Gabriel gives Dark a wicked lesson where Caroline has to intervene. Evangeline takes Dark and Vlamerias Trick-or-Treating.
Dark: Brrr! *Dark found himself shivering in the cold on the barren plateau Gabriel had brought them too!* What’s this … the Himalayas?! You’ve gotta be kidding me!
Vlamerias: But Mommy, I don’t need food! Just lots of treats! *She was so excited about this trick or treating the Bright Lady talked about! And it was all the buzz around Oracle!*
Vlamerias: OOhh! Spiced Pumpkin Soup! There’s a big orange pumpkin in the soup?! *That she had to see! She began skipping to the cafeteria! If she got another pumpkin, the Bright Lady could help her carve another jack o’ lantern!*
Dark: *He huffed!* … Says the sadistic bastard. I’m not training up here in the middle of nowhere!
Dark: *Dark narrowly avoided being struck full on by the lightning blast! But Gabriel didn’t let up and the second blast sent him flying backwards! He landed on his back with the wind knocked out of him! Dark groaned and got up.* … Unholy crap. Caroline’s teaching got nothing on this bastard’s …
Caroline: *Caroline paused mid-sip from her usual porcelain teacup.* I’m afraid I don’t share your sentiments. The world is thrown in to absolute madness.
Vlamerias: *Meri’s face lit up!* Oh, the ogre’s! I’ll go ask him! *And she skipped toward the back of the cafeteria to ask the Ogre sitting in the corner!*
Dark: Damnit! *Dark scrambled to his feet and ducked in time to avoid being sliced in half!* This isn’t fair, Gabriel! *He rolled out of the way, got to his feet and then dashed away!*
The Ogre who was trying to enjoy his dinner scowled down at the little devil that was now trying to peer inside his giant pot of soup.
Vlamerias: Hello, Mr. Ogre! *Meri exclaimed!* Oohh … Can you move your spoon over that way? … Um, a little to the left … No, back toward me … Yeah, right there! Is that an entire pumpkin in there?!
Caroline: It happens every year, my lady. Hardly something to be so thrilled over. *Caroline sipped her tea with a thoughtful expression. Halloween was pretty much an excuse for people to conjure up demons! It was a Slayers worst day of the year!*
The Ogre, not being one of many words scowled a bit more. Why yes, that WAS a whole pumpkin in his soup! He curled a big meaty arm around the pot and pulled it closer to him!
Vlamerias: *Meri was not one to be discouraged so easily! She hopped onto the table–which was a really big table, she noted–and tried to get another peek into the soup!* Mr. Ogre, are you going to eat that entire pumpkin? Don’t you think you should save it and make a jack o’ lantern with it? You can make eyes and a mouth and a hole for the nose! I saw a jack o’ lantern that also had ears and hair and everything! Even these little arms at the side! *And she demonstrated by sticking her arms to her sides!*
Dark: *He skidded to a stop when he came up against the side of a mountain! He snickered.* … Force you to yield, rriiigghhtt. Just hold on while I pull out a nuclear missile or two–Do I look like I have an entire arsenal at my disposal?! *Unlike some people …*
The Ogre snorted! Which proceeded to cover Meri in what was probably Ogre boogies. This was HIS dinner, and no Devils are going to take out the best part!
Vlamerias: *Meri blinked once and the twice! Then she hunched forward with her palms on the table and shook herself! Watching those weres get dry from swimming in the pool paid off! The boogers went flying everywhere! She stood straight and hopped up and down for another peek of the pumpkin!* Ooh! You must have at least six–no seven of those pumpkins in that soup! How many pumpkins did they fit into that pot?!
Caroline: Keeping an eye on you is a job within itself, my lady. This evening I intend to go home and sleep until the night is over. *Caroline almost gestured towards Meri, who had just slung snot over a few dining hunters.. but well… She WAS going to take it easy tonight! Buggar them all!*
There was a lot of EEWW and gaging from several hunters who just had their dinners ruined! The Ogre was now trying to nudge the devil away from his pot! He had a good dozen pumpkins and he intended to eat them all!
Vlamerias: *If she noticed the giant ogre pushing her away from the pot, she gave no sign! She just started counting them!* Oohh … one … two … oh no, one … two … Oohh, there’s another one! They’re all so big! It’s like pumpkins mega super-ultra-sized! *She had never seen such big pumpkins before!*
Dark: *Dark saw that sword coming but it was moving faster than it appeared! As he was moving to duck, the sword went SSCCHINNK! and impaled him to the mountain wall by the shoulder! He let out a string of curses!*
The Ogre couldn’t stand it anymore! He plucked out two of the large pumpkins from his pot and shoved them in to the devil’s arms! Anything to eat his dinner in peace!
Caroline: *Caroline grinned in to her cup.* My lady, there is not a being on this earth that compares to Gabriel. But I shall take it as a compliment.
Vlamerias: *Meri was pleasantly surprised when she ended up with two large pumpkins, one in each arm!* Thank you, Mr. Ogre! Happy Halloween! *She hopped off of the table and went swaying back to the table!* Mommy, Lady Warrior, look! Look!
Caroline: A fine prize, Vlamerias. Now that you’re covered in soup, you might try eating some before My lady takes you out for the evening. *Caroline was trying to imagine Dark carving pumpkins, but knowing Evangeline he would end up doing it anyway!*
Dark: *Dark was trying to pull that sword out! Gabriel had one hell of a throw as the blade seemed to be stuck in the rock! This time, when he saw the attacks coming his way, he managed to clear his head!* Rebound! *The attacks suddenly changed course and went flying back at Gabriel!*
Vlamerias: Yes! Soup! And apple cider! *Meri proudly put her pumpkins on the an empty chair before hopping into hers next to Evangeline’s!* Are you coming to trick or treat, Lady Warrior? Mommy says it’s lots of fun and has lots of goodies!
Caroline: No, small one. I am going to finish my meal, spend several hours in a hot bath and get some rest. You’ll get to keep all of that candy for yourself.
Vlamerias: OOHh … Does that mean Dark will join us for trick or treating, Mommy? I think he needs more sweets!
Dark: *He finally managed to get that sword free and held the sword with both hands. BANG BANG BANG! *He staggered backwards a few steps when the bullets hit the sword’s blade! But as soon as there was a lapse, he was charging forward, sword high above his head!*
Caroline: Hmm. I’m not sure if tired is the word. *Caroline paused to look at a watch on her wrist. Dark had been gone with Gabriel for some time. Though, he could hold his own in lessons these days, Gabriel was starting to push the limit…*
Vlamerias: *Meri was enjoying her soup and apple cider in the meantime! Every so often she would stop to pat her pumpkin and even hug one of them! They would make such great jack o’ lanterns!*
Dark: *Dark fell on his back on the ground but then he jumped back to his feet and tackled Gabriel to the ground!*
Caroline: If he gets himself battered, he’d only have himself to blame. *Worried about Dark, never! …At least she wouldn’t call it worry. Maybe concern over her newest charge. A mentor doesn’t want to see her charges mangled.*
Dark: *One moment he had Gabriel down and the next–! He reached out for the edge of the plateau! His fingers found a slight hold but then it slipped and he was falling!* !!
Vlamerias: *That certainly made Meri stop and blink at the Brighty Lady wide-eyed! … Wait, she was missing that?!*
Caroline: *Caroline sputtered and choked on her tea!* I-[i]What[/i]?! *The cup dissapeared as she rose from her chair, pulling a needle from her pocket to prick her finger. It took a moment for her to lock on to magical signatures, but luckily, falling off a mountain from that high took awhile! With a jerking shimmer, she had to poof to the middle of nowhere to freefall and catch a vampire!*
Caroline: *Caroline sputtered and choked on her tea!* I-What?! *The cup dissapeared as she rose from her chair, pulling a needle from her pocket to prick her finger. It took a moment for her to lock on to magical signatures, but luckily, falling off a mountain from that high took awhile! With a jerking shimmer, she had to poof to the middle of nowhere to freefall and catch a vampire!*
Dark: *Dark was certain his last thoughts would be something a long of lines of “I hate that guy … Stupid vampire … Asshole!” and his swearing said as much!* Ooff! *Someone suddenly caught him and at first he expected it to be Gabriel until he looked up!* Caroline?! *He looked around. He wasn’t dead. But someone was going to wish he was!* Let me back to that asshole so I can skin him alive! *He growled!*
Dark: let get
Caroline: Quiet! *Freefalling and casting spells like this wasn’t easy! But, he had enough blood on him that she could summon the spell from his instead of her own… including a way to make sure they didn’t hit the ground hard where they landed! Another shimmer, and a sudden stop! Where Caroline landed on her feet at the top of the mountain as she always did… and let Dark drop at her feet in an unceremonious heap!*
Vlamerias: *Vlamerias was wide-eyed and curious!* … Mommy … is my Glaër in trouble?
Dark: OOooff! *He dropped to the ground and landed on his ass! But instead of getting up, he just lay on his back and glared up at her!* That’s a graceful rescue if I’ve seen any! *Get up? Hell no. He was going to stay right here and to hell with Gabriel or Caroline!*
Caroline: *Caroline moved a foot back and for a moment it looked like she was going to kick him off the mountain herself. …she refrained.* You know how to teleport.
Dark: *He was tempted to stick his tongue at her!* … That’s what happens when someone is shot at, run through, blasted at, and thrown off a mounter after being subjected to thin air and freezing temperatures! Gabriel is going to end up killing me! *He growled!* Stupid, self-absorbed, arrogant, good-for-nothing bastard … *He muttered!*
Caroline: Is that the way it is? *Caroline responded to Dark, with sarcastic tone she tended to use on Alistair when he was being disagreeable. At Gabriel’s voice, she crossed her arms and frowned.* …A stopwatch in lessons?
Dark: *He was glaring at Caroline until the mention of the stopwatch! That made him sit straight up and glare at Gabriel instead!* A stopwatch?! What the bloody hell!
Vlamerias: Maybe I should share my candy with Dark and my Glaër later!
Vlamerias: *The little devil grinned!* That is a wonderful idea! Lady Warrior could use a break, too! She still has that nasty bat to look after! *She made a face at the mention of Alistair!*
Dark: *Dark glowered at him and then huffed!* …
Caroline: … *That’s it? Six minutes? …Nope! Not going to lecture! Caroline covered her face with her hands and took a deep breath. No lessons on Halloween!* In any case, My lady wishes your company, Dark. Though, at six minutes… perhaps you should remain with Gabriel.
Dark: … Evangeline? *He tilted his head back so he could look at Caroline, albeit upside down!* What for …? She’s not going to teach me how to pick up women again, is she?
Caroline: No. She has something much more… interesting in mind. Take your pick. An evening with Gabriel or Evangeline.
Dark: *He huffed.* I’ll take Evangeline, hands down. I think I’ve had enough of being drilled by Mr. Sadistic Bastard.
Vlamerias: I think you and Lady Warrior are very patient to put up with the likes of him. He said something to a lady and she slapped him but he thought she was playing … um … hard to get. What does that mean, MommY?
Vlamerias: *Mommy
Vlamerias: OOhhhh … *Meri crinkled her nose.* Playing chase sounds like a lot more fun than that. They’ve been gone for a really long time, haven’t they?
Caroline: I wasn’t worried about it. *Caroline scowled. The trouble with that bond… Gabriel was always aware of Evangeline’s thoughs, and here he was repeating them! Caroline pulled her needle to prick her finger again, the transportation spell back to Oracle!*
Dark: *He found himself in the cafeteria of Oracle and then he glared at Gabriel!*
Caroline: *Caroline appeared by the table, only long enough to retrieve the pastries she had saved for her evening.* I’m going. Enjoy your evening, My Lady, Vlamerias. *A brief pat on the little devil’s head, she at least graced Dark with a wicked smile before she left!*
Dark: Hey, Evangeline. I don’t know … You got any ice cream? *Ice cream always made things better!*
Vlamerias: Bye, Warrior Lady! Happy Halloween! *Meri exclaimed! She smiled at Dark and Gabriel!* Hello!
Dark: So . .. this trick or treat thing … Caroline didn’t say anything about it. All I know is that humans dress up and stuff themselves full of sweets.
Vlamerias: Bye-bye, Glaër! I’ll save some candy for you! *Vlamerias waved!* Mommy says she wants to inspect my candy before I eat it! She says there are bad people out there and we have to be careful, just in case! *She nodded firmly!*
Dark: So you just show up and people give you candy … What about ice cream?
… Blink! Blink! Vlamerias and Dark were both speechless, then they turned to each other! Blink! Blink!
Dark: *He turned back to Evangeline and put his hand over her wrist to lower the mask.* Uh … Let’s forget about the tiara and the scary looking … clown thing.
Dark: *… Cat ears.* I’m never gonna live this down. *He muttered as he took the white cat ears and placed them on his head!* I look ridiculous.
Dark: *… Adorable and sweet. Rrriigghht. He took the bag which was fairly big and had a picture of a jack o’ lantern on both sides.* … Thanks.
Dark: So … how long is it going to take to fill up these bags of ours? *He asked, curious. There was some candy already inside but it was going to take quite a lot of those small candies to fill them up!*
Dark: *He raised his eyebrow, in a “You’ve gotta be kidding me” type of look! But she looked so very serious that he finally ran his fingers through his hair!* … Fine. Fine. Trick or treat. And smile. *And he grinned big, flashing fangs!*
Dark: *Dark didn’t have much time to protest! Vlamerias didn’t need to be told twice as she grabbed his hand and started dragging him along!* I’ll go first! Just so you don’t get nervous!
Dark: I’m not nervous! *He muttered as he was dragged along! Boy, she was strong! He barely managed to stop before he collided with Vlamerias who was already knocking on the door!*
The woman thought Meri was so cute and said so! She gave Meri a handful of candy which she dropped into the bag! Then she looked at Dark expectantly!
Dark: *He cleared his throat.* Trick or treat! *And then he flashed his long fangs!*
“Oh my!” the woman exclaimed. My what big fangs he had! She dropped a few pieces of candy into Dark’s bag! Wasn’t he too old to be trick or treating?
Dark: *Dark shrugged.* Not really. I’m going to be a year old in a few months. *And then he and Meri walked away!*
Dark: *He shrugged.* More or less. It hasn’t been that long since Anthony got a hold of Gabriel and got me. I guess time flies when you’re having fun, right.
Dark: … I’d rather not. I’m not too keen on her and she never took a liking to me. ‘Sides, I’m not big on sharing.
Dark: I … don’t know. I never thought of that. *He honestly never had! It was tough thinking about the future when you were trying to survive in the present!*
Dark: … How about a break from Gabriel and Caroline’s lessons for … like forever?
Dark: Wow. You mean that? *He was so sure he was cursed to go through their insane, suicidal lessons for the rest of his life!*
Dark: *Dark shot her a suspicious look!* They’ll probably review me for the exam and then switch things around at the last minute.
Dark: *Dark scratched his cat ears.* A lot of good that did them, look at how humans are now.
Dark: *He huffed.* I’m coming. I’m coming. *He followed after her and when the guy came out, flashed his fangs again.* Trick or treat.
The man was very surprised to see someone so old trck or treating! He gave some candy to Dark and then exclaimed how cute Meri looked in her costume! It must have taken her weeks to make those wings!
The man gave Meri some candy and then blinked. Did that tail just move?!
Dark: *Even he could tell it was time to end this stop! He picked up Meri.* Hm. Look at the time. Happy Halloween. *And then he was carrying his candy and Meri down to meet Evangeline.* … That was close.
Dark: … Not yet. *He said, eying Meri! The little devil was trouble to be sure! She had a habit of sharing too much information!* Hm. Okay.
Dark: … I’ll … stand back here this time out. *Dark shrugged.* To uh … you know, catch my breath and all that.
At the knock, someone opened the door! Only, no one was standing there at all! “Heeellooo~!” squeaked a quiet voice!
Dark: *Dark looked around and crossed his arms. Gabriel hadn’t killed him–yet. But he was sure the Carnatelli was just making his life difficult for the hell of it!* … Sadistic bastard.
Not a single person was even standing behind the door. “Oooh.. Come in, sweet, come in… We have a special haunted house..! Love little children!” said the small squeaky voice!
Dark: *He heard the door slam and realized Evangeline and Meri had gone inside! What the hell … He moved to the door and started to knock!* Evangeline. Meri. *When the hell did trick or treating mean going into houses?!*
“No, no, just little ones and their mommies allowed! Here, here, come down this hall. There is a door, and a nice haunted house!” Across the room another door opened, still with no one standing there!
Dark: *No response! So he tried opening the door!*
BZZZZZZZT~! Dark found himself shocked! It wasn’t too strong, at least for a vampire, but if he were a human he’d be pretty hurting right now! Inside, the second door was opened up to a staircase that was leading up! The hall was decorated with all kinds of spiderwebbings and black gauzy fabrics!*
Dark: *He jerked his hand back and shook the jolt off!* Damnit to hell! *He cursed. If this was some kind of prank, he wasn’t the one laughing! He tried kicking the door down! What had Evangeline gotten herself into this time?!*
That door wasn’t going anywhere! It was almost like the place was reinforced by magic wards, but there wasn’t a hint of spells anywhere!
Dark: *Dark growled! Stupid door!* You picked the wrong vampire to mess with. *He began looking around for some other way to enter! He went down the steps, picked up a rock and threw it at the window!*
The widow mysteriously through the rock right back at Dark! While in the hallway, one of those spiderwebs grabbed on to Meri’s hand!*
Dark: *He managed to sidestep and avoid being hit!* Unholy fuckin’ crap … *He growled and started to launch into a series of curses! So he bit his lip with a fang and tried teleporting himself inside!*
Dark managed to make it inside! Only, he appeared at the top of the stairs without any footing and went tumbling down it!
Dark: OOoff! Oooaff! Ouch! Oowww! *He cried out as he went tumbling! He finally hit the bottom and shook himself awake!* Damnit to fuckin’ hell! “You know how to teleport” she says … The least she could do was give me some tips on landing! *He looked around and saw Evangeline and Meri!* There you two are! You’re in so much trouble if that bastard finds out about this …
Except now not just Meri was stuck with spiders, but Evangeline as well! They were pretty sticky for fake ones!
Dark: *Dark growled as he stood up and dusted himself off!* That’s not what I mean! First I get shocked by electricity and then the window chucks the rock back at me–Quit playing around with those webs and let’s get out of here.
SNAP!! They popped right off! Having them loose balance and go tumbling down the stairs!
Dark: … You gotta be kidding me! *He growled and bit his lip again as they went tumbling down! This time he managed to teleport halfway down and broke their fall! They stopped tumbling but he ended up tumbling the rest of the way down! He landed with another THUD! and then shook himself!* Nervous? Nervous is seeing your boyfriend give me that look just before a lesson and knowing I’m in for it but never knowing what “it” is until it’s too late.
Dark: *Dark snorted but he stood up and dusted himself off.* Let’s just get out of here, okay? *They could argue about the less finer qualities of her husband later!*
Except. Now there were stairs going up on BOTH ends of the hall!
Dark: *He looked from one stairs to the other and back again.* … Alright. Is it just me or are the stairs different now? Hm. *He put his hands on Evangeline and Meri’s shoulders and bit his lip, then tried teleporting again!*
Dark sucessfully teleported! …. To the ceiling! So they were dropping to the floor fast!
Dark: Whoooa! *He was heavier so he fell faster, twisting his body and landing on his feet! Then he caught Evangeline and Vlamerias!* Unholy piece of crap … *He growled and started off on a string of curses!*
Dark: Yeah. Well, I just want to get the hell out of here. I found out I don’t like haunted houses much.
“Nooo, nooo! Stay here, we like little children and mothers! But.. but we don’t like the mens. Nooo, noo you are not supposed to be in here!”
Dark: I hate to be the bearer of bad news–Okay, so I don’t mind that part as much as I say I do–but this is one woman and one kid you don’t want to mess around with. And I’d rather not deal with some overprotective, arrogant, selfish bastard so do yourself a favor and let us go. *Gabriel should put a “DO NOT TOUCH” sign on Evangeline and Meri at this rate!*
Dark: *He thought she was just being biased because she was his wife!* It’s just basically using blood and picturing yourself somewhere. Like outside this place. Something is messing my spells up. I managed to get in by teleporting.
The strange house was weird, as it didn’t seem to reflect any magic at all! And now, there was two flights of stairs heading upwards and no where else to turn!
Dark: testing
Vlamerias: I’ll protect you, Mommy! *She hugged Evangeline tight! No one would lay a claw on her Bright Lady while she was around!*
Those stairs seemed awfully high some what was supposed to be a small house! They finally stopped when reaching a big open room, and everywhere was toys and dolls all decorated in halloween costums!
Vlamerias: *Her eyes went wide!* OOhhh! Toys! Dolls! Halloween costumes! *She squealed in delight and hopped off of Evangeline!*
Vlamerias: Lemme go! Lemme go! *She was starting to squirm and looked very desperate!* I wanna play with the toys! These are my toys now! My dolls! My stuff!
Those toys look sooooo fun! Possibly the funnest toys in the world! And whatever Evangeline was hearing didn’t seem to be coming across to anyone else in the room! “Mothers need a break. Soooo tired! Let the children play and take a break!”
Vlamerias: Weee! *Vlamerias sat cross-legged on the floor! Her wings and tail were back and she was playing with a doll!*
“Staaaaay and play little ones! Don’t you want Mommy to have a rest? We have so many toys!” Some of the toys even started blinking, crawling themselves up to stand on their own two feet!
Vlamerias: *Now Meri was holding the dolll up and picking up another doll and having them “talk” to each other. She hadn’t noticed the toys standing up and blinking!*
“Yes! Put down Mommy. She’s so tired! Wouldn’t you like to play?” Those moving dolls advanced, but they looked happy and ready to play! Even trying to grasp his hands so they could dance, dance, dance!
The window wasn’t going to open! “Cookies and ice cream? We do, we do! For good little children that let their Mommies rest and come to play!” And to show they were telling the truth, the Halloween dolls even pulled out trays of cookies with milk, and bowls of ice cream! There was even candies!
Vlamerias: *Her eyes grew wide at the treats and then she ran over to Dark!* Please, Dark! Just a little while! Mommy will be okay here! She just needs to rest a little!
The Ice Cream was so good, it was probably the best ice cream in the world! “Good children can have aaaall the ice cream they want! We just want to play with you!”
Vlamerias: Yay! *Vlamerias turned and began playing with the toys again! This was such a great Halloween!*
What good little children! The toys danced and played with Meri, and made sure Dark had plenty of sweets to eat! Children never noticed when their Mommy falls asleep, or when Mommy is being taken away! “Look little children! Would you like to try one costumes? Cute dresses and clothes! You can look like us!”
Vlamerias: *She looked up and clapped! One of the dresses a doll held up looked so pretty! She wanted to be pretty, too!* I want to be pretty! Can I be pretty, too?
“Oh yes! You can look very pretty in a dress like this!” The toys handed Meri some outfits to choose from. “Wouldn’t it be a delight to dressup like this everyday forever! Would you like that? Eating sweets and playing with toys all the time! No Mommies to say no!”
Gabriel: “On the contrary, Vlamerias loves her mommy and Dark would be the worst for wear if not for her intervention,” replied Gabriel’s voice!
Vlamerias: I want to be pretty! I want to be very pretty! *Vlamerias was oh so very excited! She would get dressed up, she would play everyday and no Mommy to say no to her!*
The toys all looked very confused! There was only supposed to be the Mommy! She was already sleeping, and losing air with the sugarsweet scent of the room. It only worked on the adults! “Yes, yes… Mommies are no good. Making children do unfun things! You should stay and play with us!”
Gabriel: *Gabriel was suddenly standing behind Vlamerias and then he picked her up, turned her to face him.* Vlamerias, you are already a very pretty devil. *When she looked back at the toys, he turned her face to his and put his forehead against hers.* Trust me, young one. I have seen many devils in my time.
Vlamerias: *Vlamerias looked up at him and met his eyes. She wasn’t entirely convinced …* But I want to be pretty. And I want to play. And I don’t want Mommy to say no to me …
“Daddies are just as bad as mommies! They tell you lies and say no as well!” The scent in the room intensified! The toys were inching away, not looking so happy and chipper!
Gabriel: Vlamerias, I cannot recall the Bright Lady ever telling you no. And despite everything, you are still my familiar and it is still your duty to protect the Bright Lady. You know how important she is to me.
Vlamerias: *She looked guilty! That was so true but … but …* Daddies are just as bad as mommies. They–they tell you lies and say no as well.
Caroline: I hate Halloween. *Caroline stepped behind Dark, snatching that bowl of ice cream out of his hands. Her hair was down and wet, and she was wearing pajamas! Obviously interupted from her nice night off!* There’s a potion infuser in here somewhere.
“If Mommies and Daddies loved their children, they would let them do what ever they wanted! Instead they make them go to school and to bed!” A second intruder, the toys looked very unsure! They were going back to ‘sleep’ again, leaving only the voice behind!
Caroline: I’m sure in just a little while Evangeline might be dead too. If that deserves ice cream, you are welcome to it.
Gabriel: I do not lie, Vlamerias. *His eyes narrowed into slits.* And in this plane, my role as your master supersedes that of being your father figure. Find me the source. *He put Vlamerias down while he drew his sword and walked over to check on Evangeline!*
Vlamerias: *She gulped! Now she really did feel guilty!* Okay. *She squeaked! Then she hovered around the room and began sniffing for that smell!*
There was a hiiiiiiisssss of that voice, but not another phrase. As Vlamerias snooped far in the corner of the room there was several open jars filled with strange scented oils! They were assorted potions!
Vlamerias: *She paused when she heard that hiss but then she spotted the jars!* Here it is! Here it is! *She moved to attack the jars!*
Gabriel: Vlamerias. Stop. *Gabriel joined her in the corner.* Go back to the Seer. *He cut his palm, cast a spell, and the jars tops appeared and sealed the jars.*
With the jars closed, the odd scents were sloooowly starting to fade. Yet, that didn’t seem to stop the odd feel of the house. There must have been many more potion jars scattered around! “Meddlers, meddlers… The children want to stay here with us! Don’t you want to stay here little children? You should fight to stay where you will have fun!”
Vlamerias: *Vlamerias looked confused.* I want to … but I have to … and I can’t … but I want to … *She was sitting on Evangeline’s lap and clasped her hands together, her wings folding around her!*
Caroline: *Not seeming surprised, Caroline jumped to the side, making sure to swing her arm and catch Dark across the back with her elbow!* Do I look like your mother, you idiot?!
“Children don’t have to do what Mommies and Daddies say. Children can do what they want! Big Brother does what he wants. All the smart children do what they want.” Something strange was starting to crawl up from the floors…. Children! Little children dressed in costumes of all shapes and sizes! Except… they weren’t with solid bodies – they were ghosts!
Vlamerias: *Meri whimpered and crawled off of Evangeline’s lap.* I don’t know what to do … I want to … but I need to …
Gabriel: *Gabriel picked up Evangeline and slipped her over his shoulder.* How are you at exorcising restless spirits. *He was asking Caroline as he looked for a way out!*
Caroline: I’m so glad you know how to make good decisions now! *Caroline growled! But she was quick, Seeming to step and hop over his swinging leg and turn to grab his arm in one fluid motion! Without losing the momentum, she slung him around to throw him face first in to the wall!* Just find the way out and I shall take care of it.
Gabriel: … Consider yourself fortunate, Evangeline. Fortunate you are not dead. I am not in a forgiving mood. *He moved to the window and bit his wrist. He put one finger against the window.* Aperio. *The window cracked and then the glass shattered. He climbed onto the window sill and looked back over his shoulder.* Vlamerias. To me. *And then he jumped off, landing neatly on the ground outside!*
Vlamerias: *Vlamerias was still chewing on her lip but she knew a command when she heard one. She was in such trouble!* C–co–coming! *She POOFED! out of the room and then POOFED! outside, hovering in front of Gabriel and Evangeline!*
Caroline: *Grabbing Dark by the shirt collar, she hauled him to his feet long enough to chuck him head first out the window. Caroline was not feeling so forgiving either! Plucking a marble from her pocket, she stalked to the center of the room. A long muttered phrase, she smashed the marble between her hands to release it!*
All of the ghostly children seemed to freeze in place when the marble was cracked! Their whispy forms twizzling away as they were released from their bindings. “My friends! My little friends! Don’t leave us! Come back!”
Caroline: You would do well not to steal children from their parents. Today you tried to steal the wrong people. Be glad it is me and not Gabriel. *Caroline didn’t bother to explain what she meant, or even what she was doing. A second marble was pulled from her pocket, along with a knife. She drug it across her palm to coat the bead before she cracked it and released a second spell. This one came with such a large shimmer that the entire house seemed to shift as the ones ‘inside’ it howled! …Where they went was a mystery, but they sure weren’t going to take little children anymore! With it done, Caroline hopped out of the window, landing neatly on the grass and casting Dark a scowl.*
Caroline: Er… *If receiving something from Gabriel was not odd enough, a nice relaxing trip like a spa was even more so! Caroline couldn’t help but smirk.* I understand a little more why Evangeline loves you. Thank you very much.