Hiatus Week 1 (Roleplaying page for pg 98)

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Hiatus Week 1 (Roleplaying page for pg 98)

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Mz.Hyde

Mz.Hyde

@disqus_NnFUI30kih 2 years ago

Hello everyone!

Welcome to week one of hiatus!

Now, before we kick this thing off, I need to take care of some housekeeping.

Some of you have alerted me that the infamous sex bots are back. They are following peoples personal profiles, and I unfortunately can not do anything to stop them. The most I can do is to remind everyone to block and report these bots to Disqus.

And now for the fun part!

So, now that school's out, I'll be able to spend more time on here! And I promise to keep you guys entertained to the best of my ability throughout the coming weeks. So, here is a list of things to look out for!

. A reflection of my freshman year in college.

. An RP story where everyone is in jail.

. An RP story where all the humans are turned into animals/ stuck in their animal forms.

. A Crystal Gem RP that piqued my interest a few months ago.

. Some fanfics that have been circling around in my head for months now.

And more!

With that being said, welcome to the hiatus!

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Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Looking forward to those! :D

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Setae  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Seconded. I'd especially like to do the animal RP.

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RBDECEPTICON17  Setae • 2 years ago

I'm down for that too! Kitty Rose! X3

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Setae  RBDECEPTICON17 • 2 years ago

Sex kitten?

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Catt Hatter  Setae • 2 years ago

(o////o)

(>////< Why?)

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Setae  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago • edited

(I didn't even think. It was almost a reflex.)

(I am sorry)

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Catt Hatter  Setae • 2 years ago

(*awkward laughter* It's okay)

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Jekyll1886  Setae • 2 years ago

((I thought it was funny.))

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Setae  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

((That's good. I aim for that :P))

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

I liked it! :DD I mean she was a neko for monstermash! :D

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Setae  Hyde without a Jekyll • 2 years ago

So it's an ongoing theme?

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RBDECEPTICON17  Setae • 2 years ago

Of course, Astrid! X3

Are you really surprised? XD

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Setae  RBDECEPTICON17 • 2 years ago

No.

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RBDECEPTICON17  Setae • 2 years ago

Exactly. XD

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

I believe it's been decided that Hela will be a gecko. XD

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

That was not the first animal which came into my head XD I look forward to see that.

I think I'll have Astrid down as a monitor lizard of some kind.

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

Hela will probably be very upset about it. Her reaction will be fun to play. XDD

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

Fun to watch as well :) Geckoes are awesome though, I might try to convince her of that.

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

* Hela sniffles* "But I can't kill anyone... I wanted to be a lion... their manes are really cool..." T~T

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

But you'll be able to run on walls!

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

"Someone could just step on me and I'd die..." DX

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

True, but then again you could largely avoid that risk by climbing the walls.

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

"People don't fear geckos..."

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

You could make them fear you...

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

* blinks* "How... do I do that?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

* shrugs* "You could always land on their head and scare the sh*t out of them."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

But then they might throw me off and I could get hurt... *rubs her eyes to hide the moisture in them* I... I'd be too small...

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Geckos have a remarkable ability to stick. Simply crawl down the person and skitter away quickly. You could be back on the ceiling before they know it. People hardly ever look up." *smiles*

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

* sniffs* "Well, now I know that you will... Isn't there anyway I can just burn down the Society?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Darling, I'm in the habit of looking up anyway.

"And, no, you may not." *imagines charred gecko kebab* "Wouldn't be a wise action."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Hmp. I ought to be a dragon or something, then. I could just breathe on this place or knock it over..."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Why are you so dead-set on the Society's destruction? Do you want to go to jail for arson? And, honestly, how long do you think it would be before the forces of Britannia amassed to slay a dragon? You'd be slaughtered, stuffed, and put on display in a museum somewhere." *shakes head* "I'll not have it."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"I'm sick and tired of the Lodgers using the Society as a prison for me... If it's gone, they'll be too busy dealing with their losses to bother with me." *She looked down, quiet now.* "It doesn't have to be a dragon, I'd be able to manage with a few different creatures."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

Ay, but I'm no lodger. I'd still keep an eye on you.

"Reality is what it is.

"What would you prefer, if not a dragon?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

* She considered it for a moment.* "A lion? Their manes are rather intimidating and they're frightening enough..."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"True. I could see that. Though only male lions have manes."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Males be d*mned, I'll grow a d*mn mane if I want to!" *She scowls, glaring at Lewis as if daring him to correct her.*

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

* chuckles, amused*

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Don't laugh at me! If people can crossdress, lions should be able to as well!" *flushes, growing louder*

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

* pictures a male lion in a frilly pink dress, complete with ballet slippers*

* cackles*

Wouldn't that be a sight at the London Zoo!

* can't speak for laughing*

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

* looks around for something to chuck at his head.* "Cut it out! I'm serious!" *starts taking off one of her shoes to use as a weapon*

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

* guffaws, then reins himself in*

"Sorry, sorry. I was just thinking of a male ballerina lion dancing onstage at the London Zoo, with tutu-clad hippopotamuses and crocodiles accompanying!"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

* lowers the shoe and stares at him, puzzled and almost... concerned*

"Alright then... Whatever keeps you happy, I guess."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"What can I say? My mind wandered, and I went along for the ride..."

* chortles as he imagines the animals finishing their performance, taking a bow, and then tearing into the assembled crowd of people*

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Well... I least now I can be sure that your name suits you... *She began replacing her shoe on her foot.*

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"How so?" he asked, recovering from the stifled giggles.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

With the most deadpan expression and tone she could manage, "You're Dr. Weird, aren't you?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

Lewis rolled his eyes.

https://media.giphy.com/med...

"If that's my name, you're Hela Weird."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

Hela cringed and turned her head aside, licking her lips.

"Fair... Fair enough."

((XDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

World's best combination of expression and words!))

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Catt Hatter  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

XD

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

You could become an unseen menace. Write threatening messages on the walls, crawl down peoples throats while they sleep, tie their shoelaces together. Just be a bit creative.

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

How does a gecko write...? Or tie shoelaces? And you must be out of your God d*mn mind if you think I'm going to crawl into people's mouths. *She shuddered.*

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

You could dip your tail in blood or something to write with. Use your mouth and front limbs to manipulate the shoelaces. But yeah, fair enough, crawling into human mouths is kinda gross.

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

* She huffed.* It would be much easier if I was just a bear or something...

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

* shrugs* You could try to make the best of the situation as it is.

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

Hmm... I wonder if the doctor would get a different form I could use...

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

* silently prays she doesn't* Isn't that a bit unlikely? I mean, you are the same person after all. At most she'll probably be a slightly different looking gecko.

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

* glares* Her personality is different and if it's based on that, it could work.

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

* can't suppress a grin* But you're the evil side, and you're a gecko. A tiny, kind of adorable lizard.

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

Maybe it's just because I'm only six. *she scowled* It probably would do a crocodile if I was older...

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

Or maybe you're just a gecko at heart.

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago • edited

Well, maybe you should close your trap before I sew it shut!

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

A very violent psychopathic gecko.

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

* glares* I'm more of a sociopath, thank you very much...

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

My bad. Hela Hyde, the very violent sociopathic gecko.

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

Somewhat better... just change that last bit to demon and I'll let you live.

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

Okay okay, Hela Hyde, the very violent, sociopathic demon. I still don't think it negates you also being a gecko.

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

Good enough... *She huffed.* You're lucky Lewis still has my knives and gun.

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

* opens coat so she can see the dart gun* Probably. But I don't think I'd be completely chance-less against you.

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

* blinks* What do you have loaded, tranquilizers?

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

Maybe. Usually. *keeps a neutral expression*

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

* she chuckled* I hope for your sake they're tranquilizers... otherwise you wouldn't dare shoot me.

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

If you threatened my life? Yeah, I might.

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

* tilts her head* If it was anything too harmful, you wouldn't use it because of Helen...

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

If you came at me with a knife or gun I wouldn't care what it's loaded with, I'd shoot you on the spot.

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

* Her lips curled into a half grin.* I'll just have to attack from behind, then... do you have one of those coins Lewis handed out?

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

* reaches into pocket and fiddles with the coin* Yes. So don't be to optimistic.

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Jekyll1886  Setae • 2 years ago • edited

((Hey so by the way, Lewis gave a lot of small, silver-colored discs, each about the size of a penny, to Gemma to distribute to the lodgers whenever they came down to eat. These Vibralert "coins" are keyed to Hela's specific psycho-spiritual frequency, and will vibrate more and more frequently the closer Hela is, even if she happens to be wearing Helen's body. If your coin buzzes unceasingly...she's right there. However, they only work up to a range of 1250 feet or 381 meters.))

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Setae  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

((I see. So I should have one?))

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Jekyll1886  Setae • 2 years ago

((Yes. Every lodger who has gone down to the kitchen for food at some point over the past month or so should theoretically have one. Though they are of course welcome not to take one, if they don't want one.))

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Setae  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

((Okay. I'll change it.))

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago • edited

Don't worry, positivety is the doctor's shtick... *She huffed, dissapointed.*

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

* smiles and raises eyebrows* Come on, can't you think of something fun to do with me if I'm alive? I prefer being alive. And I prefer you like that too. I'm not excactly itching to shoot you.

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Jekyll1886  Setae • 2 years ago

((I love Astrid. Solid reasoning.))

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Setae  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

((Thanks XD))

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

Well, while you're alive, I can kill you. Slowly. Painfully.

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

* smile fades and he sighs* You're hard to be friendly with you know.

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

Good, because I don't want people being friendly with me. *She gave him a pointed look.* I want people to leave me alone.

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

Well *a half-smile comes back* I can sympathize with your desire to some degree. Trouble's just you tend to punish people rather severely for bothering you.

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

In hope that others will see and cease to bother me. If someone gets killed for pushing a button, would you want to push it as well?

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

I think you might have a few too many buttons.

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

I'm made of nothing but the doctor's most volatile emotions. I think I have an excuse to.

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

* he nods* Fair point. But you can see how it complicates matters a bit, right? You're quick to anger, you kill when your angry, ergo, you could potentially kill a lot. And your other half still has actual people who care about her and want to around her.

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

I'm aware of the problems with the situation, I have to live through them. *She sighed heavily.* If people want to talk to the doctor, they should bother Lewis, not me.

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

Well, my apologies for interacting with you instead. To be honest though, I think I might kind of like it a little bit.

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

Oh? *She frowned.* How annoying... Does that mean we'll have to speak to each other again?

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

* shrugs and smiles* Won't we have to if I'm to be your supplier?

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

I figured notes would be a better way to communicate... Less chance of things going badly.

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

It'll work most of the time, but I have to give you the knives in person.

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

I can try and tolerate that.

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

You'll have to. *smiles happily at her*

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

There's no other way you'd be willing to give me weapons?

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

No. Necessary condition.

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

* A scowl.* Any other necessary conditions I should know about?

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

Hmm. No I don't think so. Just keep the bargain.

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

Good... otherwise I'd have to start adding requirements of my own.

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

* grins* Didn't want to push you too far.

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

Smart. Most people aren't so conscientious.

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

I have a weird conscience. Will weapons really be all you ask for? I could offer you other things too.

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

I'll ask for other things as well, if you swear to keep quiet about them...

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

Of course, I swear. *pricks ears up*

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

* she glanced around to ensure they were alone then leaned forward, her voice dropping to a whisper* I would like some more live plants that can be grown inside...

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

* raises eyebrows* I can get you those *he whispered back* Why do we have to extra secretive about it?

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

I... *hesiatates* I don't think people would find me as intimidating if they knew I was a gardener of sorts.

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

* suppresses a smile* It'd be a mistake on their part. But I might have some plants that won't make you loose face too much.

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

I'm happy to hear it. You'll have to leave some instructions with the plants, so I can care for them properly.

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

Wouldn't dream of not doing it. Quick question, do you have lot of insects in your room?

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

No, but if the plant you have in mind is carnivorous, I can make sure there's more nutrients in the soil in its pot to compensate.

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

That should be fine, but they will probably start searching around for insects anyway. I don't know if your up for training your plant as well as tending to it.

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

* Shrugs* I have nothing better to do with my time. Just tell me how to do it and I'll get it done.

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

I'll send an instruction manual along. *pauses* How will you explain the sudden appearence of carnivorous plants in your room anyway?

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

I'll say doctor needs them for an experiment... She knows better than to disagree.

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

* frown* Right, I see.

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

Does that worry you? The fact I have her under my thumb?

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

Yes. Why do you think I was interested in making a deal in the first place?

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Helen Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

To help the doctor gain more control of herself and spend more time as herself?

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Setae  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

Part of the deal was that you don't torment her. Though the rest is also something I want for her.

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

((To be fair after my gecko experiences I do respect/fear them quite a bit. *eyetwich*))

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Helen Jekyll  Hyde without a Jekyll • 2 years ago

((Oh dear... Had some bad experiences?))

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

((More like...interesting experiences. https://disqus.com/home/cha... ))

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Helen Jekyll  Hyde without a Jekyll • 2 years ago

((Oh, wow.... that's really cool! :D))

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

((Just gonna toss this here while I still have some moments of internet. Could I suggest the beared dragon?))

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Helen Jekyll  Hyde without a Jekyll • 2 years ago

((Oooh, any particular reason why?))

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

(It's got a main like a lion and is a lizard like a gecko. ;) )

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Helen Jekyll  Hyde without a Jekyll • 2 years ago

((XD It's as close as Hela's gonna get to a lion!))

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Dr. H. Griffin  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

No doubt Griffin will be a chameleon.

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Helen Jekyll  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago • edited

The world's grumpiest chameleon. XD

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Dr. H. Griffin  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

Hey, be fair; I've never seen a chameleon happy.

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Helen Jekyll  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

I've seen one or two. ^-^

Thumbnail

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Dr. H. Griffin  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

That one looks like it's momentarily shocked to being in a photo.

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Helen Jekyll  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Heh, well, you can google search yourself, then. Either way, it's a cute picture.

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MillieGriffin  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago • edited

It would be pretty easy to tell which mood he was in just by looking at the colors he'd be showing since chameleons are basically just living mood rings. Do you have a specific species of chameleon in mind or no?

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The Fox  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Utterson's gonna be a horse, that's for sure! Just haven't decided what breed yet.

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Catt Hatter  The Fox • 2 years ago

Aww! ^u^

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 2 years ago

Neat!

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

That makes sense.

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Setae • 2 years ago

Alice is a hamster if that hasn't been taken yet. If so just let me know and I'll plan something else! :)

And Emerson is still dead. R.I.P.

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Setae  Hyde without a Jekyll • 2 years ago

I don't think it's taken.

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Helen Jekyll  Hyde without a Jekyll • 2 years ago

Emerson can be a ghost bird! :D

* sniff* Poor Emerson...

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Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

((@HeHelen Jekyll A continuation of the RP from last week!))

"Might you?" chortled Lewis.

He shut the door behind them, locked it, and pocketed the key.

Noting Hela's demeanor, he couldn't help but think of times past. The way people would shy away--or even spoil for a fight--just as a natural reaction to his presence.

He'd learned to mask that, to draw on the gentler aspects of his nature. Yet he wondered, for a moment, if he'd slipped up.

A sense of...not shame, but...pity washed over him as he realized Hela's avoidance was likely simply due to her previous experiences with him.

Ah, well. In time...she'll learn.

"Shall we, then?" he asked, and began walking, making sure to keep abreast of her.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Only if you think you can handle me all on your own." Hela replied with a half grin.

She fell in step beside him, deliberately staying an arms length away.

"With not running away being the only limitation, there's a whole world of possibilities for me to explore."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"True enough," said Lewis with a small smile.

"Just...understand," he advised as they walked to the entrance, "out there...I'm not the one you need fear metin' out consequences. The world'll do that all on its own."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"But you'll help out, right?" She asked, frowning uncertainly. The thought of him doing nothing while she was in trouble made her uneasy.

"I'm a little out of practice, when it comes to being outside..."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Should you seek to cause trouble, I'll not help you. But should you find yourself in it through no fault of your own, I shall certainly step in."

Weir paused to let some of Hela's other guardians know this was a supervised walk, and not to worry, despite the Vibralert coins.

"There's a delicacy to human interactions," he elucidated, once the others had gone. "Should you find yourself in doubt...simply follow my lead. It's largely a matter of practice and experience."

He opened the Society's door and held it for her.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

Hela sighed and grumbled under her breath, "Two things I don't have. Grand."

She stepped out of the Society, once again shying away from Lewis, and stood at top of the white steps.

How long has it been since I last left that d*mned place? She thought as she watched the carriages and people move about the street, most too preoccupied to acknowledge her.

For a moment, it almost seemed like she would run, if only to put some distance between herself and the building that had held her captive... but the moment passed and, instead, she turned to face Lewis, her head cocked to the side.

"Which way is the park?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

Lewis watched Hela carefully.

He was terribly relieved when she decided not to bolt.

"To the right," he replied, and began walking down the steps. "We'll take Great Russell to Charlotte Street; that way, we'll get to see Bedford Square as well.

"Would you prefer major or minor thoroughfares after that?" he asked.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

Hela trailed behind, glancing up at the sky as much as her feet would allow her to without stumbling.

"The less people the better. Crowds get on my nerves and I don't have any blades with me."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

Lewis nodded.

"As you will."

It wasn't long before they came upon Bedford Square, a fine, tree-lined oval of green surrounded by terraced houses.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

At the sight of the trees, Hela stopped, a grin rapidly spreading across her face. "They're so green!" She realized and started forward again at a jog to get a closer look.

Pausing at the base of one of the trunks, she spoke with a brighteness in her voice that matched her eyes, "Do you think I could climb one?"

She was quick to add, "I can try and be quick about it, if you think someone will see."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"If you can be quick, go ahead," he said with a smile and a brisk nod.

If anyone asks, I'll say you've lost your cat.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Hela grinned wider and grabbed ahold of the lowest hanging branch, using a knot in the tree as a foothold as she hoisted herself up. Straddling the branch, she studied the trunk above her and before standing to continue her climb.

She repeated this process until she found a high enough place to sit, sighing contently as she leaned back against the trunk.

"Wanna come up and join me? I can scoot and make room." She eventually called down and patted a spot beside her.

I wonder if he could actually climb... if he made it up here, I'd shove him out of the tree. She chuckled to herself.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

It was with an air of satisfaction he watched her climb.

"I appreciate the offer, Hela," he acknowledged, bracing his right foot against his walking stick. "But I'm afraid I'm ground-bound here. How's the view?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

"Breathtaking... or maybe that's just from the climb up here." She laughed, surveying the buildings and other trees around her. "Either way, it's much better than what I could see from the doctor's room."

Oh, right. The doctor. She smirked faintly, the beginnings of an idea coming together.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

Lewis nodded.

"Quite a feeling, to be above it all..." he agreed.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Closing her eyes, Hela leaned her head back against the trunk.

"Did you used to climb trees?" She asked with a yawn. Her breathing slowed as she shifted to find a more comfortable spot.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Ay," he answered. "When I was a lad." And sometimes when I was Edward.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

"Mmm... this is my... third... maybe fourth tree..." Hela proclaimed, before slipping into a doze.

Her consciousness faded and she appeared to be catnapping... until the doctor awoke.

When Helen realized where she was, the first thing she heard was Hela crying out. Only, it could've been her, it just sounded that way because...

Oh God. I am in her body. No. Please. I can't get stuck like this, not so soon!

Tears welled in her eyes and she clung to the tree branch, her throat constricting.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

Lewis felt the change, a shifting in the soul, even if the body remained Hela's.

"It's alright, darlin', you're just up a tree," he called to Helen, presuming she might be disoriented. "Be still, hang on, and just take a breath. In...and out. Can you do that for me?" he asked.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"I-I'm her." She whispered, shuddering and digging her nails into the bark.

"This isn't my body."

Overcome with the sudden urge to tear herself apart, to destroy the hands that had done nothing but hurt and kill, she bit down on her bottom lip, soon tasting blood.

"This... isn't right..."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"Be that as it may, it's what you've been handed for the moment," said Lewis, aiming to keep Helen's thoughts from an incipient spiral.

"We're in Bedford Square, by the by," he informed her.

"Would you prefer to stay up there or to come down, love?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

Helen hesitated.

"I don't know how to climb, I might..."

If I fall and get hurt, it would slow Hela down.

She fell silent, touching her torn and bleeding lip as she inhaled shakily.

"I'll be down in a minute."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"If you're certain," replied Lewis.

He moved to stand below her.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

She stifled a dry laugh, peering up at the sky to hide a half smile.

I'm never certain of anything anymore, She almost told him, but decided against it, choosing instead to begin her descent.

A few close calls and pauses to rest later, Helen sat straddling the lowest branch and frowning at the ground below.

"Should I just..." She began uncertainly, "...slide off?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"I would," said Lewis. "Try to lean forward as you do, in case you need to brace with your hands or forearms when you land. If you allow yourself to fall into a crouch as you hit the grass, it'll lessen the impact."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

"Alright..." She lifted her leg and turned so it rested next to her other, taking a breath.

Stay calm. It won't matter how I land. If I do good, great. If I do bad, well... one more problem for her. She tried to assure herself then slid off the branch, reflexively bringing her hands up in an effort to protect her face.

Her feet hit the ground first, the impact sending shocks up her leg as she staggered forward, falling onto her hands and knees.

"I... didn't do that right." She observed sheepishly, pushing herself up with a grimace.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"But you didn't break anything, which is the important part," asserted Lewis, helping her up further. "I imagine your sense of proprioception is off, to be fair," he said quietly. "Different arm and leg and torso length. You did remarkably well climbing down, considering."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Thank you, I..." She leaned her weight against him for a moment, a bit unsteady. "I'm rather surprised I made it at all."

Looking down at herself, her voice dropped to a anxious whisper. "Do you know why I'm in her body? Did the serum stop working?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"As near as I can tell, she relaxed her biorhythms to the point you'd come to consciousness," he whispered back. "Though for what purpose, I don't know. Is this the first time you've found yourself...thus?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

Helen nodded slowly. "It's only ever been the other way around." She answered, then let out a sigh. "It was probably to scare me. I had thought I would be stuck in her body, like in the stories I always heard as a kid."

A pause and a quick glance towards Lewis.

"I won't be stuck like this, will I?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"No," whispered Lewis with a smile and a shake of his head. "In fact, if we keep up our sessions, you'll be able to take on whichever body you please, at will."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Oh, good." She breathed, returning the smile.

"I'm not sure what I'd use this body for. Maybe reach things high up on shelves?"

After looking at the scratches she had collected from her climb down, Helen added, "Definetly not for tree climbing."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

Lewis chuckled.

"That could come in handy," he mused.

To her statement about tree climbing, he half-joked:

"Oh, I don't know. A bit of practice, and I think you might find it quite serviceable."

He paused, looking pensive as he recalled something he ought to tell Helen.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

Helen touched a hand to her stomach, her smile turning apologetic. "I ought to figure out walking and standing first. I'd topple over without your help... I hope I'm not too heavy."

"Is something on your mind?" She asked quietly, noticing his expression.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"You're perfectly fine," he assured her.

"Though...there is something I ought to let you know, as I've already told your counterpart."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Oh," She began with a touch of surprise, "I'm all ears, then. What sort of matter is it?"

Odd, Hela hasn't been bragging about knowing something I don't.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"One of lineage," he explained, voice still lowered. "Namely, yours...and hers."

He smiled, thoughtful, then looked Helen in the eye.

"You're my descendant."

He made sure to still support her, as she wasn't sitting down.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Your... descendant? As in... we're related?" She blinked, trying to absorb the new information.

"That's... wonderful, I just never thought that..." Helen shook her head to clear it and eyed Lewis curiously. "From what side of the family are you...?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

He was immensely relieved she was taking it so well.

"Up through the generations, I'm your paternal great-great grandfather," he replied. "Paternal at every juncture," he emphasized with a meaningful look.

He waited for her to count back through the genealogy in her mind and make the realization.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

A beat.

"That... That would mean..."

Her fingers trailed through her hair and she searched his face for confirmation, for resemblance.

"You're the one who will... not... not the Jekyll who owns the Society..."

Another beat.

"Wow..."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"Yes." He gave a deep nod. "Though only for the first child."

He held her gaze in earnest, wanting to tell her everything, but paused instead. The square was quiet, but it wasn't long since Moriarty's snipers. One never knew who might be listening.

"I would say more," and his eyes spoke the truth of it, "but...I don't think it prudent to do so out in the open like this."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Right, I..." She drew in a breath and smiled, shaking her head with a chuckle.

"I could use some time to digest this, anyways." She admitted softly.

"Is there somewhere more private we could go?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Naturally." He smiled. "Lanyon recently saw fit to assign an office to me, as often as I frequent the Society. We could speak there, if you like."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

"Oh, back at the Society?" She lowered her gaze, shame coloring her cheeks. "I... don't really want to be seen like this. The lodgers are either afraid of her or want her dead." She wrapped her arms around herself. "I don't blame them, though."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"In that case...come. Walk to the center of the square with me," he began to do so, still supporting her, "and we'll keep our voices at a whisper.

"I...do wish to ask you one question, and I need you to be unflinchingly honest in your answer," he added as they continued onward.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Helen grasped his sleeve with one hand, keeping an eye on her feet to ensure they wouldn't give her any trouble.

"I promise I'll do my best to be honest." She assured him softly.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Thank you," he said, grateful, as they continued to walk.

"I need to know...what do you think of me, as a person?" he asked.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Helen blinked and looked back up in surprise.

"Well, you're obviously a great person, Lewis. You're kind, clever and strong enough to face Hela, not to mention wonderful company. I couldn't think of anyone better to be here to help me."

The corner of her lips lifted into a smile.

"Were you worried I'd say anything different?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"I appreciate that with all my heart, Helen. It's a relief not just to me personally, but regarding your probable opinion about what I'm to say next."

They reached the middle of the green space.

"Recall, if you will, the...individual in my dimension with a condition similar to yours, the one I helped. Don't...say his name, just...remember what it was."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Puzzled, she complied, thinking back to when Lewis had spoken about his old patient.

I wonder who he thinks could be listening.

"Alright, I know who you're referring to." She told him in a low voice.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"I am he," whispered Lewis, holding a level gaze with her. "This...is what integration looks like."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Helen blinked, stunned into silence. For the second time that day, she studied him with new interest and understanding.

"You're... just full of surprises today." She breathed with a soft chuckle and ran her fingers through her hair, finished with her examination. "So... it's not really Lewis, then?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

Seems you and Hela have something in common: the same reaction regarding names, he observed silently.

"It's what I go by, though I'd also answer to either of the other two," he said with a small shrug and slight tilt of his head. "'Lewis' was my own grandfather's name. I...thought it an appropriate moniker, given the circumstances."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Clever." She nodded, a hint of a smile touching her lips though she was distant, preoccupied with other thoughts.

"Whose... form do you have right now?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

She's taking this remarkably well, he thought, gladdened by it.

"One midway between the two," he admitted, unable to suppress a catlike smile.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"You're combined both in mind and in body, then..." She murmured and put her hands in her pockets, frowning when she found nothing but Hela's bracelet.

"How are you able to stay half changed? Was it something that came naturally with the integration or did you have to learn?" Though the questions were earnest, Helen seemed distracted, still searching her person.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"It came naturally enough, when my mind had settled into balance. Before then, it was a matter of a balance in terms of time, with different forms for each mindset. That was the first step. A bit of bleedover, too, from one state to another. This is what it built to. A balanced mindset only came in spurts, at first, and then I'd revert to one or the other. But, at last...this one came to be my default. After that, it was a matter of fine-tuning the psyche-physical dynamic, until I could change to any form on the spectrum at will."

"Something wrong?" he asked, noticing her distracted manner.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Hm?" Helen jerked her head up and stared blankly for a moment before recognition flickered back into her eyes.

"Oh, yeah, I mean, no, I, I'm fine." She internally winced. "I was just hoping to find something to write with... I didn't mean to interrupt, sorry."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"I'd suggest taking mental notes, then. I'll repeat myself as often as necessary, but I'd prefer this not be committed to paper, to be honest. You and your counterpart know the truth, and I may tell others in my own time. But I don't want a written record; it could fall into the wrong hands. As far as the world's concerned, I'm Lewis Weir and that's that," he explained as gently as he could.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Oh, of course." She gave a smile, heat rising to her cheeks. "I'm sorry, I forgot myself... It's your secret to keep." Her hands returned to their pockets and remained there. "I won't record any of it."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"I appreciate that."

He paused, then chuckled softly.

"Did you slip into...'Scientist Mode', shall we say, just then?" he asked, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"I have so many questions to ask, I barely know where to start..." Helen confirmed and lowered her gaze with a laugh. "You're lucky I didn't get stuck in it, I'd be hounding you for days. I might still. It's the blessing and the curse of... well, our namesake."

She smiled at him. "I'm sure you know that, though."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"That, it is," he chortled. "Feel free to hound me--inquisitiveness is, as you say, perfectly natural.

"Though in the meantime, we should perhaps continue our walk to the park. I've promised your counterpart a day there, so long as she doesn't hare off on her own," he explained.

"We can take the less frequented streets to avoid eavesdroppers. And practice at getting about in a different form can only help," he said, offering to lock arms with her.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"It's not usual for her to agree to something like that." Helen accepted his offer with a grateful nod, sighing soflty. "But I wouldn't be surprised if she didn't keep her word."

She paused and frowned.

"I'd actually be surprised if she did."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Not to worry. I typically play things by ear, bearing multiple possibilities in mind," Lewis reassured her. "Whatever may happen, I'll adapt accordingly."

They began walking from the square to a nearby side street.

"In the meantime, ask away," he encouraged.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"I guess the best place to start would be the beginning," Helen mused, "so I'll start again there."

Glancing sideways at the doctor, she asked softly, "How did you first get your hands on the serum?"

Her eyes held the same softness as her voice. If half of the stories she had heard were true... she could only imagine how much he had suffered.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"I made it," he said simply, keeping his volume low, "though I refer to it as a 'potion' rather than 'serum'," he clarified.

"I had my degrees in chemistry and medicine. I also familiarized myself with every alchemical text I could get my hands on--Greek, Chinese, Roman, Egyptian, medieval. I saw the commonalities as well as the differences, drew upon them, and tempered them with my own personal understanding of matters spiritual--bequeathed to me by a rather memorable near-death experience. I spent years, even decades, in research, all while maintaining my 'day job' and keeping up with society.

"I synthesized the knowledge I had gathered, as I synthesize everything I read or experience. It all fits into the framework of my worldview, which I change accordingly whenever I find a new fact which alters it.

"In any case, I ran through several tinctures which were insufficient to the task before finally hitting upon one I thought might realistically succeed.

"But the tincture alone was merely the first step. The second had yet to be attempted, and was much riskier. Part salt, part spirit. That's the key thing. People forget: alchemy is as much a matter of the soul as it is chemical. 'As above, so below.' Transmute the soul, and the body will respond in kind, if one does it right. But the soul has to be willing to change. And the body is just as likely to perish as to transform. The person has to be truly willing to take that risk."

"How did it go, in your case? How did you...'get your hands on the serum', as you say? More to the point, what was your frame of mind when you decided to first imbibe it?"

see more

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Well, growing up, I always heard stories of my many greats grandfather and how his obsession ruined his life... I think it was supposed to serve as a warning, but I was intrigued from the start."

"I took an interest in the potion and decided that I'd pick up where the doctor had left off. I... thought I could accomplish what he couldn't and perfect the formula, so it would work as originally intended. I thought I could cure a person of their demons."

"Much to my parents dismay, the passion in chemistry wasn't just a phase from childhood and I spent my years researching, asking questions... until I managed to get my hands on some old notes in our attic."

"With the notes in hand, I began adjusting the ingredients to try and create something more suitable for helping people, instead of unleashing a monster."

She sighed. "Obviously, it didn't work, otherwise you wouldn't be here."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

He listened intently as they walked. The particulars did make sense, though he wished to discuss a few of them further.

But her last statement gave him pause.

"My dear girl, what on Earth do you mean?" he wondered, a sense of trepidation creeping in.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

She turned to him, her expression somber.

"I failed... My adaptions to the formula didn't change a thing. I still got the same result as my predecessor and run the risk of meeting the same fate as he did."

"If only I hadn't been such an idiot... I shouldn't have taken it so soon, it wasn't ready yet," continued Helen, exhaling heavily through her nose. "God, I was so foolish."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"Darling...you didn't fail. You succeeded. As much as I did at first, anyway. I never meant the potion to eliminate my more natural aspects. Merely to separate them. I'd hoped it would segregate the more socially acceptable parts of myself as well. It did the former, but not the latter. Which, as it turned out, was for the best, all things considered. It's been a long road, but ultimately worthwhile.

"Now, I've no idea what this dimension's Jekyll intended his potion to do, nor what end he may eventually meet. But I'm just fine, thank you much. And I am your predecessor.

"You, my darling girl, are not a failure," he asserted, his gaze holding hers in earnest. "Remember that."

"Your path is merely different than what you presupposed it would be."

"On that subject...what was your state of mind at the very moment you took the potion? I'm still interested to hear the temper of your thoughts."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

"Drunk." A hefty sigh. "I was drunk and trying to prove a point, to prove I wasn't a failure. I had never tested the potion on anything before, but safety be d*mned, I just had to show off!"

She scrubbed at her eye, swallowing back the rising ire. "I was determined, I suppose. And more confident than I could ever be sober."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

Lewis broke into a cackle, then quickly stifled it, lest he attract attention.

"I was drunk, too!" he whispered. "And I'd tested it on nothing. Just finally got a tincture the right color, was all. And the proper reaction with the salt."

He paused, reflecting on his own thoughts at the time.

"I knew...I'd either succeed or die..." he said soberly, meeting Helen's eyes. "And I didn't greatly care which," he admitted quietly.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

"Oh..."

The must not have fallen far from the tree, even after all the generations that have passed. She realized, finding herself comforted by the thought.

I can tell those who ask that I take after my great grandfather, Lewis.

"Why... were you so willing to take the risk? It couldn't have just been the alcohol." She asked softly. "Was it the same reason why you spent so long trying to create your potion?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"I'd...be interested to hear what you think that reason was," owned Lewis, as they continued their walk. "Just...to make certain we're on the same page," he clarified.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"I'm not sure, really. I'd hate to assume anything..." She began hesitantly, "but if I had to make a guess, I'd say you were unhappy with yourself or your life and needed a change badly."

"It's... part of what drove me, anyways, and we seem rather similar in quite a few regards."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

He gave a rueful chuckle.

"You can say that again. In point of fact," he confessed, looking at her straight on, "I was downright suicidal. I could no longer bear to be as I was. Something had to give, had to change. I just couldn't...do it anymore. Wearing a pleasant facade while I quietly drowned."

He shook his head.

"No. Better death than suffering.

"Presuming there wasn't a Hell, of course," he added. "That might be a risk, too, I thought at the time."

A sardonic chortle.

"Silly me."

"And...you?" he asked Helen.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"I don't think my parents ever liked me much." She confessed, gazing up to the sky. "I did my best to behave as they wanted me to, but I always slipped up..."

"I thought if I could perfect a potion of my own, I could help myself be a better person and prove to them that my work was more than a childhood fantasy."

Silently, she leaned against Lewis for a moment and closed her eyes, head bowed.

"I won't get the chance to prove anything now."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

He leaned into it, breathed in, breathed out. A moment...with Helen.

"I'm sorry, love," he empathized. "Losing people's the hardest thing there is, be it to time or otherwise." His voice remained mostly level, but his eyes were moist.

He shut them. Swallowed. Took a breath. Opened them.

"But I've finally found you," he proclaimed, cupping her face gently. "And you'll not lose me. That, I promise."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

She opened her eyes again at his touch, smiling at the tenderness of it. "Thank you... that means... more to me than I could ever put into words."

"It's been awhile since I've had a family. I'm glad you're my new one."

A pause and she giggled quietly, wiping her eyes.

"People are going to think we're dating, with us standing like this."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

His gaze and a knowing nod conveyed a similar sentiment, with regard to family.

At her last statement, he snickered.

"Then I'll simply tell them you're my niece, and to kindly get their minds out of the gutter," he said with a smirk.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Helen giggled once more, then had to press a hand over her mouth to stifle a much louder laugh.

"Hela's going to kill me for doing all of this while looking like her!" She whispered, unable to keep from grinning. "Swear you'll never tell?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"She's the one who chose to strand you in a tree," said Lewis with a noncommittal shrug.

"Though she needn't worry; I don't think there's anyone here to see us. I chose this route because I knew it wouldn't be crowded, this time of day."

"How are you faring, with regard to proprioception, by the way?" he asked.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"A little better, now that we've been walking for awhile. I think it helps if I try not to think about it too much." She answered, peering down at her feet. "Though it's still odd being this tall."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"That's fair," agreed Lewis. "You'll have more of a reach, as well. And stairs...oh, don't even get me started," he chortled with a mild shake of his head.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Her eyes widened in mock horror. "Don't tell me I'll have to... walk up some." She gasped and put a hand to her heart. "The thought is unbearable!"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

He giggled.

"Not to worry, my dear girl," he said in purposefully melodramatic fashion. "I shall save you from the dreaded Steps of Falling..." he paused for effect, "by taking us down this side street," he said quickly and sardonically, pointing with his thumb.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"My hero!" Helen laughed heartily and embraced him, surprising even herself at suddenness of it.

"Thank you for rescuing me from the stairs, grandfather." She told him sincerely. "And for everything else."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

Lewis was given a second's pause by the sudden hug, but responded in kind momentarily, a heartfelt smile lighting up his features like the warm rays of dawn.

"My darling girl...it is my genuine pleasure."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Helen hummed contently, letting out a soft sigh. "I can't remember the last time I've had an uninterrupted hug."

"Hela tends bother me at the worst times." She clarified with a ghost of a smile.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"That's pretty well par for the course," admitted Lewis. "Often stems from self-hatred, the idea one doesn't deserve anything nice or good or pleasurable in life. Or the fear of hurting those close to one, which, by thinking about it, then prompts the very thing. Over time--if they're not the dedicated sort--it's a means to keep them at a distance, out of harm's way."

He gave a small chuckle.

"Are you familiar with the Eastern concept of yin-yang?" he asked.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

That...does sound like me.

Helen nodded once. "Not too familiar, but...it's a 'for every negative thing, there's an equal positive thing' sort of belief, isn't it?"

Suppressing a shiver, she tried to keep her expression neutral as Hela stirred within her mind, a silent warning that the Hyde was losing her patience.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"And vice-versa, yes," agreed Lewis.

"But it's so much more than that. Shadow and light stem ultimately from the same source. They're merely facets of the same oneness of being. Not only do they help define each other, but one could not exist without the other. They are interdependent. And each contains within it a seed of its opposite. Even as the tide rushes in, there's still an undertow, for example. What is shaded in the morning may be sunlit by eventide. Everything is always in the process of becoming.

He felt Helen's counterpart rousing within her.

"There's a bit of you in Hela. And a bit of Hela in you. And this is as it should be."

They turned a corner and came upon the only major thoroughfare in their journey. Great Portland, Bolsover, Albany, and Osnaburgh Streets met Euston and Marylebone Roads at the Portland Road Station.

Lewis and Helen waded through the foot (and other) traffic to pass in front of the Holy Trinity Church.

Once past Albany Terrace, they at last came upon Park Square and, just opposite it, the Crescent Gardens.

There was a drinking fountain at the corner of Park Square, its cool water ready to quench the thirst of passersby.

http://maps.nls.uk/geo/expl...

see more

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

"You have quite a way with words." Helen complimented, smiling.

Hear that, doctor? You've got a bit of devil in you.

Yes, Hela. I'm right next to him.

She sighed softly, earning herself a jolt of pain as she stepped into park square.

Grimacing, she massaged her side and muttering under her breath. "You should try a new strategy sometime. It's been six years."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Thank you," replied Lewis to the compliment.

He sensed the push and pull within Helen, saw her grimace, heard her utterance.

"Having a discussion, I take it?" he asked softly.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

"A rather tiring one, yes." Helen responded softly.

"We've been having it ever since we could be conscious at the same given time...though it's usually more one sided."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Always the same subject, then?" he said with a slight tilt of his head. "What might it be, if you don't mind my asking?" he queried as they continued along. He had his suspicions, but it was better not to presume...

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

A nod. "She's fond of pointing out how I'm a horrible, monsterous hypocrite and that everything I do only hurts rather than heals."

"My mistakes are listed off one by one, serving to bring up fresh regret and guilt."

"I'm taunted, mocked, and expected to beg for her to stop."

She held Lewis's gaze firmly. "But I'm not going to beg anymore."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Good," he affirmed. "Neither of you should have to beg the other for anything, frankly.

"Furthermore...every human action has the potential for good as well as for ill. Know that you're no hypocrite so long as whatever you do, you do in earnest.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"I only wish it wasn't so easy for good intentions to go awry." She admitted, and inhaled deeply. "At least the park here seems nice."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"That's life," he shrugged. "To act to the best of one's ability, with whatever knowledge one has at the time...is all one can do."

They came to the end of Park Square, the Outer Circle before them.

"Regent's Park is lovely," he concurred with her latter statement. "One of my favorite places in all London. Cross the road, and we'll be within its bounds.

"Are you ready?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Hesitating, Helen stared at the expanse of grass and tree before her.

"Do...I have to leave now, Lewis?"

Her voice wavered and she tucked back a stray strand of hair.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"If, by 'leave', you mean hand over the reins...I'm afraid so, love," he said, looking her in the eye as he clasped her hands.

"Hela was good enough to give us a walk together, which is something. And a promise is a promise. I did give her my word.

"That said..." he continued, on a lighter note, "there's no reason you couldn't watch, if you liked. See the park that way.

"Or you and I could come here some other day."

He gave her hands a firm yet gentle squeeze.

"I leave it to your discretion," he said, letting go.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

A flicker of a smile was shown more in her eyes than on her lips. "I'm afraid we'll have to come some other time, then. I couldn't observe if I wanted to."

She took a deep breath to steady her nerves. "Promise me you two will stay out of trouble?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"I promise neither of us will die," he said with a chuckle. "The rest is up to Hela. Know, however, that I will do my best," he assured her.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"It's better than nothing, I suppose." She half laughed, half sighed. Her eyes shut, Helen allowed her counterpart to gradually seize control and slipped into unconsciousness without a fight.

Shivering like a dog trying to rid its fur of water, Hela scowled and opened her eyes, examining the scratches Helen has obtained from climbing.

"The doctor probably did this on purpose." She grumbled, glancing at Lewis.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Not that I could tell," he returned. "She didn't seem to have much experience in climbing trees, from what I could see," he opined with a shrug.

"But, in any case, we've arrived." He gestured, palm up, at the green expanse before them. "Shall we?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Hela crossed her arms, rubbing one of her damaged elbows.

"Yeah, sure, lead the way, doctor." She muttered and avoided looking at him, choosing instead to survey the park.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

They crossed the road, entering into Regent's Park.

The Broad Walk before them was abloom with the blossoms of May. Sunlight alternated with shade from the trees which lined the path. Ahead of them lay benches, fountains, and soothing greenery. The perfumed scent of flowers rose to greet them.

Lewis said nothing, allowing Hela--and himself--to simply...take it all in.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Her anger and frustrations melting away, Hela soon found herself at peace within the park, deeply breathing in the sweet air.

"Wow..." She whispered and reached to touch the bark of a tree but decided against it, retracting her hand. Touching anything might shatter the illusion and wake her from whatever wonderful dream she now found herself in.

"If...you're Hell, Weir, then this is Heaven..."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

He had to smile at that.

"It does have its charms," he concurred.

Parks are this city's sanity.

"Walk whichever paths you like. Explore. Enjoy. It's a fine day for it."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"God, why can't everywhere be like this...?"

It felt like a sanctuary. It felt like home.

Allowing her feet to wander along the walkway, Hela tried to absorb everything at once, wishing to savor every sensation.

Surely any moment it'd all be taken away. It was only a matter of time.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

Lewis sighed contentedly in agreement.

He followed as she made her way along the walk.

The sun was warm, the breeze refreshing. Each step revealed its own unique moment, a vista slightly different from the one before, minute variations in angles and scents and the feel of the path underfoot. Ever changing, ever flowing...so long as one kept moving forward.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Her steps began to falter as she passed branching off paths, eventually halting before the drinking fountain.

Where to even begin? Hela wondered and turned to Lewis, uncertain.

"Which...way should I go, doctor?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"Depends what you want to see," he replied.

"The Royal Botanical Society's Gardens are that way," he said, gesturing. "A good place to encounter flora not native to these isles.

"Over that direction," he said, indicating a place behind them, to the southwest, "is a boathouse, if you'd like some time on the lake.

"And, of course," he continued, looking past the drinking fountain, "Broad Walk is beautiful all the way to the zoo.

"You're also perfectly welcome to simply wander the grounds and let the moment take you, as we've been doing. The sun is your only schedule today."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

At the mention of boating, Hela found herself imagining pushing Lewis into the lake...then promptly finding herself joining him.

"I... think I'll stick to exploring, for today." She decided softly, turning to look at each option. "That is, unless you know how to swim."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"I do, in fact," he informed her.

"Do you?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"I don't know, I've never tried." She admitted, then chuckled. "I don't think the best time to find out would be in the middle of the lake with our boat capsized."

"Have life jackets been invented yet?" She asked as an afterthought.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"Life jackets or no, it's not wise to go out on the water if you can't swim," remarked Lewis with a mote of concern. "Perhaps some other time."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Hela chuckled again. "Whatever you think is best for my health, doctor."

She drew in a deep breath then selected one of the many paths at random, simply drifting from one flower bed to the next.

I could get used to this. She thought as she inspected a vibrantly rosy patch of tulips, smiling at the lovely scent they made.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

Lewis simply followed along at a medium distance.

No reason I can't keep an eye on Hela and enjoy the park...

The smell of flowers. The sound of birdsong. A panoply of springtime color against a backdrop of verdant green.

London at its finest.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Hela spent the remaining hours of daylight exploring the park as Lewis had suggested with him trailing a ways behind.

The evening had passed without a hitch...at least until it was time to leave.

Underneath the dimming sky, Hela refused to step foot outside of the park. "Yeah, I see it's sunset, but what does that have to do with leaving?" She asked and scowled, her arms folded.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"The park closes at dark. If we don't leave, the police will make us. You do recall what I said about trouble with the law...?

"Besides, don't you want to eat dinner? It's been hours since lunch."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"But why does it have to be closed after dark? The flowers aren't going anywhere and they'll smell just as nice!"

She exhaled loudly. "I don't care about food, that can wait. I want to stay here."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"If they didn't close it at dark and enforce it, half the East End would squat here. They'd pick and sell the flowers and the benches would always be taken up by vagrants. The park would go to pot.

"Now, I'll admit, there is a certain...beauty to things in the moonlight," he said, obviously not entirely wishing to leave, "but we must do what is prudent, what is...necessary. It's in our own best interest. The park will be here."

He lowered his voice.

"And neither of us needs extra attention from the police. Use your head, Hela."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"The park will be here, but I won't get to be in it anymore."

She sighed, deflating.

"Alright, fine. Time for dinner, then."

Her feet dragging and with many glances behind, she allowed herself to be led out of the park.

"I think my head's still somewhere among the rose bushes." Hela added glumly, "They looked rather nice."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"And smelled just as pleasant," agreed Lewis wistfully.

"What type of food would you like to eat?" he asked as they made their way across the road, leaving the park behind them.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Preferably something that won't give me a heartattack." A pause. She wasn't even sure she knew what she liked to eat.

Somewhat surprised by the realization, Hela continued, "Other than that, I don't have much of a preference."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Very well," said Weir. "Would you like fish? Vegetables? Bread? Meat? Do you prefer spicier or blander foods?" He was already going over several establishments' offerings in his head.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Hell if I know, I just eat what's put in front of me." Hela laughed slightly, overwhelmed.

"Uh... bread, meat, and vegetables sound good right now. Spicy is alright, as long as it's not going to burn off my tongue."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Mm."

Lewis ran through the options silently.

"Sutton's should do nicely, then," he concluded, and led them down a particular street.

A light fog crept in as day's heat dissipated, replaced by the pleasant cool of evening.

They passed a lamplighter at his task.

In the buildings around, Londoners began to light candles and ignite gas. This illumination mixed with the diffuse light of the moon, suffusing the streets with both a blue cast and a warm glow.

They walked by men just off from work, children headed home for supper, and couples out for the evening.

Finally, they turned onto a little side street and came across their destination.

"Here we are," said Lewis, and held the door for Hela.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"How gentlemanly of you, good sir." She complimented with a chuckle and stepped inside the building, surveying the tables and their occupants. It seemed like a decent enough establishment, comfortable without being rundown.

"What sort of restaurant is this?" asked Hela, turning back to Lewis.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Typical English fare, with the occasional Italian dish. Mrs. Sutton's mother was an immigrant," he explained as he entered.

"It's not overly formal; feel free to sit at any table you wish."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Hela selected an empty table near the kitchen, away from most of the other customers.

"How about this one?" She asked, sitting. "I'm not a fan of eavesdroppers... or people in general, as you know, so..."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"True," concurred Lewis, taking a seat. "This ought to do nicely."

As they were near the kitchen, it wasn't long before a waiter noticed them.

He listed the day's specials and asked them what they'd like to order.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Hela took a sudden interest in the table, tracing the patterns in the grains of wood.

"Uh..."

She nudged Lewis with her foot and muttered, "Tell them I want the... the pasta thing with meat sauce. Some silverware, too."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

Lewis ordered the ziti bolognese for Hela and the shepherd's pie for himself, as well as ale for the two of them.

"He'll bring the necessary utensils with the meal," Weir explained after the waiter had left.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

"Oh. That's strange." Hela drummed her fingers on the edge of the table. "All the places I can remember had silverware already set out. Menus, too."

Glancing at the kitchen door, she continued. "Can they not afford them? Or is it just another thing done differently here in the past?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"This is a middle-class establishment," explained Lewis. "Family-owned, too. There are only some few items on the menu, and they change according to what's available at the local markets. So, it makes more sense to recite them than print them.

"As to utensils, they'll be pewter rather than silver. Pewter's heavier, more durable, needs less polishing, and is less likely to be stolen. Theft is the reason you don't just see sets out on the tables already. Fancy places, with rich clientele who have no temptation to steal, can afford to lay out every piece of silverware one might possibly require.

"However, given our last outing to such an establishment went...poorly, and given we're neither of us dressed for such an occasion, I thought it better to dine here. The fare is always reasonably fresh, and quite nutritious. And we've the added bonus of keeping a low profile."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Right. A low profile..."

Something you seem obsessed with.

"Isn't pewter also responsible for lead posioning? Or have you not figured that out quite yet?"

She leaned back in her chair, tilting her head to the side with a half smile. "It was responsible for the tomatoes bad reputation, if I'm not mistaken."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Rest assured, I'd not purposefully expose you to lead. Others in this dimension may not be aware of its deleterious effects, but I am. Thankfully, one can look at the tableware and tell whether there's lead in the pewter by its color. I've eaten here before. There's no bluish cast to the cutlery. You're perfectly safe. It's just regular old tin, antimony, and copper. As I said...middle class."

The waiter brought two mugs of ale, then promptly disappeared.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"I wouldn't be surprised if you did it on 'accident', Mr. I memorized a dictionary. The Hell does deleterious even mean." She muttered under her breath, then picked up her mug and took a long swallow of ale.

"As safe as a murderer in public can be, anyways, right doctor?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"It's 'by accident', not 'on accident'," he corrected, rolling his eyes at Hela's ignorance.

"'Deleterious' is the opposite of 'beneficial'," he informed her.

"If I meant to poison you, I'd have done so already," he reassured, lowering his voice.

"And that was bloody brilliant, saying the 'M' word," he stated sarcastically in a hushed tone. "I think half the restaurant didn't hear you. Good show."

He shook his head.

"Do you want the police to find you? Kill you?" he asked softly. "I don't," he confessed, leaning across the table. "Am I the only one?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

A smirk flickered to life at his reaction. Finally.

"Which one? I said quite a few." asked Hela innocently. "There was mister, memorized, mean..."

Her lips curled further as she continued. "Oh, I know. You're probably worried about the silly little word murderer."

"No, but I'm not opposed to a little entertainment." Chuckling, she leaned forward as well, but didn't bother to lower her voice. "It's not like they'd ever actually be able to touch me."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

Lewis took a swig of ale.

"And why, pray tell, is that?" he asked quietly. "Are you noose-proof?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"There are quite a few people who wouldn't allow the doctor or myself to come to harm, should I end up in prison." She explained simply, grinning now. "Am I driving you to drink so soon?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

Lewis only managed to half-stifle his ensuing guffaw.

"Other people? Are you serious? You're really going to depend on them to stand between you and the gallows? As if they, what, could control the whole universe? Could ensure that the entirety of the Metropolitan Police force, not to mention the judges and executioners and bounty hunters and general public, would never for one unguarded moment lay their hands on you? Stab you? Drown you? Shoot you from a distance? Throw you from a height? Are you really that naive?" he chastised her.

He sighed, frustrated, and shook his head.

"Good God, I expected better of you," he stated outright, looking her directly in her left eye.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

"Not too surprising. People expect a lot of different things from me." Hela responsed coldly, gripping the edge of the table. "And I let them all down, so if that was supposed to hurt, you'll have to try a little harder."

She reached for her mug then hesitated, pulling her hand back.

"You're like a broken record player, repeating the same lines about me being ignorant or your disappointment in me. You seem to think I'll just cooperate and listen to you and each time I don't, you lose a little more faith, right?"

Her volume grew steadily louder as she continued. "Well, I'm going to keep disappointing you for as long as I live, so you might as well cut to the chase and leave! There's nothing you can do for me!"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

The waiter brought their meals.

"You didn't disappoint me in the park today," countered Lewis, once he'd left.

A pensive moment. A sip. A sigh.

"What I want is for you to be able to do what's in your own best interest. Eventually, without any guidance from me. I want you to be able to enjoy life without inviting calamity. And you did very well today; it's a good first step.

"What startles and alarms--and, yes, frustrates--me is when you don't think of the bigger picture. Of your long-term good. I'll be honest; it worries me. So, yes. I'm often disappointed you can't see the repercussions down the road. Maybe that isn't fair of me. You don't have my life experience, and I am here to help guide you until you can judge properly for yourself.

"But I'm only human, too, Hela. I'm going to be short sometimes, especially when I'm hungry," he owned, digging a fork into his shepherd's pie and taking a bite.

"That doesn't mean I'm going to leave. Nor that I've given up on you. It simply means I've been waylaid by my own impatience. That I wish I could speed the process up for you.

"But I can't. You'll learn in your own time...I hope. In the meantime, all I can do is keep trying. And that includes letting you know when your logic is faulty. Banking on others to save your skin is faulty logic. The world is too chaotic to rely on them, even if their intentions are good. They may be able to help you. They may not. It's important to plan for many different contingencies, because life is such that we cannot know what will or will not happen.

"I want you to be safe; I want you to live. I care about you, Hela, and you can hate me for it if you like. But you do have the capacity to be the best steward of your own well-being. One day...we will get there.

"For now...let's eat."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

For a moment, Hela was tempted to refuse the food, in order to spite him... then her stomach gave a growl at the enticing smell of pasta and she dug into it with relish.

"So you can be frightened. Hm. Good to know." She spoke between bites, taking a drink of ale. "In exchange for that, I'd like you to know that it's because you're human that I hate you. That I hate everyone. Consider it a fun fact about me."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"Hela, you told me that some time ago," said Lewis, finishing another few bites. "That you hate all humans." He took a swig of ale. "Including yourself, I'd imagine."

Another bite.

"You're perfectly welcome to, you know. No one's stopping you," he shrugged as he continued to eat. "Everyone's entitled to their own opinion. If it pleases you to hate, then hate.

"Just don't let your hate blind you to what's in your own best interest."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"You're trying to stop the doctor from hating. Who's to say you won't do the same with me?" Hela grumbled right after taking a bite of food, a hand held over her mouth.

She swallowed. "And I think your definition of my 'own best interest' must vary from mine."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"I'm 'trying to stop the doctor from hating'? Really? That's what you think?"

He couldn't suppress a laugh.

"Hela..." he said with an open expression of curiosity, "what on earth gave you that idea?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

She flushed and picked up her mug, taking a long drink of ale.

Setting it back down, Hela avoided his gaze and spoke in a low voice. "You told her not to call me a monster."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Well it was rather rude of her to in the first place. Not to mention counterproductive.

"I suppose you're afraid I'll want you not to hate her, then? Rather than hating or not hating some outside person, which is what I thought you meant. Or hating me.

"Hm."

He took another bite and mulled the matter over.

"My question to you would be: Is hating Helen conducive to your long-term well-being...or is it detrimental to it?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"How long is long term?" asked Hela, wary.

I bet if I ask what conducive means, he'll laugh at me again. She figured bitterly and bit into another forkful of pasta.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

Answering a question with another question... observed Lewis silently.

He smirked.

No doubt about it: She's mine.

"Years down the road," he said, adopting a more serious expression. "Potentially decades."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Well," Hela began cautiously, "in theory, it doesn't matter whether or not I hate anyone, be it the doctor or a weirdo like you... what matters is whether or not I act on it."

She took a sip from her mug.

That's right, I can talk fancy too.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

This "weirdo" is paying for your dinner. And you're related to him, so what does that make you? Lewis thought but chose not to say.

"Correct. If you can resist the temptation to act on your hatred, then feel free to feel it all you like. The key thing is--and you're not going to like this--you and your counterpart would be stronger together than either one of you will ever be apart. That's why I keep pushing for it: If you're stronger, you're more likely to live. If you hate each other, that's less likely to happen. But if you can manage survival and hatred at once, then who am I to judge?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Fine then. Let's say the doctor and I strike a deal." She rested her arms on the table, leaning forward.

"We agree to do our absolute best to get along, let go of our negative feelings, and work together."

"Problem is, while the doctor can have all of her emotions tucked nice and neatly away, I'm given the hatred, the murderous impulses, the rage. And with this new deal, I'm expected not to act on them."

She made sure to look him directly in the eyes. "I cannot suppress emotion. I can't make it go away. It would just build up until I snapped. The deal wouldn't work."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"I understand what you're saying, Hela. Why do you think I'm working to get Helen to embrace anger? It would lessen your rage. Make you more stable, less volatile. You might have a prayer of holding back.

"The sessions aren't just for her benefit, you know. They're for yours, too. To give you more leeway in your own actions."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Well, it'd take a miracle for that to happen. The doctor has been acting like little Miss Perfect since primary school."

She sighed and returned her attention to her plate.

"And I'd rather not have the two of you slowly chipping away pieces of my being, if by some twist of Fate you became successful."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"If, through effort, we are successful," Lewis clarified, "your being will expand, not diminish.

"Were you able to hear any of what I told your counterpart about yin and yang?" he queried.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Hela took a moment to answer.

If I say no, I'll only have to hear it all again. She finally concluded with a sigh.

"Yeah, I was listening. We're not black and white, we're an absolute mess of different shades of grey or something. A little of the doctor is in me and a bit of me is in the doctor, can't have one without the other."

She rolled her eyes.

"The usual Jekyll and Hyde clichés."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Are Jekylls and Hydes common enough in the future that clichés about them exist? Hm."

He smiled at that.

What an intriguing thought...

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Not exactly." Hela tilted her head.

"While there's still the Jekyll line and another family that claims to have descended from Hyde, the clichés come from books and plays and music adapted from the original bedtime story about what happened with this times Dr. Jekyll and his eventual death."

"The doctor heard it all the time as a kid, as I believe she's told you."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Ah," said Lewis with a trace of disappointment. "I see."

Ah, well.

He took a swig of ale.

"You seemed to like the square and the park well enough today," he said, moving on. "What other things do you enjoy?"

He ate more of his meal.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Hmm, let's see."

She held up her hand, pushing back a different finger with each answer.

Pointer. "There's killing people I hate, like I wish I could with you."

Middle. "Destroying things near and dear to the doctor's heart. Always fun."

Ring. "Frightening and threatening various people."

Pinky. "Oh, and how could I forget." She gave Lewis a look. "Not being locked up for every waking moment of my life."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"So, let's see..." said Lewis, listing them off on the corresponding fingers, just as she'd done, "that's control, self-hatred, fear or dominance, and freedom."

"Hm," he shrugged, a placid smile on his face. "At least we got one of them, today." He held up his pinkie.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

Hela's expression darkened.

I hate you. I hate you so, so much.

"I take it this is all familiar, Edward?"

Keep waving that finger around and I'll break it.

She clenched her jaw.

"You must think I'm awfully childish."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

Hela used his name.

His brow lifted as a mixture of emotions rose up within him: amusement, affection, pride at her gumption.

A lopsided smile lifted the left corner of his lips as he leaned back in his seat.

"Variations on a theme, love," he answered smoothly, regarding her with sly eyes. "And a little childishness is par for the course," he said with an easy shrug of his shoulders. "Can't be helped. Luckily...you have me."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

"What you call luck, I call a curse."

Her mug was picked up and completely drained, Hela letting out a disappointed grunt.

She glared at Lewis as if it was his fault her ale had run out.

If I could just smash this on his head...

She pictured the glass shattering and cutting his skin, leaving bloody scratches.

A sigh. One can dream.

"How about you and I make a deal, doc?" She suggested, setting the mug down with a heavy thud.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

Weir finished his mug as well.

He attracted the attention of the server, and ordered two more ales. After the man had left, Lewis inquired:

"What...kind of deal?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"That's something we'll have to work out together, with a little negotiation."

Hela picked up her piece of bread and used it to mop the sauce from her plate.

"You see, no doubt thanks to the doctor, I have an insufferable curiosity about certain things in life."

She took a bite, chewing slowly, then swallowed.

"I've always wondered how cars work and how humans haven't completely killed on another off yet... but my current puzzle is trying to imagine what you'd be like in halves, rather than a whole."

She paused to ensure her words sunk in before asking,

"What would I have to give in exchange for meeting the good Dr. Henry Jekyll and the evil Mr. Edward Hyde, each on their own?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Well now that," he said, cocking his head, is a very intriguing proposal "I did not expect."

He regarded her for some moments, pondering over the offer and what he might be able to do with it.

"I'd need equal time for you and Helen," he stated. "On a schedule, if at all possible. Time where you leave her alone and she leaves you alone. In exchange..." he considered, "I could give you time with Henry, or with Edward. Your choice. They could take turns, much as you and Helen do. I would still need to tend to my affairs, of course. But scheduled days, or hours. So long as they aren't in or around London."

Scotland Yard can be a real pain in the arse.

"That...I could live with. If you really are certain you want to see each on his own," he said, raising a skeptical eyebrow.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"I'm certain." Hela assured him.

"Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back, as the old saying goes."

She drummed her fingers on the table, taking a deep breath.

"Now, your offer is rather generous, considering how much time you'd be spending as one side or the other, but I think it would be best to take baby steps first. Do a trial run of sorts, before either of us commit to something as major as that."

"What about a single day?" She suggested after a moment of thought, "I'll split it in two with the doctor, twelve hours for each of us. The time that I receive will be spent with a mixture of Lewis, Edward, and Henry."

She laid back in her chair.

"The doctor and you get a feel for how the scheduling would work out, I get to meet the two halves... A win for everyone."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"That sounds amenable, Hela...with one little caveat: The requisite eight hours of sleep must be split evenly between you and your counterpart. Four and four. That will give each of you eight hours of wakefulness to work with."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

Hela wrinkled her nose.

"Is that all? Twelve hours each, four asleep and eight awake?"

"Hm. While I'm not sure how the sleeping situation would be taken care of..."

We'd need two separate alarm clocks, one for after the first four hours and another for after the second.

"...I would be willing to follow that schedule, for a day, given that your end is upheld."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"I'm as good as my word, Hela. Give Helen the requisite time, and I'll uphold my end of the bargain, rest assured."

The server brought their drinks, then went to another table.

"Do we have a deal?" asked Weir, picking up his fresh mug of ale.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

She nodded once, copying the movement.

"It's a deal, Lewis." Hela confirmed and swallowed a few gulps of ale.

I actually managed to get him to agree to something again.

....

I'm getting better at this.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

He nodded, then quaffed his own drink.

Excellent...

He returned to eating what little was left of the shepherd's pie.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"So..." Hela began after a long pause, turning her fork over in her hand. "Any chance I can convince you to hand over that knife of yours?"

Might as well try before my luck runs out.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"If I were to...what do you think you'd do with it? In all honesty."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

She shrugged.

"It's not very sharp, so there isn't much I could do with it. Just a little something so I don't have to use my fists if I ever get mugged."

She thought for a second, then added,

"Or arrested."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Ah, I see."

He thought a moment.

"If you're concerned with defense, that's one thing. Certainly no one wishes to be taken advantage of.

"I will say, thankfully, your size is in your favor. You're taller than nearly all the women you'd run into, not to mention a majority of the men. So that alone would give a fair number of people pause before starting trouble with you.

"Honestly...should you get into a fight with a man...your foot or your knee will be much more use to you than this dull thing," he said, pointing the knife upward before using it to pile more potato onto his fork. "Simply aim for the bollocks. It'll fell him in one blow, and give you a chance to make good your escape.

"Not to mention the fact that carrying a knife implies premeditation, and would garner you a worse penalty, should you ever get caught. Better to use your body, or make use of what's to hand in your environment."

An idea occurred.

"Creativity is a marvelous tool, be it for defense or offense. Take the things on this table, for example: the mugs, the utensils, the plates, the napkins. If this were a rougher establishment and a fight suddenly broke out, which thing or things would you use to defend yourself, presuming you didn't simply use your body?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

"And presuming you, the one man army, weren't around to kill everyone for me?" Hela queried, a gleam of amusement in her eyes.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Presuming you are, for whatever reason, out on your own," clarified Lewis, "and such a situation finds you."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"If I had to choose from what was nearby. Hm."

She lifted up her mug. "Maybe bash someone on the head with this?"

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