The End of an Era

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Character Arc Elias and Artemis Roleplay Event

The End of an Era

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chatterghosts

chatterghosts

@chatterghosts 3 years ago

A month. It's been a month.

Rain was coming down in drizzles beyond the window of his room, but it did little to distract Artemis. Not even that careful, chrysalismic drum of water on the roof could calm him.

Elias has been gone for a month.

The swell of determination permanently felt in his chest was tempered only by a reluctance to find answers, but as time passed, he found himself worried. The note? There was no need for it! And what of the timing? Everything seemed so out of place. What was Elias waiting for? What was Artemis not seeing?

The urge to know crashed over him in a violent surge, and he found himself standing over Elias' belongings. Arthur was asleep, still. I shouldn't be interrupted, then, he thought.

But even rifling through his personals didn't offer much. Nothing he didn't know or suspect, anyhow.

Standing, his gaze swept across the room again. There was that damned question that nagged his mind, again: what was he not seeing?

He huffed and sat down on the edge of the bed, his weight dipping it to the floor. And there it was. In the corner of his eye; in that eerie moment of rubatosis.

It was Elias' trunk. It was always locked. He'd never seen inside.

His fingers curled, twitched with a strange curiosity, and he stalked over to it with an air of caution. He kneeled, hands ghosting over the locks-

They were busted.

He gasped and raised the lid, rifling through artifacts of Elias' history. His hand brushed something rough in texture, and he grappled onto the- leather?

He pulled it out.

He paged through the apparent journal gently, loathe to damage its contents. His eyes flitted across every word hastily, was there anything useful there? scouring for any shred of useful information.

When he found it, he tore past the door, heart beating fast. Blood rushed in his ears to deafening extent, and he quickly pried the door open. He had multiple stops from here, priorities falling into place in his mind.

He had to drop by a few Lodgers, first. He needed to see Alicia and Richard.

--

(( Oh man, hello guys! It seems like it's been forever, right? Not really? No? Okay!

So I've been planning this event (albeit vaguely) for some time, and here it is: The End of an Era.

I'm warning right out the gate that this entire thing will have some pretty risqué topics, and if that's not your thing, that's fine! The event will cover a good bit of murder, and some, er, gorish things. This also risks some degree of harm to your character, but as long as you guys don't make really stupid decisions, everyone should be fine, eheh...

This part will mostly contain an assembling of people -- Artemis will be running about the Society, seeking a few pals to help him in this. (Unfortunately, there is a Shia surprise: if you were mean to Arty or Elias, he probably won't trust you enough to join him...) If we get moving fast enough, we may get to the more serious part, that requires some very, very basic clue-deciphering skills, and the scene in which they depart from the Society; but you're all very intelligent, and that shouldn't be too hard. This thing is likely to be very long, however, and if you're engaged in another big event, such as Forgiveness, I suggest you hold off on this one.

With that, the manhunt commences! ))

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Hyde without a Jekyll • 3 years ago

(AHHHH!!! I WISH I COULD JOIN BUT I HAVE NO CLUE ON WHAT ALICE IS DOING!!!! DX DON'T HURT MY CHILDREN AND I'LL BE ROOTING FROM THE SIDELINES !!!)

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Mysterious Gamer • 3 years ago

(I'll participate! though Velius and John don't know Artemis very well)

* Velius and John were floating in the halls like always, trying to find something to do. They were bored, as always. But suddenly they saw Artemis running in the hall and they decided to confront him and ask him what is happening*

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chatterghosts  Mysterious Gamer • 3 years ago

(( Haha, alright!

Fair warning now, the "Scientists" may resign them to an unfortunate fate on account of their ghostly state... ))

Artemis stops dead in his tracks, turning a pale shade at the two. "... Wh..."

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Mysterious Gamer  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

(i'll accept that warning! and it's our first roleplay!)

don't worry, we just wanted to ask you..

..w-why are you running so desperately?

* Velius and John looked at Artemis with curious eyes*

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chatterghosts  Mysterious Gamer • 3 years ago

"I... Uh..." He sighs, running a hand through his hair, "It's a family emergency, is all."

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Mysterious Gamer  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

oh really?

oh c-crap..

* Velius looked at Artemis and John disappeared*

you're running for another reason, don't you?

* shy voice in the hall* t-tell him, i don't like w-when he's like t-this..

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chatterghosts  Mysterious Gamer • 3 years ago

"W- huh?"

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Mysterious Gamer  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

* shy voice in the hall* he t-thinks you're l-lying, so he will act like t-this until you tell him the t-truth or another b-better lie..

John shut up! i know he's lying! [or maybe i'm wrong..?]

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chatterghosts  Mysterious Gamer • 3 years ago

Artemis scowls at Velius. "I'm not lying!"

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Mysterious Gamer  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

Then tell me what is happening if it's so urgent! *Velius looked at Artemis angrily, but calms down fast* Sorry, this wasn't the best way to meet you for the first time. My name is Velius and the name of the other ghost is John.

* John appeared beside Velius and looked at Artemis*

We're v-very sorry to make you waste your t-time, but if it's an emergency.. C-Can we help you? We're b-bored right now..

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chatterghosts  Mysterious Gamer • 3 years ago

Artemis scoffs, frowning at the two. "You want to help because you're bored?"

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Mysterious Gamer  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

Believe me, you don't want to see us in that mood. *Velius smiled and John looked away*

S-So.. can we h-help you? We'll be p-pleased to do it!

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chatterghosts  Mysterious Gamer • 3 years ago

Artemis crinkles his nose, obviously displeased by Velius. He glances to John, "No offense, hon, but your friend here's rather rude..."

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Mysterious Gamer  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

Oh, he's not my friend, He's my Hyde. We separated from our body long ago and now we're two persons with some kind of kinship between us.

I'm not rude! *Velius frowned, looked away and crossed his arms*

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chatterghosts  Mysterious Gamer • 3 years ago

Artemis huffed at them, namely Velius. "I don't have time for this..."

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Mysterious Gamer  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

Then, we'll be in our room. Nice to meet you sir!

B-But-

* Velius grabbed John by the hand and the both started floating, very slowly, talking to each other*

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chatterghosts  Mysterious Gamer • 3 years ago

Artemis watches the interaction for a moment, before sighing frustratedly and turning to dart away.

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Mysterious Gamer  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

V-Velius you can't push me like t-that! He needs h-help! And if you d-don't want to help him, then I'll d-do it! *John took away his own hand and looked at Velius with an angry look*

I do want to help him, but I think we're wasting his time. Maybe it's an emergency and we're disturbing..

And m-maybe we can help him! C-Come on Velius, you can't say n-no! If you want to h-help him, then you have to agree with m-me!

... *Velius looks away for a moment and returned the look to John* Alright, but I'm not responsible for you if something happens.

* John smiled and Velius sighed, then the two ghosts returned to where it was Artemis*

S-Sorry for that. He won't be d-disturbing you anymore

Of course. I'm sorry, Mr..?

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chatterghosts  Mysterious Gamer • 3 years ago

By the time their exchange has ended, Artemis is already walking away.

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Mysterious Gamer  chatterghosts • 3 years ago • edited

W-Wait! *John went to search Artemis and Velius was dragged by him* I haven't f-finished to talk with y-you!

John, I don't think he needs us. As I said to you, we're wasting his time!

* John ignored him and reached to where it was Artemis*

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chatterghosts  Mysterious Gamer • 3 years ago

"Artemis. Artemis Geovanni," he clarifies.

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Mysterious Gamer  chatterghosts • 3 years ago • edited

N-Nice name! I l-like it! *John smiled and Velius looked away*

Yes, Artemis is a nice name. I would be pleased to have it.. *Velius sighed and crossed arms*

Do you still n-need help? Or you can s-solve it by your own?

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chatterghosts  Mysterious Gamer • 3 years ago

"I... Think I can handle it.." He scratches the nape of his neck with a frown.

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Mysterious Gamer  chatterghosts • 3 years ago • edited

... Alone? The problems aren't g-going to d-disappear if you're going to c-confront them alone! *Velius looked at Artemis and looked away, Velius sighed*

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chatterghosts  Mysterious Gamer • 3 years ago

"Then why did you ask?" He cocks an eyebrow.

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Mysterious Gamer  chatterghosts • 3 years ago • edited

(sorry for the delay, i didn't saw the message T-T)

Because i want to h-help! If you allow m-me, of c-course.. *John looked at Artemis, laughed nervously and looked away. Velius crossed arms and sighed. He was bored*

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chatterghosts  Mysterious Gamer • 3 years ago

(( You're fine! ))

Artemis puffs out his cheeks into a frown. "I'll take you up on that if I need it, but right now, I really need to go."

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Mysterious Gamer  chatterghosts • 3 years ago • edited

Then... can i g-go with y-you? Just in c-case that you n-need something.. *John looked at Artemis worriedly and Velius just looks at the both two and sighs*

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chatterghosts  Mysterious Gamer • 3 years ago

"... Fine. Just you, though."

(( At which point Artemis sets off to hunt down two more people~! ))

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Mysterious Gamer  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

A-Alright, but let me t-talk with Velius f-first. *John went to talk with Velius for a while, then Velius disappeared and John returned to where it was Artemis* I'm ready! B-But.. What are we g-going to do n-now?

(Ok! And Velius didn't went away. If John and Velius get away from each other for too long they'll disappear. He just disappeared and is close to John)

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chatterghosts  Mysterious Gamer • 3 years ago

"Follow me."

(( The end!

This is a pretty long RP... I'm not sure John will last. ))

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Mysterious Gamer  chatterghosts • 3 years ago • edited

(Long RP? I mean, I currently am in a roleplay of 2 months, John will last!

Besides, I have interest in this story *-*)

* John followed him with Velius beside him and Artemis in front of him..*

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Miss-Dreamerkat • 3 years ago • edited

(I'll participate although none of my characters know them two well. Lizzy does have connections and she is the only one able to use since my other true are involved in The Nightmare Ends)

Lizzy had sat in the main hall on top of a display, trunk filled with her belongings for a quick getaway swirling above her. She sighed bored since she wasn't allowed back in to the library while her sister was here.

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chatterghosts  Miss-Dreamerkat • 3 years ago

(( Is Lizzy a human/does she use magic? ))

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Miss-Dreamerkat  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

(she uses magic)

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chatterghosts  Miss-Dreamerkat • 3 years ago

(( Is she part of a J/H duo? ))

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Miss-Dreamerkat  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

(no)

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chatterghosts  Miss-Dreamerkat • 3 years ago

(( Alright! Fair warning now, your character, as a magic user, is at higher risk. ))

Artemis rushes by, expression panicked.

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Miss-Dreamerkat  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

(she'll be fine, she's survived the streets of London and her family)

Lizzy looked at. "hey! What's wrong?" She called.

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chatterghosts  Miss-Dreamerkat • 3 years ago

Artemis skids to a stop, glancing to her. "H- ..oh.. I'm very busy right now, please leave me be."

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Miss-Dreamerkat  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

"With what?" Lizzy asked jumping down the suitcase stopping. "what's wrong?"

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chatterghosts  Miss-Dreamerkat • 3 years ago

"Nothing, it's nothing.."

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Miss-Dreamerkat  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

"fine if you don't want help than I'll be in my room" Lizzy said turning.

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chatterghosts  Miss-Dreamerkat • 3 years ago

"Wait!"

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Miss-Dreamerkat  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

Lizzy turned hiding the smile. "yes?"

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chatterghosts  Miss-Dreamerkat • 3 years ago

"I-" He pauses, examining her hesitantly. "There's a family incident.."

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Miss-Dreamerkat  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

"don't I know that" Lizzy said.

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chatterghosts  Miss-Dreamerkat • 3 years ago

(( I'm battling internally. Arty doesn't know Lizzy nearly enough to want her to accompany him, but also it's KIND OF NEEDED AND IMPORTANT TO HAVE A MAGIC USER FOR WHAT WILL HAPPEN. ))

Artemis couldn't help the internal cringe that he'd felt. Lizzy had a talent for making things about her. "Nevermind. I need to be on my way."

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Miss-Dreamerkat  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

"hey if you need help I will help!" Lizzy called. "just tell me what's wrong"

(tis true )

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chatterghosts  Miss-Dreamerkat • 3 years ago

(( ffnbjjdjhhghfgdffgg;;;;;., ))

Artemis sighed deeply, clenching his teeth. "I don't know, that's the problem!" He presses a hand to his forehead and grumbles, "I don't have the time for this, lady."

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Miss-Dreamerkat  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

"something caused it. If your not going to tell me the cause than ill be going to bed" she turned and so did her suitcase in the air above her.

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chatterghosts  Miss-Dreamerkat • 3 years ago

(( Arty doesn't really like Lizzy that much.. I'm so sorry ;D; ))

"I- I won't keep you, then." He huffs out a small, hasty goodbye before running down the halls once more.

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Miss-Dreamerkat  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

(okay that's fine)

Lizzy entered her room and did fall asleep.

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chatterghosts  Miss-Dreamerkat • 3 years ago

(( BUT

IF IT GOES HOW I THINK IT WILL GO

ARTY WILL COME BACK LATER AND GET HER HELP ANYWAY ))

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Miss-Dreamerkat  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

(true. And she'll be happy to help. Lizzy doesn't know what's going on otherwise shed be begging to help)

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Arthur • 3 years ago

( As Artemis is leaving, a distinct voice sounds from the bed farthest. Arthur rubs his eyes with the heel of his hands, eyeing him curiously. Though he looks alarmed at first, he swipes the notepad from the nightstand and squints at it. ) Oh! Uh... Ar-temis? Artemis! Hi. We're.. rooming together? Huh- ( He blinks at Artemis, quite frankly alarmed. ) Is... something wrong?

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chatterghosts  Arthur • 3 years ago

Artemis pauses in the doorway, flashing a sad smile, "Everything's alright, Arthur. Go back to sleep."

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Arthur  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

( He does as is recommended, laying his head back down on the pillow and yawning. )

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Sylveondream • 3 years ago

"Sit." Harold commanded from the hallways he smiled brightly when the church grim did as she was told. "Good girl shady!" he encouraged her, reaching for his pocket Harold got out a simple dog treat and handed it to shady who gladly took it.

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chatterghosts  Sylveondream • 3 years ago

(( ALRIGHT! Let's pull out the questions now: Is your character nonhuman, a member of a Jekyll and Hyde duo, or a magic user? ))

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Sylveondream  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

(He is a human who studies supernatural creatures)

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chatterghosts  Sylveondream • 3 years ago

(( Got it! Thanks. ))

Rushing by the two, the sight of the dog-..grim, and the man, pulled a smile onto his face.

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Sylveondream  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

Noticing him Harold smiled." Hello there sir."

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chatterghosts  Sylveondream • 3 years ago

"Hello there," he mumbles, still moving past.

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Sylveondream  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

"Is everything alright?" he asked stopping the other man's movement by gently grabbing his shoulder.

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chatterghosts  Sylveondream • 3 years ago

Artemis stiffens under the unexpected touch, but flashes a smile still. "Yes, I'm fine."

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Sylveondream  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

"Listen, I might not be too bright wen it comes to personal problems but I know a lie when I see one." he explained letting go of his shoulder, Shady padded up to the two men and simply barked in agreement.

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chatterghosts  Sylveondream • 3 years ago

Artemis' smile thins into a frown. "It's a family emergency, but it's nothing too terrible. I do have business I need to attend to, however.."

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Sylveondream  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

Sighing, Harold looked at Artemis dead in the eye "I've delt with similar problems before and let me tell you it is not easy doing it on your own."

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chatterghosts  Sylveondream • 3 years ago

"I don't intend to," he reassures.

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Sylveondream  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

Harold thought for a while before answering. "Is there anyway that I can help?"

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chatterghosts  Sylveondream • 3 years ago

"I'll let you know when the opportunity arrives."

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Sylveondream  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

"Alright just be careful." he said not satisfied with the answer. Great now I sound like my mom, Harold thought.

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chatterghosts  Sylveondream • 3 years ago

(( Aaand scene!~ ))

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Jekyll1886 • 3 years ago

((I'm going to assume Lewis survives both "Forgiveness" [which seems to be drawing to a close] and "The Nightmare Ends" [even though it's ongoing], for the simple fact that I don't want to miss this storyline!))

Lewis was headed from Hastie's office to Richard's room when Artemis turned a corner and came into view. Something was definitely wrong. He debated delaying someone in such a hurry, but his curiosity got the better of him.

"You're Gabby's friend, yes?" he asked. "'Arty', is it?"

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chatterghosts  Jekyll1886 • 3 years ago

(( Alright! Checking off the list as we go: is Lewis a human, does he possess any magical abilities, and is or was he part of a Jekyll and Hyde duo? If some questions are backstory-sensitive, you can choose not to answer, but doing so will heavily damper what you can do in the event! ))

Artemis skids to a total stop at the sight of the man, despite barreling towards the very same destination. Were there always this many interruptions?

He forces a smile, borderline white-knuckling the journal in hand. "Yes, that's me. T'what do I owe the pleasure?"

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Jekyll1886  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

((Lewis is fully human, though he does possess the ability to sense souls. It isn't magic, but rather the result of the many near-death experiences he's had in researching transcendental metaphysics and the nature of the human soul. I can elaborate more, if you like; HJ has my email if you want it/want to do a Google Hangouts thing.

Also just remembered Weir may or may not have the Rose of Repression, depending on how "The Nightmare Ends" ends. If it gets destroyed, he's good to go. If he has it...well, he's good at repression, so it's apropos.))

"Lewis Weir," he extended a hand. "Thought I recognized you from the data log, is all. What's the trouble?" he asked with an air of concern.

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chatterghosts  Jekyll1886 • 3 years ago

(( Alright, sounds good! And I'll ask her for it. Thank you for the info!

The ability Lewis possesses will put him at higher risk, but he should be safe for the 'main event.' ))

Artemis shakes his hand gently, but his palms are sweaty, and he pulls back quite quickly. "Nothing, nothing! I'm actually trying to go see Richa- Dr. Prince, er.."

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Jekyll1886  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

"Happy coincidence--so am I. Shall we?" he suggested, raising his hand to knock upon the door.

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chatterghosts  Jekyll1886 • 3 years ago

Artemis offers a sliver of a smile. "Sir, this business is slightly more private.."

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Jekyll1886  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

And more urgent, by your microexpressions, thought Weir.

"Ah," he said. "I'll take my leave, then. My apologies for the inconvenience. 'Pleasure to have run into you."

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chatterghosts  Jekyll1886 • 3 years ago

Artemis gives a thin smile and nods. "You too."

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Jekyll1886  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

Lewis left the vicinity.

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chatterghosts  Jekyll1886 • 3 years ago

(( Tai answered in their own thread, so it's safe to say Richard won't be inside/answer. ))

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Jekyll1886  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

((Aaannd I'mma go to bed now. 'Night!))

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chatterghosts  Jekyll1886 • 3 years ago

(( I myself just realized it's 4:50... Oops? Night! ))

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chatterghosts  Guest • 3 years ago

"N- no, I'm just --" He blinks, eyes narrowing. "Do I know you?"

(( Artemis knows of him from Elias, he has a... bad rep.. ))

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chatterghosts  Guest • 3 years ago

(( Is Mattias a human/Jekyll or Hyde? Does he possess magic? ))

Artemis purses his lips and frowns. "No one's making me run away-- I'm really sorry, sir, I need to get going."

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chatterghosts  Guest • 3 years ago

"Look, hon, I really, really need to go."

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chatterghosts  Guest • 3 years ago

Artemis draws a hand back, eyes wide. "How did you know that?"

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chatterghosts  Guest • 3 years ago

".. Aren't you that guy who harassed my brother?"

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chatterghosts  Guest • 3 years ago

(( Artemis is referring to the bar incident, when Mattias was launched away by Jasper. ))

"And that instance at the infirmary, I -- what the hell?"

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chatterghosts  Guest • 3 years ago

(( I checked.. You clarified multiple times that it was Mattias. ))

Artemis purses his lips, his gaze flat, unimpressed. "I need to get going."

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chatterghosts  Guest • 3 years ago

He knits his eyebrows together, turning his actions over in his head. "Look, I'll.. contact you if I need the help, yes?"

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Tairais • 3 years ago

The sound of hurried footsteps reached him, and Richard looked down, blinking slowly when he realized he was currently in the bloody rafters of some random part of the Society. Sighing as he was struck by a sudden wave of curiosity, he silently wove his way down, through a crawlspace he found by pure instinct alone.]

Although, that did raise the question: Had he been here before?

Sliding out from behind a set of armor that swung open on quiet, greased hinges, he nudged the door shut in time to see the rapidly retreating figure of a panicked Artemis.

Frowning, he called out. "Artemis? A-are you w-well?"

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chatterghosts  Tairais • 3 years ago

Artemis slides to a stop, spinning on a heel and walking towards Richard. "I need to talk to you in private. Now," he urges. He seems worn out, though his eyes are more alight then they have been in the past month - but not with excitement. Fear.

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Tairais  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

In that most urgent of moments, Richard felt, for the first time in several years, the hot, sickly swoop of his stomach dropping in absolute and complete terror. He had never seen Artemis fearful, had thought him somewhat incapable of it. This contradiction wasn't welcome or enjoyed, like it might have been in another.

On went the mask of smooth china and cold calculation, accented by a complete lack of any and all emotion save for patience and determination in the depths of a single, pale jade eye. Even his demeanor changed: The facade of the man that clung to walls and shrunk down to avoid the gazes of his peers vanished and was replaced by the warrior he had once been, nodding and turning with a curt, lithe grace that swallowed the quiet light of the hall as he strode towards his room. It was the complete opposite of the guise he had so carefully worn until now, and some small part of him cringed at the thought of suspicion and distrust that might arise from the odd transition.

He could focus on that later.

Mind flickering between a number of possibilities from the mundane to the extreme, the journey to his lodgings passed in the blink of an eye. He ushered Artemis into his room and shut the door, crossing his arms behind his back and tilting his head slightly.

"W-what is t-the situation? Are y-you well?" Was that even his voice? Though properly and heartily concerned it sounded far too steady, far too calm and in-control. He hid a bitterly amused twitch of his lips behind his scarf. Control was something he still coveted, after all.

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chatterghosts  Tairais • 3 years ago

Without a moment's hesitance, he hands over a leather bound journal, already opened to a mess of jumbled writings. It's dated to be rather recent; just a month and a half ago.

(( Check Hangouts, if you please. ))

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Tairais  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

Taking the book into his hands, he gingerly smoothed the pages and began to read, visible eye darting like a minnow in water, flashes of silver scales rippling in deep pools of the upmost concentration.

"The context of these writings are to ensure that I, given this situation, will be safe. Even though I have treaded carefully these past years, and even since the disbanding of our-" the words are yet again scratched out, "group, it is often that I wonder what became of the remaining members. I fear that they will return for me." It paused, another text omitted. "I fear for the people in my life becoming collateral in some grand scheme."

"Though this is unlikely, yes? Still, I seek company. Family. A life that I couldn't live in that dreaded place."

"And that is as of now in the realm of possibility, I would hope. I have covered my tracks to the best of my efforts." There was a break of scribbled text before it resumed, picking up at: "Elias Castellanos. Their records of me are few, and it is unlikely they would recognize the family title. It is unfamiliar to even them. And Artemis is here..."

It continued: "If there is ever a day that I cannot be found, it is safe to say I am not doing so of my own accord. If the author of this writing-" That sentence was scratched out. "If I cannot be found, I beg of you to seek me out. Whatever my fate would be, it won't be kind."

"Perhaps I'm being paranoid. Perhaps these notes will never be put to use. Lord, do I hope so."

The longer he read, the more his heart sank in his chest. He pushed aside the startling and nearly overwhelming tide of hopelessness and grief that welled up and instead focused on the sparks of something nearly forgotten as they simmered in his stomach and crept upwards along his chest.

Rage. Rage and fear. The fear was more familiar than the rage, but rage...

Rage came with cloying tendrils of déjà vu, wrapping around his mind and tearing holes in the barricades he and H--- had worked so hard on. A final gift, a nod to the monster he had Become-

Enough of that. He shook the thoughts from his mind, though even so, a red haze swept over his vision.

Elias was very likely hurt. There was also another simple, white-hot agitator. Someone had taken the one who held a the knife to his heart.

That was unforgivably rude and distasteful.

All but two of his masks fell away with an almost visible clatter, shattering into a million pieces before him. His stutter and scarves stayed in place- he didn't want to unsettle Artemis anymore than he likely was already.

Still, he was all-too-aware of how different his body language was. Not that he minded. There was no room for such things as self-consciousness and doubt. Not anymore. So what if his presence loomed like a shadow engulfing the bright light of the moon, or if he drew to his full height and stood like a coiled spring? So what if tension was radiating from every pore, but so too was a predator's lethal calm, like so much burning, smoking ice?

His shadow grew in his periphery, and for a terrifying half a minute an all too familiar set of horns and hovering, shifting shadows appeared to grow from him, reminding him of things he most certainly didn't want to remember.

He was too preoccupied to notice that they continued to flicker in and out of view: in as a new part of his mind joined the inferno, out as a different part was extinguished by logic and frantic scrambling to keep his emotions in check.

Panicking would not help. He needed to be calm.

Glancing up at Artemis, he nodded. "W-what is to be d-done? What w-would you h-have me do?" Anything I can do to help both of you, I will do. I will die if I must. He had been here once before, in this terrifying state of love and cherishing. It was a beautifully terrifying thing, and his body sang with the fiercely burning energy of it.

He needed to act. He would act. He would wait, and he would strike.

All in good time.

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chatterghosts  Tairais • 3 years ago

Artemis felt the flags raise in his mind the moment he saw the shift in how Richard was bearing himself. He retains an air of calmness, however, smiling grimly. It was all he could do to smile.

"I'm not.. sure yet. Not entirely. I'm real positive that after --" His words stutter to a stop, and he sets his jaw, glancing elsewhere. "Elias drinks his feelings when all else fails. If.. 'they' were to get him anywhere, it would be at some stupid back-alley bar."

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Tairais  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

As his vision flickered again (Benediktas on the floor, so much blood somuchblood if he had been faster, if only, his baby brother with stars in his eyes-) he tried to reign his crackling emotions in, stifling a curse as his eyes flicked to his dancing shadow. He knew it wasn't just dancing for him, it was too solid, nothing hidden within it to alert him to a memory-made-dream. That was more unsettling than any memory, at present.

He nodded, his own veneer of calm rippling down like a whisper of velvet and gossamer. "P-perhaps the b-best course of a-action would be t-to ask a-around, as it w-were? L-London has m-many eyes a-and ears. S-someone w-will l-likely remember s-something of him."

The ache perched in his diaphragm was painful. He clenched and unclenched his fingers in what could amost be a nervous tic. Which reminded him: were he to do anything else, he'd need to take the extra five minutes it took to attach his newly finished arms, which promised to be painful to an extreme.

Still, the alternative was having them fail at a critical moment: they had been flickering in and out of inactivity for days now.

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chatterghosts  Tairais • 3 years ago

(( afghjfhjsjsadg I GET IT AND I DON'T LIKE IT ))

"Alright," he nods. The only thing keeping him calm now was the thought of not having to do it alone.

Speaking of, actually, didn't he have a few friends who could help with this?

"Just, uh, I'll be back here in an hour or so. I have some things I need to take care of."

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Tairais  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

(( Get what? :P ))

He nodded once more, a curt formality. A hour would be plenty of time. Time enough to attach his arms away from prying eyes and straining ears, and time enough to recover a few more.. potentially necessary items.

He repressed another, darker smile. Back and forth we go, like a pair of dancers pretending all is well and neither of us are about to fall and end our careers with a shattered femur.

He cast aside those thoughts with a minute shake of his head. Barriers were falling in anticipation of what was to come, and it was all he could do to set aside memories in their proper shelves and rooms as they bubbled to the forefront of his mind.

Just like Hannibal had taught him, he remembered but paid no mind. Those thoughts were too slow coming in to catch in his conscious thought, but they were there.

Only the necessary ones, though. Memories of lessons past.

"I w-will be h-here."

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 3 years ago • edited

Lewis had been in the hall, just to the side of the door, the better to eavesdrop. After all, he'd said he'd leave, but he'd made Artemis no promise he wouldn't return.

At some point he'd managed to sidle his way into the room; neither Arty nor Prince seemed to have noticed.

But Weir noticed the masks drop and shatter. The shadow on the wall loomed large, its monstrous form a testament to the energy he could feel rippling out from Richard.

Not so much a thought as a feeling rippled out from Lewis in turn, involuntarily. It wasn't hemmed in by words, but conveyed the heartfelt sense of pride, admiration, and satisfaction a father might feel at his son's success. It was along the lines of "That's m' boy," yet coupled with it was something more. An appreciation for elegance, perhaps. And truth.

Artemis left the room.

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 3 years ago

In the moments since Artemis had gone, Richard allowed his vision to swarm with the hints of memories that swam below troubled waters like sharks among a school of frightened fish. Before him, such a picture arose and danced in the air above him, filling the tall ceiling with silver scales falling like snow as its unluckiest denizens were snapped and shredded into pieces.

If that was the analogy he was to use for his emotions, then his conscious mind was the one standing outside the aquarium, looking in. A flicker of the memory of his time as a wendigo before Elias's tank weaved and danced in the swarm of scaled hides, but vanished just as quickly as it rose.

Sighing, he stepped into his workshop and grabbed his wrench, then set it back down, rolling his eyes. Pulling off his shirt and apron, he folded them and set them aside before picking up the wrench again.

It was at that moment, he stiffened and startled, a snarl ripping across his face as a different presence reached him in this, the most vulnerable of moments.

"That's m' boy." What a cunning boy you are.

Turning on his heel, he made to face his newest nightmare only to stop, pause, and frown, the air hitting the exposed flesh of the damaged part of his face, drying his teeth somewhat.

"Lewis. You are new. Why is my mind summoning you? You do not follow a script. There has yet to be a place for you in the halls of my mind. Why then, do you wander into a hall not yet yours?" His voice felt strange, resonating with the ethereal quality of many voices speaking as one. This was a waking dream, and he stifled a flash of irritation as it rippled down his skin. Actually rippled down his skin.

In and out, flickers of stained glass and ebony and ivory horns tipped with blood and gristle, flickers of feathers and burning red and gold eyes. Far too many eyes. Far too many teeth. Clawed hands.

None of it true now, all of it true then. It was how he had been Seen, and so his mind saw as such. In this, the most vulnerable of moments, a figure not his own stood in place of everything he was, parts of it shifting in and out of view like an awesomely terrifying kaleidoscope.

If only he knew what that was.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 3 years ago

"Haven't the foggiest," he replied. "'Didn't know you could summon me. What are you, some kind of sorcerer?" he half-joked. "Or does like simply call to like?" He saw real-life muscle and bone aswirl with truer-life darkness and passion, the barriers and boundaries shifting and shorn.

A trailing addendum, also unbidden: "You are beautiful, you know."

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 3 years ago

He wouldn't have known it possible before then, but he both paled and blushed at the same time, color leaving him in all places but his cheeks.

He turned away, focusing on the grounding pain of loseing screws and nerves as he was driven to accomplish his original task,

"Only you, Elias, Jack, and perhaps two others would call me that and truly mean it, and I would still call it a trick."

The scar tissue from acidic compounds, knife, claw, and bullet alike travelled down his body from the right side of his to curl around the whole of what remained of his broken body under the metal plates that replaced much of his shoulders, upper back, and a few places near his rib cage.

Perched in the middle of a nest of black, bronze, and copper sat the likeness of a phoenix, though it seemed, in the light, that the bkrd couldn't settle on feathered wings or those of a bat. Though still, it regarded Lewis with almost distrustful eyes the color and intensity of smoldering coals.

He paused, gritting his teeth around a mouthful of pain and embarassment (at what? Narcissism he didn't know he was capable of having, personified?). The phantom ache of his arm being removed never lessened past white-hot, blinding intensity.

"I have no right to call myself that. We both know it. Then again, you are here to torment me, so perhaps this isn't the worst of these episodes I've had."

A forest shimmered into life before the pair of them. Richard watched as snow fell from the sky and caused smoke to ripple from the scene.

It had not been snow that day, but ash.

Tchlk, tchlk, tchlk. He dispelled the image just as a familiar set of hooves peeked out from behind sparking tree trunks and resumed his self-dismantling.

As the last screw of his smaller arm popped free, he let out a bellow of pain that died in the back of his throat as a whine. A sheen of sweat made his pale skin glisten in the faint firelight of his workshop as it plastered his curly hair to his face and neck.

Snarling, and with many years of practice behind him, he tied his hair back with his remainng hand, hissing with frustration as it sent shocks tingling down both his attached but deteriorating left arm and the stump of his right.

He could wait, but not for too terribly long.

He focused what little energy he had on fighting down the waves of panicked desperation Lewis's words had caused.

It wasn't, couldn't be. Not a chance in Hell, and yet..

He scoffed slightly. And yet, he'd be damned if he knew what Lewis was thinkng. He was studiously avoiding his mind's reflections.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 3 years ago • edited

Have I said that aloud? Ah well. Chagrin and relief.

He beheld the bitter snow.

What a rapturous scene! Poetic, really. A study in beauty and violence, poignant loss and the will to power.

Like you

I'm not at all here to torment you, Richard. Fondness and whimsy and anticipation so deeply felt Weir's image seemed to vibrate, rippling at the edges. Unless you find a mirror me the truth a torment. I came here to know you, that you might know me: a sharing of truth on the level of the soul to check on your progress, to ask you how things were going. Imagine my mirth alarm delicious surprise at the situation with Elias.

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 3 years ago

Richard huffed a heavy sigh, tangible emotions flickering before his eyes. Fire: Irritation and lingering rage. Dark shadows and oil, dripping from his mouth and eyes: Fear, guilt, regret, any number of unsavory things. Shattered glass peering from behind a mouth of sharp teeth: Bitter acceptance and remembrance.

He popped the softly glowing lavender stone from its place in the palm of his former arm, wincing as the last tendrils of connection to that limb vanished with a final surge of pain. In this, the most vulnerable of moments, a ghostly hand and arm of flesh and blood and real bone hummed into existence with a softly dissonant melody. It held the stone for a handful of moments as he closed his eye, though the actual copy was in his remaining hand.

The stone flickered between a myriad of iridescent hues before settling on blacks and blues, skittering like sparks of lightning trapped within stormy skies. Allowing his eye to open, he affixed the stone to its new resting place in the palm of the newer hand.

It was always a curious feeling, the juxtaposition between where his limbs were and where they should be in the early stages of connection.

As he began connecting the new arm to its rightful place, he cast a sideways glance at Lewis and stifled both a smirk and a frown.

"You think quite loudly, and you think what you do not say." Perhaps a redundant accusation, but it felt right. He had thought Lewis past such things as masks and half-truths when in his presence. Especially since his presence was also.. his presence, as odd as that sounded.

Though, in fairness, he himself was still clutching to certain masks, but those were entirely out of his awareness, even beyond what he and Hannibal had created together. There was always something itching under his skin.

Regardless, Lewis' thoughts (his thoughts? Something didn't seem quite right) were several different kinds of contradicting and intriguing, though he was more than a little angry at his mirth toward's Elias uncertain circumstance.

Still, once again, like called to like, and he found himself evermore intrigued.

"There is progression, yes. As for how things are going.. well."

He made his point with a resounding 'CRACK' as the final bolt in his arm was tightened. Hissing out another pained growl, he fastened the (rather superficial) leather strap and buckle to his arm, then began performing an almost unnecessarily complicated series of arm and wrist movements to ensure he had his full mobility, waiting for Lewis' response.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 3 years ago

The pleasantries are for your benefit as much as mine. Am I that obvious? Damn. Must be losing my touch.

That or forming a new tether. Mm. Anticipatory relish and a vertiginous sensation between flying and falling. Amusement at the fact that such a feeling could exist. Must be. Clarity and comfort. Gemütlichkeit. Soaring possibility.

He listened as Richard spoke and tightened the final bolt.

Skip the courtesies, then:

How sad it is that You'll reveal yourself in pursuit of Elias, only to have to reassemble your shattered masks when or if you find him. To some extent, at the least. It must bother you you can't be entirely frank with him. It would certainly bother me. Decades' worth of annoyance at having to pretend, frustration at the sheer stupidity and shallowness of the common ruck and run of humanity. Contempt and aggravation.

A cooling, pooling calm, a tangent more or less avoided, negative emotion sublimated into workable plans.

Fondness. A sense of the ironic at what he was about to say, about to do.

He's important to you all the same.

"Richard...I'll help in whatever way I can." Voluntary vulnerability. More exposed than Prince's shirtless form. Against my better judgment.

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 3 years ago

Lewis' amusement reflected onto him, though the lens of the mirror was blackened and cracked, leaving the resulting smile dark and bitter, not unlike a poor brew of coffee. His whole body sang with ill, nervous energy- the need to do something, the need to say something.

In the end, he said several somethings as he worked to disconnect the more extensive mechanics of his left arm, working from the forearm up, pain a distant thought in the wake of the anxious adrenaline Lewis created in him whenever he so much as thought to speak.

"You are that obvious, as, if you will recall, we are sharing a mind. My mind, your mind, our mind- it does not matter. The truth of the situation remains the same, as they are all the same. It is nigh on impossible to hide from each other, be it you from me, or me from you. In this moment, we are the same."

Taking a deep breath, he wiggled the first half of his old arm free, setting it aside with almost reverence.

His voice turned colder, but his smile did not leave, twitching in the corners of his mouth. "I am aware that my masks rise and fall on tsunamis of shattering china and splintering bone, and yet once again I reiterate: it is safer that as few people as possible know what lies beneath Doctor Prince. It keeps me calm, and it keeps them safe. I look forward to reassembling the shifting tides as much as I look forward to this-"

Another pop, another hiss of pain, and another accented sentence. This dream wall full of points and sharp edges.

After a moment, he continued, all emotion save for mirth as warm and inviting as a knife's blade dancing across smooth skin. He saw glimmers of Lewis' (his?) mind and empathized. Some part of him, slowly prowling to the surface, agreed.

The part of him that would disagree was too preoccupied with Elias to particularly care about debating morals at the time.

"Contempt, aggravation, frustration- I know it all. So do you. I can see that much- I can see you. Do you understand? I can see you." Was he even making sense? Was it fear that continued to distort his perception of reality?

He blinked in surprise as he looked down at his hands again. Both new arms were attached. He supposed he couldn't truly be afraid of losing time. He was likely dozing off after all the work.

He turned to face Lewis, letting his arms fall to the side. There was a gentle intensity that had been missing in his voice, though it flickered behind a barely contained well of boiling energy, ready to scald and scorch all in his way.

He locked eyes with Lewis, and did not allow them to drop, as instinct screamed for him to do. Instead, he nodded, the well of words dry and shriveled in the wake of half-confessions and rambled truths. Elias' name pounded in his skull like a stampede of frantic hooves, constantly reminding him of his goal.

If nothing else, he could trust Lewis to understand. Just like his mentors.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 3 years ago

Lewis didn't so much walk as glide to him. A gentle embrace, like the laying on of hands. The gift of understanding returned with the okaeshi of loyalty, a willful forging of the bond and all its obligations. An energy enfolded Richard--hot as coals, cold as starlight, warm as a mother's touch.

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 3 years ago

Richard stiffened, then relaxed in turn, sighing softly.

There was nothing more to think or say in that moment. Aware of emotions raging onward elsewhere in his mind, the core of his soul accepted the gesture and its great monster bowed its head, shimmering in and out of view like the play of light on the ocean floor.

He simply let the energy Lewis gave him reflect back across the same darkened mirror as before, amplifying its intensity.

Something profound, definitely.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 3 years ago

The moment lasted in its entirety, followed thereon by a burgeoning lightness as the energy gradually ebbed away. As it faded, so did Lewis. Yet its susurrant hum would continue to echo within the both of them for some time to come.

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 3 years ago

Richard watched him vanish with an unsettled feeling, each and every emotion's effects returning to him with almost audible thuds in his chest. Still, he gingerly set the faint humming in his mind's garden, leaving it among lavender, geraniums, cherry trees, and the faint tinkling of a waterfall of cascading glass.

He wrenched the last bolt of his shoulder into place, then stretched, relishing the pops and crackles of his new joints with an almost wicked glee.

The stones in his hands flickered once more between lavender and stormy skies, then remained in their darkened, tempestuous form, blues and blacks chasing each other across infinite depths.

He transferred his katars into their new hiding places, then nodded to himself. In that moment of resolution, he forced aside all emotion, then turned on his heel to stride out the door, grabbing his- Jack's coat along the way.

He had a feeling the extra luck would be needed.

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chatterghosts  Tairais • 3 years ago

(( Aaaand montage? Arty wouldn't drop by the main bar just yet, but basically cue a fun running around Bethnal Green scene in which they get zero info. The next part will begin tomorrow! ))

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Tairais  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

(( Cue this:

But, sounds good! ))

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 3 years ago

((XD))

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 3 years ago

(I can't tell what exactly was happening in the exchange with Richard. Was he hallucinating Lewis? Was Lewis actually there and they both were sharing some sort of, enhanced perception of one another's mental and emotional state? I'm trying to get a better idea of who Lewis is as a person, but this has left me somewhat confused.)

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 3 years ago

((So here's the deal: Richard believes he's hallucinating Lewis. Lewis believes he's actually in the room, in the flesh. But what's actually happening is that Lewis has fallen asleep elsewhere and is wandering around astrally/in spirit only. This is why Artemis can't see him. Usually, no one can. Richard sees him because, as Lewis speculated, there's some serious attachment forming. What kind remains to be seen. Now, when Lewis embraces him, he comes to realize he isn't actually there with Richard physically. This realization prompts him to wake up, at which point his energy/presence fades away from Richard and Lewis gradually returns to his body and opens his eyes. He finds himself on a bench in the main hall, and is surprised to see all the people gathered there.

As far as who Lewis is as a person... He's a lot of things. Many things to many people, as it were. He's generally genial, he's very loyal to friends even if he sometimes is forced to take action which may make it appear otherwise, he's had enough of a checkered past that he's able to fully understand where Richard is coming from, he has a "soft spot for strange cases", and he has a sardonic sense of humor. Sort of a "Well, that's life for you" attitude.))

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Tairais • 3 years ago

(a;lskdfja;isofj;weaoifjr;liwaefjaoiwefjwaeifj;awi *dies*)

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Tairais  Hyde without a Jekyll • 3 years ago

(( Death is outside the circle (of things that are ok) HJ! ))

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Tairais • 3 years ago

( IT ALL IS STARTING TO MAKE SENSE NOW!!!!)

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Tairais  Hyde without a Jekyll • 3 years ago

(( ^^ ))

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Catt Hatter  Tairais • 3 years ago

(After reading this encounter, I'm not sure if I understand more or less about Richard. But I do know that your writing is awe inspiring and in addition to leaving me rather stunned, I want to have more shared encounters of this narrative. His/your narrative. Am I making any sense?)

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Tairais  Catt Hatter • 3 years ago

(( :D *quiet happy Tai sounds* And yes, I understand ya ^^ ))

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Catt Hatter  Tairais • 3 years ago

(Yay! ^u^ )

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Jasper Jekyll • 3 years ago • edited

( Heya!

So I noticed a reference to our Japper you made 💕. She never really got to know Artemis but she does like Elias.

She's at an extremely high risk ( magic alien space rock who invented the JH transformation to win a war she was ripped away from ) but her nature is that she will rush into perilous situations to protect those she likes.

My question is:

Do you need the Angry Caffeine Comrade? )

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chatterghosts  Jasper Jekyll • 3 years ago

(( Feel free to join in! There's something for everyone, trust me. ))

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Jasper Jekyll  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

( I'm sure there is, but since she's the only functionally immortal highly trained 8 foot tall muscle man this Society's got, I'd be a little hesitant to watch her shatter. Whether I send her in would really depend on how much trouble Mr. Snark Knight got himself in this time. ° 3 ° )

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chatterghosts  Jasper Jekyll • 3 years ago

(( The most that would happen is a temporary poof, at worst - I'd never let my favorite giant woman be shattered!

As for the trouble Elias is in, eheheh... ))

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Jasper Jekyll • 3 years ago

(Trouble is bad...really really bad... and if Doodle shattered her...there would no longer be a doodle in the morning... -_- )

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Alicia Ghast • 3 years ago

(NoooooooOOOOO

I'm super sorry!

This is probably the last time I'm going to post for the next two weeks!)

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chatterghosts  Alicia Ghast • 3 years ago

(( That's alright! You'll be with Arty in spirit <3 ))

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Alicia Ghast  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

(I'll just be back here

Liking everyone's comments.

I might be able to sneak in a comment before/after school, but trying to roleplay won't go to well.)

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chatterghosts • 3 years ago • edited

(( Well, look at you! You made it past the cheerleading tryouts!

Everyone wishing to help - that is, Jasper, Arthur, Richard, Mattias, John, and Lewis - have been organized by who would work best with who. All companies will meet in the foyer, and depart in groups. Sound good? ))

Richard and Artemis' 'outing' had proved extremely unsuccessful, and assuming no one dies in the downtime, Artemis proceeds to unite those previously interested in helping... as well as two others. Right now, Artemis, John, and two women look out upon the group. They all look ready to depart, and will do so as soon as all parties arrive.

(( Organized here is the groups you will be going in, and what places you'll be searching for.

Group One: Jasper, Arthur, Nicolette (Elias' workplace)

Group Two: Richard, Lewis, Artemis (two bars he regulars)

Group Three: John, Mattias, Harold, Susan (old family homes) ))

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Hyde without a Jekyll  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

(I was told to tag people and I think I need to tag them to this bit so...

Tairais Jasper JekyllJekyll1886@DeathMurder_JHMysterious GamerArthur@sSylveondream

I wish you all the best of luck and save my bitter coffee bean! :D )

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Tairais  Hyde without a Jekyll • 3 years ago

(( Viva la muerta :'D ))

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Mysterious Gamer  Tairais • 3 years ago

(do you speak spanish?!)

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Tairais  Mysterious Gamer • 3 years ago

(( Passably well: I took four or five years worth of it over three or four years in school. I'm not native by any means, but I can have a stumbling conversation XD I'm better at pronouncing words than remembering them, which is a bit annoying. But, yes, as the short answer XD ))

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Mysterious Gamer  Tairais • 3 years ago

Cool! I speak native spanish and i learn english in the school.

I'm good in writing and reading, but not in speaking [here the teachers don't teach that] but i'm trying to learn anyway xD)

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Tairais  Mysterious Gamer • 3 years ago

(( Nifty! I always lament not learning new languages when I was much smaller, my memory was better then. Also instead of not being taught how to speak it, I wasn't taught how to write Spanish XD As in, I have little to no knowledge of grammar. Which is annoying. ))

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 3 years ago

(("We who are about to die salute you," perchance?))

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 3 years ago

(( Perfect, yes. ))

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Tairais • 3 years ago

( Ve salvar mi grano de café! Yo creo en tú! :D )

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Jekyll1886  Hyde without a Jekyll • 3 years ago • edited

((XD I am now picturing Elias dressed as Juan Valdez!

A very, very grumpy Juan Valdez.))

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Tairais  Hyde without a Jekyll • 3 years ago

(( That makes one of us, I for one am legit mildly worried for one or both parties. ))

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Tairais • 3 years ago

(Same but hey! Gotta hold out hope that things will be okay right? :D )

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Tairais  Hyde without a Jekyll • 3 years ago

(( :'D ))

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Jekyll1886  Hyde without a Jekyll • 3 years ago

((Thank you! I hadn't seen this.))

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 3 years ago

(no problem! I was told by doodle to tag people so I have! :D )

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Arthur  Hyde without a Jekyll • 3 years ago

( Arthur stood near the back, bouncing with the mild excitement that thrummed through the room on the balls of his feet. )

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Jekyll1886  chatterghosts • 3 years ago • edited

Lewis had fallen asleep on a bench in the foyer, his overcoat draped over the back of it. In the outer world, his earthly body slumbered, its posture a slouch. Its eyes were currently safe behind their lids, Weir's emerald-green waistcoat thus unable to bring out the like shade they possessed.

He himself was elsewhere, having a remarkable, dreamlike set of interactions with Richard.

It ended as he realized he was there in spirit only. His consciousness faded from that place, coming to slowly nestle back within his body. His form felt sluggish and too, too solid, like wading through molasses in a suit of armor, but he drew in a breath, opened his eyes, and sighed. Here he was.

And here were several other people as well--a whole foyer full of them! He imagined Prince would be down shortly.

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Sylveondream  Jekyll1886 • 3 years ago

"Something is not right Shady." Harold said pacing back and fourth, he had only meet Arthur for a day and he already feels worried for him. Shady watched her master in his distress and whine.

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Jasper Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 3 years ago

( The middle of the night. The shadows dance along the floor as the scientists tend to their unwitting dreams and Jasper watches them with an eagle's eye.

Something seems tense, not in them but in the air.

Uneasy.

Were it not for Artemis roaming the halls, his panicked phrases carrying across the expensive halls, she may not have been able to place exactly what was uneasy.

She'd never been terribly perceptive.

That was always Silver's job.

The urgency surrounded a single subject: Elias was missing, is missing, had been missing for somewhere around a month.

She didn't know if it was because she measured her time in thousands or if it was because the object of her fascination was every bit as hot headed as she, but Jasper had assumed that this is normal.

This is what humans do.

Apparently she was mistaken. The last time she'd played soldier hadn't gone as well, but she pushes the thought from her mind as she makes her way toward the group, passing by Silverliné Carew as she goes.

Perhaps it's best if the bird is unaware. )

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Silverliné Carew  Jasper Jekyll • 3 years ago

Hnnh? Jasper? ( Silver slowly sits up and picks the sleep out of her eyes, voice crackling from underuse. )

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Jasper Jekyll  Silverliné Carew • 3 years ago

( Jasper pauses hesitantly. )

why don't you go back to sleep?

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Silverliné Carew  Jasper Jekyll • 3 years ago

Why...( She struggles to put words to the interaction, not quite able to process the scene unfolding before her. )

...Why don't you come back to bed?

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Jasper Jekyll  Silverliné Carew • 3 years ago

...I'm going out.

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Silverliné Carew  Jasper Jekyll • 3 years ago

( Stormy green eyes widen, her whites glinting sharply in the lamp light. Waves of panic flood through her nerves, washing over any exhaustion that remained. Her voice suddenly becomes small as she considers all the possible connotations that sentence has to offer.

"Why won't she make eye contact? Is she...?" )

What?

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Jasper Jekyll  Silverliné Carew • 3 years ago

( SHOOT. Her anxiety!

Jasper turns on her heel, eyes widened at the realization of what she just said. )

No no no nothing like that!

...There's...someone missing. I don't know how long it will take to find them, but it sounds like they're in trouble.

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Silverliné Carew  Jasper Jekyll • 3 years ago

( Although relieved that the problem isn't domestic, Silver doesn't allow her features to relax. She narrows her eyes. That should make her squirm. )

Trouble? What KIND of trouble?

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Jasper Jekyll  Silverliné Carew • 3 years ago • edited

( Jasper squirms uncomfortably- not that she'd show it on the outside, of course. She chooses to laugh heartily instead )

Not trouble for me. As if!

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Silverliné Carew  Jasper Jekyll • 3 years ago

( Silver's voice softens to a menacing whisper. )

Jasper, if your Gem is shattered then SO help me!...

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Jasper Jekyll  Silverliné Carew • 3 years ago

( Jasper's eyes travel to her lover's ivory chest. The lacy nightgown frames her sternum perfectly, accentuating the empty wireframe cone held around her neck by a delicate silver chain.

She can't help but smile.

That's the same cone she rested in when they first met.

The girl has a point.

Jasper quickly wipes the dreamy smirk from her face. With a huff. )

Fine. Go put on something decent.

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Silverliné Carew  Jasper Jekyll • 3 years ago

( Silver promptly stumbles out of bed, handicapped by the sheets. She makes her way to the wardrobe. )

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Jasper Jekyll  Silverliné Carew • 3 years ago

If you end up mangled, so help me...

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Silverliné Carew  Jasper Jekyll • 3 years ago

( Silver flashes Jasper a giant grin before vanishing behind a sea of fabric. )

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chatterghosts  Jasper Jekyll • 3 years ago

(( OH I'M SORRY I FOUND IT I AM BLIND ))

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Silverliné Carew  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

( Silvermod here! I hope this isn't ruining anything, but Silver will be coming with Jasper. She never lets her be alone for long periods of time owing to the fact that once poofed, a Gem is completely vulnerable to attack. Silver is, for all purposes, a human being, and she has a place she can keep Jasper safe but she'll try to stay out of your way~ )

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chatterghosts  Silverliné Carew • 3 years ago

(( That's fine! Welcome to the mess.

Is Silver a magic user/a Jekyll or Hyde? ))

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Silverliné Carew  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

( Neither! She's a Hybrid but only possesses the ability to fuse. She presents as a human and injures like one :> )

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chatterghosts  Silverliné Carew • 3 years ago

(( Alright! ))

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Jasper Jekyll  chatterghosts • 3 years ago • edited

( It's a good thing you didn't match Jasper with Matttias X'D )

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chatterghosts  Jasper Jekyll • 3 years ago

(( Could you respond to the thread where everyone is waiting in the foyer? ;D; ))

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Jasper Jekyll  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

( The both of us did... )

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Tairais  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

Richard had, eventually, donned Jack's coat and allowed his mind to wander to the place where hidden passageways and crawl-spaces lay. Appropriately attired for what could be several days running frantically around, he made sure to catch Artemis' gaze before slipping into the shadows of the room, waiting.

He would avoid Lewis for a little longer, yet.

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chatterghosts • 3 years ago

(( This thread is for Group one members: Jasper, Silver, and Arthur. ))

As the people in the foyer thin out, those three - the ones Artemis had recommended she work with - remained. Making confident strides towards them is a woman: a young beauty, brown tresses pinned up in a bun atop her head. She dons a red dress, one as immaculate as the rest of her.

Her eyes are alight with excitement, and as she meets the group, she smiles. Her voice is sweet and warm, filled with the subtle, inviting tones of an Italian. "Arty's asked that I go with you three. My name is Nicolette, and you are?" Her eyes meet the trio's one by one, expectantly.

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Hyde without a Jekyll  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

(Jasper JekyllSilverliné CarewArthur Crash all the parties! I know you can do it!! <3 )

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Arthur  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

* mun blindly staggers in*

( Arthur smiles at the lady, more an act of awestruckness than anything else. ) Arthur, miss! ( Per his utter lack of filter from mind to mouth, he adds. ) You're so pretty..

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Arthur • 3 years ago

(Oh Arthur!!!! XD )

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Silverliné Carew  Arthur • 3 years ago

( awwwww 💕 )

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Jasper Jekyll  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

( Jasper glances from her companion to Nicolette. So similar. She masks her curious amusement with a quiet huff. )

Jasper.

( Feeling a familiar pointy elbow in her rib, she extends a large hand in an oddly mechanical fashion. )

Dr. Jasper.... Jekyll.

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Silverliné Carew  Jasper Jekyll • 3 years ago

( Silver watches the giant struggle to acknowledge the young miss.

"Rude! When you are introduced to someone new, you shake their hand. Also use your full name. Given names are too casual for a first encounter."

She sharply nudges Jasper, relaxing when the woman follows her cue. )

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Silverliné Carew  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

( By contrast to Nicolette's confidence, a mousy girl steps forward, body language suggesting that she is expecting to be attacked. She speaks softly, eyes briefly avoiding contact. Slowly, hesitantly, she looks up to meet Nicolette's gaze as she speaks. )

Miss Silver Carew madam... It's a pleasure to meet you.

( She curtseys. )

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chatterghosts  Silverliné Carew • 3 years ago • edited

She shakes Jasper's hand with no additional thought to it's size, and flashes an almost amused smile to Arthur. "Why, you flatter me! But, I assure you, the pleasure is reciprocated. Despite the... unfortunate circumstance pertaining to our dear friend Elias, I'm sure that with people like you helping we'll get him back in no time." She made eye contact with the three as she spoke, her words gentle and kind. Genuine.

She looks to the other two, her smile growing. "I'm sure there are no objections, but... you aren't uncomfortable in a rowdy location, such as, say, a bar, are you?'

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Silverliné Carew  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

A...a bar....( she glances quickly to Jasper and back. )

No. Not at all.

( "Liar."

"Hush. Jasper will take care of the unwanted attention... We'll be fine." )

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chatterghosts  Silverliné Carew • 3 years ago

"And the others?" She eyeballs the other two.

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Hyde without a Jekyll  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

(Arthur Did know if you saw this or not as things can get confusing with 4 people RPs)

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Jasper Jekyll  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

( As Silver speaks, she hears something that sounds suspiciously like a scoff followed by "go figure". When Nicolette's gaze lands on Jasper however, the giant is eerily quiet. )

...Phff, like they could POSSIBLY pose a threat to me

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chatterghosts  Jasper Jekyll • 3 years ago

Her lips curl into a smile. "Of course."

(( aaaaAAAA we're super short on time you guys ))

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Jasper Jekyll  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

So. Where to?

( Aaaugh I knoooow

Where's an Arthur when you need one?!!! )

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chatterghosts  Jasper Jekyll • 3 years ago

(( Word from Arthur's Mun was that they had to fall off the map for finals week. ;D; They can only afford to respond to the super important stuff, and say we should continue as if he was still there. ))

"Elias' workplace, actually."

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Jasper Jekyll  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

Huh...Alright then, let's get on with it.

( OHHHHH I totally understand! Alrighty, let's speed through the niceties then. Expect weird OOC one liners to save the time. )

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chatterghosts  Jasper Jekyll • 3 years ago

Nicolette nods, and guides the group off, setting through the day. Aside from questions of polite interest, the transition is quiet.

The quartet eventually arrive at a building that appears... quite well-kept, exterior-wise. Nicolette suppresses a smile, but still manages to chuckle out, ".. I will admit that I didn't take Elias for the type to work at such a nice place."

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chatterghosts • 3 years ago

(( This thread is for Group two members: Lewis and Richard. ))

As people trickle away to their respective locations, Artemis joins Lewis and Richard near the back of the room. His expression is firm, albeit nervous. "You two ready?"

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Hyde without a Jekyll  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

(Jekyll1886 and Tairais Good luck and have fun! :) )

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Jekyll1886  Hyde without a Jekyll • 3 years ago

((Haha, thanks! We'll need it!))

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Tairais  Hyde without a Jekyll • 3 years ago

(( *Charges off screaming like a loon* ))

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Tairais  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

A murder of nervous crows fluttered in the hollows of his wrists and in the cavernous spaces of his chest. He nodded, giving a final tug to his scarf to ensure it stayed in place. "L-lead on."

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chatterghosts  Tairais • 3 years ago

Artemis nods, but he offers a small smile to Lewis still. "Lewis, I'm glad you came to help."

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Jekyll1886  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

"Wouldn't miss it," he replied, donning his dark-gray paletot.

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chatterghosts  Tairais • 3 years ago

With a curt nod, he heads out towards the doors, gesturing wildly as he speaks. "I've been looking over that journal, Richard, and it's all just as bad as what I showed you. Everything's... paranoid. It plans for a bunch of different eventualities, it's real.. strange, strange stuff."

He pauses, glancing towards Lewis. "Not to be rude, I really appreciate the help, but.. Elias' word, you two weren't real fond'a each other. Why'd you come along?"

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Jekyll1886  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

"To be fair," Weir clarified, "I think it was more that he wasn't fond of me than the other way 'round. Can't say why." He shrugged. "Perhaps he was simply chagrined at my ability to navigate the 'nightmare' in the library when he could not. As for why I'm here...Gabby counts you as a friend, and I owe him a favor. Elias's importance," his eyes flicked to Richard and back to Artemis, "goes without saying."

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 3 years ago

Richard's shoulders twitched with barely-suppressed tension at the mention of the Incident at the library. Though the experiences of his waking dreams were not at all far from his mind, he still found himself forcing down a wave of rankling irritation upon seeing Lewis's eyes dart to him when he mentioned Elias.

Still, he hid those feelings behind the guise of the good Doctor. The Patchwork Prince could wait. There were no obstacles to overcome.

Yet.

He followed the conversation absentmindedly, finding nothing to say at the moment, though he did agree with Artemis: Elias hadn't been too terribly fond of the man during the Incident.

The hand not hidden in his coat pocket clenched and unclenched in time with his footsteps, a carefully fabricated nervous tic. It was always good to have one of those on hand.

The Patchwork Prince could wait. He could wait.

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chatterghosts  Tairais • 3 years ago

The tension between the two wasn't hard to miss, but Artemis carefully avoided thinking about what that could've meant, especially considering Elias' and Richard's..

.. Richard wasn't the type, nevermind that.

He continues: "The journal does mention a couple locations, though. And some people.. and none of it was positive."

Dead leads, it was all dead leads. Arty knew what had really happened. He wasn't inclined to say, wasn't allowed- he didn't even know how to begin to chase that truth down.

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Tairais  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

Richard nodded again. He had been expecting as such, though the confirmation did little to ease the almost palpable determined energy rippling from his hands.

These hands had not yet done things, he realized, nothing beyond touch and feel and tense. Would theirs be a baptism of violence or of peace this time around? Perhaps something more: the stone was a different color this time, but it was not one he recognized from any time before.

It was better to focus on the task at hand- pun intended- than of the intangible hypotheticals of the future and the what if's of the past.

"W-we will proceed w-with c-caution, then. W-what do you s-suggest as a c-course of action? Y-you likely know Elias t-the b-best out of t-the three of us." He certainly didn't know much at all about Elias' past, which should have probably been more unsettling than it was. The man knew plenty about the lighter parts of his, after all. Still, he couldn't blame him. It was always easier to run from the past than to bright it all the way to painful luminescence.

He knew that much for a fact.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 3 years ago • edited

Richard gave voice to what Lewis had been thinking, which relieved Weir of the duty of having to say it. He nodded his agreement and waited on Artemis's word. He was more than ready to get down to brass tacks.

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chatterghosts  Tairais • 3 years ago

Don'tsayanythingdon'tdoitdon'tdo-

"I called in a few favors to help with the search, which certainly won't do any harm," he replies. Truth being, he didn't know what exactly would happen when he arrived or why he felt so damn guilty, but it would do no good to wait and watch. He had to act on what he felt was right. And this was right, wasn't it?

So why did acting on it feel so wrong?

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Jekyll1886  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

"Excellent. Where are we headed?"

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chatterghosts  Jekyll1886 • 3 years ago • edited

The words he begins to say are practically recited; almost as if he'd read them before. And he had before this, of course. That was logical. Only logical choice. "The journal states a few... uh, locations. Specific places, people he suspects might do this to him." He chuckles softly. "Elias has... lots of paranoia, but I guess it paid off."

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Tairais  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

Richard nodded, offering a small smile that would have seemed out of place were it not for the nervous quality. He looked like a man trying to reassure himself.

Coincidentally, he was nearly that to begin with, in as much a sense as his focused mind would allow.

"It w-would appear so. W-which is t-the closest of t-the l-locations? I s-suppose it m-makes sense to w-work o-outwards from t-the Society."

Just go just go just go, you don't have time for this.

He could feel the tendrils of panic encroaching on his mind with gnarled hands that pawed at him almost childishly. It was irritating, and not at all what he needed in that moment.

With a slow blink, he calmed his uselessly pattering heart, willing a clear mind to come over him before he lost it entirely. It would not work forever, but it would do for the time being.

There was the iron smell of emerging cold in the air, and he focused on that instead, letting it burn in his chest.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 3 years ago

I suppose it wasn't paranoia if someone really was out to get him, reflected Lewis, but knew better than to say it. Now was not the time. Instead, he simply looked to Dr. Geovanni expectantly.

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chatterghosts  Jekyll1886 • 3 years ago

"The closest would be... A bar, actually," he says, a touch quieter in his distraction as he peruses the journal once more.

He begins to walk without pausing to ensure they follow, and to carefully avoid any more questions. The company would end up safely arriving at the location; even though it's midday, the dissonant chords of yelling within the building -- shabby, at best -- can still be heard.

"... Oh.."

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Tairais  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

Richard tilted his head in his typical not-so-humanlike way. "T-that sounds.. Pleasant. S-shall we go introduce ourselves?"

He steeled himself for the possibility of a fight, though perhaps 'steeled' was the wrong word. He felt no worry, and neither did he anticipate much in the way of difficulty should it come to fisticuffs. He'd had more than enough training in that regard, and he'd wager he was stronger than most of the ruffians that made bars such as these their usual haunting grounds.

Instead, his blood sang with the anticipation of a rush of adrenaline, an almost tangible energy that skittered down his arms.

Actually...

Nevermind the 'almost', he was certain the skittering was due to actual shocks, though they weren't severe enough to scorch. Which was... interesting: he had just brought these limbs into life- there were no exposed wires, no incomplete circuits. He had checked. Thoroughly. Multiple times, even. Still, the fact remained that there was a faint taste of copper and ozone in his mouth, which only supported his suspicions.

Interesting.

Unbeknownst to him, his shadow flickered to the same silhouette that had appeared before Lewis in their shared dream. Where its eyes (far too many, always too many) would have been, little pinpricks of light shone forth, like the trapped glow of a tired streetlamp, a handful of gleaming coins, or the faint twinkling of stars hidden behind the roiling London smoke.

They fixated upon Lewis, and a jagged seam parted where there would be a mouth on any normal being. Far too long, far too much like a sword's impact on a delicate piece of clothing, with the outlines of far too many teeth. Shadows dripped from its maw, and as they fell to the 'ground', it vanished.

It was all over in a handful of seconds, yet it brought with it a sense of barely-leashed violence that was not currently seen in the good Doctor. One had to wonder if it was truly real at all.

see more

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 3 years ago

By all appearances, Lewis appeared to be smiling at nothing, or perhaps at most a passing, pleasant thought. Then his face resumed its typical guise of watchful, slightly amused neutrality.

This bar is not going to know what hit it... he thought, looking forward to observing Prince in action.

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chatterghosts  Jekyll1886 • 3 years ago

With a deep breath, Artemis pushes the door open.

Chaos is the scene before the trio, moving and shifting as one massive amalgam of drunken, angry men: bar brawls - three separate ones, with yet to meld into a mass fight - played themselves out, cramping the already small building. And dear lord, the smell was rank. Did someone die in there?

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Tairais  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

The same threads of the dark and menacing creature that had been lurking in the shadows of his expressions slipped forward from his person suit in a feral smile only just hidden by his scarf. The scar tissue on the side of his face gave an angry tug, the pain lost in a wave of endorphins and giddy anticipation.

There was a sensation like that of the feeling of being tugged back by a leash as he struggled to keep himself from leaping into the fray. Why had he been hiding? He shouldn't have been, he felt alive-

And oh, did he remember the pathway of blood and bone that followed in his wake last time. It was equal parts enrapturing and horrendous, and still he walked- ran towards it.

He made a show of scrunching his nose, casting a critical eye across the sea of people. Quietly, he glanced to Artemis and Lewis, looking for some sort of cue.

Letmejointhemletmepaintthefloorswiththeirbloodandthefurniturewiththeirtears le t me j o i n t h e m

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 3 years ago

It would be so tempting to just give him what he wants, thought Lewis. To let him go off-leash. To see how he runs and sings and frolics... A momentary thought of that scenario. Would he join in, too? But then, what of Artemis? How would it end? Not well, he was forced to admit with immeasurable disappointment. Precision was what was needed here, not a loose cannon. Order brought to the midst of chaos, no matter how deeply one might wish to ride the storm.

Practicality, then.

"You may yet get your chance," he told Richard, "but we need to know where to aim you first." He looked to Artemis. "Recognize anyone here?"

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chatterghosts  Jekyll1886 • 3 years ago

Artemis did not trust Lewis' words for a single moment, shooting him a rather vicious glare. "We're not aiming him at anyone --"

Arty went quiet when the three could feel the great surge of energy in the room, the three fights finally colliding, with a ring of onlookers surrounding them. Arty would pull them out of the doorway, out of the path of storming barflies eager to join; however, one of the newcomers shoves Artemis forward, sending him staggering straight into the blockade of people - who promptly spin around and shove him inside. At the very same moment, one of the bartenders begin beckoning Richard and Lewis over.

Lewis would feel something smack down hard on the back of his head.

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Tairais  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

Though worried for him, Richard assumed Lewis could take care of himself. Artemis, on the other hand...

He gave the universal signal for 'one moment' to the bartender, an apologetic and shockingly cold look on his face. Taking a moment to hang his scarf on the still slightly-ajar door, he took a small breath.

His entire demeanor changed in a single second. His current posture, fluid and graceful, only served to accentuate the otherworldly lethalilty with which he moved. In the span of a second, he had moved from the doorframe to the middle of the crowd, elbows and teeth snapping and flying into any of those in his way.

The odd fist or foot connected with his body, but by luck and poor aim, most of the blows glanced off the vast array of metallic armaments and plating embedded in his body.

He couldn't see Artemis in the mess, but the bar was only so big, and there were only so many people he could knock out before he found him.

The metal arms helped with that: It was kind of hard to remain standing after a good fifteen pounds of metal connected with your head.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 3 years ago • edited

Lewis had been about to reply to Artemis regarding Richard--something along the lines of "The river is flooding; the best we can do at this point is build a weir so its flow benefits our search for your brother." However, he never got the chance. Artemis disappeared into the swell of the crowd, and Lewis's body went limp at the blow.

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chatterghosts  Jekyll1886 • 3 years ago

Artemis is nowhere to be seen.

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Tairais  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

Richard snarled, taking out another one of the ruffians with a well-timed thrust of the heel of his hand into said ruffian's diaphragm. Casting an almost frantic eye around the room, his gaze alighted on the journal.

Which was now on the floor, and decidedly not in Artemis' hands.

Quickly, before anyone could kick it away, he scooped it up and tucked it in the pockets of his billowing coat. Doing his best to appear nonchalant, he all but danced his way through the brawling masses, keeping an eye out for anyone familiar and coming up short.

He was rather certain Lewis would fare better than Artemis, though there was the possibility he was relying too much on Artemis' demeanor to judge his fighting capabilities.

Still, he couldn't see either of them, and given his penchant for observation.. he was worried.

But the bartender could very well know the key to Elias' disappearance.

Behind eyes that closed for a fraction of a second, he flipped a coin.

Course set, he tugged his scarf back around his face and made his way around the room, pulling shadow towards him like moths to a flame. He emerged from his woven cocoon to step near the edge of the bar itself, waiting for the bartender who had caught their eye before to notice their presence.

They were growling and snapping at their cage, determined to run free and tear apart useless corpses to get to their friends, their chosen family. There was nothing else left for them, all giant, gnashing teeth and jagged claws that destroyed everything they touched.

It was all falling apart again, and he couldn't stand it. He had to DO something.

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chatterghosts  Tairais • 3 years ago

Too little too late - there's a different bartender, now, and he snorts at him. "Jeez. Mind coverin' that thing up?" He gestures to his face.

Perhaps it had simply taken Richard a bit to notice, but there was a smudge of blood on his hands. And on the journal.

Not too much, but enough...

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Jekyll1886  chatterghosts • 3 years ago • edited

Lewis immediately whirled to jab his elbow into the cad who'd knocked him over the back of the head...only to find his arm--and, indeed, the rest of him--passed harmlessly through.

It was then that he saw his body lying helpless, face-down on the floor.

"You bloody low-born Nancy!" he shouted (in spirit only) at his assailant. "If I were awake right now, I'd thrash your worthless curple purple!"

Not that the cur could hear him.

He let out what was not so much a frustrated sigh (as he didn't have access to lungs at the moment) as a wave of indignant irritation tinged with increasingly stifled bloodlust. This course of action would get him nowhere.

Resigning himself to his circumstance, he decided to look around to see what everyone else was up to. Richard seemed to be making a goodly dent in the crowd; he couldn't help but feel a bit of pride at that. But where was Artemis? There were simply too many people to get a good view from ground level. So, as he did in his dreams and in his occasional astral meanderings, he willed himself upward, his spirit rising to get a better view of the proceedings. He sought to sense Artemis's soul specifically.

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chatterghosts  Jekyll1886 • 3 years ago

If there were any strains of Artemis' soul able to be felt, they were fast towards disappearing.

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Jekyll1886  chatterghosts • 3 years ago • edited

"Richard, I'm following Artemis!" he more emoted than actually said, the sense of urgency hitting Prince like a shockwave. "Grab my meat-suit," he gesticulated quickly at his body, "and let's go!" He floated above the crowd, homing in on the fading tendrils of Artemis's energy and willing himself towards them as fast as he was able.

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 3 years ago

There had been a coldly burning retort hovering on the tip of his tongue until Lewis' urgency hit him like a metal shovel connecting with his metal spine. He flashed a wicked grin instead, allowing just a hint of the fullest darkness within him to bubble forth.

Tugging his scarf around his mouth, he engraved the man's face into his mind for later reference. He turned on his heel and hefted Lewis' unconscious form onto his shoulder with ease, resisting the urge to snarl at all those he passed by.

That feral thing inside him was furious, and he'd already made the mistake of listening to it once. It seemed.. unwise to again any time soon.

The tinkling of shards of stained glass, a ritual in the dark, and venom dripping from lips as his name of names was chanted over and over again.

In the halls of his working mind, similar to the sanctuary of the Notre Dame, he called out to Lewis, admiring the sound of voices ringing against stone and glass.

"Lead on, then. Time is of the essence, and her hourglass tipped the moment we read Elias' journal."

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chatterghosts  Tairais • 3 years ago

Confused gazes follow Richard as he heaves Lewis' body up and away.

-

As Lewis grasped onto the remaining strands of Artemis' spirit, he could feel it moving fast, almost impossibly so. It would wind around alleys, going far past the stretches of the bar.

For a moment, however, Artemis could almost be heard. The sound he emitted was akin to a whimpering cry of help.

But it, and what could still be felt of Artemis' presence, dissolved just as fast, falling out of the map entirely.

Until, that is, it resurfaces.

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Jekyll1886  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

Lewis made a beeline for it, eventually coming to hover above Artemis's form where it lay crumpled in a dingy alley. There was a nasty gash to the forehead, and Dr. Geovanni was out cold, but still alive.

"Here," came the thought-emotion, a taste of worry against a much larger swell of relief.

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 3 years ago

"Now I have to carry two of you!" A hint of a smiling grin rippling through glass and cold glacier water alike. "I do not suppose you can find a safer place to wait for the pair of you to regain consciousness? This alley, while defensible enough, is also in the frigid London air."

ReliefannoyanceangerfearfrustrationangerangerFEAR

In the halls of his mind, a silver candleabra threw itself at a darkened amalgamation of stained glass and melting candle wax. Sickly white and blinding for the handful of seconds it flickered in and out of existence, the ring of metal chiming over this strange bond he and Lewis were sharing.

This strange bond which, as it turned out, was decidedly not a result of his dream-infested nature.

The thought would bother him later, but his body was unused to such emotion, and couldn't quite process everything all at once.

Gods, when had he ever felt so lost?

there was a heart in his hand and a scream perched in his throat and if he opened his mouth he would scream and scream and breathe in smoke and the smell of too much copper death

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chatterghosts  Tairais • 3 years ago

(( IT WAS RNG I'M SO SORRY ARTY ))

Lewis could feel the change, as massive as it was - the giant shift in Artemis' soul. It was strange, and wrong, and everything that Arty wasn't. It pulsates off of him, almost tangibly. Every muscle went rigid; a slow, small, growl passes his lips, but he himself is still quite asleep. He violently shoves Richard away.

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Jekyll1886  chatterghosts • 3 years ago • edited

"Beware (Not-)Artemis," came the warning, along with a sinking feeling, like a stone destined for the frigid depths of a Scottish loch.

Practicality, almost an afterthought, followed:

"Smelling salts are in my left waistcoat pocket. Wake me first. Restrain Not-Arty if necessary. Non-lethal or Elias will be upset."

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Tairais  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

Richard, subconsciously prepared for any sort of fight since he'd read Elias' journal, (Elias, Elias, mylimasis, peilis į mano širdį, hold on for me, hold on.) managed to avoid being knocked over. An instinctive growl of his own bubbled forth, and he bit his cheek to cut it off before he drew unwanted attention to themselves.

Sighing and tamping down the surge of panic that followed the realization he was, essentially, alone in this endeavor for a time, Richard began muttering under his breath.

"Artemidė, pabusti. Prašome, mažasis broliukas, pabusti."

"Benediktas? Brolis? Prašome pabusti, prašome? Prašome?" Whywasn'thewakingup?Hewasn'tbreathing,hewasn'tBREATHING"

He himself was barely breathing, glass and silver and brass reaching for him, piercing his lungs and flesh fear holding both his heart and his lungs hostage in tight, burning ropes of ragged pain.

He was barely breathing, but he was calm, a forced smile on his face behind his scarf.

Breathe, breathe, breathe.

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chatterghosts  Tairais • 3 years ago • edited

"Eínai sto aíma mou. Den boró na stamatíso," Artemis responds in a cry for help, lips yet curling into a vicious snarl as he spits the words. He lunges for Richard, but not without a softer, more hesitant, "Lypámai."

By the time he topples the two of them, his eyes have snapped open, though they were no longer characterized with their warm brown irises. Instead, they were a vibrant green. His nose is bleeding as well, dribbling off of his chin and onto the ground.

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chatterghosts • 3 years ago • edited

(( This thread is for Group three members: Harold, John, Niamh, and Mattias. ))

A scowling woman makes stiff, short steps over to her 'assignment'; strangely enough, her appearance matches her expression, short red locks and dark blue dress both screaming I don't want to be here. She looks upon the group, utterly unimpressed as she asks in monotone, "So are you lot the ones I'm helping?"

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Hyde without a Jekyll  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

(Sylveondream Mysterious Gamer@DeathMurder_JH Go get him! I know you can do it! :D )

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Starry Eyed  Guest • 3 years ago

* As they turned to leave, there was a strange noise in the air vents above them. It almost sounded as if someone were running right above there heads and about to fal-* "I'M HERE! AND I'M HERE TO HELP"

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chatterghosts  Starry Eyed • 3 years ago

Susan steps out of the way, expression never changing once.

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Starry Eyed  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

* Niamh scrambled to her feet and turned on her heels to face the woman. And decided she didn't like her very much. Nevertheless she smiled* "My name is Niamh and I'm here to help a friend ... acquaintance? Never really established that. Huh." *Niamh looked lost in thought for a second before continuing* "You are?"

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chatterghosts  • 3 years ago

"Susan. I'm Elias' and Gra-- ..Artemis' sister," she says, her voice venomous on the names.

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chatterghosts  Guest • 3 years ago

"And who are you?" She points to the others.

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Mysterious Gamer  Guest • 3 years ago • edited

* John went close to Mattias and looked at him angrily* If y-you're here to cause p-problems, I won't have any p-problem to punch y-you right in the f-face! *After that John half closed his eyes to Mattias and went where it was Susan* S-Sorry about that, my n-name is John.

And my name is Velius. *Velius appeared beside him and looked at Susan, then rolled his eyes to Mattias and hugged him* I missed you! John kept me away from you! I didn't wanted to leave you, I'm sorry..

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Mysterious Gamer  Guest • 3 years ago

(You can't blame Velius for missing him. He's impulsive in that perspective. Besides the people are too centred on searching Elias that they'll never going to suspect it xD)

* Velius was about to kiss Mattias when suddenly John grabs him by the hand and gave him a slap in the face* Don't d-do that again, ok? I know you m-missed him so m-much and all, but we're in p-public! You can s-still wait!

... You're right John. I'm sorry Matt.. *Velius looked at Mattias hurtedly and went beside John again. John frowned at Matt and stuck out his tongue, then crossed his arms and looked away*

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chatterghosts  Guest • 3 years ago

She utterly ignores his hand and eyes the other two. "Are you ready?"

(( Do you guys have a way to contact each other? I'd like to be able to time responses. ))

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Mysterious Gamer  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

I'm ready *Velius looked at the girl and smiled*

I-I'm ready too, w-where do we have to s-search first?

(Deviantart for sure)

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chatterghosts  Mysterious Gamer • 3 years ago

"That'd be some old family homes, err..." Her voice fails her, and she clears her throat. "Come along."

She begins to head toward the doors.

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Mysterious Gamer  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

* Velius and John heads towards the doors too. John seems angry and Velius seems sad, but the both want to help find Elias. They will try to do his best*

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chatterghosts  Mysterious Gamer • 3 years ago

(( Alright, opening dialogue should be safe to pass. Are there any objections to a timeskip to the first home, or... ))

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Mysterious Gamer  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

(as you wish! do you want to centre more in personal relations between the characters or do you want to go directly to the point?)

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chatterghosts  Mysterious Gamer • 3 years ago

(( If it's alright with you, due to our shortness on time, I'd like to go straight to the first location. ))

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Mysterious Gamer  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

(of course! :D)

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chatterghosts  Mysterious Gamer • 3 years ago

Assuming there is no interruption, the walk seems to go on for ages and ages. Eventually, however, Susan lurches to a full stop in front of an older building.

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Mysterious Gamer  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

S-So.. This is the f-first p-place? *John looks at the old building and had a chill in the back but tried to hide it, meanwhile Velius was looking at it and thought of getting in once for all, but he won't avance if he doesn't have the order of Susan*

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chatterghosts  Mysterious Gamer • 3 years ago

"Are you all just going to stand there?" She advances forth.

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Mysterious Gamer  chatterghosts • 3 years ago

N-No.. *John and Velius entered. Velius was excited to explore, and John was afraid of even enter*

Oh please John, stop crying. This'll be exciting!

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Guest • 3 years ago • edited

(Sylveondream Starry Eyed Hey! Didn't know if you saw this as things can get pretty confusing with 4 person RPs but I wish you all the best of luck! :D)

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Starry Eyed  Hyde without a Jekyll • 3 years ago

(*whispers* thaank you :})

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Starry Eyed • 3 years ago

(No problem! :) For these 3 person and up RPs you need to check the page or use lastest comments but I can tag you if things go haywire again.)

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Starry Eyed  Hyde without a Jekyll • 3 years ago • edited

(that would actually be extremely helpful :D HJ back around and saving the day)

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Starry Eyed • 3 years ago

(Will do! :) I'm extremely hooked to this RP at the moment so if you guys need anything else just let me know! :D )

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Starry Eyed  Hyde without a Jekyll • 3 years ago

((^o^)b)

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chatterghosts  Guest • 3 years ago

(( My phone keeps eating my responses... ))

As soon as Susan enters, her expression is replaced by deep discomfort at the sight of her now-decrepit home.

The house is dead quiet, and seeing as John, Velius, and Mattias entered, they'd find it completely void of anyone else.

Susan instantly spins around and walks out. "Alright, there isn't anyone in there," she huffs.

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Starry Eyed  Guest • 3 years ago

"I still think we should look around!" *Niamh interjected being the first thing she's said and silently fuming all the way here. She decided to romp ahead of everyone else, in a rather rude and childish manner* "IS ANYBODY HOME?"

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Starry Eyed  Guest • 3 years ago • edited

"ah yes very good Mattias, of course going missing and coming home the first item of comfort would be food, I wouldn't think you would be competent enough to think such a complex line of thought" *She snarked back* "but I suppose knowledge can be found in the most obscure of places" Niamh called after them as she made her way through the first hall "after all, I'm only a child!"

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Starry Eyed  Guest • 3 years ago • edited

"tch, you think I am afraid of you?" *Niamh's voice turned low, an almost animal-like growl.*

(I just wanted to clarify, I don't mean to insult you it's just Niamh's a tad bit hot-headed ^^; smol and bitter. We cool?)

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Starry Eyed  Guest • 3 years ago • edited

(XD same)

"Then I suppose the feelin' is mutual!" *Niamh started walking towards Mattias as well, something that looked like a cross between a smirk and a snarl grew on her face* "I have faced fire and ice, monster and man. I will NOT be beat by some half-assed, pretentious, above it all, who has never had to feel pain!"

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chatterghosts  Guest • 3 years ago

(( There isn't much to find in there; there will be in the next location. When you two're done, respond to the one where Susan is sitting on the doorstep, please! :D ))

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Starry Eyed  Guest • 3 years ago

* Niamh's eyes narowed* "What game are you playin' at?" *but instead of pushing it she simply shrugged and said* "I'm here for a friend as well and" *this time she smiled* "drinks if you're paying"

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Starry Eyed  Guest • 3 years ago

"Fist to fist, like men? Or technically child but then again I'm probably 25 times older than you" *Niamh replied, bemused as well*

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Starry Eyed  Guest • 3 years ago

"times I am must older than I appear to be, looks can be deceiving" *She smiled, a lopsided thing due to her damaged face and offered a clawed, burnt hand* "Niamh Kelly, at your service"

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Mysterious Gamer  Guest • 3 years ago

I heard that Mattias! *Velius appeared in front of Mattias and looked angry at him* I know I broke my promise of being beside you whatever happens, but if you're searching another type of company I won't disturb you, but first I've got something to do.. *Velius looked more angry, with tears in his eyes and punched Mattias in the face, then disappeared. Sobbing is barely heard in the room*

(You wanted problems? You got them xD)

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Mysterious Gamer  Guest • 3 years ago • edited

* Velius was angry, but corresponded the kiss. after it, he looked at Mattias with tears in his eyes* With only a kiss you're not going to fix it all.. *Then Velius grabbed Mattias and teletransport to a room, he kissed Matt intensely and looked at him with a perverted smile* You're only mine, my dear~ no one else will have you, never~ *Velius kissed him and bit his ear, then waited an answer*

(Yeah! John isn't going to appear here xD)

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Mysterious Gamer  Guest • 3 years ago

We're in a room of one of the houses we have to search for clues.. *Velius looked away for a moment, then looked back at Matt* You don't understand why i brought you here! It's John! If he sees you with me, he'll try to kill you! I was trying to protect you from him!

You're not good at hiding, Velius *John appeared and smiled wickedly, as he raised up Matt from the ground* You're s-still trying to p-protect this cockroach? He doesn't d-deserve to live, Velius!

I love him, John. You can't do anything about it! And i understand you and him are enemies, but can you try to not fight?!

N-No deal, Velius. *John made appear a knife in front of Matt and made several cuts in all his body, then laughed wickedly*

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Mysterious Gamer  Guest • 3 years ago

* John was breathing with difficulty, but he didn't care. He punched Mattias in the face several times as he groaned and looked angry at him* B-Because I didn't l-liked you the first t-time I s-saw you in the Society! Ugh.. *John tried to get out the hands of Mattias out of his neck, but he wasn't able to. Mattias was too strong for him*

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