Shyla "Alas, I am running again, constantly running." She sighed in defeat. Shyla frowned in sympathy for the woman. Her's had obviously been a hard life. "You're not running." Shy corrected. "You're pursuing. There's a difference." She smiled even though it too dark for Sheena to see it. "And you're with friends this time. Not alone." Friend!? Did I actually just call her friend after just hearing she'd killed her husband. These seizures must be addeling my brain.
Camille: Comeuppence Ben depressed the lock button. "Out!" He roared, his patience at its end. "Both of you." Teddy slid out of the back seat and caught the flashlight Ben tossed to him. The light clicked to life cutting through the shadows like a light saber. Camille, hung back, knowing she had pressed a little too far, as Ben popped the trunk of the Jetta and pulled out another larger flashlight. She didn't hear him as he rounded her side of the car. Moving faster than a panther on the hunt, Ben had the door open, Camille out of her seat and turned over his knees. His hand came down on her backside with stinging force. She shrieked in outrage. Three more time his hand came down before he set her back on her feet. She rubbed her abused posterior, glaring like an angry cat. "What the hell was that for?" Teddy could be heard laughing through the darkness. "You know precisely what it was for, Camille Mae Perrie. You have been acting like an out of control brat since you left the Grammar Hammer this afternoon. It's about time some one paddled some sense into you." Ben bellowed as he clicked on his flashlight and caught hold of her wrist. Camille was too shocked to fight his hold.
Baley Warsaw Baley admired Shyla's encouraging words, but the fact they were still driving in pitch black made her uneasy. She couldn't even tell if her eyes were open or not due to the dark, which seemed to have swallowed up reality itself. If not for the others soothing voices, her childhood fear might have constricted her once again. "Uh...not to interrupt or anythin', but how much longer till us blind can see?" Baley asked, not hiding the anxiety in her voice.
"You're not running." Shy corrected. "You're pursuing. There's a difference." She smiled even though it too dark for Sheena to see it. "And you're with friends this time. Not alone." "Thankyou." Sheena said softly, she didn't smile but while no one could tell Shyla's words did help. Slowly the car slowed down and stopped softly like it was cushioned by a pillow. The comfort of the ride did little to take the edge of uncertainty out of them. For the place was dark and secluded. *Smack!* They got out just in time to see Ben go oldschool on Camille which instantly broke the scowl on Sheena's face. She grined with pure delight at Camille suffering, but said nothing.
Camille and Ben: Barbed Wire They got out just in time to see Ben go old school on Camille which instantly broke the scowl on Sheena's face. She grinned with pure delight at Camille suffering, but said nothing. "Maybe next time, you'll believe me, when I say I will turn you over my knee." Ben growled. "Your dad should have done that ages ago." "My dad never laid a hand on me." Camille said, firing up in defense of her dad. "Well, he should have." Ben replied, exasperated. "But you wrapped him completely round your little finger. Your mom had better sense. She wasn't afraid to wallop you when you got out of line." Camille's scowl was ominous, but Ben ignored her. "She actually did you some good. Made you stop and think." Camille's bright head shone hellfire bright even in the entrenching gloom of the grove. Ben set her upright just as Dr. Albrite's silver Audi pulled into the drive with no lights running. "I know she's careful," Ben muttered, taking a firm hold of Camille's wrist, "but to drive along that stretch of drive with no lights is nuts." The brimstone temper flared. "She's an Exceptional, Ben. The Doc knows what she's doing. She wouldn't risk the lives of Baley and the others just for some foolish stunt." Ben had the grace to blush at her well thrown barb. Contrite, but not cowed, Camille plopped down on the shaky board steps leading to a long, low porch that ran the length of the building. She winced as her rear made contact with the wood. Ben maintained a manacled grip on her wrist. His voice carried through the darkness as he addressed the new arrivals. "I have two flashlights. You folks have any to add to the numbers?"
Gabriel Reeve Pointedly keeping his eyes off of Camille but not able to hide the slight smole that was making the corner of his mouth twitch, Gabe pulled his cell out. "Not much, but it might help." he said, then stopped and smacked himself in the forhead. "I'm an idiot! I can use my eyes!" his gaze immediately went bright gold and emitted a faint glow, though it would only allow enough for him to see by. He gave Ben a timid smile, not really sure what to do with himself.
Baley, Free at Last When the car came to a stop, Baley instantly felt for her seat belt, but struggled to get it off with her trembling hands. Riding in Eva's vehicle hadn't been fun, no matter how fancy. The darkness had nearly overwhelmed her and her returning fear was almost worse than her ability. Finally she unbuckled the darn thing and pushed opened the door a few seconds late. "Thank the Good Lord," she muttered and took a slow breath of Minnesota air. She looked up to see the dark battling against an orb of light that sliced its way through. With the added light, Baley's eyes soon adjusted. She gave a grateful sigh. What a night this was turning out to be. Cautiously, she walked closer and squinted in the light at Camille, Ben, and the slap happy overall man. Gabe had pulled in close behind them too. "I have two flashlights. You folks have any to add to the numbers?" the policeofficer's voice drifted to her ears. "Sorry, not me." Baley said as she approached them. As the light shone around them, she looked up at the shadowed building they had arrived to. "So, this is it, huh? Are we sure it's safe to go inside?" When her thoughts came out of her mouth, Baley regretted them. She didn't mean to sound like a scared little schoolgirl...but being her, safety was an issue.
Eva, on the scene "I apologize if that caught any of you off-guard," Eva said as they all piled out of the car, "but I wanted to approach stealthily, to see them before they see us." She paused, taking in the decrepit building before them. "Unfortunately, it seems there is no 'them' to be seen. Oh well... better safe than sorry." She went around back and popped the trunk. Shoving her doctor's bag aside, she unzipped one of the two suitcases inside and fished out a pair of flashlights. Life had taught her to always be prepared. She kept two suitcases filled with clothing and about a thousand dollars in cash stuffed in the trunk of her car. She had a few other stashes hidden in unmarked locations in the woods and in her house, too. If all else failed, her stockpile of pharmaceuticals could be sold for quick, untraceable cash. Eva took a moment to change out of her heels ad into some sneakers before shutting the trunk and heading over to Ben. "I have two flashlights," the cop said. "You folks have any to add to the numbers?" She wasn't fond of giving out lights. Her stregth was in the darkness. It would be like Superman handing out free kryptonite samples. Even if they didn't mean any harm, they would be limiting her, just by flooding the area with light. Nevertheless... "I have one more, if anyone's interested," Eva said, keeping one of the two flashlights for herself. "And now I suppose we wait for Lawrence... unless anyone wants to knock."
Shyla "So, this is it, huh? Are we sure it's safe to go inside?" Baley asked, a worried look on her face. "No." Shyla replied with a coy smile on her face. "But that's what makes it so much fun." She pulled out her own cellphone heading straight for the door. Most of them were here. No need to stand around gawking anymore. "And now I suppose we wait for Lawrence... unless anyone wants to knock." Eva said. "Who knows how long it's gonna be before he gets here. I say we go in." It would have probably been smart to let the dude with the force-sheild go first but she didn't want him to take the credit for the one being with the most guts. She lay a hand on the rusted old door handle, and pulled.
Ina Holt Ina and Lawrence ascended the stairs one after another. It felt like hours were going by, but as Ina looked back, she could still faintly see the bottom hundreds of stairs below. "So uh," She said, feeling stupid, "What's up with those belt things?" Maybe a conversation would take her mind off walking and the growing pain in her legs. It was a while before Lawrence showed signs of having heard. "Oh," He said suddenly, tearing his eyes from the stairs to stare at Ina, "Sorry, I zoned out for a moment. I'm used to taking this way by myself. This Berkley place used to be a farm-house, you know. They went by the way-side some time back, but not before tampering with city property. They thought that an underground conveyor belt would be good way to efficiently ship crops all over town. They built a labyrinth down there, going to almost every house in Grygla. Mr. Berkley was an Exceptional capable of manipulating rock, and that's how they created the tunnels. Before they could finish their project, the Family business failed, and the family disappeared. The place was abandoned, and no-one touched it until my colleagues and I set up base here. No-one knows about the tunnel system but Eximius, and now you." Lawrence smiled faintly, "How are your legs doing?" He added. "Oh," Ina winced, "They hurt." "Well, we're almost there." Ina could see the outline of a door ahead, and forced herself to move faster. She leaned heavily against the wall as Lawrence pulled a key from his pocket, and pushed it into a lock in the door. "Welcome in." He said, pushing the door open, and holding it for Ina. She stepped through, finding herself in the middle of a carpeted hall. Lawrence followed, and locked the door behind him. Ina stared at the wall. From the outside, the door was almost indistinguishable. The doorknob was cleverly disguised as a lantern. One would have to know it was there to access it. "Follow me." Lawrence said, walking down the hall and turning into a room. Ina followed, and entered into a cozy living room full of old armchairs and sofas, with a fireplace in the corner. "I'm back." She heard Lawrence say to an armchair with wheels facing by the fireplace. Wow, an armchair wheelchair. That's a good idea. Ina thought. A pair of thin arms appeared and grabbed the set of wheels on either side of the armchair, and it turned to reveal a small man. He looked a lot younger than Lawrence, but his hair was already streaked with grey. His face was thin, but still handsome, and his eyes were a sparkling blue. He was wearing a black suit that was several sizes to big for him. "Hello Lawrence," He said with a soft croak, and a smile stretched across his face, "Who's this?" "I'll let her introduce herself to you, there will be more at the door. Excuse me." He turned to Ina, "Have a seat. This is Roland, he'll take care of you. I'll bring a new change of clothes for you." Ina plumped down in a chair, as Lawrence exited the room, sending up a cloud of dust. She coughed, and flailed her arms to rid herself of the cloud. Roland let out a thin laugh. "I'm sorry, we don't keep the place nice and shiny like we should." His eyes shone merrily. "It's okay," Ina said, unsure of what to say, "So... You're the guy who wrote our letters?" "Yes I am!" Roland said, pulling a pen from his pocket, "Let me show you." He held out the pen in one hand. His hands were thin, bony, and misshapen. Roland grabbed the pen with his other hand, and pulled his hands apart, each now holding the same pen. Ina sat up, fascinated by what she'd just seen. "I can duplicate inanimate objects." Roland said, tossing one of the pens to Ina, "They're the same in every way. What happens to one, happens to the other. It's how we were able to send a message to all of you at the same time." "That's cool." Ina said, holding the pen out for Roland, "So who else is part of your group?" "Keep it," Roland said, the smiling slipping from his face, "Currently it's only Lawrence, a young woman, and myself. Our other members have nearly all vanished." He let out a sigh, "We may see one or two others tonight, but I hear there's been a lot going on in town today; they may be occupied." "Ah..." Ina said awkwardly, "So, who's the woman?" "We don't know," Roland said, "She never gave us a name. She's our key to success though." "And where is she?" Ina asked. "I haven't seen her in a couple hours. She'll turn up though, she hasn't left this place since we found her." "Oh. Is she a-a prisoner?" Ina asked. "No, no," Roland said, "She doesn't want to leave. Now what about you? You've asked a lot of questions, can I ask you some?" -------- Lawrence walked to the entryway, clutching a shirt and jeans in his hand. He hoped they'd stay on the girl, she was so small. He could see lights flashing through the windows, and quickened his pace. As he reached out for the door, the doorknob turned. He pulled the door open, and found himself face to face with Shyla; her blue streak unmistakable even in the darkness. "Hello," He said, pushing past her to count the others, "Hello," He said again, waving blandly at the group by the two cars, "Are we missing anyone?"
"So what now?" Sheena asked sounding slightly impatient. Approaching Lawrence and stopping short of him. "You said we are not going to be your soldiers then what are we then? What would you have us do?"
Teddy Jones “Hello.” “Hello Lawrence.” Teddy said skipping past the man. “Always a pleasure.” He entered the hallway; almost pitch black with the smallest glimmer ahead. The decor had kept its youth, even under the thick dust and silken webs. Carpeted, bordered and painted, the attention to detail was apparent, and a feeling of love now neglected hung over the walls. Teddy danced along the shag fur, care free; the fear of a trap lost on him. Through the door he went, and directly over to the plush crimson armchair next to Roland. The mechanic sank slowly, enjoying the warmth of the fire as he backed comfortably into the chair. “That’s a nice suit there, my friend.” He said turning to the frail man dressed to the nines. “Very sharp.” The cotton upholstery hugged Teddy with such sweet serenity, and leaning back he pulled out a cigarette. Within a flash he was puffing away, gazing in all directions at the trophies, paintings and bookcases surrounding the walls.
Eva, taking the first step "So what now?" Sheena asked, with ample impatience as she approached Lawrence. "You said we are not going to be your soldiers then what are we then? What would you have us do?" "I think he would have us come inside," Eva said, taking a step toward the entrance and passing Sheena, though she didn't enter yet... unlike Teddy who casually slipped inside. "We're still missing Liriope, but the rest of us are all accounted for. I trust Ina is inside..." she added, giving Lawrence a very pointed glance. It was the sort of 'mother hen' look that told him there would be dire consequeces if the girl wasn't in there, safe and sound. "And how, may I ask, did you arrive here so quickly, Lawrence? Does glass have mystical properties I am not aware of, or is there something you'd like to tell us?" She knew she was putting him on the spot, but the set-up was too perfect not to take advantage of. He could answer her question or be made to look as if he was keeping secrets from them all.
Camille and Ben: Learning Curve Ben pulled Camille up off the step as the door opened right beneath Shyla's fingers. Lawrence's face appeared in the opening. Ina wasn't with him. The all to familiar scowl formed. "Hello," He said, pushing past her to count the others, "Hello," He said again, waving blandly at the group by the two cars, "Are we missing anyone?" Camille peeked around Ben's back, trying to get a glimpse of the inside of the house. It was like trying to look through a wall. Ben was careful to keep his own lean muscled bulk between Camille and Lawrence. Banter drifted back and forth, but Camille failed to take note of the topics. Something warm and sticky was dripping into her sandals. "Umm...Ben?" He glanced back, his flashlight glinting off the dark crimson trail that splattered across the porch. "Dammit, Cam. Why didn't you say something?" "It just started." She protested. Ben didn't bother arguing with her as he plucked her up, achingly familiar with her doll like figure. There was nothing to her. His brother's girls, who were around Ina's age, were bigger than she was. Her fragility scared the hell out of him, her foolhardy courage scared him even more. "I don't suppose there is somewhere we could get this taken care of, is there?" He asked, leveling a ferocious look at Lawrence. Quickly he turned his attention to Camille. "Please tell me you had enough sense to bring supplies with you." Camille nodded. "The first aid kit is on the floor of the front seat. Blood packets in the cooler beside it." Ben dropped a fleeting kiss on her close cropped curls. "Who knew a spanking was all you needed to knock some sense into you." Three steps had them at the door of the Jetta. Ben popped the door open and stooped low enough to allow Camille to catch hold of her bags.
Shyla let out a hefty cough as her nose and mouth were invaded by dust particals. "Dude! Haven't you guys ever heard of dusting!? It's like a motorcross track in here." She exclaimed while waving her hand in front of her face. That only caused the dust to fly around more resulting in a series of sneezes.
Ina Holt & Lawrence "So what now?" Sheena asked, "You said we are not going to be your soldiers then what are we then? What would you have us do?" "And how, may I ask, did you arrive here so quickly, Lawrence? Does glass have mystical properties I am not aware of, or is there something you'd like to tell us?" Eva asked. "I don't suppose there is somewhere, we could get this taken care of, is there?" Ben the policeman said ferociously. "One at a time, one at a time," Lawrence said coolly, "There's a bathroom up the stairs, and to the left." He said to Ben, "Try not to get blood on the carpet." He turned to Sheena, "Exactly as Eva said. In the house, down the hall, and to the right. Unless you'd prefer the open air." Finally, he turned to Eva, "Rather than explain, I will show you," He said, giving her an impatient look, "But not now, unless it's unforgivably important to you." "Everyone else," He called, resuming his bored expression, "In the house, down the hall, and to the right. Ina, Roland, and probably Teddy will be there already." He raised an eyebrow at Eva, and lowered his voice, "Due to some carelessness on my part, Ina got some injuries on her legs, but I trust you can heal them." -------- “That’s a nice suit there, my friend.” Teddy said, pulling out and lighting a cigarette, “Very sharp.” "Thank you," Roland said mildly, "I'd appreciate it if you'd refrain from smoking. At least around me; my lungs aren't as strong as the rest of yours." His mouth lifted in an apologetic smile, "Would that I were healthier. Now, why don't you tell me a bit about yourself?"
"Not a sliver of trust. Not even a mite of it." Sheena said as she walked to where he directed courteously her hand intstinctivly reaching for a blade hidden in her coat, just in case someone tried something. You could never be too careful. She entered the room where Ina was talking with another strange man. "So, will you finally give me some answers?" Her hand still on the hilt, was tense.
Ben and Camille: Routine "There's a bathroom up the stairs, and to the left." He said to Ben, "Try not to get blood on the carpet." "Blood on the carpet..." Ben hurumphed as he set her down on the edge of the tub. "I'll show him blood on the carpet." "Ben," Camille said, catching his face between her small hands. "Just be quiet and help me." He said nothing and turned to retrieve a washcloth from the linen closet. The fixtures were vintage 1968, mustard yellow porcelain. The counters were white and gold formica laminant. The faded wallpaper and cream and gold linoleum would have done the Partridge Family proud. The thing that counted, however, was that everything was clean and functional. Ben turned the hot water tap. Warm water gushed over his hands as he heard Camille's sandals hit the floor. She swung her legs into the tub, as Ben handed her the washcloth. Quick, sure hands pulled away the soaked tegaderm and wiped away the blood. "It isn't as bad as it could have been." She noted with guarded optimism. "What do you need?" "The coagulant powder and two of the large tegaderms." With the required items in hand, Camille soon had her knees treated and rebandaged. "Anything else?" Ben queried, rinsing out the washcloth. "Just the platelet bag once we're settled downstairs with the others." Ben nodded, gathering their scattered leavings and handed Camille her shoes. He held out his arms, she went into them without a qualm. It was a short trip through a dusty time capsule to reach the others. "Sorry about the wait." Ben apologized as he settled next to Camille on one of the numerous couches.
Shyla "Sorry about the wait." Ben apologized as he settled next to Camille on one of the numerous couches. Shyla grabbed a seat beside Camille. But instead of sitting on the sofa, she sat on the top of the couch's back so that her feet rested on the seat. From this veiw point she could easily see everyone in the room. Considering the layer of dust, she guessed these guys weren't big on formalities. Her eyes landed on the overly skinny man in the wheelchair. In her mind he was immediatly dubbed Mr. X. Well, maybe Mr. X's extremly skinny and not so handsome older brother. "So, will you finally give me some answers?" Sheena asked harshly. Her hand rested on the dagger she'd almost decapitated Shy with earlier. "Relax, Sheena." Shy said with a smile. "You look like you're chewing on sour candy."
Eva, bad medicine "Due to some carelessness on my part, Ina got some injuries on her legs, but I trust you can heal them." "Your trust is well-placed," she said in a whisper, as the others began to file inside, moving past Lawrence and Eva. "But you've confused what I 'can do' with what I 'will do.' Unless the girl is dying, leave me out of it. And if she is dying..." she gave him a very poignant glance, "well, if you know anything about me, you should know the cost of your carelessness." A life for a life. If he truly had been spying on her and knew her secrets, he knew what it took to heal someone. It didn't come free and Eva had no intention of giving up her lifeforce to heal someone who'd been injured by his incompetence. There were rules... She didn't wait for his respose. It wasn't a question, just something for him to think about. And, based on his tone, Eva didn't get the impression Ina's injuries were life-threatening. Her point made, she slipped past him and into the house, where she carefully took a seat on a well-worn couch, so as not to kick the dust into the air, crossed her legs, and waited expectantly for answers or stabbings... whichever came first.
Teddy Jones “I’d appreciate it if you’d refrain from smoking; At least around me.” Teddy obliged and perched himself across the clearing in an equally plush armchair, next to Ina’s. It’s size had almost swallowed the poor girl. “Now, why don’t you tell me a bit about yourself?” Teddy sat quietly for a moment, allowing the question to truly sink in. A few more drags and another glance at the Claude Monet paintings brushed up against the wall brought a wry smile to his face. “Who is... Teddy Jones?” “Local? Mechanic? Heartthrob? Misunderstood?” His face creased, the brows edging deeper. “You know the simple truth is I don’t know.” The fire stared at him and he stared back. Each breath was a release, but from what? Every moment at Bill’s Fixer had been freedom for him, but his mind could never piece why. It ate at him. Devoured him. Mortified him. Where are the last pages of my life? Teddy pulled away from his glazed look to find himself standing, every fibre of his body tense and every muscle wired. “I'm... I’m just a simple mechanic.” Teddy shifted back to his seat and ducked down low. “Now it’s your turn. You and Lawrence seem to have the same healthy diet.” He said, eyeing the skeleton sat in front of him.
Camille: Useful Shyla grabbed a seat beside Camille. But instead of sitting on the sofa, she sat on the top of the couch's back so that her feet rested on the seat Camille's battered knees were draped across Ben's lap, as she hooked the platelet infusion to her central line. "Here, Shy catch." She grinned, tossing the packet at Shyla. "Since you're head and shoulders above the world, could you find a place to hang that?"
"Since you're head and shoulders above the world, could you find a place to hang that?" Shy gasped in surprise as a packet of blood suddenly landed in her lap. She barely managed to catch her balance again. "Where am I supposed to put it?" She looked around. There was a candle rack that was hanging on the wall just behind her head. She twisted and hung the packet on the rack. Hopefully the rack was nailed in well enough not to fall from the wall. Her fingers brushed against a spider-web and she shuddered involuntarily. Ugh...spider...I hate spiders.
Liriope Liriope found his own place to sit and got comfortable. "Don't mind me none", he murmured as he reclined, hands behind his head. Everyone resumed squabbling and trying to impress each other in their own unique ways, as if they were still on that street outside the hotel. Liriope tried to tune out Camille's voice, it was becoming highly irritating to his ears, and noted that Teddy Jones was starting to assert his personality some more. I'm just gonna rest my eyes a wink, he thought dreamily. A moment later and he was knocked out, snoring faintly.
Camille: Past and Present "Thanks, Shy." Camille said with a smile. The bleeding had slowed considerably, but the new tegaderm patches were growing dark with more blood. In an effort to get her mind off her seeping knees, she turned her attention to Lawrence and Roland. "I was here once as a child," she said, "when I was about Ina's age. But that was more than a decade ago." Her eyes darted from one to the other, bright with curiosity. "We never knew anyone was here, if you were here at that time." One small bare foot bounced restlessly on the couch cushion sending up a plume of dust. "How long has Eximius know about us? Or moreover, how long have you folks been camped out here at the Berkley place?"
