Chamomile Tea and White Carnations

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Chamomile Tea and White Carnations

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Dr. Jekyll II ( Mother Hen )

Dr. Jekyll II ( Mother Hen )

@HenryRoystonJekyll 3 years ago

( good evening everyone! I hope you all are well. Seeing as everyone is leaping upon the story hansom, I thought I might add my own contribution. This is a little drabble about a portion of my past. I do so hope you enjoy it. )

An intricate melody floated gently through the magnificent burgundy hall like snowflakes. A young man, a doctor, sat enraptured by the heavenly sound. The music buzzed inside his skull, dizzying and intoxicating him like a fine wine. Tiny, impossibly high notes seemed to stretch on forever, the overtones ringing like handbells. Heart quickening, he jolted awake as the deafening sea of sound now crashed down around him, drowning the last erethreal chords. Cautious brown eyes surveyed the people before them. The other guests were carbon copies of the pianist, well dressed nobles of ivory skin and inky hair. Their smiles seemed enthusiastic, polite expressions spread thinly upon upturned mouths. However, the air ran thick with an undeniable sensation of wrong. Chills ran down the doctor's spine when he noticed a young lad not too far behind. Delicate and attractive, his countenance held an innocence of any ominous deeds. His smooth face appeared elven, yet held a deformity. Something seemed so familiar about the fellow. Was this surely a dream? The doctor shifted in his seat, stomach unsettled. Graceful green eyes glinted like steely knives as they bore into the woman on stage with a carnal hunger. They followed her movements with menace, his simple mouth carved into an unfriendly scowl. The doctor's blood ran cold, a sweat beginning to form upon his sallow features.

No, it couldn't be.

Panic gripped him as he turned to a large cabinet behind the grand piano. Suddenly the world around him grew numb. The same vicious eyes stared back into his- brown this time. The man eyeing him looked different, however. Long pointed face, wild russet mane, large hulking figure. No! This couldn't be happening! Not now!

The gentleman quickly stumbled away from his chair, the reflection laughing cruelly at him. The audience payed no mind as they also rose from their seats and mingled. He did not go unnoticed, however. The woman onstage rose slowly from the glossy black instrument, her green skirts quietly slithering against its legs, her eyes followed his movements as he hurried out of her drawing room.

"That was quite a time you had last evening, good Doctor."

The woman mused, resting her elbow against the now closed lid. She looked up at him, her eyes twinkling with wicked humor. Suddenly they widened and she leaned in. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you found...a ghost"

"That is more true than you know" the doctor uttered under his breath, hoping the lady wouldn't hear it. An amused chuckle bubbled from her. It would seem she had.

"Well I certainly hope my great grandfather didn't scare you too badly off"

"That's ONE way to put it"

Gloved hands began to lift the lid and the voice screamed as he suddenly slammed it down into his own.

"DAMN YOU JEKYLL! WATCH WHAT YOU'RE DOING "

The lady quickly removed her hands from the searing lid and looked to him with a start. " Goodness Henry! You scared me half to death " she lifted the heavy wooden cover, hastily this time, and took his large hand in her own. "Are you quite alright?"

Hen smiled warmly at her, there was something beautiful in her countenance, soothing and reassuring. "Of course madam. I simply need to be more conscious of these ghosts". The reflection scowled at him from the cabinet as the pair placed their fingers on the keys.

" Then why don't you help me finish banging out my piece? I think there's something missing "

The rejected conscience watched helplessly from inside the mirror as multiple octaves worth of tinkling notes filled the previously dead air. Two bell like voices- a musical tenor and a light lyric soprano- accompanied the piano music in two part harmony.

Days slipped into months and they into years. The lady in green all but vanished. Rumors started amongst the more imaginative gossips, whispers of her living in Paris, deep below an Opera House. They said the Phantom stole her away one night, to make her his musical slave. At the family estate, a garden of white carnations grew, that she tended to dreamily upon her visits home. Hen's ghost still remained, however. Greenish light filtered into the sterile operating theatre, giving its inhabitants a sickly color. The air felt frigid, but stale- assaulting the senses with the sting of alcohol and formaldehyde. The ghost didn't much mind and slumped casually against the vacant steel slab, watching his tormented scientist mix a batch of medications for his first aid kit.

"You know they're going to die anyway " he lazily drawled.

"And that's why it is our duty to save them, Edward"

Ed grinned wickedly "makes killing them even more fun. Why DO you bring a woman with you anyway?"

Hen replied thoughtfully. "I'm training her. Believe it or not, Anna is one of the best doctors I've ever met".

He paused. His assistant was the energetic bookish sister of the mysterious woman. She so loved Edgar Allan Poe that she introduced herself as Annabelle Li, to make a deliberate reference to the poem. The warm seasons were marked by the delicious smell of blossoms and hours passed in moments under the shade tree, lunch untouched, as they discussed the human body and debated the duality of a man's soul. She seemed very comfortable with the idea, perhaps too much. It made Hen feel safe and it seemed that it bored his Hyde with the predictability of it all, for he was tame around her. Almost as if he didn't exist. So smart. Did she know she was providing the solution to his problem?

"and certainly the smartest"

He could suddenly feel a jealousy boiling deep within, Ed's demeanor shifting and becoming dangerous. Hot sticky breath fell upon his neck as his own voice, reduced to a menacing husk, whispered softly into his ear.

"You'd better enjoy her while she's with you, because she won't be for much longer."

Those words rang through his mind when the butler announced his visitor. "Annabelle Lillian Summers"

The door opened to a familiar face. Small and delicate, she was the spitting image of her family with ivory skin and inky hair, but with freckles sprinkled gently across her nose. A pair of unusually dull eyes stared past him. "Anna, what a pleasure" Hen smiled at the woman, an uneasy feeling gripping at his nerves. "Do come in. I've already started making the arrangements-"

"I did so love you and our work together, and that is why I say with great regret that I must end the engagement." She slipped the ring off her finger and dropped the band into his hand in a rather mechanical fashion. She looked up, past him at his hopeful other. "Also because I have found another. I hope you have a nice life. I wish you luck Henry" without another word, she turned on her heel and vanished into the night. For the first time, Hen genuinely understood the broken man behind him. Stunned and rejected, their hearts beat as one.

Ed took great solace in the newfound freedom, relishing the thought that he was finally loved, when she returned.

Rain poured in sheets when he cornered her in an alleyway. Green eyes stared into his own. Defiant, not scared. She stood hunched over a bloodstained bandage wound tightly around her belly. It was a reminder of their previous encounter. The new Hyde paced, his voice soft and sad as she watched him, hand clutching a long umbrella. "Victoria, Victoria" he tasted her name, drawing out each syllable.

"So much fire, so brave." He paused. "So stupid." He resumed his pacing, slow and deliberate graceful steps. "You were intelligent and fun. You would have made a good man." He suddenly lunged, grabbing her face in his large, oddly smooth palm. She snarled and ducked, denying him access to her throat.

"But you came back. You could have stayed away. You could have let him be mine. We were so close he and I...and now you'll have to suffer the consequences." Sharp pain suddenly gripped him as Victoria yanked her chin out of his grasp and flipped him onto the cobblestones with a pained grunt. He advanced again, large hulking figure charging towards the injured woman. Victoria clumsily avoided him, forcing him to the ground with a sharp jab from her umbrella after he had run head first into the brick wall.

"You do understand the severity of the situation, do you not?"

Hen was startled out of his thoughts, the image of his friend lying in the street still fresh in his mind.

"Of course I do M'lady" he answered, not taking his eyes off of his tea.

"You must marry my daughter"

Panic suddenly gripped him, wild eyes daring him to accept the proposition from the other side. He calmly replied, avoiding the heated gaze and looking into the elder's instead. "I'm afraid that is out of the question M'lady."

Tired green eyes looked into his smooth face pleadingly. "Victoria's protection is gone. If she does not remarry by Holy Week, she will be betrothed to her cousin. He is a violent man Dr. Jekyll and he will do as he likes." She sighed, softly.

"I've seen the way you look at her. I've noticed the tender care with which you treat her. I know you love her and you cannot betray that"

The reflection became gentle, a familiar twinkle in the eyes staring back at him- his own eyes.

"I...do love her" he admitted. Of course he had known, he had known since the day they performed together. He had known through every rogue science conquest, every Christmas. He had known despite the fact that her heart belonged to a seductive genius with far more to offer. The knowledge was only of the impossible, the forbidden. He could never let Hyde hurt her again, for even as a clone, he was every bit as dangerous as his predecessor.

"And that is why I cannot marry her" he reluctantly added. "There are circumstances beyond my control Lady Summers, and she would not be safe with me"

Hen took a solemn sip of the chamomile tea. In the garden, there were no more carnations.

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Satoshi Jekyll • 3 years ago

Well that was interesting...could you elaborate on the two Henry's? If you did, all of it will click for me. I get the jest of it. That one Henry is a ghost haunting this other Henry, but something about it is a bit confusing.

Ash: Yeah. AND I WANT MORE HYDE WORKS!

Satoshi: Hyde, you will get your turn! Right now it's Jekyll time to shine.

Ash growls.

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Dr. Jekyll II ( Mother Hen )  Satoshi Jekyll • 3 years ago

Forgive me for the confusion! I will elaborate- I am actually a clone of my predecessor ( hence the nicknames Hen and Ed, so as not to confuse us with the original Jekyll and Hyde ). Also if you look very closely, this is really a story that also features the inner thoughts of my Hyde. Something to the tune of "he's the only one I can be myself around and this confounded company he keeps is ruining my chance at happiness". I find it rather more diverting if you write the dynamic between both sides.

Hopefully that cleared it up a little!

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Satoshi Jekyll  Dr. Jekyll II ( Mother Hen ) • 3 years ago

It did. Although, I didn't know your world had cloning. My world has it but we've only been able to clone Mew. We haven't had any human clones nor any other Pokémon clones, so I didn't know what was going on.

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Dr. Jekyll II ( Mother Hen )  Satoshi Jekyll • 3 years ago

Our world does have cloning, in a way, but there's only one scientist who can do so as of yet. She invented the whole process so it's still more of an experimental science at this point.

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Satoshi Jekyll  Dr. Jekyll II ( Mother Hen ) • 3 years ago

Nods.

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Sarashina Hyde • 3 years ago • edited

aHAAaaahaaa! You called Erik a "seduc'ive genius"

QUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEER

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Helen Jekyll • 3 years ago

How interesting... I must say, I like your writing style, it's very professional.

This is quite the tale! I've walked down this path a few times myself... If you love someone, it's best to keep them at a distance so they don't get harmed...

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Madame La Déchante  Helen Jekyll • 3 years ago

When that someone is already in harm's way, however, it becomes a much more sensitive position. It is easy enough to practice self defence in the alleys of the East end. In fact, the bigger the opponent, the more leverage you've been given and the Hydes are certainly not martial artists. Being legally owned as property is a different matter entirely. (Quietly slips a fan out and uses it ) it is a man's world and more often than not- women are on the losing side

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Helen Jekyll  Madame La Déchante • 3 years ago

Ah, yes, that's true...

You have to ask yourself, which do you prefer? A life where you're nothing but a prize men can forever control or none at all?

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Madame La Déchante  Helen Jekyll • 3 years ago

(Chuckling darkly, she closes the fan and touches it to her left cheek )

Oh my dear, if THAT is all I'd have to worry about then my life would be a walk through the gardens of Buckingham palace. ( opens the delicate piece and resumes fanning herself ) I was raised on beatings. Don't expect old money to be so kind.

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Helen Jekyll  Madame La Déchante • 3 years ago

It seems you have a bit of a rough history, Madame...

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Madame La Déchante  Helen Jekyll • 3 years ago

(Cocking an eyebrow, the ghost of a smile playing upon the corner of her mouth) don't we all?

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Dr. Jekyll II ( Mother Hen )  Helen Jekyll • 3 years ago

In regards to your compliment, I humbly thank you! It means so much that you take joy in my work.

Moving on to the thesis of the comment, we are often criticized for keeping to ourselves and yet introducing new guests can be... disastrous. Not that there aren't those who can manage themselves, but for all the blood shed on the London streets it would not be wise to gamble another life.

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Helen Jekyll  Dr. Jekyll II ( Mother Hen ) • 3 years ago

Especially once you pass the point of no return: the first time you change without the serum. After that, it's all downhill and you have no hope of recovering...

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Dr. Jekyll II ( Mother Hen )  Helen Jekyll • 3 years ago

And once the voice of reason is silenced, there's no way to know how he will treat the loved ones who once were yours. It would unthinkably cruel to do that to another human being.

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Tulioh Santos • 3 years ago

My daughter would very much love this! She's such a good writer and an artist at that! Maybe I can recommend this to her! She really enjoys mystery tales! (I got a break from mixing these damn chemicals, so I decided to read this! Ah, Princess Celestia is very demanding of me!)

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Dr. Jekyll II ( Mother Hen )  Tulioh Santos • 3 years ago

I do hope your daughter enjoys this, as you are certainly welcome to show this to her!

It is shameful that her Majesty is being so unfair to you. She should be aware of the fact that spending too many hours with potentially noxious ingredients can produce grave illness.

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Tulioh Santos  Dr. Jekyll II ( Mother Hen ) • 3 years ago

She read it and she LOVES IT! The look on her face! she just lit up! And for the second half. I kinda have to. I get enough breaks as it is. I also am secretly attempting to cure my grave illness. So far, the concoction I have made seams to be slowing down the growing cells, It will probably give me another, lets say 3-5 years? So yeah. But there is a horrific side effect to this. As you may certainly know, being another Jekyll, what I'm constantly going through.

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Dr. Jekyll II ( Mother Hen )  Tulioh Santos • 3 years ago • edited

Splendid!

Unfortunately, I do understand. Both parts. It took forty seven attempts by both my predecessor and I to find a reasonably stable formula. While it works wonderfully on my charge, it has long since lost its effect on me. This illness is a heinous fiend and it is my deepest hope that we as scientists find a way to eradicate it for good! It is my especial wish that we find a permanent solution for you

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Tulioh Santos  Dr. Jekyll II ( Mother Hen ) • 3 years ago

Thank you kindly! I just need to keep taking the formula myself everyday, and it will slowly bring up my years! ^-^

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Dr. Jekyll II ( Mother Hen )  Tulioh Santos • 3 years ago

Be sure also to keep note of any new developments. Cancer can be unpredictable, as I have been made aware.

May you never have to be under the knife.

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Tulioh Santos  Dr. Jekyll II ( Mother Hen ) • 3 years ago

Thank you kindly~

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Tulioh Santos • 3 years ago • edited

My Daughter is a bit on the, not so sane side as well, ( I fee like she's more Hyde than me... UGH!)

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Victor Frankenstein • 3 years ago

Bravo! I read zis to creature! He greatly loved it!

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Dr. Jekyll II ( Mother Hen )  Victor Frankenstein • 3 years ago

I am honored that the pair of you enjoyed my tale!

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Catt Hatter • 3 years ago

Nice story. I really enjoyed the crossover aspect with Phantom of the Opera.

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Dr. Jekyll II ( Mother Hen )  Catt Hatter • 3 years ago

It is quite hard to avoid over here. The penny dreadfuls are going mad with the stuff. Regardless, I am pleased that you noticed. He has had quite an impact on our lives and the story couldn't quite be told without him

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Catt Hatter  Dr. Jekyll II ( Mother Hen ) • 3 years ago

Indeed! *Toasts to your sentiment*

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