you must be starving. I'll head home, and get some sleep, myself."

He turned to go, but cast a glance over his shoulder. "We can talk while I walk if you like, Author."

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Rest up? she thought I've been unconscious for a week. "Yeah, kinda. Thank you!"

(Y-yeah.) Author nodded, following after him.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"Let's talk over dinner," he suggested as they headed to the kitchen.

Rachel had made a meal for the lodgers, and there was plenty left; he instructed her to bring some to Catt, then settled down to have a bite himself.

"Now, what's on your mind?" he asked Author.

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

(Well...) Author pondered ways to phrase the ideas and things they wanted to say and leaned against the counter.

You'd think it wouldn't be a problem for a Narrator, thinking up how to say something. They do it all the time after all.

(I just, you're a really amazing guy, and I really think you deserve something to show my gratitude. But I don't know what you'd want, and I want to learn from you too. I like learning, and want to know as much as I can, but I don't want to overstep anyone's boundaries if I can help it. So, I'm kinda stuck on what to do.)

Author was sure there must have been a more eloquent way of saying all that, but the method was presently beyond their reach.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"I appreciate that, Author," Lewis returned. "Though I don't need anything. Everything I do, I do because I choose to. I'm not sure what exactly you seek to learn, but why not approach it in the normal, everyday fashion?" he suggested. "For example, a simple conversation, such as we're having right now. Just ask me things, and I'll answer you as best I can, if you like."

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

(That's half my trouble, I never know what to ask.) They sighed. (And, questions of purpose and reason are a challenge to begin with. You sure you wouldn't even take a 20% off coupon at the tailor's?)

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"Wouldn't be very fair to the tailor," he countered. "But, leaving that aside, what do you mean by 'questions of purpose and reason'? Are you questioning your own purpose, or did you mean as relate to myself or Catt or the lodgers?"

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

(Thought you'd say that. A bit of both I guess, trying to find my place in this world, and perhaps my own in the process. And please don't tell me "that by all rights, I shouldn't have a place in this world." I'm well aware of how unnatural my presence here is.) Author crossed their arms and dropped their eyeless gaze to the floor.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago • edited

"Oh, Author, it's not your presence in and of itself I have a problem with. Not anymore. I've wrapped my mind around it now, no existential crises looming," he assured, cutting his potatoes. "No, it's what you represent," he clarified. "The temptation you offer. I can do nothing about your presence in this world, just as you can do nothing about mine. But you do need to be aware that every action has repercussions. Not from me, necessarily, but from and in the world at large. Not everyone with power will be willing to show restraint, and your interventions, by their very example, may tempt others to action, to assert their own presences here and intervene in a potentially far less beneficent or predictable manner. Do you take my meaning?" he asked, then took a bite of potato.

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Author raised a curious internal eyebrow at the "can do nothing about mine." comment, momentarily wondering if that were true. Not that they would try, they liked Lewis. Plus he was out of their jurisdiction.

(I think so. But that's why I have my own rules, like not showing up uninvited unless I need to. Though I wonder if you know just how frustrating it can be to take such a passive role. I know it's safer, I don't want to accidentally crush or damage people like so many insects under foot.) They waved their hands as they spoke. (It's part of the same reason Richard still has his artificial limbs, why Hela is still locked up, and why Catt had that... in the warehouse...) Author's voice faltered to a halt and they hugged themselves, trying not to think about it more than necessary.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

A brief flash of light.

"Love, if this is you being passive, I'd hate to see you active. And it's telling that you've referred to people as insects, frankly: At the same time that you say you care about people here, you very pointedly make it clear we're lesser than you. Were I a psychiatrist, I'd refer to that as a superiority complex covering over an inferiority complex. Telltale sign of someone who feels a lack of control in their own life and is grabbing for it any way and anywhere they can. Kindly don't inflict it on us here. This may be a realm of play for you, but it's where I make my home. Where my tethers live."

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

(Why to you think I'm trying to be careful? This place, and the people in it is precious beyond measure to me too. You know the feeling of holding a sharp vegetable knife for the first time as a kid? You've seen the damage it can do to cucumbers, now it's in your hand and you don't know how to deal with it.

That's what it feels like for me to be here as me.) What was that light? They wondered.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"If you feel too much like Superman, why not go back to Krypton? If you're afraid of breaking our little cardboard world with your knife. Better yet, simply put the knife down. You don't have to be all-powerful, you know. You could simply choose not to be. Isn't that what you have Catt for, after all?"

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Author was silent.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"She is your favorite doll, is she not? As well as being part of yourself. Simply experience the world through her, and you won't run the risk of breaking it."

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

(You have a very low opinion of someone who ought to be on your level.) They snapped.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"Do you mean Catt? I'm very fond of Catt, actually; I respect her enough to let her accomplish things on her own. I had simply thought you might view her as a doll or the like, what with all of us being 'insects' down here. Though you're welcome to be angry with me if it pleases you to do so. Smash the mirror, if you like."

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

(I said that you're not insects to me. Merely that if I'm not careful, I could hurt you as easily as one. "Daughter" would be a more accurate term, perhaps "little sister," and property damage wouldn't do anyone any good.)

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"Very well. What is it you want, then, Author? I gave you my word I'd take care of her. And I take it that mess with the creature which killed the drunkard was the 'hell' that was 'coming for her'. Not to mention her retreat into herself afterward. She's come through it, more whole now than when she began."

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

(Yes, it's still coming for her though.) Author's expression momentarily shifted to being slightly peeved, or maybe confused before relaxing.

(Honestly, I'm kinda scared to name it. I'm still a person, and you could hurt me with it.)

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"The alien-parasite-vampire and the close brush with brain-death weren't the hell? Bugger me. Damn. ... Still, I do find it surprising you could feel at all threatened by me--what could I possibly do?--and that you'd think my aim is to hurt you."

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

(People only need words to hurt one another Doctor. I am no exception. I think that emotions can be hurt by accident, and, you're not exactly gentle with your opinions.) They shuffled their feet. (Actually, that's part of what I admire about you.)

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

There was a flash of light again.

Lewis cut another potato.

"I...don't know what exactly to say to that." Admire me? That, he hadn't expected. "I merely call things as I see them." He took another bite.

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

(Yes. That kind of integrity and honesty is something I find admirable.) Author nodded. What was with the light? (Does it surprise you that I find honesty admirable? Or is it that a being with too much power would consider you a role model?)

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"The latter." Or that anyone would, really.

He speared a cooked carrot with his fork and brought it to his mouth.

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

(You're helping people be the best that they can,) They tilted their head curiously. (and you don't think anyone would want to emulate that? Is that humility, or something else?) They wondered aloud.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"Oh, the action is worth emulating," he clarified. "I merely feel a sense of irony at being referred to as a 'role model', deserved or not." He chuckled. "It amuses me."

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

(Okay.) Author didn't quite know how to respond. Eventually they answered. (How is it ironic?)

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago • edited

"There are parts of my life Victorian society would condemn me for outright," he confessed. "I drink, I take tarts, I have a temper. I'm attracted to both women and men. I've done things in other times and other realms that were really not so 'admirable', by any conventional definition of the word." He shrugged. "I've lived a very full life. Some would doubtless judge me for it, if they knew all."

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"There are parts of my life Victorian society would condemn me for outright," he confessed. "I drink, I take tarts, I have a temper. I'm attracted to both women and men. I've done things in other times and other realms that were really not so 'admirable', by any conventional definition of the word." He shrugged. "I've lived a very full life. Some would doubtless judge me for it, if they knew all."

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

(Frankly, I don't know anyone who wouldn't judge people, weather they say so or not. But I'd rather forgive people their prejudices as much as I can, and hold my tongue otherwise. It helps avoid fights.) They sighed. (I don't know if I've ever been the best at disagreeing, but I'd like to think I can learn, and hopefully not hurt anyone in the process.)

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

"Life is learning. When one stops learning, one stagnates and dies, or may as well be dead."

He picked up his glass.

"To learning, Author. To life."

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Author held up their hand like they were holding a glass and toasted with it. (To learning and life, Doctor.)

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Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

(Mz.Hyde For the continuation!)

Mz. Hyde: How do I know if this is really you?

Catt Hatter: Silence.

Mz. Hyde: Catt?

Catt Hatter: "Y-you don't..." She whimpered softly. "I'm j-st really hoping that it's ac-ually you..."

Mz. Hyde: Of course I'm me! I don't have a body snatcher of me running around! Ummmmmm....what's my favorite color?

Catt Hatter: "Body, what? Um, it's gr-en, right?"

Mz. Hyde: Yeah! Hmmm...that might've been too easy, though. Um...what's my first name?

Catt Hatter: "I, don't think you've ev-r told me... If you did I've forgo-en."

Mz. Hyde: Okay.....um...favorite tea?

Catt Hatter: "You like th- sweeter, fruity ones, -ut I believe your fave is peach. Right?"

Mz. Hyde: Correct! What is a hobby of mine?

Catt Hatter: "Fencing, a-d -ewing, right?"

Mz. Hyde: Correct! How did we meet?

Catt Hatter: "U-m-m... I -ink it was someti- af-er I'd started hanging ou- with Dr. Helen. Rem-mber when she fainted bec-ause of my puns? Y-u tried to k-ss her awake!" Catt gave a shuddering laugh. It was really cold being perched atop the drainage pipe, but at least she wasn't hanging in the sewage water like when she first woke up.

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Mz.Hyde Mod  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

That's right! And you remembered something else too without being asked! I think that settles it, you're the real deal!

* Mz. Hyde takes a left.*

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Catt Hatter  Mz.Hyde • 2 years ago

"Y-yay!" Catt's voice sounded like it was shaking, or was it just the radio signal?

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Mz.Hyde Mod  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

God, I wish I knew where I was!

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Catt Hatter  Mz.Hyde • 2 years ago

"I do -oo. But GPS isn't a -ing yet." She chuckled.

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Mz.Hyde Mod  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

* She takes a right, then stops.*

Wait a minute....don't this things have little buttons that make beeping sounds?

* She looks at the walkie-talkie to find a second button under the speaker.*

Perfect! Catt, listen closely, under the speaker there should be a second button. See it?

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Catt Hatter  Mz.Hyde • 2 years ago

"I c-can't -ee anything, but I feel the button you -ean." She pressed it.

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Mz.Hyde Mod  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

* In the distance, Mz. Hyde heard a faint beeping noise.*

Hey, I think I heard you! Let's try something, I'm going to press my button once for three seconds. You respond by pressing yours twice for three seconds, okay?

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Catt Hatter  Mz.Hyde • 2 years ago

"Ok-y. W-y twice?"

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Mz.Hyde Mod  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

To be sure it's you.

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Catt Hatter  Mz.Hyde • 2 years ago

"Oh, okay." She pressed the button under her finger twice. Her fingers were stiff and ached from the cold, but she had to do something to help Mz. Hyde find her. Man, she was cold...

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Mz.Hyde Mod  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

* Mz. Hyde follows the sound of the beeps through the sewers. After about an hour, she finally reached her friend.*

Catt!

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Catt Hatter  Mz.Hyde • 2 years ago

"M-mz. Hyd-de?" She shivered from atop her perch of a protruding pipe. Her hands were cuffed to the bars across its opening. "Is-s that real-lly you?"

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Mz.Hyde Mod  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

As far as I know! Let's get you out of here and-?!

* A loud roar echoed through the sewers.*

Oh don't tell me!!

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Catt Hatter  Mz.Hyde • 2 years ago

"Oh no..." Catt groaned. "It's back?"

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Mz.Hyde Mod  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

What do you mean IT?!

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Catt Hatter  Mz.Hyde • 2 years ago

"I d-don't know w-what it is," she called up through the dark. "Just that it was here before, and didn't n-notice me!"

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Mz.Hyde Mod  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

Jesus Christ there's always a monster! Well, maybe it'll pass- nope there it is.

* At the other end of the sewer was a giant monster that looked like a mixture of a crocodile and a scorpion. It gave a mighty roar and charged. Mz. Hyde summoned her needle.*

Hate to break to you Catt but you'll have to hang on a little while longer okay?

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Catt Hatter  Mz.Hyde • 2 years ago

Heh, 'hang.' "Ok-kay!"

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Mz.Hyde Mod  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

* Mz. Hyde ran over to another wall to try to keep Catt safe. As the monster approached, Mz. Hyde leapt into the air, making the monster slam into the wall.*

Haha!

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Catt Hatter  Mz.Hyde • 2 years ago

The force of the collision shook the walls, and, unfortunately, the slippery pipe which Catt was carefully balanced atop of. She began to slide, grabbing at the slick stone with her chained and numb fingers.

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