Role-playing page for pg. 113!

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Role-playing page for pg. 113!

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Mz.Hyde

Mz.Hyde

@disqus_NnFUI30kih 2 years ago

Uh oh guys.....

We're on page 113...

And this Friday....is the 13th.....

If that's not an omen I don't know what is!

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Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Does it work on all pain or just... whatever Hela inflicts?" Her eyes were bright, if a little tired, and she lowered her hand, already brainstorming practical uses for such a skill.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"It works on the perception of pain. Not the pain itself, if that makes any sense."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"So, if I fell and scrapped up my hands, you could instead pass that pain onto Hela?" She guessed with a tilt of her head, "I would still be hurt and bleeding, but I wouldn't feel or perceive it myself."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"I could. Though it would be easier to simply let you not perceive pain. It doesn't have to go to Hela."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"I was about to say, I don't think she'd appreciate that very much." She giggled softly. "Do you think... I could learn how to do that?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Well..." he said, reflecting, "I suppose there are two conditions which would need to be met in order for you to do so.

"First, you need to possess the innate capacity to perform it. Some people do; some don't. I honestly don't know which group you fall into; I'd have to teach you the method and you'd have to try it for yourself.

"Second, on the assumption that you do indeed possess the capacity, I'd have to trust you--every aspect of you, in every state--not to abuse it before I'd feel comfortable instructing you. Pain is as easy to induce as its absence."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

"Ah... I understand."

She tried to stifle her disappointment, looking down at her hands.

This isn't the first time I haven't been able to do something because of Hela, and I doubt it'll be the last, came Helen's thoughts, automatically brushing off the emotion, I did this to myself, the moment I decided to take the serum.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"That's not to say never, Helen," he encouraged. "I imagine when you're able to reliably reach a regular state of balance on your own...you'll be ready."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"So, whenever I can be more like you?" She asked with a smile, "How long do you think it'll take?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"Exactly. I may have my moments, but I'm by and large a grounded fellow, internally consistent. I don't know how long the process will take in your case, but I'm hopeful. You've already made remarkable progress in both states. If the trend continues...perhaps inside of three years--five at most? Possibly even sooner."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Oh, I'm happy to hear that. I was rather worried working with Hela would turn out to be impossible... but five years is a very reasonable number."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

Lewis smiled, and nodded.

"I do feel bad about having to come down so hard on Hela at times, but she leaves me little choice if we're to progress."

He reflected a moment.

"You know...I did mean what I said earlier. About being 'bad', or at least not being perfect. It will help speed things along immensely."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

"I would really love to help out and make things a little easier for you and I'll do my very best to, but... Why are you trying to do all of this, spending countless hours working to alter Hela's behavior, rather than just..." She hesitated, lowering her gaze. "...getting rid of her?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

Though the very thought stung him enough to stop him cold, he did an admirable job of hiding it, instead making it appear as if he'd merely paused in thought.

He let out a breath. Put a hand to his chin. Brought his ankle up to rest on his other leg.

"Hmm..." he said, pondering how best to phrase it.

"I suppose..." he concluded after a moment, "the better question would be: What would happen to you, if you were to succeed in that?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

She frowned faintly as she considered it.

"The hope would be a result close to what I originally intended, with the tendencies attributed to Hydes, be them thoughts or urges, no longer occuring," answered Helen, tilting her head to one side, "And if not that, then going back to how I was before I took the serum for the first time would be good enough."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"And selfishness is one of those attributes, is it not?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"I... Yes, selfishness is a rather prominent one."

Her brow furrowed slightly, the image of being interrogated by a prosecutor coming to mind.

"One is not allowed to lead the witnesses, doctor."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"One is also not allowed to lecture, so what alternatives is one left with?" he queried in return. "If you've an alternative to the Socratic method, I'm certainly willing to give it a go," he offered. "Just tell me what it is, how best to communicate, and I'll do it."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Just say what's on your mind, however you'd like," She told him pleasantly, a smile tugging at her lips, "I'm sure I can manage to understand it."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

He sighed.

"Look...this idea of becoming a perfect person... It's a lovely idea, but the reality is untenable. Even if you succeeded, you'd lose part of yourself. Granted it's a part you're convinced you don't need and don't like, but have you ever wondered why that's so? You treat Hela with the same disregard with which your parents treated you when you erred. But we're all human, and rightfully so. Erring is how we learn and change and grow. How we become perfectly imperfect. A 'perfect' person would be so unselfish they'd die of starvation so as not to take up resources. So nonviolent they'd not move to defend their loved ones from a would-be killer. They'd stagnate, and die. Maybe you'd be alright with that, but I'm not. I care about you, and it would devastate me to lose you. Perhaps that's my own selfishness, but it's true nonetheless."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

The urge to smile faded as he spoke and she fell into silent consideration.

And now yet another wishes to stop me from my research...

But at least he's coming from a place of caring, She reminded herself sharply, And he makes some very good points.

'So unselfish they'd die of starvation so as not to take up resources'...

He knows me well.

Finally, she met Lewis's gaze again and voiced the question that had been resting in the back of her mind for quite some time.

"What if I decide to be selfish myself one day and take actions against my own life, regardless of your feelings?" asked Helen quietly, though her voice was steady.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

He took a breath.

Let it out.

He'd been wondering when or if she'd broach that subject.

"If you and Hela both consented to it, I wouldn't stop you, though it would sadden me beyond words, beyond all reason."

A pause.

"But you wouldn't ask her, would you? If you were to attempt such a thing," he stated fairly neutrally, though a touch of sadness seeped through.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"I already know what her response would be," She answered with a shake of her head, "And I know that the moment I so much as look at a possible weapon whilst considering that a solution, I'll be unconscious and out of control in a heartbeat... so that just goes to show what desperation can do for ones strength."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"Helen...even if Hela one day isn't able to stop you...please, please don't take your life," he pleaded, tearing up as he looked into her eyes, his voice no more than a whisper.

"If you go...a piece of my heart will be buried with you."

His lip wobbled as he tried to regain his composure, on the verge of tumbling into a chasm of sorrows, of reliving every loss he'd ever felt.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

She froze, swallowing audibly as her emotions roared to life within her head.

Oh God, what have I done--

Before she was aware of what she was doing, she had pulled him close, words pouring from her mouth.

"It's okay, Lewis, it's okay. I won't, I swear it on my soul, I'm not going to make you bury me... I... I won't take my life, if given the chance."

She would promise whatever was necessary to keep him from falling so close to despair again, even if it tore her apart to keep them.

She would rather die than kill another again... but she couldn't hurt Lewis, not like this.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

He drew a breath in--more of a sniffle, really.

Blinked rapidly.

Pressed down on his lips, sucking them slightly into his mouth, to keep them from wobbling.

Another breath, his lips parting to let it out.

He tried to speak, but couldn't at first, his throat hitching unexpectedly.

He closed his eyes.

Swallowed.

Opened them again to stare directly into hers.

"Thhank you, Hhelen..." he managed, the words more air than sound.

He put his hand around hers.

"Thank you...sso much."

For he knew what sacrifice it was.

He gave her hand a squeeze.

"M-means the world to me. You mean the world to me."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Anything for you, Lewis," She murmured with a wisp of a smile, returning the gentle pressure, "You're more than worth it..."

She focused on burning this moment into her memory, her gaze turning steely. She would not break her promise, no matter what. She would not hurt Lewis again.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

Another breath.

Another swallow.

He brought out his pocket square and dabbed away the moisture on his face.

"So are you."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

A soft laugh as she laid her head on his shoulder.

"I must be, for you to come all this way and work so hard... so I'll take your word for it."

I will not hurt you, I will not hurt you, I will not do it again.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"I wouldn't trade you for the world," he said, speaking from his heart, his soul. "I've crossed dimensions to be here. I am so very, very glad to know you. And if anything I've lived through can aid you...then perhaps, in the end, it was worth enduring after all."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

She blushed dark crimson and hugged him closer, suddenly grateful that he couldn't see her face.

"T-Thank you... I... can't even begin to describe how n-nice it is to hear that... You're magnificent..."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"I call things as I see them," he stated simply, with a tight embrace. "My darling girl."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Perhaps you ought to get glasses, then," She teased, though she didn't press the matter, aware that not everyone shared her view of herself.

Instead, she shut her eyes, sighing contently.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

He gave a light chuckle at the joke, but didn't argue, aware of the rather low self-image he'd had when he'd been in her shoes.

Instead, he simply let out a relieved breath, and relaxed into the hug.

After a time, he gave one final squeeze, and straightened out of it.

Moments could only last so long.

"Say, Helen..." he asked, "want to see the Kibble Crystal Palace before we leave town?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

She tucked her hair behind one ear as he pulled away, smiling.

"I would love to, if you think we have the time. I don't know when you need to get back."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"There's time," he replied with a gentle smile. "It's early yet.

"What say we pack up first, and leave the baggage with the hotel so we'll have more time?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"A very sound plan as always, doctor," She nodded, standing to make her bed. "We'll just stop by and pick it up before the train, then?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Precisely."

He set about packing up his things.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Helen gathered what few items she had brought, then set to tidying up the room, even going so far as wetting a cloth to try and wipe down some of the furniture.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Gracious, Helen," remarked Lewis with a smile as he fastened his suitcase shut. "You'll put the maid out of a job."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Hm?" Her gaze flickered from her task to him and she took a moment to process the words, blush coloring her cheeks as she did.

"O-Oh, uh... S-Sorry..."

She looked for somewhere to set the cloth with a touch of nervous energy, her head bowed slightly.

"Old habit..."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"'Tis fine," he reassured. "I imagine this time period takes some getting used to. You had no servants in yours, I take it?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

"A-Actually, my parents kept a handful but, uh..."

One arm came to wrap around her stomach, her lips twitching into a smile.

"...on somedays they'd like to tease and swore I did more work than them..."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"They really did have exceedingly high expectations," he concluded, as much to himself as to her.

He let out a breath, deciding not to make an issue of it. They had better things to do than dwell on the past--or future, technically.

"Ah, well," he said as he picked up his bag.

"Are you ready?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

She hesitated, her gaze sweeping around the room.

Seeming satisfied with its condition, she nodded once and grabbed her own things.

"Yes, I'll follow you," She told him, letting the subject drop.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

He paused before the door, remembering whom he'd checked in as.

"Oh," he said to himself. "Right."

In less than a second, it was "Henry" who held the door open for Helen.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

She smiled and stepped past him into the hallway, laughing softly to herself at her thoughts.

"I think it'll be awhile before I'm used to that," She explained after a moment, her eyes bright.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"In all fairness," he confided, closing the door behind them, "it took me awhile as well."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Really?" She regarded him curiously.

"I suppose that's only natural," continued Helen, lowering her voice as they began to walk, "Most people never have such drastic shifts in personality and appearance."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

A laugh, sparkling and light.

"I suppose they don't, at that."

He smiled, his thoughts meandering briefly to another time.

He stifled a giggle.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

She tilted her head with a lopsided smile. "Something on your mind, Henry?"

"I'm afraid I don't have anything to compensate you with, for your thoughts."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"No need," he replied. "I'm happy to tell the tale, if you don't mind listening to it."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"I never do," She assured him, smiling warmly, "Tell away."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"Well," he began, "I was once in Thailand--"

He cut himself off as a maidservant came round the corner.

They descended the stairs and left their luggage with the bell captain. They took to the street and boarded the back of an uncrowded tram. Now that they had some space to themselves again, he was at last able to continue.

"Right, where were we?" he asked, lowering his voice.

"Oh, yes--Thailand.

"I was once in Bangkok, on a bit of a bender. This was when I was approaching balance, but couldn't yet do it reliably all the time.

"I was bar-hopping, and made my way into a dimly-lighted pub...in the form which you are accustomed to seeing.

"I ordered a drink, paid for it, and took a seat.

"A few drinks later, I accidentally knocked into a woman, spilling half a glass of Thai whisky on her.

"I immediately apologized, naturally...but she just looked at me, then at her drink, then back to me...set down her beer, and staggered out of the place, shaking her head.

"I felt absolutely terrible about it. I kept thinking about it, replaying it in my head, telling myself I shouldn't have been so clumsy, should have watched where I was going. Berated myself for being a drunken fool and an utter waste of flesh and resources, mucking up everything I ever touched.

"It took me about fifteen minutes to realize I'd shifted to...the way you see me right now.

"I considered not attempting balance again just yet, but knew the repercussions of...suppressing things. As it was, I told myself I was making a compromise by putting it off for another half-hour or so. A chance to sober up, drink some water, be nice to the locals...that sort of thing.

"I made use of the facilities when no one else was using them, and reluctantly emerged in the middling form you know so well. I was glad not to be dehydrated, but was far too sober for my liking.

"A bottle of whisky later, I chanced to encounter a man who'd cut in front of me at the bar when I'd sought water as 'Henry'. I honestly can't recall whether I knocked into him or he knocked into me, but the end result was that both our drinks were spilled all over each other and the floor.

"He yelled at me, and I yelled right back. We chanced to be near the rear door, and wound up shoving each other outside, behind the building.

"Naturally, it escalated. Fisticuffs were exchanged.

"He stopped cold at one point, looking simultaneously aghast and offended.

"Needless to say, it had happened again, though I was too caught up in the moment to realize it. As 'Edward', I took advantage and sucker-punched him. He fell unconscious. Very, very luckily for him and for me, nothing lethal was to hand. I, ah..." he averted his gaze, voice a whisper, "relieved myself upon him, and left.

"It goes without saying," he continued, dipping into a chuckle, "that the next morning...I found myself with quite the hangover..."

see more

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Helen listened intently, remaining utterly still except for the occasional dip of her head to show she was still listening.

Blushing as his story came to a close, she laughed softly.

"I can only imagine... God, how much did you drink? Two bottles of whiskey, three?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Somewhere in that neighborhood, I should think. Memory's a bit...fuzzy, round the edges," he admitted with the faintest wisp of a laugh.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

She shook her head, unable to hold back a smile.

"You must have quite the tolerance, managing to drink that much... I can't believe you didn't just topple over somewhere on the streets."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

He laughed.

"Well, I did topple into bed at some point...mostly."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"I don't think I've ever gotten that drunk," admitted Helen, "After all, if my parents had found out, there would be Hell to pay."

She chuckled softly at the thought and looked down at her lap.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"It's, ehm...not entirely recommended," he said with a little chortle. "For practical reasons, if nothing else."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Was there any particular reason why you were drinking like it was the end of the world?" She asked curiously, tilting her head to one side

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"I wanted to see if alcohol would have any effect on my ability to stay in balance."

A moment's pause.

"I also...needed a little break from my thoughts," he confessed.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

A quiet giggle at the first answer.

It obviously did.

At the second, her expression sombered.

"I understand that..."

And unfortunately, sometimes no amount of alcohol can help with that.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Mm," he nodded with an empathetic look.

"Oh," he noticed, "we'll need to change trams at the next stop, I believe."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Oh? Alright then."

She smiled faintly and glanced out the window for a moment.

"I never really get to travel like this; I think I like it."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"You know..." he said after a moment of reflection, "I did mean what I said earlier: We really ought to do this sort of thing more often. It's quite lovely, don't you think?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Definitely," She agreed with a nod and a cheery grin, "It's a great deal nicer than staying inside my room and I've gotten to meet you and Edward!"

The same flicker of excitement as before ignited in her eyes.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

He smiled broadly, immeasurably pleased. A bit of that internal flicker, the light of the soul, emanated from his own eyes as well.

"I am so very glad, Helen."

Then, it was time to switch trams.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Helen settled into her new seat alongside Henry and took his hand, leaning against him as she stifled a yawn.

"How early were you up?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

He smiled as she took his hand, happy for the human contact.

"Let's see... Hela went to bed at eleven, so I suppose I must have fallen asleep sometime between eleven-thirty and midnight."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Hm, that's not so bad," She said after a moment, having counted the hours of sleep the two of them would've gotten, "Wonder why I'm tired, then."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Helen," he said with a touch of concern, "Hela woke with a nightmare at two-thirty. That's only three-and-a-half hours' sleep, and not good sleep, at that. It should be little wonder if you were exhausted."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Helen froze for a moment, then blushed.

"Oh, ah... That's very true," She smiled sheepishly, "But... something is better than nothing, yes?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"'Tis," he agreed. "Still, you may want to nap on the train ride back, just to ensure you don't shortchange your counterpart. A sleep deficit makes for a rather...grumpy Hyde, I'm afraid," he admitted with the trace of a giggle.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"I don't know if grumpy is the word I'd use... Aren't they always in a foul mood?"

Despite trying to keep her tone neutral, amusement crept into her voice.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Well, it can't really be helped, I suppose," he admitted with a smile. "What's that saying? 'The brighter the picture, the darker the negative.'"

He tilted his head wistfully, lost in memory.

"Still..." he remarked after a moment, "let's enjoy the light while it shines, eh?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

She nodded and chuckled, though her expression sombered slightly.

"Of course. We can't let the Hydes have all the fun in life."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Well said!" he agreed, giving her hand a squeeze.

Before long, they'd arrived at the Royal Botanical Gardens.

A short walk up the path would take them to the Kibble Crystal Palace, also called the Winter Gardens.

It gleamed promisingly in the distance.

((

https://www.google.com/sear...

))

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Helen stopped short at the sight of it.

"Wow... It's beautiful," She breathed, almost afraid to get any closer. "I can't believe people made this..."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"Ay," he breathed, the sound tinged with awe. "A businessman turned philanthropist just...donated it to the city. Very generous."

He smiled.

""Tis one place I shall never grow tired of."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"A donation..."

The corners of her lips twitched and she breathed a quiet sigh.

"This is the sort of thing I want to be remembered for... Something that makes people happy."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"You're young yet. There is still time," he encouraged, the look in his eyes both knowing and meaningful as he held her gaze.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

Her lips twitched again into a smile.

"Thank you, Henry. You're right, as always."

She looked away from his gaze to stare at the glass structure, drifting into hazy thoughts about the future.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"I'm...sorry, Helen," he apologized as her underlying emotions hit him like a wave: Hopelessness, stifled longing for what could never be, a feeling of uselessness... All of them, familiar. "So sorry. I don't mean to make you force a smile for my sake. To...put you through that. It's...it's alright to disagree with me; I won't mind. I just...don't want to add to your burden."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Hm?" She cast him a bemused glance, concern flickering in her eyes. "Who said anything about you burdening me?"

Like ice frozen over the surface of a pond, her pleasant air remained even as emotion continued to swirl beneath.

"And, besides," She continued, squeezing his hand gently, "Why would I disagree with you?"

It's a waste of energy, of time, it ruins the conversation, it wounds pride, I'm never as right as I think I am...

"I still have quite a bit of life remaining...there's no reason I couldn't find something to do with it."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"I feel what you're feeling," he revealed, squeezing back ever-so-gently as he looked at her with sympathy and empathy both. "I don't know what to say to help you, to make things a little less...painful for you.

"I love you," he confessed, voice whisper-soft, kelly-green eyes gazing into hers.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

With his declaration, her expression lost its guard, the polite smile slipping away.

She looked bone-weary, resigned but still aching for a life beyond her reach, shoulders caving under some unseen weight.

"I'm sorry... You're... the best family I've had, but... I can't accept that..." She told him quietly, holding his gaze, "And I don't know if there's anything you can say to fix me."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

He stilled.

"That...that I love you?" he asked quietly, almost beseechingly.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

She nodded, the movement barely visible.

"You shouldn't. It would be better if you didn't. And yet you do..."

A heavy sigh.

"I am very sorry Henry. I don't mean to do you anymore harm... But I can't accept it, not when..."

She searched for the right words, then gave up, sighing again.

"...just not like this."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"That's..." he searched for words, for meaning.

"I..."

A balm, a truth, anything at all.

"You..."

Surely there was something...?

I love you still.

"It is what it is."

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Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

((Helen Jekyll

Hela fell back without any resistance, but continued to voice her protests.

"B-But I-I h-have t-t-to g-get b-back!" She shuddered. "L-Lewis w-will k-kill m-me i-if I-I'm n-not t-there."))

"Your wounds will kill you first if you don't let Dr. Jasper finish!" Catt urged, trying not to cry. "A-and Dr. Weir won't be back for at least a couple d-days, so you have at least some time to recover."

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Jasper Jekyll  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

( Dryly, without looking up. ) Gee, it's not like I'm in charge of security or anything

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Helen Jekyll  Jasper Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"P-Please d-don't... d-don't t-tell h-him I-I l-left m-my r-room..." She continued to plead, swallowing hard. "I-I d-don't w-wanna g-get i-in t-trouble a-again..."

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Catt Hatter  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"You won't Hela, shh, you won't." Catt continued to gently squeeze her hand.

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Jasper Jekyll  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

Kind of hard to ignore these stitches cupcake, the guy just about gutted you like a fish.

( She sighs and pauses, looking up. )

You're going to have a lot of explaining to do, and it's not going to be because of me.

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Nyx Silverfang  Jasper Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

(Whoops, wrong profile. XD)

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Helen Jekyll  Jasper Jekyll • 2 years ago

She whimpered weakly and shut her eyes.

"I-I'm s-sorry... I-I'm s-sorry... I-I j-just w-want t-this n-nightmare t-to e-end..."

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The Fox • 2 years ago • edited

( Tairais Here we are! Bird Buddies rp continuation. )

The Fox:

Resham nodded along as Charricthran spoke. Once he had finished, he spoke.

" Well, that makes me glad I never bothered them then. I don't think I would've stayed sane in that sort of environment. God bless! Nobody would've been happy, that's for sure. "

A beat.

" These Beasts though...They may sound like Fae but they're nothing alike, I assure you. For one, they almost always fight things out. There's no such thing as diplomacy in their world, and certainly not politics. Well, maybe politics but it's less politics and more natural law.

The funny thing about Beasts though is that no matter how they look down on men, they always borrow from them. It's so odd to see them borrow ideas and concepts from the thing they hate more than each other. "

Resham chuckled at the thought.

" And they don't even realize that. "

Tairais:

"Pft. The only happy fae are the ones that're lyin' an' getting away with it... an' the world's'a funny place full o' wonderful irony. Such is the chaotic nature of this whole multiverse, wouldn'tcha think?"

--

" Aye aye, that is true. I would hesitate to say that a world without irony is a world at all. I'd even hazard to think that it helps life move forward. "

He gave a weak laugh as his feathers fluffed up in embarrassment.

" I should know, considering my situation. "

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Tairais  The Fox • 2 years ago

Charricthran smiled wryly. "I think that's somethin' we can both agree on, considerin'."

He lapsed into thoughtful silence after that, weariness tugging at his bones. The conversation was lovely, he just... wasn't very good at keeping it going at times like these.

Any other time, and he'd be charming all the way. As it was, it was a titch hard to think about being charming, let alone to actually talk and move properly to actually get the illusion rolling.

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The Fox  Tairais • 2 years ago • edited

( sorry for the late reply! :< I would've replied earlier but I had some stuff to do. ;m; )

Resham noticed the change in Charricthran's demeanor with a touch of sympathy. Shyly, with a tip of his talon, he made the world around them grow dark, the sky turning midnight black speckled with far off stars.

His metallic body took on a an odd bluish cast, making him look strange and aqueous. A dim glow cast out of his eyes as he turned to catch Charricthran's gaze. A hint of a warm smile could barely be seen on the brass eagle.

" I hope you don't mind. I figured you'd feel more at home under a darker sky. Not to mention, it nice to soak in the calm. Wouldn't you agree? "

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Tairais  The Fox • 2 years ago

(( You're all good! Especially after my huge lapse between replies XD ))

He returned Resham's faint but warm smile. "Ah. Not at all- thank you. 'S a lot easier to stay solid when it's dark. Which, technically bein' shadow and all, you would think it'd be easier in the light, but.. eh. I don' claim ta know how I work."

He turned to face the stars, the back of his neck prickling with the ghost of embarrassment. A distant thing from a even more distant life.

For the most part, though, his emotions were still, finally calmed under a familiar sky.

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The Fox  Tairais • 2 years ago

Seeing that his friend was finally comfortable, he closed his eyes and let his mind float away in a dreamy haze. He was almost tempted to fall asleep right there, lulled by the nighttime glow that he had summoned.

With a content sigh, he let himself relax, lying down in an odd, feathery ball, letting the tranquility into his soul for the time being...

Time passed peacefully, the soothing darkness ebbing and flowing around them like the slow breathing of deep sleep.

Resham had been quiet for sometime, not wanting to ruin the cozy stillness of the moment, when he murmured to the raven dozily.

" I wonder...Would you mind if I called you Charri? "

One eye cracked open, peeking at his friend with good humor.

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Tairais  The Fox • 2 years ago

Charricthran's smile was equal parts sudden, surprised, and wry.

"Wouldn't be the most unusual thing I've been called. Char's not much further off from that. Call me whatcha like, Resham. I daresay you've earned it in this shortabout time."

At some point, he'd started melting slightly, the edges of his form trailing downward with exhaustion the likes of which were unique to him. Not physically or mentally weary, but tired nonetheless.

He almost wanted to sleep, despite the fact he knew he couldn't.

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The Fox  Tairais • 2 years ago

He chuckled at Charricthran's reaction, his smile glowing with secret joy and appreciation.

" Charri it is then. "

With that, he shut his eye again, rising to his legs and stretching out his wings with a shudder, shortly followed with a quick preen.

Resham stood still, taking a deep breath, then turned to Charri with a final bow.

" I must head off unfortunately. I'm being summoned and I can't disappoint. You're free to stay as long as you like and," his eyes twinkled with friendliness," Should you ever need assistance or you just want some good company, you can call me anytime. Well, not anytime, but I will certainly come as soon as possible.

Until next time, Charri~ "

He did a little flourish with his wings before finally taking off. His form glittered under the stars as he glided into the distance, a happy tune hummed under his breathe.

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Tairais  The Fox • 2 years ago • edited

Charricthran's mirth and contentedness glittered like rubies in his eyes as he gave his farewells to the eagle's retreating form.

"Thank you, Resham. Nomag wer suaco zexenuma vhir dout altiuiri vur wer siksta sotsca dout spical."

The ancient, familiar blessing of his native tongue all but shimmered in the air, the words rich with power and well-felt meaning.

He continued to stare at the stars, motionless as he admired their lazy twinkling.

Out of the corner of his eye, the barest ghost of a familiar form leaned back on his hands and smiled, sharing the sight with him. In time, that too faded away.

It was ironic how the tearing open of new-old wounds had also ended up being the way to heal a fresh-old wound. Change was a beautiful, chaotic thing. It was also painful, for the most part. He was particularly glad that loose thread had stitched itself closed.

That only left a still-bleeding heart to contend with.

He sighed softly, unwilling to spoil his good mood, then lapsed into silence once more.

Who knew how much time had passed between the night's events? He certainly didn't. He certainly didn't care, either. The stars twinkled softly, and in the air there was a wonderful, ethereal chorus, shining and sweeping in the sky. He listened to the music for a small eternity, feeling... settled, for a time.

As will all things, it too would have to end, just not quite then. He was infinitely grateful of the fact.

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The Fox  Tairais • 2 years ago

( I think that's the end! This was a fun one for sure! Now Resham has a friend to hang out with! :DDDD )

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Tairais  The Fox • 2 years ago

(( Birds of a feather :PPP ))

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