Elizabeth Bathory drives Lily Crazy. Gabriel teaches Evangeline some spells.
“Lily …” someone whispered in her ear. It might be a classmate trying to wake her up!
Evangeline: *There was something strange going on lately, but she could not figure it out! Something with magic for sure… so what a perfect opportunity for her to try once again to convince Gabriel to teach her one or two things.* ….Please?
But no one was even looking Lily’s way. They were either dozing off themselves or scribbling notes in their book, such as Eugene Jr. over there. He caught Lily looking his way and gave her a wave and a grin.
Evangeline: I was trying to read some books, but magic books aren’t really designed to read without eyes… and none of the trainees wanted to help! They said Jimmy was still invisible from the last time. I really don’t remember trying any invisibility spells.
“Now, if all of you turn to chapter 21 in your text books …” The teacher was saying. It looked like Lily was just imagining things!
Evangeline: *Evangeline tapped her chin as if she were actually thinking back in time over an entire family tree.* Not magic. Nor witches or sorcery. A gypsy here or there and the occasional mad lunatic. Nothing very extraordinary.
Evangeline: *There was a mild guilty expression on her face, but she huffed!* I wasn’t trying to do any spells, really. Frank is taking training for using scrolls and they are always using latin so we were trying to get the right words for the right scrolls…
Lily’s class looked out into the courtyard where students gathered to study or hang out. There was a blonde-haired girl on the bench right outside Lily’s class with her back facing Lily. She had long blonde hair and wore an old-fashioned dress that looked more like something a doll would wear …
Evangeline: A little bit like that yes! I think I might have mixed up the words. And then Frank said Jimmy was gone even though both me and Jimmy insisted he was right there.
The girl shrugged off her jacket. Phew! Just a jacket! The girl still hadn’t turned around yet.
The bell rang! Class was over!
Evangeline: Go where? …you’re not going to ban me from classes again, are you? Spending a week alone with Ms. Grey always gets kind of scary!
Conrad: *He was scratching Brutus who was nipping his hand and jumping around! Man, that pup had a hell of a lot of energy!*
Evangeline: *This wasn’t quite what she was expecting! There wasn’t anyone around for miles and miles… it might have been a miracle this place existed out in the desert!* I am a little confused…
“Lily …” There was that voice again!
… But there was no one there!
Evangeline: In case I turn someone to a frog or invisible. *She responded, not sounding the least bit offended. Evangeline smiled brightly!* All right then! I am ready to learn things! I know how it works mostly, I can feel lines and motions but I suppose there is more than that… Oh, fairies use wands. Do you supposed I would need one?
Conrad: *He and Brutus ran up to Lily! He saw the look on her face!* Everything okay? *She hadn’t been sleeping well lately but whenever he asked her about it, she would shrug it off or change the subject.*
Evangeline: And what of blood? Sometimes it is required for things, especially seals. …I am not sure I could poke myself for every spell. *She had only used blood once when undoing the seal that had Gabriel trapped in the room.. and she couldn’t even get the whole thing unraveled!*
Conrad: *He took her bag and blinked! He watched her disappear into the bathroom and glanced at Brutus.* Hm.
Brutus was sitting down beside him and looked up at Conrad when he glanced at him.
Lily was nice and calm … until she looked into the mirror! There was the reflection of the girl she’d killed! She wore the dress she died in and her eyes, glazed over but angry, burned into Lily! There was a hole where Lily had shot her! “You can’t leave! You’re his favorite!” she hissed, lifting a finger to point at Lily!
“You can’t leave! You’re his favorite!” the girl repeated, advancing on Lily!
Evangeline: And psychics? Not that psychics use magic, they- …well, that is so hard to explain… *She tugged lightly on his sleeve.* What will you teach me first?
Evangeline: …But they can be unraveled! Well… when you know how to unravel. *There was a sheepish expression from her.* Perhaps I should to unravel and break spells before casting them… Um. For Jimmy’s sake.
There was the sound of the girl approaching her. Click! click! went the heels of her boots! Her icy cold breath chilled Lily’s cheek–“Did you see that game last night?” The bathroom door opened and two girls walked in. “The Warriors versus the Trojans? Oh yeah, those men are hot,” the second girl said. They were walking to the stalls when one of them saw Lily! “Hey, are you alright?” she asked!
Conrad: There you are. *Conrad said as he and Brutus spotted Lily. But now she looked really bad!* Lily, what’s wrong? What happened in the bathroom?
Evangeline: *Evangeline sighed with a light huff.* It would be nice to not cast spells by accident… I had never done that before. It’s a little strange.
Evangeline: Ms. Grey says I have spent too much time with you and picked up your habits. *That had her grinning… but it disappeared, being replaced with a more curious expression!* …You saw one of my visions once. I just remembered.
Conrad: … But now you see her and you’re wide awake. I’ll take you back to Shades and have the secretary at Oracle call your professors. *He started leading her to the jeep.*
Evangeline: *Picking up Gabriel’s habits didn’t seem all that strange to Evangeline but remembering he shared one of her visions was! She was still trying to figure that one out! Like piecing a puzzle together in her head!*
Gabriel: *He raised an eyebrow.* I am certain it is not that uncommon an occurence.
Evangeline: But it is uncommon. Thoughts can be shared, memories even.. but visions in themselves are crazy things. And one like that was strange enough by itself without you seeing it as well! *In fact it wasn’t a vision she really wanted to reflect back on, but the circumstances were odd and now that she was thinking about it, it was worth knowing!*
Gabriel: *Yes, he had outright lied. You didn’t live as long as he did without knowing things like this and psychics were known to experience their visions in a way only they could interpret. It was a defense mechanism.* Uncommon perhaps but not unheard of. It could simply have been because of the severity of circumstances. It was already unusual that you experienced a vision pertaining to yourself.
Brutus looked up at Conrad. When the hunter looked at him, he wagged his tail and gave him a hopeful look.
Evangeline: I suppose that is true… *She was upset and scared, and worse seeing herself in the vision. She had wanted him to be there!* But, I do a lot of things now that I hadn’t before… Even when I’m not cheating and touching your wall for strength.
Gabriel: Some humans are more susceptible to things than others. But we are going off the path. We are here to focus on your introduction to magic. You do not need a wand or any such object to cast spells and it would seem you have a habit of casting spells without realizing what you are doing.
“You were his favorite. That’s why he attacked Oracle, why he killed those people. He would never have sent his marionettes after them if you hadn’t been there, hiding. You are such a coward.”
Evangeline: Subject changer! *Evangeline hadn’t failed to notice, but he was right. For now it was more important to learn some things about magic before other questions!* How would I not cast spells by accident?
Gabriel: *Something that might have been a half-smile tugged at the corner of his mouth when she called him a ‘subject changer’.* At least you are now aware you are capable of it. Ignorance is bliss but it is far from harmless. I find it strange you are able to cast magic without realizing it. Most must concentrate with every fiber of their being to cast the simplest spell. But getting back to the topic at hand, there is no foolproof way to prevent you from doing so by accident. The best you can hope for is that you realize what you are doing before it is too late. Perhaps by being careful what you read out loud or repeat.
Evangeline: *Evangeline gave a guilty expression… it really was not the first time someone has suggested she be careful about what she blabbered out. She was still having to remind herself not to blabber about random visions, especially around Ms. Grey.* I may have to not speak altogether… that is so extraordinarily hard to do!
“He even came to your college, looking for you. If you hadn’t been there, he would never have gone. He was there for you. No one else. It’s all your fault.”
Gabriel: Indeed. *He tilted his head slightly at her.* You do realize it would be far too quiet a place if you attempted to stop talking completely.
Brutus gave him a sad-werepup look.
But even then, the girl’s voice lingered. “Do everyone a favor … Make it stop … Stop living …” And then Lily found herself alone. For the moment, anyways.
Evangeline: Quiet, but safer for trainees everywhere. Heaven forbid I say the wrong words and someone explodes! *And from the look on her face, she was sure something like that could happen! Jimmy was already invisible! It could get worse!*
Gabriel: *He reached up and cupped her cheek.* Do you trust me? *He asked quietly.*
Evangeline: *The question came so suddenly, she blinked in surprise as she touched his hand.* Of course I trust you. More than anyone else in the world!
Gabriel: I trust in your ability to control yourself. You would not have made it this long if you did not possess such control. *He took the hand touching his and turned it over, palm up. Then he slipped something into it and closed her fingers around it. It was silver, it was flat and round, big enough to be mistaken for a US silver dollar. But it was cool and there was something engraved on both sides. There was a small hole at the top and through the hole, a thin but strong leather strap. A talisman!* It is a detection device. If you begin to recite a spell, the talisman will begin to grow warm. For maximum effect, you have to wear it against your skin. Should someone else cast a spell within earshot of you, it will also activate the device. The warmer the talisman, the closer to completion the spell is. It will work no matter how strong or how weak the spell.
Evangeline: This will be perfect! *Evangeline examined it for a moment before she placed it around her neck and tucked it under her shirt. Then she promptly hugged him! It may have been a tool rather than a present, but he seemed to consider these things before she ever seemed to think about them… It was s sweet!*
Gabriel: *He was used to these uncontrollable actions of affection so he just waited it out!* Indeed. A word of caution, the talisman may become hot enough to burn you.
Evangeline: Then I will just lean forward until it’s not so hot. *…or slip it on the outside of her shirt! Either way, it was a perfect gift! She was going to keep hugging him until he pulled her off!* So now I need to know how to unravel some spells and fix poor Jimmy.
Gabriel: *He tolerated the hugging far longer than anyone else would have expected him to! It was several minutes before he took her hands and pried her off of him, stepping back.* Indeed. Most spells, such as the invisibility one you cast, should be simple enough to undo. You must keep in mind what you said exactly. Spells are literal and can easily go awry. That includes undoing spells unless blood was involved.
Evangeline: No blood, just blabbering. *A small huff as she thought the spell over…* I wish it was as easy as animal cursing, those are almost always solved with kisses and those are so much simpler to give.
Gabriel: *He raised an eyebrow when she mentioned giving animal kisses.* I should mention. It is easier to undo a spell you cast, than undo a spell cast by another. To attempt to undo a spell cast by a stronger magic-user may result in the spell backfiring on you and the victim or even death. Some magic is far too powerful to meddle with carelessly.
Brutus barked once, tail wagging and followed Conrad!
Evangeline: Luckily then I am not a sorceress! I am content to avoid accidents and maybe one or two useful things so you won’t have to worry about me. Like… um… *She was trying to think of appropriate spells, but most offensive things usually involved knowing where you were aiming and that wasn’t always as easy as it sounded.*
Gabriel: You lack the will to do another harm. A few defensive spells should suffice a light so bright it blinds, a shield, and a simple healing spell should do.
Gabriel: *suffice
Evangeline: I think I understand shields now and might be better with practice… Can you show me the healing spells? Then I can take care of you and everyone else.
“Arf! Arf!” Brutus came running inside and through the suite! “Arf! Arf!” He ran into the kitchen and jumped up and down beside Lily!
Gabriel: *He nodded, moved behind Evangeline, put her arms up so they were stretched in front of her.* Arms out, fingers together, palm facing outside. Most healers use this stance as it helps channel the magic through them and into their patients. It helps if you are aware of what type of wounds he or she is suffering, what you are attempting to heal, and your own limits. To heal one at death’s door is an extremely difficult and draining task. Attempt to heal such a person and fail and prepare to pay with your own life or fall into a comatose state. Are you willing to make such a sacrifice?
Evangeline: *Evangeline was listening carefully, putting the stance to memory!* I have made difficult choices before, I can do it again. Knowing what you are trying to heal is most important, right?
Gabriel: Yes. And when you begin to heal, you cannot let anything distract you. Healing someone in the middle of a battle is a serious task to undertake. It does not matter the words you use. As I said before, it is not the language that matters.
Brutus calmed down but his tail was still wagging pretty hard.]
Conrad: *He smiled.* Hey, sure we will. What are friends for? I might snore or talk in my sleep, though.
Evangeline: Actions and motions and magic lines are more important than words. *Evangeline repeated, mostly to remind herself! She recognized magic lines very easily. It may have been why she was so often accidentally pulling them and casting spells! …She would just have to not touch instead of not speak!* I will keep focused.
Gabriel: The next time a student is injured, I will send them to you instead of to the Infirmary. *He took a step back and let go fo her arms.*
Evangeline: Training on the trainees? *The thought made her smile! She turned around to snag his sleeve.* Now you can show me a light spell!
Gabriel: I should also caution you. It will be easier to heal another human or even an animal compared to a vampire or a were. They are able to withstand much more serious injuries so it will be harder to gauge your limits and just how serious their wounds are.
Brutus licked Lily’s face as he settled against her on the bed!
Evangeline: *She looked faintly concerned about that, but whatever she decided seemed to placate her.* I’ll try not to do anything silly so you won’t worry over me.
Gabriel: *He nodded.* My thanks. Now, the light spell. I suppose I should give you two versions the mild spell and the one strong enough to cast out wraiths. They are also helpful against demons and other so-called \”creatures of the night.\” Our eyes are much more sensitive. Only the strongest can withstand a light spell.
Evangeline: I really didn’t like the wraiths! *Saying so was unneccasary, but the creatures were that disturbing she had to mention it again!* Lets practice that one a lot, I never want to feel those again if I can help it…
Gabriel: Because you do not necessarily need words to cast spells either, it is simply a matter of imagining the sun, letting the light fill you, brightening every dark corner. Merely concentrate on that light, never let your thoughts sway from it. Deep breaths and try it.
Evangeline: *It took her a moment to even remember what the sun looked like! For a moment she looked rather mad about it, but she quickly found the right thought to focus on. Lighting up corners in her head was easy enough… but then she was trying to figure out where to put her sun!* …should I throw it? Or let it sit and float like a sun-balloon?
Gabriel: If you wish to repel wraiths, you must keep the light with you. Otherwise, it may be lost and the wraiths are quick to pounce on a moment of opportunity. Try to let it sit and float above you.
Evangeline: *That was more than enough incentive to try really hard on that light spell! Being near a wraith was frightening enough, she never wanted to be pounced by one! She tilted back to poke a finger above her head and set her sun to float there. Something was working, as she could feel the talismen against her chest… but it would have been nice if she could see it too!* Is that enough, or maybe I should make it brighter?
Gabriel: *As a Carnatelli, classified as a ‘master vampire’, the Seer’s light did not have as strong an effect as it would have on a young vampire. But he nodded once.* Attempt to make it as bright as possible and then hold it.
Evangeline: *Brighter! Like… desert suns at noon! Or exploding supernovas! …Or Ms. Grey’s aura when she’s getting really mad! She made sure to put all of that in to her light. It was a little heavy, but felt shiny!* Better?
Gabriel: Much. How long can you hold that light?
Evangeline: I’m not sure. Making it was simple but holding it up is harder… I’m afraid Imight drop it if I stop thinking about it. *Multitasking with these sort of things didn’t seem to be her strength! Even now she was trying to make sure she held it up herself and didn’t lean on his wall for support. One day he might need his own wall and she’ll not be able to!*
Gabriel: As a spell-caster you will be aware of when you are drawing close to slipping. You already know what that feels like. When that happens, merely let the light go. It is easier if you do so slowly until you gain more control over the light spell. If you let go too quickly, the spell might backfire in several ways.
Evangeline: *Evangeline could easily imagine how a spell might go wrong! For now, she was still trying to hold her light and see how long she could keep it!* I can do that, I think. …later I would like to do the light and a wall at the same time. Or healing and a wall! I couldn’t hold the wall and break a seal at the same time, and I think I should really try harder to do that…
Gabriel: Indeed. *He said.* I have faith in you.
They were sleeping rather soundly … until Conrad’s phone went off!
It was Ms Grey on the phone and she sounded upset! She wanted Conrad to get his ass to HQ right away and the pup, too!
Ms Grey insisted Lily would be safer at Shades and would sleep easer if Brutus wasn’t around to wake her! And Conrad had better hurry up and get here or find another job!
Evangeline: *She reponded with a silly smile and nearly dropped her spell. It wasn’t often he said things like that, and it still gave her warm fuzzies every time he did! Which was silly because.. it just was! Now she was trying NOT to smile so ridiculously and keep her light a little longer!* Thank you very much. I don’t know why those trainees so upset, you are a very nice teacher.
Gabriel: *This from the woman who lectured him on not shooting students, or throwing hunters out of the windows. He tilted his head slightly at her.* Neither do I.
Moments after Conrad left everything was silent! Dead silent! No movement in the suite. No sounds of anyone returning home. Not even a gnome or faerie lurking in the liquor cabinet. Just silence.
Brutus protested against being taken away like this as he and Conrad rode the elevator down!
Brutus appeared to accept that! He sat down and stopped scratching at the doors and whining. He wouldn’t stop being vigilant though, even when the doors opened and they stepped into the lobby!
Brutus sensed something was amiss, too! He stuck close to Conrad and came close to tripping the hunter a number of times!
Silence… until the telephone rang! Ring, ring! ring, ring!
“People always die because you’re alive. Who else is going to die? Will you kill them too…?”
This time the voice came in clear, like it was in the very room. “No, I’m not here. I’m dead because of you. And now you live my life… and let others die in your place.”
The mention of Evangeline helped calm Brutus down! He moved slightly away from Conrad, enough to let the hunter walk as they came to Conrad’s jeep. He never parked it far from the exit. Brutus suddenly let out a sound that was half-whine, half-growl!
Yet, no ringing came! The phone was dead!
There was a large red seal on the ground beneath the pup! And it was sucking the pup inside! Brutus was only hanging on by trying to climb out, claws scrapping across the cement! He whined and fought! Some force appeared to be dragging him down!
Poor Brutus! He was panicked and desperate! He whined at Conrad!
The halls of the school were very real, though! Cool and empty with all of the lights turned out. It was silent except for… a creaking? Out of a vent near the floor something was crawling out! A girl! A very dead looking girl… one of the rescued dolls that didn’t make it! “I wasn’t the only one you killed.” Said the voice echoing in the hall. “You lived while the rest of us died…”
Brutus shook himself, also disoriented! He glanced from side to side! Where was he?! And then he saw Conrad! He bit his sleeve and tried to pull him out!
Brutus didn’t look ready to leave Conrad anytime soon! He was going to stay and help the hunter!
“You are such a coward! Always running away, letting US die for you! Why do you live, Lily! When are you going to stop!” A hand shot out from the wall in the stair well, grabbing on to Lily’s arm! When she struggled the arm released her just as suddenly, making sure the girl took a hard tumble down the rest of the stairs!
Brutus turned to run back to Shades–only to bump into someone’s legs!
“Leaving so soon?” a familiar voice asked as someone grabbed Brutus by the collar and lifted him up to look him in the eye. “It’s not polite to leave the party so soon.”
The basement was dark and eeriely cold! There were candles lit and sigils glowing on the walls! Behind Lily there was a soft laugh. As she turned around, there was the girl! Blond haired doll with a hole right through her. “You keep running. Who is going to die tonight because you ran? The little puppy? The bodyguard? Your mommy or the wolf? If only you would stop. Stop.”
Brutus snapped out of it, growled and twisted, snapping at the woman’s face! She would either let him go or risk getting her face bitten off!
When Brutus’ claws scratched her arms, the woman hissed and was forced to drop the pup! But not before delivering a quick kick to the pup’s side! Then she stalked over to him, ready to finish the job!
“Sorry? You think sorry is going to bring us back to life? Is SORRY going to stop everyone from dying for you?” The girl came closer. Stepping forward several paces everytime Lily stepped back. “Spare them! Do the right thing and DIE!” SLASH! A swipe of a knife cutting a gash across Lily’s chest, nearly shoulder to shoulder! The blood flung across the floor activating a sigil that nearly encompassed the entire room!
She fell–only to glance over her shoulder at him and shake her foot free, then kick him in the face. She watched as he lost his grip and was swallowed up to his neck in cement! She smirked as she got to her feet, saw him glaring at her. “Ohohoh, that’s nothing compared to what she has in mind for you …” The puppy forgotten, she turned her attention to Conrad.
Now the blond was getting visibly angry! “CAN’T? What makes you so special! Michael’s precious little treasure, his favorite little doll! So important that you get live while others suffer?” She stepped on to the sigil, leaning above Lily. “Your body and your soul. That’s what he wants. That’s what we all want. And all we be slaughtered until we get it. Your mother. Your guard. Your friends. Everyone.”
Brutus ended up under a parked car! He raised his head and crawled out! He returned to the jeep but no one was there! He sniffed around but it was like they had just disappeared!
The girl actually looked surprised! …she even began to laugh! “Crying for help, little girl? From one that can’t even hear you screaming? It is the end for you.” Not allowing Lily to even get to her knees, the girl grabbed her head sharply and pressed her fingers to Lily’s lips. She was reciting a spell for pulling the soul right out of a body!
Gabriel: *He appeared behind Lily, on the edge of the sigil! He stepped onto the sigil, cut his palm.* Ms Grey. Valravn. *The sigil appeared behind him, the raven flew straight for the blonde, grabbing her hair and pulling!*
The blond gave a terrible shriek! But is was more of anger than of pain! How did the little girl managed to summon him here?! He was not even in the country! Staggering backwards, her form shifted. She was no longer in the body of Erica but the appearance of a student from the school. “You’ve come to rescue another damsel, Gabriel?” she spat!
Gabriel: *He ignored the girl. He caught Lily as she fainted and placed his hand over the wound on her chest. He would tend to Lily first and deal with the creature afterwards. Valravn returned and perched on his shoulder.* The next time you decide to take a body, Elizabeth, be certain it is not under my care. Valravn, I want her face. *The raven flew and dove straight for Elizabeth’s face.*
Elizabeth had no desire to lose her current face! She slashed wildly at the raven diving for her! “Come now! Perhaps you shouldn’t be in the habit of keeping such pure and pretty souls around you. …Ah, but I guess you can’t help but share the same tastes as your brother Michael!” she taunted!
The raven was relentless in doing as ordered! But it was forced to hover out of Elizabeth’s reach when she began slashing wildly at it.
Gabriel: What would you know of purity and beauty, Elizabeth? You are cursed. No amount of beauty in this world or the next will ever mask the ugliness you are and will always be. *He was walking toward her.* Appello. *A large snake appeared behind Elizabeth and dove to wrap around her ankles and body.*
No! Elizabeth was going to make herself disappear as he approached, but his spell caught her! She writhed and struggled against the snakes, hissing much the same as they did! “I am beautiful! You will not cast me away like you do to others! I am a MASTER!”
Gabriel: You are a slave, Elizabeth. To your own selfish ends, your own vanity. It is a curse you doomed yourself to long ago but a curse you will continue to live through. *He held one hand out to Valravn who snipped on his wrist. He kept walking toward her as Valravn flew and perched on his shoulder.* Countess Elizabeth Báthory, Báthory Erzsébet, Alžbeta Bátoriová, Alžb?ta Báthoryová, El?bieta Batory, I grant you your greatest desire and your worst fear. You may stay in this hellish realm of yours, bereft of interference from one and all. You will keep your beauty but watch it fade, over and over again. It will not take years or decades for your beauty to fade but minutes. You will be helpless, forced to watch as your beauty deteriorates. *Mirrors began to appear around Elizabeth.* The mirrors of this world will be your eyes. You will witness your beauty wither. You close your eyes and the mirror will show you in your mind what is happening to you. Break one mirror and it will only regenerate. Attempting to use any means to prolong your beauty will only hasten your rotting body. *Seals appeared on the mirrors, then faded into the mirrors.*
“N… no! You can’t do this me! You have no RIGHT to place such a curse on me!” Her complaints were falling on deaf ears and as soon as she saw herself in the mirrors her scream was sharp and piercing…!
Gabriel: *He smirked.* Crux crucis loginquitas, patefacio via. *He, Lily, and Valravn disappeared and reappeared in Lily’s room! He placed her on her bed and checked her wound.* Ms Grey.
Gabriel: Stay here. *He put a hand on her shoulder as he slipped something out of his pocket. The tracking device on Brutus’ collar.* Valravn. Stay with Ms Grey. *The white raven hopped off of his shoulder and onto the headboard of Lily’s bed!* Crux crucis loginquitas, patefacio via. *And then he was gone again!*
The place the seal had taken Conrad looked… surprising pleasant! Fine antique furniture. Beautiful tapestries. Expensive art. It looked like a well maintained castle!
Brutus refused to leave the parking garage! He was sniffing the ground Conrad had disappeared into! But he had vanished, along with the stinky thing!
Gabriel: *He appeared in the parking garage behind Conrad’s jeep and found Brutus sniffing the ground, walking in circles. He put the tracking device away and approached the pup.*
Valravn aka “Fluffy” was perched on the back of a chair, watching Evangeline and Lily!
The door was locked. But an icy cold breeze suggested Conrad was not alone. Followed by every mirror in the room suddenly shattering with a piercing scream! “That BASTARD! How dare he… But you… you are going to help make my vengeance so sweet.” The moment the glass hit the ground it reformed together in the shape of a person. An unfamiliar face… Elizabeth’s true body!
Brutus stopped sniffing when Gabriel approached. He faced him, and began to whine, pawing at the ground!
Evangeline: You aren’t in any condition to go on a rescue, I doubt you can even stand on two feet. There’s no need to worry, Gabriel is fetching Brutus and Conrad. We can take a nap!
Gabriel: *He crouched down, held his hand out for Brutus to sniff so the pup would know it was him.*
“You don’t recognize your sweet godmother Carmilla? Or maybe you prefer your mother Erica?” She was far too angry to remained entirely focused on Conrad. The mirrors that had shattered had returned. Unbroken. Her poor beautiful face…! Again she growled! Directing her fingers at Conrad she shouted a spell, retching torrents of pain through his body! “That GIRL summoned the Night Stalker as if he were her personal champion! He lives there in that suite. What do you know of Gabriel Carnatelli!”
Brutus sniffed and realized Gabriel was the real deal! He whined and pawed at Gabriel’s hand!
“Did that hurt, my pet? It will hurt so much more if you don’t tell me what I want to know. …Or would you preffer me to bring the little girl here? Now that I know what breaks her, taking her soul was so much easier…”
Valravn flew up, perched on the frame of the door above and in front of Lily! “Please, listen to the Seer. If you go now, you will only put your guard and even my master in trouble.” The voice was male and soft, rich, but it definitely came from the bird!
Evangeline: Yes, Fluffy is right. You’re going t-… Fluffy! When did you learn to talk out loud! *Evangeline looked a little shocked for a moment, but she skirted around the bed to harass Lily right back in it.* Besides, you will not know where to look for him. Gabriel knows what he’s doing!
“Don’t lie, boy. I laided my plans for weeks. Touching that girl. Finding a way through those wards. Gabriel Carnatelli. What makes him weak.” Clenching her hand she gave him another sharp jolt of the spell before releasing it again. “Tell me.”
In reply, Valravn buried his beak under his wing and groomed himself!
Evangeline: *Tilting her head as she sat down on the edge of the bed, Evangeline looked… first brushing over Gabriel and then outwards.* …He is too far away for me to take you. But Gabriel can reach him. He has already found Brutus! So, lets talk about something nice until they get back!
Gabriel: I need you calm. *He said after scratching the pup between the ears.* We will save Wolfe but I need to know what happened first. Be still and focus on what happened here. *He could feel the last ounces of magic fading from here but whoever had cast it, had made sure the spell would dissipate quickly, leaving no trace of the spell or its purpose.*
“Lily, Lily… the pretty little girl with an unbreakable soul.” Tilting her hand, her spell drug Conrad across the floor, nearly slinging him in to a lit fireplace! “Near death, and yet she summoned with a single breath. Does the Night Stalker share your weakness, pet? Does he want the girl’s soul?”
Brutus found it very hard to concentrate! There was Conrad and the seal–and the steak he had for dinner last night! Nonono! Conrad, the seal–Mmm, and apple pie! Conrad–and steak and apple pie! Yes, Brutus found it very hard to concentrate so it took several tries before he became focused enough to keep in mind what had happened here!
Evangeline: *Evangeline was patient! She wouldn’t want to sit still either if Gabriel was in danger. But sometimes there are things you can’t jump in to!* I am just happier thinking about the good things instead of being upset about the bad. You have plenty of nice things to think about don’t you?
“Come now… you are such an observant young man. One that could see something wrong with the little girl, surely you can see through Gabriel Carnatelli.” Though her voice was soothing, her hand raised pulling Conrad up with it! He hit the ceiling and stayed there, another jolt of pain hitting him! “Who else does he protect! There are others in that suite!”
Gabriel: *It spoke a lot about Gabriel’s patience that he was able to tolerate the pup as Brutus attempted to focus. He slit his wrist and placed a finger at the center of Brutus’ forehead.* Ostendo sum occultus preteritus. *A pulse of negative energy and he saw things from Brutus’ point of view! Coming into the parking garage, following Conrad, going to the jeep … all the way up until Brutus was kicked by the mystery woman! He slowly broke contact to check on the pup and make sure he was alright or if he’d have to go to the suite. But true to form, the pup was healing and only licked Gabriel’s face when the vampire pressed his hand against his side.*
Evangeline: *Her smile broke for a moment – she didn’t mean it to, but it was a phrase she had said herself.* Some do terrible things and they may use you to do it, but that doesn’t make it your fault. *Gabriel had told her the very same thing!*
Elizabeth scowled! With a hiss, she dropped him abruptly from the ceiling, and had his body flung across the room in to one of her mirrors! “I AM in hell because of him! He’s taken my beautiful face! Oh, but I will take something from him. And unless you want me to bring that pretty little Lily here to play, I suggest you tell me what I desire to know. …Or shall I break you and ask her about Gabriel Carnatelli instead? Yes, she was much more reasonable.” She released the spell from Conrad, seeming to like that idea more and more! He came to fetch the little girl once, he would come and fetch her again!
Gabriel: *He stood and slit his wrist again.* Reverto semita ut plasmator. *A drop of blood hit the ground where the seal had been and from it, the seal reappeared, blazing bright! He picked up Brutus and jumped inside! … And found himself in Elizabeth’s castle! There was no sign of Conrad or Elizabeth!*
It looked like Lily wasn’t going to bolt just yet! Valravn returned to his perch on the back of a chair closer to the bed!
Elizabeth was going to open a gate… one that would lead her back to the suite and the hole she made to get inside. But, something had entered her castle! A growling scream! He had come sooner than she wished! But ah… she had things to delay him! Elizabeth let loose her beauties. Her little ‘failed’ bodies to attack him!
Gabriel: *He set Brutus down and let the pup smell the sleeve he’d torn from Conrad before the hunter had disappeared! He put the sleeve back into his pocket and pulled out his guns!* Find Wolfe.
Evangeline: *Evangeline reached out and scratched the top of Fluffy’s head. Her first instinct was to ignore the question, but… Lily needed someone to talk to. Someone that would understand!* I always think that people might worry about me more than they need to. Or get upset and lose themselves and go on a shooting rampage. But if you have questions, I will answer them! Cross my heart!
Elizabeth’s bodies were terrible failed attempts at making herself from scratch! The idea taken from that Master Carnatelli seemed ideal, yet trying to execute it was difficult! They were all twisted, malformed, hideous! No good for one as beautiful as she. But they were perfect for filling with the souls of demons and using as a personal army! Doors opened all over the castle, with her girls pouring out! “Delay him. Kill him if you can!”
Gabriel: *He faced the failed attempts but he was determined. He had come from someone and he was going to get him. He shot over and over, kicking out and tripping bodies that came too close!*
Evangeline: *Closing her eyes with a sheepish look, she nodded!* I don’t want to make him worry. I am not quite as strong as you! *She suddenly grinned! Maybe it was better to change the subject after all.* Everyone is very lucky with how well you handle yourself! I think you impress Gabriel too. Many of the trainees don’t have so much spirit!
With her girls keeping Gabriel at bay, Elizabeth started on her spell! Chanting the words as she circled around the room, she stopped for a moment over the unconsious Conrad to quickly swipe her knife over his back and draw blood! Returning to the fireplace, she flung the blood in to the fire. She was preparing a portal where she would snatch that girl and get everything she needed to make Gabriel squirm!
Brutus growled and ran toward Elizabeth, ready to tackle and then bite her!
Gabriel: *He saw something going on at the fireplace and headed there! He reloaded his guns real quick before shooting, kicking, and sending bodies flying back!*
Her portal was almost complete…and that pup was getting in her way! Elizabeth stepped to the side, casting her spell of pain towards the pup and pulling him towards the fire! She’d use HIS blood for the final phrase!
Brutus let out a cry, twisting in mid-air from the spell! It hurt!
Gabriel: *His guns were gone! He sliced his palm, disappeared and reappeared in front of the fireplace in time to catch Brutus!* Levitas. *A blast of lightning went flying at Elizabeth!*
Another growl, Elizabeth is dashing out of the way of his lightning! She was summoning up more of her girls! He was here too soon! She wasn’t finished yet!
Gabriel: *He soothed Brutus, clutching the pup to him as he looked up at the creatures coming.* Ortus ex cinis cineris , immortalis pluma. *He held up one hand and a large dark red feather appeared between his fingers. He tossed the feather behind him and into the fire! The fire suddenly turned white and two streams of fire erupted and flew around Gabriel to incinerate the minions!*
Destroying her fire AND her bodies…! Elizabeth had started towards him to attack but…! She had not lived this long by making fool moves. She pointed threateningly. “Take him. But I will have my vengeance for my beautiful face, Gabriel Carnatelli. You [i]will[/i] suffer.” …She vanished!
Destroying her fire AND her bodies…! Elizabeth had started towards him to attack but…! She had not lived this long by making fool moves. She pointed threateningly. “Take him. But I will have my vengeance for my beautiful face, Gabriel Carnatelli. You will suffer.” …She vanished!
Gabriel: *How did the saying go …? “If only he had a nickel for everytime someone told him that.” Still soothing Brutus by petting his side and casting a sleeping spell until Elizabeth’s own pain spell wore off, he found Conrad not too far away.*
Gabriel: *He crouched down beside Conrad.* You will live.
“You will live.” The little boy in PJ’s looked up at the man in black. He couldn’t speak, he could only stare, wide-eyed at him. The man in black crouched down beside him so they were eye-to-eye. “I cannot erase your memory of this night. No matter the pain, no matter the hardship, you will live.”
Gabriel: *He placed Brutus down on the floor for a moment and cast the same sleeping spell on Conrad! It was clear, Elizabeth had also used her pain spell on him. Then he healed his back and, when the hunter was out, he moved him over his shoulder, picked up Brutus in one arm. They teleported away and back into the suite–but in the living room instead! He placed Conrad down on the couch but Brutus he kept against his chest!*
Valravn suddenly flew out of the room and into the living room!
Evangeline: There isn’t another hunter like him! He’s probably the best bodyguard in the universe! *She paused, watching Fluffy fly out and sighing! He could have left a little more subtly! Now Lily was going to-*
Valravn wasted no time in perching on Gabriel’s shoulder!
Gabriel: *He stopped stroking Brutus’ fur to reach up and scratch Valravn on the chest.* My thanks, Valravn. *He looked up as Lily came running out.*
Evangeline: Wait.. wait.. Lily! Darn it, Fluffy…! *She just couldn’t catch Lily, but this time she wasn’t trying too hard… She followed the girl out, with her best chiding expression!* Fluffy needs to learn better exits!
Gabriel: *He raised an eyebrow.* Would you rather he did something more drastic. *As usual, his question was spoken more like a statement.*
Evangeline: At least he didn’t fly through the wall. *Evangeline stopped to pet Brutus. She might have taken him from Gabriel’s arms, but the pup was getting too big for her to hold now!* Poor puppy… you were so brave! You’re going to get extra treats for dinner!
Gabriel: *He studied her for a moment.* He will live. He lived before he had nothing to live for. Now he has you. *He moved to lie Brutus down on the recliner, Leon’s favorite seat, so Evangeline could pet him and hold him as she saw fit.*
Gabriel: *He inclined his head toward her, in a deep nod.* You are welcome, Ms Grey. There is the matter of whether you wish to alert your mother to this incident or not.
Evangeline: *With Brutus on the chair she made he was nice and comfy. An extra pillow and a blanket tucked around him. She was so proud of him!* …oh dear. I forgot about Ms. Grey.
Gabriel: Indeed. Allow us to handle it. *Before anyone could ask who he meant, he scratched Valravn on the chest.* Valravn, your aid. I will return. *Then he turned and walked away, disappearing in thin air again!*
Evangeline: I still can’t believe Fluffy can talk. *Evangeline muttered to herself. …but Conrad was awake! She gave Brutus a good pet before she tiptoed away to her own room!*