PDA

View Full Version : IC: Whispers of the Past Chpt 1: The Awakening [m]



Mysteria
01-08-2012, 06:39 PM
This game is rated mature for sex, drugs, rock and roll, cursing, potential gore-bloodshed and other things that may offend your sensibilities.


The truth unfold (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMzj2d9ELRo)
Happy faces in a quiet town
Smiles fitting to replace a frown
Groups of families all happy now
Before it all came crumbling down

Where their world shook with the known truth
The speaker was no soothe
Words they wove, of ages past and vengeful wrath
A trail of blood to be led down a path

The sun set ablaze in a red dawn
The past its sword be drawn
A man, twisted with desire for conquest
The battle, he will never let rest

People of the town, do you hear the call
Will you stand for one or for all?
Be you strong and willing to fight
Or back down and cower in his might

Your town be in danger, your city to fall
Throw off the binds that hold you close
And in Victory, may your fist has rose



Crow’s footfalls echoed off the dimly lit walls, the lights casting demonic shadows around his form. He smiled eerily, his hands clasped behind him as he continued to walk, thinking back to the recently won fight. It had been a short battle, and a decisive one at that. The king of Lemura had sent his people into his future, with a spell designed to put his kingdom to sleep. While they had tried to stop them, they caught wind of it too late, and their plan succeeded, with a hitch. They had been able to mess up the spell just enjoy to erase the kingdom’s memory, to flow through time until they would be safe

“King Lech was not happy about that little trick, not one bit” Crow smirked as his words fell on deaf ears, the hallway watching over him. King Lech had flown into a rage when he learned of the spells intent, turning the throne room into what looked like a one man massacre. Crow had known that he was an … unstable person, but to see him flow into such a rage at that time was… delicious.

“Master Crow, I have word from the king” A small voice chirped in the gloomy halls, making Eldrich halt in his pacings. Turning towards the voice, he let out a soft “mmh?” as the sight of his servant. The boy was in every word, mousy, from his twitchy nature, to the thin blond whispy hair. Crow smiled and held his hand up to pause the boy, making the boy take a step back.

“Now now Cedric, we are not one to forget manners. Remember what happened last time when you greeted me without proper introduction” Cedric flinched at this point, drawing in the right stump now replaced what he had once called a hand. Bowing furiously, he curved his left hand into an odd design, a strange cross in between what looked like an eye and a claw at the same time, and placed it in the center of his forehead, bowing at the same time

“Good boy Cedric. I will allow the slight... transgression pass this time, seeing as we are celebrating. Now, what is it the king called me for?” Master Crow smiled down at the boy, the lights making his face dance with masks of demonic shapes.

“Uh … King Lech requested Master Crow and his circle of magi to appear before his majesty, for a most important meeting.” Cedric said, keeping his bowed position, praying for his master’s leniency to continue.

“Good boy Cedric. I take it you have already alerted the others. Now… you will be on your way to the dungeons. 20 lashings today for you dear boy. Off you go now.” Eldrich said, giving the shaking boy a playful shove off towards the direction of the dungeons.

*A meeting of the circ, eh? The king must be really ticked* Crow said, the coy smile twisting into an evil grimace as he headed through the direction that the boy had come from.

-----------------------------------------------

King Lech tapped on his throne impatiently, looking on as the men gathered, each dressed in robes of black with crimson etching. Crow stood out from them all wearing robes of crimson blood and gold etching. He listened to their idle chatter and silenced murmurs.

“My liege, we have come as you requested. What is it you request of us, your majesty?” Crow said, bowing deep with a sweep of his arms. He smiled deep, ready for the game of masks to begin.

“Spare me your trivialities and tidbits magic man. I have a request for your group of soothe sayers.” Lech began, standing from his throne to clear his throat. Glaring at each one in turn, he rested his hand on the pommel of his sword.

“Of course my liege, but we are more than just soothe-Sayers. That is neither here nor there though. We are ready for any task you wish of us.” Crow spoke softly, the warm smile never leaving his lips as they exchanged glares, each one trying to press the other down. Lech knew all too well that pissing off the magicians would end with a blade in his back, yet showing weakness would lead to distrust among his generals. So he played their games, showing power when needed, and compromise when needed.

“Trivial matters those words are. My mission is simple then. I wish to follow their king to their destination. They will not get away with such ease. Even if I have to hunt them to the end of time, I will hunt them like dogs and burn them at the pyre, like the whipping slaves they are.” King Lech said, the first to break contact after having kept the contact for nearly 10 mintues, the tension in the room enough to break even the sturdiest of men, and make the weak shiver in fear.

Crow’s smile grew, delighting in his small win this day, and knew he would be able to step his bounds, though it would be like treading in icy shark infested waters.

“Ah my liege, not happy the victory of today then, are you? My men and I will be more than honored to assist in this most … noble pursuit, though we might not be able to perform the requirement with our current funds. Unless you are willing to… grant us a few… necessities…” Crow licked his lips at the end, knowing full well what was meant by his words, as well as his men. Not more than one man would go unsatisfied tonight, not before plenty of blood was spilt from countless women.

“You may take any virgins you require, but I want this spell done by the rise of the full moon. They may have ran from my grasp in this time, but they will soon see that the not even the ravages of hell will keep me down. This I swear!” King Lech shouted, pulling out the ebony black blade, swinging it and dissecting the throne perfectly in half, the top sliding down with an echoing boom around the hall.

“Squires, repair this at once!” King Lech shouted, heading off through a side chamber. Crow smiled, turning around to see the jovial grins on their faces, their hoods hiding their features,

“Prepare your toys men, for tonight, we hunt for the sweet blood of the succulent virgin. Our grand King has granted us boon for this night” Crow said loud, watching the men around him snicker in pleasure, the guards in the room shivering at the demented men leaving the hall.

*Oh how I do love games, so much fun to play* Crow thought to himself, the daggers inside his cloak dancing against his tunic as he walked around the room, the men falling behind in perfect sync.

--------------------------------------------------------



Flash Forward - Present day:

Surrounded by the majoring cities of Kendy and Lousiville , Kingport Cove, Maine is but a place where the tides of time ebb and flow in steady rhythm. It pulses with the heartbeat of life as the inhabitants go about their daily routines and the daily grind as they chase their dreams and the pursuit of happiness. To the naked eye it is your typical ordinary small town, but the town holds unknown secrets to those whom dwell there.

As our story starts this week begins like any other, with the sun breaking over the horizon awakening the sleepy town as it slowly begins to stir and comes to life. Kingport’s citizens awoke to the hustle and bustle of their everyday life, a few clouds lazily passing overhead. None were aware of the turmoil that even now, boiled below the surface of their peaceful lives.

Edynol
01-08-2012, 06:45 PM
Location: 214 bus/Hospital ER
Time of Day: Night

Zack takes his knife and cuts a hole in the man's throat. A mother and her daughter squeeling and wimpering a few seats back on the 214 bus which was stopped along 23rd Street in the middle of the night. Blood was now all over Zack's hands, but he didn't seem to even notice it at all. The man was now unconscious, which was good. Zack didn't like much the sound of screaming. Zack methodically eased the knife blade into the man's throat until he saw a small bubble come out.

"Someone hand me straw! A small tube! Anything! Hurry now", Dr. Zachery Acerton called out calmly but sternly as he performed the tracheostomy on the man whom fell victim to a bee that flew into his soda can. A man handed him a straw which reeked of soda and whiskey, but it would have to do. Zack blew the straw out and wiped it off on his shirt before easing it through the hole in the man's throat. Zack let out a sigh of relief when the man started breathing, his sigh echoed by everyone else on the bus, as he stood up and instinctively wiped the sweat from his brow, replacing it with the man's blood that had gotten on his hand. But the man wasn't out of the woods yet as he still suffered from small tremors due to an allergic reaction. "Thanks for stopping the bus Mitch", Zack said to busdriver who he'd known for the three years he'd been riding the 214 to and from work each day. Mitch nodded with a respectful smile.

"I apologize for the delay people", Zack said, "I know you all wanna get home, but it's best to be safe and not move this man til an ambulance arrives." Aside from one grumpy man in the back groaning, everyone on the bus nodded understandably and took their seats. After a few minutes, the EMTs arrived to take the man to the hospital. One of them he knew, the other one, a woman, he had only seen in passing a few times in the large hospital but never met. "Incubate him, quickly," Zack said to one of the EMTs. "The man swallowed a bee in his drink. He's gone into anaphylactic shock so I need some Epinephrine."

"Do you ever stop working Ace?" One of the paramedics asked jokingly as they put the man on a stretcher and loaded him into the ambulance. Zack jumped in along side the stretcher.

Zack gave a half-hearted laugh and said, "Is there ever time for anything else in this city, Donnie?" Zack gave the man a smile and raised an eyebrow as he was handed an E-pen from Donnie. The man chuckled and gave Zack a friendly pat on the shoulder as he hopped in the driver's seat and drove of to the hospital. When they arrived at the ER, Zack strode directly to a washing station and cleaned his hands before putting on some surgical gloves.

"Hey Dr. Acerton, I thought you were off half an hour ago," said one of the attendings who brought a surgical cart over as the man was transferred to an operating table.

Zack ignored the younger doctor as he demanded some suction tubes, scalpels, sutures, etc. Quickly, Zack opened the man's throat slowly and carefully as the attending used the suction hose to keep the blood out of the man's esophagus and lungs. Finally, Zack found the tiny bee lodged in the man's throat and carefully removed it before closing him back up. "He's got some slight swelling in the trachea and the esophagus. It should go down on its own now, but if it doesn't..."

"I'll give him some Naproxin and keep a few CCs of Cortisone on back up," the attending finished. "Got it." Zack nodded his approval and walked to the sink to wash up.

Zack then took his watch out of his pocket and looked at the time. "Well, no hope making it back in time to see the game now," he said to himself. "I could use a drink right about now."

The Imposter
01-08-2012, 08:05 PM
23 Lancaster Dr Kingsport Cove
Morning

The numbers on the clock were the only things visible in the whole room. Their red glow piercing the darkness and as soon as one number changed the alarm echoed cutting into the silence. A large hand reached over patting and fidgiting to make the noise stop. As the fingers fumbled about eventually switching off the alarm they retreated to his face and rubbed his eyes groggily.

Wes opened his eyes and turned to look at the other side of the bed. Empty. It wasn't a surprise it was a fact, one that over the last eleven years had sunk deep into his being rooting itself in the bowels of his soul. He smiled as the memories came back: her laugh, her smile, and how she said 'I love you' when they first woke up. As the past played in his head Wes quickly got himself up and made his way out of the bedroom. His walk was loud with each footstep making a stir in the house. As he approached the second bedroom he could hear the affectionate sounds of his son. He opened the sliding bedroom door and stepped in kissing his son's forehead and bidding him a good morning. The child's eyes widened and he let out another affectionate noise. Wes quickly got to work pulling out the stomach feeding tube and changing the eleven year old's diaper. All the while the two smiled and Wes talked to his son.

'Well lets get you handsomed up pal. Thinking a quick shower and brushing your teeth. What do you think? Huh What do you think?'

Wes leaned in close to Ryan and rubbed his whiskers against the childs chest causing laughter. From there he lifted Ryan up and made his way into the bathroom. It took on average about forty minutes to get Ryan all ready for the day and seated in his chair and today was no different. After he was ready Wes wheeled him out into the kitchen and began preparing his medicine bag. Checking it a few times before securing it in Ryan backpack and placing it on the back of his chair. By that time his ride to take him to school was knocking on the door and in moments Ryan was secured in the van and Wes bid his son farewell.

Once the van had left Wes began to get himself ready, doing his morning exercises, shaving, and taking a quick shower. When all was said and done he found himself in the kitchen with a pot of coffee brewing. The smell filled the open kitchen and living room area with its sweet aroma. Ben grabbed the morning paper was reading through. One of the headlines reading 'Mainecare leaves families high and dry'. A bubbling rage began to build in Wes as he looked at the name Kevin Flanigan and a quote of his in the paper.


'If you have a child who has lots of seizures or if you have a child who is on a ventilator, then at what point do you say, 'This is stable, this is as good as it gets?' Is it necessary for someone to be just sitting there waiting, if we have shown over a period of time, that things are stable?"


Stable...Stable?!?! Is that what stability is? My son could have a seizure at any time and he says I need to say that is as good as it gets, with no assistance of a CNA now!!! That man will regret those words if I ever meet him. I wanted to enjoy my morning too....

Tossing the paper out of his sight Wesley poured himself a cup of coffee. He took a deep breath inhaling the scent before taking a drink hoping that it would calm him down. Noticing the time he knew he had some before he had to get going for the day. Ryan will be home at 3:30 today, just gotta make sure I'm home before that.

Black
01-08-2012, 08:55 PM
Location: Cyan High School
Time of Day: 7:24 AM

Mr. Smith looked up from his papers as an emergency medical service vehicle flew past, it's sirens blaring. He couldn't see the vehicle from his building but its echo's carried well into Cyan High and through his door, which had been opened to let in the cool night air. "I wonder what that's all about..," he said to the empty room before him. Then he turned his attention back to his AP class essay's.

"Curious,"

"What's curious?" Richard looked up to see a science teacher leaning in his doorway. It was Ms. Sinclair, a teacher way younger than him. She wore her beautiful smile that had won over quite a few staff members and more than a few male students, and even some female students as well.

Richard smiled and leaned back in his chair, beckoning her to come in. He made a point of keeping his eyes on her face, to keep them from straying down to get a glimpse of her shapely body. She was gorgeous enough to risk a citation for 'checking her out' as the students called it, but Richard was a professional. And at his age he was more worried about personality than looks, he didn't have as much time left as he would have liked on this earth and so anyone he looked at in a romantic light has tough criteria to fill.

"This student from AP, Im considering dropping him to a lower class,"

"Why?"

"Well" Richard said with an exasperated sigh, "According to him the president of the union was Robert E. Lee, and the confederate general who won the first battle of bull-run was Ulysses S. Grant," Richard scratched an entire sentence of the essay out with his red pen, and stated "Im beginning to think administration made a mistake and put him in the wrong class..."

He looked up and spotted Ms. Sinclair leaning over his desk, looking at him with a gleam in her eye, and a small smile tugging at her lips.

"Something tells me you didn't come all the way here to ask about my kids grades," he said with a pleasant smile.

"Something tells me you're probably right," she confirmed with a more sinister grin.

"I can always finish grading over the weekend . . ."

"Yes you can. . ."

"Dinner?"

"I was hoping we could skip to desert"

"Well I suppose we could, I've got some whipped cream at home i've been meaning to put to use, do you think you can wait until we get there," Richard asked, getting out of his chair and taking her hand in his.

"I suppose your bedroom would be a better place than this classroom to do what I have in mind,"

"I couldn't agree more. . . Shall we go then?" he asked

"Let's," she replied and led him out of the door which he closed and locked.


"This goes against what I would usually do, but what the hell. She's nice enough and she's been coming on to me since she got here. Though what she see's in a forty-three year old man is beyond me. . . Oh well, ill second guess myself in the morning. Maybe something more can come from Ms. Sinclair's attention. . ."

Richard looked at Marie, his eyes taking in her luscious brown hair and glimmering green eyes, eyes that held a fierce determination behind a soft consideration. Richard smiled, this was more than a woman he wanted to wake up to after a night of wild sex. This was the kind of woman he wanted to wake up to every day for the rest of his life. Someone who was beautiful, someone who was a whole level above those considered sexy by society.

Plus, as an added benefit, Richard had the pleasure of knowing that intelligent woman such as she didn't just have frivolous nights with co-workers and fellow teachers. Intelligent women didn't just go for the one-night lay's. They tended to stick around for the whole shebang.

Richard counted himself as a very, very lucky man.

Mr.Cynic
01-08-2012, 09:27 PM
Location: 4300 Kings Alley Dr.

Time: Morning

"Good Morning"

The quite bland and awkward computer greeting didn't stir the figure awake. It was already six in the morning and the sun was nestled quietly on the horizon. Still groggy itself, it refused to pop up more than the few inches then it already had. The numbers of the alarm clock blinked and flashed as if trying to get the attention of one snuggled in turtle sheets. From this image you would imagine a five year old boy probably popping out of sheets he was delictately wrapped in. All though this was once true it no longer was, disheleved blond hair poked through the morning grogginess.

"Good Morning"

The alarm clock spoke again. It would wait another five or so minutes to speak it's monotone phrase. But a button was lazily pressed and the time stopped blinking. In the haze of the morning wake, the blond haired school boy finally stood up. Wobbly from moving so fast, but excited none the less. Clumsily searching on his dresser he found what he was looking for. The remote to the television sitting on the poorly designed and washed out white dresser. None of the furniture matched in his room.

The bed was from two years ago after his old one broke. The tube television was from what felt like a thousand years ago, in this day and age of plasma and HD televisions. Some of the dressers were from when he was younger and his closet was litered in pictures that he had once drawn as a child. Though this statement wasn't very clear. When had he ever stopped being a child?

The television buzzed and he flicked the channels until the morning cartoons began to ring through the room.

"But Superman!" whined the television character.

Blasting the volume up, he opened the closet doors and began grabbing clothes. It probably be the same thing as every day. Blue jeans and a t-shirt with his sweater that everyone recognized. It was almost like his own super suit. Everyone recognized him for that white and blue sweater. He had one of those homely bedrooms, where a bathroom was attached to his bedroom. He took a moment and finally achieved the perfect super suit for the day. Darting into the bathroom the fan blasted on and he took a moment to stare at himself in the mirror. His blond hair was a mess shuffled in all kinds of different directions.

His batman pajamas hung loosely on his thin short frame, the pants were to long for him. Pants made for men were not made for the five foot one inch frame that built him.

"Today you're going to have a great day," he said in the mirror he frowned slightly, "Stephen you're going to have....a great day."

His shower took a good thirty minutes and before he knew it he was hand drying his hair with his towel. He never cared for hair dryers, they were loud and obnoxious. They made his hair smell nasty afterwards too. Coming his hair in the normal neat fashion he could hear the cartoon ending.

"Thirty minute shower achievement unlocked," he whispered under his breath.

Darting out of the bathroom and continuing the performance of earlier he found where he had thrown the remote and he turned the television off. His parents would not object to any of this behavior only simply because they were not here. His father worked late and often spent time at his law firm then at home. Stephen had a feeling that he was having an affair. Certain events that flashed into his memory of that certain woman from a certain somewhere in that car late at night stirred into his mind. And his mom was designer. Or so she said.

Supposedly she was trying to earn money and work her way up to become a big time fashion designer. Or something like that. But Stephen knew she spent most of her nights at her wedded sisters house. Stephen couldn't confirm this specifically. But the smell of her sister's perfum always lingered on his mother whenever she did come home. And that really did mean whatever. He darted down the stairs and stroked the family cat Gray Biscuits.

"Meow," Gray Biscuits said perking up knowing the morning routine all to well.

Gray Biscuits followed him down the rest of the stairs into the kitchen's dining room. Stephen paused and so did Gray for a second. A big newspaper hid a suspicious figure sitting at the dining table. The family dog Liquorice, a big burly black lab, sat beside this person.

"I already fed the dog and cat," said a deep voice behind the newspaper.

"Oh...okay," Stephen replied quietly.

"Aren't you going to shool?" the voice said.

"Y..yes, but it's 6:35 and I feed the cat...usually," Stephen replied nervously.

"Oh," the voice said.

"U..um...going to grab my breakfast now," Stephen said.

Making his way through the dining room and into the kitchen he scanvenged through the cupboards to find what he was looking for. Cherry flavored poptarts and the last one too. Making his way to the refrigerator to the clipboard with a pen attached he wrote on the grocery list Poptarts. Zooming through the dining room to avoid another awkward conversation with his father, he made his way to the closet. Grabbing his Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles backpack. Placing the poptart into the backpack he began putting his black and white converse.

"Poptart in back achievement unlocked," he whispered, "Shoes on feet achievement unlocked. Lunch money...not achieved."

Quickly bouncing up he darted back up stair. Silly him how could he forget his lunch money. Racing into his room he walked towards the white dresser with the television sitting on top of it. Out of the three drawers only one actually worked. Opened the drawer with the old fashion knob he took out a ten. He never really appreciated school lunches and always took a detour after school to get something from the super market to cook himself when he got home. With extra achievement of snackage involved. As he raced out of the room and down the stairs the tall figure of his father blocked him.

"Are you ready?" his father asked.

"P..Pp..pardon?" he replied.

"You ready for school?" his father asked.

"Yes," Stephen said.

"Well I'll take you," his father said.

"Suspicious encounter," Stephen whispered under his breath.

"You doing that video game thing again?" his father asked grabbing his trench coat from the coat rack.

"Not in particular," Stephen replied quietly.

"Well come on," his father said.

"Lunch money achievement unlocked," Stephen whispered under his breath.

The two figures awkwardly piled out of the house and he watched his father lock the door. Stephen looked nothing like his father, well except for the nose and the eyes. He was more the spitting image of his mother. His father had black hair, where as his mother had blond hair. His father had blue eyes, where as his mother had an off blue color. They got into his father's Cadillac coupe with the leather seats and buckled themselves. Classical music from the CD inside the drive began to play. Stephen watched his father for a second.

There was a kind of smell in the car, how could he put it? Like woman's perfume. But it wasn't his mothers nor his mother's sister. It smelt nice, like a bed of roses. Stephen could easily see where the attraction lie. They didn't speak for a good five minutes.

"How is your mother?" his father asked focused on driving.

"I..don't know," Stephen replied.

"Has she come home?" his father asked.

"Late last night," Stephen replied quietly, "But I was half asleep...by...by then."

"I see," his father said.

"Who is she?" Stephen found himself blurting out.

His father stopped the car at the stop sign and didn't reply. Was he finding a good way to lie. The way a lawyer would.

"Oh you saw that," his father said sounding half pleased with himself and the other half was annoyance.

"Y...yes," Stephen replied.

"Well it's no surprise really," his father said.

"What do you mean?" Stephen asked.

The car ride seemed icey and cold. The atmosphere almost thick. He knew his father as a handsome liar. One who could cut your throat with just his words alone and then allow you to bleed out afterwards. The car stopped again.

"School," his father said.

"O...okay," Stephen said staring out the window to the school.

Frank Junior's High School was the least place he wanted to be. One day robots were going to invade the school. One day. And they would all pay. As he opened the door and he piled out the car before he closed the door his father cleared his throat.

"It means you've always been nosey," his father said.

Stephen wasn't sure how to reply to his father so he simply closed the door and took a deep breath before walking into tortorous hell.

Stryker
01-08-2012, 09:41 PM
Location: Behind the "World of Wonders" bookstore.

Time of Day: Morning

“Get’em…”

With those two words, three guys jumped the fourth, two of them holding him while the third beat him down until his struggles turned into nothing more than minor tugs and grunts.

After subduing him, the three of them held him up for their leader who stood in the shadows casted upon the alleyway thanks to the bookstore they were standing behind. Allowing the dark shadows to conceal their identities to those going about their everyday-lives.

“You know why we did this, Carter?” he spoke up, walking from the shadows to reveal his hardened features, a scowl across his face as his hair swayed into and out of his view with each step he took on the uneven concrete. “We did this because you lied to us, you told me that there’d be no more problems out of you when it came to our agreement and yet there you were yesterday…”

“To hell… with you and your little sister, Austin…” the man muttered under his breath which got him a swift kick in the abdomen from the man he just recently chastised.

“Repeat yourself… I dare you…” Austin threatened.

When Carter chose to remain silent, Austin circled him and told the others to let him go before grabbing him himself and wrapping his right around under his chin and squeezing tightly.

“When I say you leave my sister alone, I mean you do it or I will kill you with my bare hands you snotty little bastard.” He yelled into his ear before throwing him head first into the bookstore’s wall, the brick surface severely scarring his face upon impact and rendering him unconscious as his body slumped to the ground.

“You think the owner of this place will get too pissed if we just leave him here?” one of them wondered before they looked to Austin.

“Pick him up and throw him in that dumpster… it’s where he belongs anyways.” He instructed before beginning to walk to the sidewalk and wiping his hands on and sticking them in his pockets. “Come on…”

And with that, all four assimilated back into society as if they had never left. Blending in as they passed in front of the same bookstore they had just been behind.

Mysteria
01-09-2012, 02:11 AM
Location: 25 Merlin Boulevard

Day/Time: Monday, early Morning during the waking hours.

Rosaline Bennett was awoken in the same manner in which she was every day by the pouncing of her calico cat Joe rubbing his warm face against hers, nudging her awake. With a sleepy smile she rolled onto her back as Joe perched himself on top of her chest, his whiskers scratching her lightly as he meowed his protest for being kept waiting one moment longer than needed to make the journey into the kitchen for fresh cat food.

No sooner had she lifted the heavy cat from her and had begun to sit up did her toy collie come bounding into the room carrying it’s favorite stuffed toy and jumping onto the bed, landing on top of Lina. "Ummph" Lina groaned as the wind was knocked out of her for a second only to be followed by the cold wet nose of Lady against her face. “Okay, okay, I’m up!” Lina said as she rubbed both animals fur. If the truth be told, Rosaline had been awake for some time as was customary for her to do in the early morning hours and then lay there awhile, generally thinking of ideas for her next article, novel or photo session. Swinging her feet over the edge of the bed and into her slippers she stood and stretched with a sleepy yawn. Although it was still early Autumn and not overly cold outside yet, the hardwood floor of her bedroom was always cool to her bare feet and Lina kept slippers parked right beside of the bed for ease of access every morning.

As she made her way through the small but comfortable house that had become her home just a few short years ago she stopped in the living room to uncover her parrot Mattie’s cage. Mattie’s head perked up, her little vocal chords singing out the word “morning” as Lina’s finger entered the cage and Mattie moved to sit on it, pecking Lina on the cheek before moving back to her perch.

Before Lina had even managed to pour her traditional morning cup of java, Joe was weaving in and out between her legs, purring as he waited for her to retrieve his treat. Lady was more patient and sat at her own bowl, waiting faithfully and knowing full well that whether she begged like Joe or not, she’d still get her treat. Lina chuckled to herself as Lady’s tail wagged back and forth while she sat Joe’s food down on the floor. “All right girl, your turn.”

With all of the animals now contentedly eating their morning meal, Lina finally poured herself a cup of coffee and sat down to read the paper that Lady had already brought inside through the doggie/kitty door. While Lina often times wrote for the paper, today’s edition would be free of any of her pieces save a few stills she had taken for a month long series the paper was running entitled “The Nature of Maine” in which it showcased Maine’s natural beauty during the Autumn months. She turned the pages of the Kings Herald until she found the section she wanted. The social events page was a section she kept an eye on religiously. Although Lina was by no means a social butterfly she did like to keep abreast of what was new and exciting in the small town of Kingport Cove and its surrounding areas.

As Lina rinsed her coffee cup and sat it upside down on the mat beside the sink to dry the sounds of sirens pierced the air. The local ambulance sped past outside, Lina catching a glimpse of it at the last second from her window, it heading towards the hospital. Shaking her head her only thought was that this town always had something going on.

Working freelance the way that she did, Lina could afford the luxury of never having to rush her mornings in order to get to work and today was no different. Taking her time, the young brown eyed beauty showered and dressed in no particular hurry. Rosaline donned a simple outfit consisting of indigo dyed jeans and a long sleeve white blouse coupled with her favorite pair of leather boots. Brushing her long locks out she allowed them to fall loosely over her shoulders instead of pulling it back and away from her face as she often times did.

Grabbing the small leather tote bag from the counter she stuffed it with her I-pad and camera and headed out the door to walk the few blocks to her friend Cherilyn’s “World of Wonders” bookstore. It had warmed up just slightly since she had awoken just a few short hours ago and the day was looking rather promising for some more outside work on the Kings Herald nature series.

Around nine a.m Lina stepped through the door of the bookstore, the familiar tinkling of a bell ringing in her ears as she called out to the friend she had yet to spot within the store “Good morning Cherilyn!”

Storm
01-09-2012, 04:13 AM
Location: 5377 Cline Court
Time of Day: Morning

The alarm rings to greet yet another day. Su Lin tosses reaching over tapping the top of the alarm looking over at the soft glow of 6:00 emanating off the face of her alarm clock. She considers wrapping herself within the fluffy purple blanket and letting this day go to hell. As her thoughts come clearer to her, she decides that Mrs. Alexander is the one that can go to hell and that the day is perfectly fine. As she slides out of bed and softly steps toward the bathroom wonders what that old bat means that the emerald does not look emerald enough. Throws her hands in the air as she turns on the shower holding her hand under the water till it is just so. As she showers, she mentally has a discussion with Mrs. Alexander. After a relaxing shower and ready to face the day, dries off and slips into form fitting white slacks, white top and white jacket.

She grabs her keys and heads out the door locking it while remote unlocking the door of her black Lexus.

“Hey Su, beautiful day, don’t you think?” catches her attention looking over toward her neighbor.

A smile forms on her lips, in a soft tone “Oh yes, heard the week should be as beautiful” continuing toward her car. She had never cared much for Jack, something was just weird about him. A sincere smile forms on her lips as the thought filters through her mind that she could ask Jack to be a defense dummy at one of her classes. Waves to Jack as she backs her car out of the driveway and heads to her shop. After a swing through Starbucks for a caramel coffee, looks at the dash clock, near nine so has plenty of time. Pulls up close to The World of Wonders bookstore to see in any new books on precious gems have come in.

Leaves her coffee in the side cup holder as she exits the car slipping on a pair of sun glasses so she would not need squint so as the sun bathes the street. Walks into the store offering Lina a pleasant smile and nod before heading to the counter offering the same polite smile to Cherilyn
“Morning, you wouldn’t happen to have any new gem books in yet, would you?”

Setsa
01-09-2012, 10:19 PM
Location: 214 bus/ Hospital

Time: Very early morning

Trixi was the woman who had responded to the ambulance call out to the 214 route bus along with Donnie in the wee early morning. She didn't need to report to the Police Station until 9am when she had early morning shifts at the ER. It was always such a rush to be flying at top speeds in a bubble gum whirling ambulance the two named "Big Red." With Dr. Z. Acerton riding in the back with the patient after he was stable to route back to the hospital for surgery; she rode shotgun as Donnie moved in and out of the morning traffic while watching the patient's blood pressure as some of their patients before seems to go higher if he really was trying to beat his past record to the hospital.

By the time they arrived at the Emergency Room doors Trixi had to say her goodbyes to Donnie so that she could run in, do the paperwork for the new patient the Dr. was already working on, change, and head to her main job in time after picking up her dogs from home. "Hey Trixi 3 responses just from you two alone tonight....not half bad." The receptionist RN said with a grin on her face and large cup of coffee in the other hand that everyone in the ER had nearby...it was their lifeblood to deal with what came in durring the long shifts. Grabbing the usual paperwork from the blue folder behind the desk she scribbled down the basics so Mr. Kingston the patient, wouldn't be a John Doe when his wife stormed in furious she wasn't called earlier cause they'd have to go the longer route of matching fingerprints to a name. "Hey Lucy yea, but you know with Donnie driving he tries to beat his old records while trying not to kill anyone else in the process on the roads...." A laugh from them both ended the brief conversation as a woman was at the desk having just finished her paperwork.... Upon finishing her own papers and dropping them into the "ER Ambulance Patients" bin... the familiar session of 3 beeps sounded off on the talkie resting on her shoulder. Waving goodbye to Lucy who still had another 2 hours left of her shift she grabbing the device while pressing on the side button while walking to the locker rooms to change uniforms. "Deputy Trixi what's going on Luke?"

The officer at the station responded back quickly "Got a call a little while ago about some strange noise like a fight in the back of World of Wonders Bookstore... then another call from a citizen saying 4 guys went back there and only 3 came out.... Think you can see if it's anything after picking up your boys?" There was never a dull moment in this town for the woman and usually a call like this was nothing but just some teenagers causing up trouble. Quickly changing into her more relaxed Deputy uniform, tightening her belt which was always loaded up with everything she needed, straightening her badge to the right of her buckle. She called in with her cellphone "yea I got this one eta 10 minutes will get hold of you then." Walking out of the ER she heard Dr. Acerton comment on needing a drink "thanks for patching Mr. Kingston up doc...see you around." Smiling as she walked out the doors and into her black suv heading directly for home.

Location: World of Wonders Bookstore

Time: Morning

After arriving home, grabbing Maxum and Thor..the best police german shepards ever far as she was concerned. Securing their Canine Police Badges on each large collar and loading them into the Police Suv...she rushed to the front of the bookstore with out throwing on the lights and sounds since Luke didn't give the idea this was an emergency of sorts. With the bookstore already opened and people inside she didn't want to raise any concerns. Seeing Cherilyn, Trixi smiled and with her hands inticated she was going through the alley and around back with the two dogs who were ready to go. Not even halfway into the alley the Deputy noticed small droplets of blood, this wasn't just teens causeing little trouble it seemed... "Alright Maxum..Thor...sniff it out!" removing the leashes from their collars the two dogs set to work on following the trail of scents and blood to the back of the bookstore. The area was still shaded with the sun not high enough yet calling for her to turn on the flashlight so as not to miss anything.... The brick wall had blood on it not much but it was where someone went into it with no question, concerned someone was really hurt if this fight was bad her question was answered with the barking of the dogs. Maxum was on his hind legs up against the dumpster scratching at it while Thor was sniffing all around the base whining.

What she saw after opening the lids fully and taking a moment to try and block out the smell of garbage wasn't pretty. A guy was face down in the garbage and not moving at all... Using the talker on her belt she radiod into the station "Deputy Trixi calling in for assistance with a male injured body and call for the ambulance guys...now." Jumping into the dumpster thankfully landing in feet first she got her balance, taking a wide stance to manuever the guy onto his back seeing his head gashed open and even with blood all over his face..he was still recognizable. "Carter...can you hear me?" he had a weaker pulse but was alive.... "Hang in there it's Trixi...I got you and help is on the way.." As procedure she couldn't sit him up just incase there were internal injuries...best she could do was stay there in the dumpster with him and wait... Maxum stayed with his mistress as Trixi looked at Thor "get help boy..help" pointing at the back door to the bookstore he immediatley trotted over and began barking and scratching loudly as she whistled loudly for anyone to hear.

Wattz
01-09-2012, 11:40 PM
Location: A few blocks away from Bus 214
Time: Night, almost morning

“Look, all I’m saying is that the popcorn button doesn’t do shit. It just burns the damn popcorn or under-pops it.”

“Yeah. And all I’m saying is that that is why I don’t own a microwave.”

“Yes, Bao. That is why you don’t own a microwave. Broke bitch.” Duke tried to light his cigarette but his disposable lighter wasn’t responding. Bao took it from his hands, managing to draw its final flame. He sneered, then bent over to have it lit.

At that moment, an ambulance flew by, the wind taking the fire with it. Duke swore, then ripped it from his friend’s hand and tossed it into the street.

“Classy, Duke. Good job.”

“Shut up.”

Bao gave an awkward smile as she adjusted her greasy ushanka. The sirens were gone, faded into the night with another poor bastard in tow. She tilted her head and imagined a person in the back of the ambulance, just about bleeding to death. Perhaps his car had gone up a poll, his head bashed in against the dashboard. Bao always tried to find a new image for each victim; the siren’s call was never far behind in this city.

She hoped he’d make it.

“So who’s this guy I’m supposed to meet, anyway?” Bao’s foot tapped over and over again on the concrete, leaning up against a wall as her friend paced in circles.

“Fuck if I know. He’s been around, I guess. Likes to keep quiet.” Now he was chewing the end of the cigarette. It was times like these Bao was more aware of the dark circles beneath his eyes, the long sleeves covering the swollen marks. How ugly he looked, his dirty teeth exposed with a scowl to match his choppy blonde hair.

“Friend of a friend?”

“Friend of Paul’s. Come on, walk with me. Getting a lighter.” Duke moved forward, hunched over and pulling his coat towards him. Bao followed, always a step behind.

“Man, I hate that kid, Paul. I don’t want another surprise like last time.” She could feel the fading bruises on her torso, the shape of a boot planted firmly on her chest.

“You wanna eat, right? Paul may be a little prick, but he’s got some good sources. We’ll be fine.”

Silence passed between them until they made it to the gas station. He picked out a lighter, another cheap one, threw his last couple of dollars on the counter, then left. It was finally morning, and the orange light over the buildings reminded Bao of the fresh glow that brought Duke’s cigarette to life.

“You’re gonna be fine, Bao. Just a delivery, you’ve done it before.”

“I know.”

“Sometimes I wonder how we got into this mess.” Duke took a long, contented drag and leaned his head back. “But then I realize, we just don’t gotta choice. Never did, huh?”

Bao’s eyes shifted from side to side, then shrugged. She’d never admit to the truth, not to Duke, especially when he had white-picket fences and manicured grass in his eyes.

“Like you said, we’re gonna be fine.” Bao chuckled strangely, her mouth at its usual angle. “Let’s head back. Maybe we can get a few hours of sleep in.”

Sickly
01-10-2012, 02:09 AM
Location: Home
Time: Morning

The thing was insanely heavy even with the cart hefting most of the weight. Julian pulled harder until it met an incline and finally gave into gravity. Julian walked around to the side and opened a panel.

"Red or Green, which is it?" He fished around for some wire cutters in his jacket pocket but neglected to find any. "I'll guess we have to wing it." Julian grabbed both of the wires and pulled. A small blank screen suddenly flashed red and a timer began counting down.

"45"

"30"

"10"

"5"

"4"

"3"

"2"

"1"

The Bomb exploded and swallowed Julian up in a blinding heat. The pain was incredible but quick and left Julian with the kind of release afforded only to the blessed. And it was gone. Julian sighed. Just a dream.

"A really good dream." Thought Julian as he turned to face the pillow. He buried himself in the soft comfort of the bed and pulled his blankets up over his head. It was warm and smelled of sweet B.O. Julian scrunched up his nose and sucked in a breath, "I neeb bto chanbge dees sheets. Dey sbell like crab." Julian tore off the sheets and walked butt naked out of hos room and into the hall. His hand swept past the switch and the ceiling lamp flickered to life. "MOM?" Yelled Julian down the stairs.

"15 minutes." replied a small voice from the kitchen on the first floor. Julian smiled and stretched. "Til what?"

"Work."

Julian's face contorted in confusion. "I thought you weren't working tonight." Julian grimaced he hoped she could have stayed home to make some dinner tonight. It was her turn after all he made the last five dinners including a lunch. He could hear her walk towards the bottom of the stairs. She spotted him and squeezed the bridge of her nose. "Put some damn clothes on you idiot. By the way, 10 minutes."

Julian spun on his heels and marched back into his room. "You don't seem particularly interested in going to work." He spied around his room for some wearable pants. Poking his head out of the room he shouted. "Are you gonna ditch?" Julian mother looked at him and then through him a belt. "Thanks Mom."

"No, I'm not ditching." Said Julian's mother, her smile growing wider.

Julian grabbed a pair of jeans out from under his bed and slipped them on. They were torn in several places and hadn't been washed in quite some time. "Quick Fix" Mumbled Julian grabbing some Old Spice Body Spray from the dresser and then soaking the jean with it. "Good as new."

"Wait, So they're letting you work at home? That's cool. Hmmm, But wait, don't you work as a Personal Assistant? How does that work out?" She turned to him and looked at his puzzled face. "I swear I must have dropped you on your head at some point."

Then it dawned on Julian. "SHITSHITSHITSHITSHITSHITSHIT." Julian grabbed a random shirt, pulled up his window and jumped out. His mother ran to the window. "Use the door next time....AND WAKE UP EARLIER!!!"

Julian was booking it down the street, if he was late for work again his boss would murder him.

Kris
01-11-2012, 12:33 PM
Location: "World of wonders", book store
Time of Day: 7:45 AM


"Kant, look at me!", the young woman gazed at the man before her, waiting for him (while tapping her feet on the floor rapidity) to fully concentrate with what she had to say, and as any feminine type of thinking stated (which she obviously possessed) the only way to make sure one took your words into consideration would be by making sure he was looking into your eyes as you spoke to him. Which obviously wasn't the case here since his back was directed to her.

Kant slowly turned his head half way for Cherilyn's direction, looking somewhat uneasy.

She used the 'tune', which meant she was unpleased with something, which meant that unless he would be ready to answer back he was going to suffer her bitching.

Slowly placing the books he unpacked into the right shelves, he swallow as he carefully asked, "What is it?". He tried hard to avoid eye-contact with her.

"Do you see anything wrong here?", she asked (Although it was clearly not a question. Something was wrong, or she wouldn't be so angry). He followed the trail of her pointed finger to another far book's shelf.

Oh dear... It's gonna be a long speech...

He slowly decent the ladder, making his way for her, trying not to hit any of the boxes on the way as he did. Carefully checking the area that she regarded at, he failed to see what was wrong. Returning a puzzled (and somewhat terrified) look, he opened his mouth to say, "I... I don't see what's wrong here".

He knew he was about to be sorry for his life for failing to anticipate what was it that got her so worked up. Then again it wasn't the first time. She would calm down, so better be cool about it.

However, dealing with her crap for the last 6 months that he has been working here taught him a lesson for life; Never get married.

"How can't you see?", she asked, the anger rising in her voice.

Oh boy... here we go...

Cherilyn picked up two books and held them up, one in each hand, "Tell me why they are both placed one after the other?".

"Err....", Kant rubbed the back of his head, "Probably because they need to be...?"

"Why?", her eyes slowly narrowed and her eyebrows almost crossed together as she frowned.

Keep calm, keep calm... you can do it... she is just one woman... insane woman, but just one!!!

"Err... Because that's the alphabetical order...?"

"YOU IDIOT!", she snapped.

Ah yes, Totally forgot logic is not one with insane people such as her... but let's try again...

"What...?", Kant asked slowly.

"You can't place Twolasiny with Tweedy together!", she snapped, "YOU JUST CAN'T!".

"Err... Why....?".

"Are you really stupid or what?!", she asked with anger, "The two are fighting each other for the last year! the last thing I want to do is having an angry fan of one of them not buying here because he gets to see his idol's nemesis book placed right beside his idol's book like it was nothing!".

... I give up... No reason with that woman... Let's end this quick, we got a lot of job to do unpacking this delivery... Let's end this now...

"I'm sorry", Kant said carefully.

"You better be! This is a big deal you know?! We can't make armature's mistakes here you know?!"

Total crazy bitch

"Yes, yes", he said trying so hard to hide the sarcastic smile that threaten to take over, "How foolish of me".

"Indeed", she agreed right away and Kant couldn't help but feeling even more stupid for actually giving her a full victory on a silver plate. Instead he just decided to give her a curve ball to deal with.

"So...", he said, looking serious as he looked around, "How can this be solved, ma'am?".

Cherilyn just shoved the books into his hands, "You solve it, I'm not going to fix up your mistakes!", and with that she left him standing with the books, cursing the hell out of her as he went to place them again right where they were.

Then he frowned knowing she would catch this... Having no real choice or solution for this, he went back and just did the thing he thought to be the best and left a long gap between the two books, all the while thinking of the stupid spot being wasted because of one mental woman.


***


Location: "World of wonders", book store
Time of Day: 9:10 AM


Today was a big day.

It was a delivery day!

For Cherilyn Rothberg these days were like a weekly Christmas. They were the days were Santa (aka her suppliers) gets her tons of presents (Which were the books. TONS OF THEM).

She could have really enjoyed these days more if it weren't for the need of a quick unpacking and cataloging she had to do before the opening, and she had little time to spare. She was just one woman, and she hoped her assistant Kant would do a better job, but the tanned tall skin blond guy proved time and time again that he can't do on his own. At this rate she was going to lose it.

Luckily it only happened once a week...

Which, grated, isn't so lucky...

Oh well...

The doorbell rang weakly as the morning breeze carried indoor along hit against the windwhistle that hanged not far from the bell, adding another melody to the soft rings, which was an appropriate herald to declare the coming of her best friend into the store.

“Good morning Cherilyn!”, said Rosaline Bennett

"Lina", was the best answer she could offer her friend from being behind the counter, but she added a thrilled wave and a huge smile, "Good morning sweetie, how are you?".

Their small talk was brutally cut by a great noise coming from the outside.

"KANT!", she called for her assistant who placed himself right before her in no time, knowing perfectly well it would be trouble if he let her wait for too long, "Go check what's going on near the trashcan outside".

"Fine", he said defeated. probably stupid cats or dogs fighting, he thought to himself but dared not say it aloud.

Once he was gone (Again, opening the door outside, allowing more ringing from the bell and some cold breeze to enter), Cherilyn turned to address her friend when a new comer walked in.

“Morning, you wouldn’t happen to have any new gem books in yet, would you?”

"We got some new stuff today, but we are still unpacking. If you want I can try and see around the hobbies section. Do you have any idea what you exactly looking for? Who is the author or define section of interest?".

"OH SHIT!", Kant came back running, almost slamming the door as he stormed inside.

"You idiot, stop going in and out like that, you freeze me!".

"Listen, there is a badly guy hurt there!".

"Oh crap, not again! Can you call the officers or summon up an ambulance?".

"Well, there is a woman outside helping him. I believe she already called one".

Cherilyn tsked, "Well, just go help her. I can't do much from here you know? and beside I'm with a client so make yourself useful and deal with this! I can't bother myself every time those addict kids go wild around here".

Kant frowned but didn't say another word as he left again.

"Sorry about that", Cherilyn nodded slowly, "It just keeps happening you know? those damn worthless thugs getting high and whatnot. We keep calling the cops but even they lost hope you know? So, what kind of a book are you exactly looking for?", she asked Su Lin, giving a soft nod to Lina, "I'll just help this woman and I'll be right with you", she told her with a warm smile.

Edynol
01-11-2012, 03:08 PM
Location: Hospital
Time: Morning

It was around seven in the morning when Dr. Acerton entered the hospital from the back door in the emergency room. He made a habit of this years ago so incase there was an emergency when he was off, he'd be right there if they needed. As was his routine, he went straight to the coffee pot in the staff lounge and poured him a cup. "Morning Ace," said one of the office clerks who was sitting at the table near by enjoying her coffee and a danish.

"Mmmm," Zack groaned, he was never very social until he had his coffee. "Morning Janice," he finally said after taking a sip. He grimmaced at the taste of the coffee, which was way stronger than he liked. "I guess Grubby made the coffee this morning," he said before reluctantly taking another sip. As if summoned by his nickname, Doctor Grubner entered the lounge. "Damn, Grubby. You really should put more water into this."

The veteran doctor, who was in his fifties but still in good shape from the twenty years he spent as a Navy Corpseman, chuckled at the expression on Zack's face. "Hey my coffee has character. It'll put some hair on your chest kid."

"Hmm," Zack grunted. "Character? Your coffee has tar...Jesus Christ man. And I don't need hair on my chest. The ladies like it smooth and toned. But of course you wouldn't know that after being married for twenty five years."

Grubby snorted, the corner of his mouth comming up in a half smile. "Well I ain't got no complaints. You should take my advice and settle down. You won't be young forever ya know."

Zack scoffed. "Ha! Me? Settle down? Maybe when I'm done having fun and my first gray hair shows itself." Grubby grunted and shook his head as he left the lounge for his rounds, mumbling some about if he were still young. Zack then said bye to Janice and left the lounge as well as he headed to IC. "Hey Barbs" he said to one of the nurses. "How's Mr. Kingston doin? The sting victim from last night?"

"Morning Zack," the young nurse said with a smile on her face. "He's doing fine. The inflamation has receded to normal levels but he still can't talk."

Zack nodded as they walked to IC where the man was resting. He grabbed his chart and looked it over. "His white bloodcell count is still a little high, which means there's still an infection. Take him off the Naproxin and switch him to wide spectrum antibiotics." The nurse nodded and they parted ways as he entered Mr. Kingston's room. "Good morning, Larry," Zack said to the man. "Are you feeling okay? Don't try to speak yet, just give me signal." Larry held up his arm and gave a thumbs up. "Good, good. That was a close call last night. Maybe from now on you should buy bottles instead of cans when you're out and about. The same thing happened to a cousin of mine and he ain't touched a can since. But on the bright side, he couldn't laugh for two weeks, which was a blessing. He used to sound like a donkey choking on a seal when he laughed."

The man nodded his head in agreement and smiled at Zack's short story. "Well, everything's looking good so far. I called your daughter and she's flying in to see you. You gave us all quite a scare there. Thank god I was in the right place at the right time, eh? Anyways, I'm gonna keep you here in IC for one more night, maybe two, until we clear up that infection. You won't be able to eat or drink anything for a while, but the I.V.s will take care of that. You should be able to drink liquids though in a few days once you heal up a little bit, then after about two weeks you can start eating soft food, like applesauce and icecream and such. But you won't be able to eat anything solid for about five weeks."

Larry nodded in undertanding. Then Zack asked, "Have you ever used an I-Pad?" He nodded again. "Good. We have a few of them we keep around for situations such as yours so you'll be able to communicate. I'll have one of the nurses bring you one shortly." Zack checked his vitals real quick and smiled. "Well, everything seems to be going good. Your BP is a little low, but that's to be expected until the anesthetics totally ware off. With any luck, we'll move you out of IC tomorrow and give you your own room with a TV and such. You're lucky, we were below budget the past few months and were able to get HBO and the other movie channels." Larry grinned and nodded at that.

After leaving Mr. Kingston, Zack proceeded with his rounds then afterwards went to his office to catch up on some paperwork. Being in a small town, there were rarely many patients at any one time, so there wasn't much to catch up on. As was working on his paperwork, though, he heard one of the ambulances start up. When he went to inquire about it, the woman at dispatch said someone was beaten up and thrown in a dumpster behind World of Wonders book store. A look of worry crossed his face. He hoped it wasn't Cherilyn, the owner. She was a nice young woman, if not a bit ostentatious, and had never failed to get him a book he was after in quick order.

Mr.Cynic
01-11-2012, 07:52 PM
Location: School [Hell]

Time: Late morning
------------------------------------------------------------
Super robot invasion.-robotic voice

"No we're just a helpless bully!"

Tears streamed the young man's face as he ran through the rather elongated buildings. The school had a seemingly twisted itself into a deadly maze of death. As students, mainly bullies, ran for their life. The teachers were also not left behind as robots began invading their privacy with laser beams.

"I didn't mean to not help,"

One teacher begged while pitifully sniffling. Hands on their knees and praying to the sky, the robot gave her a mechanical sneer. A laser then fired down around her and she was caught by a mechanical ship.

Take her to the mothership, she will be queen, and subjected to servitude. -robotic voice.

As the mechanical ships flew her to the mothership, god hand came from nowhere and smooshed the picture. Stephen looked up from his notebook towards the a teacher giving him a dark sneer. Stephen continued to nervously look back at the math teacher, Mr. Hansom. All though Stephen found his name, somewhat missleading since Mr. Hansom wore a toupe and was rather old.

"How about you solve the equation on the board Mr. Hughes?" Mr. Hansom said.

"So...so...sorry," Stephen managed to stammer out.

Stephen tried to turned the page of the sketchbook, but Mr. Hansom's god hand continued holding down unto the book. He actually meant on the board in front of everyone. Stephen stared at Mr. Hansom with a look of fright, he was kidding correct.

"Well, you weren't paying attention and I assume it's because you're delightfully intelligent," Mr. Hansom said, "Go on ahead."

"So...sorry...sorry," Stephen muttered.

"Pardon?" Mr. Hansom said.

He could feel the whole classes gaze on him now. Sneering. Some were giggling. They enjoyed watching him in uncomfortable situations they enjoyed watching him screw up or get picked by the teachers. It's because they could get away with everything. It's because everything Stephen did was wrong, but everything they did was right. He never understood how he could be doing anything wrong. Many of the teachers complained his robot invasions were disturbing pictures of his mind. Kids at school even the counselors thought he was crazy. And they imagined why. Here he was stuck in an impossible situation.

"Mr. Hansom boss level sixty, way past my experience," he whispered.

"Well Mr.Hughes," Mr. Hansom said Stephen unsure if he heard what he whispered.

Stephen finally took a gaze off of Mr. Hansom and stared at the board that seemed so far away. And the more stares he got and the more Mr. Hansom leered the more the class seemed to elongate and get farther away. He was feeling a sudden sense of panic and vertigo. He felt dizzy and confused. He wasn't sure what the problem was, but he couldn't.

"I...I...can't....Mr...I can't. Mr.Hansom," Stephen stammered out.

"You can't complete the problem on the board?" Mr.Hansom asked in a mocking tone.

"No...sir...." Stephen said fighting back tears.

"And this is why you pay attention in class," Mr.Hansom said, "See if you all don't want to turn out like Stephen then I suggest that you actually do the work and pay attention or you'll remain stupid."

Using his god hands Mr.Hansom took the sketchbook off the desk.

"I'll give this back after class," Mr.Hansom said.

The rest of math class was Stephen fiddling with his pen. He couldn't seem to focus on the words Hansom was saying. Nor could he see the board really. He wasn't sure what was going on. He felt a sudden chill as the door opened, oh just one of the students passing by. Unable to focus on learning he spent most of his time staring at the white texture walls of the classroom. The trimming of the walls had ugly pee stain yellow wallpaper beginning to peel off. Models of mathematics hung on the walls, making the classroom feel more spacious and empty. The muplications chart appeared to have many numbers and patterns connected with it. The whiteboard, was white with the fresh smell of markers lingering in the classroom. The small kindergarten desk and chair combos were not comfortable and they were made out of cheap pliable wood and cheap pliable metal.

Mostly a figment of his imagination the rows of chairs seemed long, like a fashionable runway. He sat in the back of the class in hopes that he would not be noticed. Though the teacher seemed to always pay especial attention to him and he wasn't sure why. He could note the many students texting or passing on notes that the teacher didn't seem to notice. He could note the students doodling in their notebooks and note the students just whispering amongst themselves. Why was it him? There were so many rules being broken, but it always felt like him. He was trying to choke back the urge to cry. He hated crying. He hated showing weakness in an ocean full of sharks. He was not a shark. Just a small minnow trying not to be used to much for bait.

"Mr.Hughes," Mr.Hansom said, "Mr.Hughes."

"So...sorry...what is it?" Stephen stammered now looking towards the cheap metal desk of Mr.Hansom.

"You're going to leave my classroom?" Mr.Hansom asked.

"The...bell..." Stephen said.

"Yes," Mr.Hansom said.

Stephen quickly got up and quickly, but neatly placed his items into his TNMT bag. Stephen quickly realized what he had to do. Slowly dreading the walk he found himself standing in front of Mr. Hansom and looming over his desk the way Mr. Hansom loomed over his from time to time. His heart was racing and his head was pounding. He wished he stayed him today and played hookie. He wished he could have played hookie.

"Ma...may...may...may I," Stephen stuttered.

"May you what?" Mr. Hansom asked generally not interested and packing out his lunch.

"May...I have...my sketchbook?" Stephen asked, "I have....I...have...B Lunch...so..so...after maths...I have art. And...need need my sketchbook."

"I don't know," Mr.Hansom said, "After school okay."

"You...you...said...after class," Stephen said.

"Yes and I changed my mind," Mr.Hansom said, "Because even after my talk you refused to pay attention in class. Now get to your next class please."

Stephen walked out of the math room feeling rather defeated. Swarms of students were clumped together in cliques like schools of fish. The campus wasn't very impressive, the buildings were warn down and the paint was fading. The grass was very much dead and there weren't very many big trees. The library sat in the middle like a holy divinity temple. The wooden benches had paint chippping and some wood warping. The metal benches were rusted. The art and music room was nestled behind the only large tree around the campus. The sidewalk was always littered in tree vomit. Leaves and sap made walking on the sidewalk less than pleasant.

He found himself staring at the art room door. Probably the only class he enjoyed and here he was going to upset another teacher. Staring at the door he still had some time before the bell rang.

"Boss level thirty, way past your experience level," he whispered under his breath and he opened the door.

There was a kind of noise and bustled in the painting room. Always the fresh smell of paint and always something intriguing. The horrible beige color of the wallpaper was faded away by paintings hung wherever there was room. Clay statues sat on a desk in the back. The metal sink was covered in paint stains and even the teacher Mrs. Gergit was always covered in paint. Her apron literally smeared in it and her hands were stained by it. She stared at Stephen.

"Have a seat," she said, "We'll begin in three minutes have your sketchbook ready."

"I..." Stephen began.

"Yes," she asked quietly.

"Don't have my sketchbook," Stephen said, "I...do...do...have...it. Another teacher took it away."

"Well we do have a policy of not doing our homework in class," she said, "So I'll mark you down for late assignment and I guess you'll be watching the other students present."

"I...I..wasn't doing homework," Stephen said. "I...just...thought...and...imagined."

"I'm sorry, but I can't give any leniences," she said.

"Yo...yo...you can...call Mr.Hansom...he...has my book..." Stephen said.

"Look class is going to begin and please don't start a fuss," Gergit said.

Stephen didn't protest any further he grudgingly walked down the mini aisles created by the long tables. Four students sat at the three long tables. It wasn't a fairly big class. Home Ec and computer science had more students usually and even then music class was even fuller than those classes. Stephen never liked disappointing Gergit. She was like a grandmother type, large and inviting. Old and wholesome the type of person with a lot of life experience. She was imaginative and thoughtful and was proud of her students work. She always commented that Stephen's mind was filled with wonders. But not today.

Today he felt out of it. In a quickened haze. Confused and unable to focus on anything. He felt he had disappointed someone and not only that, but he had felt he let her down. The students were whispering about him and once again even though it was a group project he was singled out and left to his own devices. He followed the assignment down to the bone, but he still felt something was missing. As Gergit came to collect their work a few minutes early before the bell rang to let them out of lunch early, she frowned at his work.

"This isn't your usual style," Gergit said.

"So...so..sorry," Stephen muttered.

"For?" she asked.

"I'll do better next time,"

As many of the students lined up at the door waiting hastily for the bell, he just sat on the plastic chair waiting for the bell. He was trying to fight back the eagerness to cry. The eagerness to simply shrink back and away from it all. Oh how he wanted to play hookie. How he wanted to be sick or dead. Dead would be better than this. But even then he was to much of a coward to end his own life. Why was he always the bad guy? Why was he always the bad student? Was he truly doing something wrong? Was there something wrong with him? As the bell rung he found himself getting up in a tranfixed state. Students from Lunch A were to make their way to class and students from Lunch B were to begin lunching. Stephen found himself walking to the one and only place he knew he was safe. The library.

No one spoke in the library that and no one was ever really there. The library was a bright place filled with silence. To make sure none of the students stole from the library backpacks were forced near the entrance in a slough of other backpacks. Though there were rarely people here and the library lady never seemed to pay attention. He knew where he was going passing the shelves that were empty and alone and found himself in the back corner with the non fiction where no one goes and the lights had burnt out. It was dark and quiet and he found his own energy seeping away. He found himself collasped in the dark crying in the library yet again.

Storm
01-11-2012, 09:01 PM
Location: World of Wonders bookstore
Time of Day: MidMorning

As Cherilyn inquires "We got some new stuff today, but we are still unpacking. If you want I can try and see around the hobbies section. Do you have any idea what you exactly looking for? Who is the author or define section of interest?".

offers a polite smile and soft toned “Not sure of any author, just something on gems and making jewer….”

As Kant came in alarmed, her eyes widen which are hidden behind her sunglasses. As Cherilyn and Kant converse, she softly bites at her bottom lip, a slight level of concern for whom may be out back in trouble. The sound of dogs barking does sound like there is someone out back perhaps offering some assistance already. As Kant returns toward the back, she keeps her soft smile to Cherilyn. “I can tell you are perhaps a little busy, I can stop back later when I am off work. Anything on gems and making jewelry is what I typically look for.” She turns and starts toward the front door, she has an urge to make her way out the back to determine just what is going on yet this is not her store, she would sure as hell get mad if some random customer wandered through the back of her jewelry store.

As she heads out into the sun, adjusts her sunglasses catching view of Trixi’s police SUV while making fast pace steps toward the alley. As she rounds the corner she could hear the faint sound of sirens relieved that there was medical or additional police on the way. She slowly makes her way down the alley quickening her pace seeing Trixi and now Kant over on the dumpster. As she gets closer, calls out to the two “Deputy Nunrico, is there anything I can do to help? I do hear sirens so am sure more help is on the way.”

She stands close to the front of the dumpster with her arms folded in front of her chest holding her own arms tight. She has not really walked into a crime aftermath before and she feels a ting of fear and excitement at the same time. She waits to see if the two would need her do anything before the other aide workers arrive.

Setsa
01-11-2012, 09:43 PM
Location: Behind World of Wonders Bookstore

Time: Mid-morning

Trixi was glad someone came to investigate the initial noise that she was called to investigate, the 'OH SHIT!!' was definetly Kant. No doubt about that at all....moment later hearing more loud voices the word was out that someone was back here injured. Trixi had to see how bad his head and face was....and get the garbage off before it started an infection at the very least while the ambulance was on approach. Charlie called in via the EMT channel on her talkie stating he was about 5 minutes away. Hearing footsteps she stood back up in the middle of the dumpster to see the return of Kant, a smile on her face as she got an idea. Motioning his over so she could reach.. "Kant you'll get a new one, promise" with no further explination she grabbed at the neck of his shirt and...

" Riiiippp....RIIIIPPP...Rippppp..." .....

Trixi had just taken his shirt and tore it into usable long pieces of cloth leaving only the back of his shirt and sleeves on the poor guy. Putting on some latex-free issued gloves from her belt she began to carefuly wipe and pick off the garbage and blood from his face and head. Definetly staples and stitches work here....need to get some bleeding to stop and his broken nose repaired. But she's seen worse by far...

“Deputy Nunrico, is there anything I can do to help? I do hear sirens so am sure more help is on the way."

Standing up to see Su Lin she gave a nod as her dogs went to great her and sniff to make sure she wasn't one of the scent they followed to here in the first place. "Easy boys....yea Su Lin there is, take one of my boys here and go to the entrance of the alleyway to meet the ambulance and show Charlie and his partner here. Kant, see the point of impact about 5 feet left of the bookstore door on the wall?" Pointing to exactly where she was talking about "this area is already contaminated but make sure the police get the blood and pictures of that spot first; before this place gets crowded. Then please both of you stay here, we may need your help getting Carter out of this garbage. It will be a bitch to get the board in here and him loaded onto as is. Thanks guys!" A brief smile appeared before she leaned down to check the patient's pulse again...still ok but he had to get to the hospital quick.... The sirens were getting louder and louder to her satisfaction as Charlie knew importance of getting to his destination fast.

Stryker
01-11-2012, 11:46 PM
Location: Roughly a block away from the bookstore, seated on a bench.
Time: Mid-Morning

Austin hadn’t strayed far from the scene of the crime, in fact, from his position on the park bench he could see all the commotion going on behind the bookstore that had undoubtedly spooked a lot of people, including the manic owner.

“You think anyone knows that it was us?”

“Doubt it, we made sure remember?”

“Still, someone could’ve been watching that we didn’t know about, Morris.”

“Even if someone did see, what’re they going to do about it?” the third chimed in, smiling and proud of their handiwork as Austin sat, leaning forward with his elbows firmly planted on his knees and his eyes watching the happenings around the bookstore and how a crowd was beginning to form now that the EMT’s had arrived.

“They don’t know how many guys we got around this place!” he exclaimed, laughing until receiving a sharp elbow to the navel-area from Austin who had sat up and was glaring at him from the corner of his dark blue eyes.

“You keep yelling like that and you’ll take a beating just like he did, Shane…”

“Sorry, Austin…” he answered, his ego deflated like a balloon that had been punctured by a knife as he rubbed his abdomen.

Before any of the others could speak up, Austin stood and started walking down the sidewalk, toward the bookstore.

“Uh, where ya going?” Morris asked as they all stood up.

“To see my sister, go back and tell the others to fly low for a while until this clears up.”

“You sure you wanna go alone, Austin?” Chris asked, worried that someone just might identify him.

“You heard me…” he responded while he crossed the street, bumping shoulders with a lady carrying her newly-bought groceries that were now jostled around in her arms as she did her best to keep them from scattering across the sidewalk. Once she regained her balance and saved her day’s harvest she shot an angry look towards him before continuing on her way, Austin being none the wiser to the look.

Now walking in front of the bookstore, he could see the worried faces on those watching as well as Carter’s bruised and bloodied face. Though Carter couldn’t see the smirk that crossed his. He then stole a glance in the bookstore and saw the owner, talking to someone and clearly not paying a lot of attention to the commotion that was beginning to slowly overtake her store. He’d always had considered Cherilyn cute, she was just crazier than a fruit bat on acid and twice as loud in his eyes as well.

He stopped briefly when one of the medics passed in front of him, a woman who seemed to be in charge of handling the current situation. No words were spoken as he glanced into the alley and spotted Carter again. The smile was back across Austin's face as he began walking again, a message was sent.

Storm
01-12-2012, 04:34 PM
Location: Behind World of Wonders bookstore
Time: Monday - Mid-Morning

She nods to Trixi and looks to the two Police dogs, a little leery about trying to give either commands. She relaxes as one of the dogs moves over sniffing her again and tapping her with his nose. A soft smile forms as she could imagine this dog if it had the ability to speak would be telling her “you heard the deputy, let’s get going”. The dog taps her hand again with it’s nose
“Okay, I got you the first time” in a soft almost amused tone.

She heads out front of the alley watching as the ambulance approaches and waves her arms to attract their attention. As the ambulance pulls up, she immediately approaches

“Deputy Nunrico has an injured person inside a dumpster, I don’t know the condition of the hurt person, she wants you guys to bring a board?”

Charlie and his partner grab their med kits, neck brace and back board. Su Lin heads back down the alley with the ambulance team following. As the medics spring into action with Trixi, she stands to the side arms once again folded over her chest watching what is transpiring.

As Trixi and the medics franticly work, she gazes about looking at the assembled bystanders outside the alley. One in particular catches her attention, familiar with dealing with people in her own shop, Autsin did not strike her as the ‘innocent bystander’ type nor did his actions match the bystander type. She removes her smart phone bringing up her calendar with her back to the alley opening looking at her appointments. She started turning toward the alley opening tapping camera mode and once she has Austin in focus while he is focused on Trixi, snaps his picture. Once the image is saved, she clicks back to calendar mode and taps the screen a few times to give the appearance of updating an appointment. She will make sure she forwards this photo to the police should they want it later.

She slips her smart phone back in her inside jacket pocket and looks down at her watch and rolls her eyes. Even is she leaves right now, she will not get all the things done she needs to before opening. With the medical assistance there, she really needs to get to her own jewelry store. She heads back out of the alley and starts down the street toward her black Lexus reaching in her pocket removing her keys and unlocking the doors with her remote. If she hurries and perhaps fudges on a traffic law or two, might not be too totally late opening today. She is sure she has a business card or two of Trixi’s and will text her the photo she took in the event she wants to follow up with it.

As she slips into the drivers side door, starts her car and fastens the seat belt taking time to feel her Starbucks cup.

Great, cold coffee again.

Mysteria
01-14-2012, 10:36 PM
Location: "World of wonders", book store
Day/Time: Monday 9:20 AM




“I can tell you are perhaps a little busy, I can stop back later when I am off work. Anything on gems and making jewelry is what I typically look for.”

"Sure thing, I can pile up some books for you by late noon", Cherilyn nodded softly, "However I do have to state it could have been a lot more easier if you had a define area of interest or at least a known artist you liked to read about...".

But before Cherilyn could continue there came a ring from above the door and Su Lin was outside, "Bah... Oh well", turning her attention to Lina, Cherilyn gave a small smile, "Sorry about that, busy day and all...", she nodded softly, "How are you, Lina?"

Lina had been waiting patiently to speak with her friend who was already busy helping Su Lin. Lina had recognized her as being the instructor from the women's self defense group she'd seen advertisements for earlier. She offered her a smile as she left the store and then Lina's face lit up at her friends words "Bah" One thing about Cherilyn that Lina had learned early on was that Cherilyn didn't mince her words.

Lina chuckled "Good morning!" Lina said with a smile. "I'm good but it looks like it's been crazy busy for you already this morning" she said handing her old friend the latte that she'd picked up for her at the local Starbucks on her way over to the store. There had been another reason for her visit which she wanted to discuss with her also.

Looking around the store to make sure no one was in ear shot she lowered her voice "I've been petitioned to work on a special project that I wanted to discuss with you." Her voice dropped to a whisper then. " Something's not right."

She shook her head then looked around again before continuing in her normal voice "I hope you're not too busy to come over for dinner this evening Cherri." Lina questioned her dark haired friend using the nickname that she'd given her when they first met because it was easier for her to pronounce than the hazel eyed beauties real name was to pronounce, and it was always her way of letting Cherilyn know that she needed to tell her something important. "It's been awhile since we've had time to play catch up and we definitely, need to catch up." She said with a small wink.

Cherilyn's eyes narrowed as she dropped her head to the same level of Lina and whispered slowly above the counter, "How secretive...", her smile grew wider, almost in a devilish way. Looks like her day was turning to be better than it started, "There's no way I'm going to pass a dinner... and awesome secret news!", she returned the wink, "But!", she said eagerly, "You gotta give me a hint here!!!"

Lina's smile spread even wider knowing that her friend having to wait until the evening to hear more would drive her crazy wondering all day about it what it could be and just as she was about to give her a hint she heard the ambulance coming to a stop close to the shop. Looking out of the front windows she saw the flashing red lights.

"Looks like you're going to have to wait til later Cherri, things are getting busy around here." Lina grinned as she teased Cherilyn.

"Damned, doesn't this town ever have a normal moment? I wonder what could be going on now?" Lina said as her gaze lingered on the window.

Cherilyn was about to yell her famous 'not fair' battle cry but then her friend's meaningful stare took her by a surprise. Looking outside the window as well she couldn't help but having her friend's words sink into her like cold daggers. Usually Cherilyn would fail to notice anything that was going on around her, but... She knew that what Lina was saying was true. Too many junkies, too many bad kids, too many action around a small town, and in addition to it all the information that Lina was having about some more news...

A client walked into the store with another bell ring when Cherilyn looked at her friend, "You are saved!", she smirked, "For now. I'll come by your place later tonight", she said as she turned to help the guy who walked inside, since Kant, the stupid lazy ass was still outside.

Lina smirked, to herself. Saved by the siren, literally she thought to herself. "Dinner, my place, say around seven? I'm making your favorite, lasagna with garlic bread and your favorite, Moscato to go with it. Don't be late!" She tossed over her shoulder as she exited the store and made her way out the door for her day out in the woods of shooting some stills for the paper .


{A Kris/Mysti thang!!!}

Black
01-15-2012, 03:06 AM
Location: Richards bedroom
Time of Day: Tuesday 4:00 AM

Mr. Smith woke early the next day, disoriented warm and touching bodies with something soft and live. It was a major contrast to the dream he was just having. He had been in a rough, unfamiliar sea. The water and raged and stormed all around him as he cried out orders to his able-bodied crew. They were trying to store the mizzen sail while pull starboard in order to deliver another broadside into an enemy ship.

However the mizzen sail was ripped off of it's mast and the sound of groaning and cracking warned the crew that the main-mast was under so much strain it was about to crack. If it did they would be dead in the water, with 70-foot graybeards bearing down on them and an enemy freighter filling their hull with shot after shot of heavy cannon fire.

A younger Richard stood at the helm of his ship, his penetrating eyes focused on the scenes before him.

"Mr. Brizzen, bring forward the top-sail and let it billow out, on my mark," Brizzen looked at Richard as if he were crazy. The top-sail being let out would pull the main-mast over completely. However he knew that glint in his captains eye and ordered it so.

Richard trained a critical eye on the frigate circling them, seeking to gain the next broadside into the ship. The frigate was specially designed for combat in rough seas like this and it's knife-edge design allowed it to cut through waves and wind. Richard had been following the frigate for days without being able to draw him into combat. And then one day the summer storm had come upon them and the Frigate chose it's time to strike. It had a clear advantage in the current weather and Richard had know this would be a hard pressed battle for survival. That's why this needed to work right.

"Let loose top-sails!" with a screaming sound the top-sails came crashing down and caught a particularly strong gust of wind. The main-mast groaned, swayed, and cracked. It's shattering timbers let off a boom louder than the thunder-over head. Then the beauty of Richard's plan was revealed as the main-mast fell left over his ship. It smashed directly into the enemy frigate and punctured it's hull with a long gaping wound. Within moments the frigate had capsized and sunk beneath the waves.

"Cut the mast lose, and then hold on for dear life to whatever you can. We have to ride the storm out and then row our way to the northern isles for repair. Make it so," was Richards last order before he awoke in his cozy bed.



"What an odd dream... It felt so lifelike.. the wind in my hair the salt in my beard and the cold droplets of water pelting my skin with the occasional drenching from those waves..." He shook his head, smiled and nuzzled closer to Marie, savoring the warmth of her body and the fluttering feelings she gave him. It drove away the cold, wet, and bloody scene of his dreams. It wasn't long before he dozed off again. . .

Mr.Cynic
01-15-2012, 10:50 AM
Location: 2983 Crab Alley Dr.

Time: 10:30 [late morning]

A figure silently rolled on the couch, shuffling whichever way. As the sun was beginning to rise the house had an eerie orange glow to it. Sleep was a formidable enemy that seemed impossible to beat. His mind buzzing all night long, where he barely even slept. A quick doze and then he came back. More like a mind melling trance than a sleep. And here was both bloody exhausted trying to get back the rhythm of sleep and yet filled with zill. Energy seemed to course through him, energy that he knew he didn't have. An illusion of something he didn't feel. On the coffee table lay a pamphlet for the local junior college. He had been staring at in the dark and in the glow of the computer light.

But now his laptop lay to rest on the floor, plugged in and getting it's energy. He wished he could just plug himself in sometimes. It make things far less complicated then him right now rolling on the couch. He wore a plain t-shirt to Claire's disappoint, his step mother, she felt he needed to wear clothes more suitable for the winter, sweaters and stuff. Many of the sweaters she bought were lying in his drawers washed, but unused. He liked to be comfortable, not confined in knitted wool. His t-shirt hung loosely on his body, might as well make some breakfast he needed to be in work early today. He had already taken a shower and his hair still glistened damply in the morning house hold sunlight. As he rummaged through ones of those large refigerators ,that he was sure someone could shove a corpse in, he heard foosteps coming down the stairs.

He ignored it hoping that they wouldn't talk to him or that it was a figment of his sleep deprived mind. Grabbing the wheat bread ,that only he ate, and some jelly he began preparations for toast.

"Did you think about my offer?" he heard Claire's words.

He turned to see her. The numerous times his image of her had changed. When he first met her, she had wavy long blonde hair that waterfalled down to her shoulders. Now it was a cute bob with no bangs, wavy and curly. She stared at him with a smile. At current his cellphone was hovering on the coffee table with the college enrollment form and application. So he stared at her for a while. She looked nice and smart in her business uniform. A gray lined pencil skirt, a lacey blouse that burst out of the V-neck of the jacket. He simply shrugged his shoulders at her while plopping two pieces of bread into the toaster.

"Toast?" she said disappointed.

"What's wrong with that?" he replied inside his head.

Again he simply shrugged his shoulders at her and she sighed. She carefully walked into the kitchen her black pumps clicking on the linoleum flooring. She smiled carefully at him and opened one of the drawers handing him a spoon so he could scoop the grape jelly out of the jar. He could feel her watching him as he spread the purple fruit onto his toast. She continued to watch him as he washed off the spoon and stuck into the dishwasher and put away the bread. He finally stopped and turned towards her. What did she need? He gave her a look.

"I'm just worried," she said, "Are you considering your future?"

"Yes," he replied inside his head.

"Look at you," she said walking over and putting her well manicured nails through his black hair, "You're so thin and you don't look well sweetie. Have you been sleeping?"

He shook his head yes, but the truth was a no. But he didn't want her to worry any further. She treated him in a way that his father no longer treated him. His father gave up the moment he "refused" to speak again. His father tended to snuff at him in the mornings and leave to work.

"Pryce," she said, "So have you considered majoring in programming of some sort?"

Pryce simply stared at her. Yes, he looked over the pamphlet. But he was afraid he just graduated from high school last year. It wasn't being easy the kid with the cellphone that talked for you. How would college work out? How would he make it in this world? He really wanted to say something or scream, but his mind deprived of the energy couldn't focus on much. The only things his mind seemd good for was having him hallucinate and imagine things that weren't there. Though he told no one of those days of fear. Or the things he sees at night. She walked out of the kitchen for a second, perfect timing for him to sneak a piece of toast. But as he took a bite his black cellphone was dangled in front of him.

"Thomas Pryce Walker, respond to my question," Claire said.

Pryce gave her a scowl he hated his first name. He took the cellphone and it awakened the world inside of his head. To him he no longer saw words, no longer heard words either. Most of the time it was numbers. But to others those numbers became words. He began to write down as his own language seemed to come to his head through his fingers unto the electronic paper.

"First, don't call me Thomas *emoticon shudder* and second, yes I'm considering it," read the message.

Claire gave him an open and honest smile. Sometimes she scared him away with her rather open heart. She was to nice. Maybe she was pretending to used something against him later. Maybe she was just using him. These were thoughts that always filled his mind. No real mother was this understanding. But maybe that was thing Claire was not his mother. Claire didn't give birth to him. Claire could be this nice to him because she was not his biological. In some ways they were more like awkward friends where one friend marries the person's dad.

"Hey, how about I give you a ride?" she said excitedly.

His fingers slid to clear the previous message and began typing a new message.

"Don't have to go in for another hour," replied the message.

"Yes, but I can get you coffee," she said, "We can go to the one and only Starbucks I know of."

Clear. Type.

"What's your angle?"

"No angle love," she said, "I am going to have a real breakfast. A croissant sandwich with ham and cheese."

Clear. Type.

"I don't consume animal products,"

"I do," she said with a devilish smile.

Clear. Type.

"Fine,"

"I knew you wanted to come, so you can flirt with the cute girl at the register," Claire replied again.

Fast clear. Type furiously.

"I do not want to flirt with her,"

And just like that he found himself putting on his combat boots, stuffing his black cargos into the boots so when he stood they created a ballooning sort of effect. He put on his two lucky charm necklaces and grabbed his black trench coat. Claire looked at him and shook his head. She had something against the rocker stores he liked going into. But she never stopped him, she just didn't think it looked very profressional. They walked out of the brown painted door to the driveway, where her old Chevorlet stood out in the cold. It's windows were covered in frost and even the door handles had icicles hanging off of it. Pryce raised an eyebrow. Sticking his hands into his pockets he put on his black fingerless gloves.

"How do those keep your hands warm?" she asked wearing her leather fur lined gloves.

He just shrugged as she went through the tiresome effort of trying to get into the car. As they got into the car it was as cold as the refigerator maybe even the freezer. His hands slid onto his cellphone, type type.

"You sure you don't have any bodies hidden in here,"

"Why would I?" she asked, "Well I mean the boss is a pain..."

Clear. Type.

"So you're hiding them somewhere else?"

"I don't get you," Claire began, "How can you joke about death, but..."

She trailed off, but he knew what she was going to say. How could he joke about death and yet be so afraid of it? It's called diffusing the situation. You make a joke about the thing you fear the most in order to make it no threatening in your life. As she piped down the only thing they could hear was the heater at full blast. Pryce stared out the window in a trance like fixation as rows of buildings and trees passed by. He only looked in the mirror once and his mind playing tricks on him again made him imagine someone in the back seat. Did he forget his puzzles? He wasn't going to make it like this. Opening Claire's glove compartment he found his unfinished Sudoku books, with a bit of a sigh of relief Claire only turned her eyes.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

Nothing at all, he replied in his mind.

Some people had anxiety medicine, he just had his puzzles. They kept him sane enough to not look at the things his mind created. The illusions his mind made up. That stirred inside of him. He was so tired, but couldn't sleep. He could feel no energy, but he felt the andrelanine of staying up many nights. Claire would probably give him some herbal tea tonight. He was deathly afraid of college and yet Claire expected him to enroll. She seemed so excited in the car, so proud that he had made a decision for his future.

Wattz
01-16-2012, 11:00 PM
Monday

23 Lancaster Dr Kingsport Cove
Morning

Wesley caught a glimpse of the clock while he sipped on his third cup of coffee. It was almost time to head out and start the job. The whole 'opportunity' had come about a few days earlier when he received a phone call.


<Hey there Wes, it has been awhile.>
'Paulie is that you? It has been a few years at least.'
<Aye Bub. Even though its been so long I've kept my ears to the ground checking in on ya. I'll cut right to the point though. I heard about Mainecare and how things ended with GE Electric and you know how you and Ryan are like family to me. I'd like to help you out.>
'Help me out? Paulie you never help people out. You mean you want me to do something for you and you'll pay me. I still remember the business Paulie and I don't know if I can go back.'
<eh-Hey not so fast bub, listen to me: I know you have a boy and you won't find too many jobs that can support the hours you need to take care of him. I just need you to drive for some deliveries. You always did know how to drive. You won't find a better deal out there and we both know why that is. C'mon! Whaddya say?>
'There is no way it is just driving Paulie don't play me man, we grew up in that together. There is more to it so put it on the table.'
<Alright alright. We are kinda big in most of New England now and Kingsport Cove is a nice piece of turf, very central ya know? But some punk and his posse has been causing some problems lately. We are going to try to deal with it as civil as possible but until then.....well have a big bear of a man on deliveries would be a nice asset.....>


Wes set the coffee down trying to reason out his justification for doing this. It would only be a few mornings a week and Paulie was paying him plenty. Old times sake he said, but that old way was never one simply walked down. There would always be things getting in the way. The worse thought hit Wesley hard, what would happen to Ryan if something happened to him? He couldn't let that happen, and if he didn't do anything he wouldn't be able to keep up with the constant care Ryan needed. As his mind wrestled with itself he grabbed his keys to his '95 Chev and made walked out.

The brisk morning air hit his newly shaven face and sent a sting through it. He quickly shuffled into the truck and headed out to pick up the delivery guy.

Abandoned Warehouse, 77th St.
8:47 AM

Bao hadn't slept at all that night. Her eyes were sunken in, her eyes staring up at the ceiling, closing every once in a while to pretend that she was sleeping. Duke lay by her side, arm over her torso in that way she hated. She could tell that he had pretended to sleep too, but Bao didn't mind. Sometimes she preferred the silence.

His cell phone was ringing, and he immediately picked it up.

"What is it?"

It was Paul. Bao could hear his voice on the other end.

"Yeah. You got the guy, then? He's good? Yeah. Yeah. Alright, see you there." Duke clicked his cellphone off. Bao had thought about getting a cellphone herself, but there really was no need for one, not with the one Duke had. Paul paid for it out of necessity.

"Paul's got our guy. He'll be driving us. Name's Wes." Duke stood up and rubbed his arms, little traces of fog emitting from his lips. He was almost fully dressed, since the warehouse was so cold despite the blankets. It was like living in an in-door tent composed of dumpster-thrown blankets.

"We meeting him?"

"Naw. He's coming to us. Should get here in a couple of hours or so."

Bao sat up beneath the blanket, fully clothed herself. Greasy as she was, there was something freeing about the limited wardrobe. How light her thoughts felt, just knowing she had so little to carry.

They played cards while they waited, a pack they carried around every day. Bao noticed every time Duke's eyes flicked towards where the boxes were hidden, deep within the wall. He was so distracted he'd often forget what game they were playing, to the point where they both just started making up their own rules.

Then a car drove up somewhere outside. They both lifted their heads.

Abandoned Warehouse 77th St
10:14 AM

The old '95 Chev rattled into the area outside the warehouse with its engine humming loudly. Looking at the clock Wesley realized that his feelings of anxiety must have weighed heavy on the gas pedal. He smirked calling himself out on the childlike behavior and took the truck out of gear and disengagede the ignition. The truck had parked parallel to the warehouse and Wes looked at the old building from the passenger side window. Memories that had been long forgotten began to slowly scratch their way to the surface of Wes' mind. He could remember when he was younger running with a crew doing the same sorta things. Doing what they could to make a name for themselves and get ahead. With the wisdom that came with experience over the last ten years he realized how naive it was and yet here he was back again.

With a huff he got out of the truck and made his way into the warehouse. It was pretty easily seen that this place was more than just a place to pick up product. All the signs pointed to it being lived in and with the broken lock he figured that this must be the right place.

Closing the door behind him he took off his beanie. The place wasn't lit extremely well except for a few spots but he could make out two figures twenty or so feet away, sitting.

'I'm pretty sure you two have been waiting for me. You the ones that know Paulie?'

His voice was gruff rubbing against the ears roughly in the rundown warehouse. He took a step forward but stopped and waited for a reply.



"And you must be Wes?" Duke said with one breath. A sour smile spread across his lips. He didn't bother to step any closer. He ran a greasy hand through his equally greasy hair. "Come on, then. We've got a job to do."

Bao watched him turn around to the hiding spot. Though concrete, one of the walls was loose, a block leaning up against the rest of the wall. Duke struggled to move it, and instead of going to help him, she turned to Wes and nodded.

"I'm Bao. That's Duke." She nodded her head in her friend's direction, then extended a hand out to Wes.

'It's a pleasure.' His reply was affirmed by his rather large hand wrapping around the girl's and shaking it. He smiled at the seemingly pleasant attitude of the two. He quickly moved towards Duke and helped him move the block, and by helped Wes really did it himself. He looked at the boxes before him and did a quick count.

'So this is the week's quota correct? How do you two normally split it up? You know all the drop offs right?'

Wes stopped short, he could easily ask more questions but didn't want to bog the two with too many at once. He lifted a box getting an idea of the weight before setting it back down deciding it was best not to play with the merchandise.

"Not this week's quota. Paul's been keeping low for a while, and there's plenty of heroine here to last his clients for well over a month. We split it up according to the labels on the boxes." She pointed to the way the boxes were marked, each one a different product. Just then Duke was picking one of them up, a box marked for brand-name Fishing supplies. "All drop-off points correspond to the product on the boxes."

"These ones are getting dropped off by the pier," Duke grunted as he struggled under the weight of his particular box. He was making his way to the car.

"And these 'hot dog buns' are going to the little stand near 18th Street. Try to make it look like a standard delivery. A complete circuit around the city, and we're good to go. We get paid upfront, then bring the cash to good ol' Paul." His name left a bitter taste in her mouth. "Then he'll give us our share."

'Alright to the truck then. It's quite a nice set up isn't it?' Wes answered trying to sound cheerful. He stacked a few boxes up and made his way out of the warehouse. After a few trips and setting up the truck bed he dusted off his hands and looked at the two. They were a different lot for sure but seemed like the were serious about the job. Wesley patted Duke on the back and encouraged them to get in the truck.

In a blink the large man has got in the driver's side and started the truck. He realized that it only have one row of seats would mean everyone would be squeezing into together. He called out to his new associates 'So it is a stick shift, just make sure whoever is sitting in the middle doesn't have a personal space problem. You two all set? I've got a schedule to keep.'

Bao jumped in the middle, seeing as how she was the smallest of the three. Duke grimaced at Wes's words as he threw his latest cigarette out the window. Bao could already tell that Duke was not taking a liking to the new guy, whether it was rational or not. It had always been his way to judge too quickly. "Let's go, then."

Sickly
01-20-2012, 03:46 AM
Location: World of Wonders
Time: 12:01 PM

Julian stared at the store front and wondered if he should have just called in sick. "Too late for that now."

10 minutes earlier

Julian cell phone rang in his pocket fumbling around as he ran. Julian managed to grab a hold of it and brought it too his ear. "Slow down." It was his mother. "You forgot your shoes." Julian looked down at his bare feet. "Your point?" Julian could hear his mother sigh and give a light chuckle. "They're bleeding aren't they?" Julian lifted his left foot and grimaced at one small but sharp stone protruding from his heel. "Depends on how you look at it. I like to think positive."

"You should have at least made it to Mister Wilkens' house by now." Julian turned around a looked down the street. It was a old street but many of the houses were new except for Mr. Wilkens' house which was very very old. He sat on his porch looking straight at Julian. "Why?"

"Tell him the bet is off if he gives you some socks." Julian looked straight at Mr. Wilkens and walked up to him.

"Your the Rio kid, right?" Julian paused then continued up to the porch. "Yeah." Julian stopped then....well he was going to comment on the man's choice of attire but decided that he had made enough stupid decisions without adding on to them. Mr. Wilkens was wearing a bright yellow summer dress and a rather stylish Sun hat. "The bet?"

"Yes." Grumbled the old man.

"It's off if I get some socks."

"About damn time. I've been wearing this for 2 hours and I'm already thinking about ending it all." Julian stepped back a bit and did his best to avoid the awkward silence as the cross-dressing old man. "You have weird friends, mom." whispered Julian into his phone. "If it ain't broke don't fix it."

"That doesn't make any sense."

10 minutes later

Julian stood on the side walk in front of the store in a pair of very comfy wool socks. He opened the door. "Sorry I'm late. Someone ran over my cat. Blood everywhere. Had to clean it up."

Koti~
01-20-2012, 03:07 PM
Date : Unknown
Time: The Past
“Fear not my dear, you’re sacrificing yourself for a righteous cause” Crow crooned over the limp girl, her eyes vivid and dancing inside their sockets, looking for anyone to save her. Her jaw had been forced closed around a metal bar, silencing any shot of her screaming out for help. Crow stood up, now turning towards the chanting going in the circle around him, standing inside what seemed to be a large pentagram. He hummed happily as he opened his cloak, pulling out a thin silver dagger, placing it inside a bowl with a dancing blue flame.
“Grand lord Azathoth, ruler of time and space, he who sits in the storm of chaos, hear our plea and accept thine offering. We beseech you oh lord, to come forth and grant our desire. Open a gate to the future, so that we may lay siege to our enemy, and eradicate them from existence.” Crow shouted into the heavens, the men in the circle chanting more vividly and with higher voices, making the very air hum with life.
EARLIER-----
“My lord, we are ready, but we need a few things. I need a vessel for the ritual, one of enemy blood, and still … fresh” Crow dragged the word across his teeth, making it seem twisted and demented. King Lech sneered from his throne, looking down at the man with reproach. He shifted in his stone throne and looked down at the man. His fist clenched in anger at the sheer outrage of the prospect of it, but he knew it to be true.
“You speak out of turn warlock, and you are wearing my patience thin. Be wary where you treads, or you will end in the dungeon along with the other traitorous wenches and slaves.” King Lech sneered at the man. He waved his hand idly, signaling the man to leave.
“You will have your ..vessel… tonight” King Lech finished, drawing out the word with slight distain.


“Now great Azathoth, let thine vessels blood run dry to sooth your ache, your lust satisfied by the virgins soul.” Crow shouted into the air, picking up the blade that was now bright white. He leaned over the woman, who was furiously working her jaw to try and scream, her body unresponsive. He sunk the blade into the woman’s flesh, just below the collar bone. Her eyes rolled back into her head as a slight gurgle emanated from her throat, her body unresponsive to the pain.
Crow worked fast, carefully cutting the lines deep into her skin, the skin separating with ease as the blade slid through like liquid fire. Three times he pulled the blade out, only to reheat and start it again, back into the same wound he had started. He carved a series of ancient runes through her body, the liquid given to her earlier keeping her alive through the ordeal, tears streaming down her face as each wound was peeled open, the air thrumming above her as he spoke soft incantations, his voice rough and gravelly.

“The runes set, the vessel beget, and ready for you oh lord Azathoth. Accept our humble offering and heed our request, allow us to transpire your domain to shed the blood of our enemies.” Master Crow leaned forward, hos arms splayed out as the girls chest heaved shallowly, her eyes shut firm as the bright pink flesh stretched and fingers splayed upwards towards the ceiling, the men’s chanting having grown to a dull whisper in the chamber. The air seemed to bulge inwards around the girl, the lights flickering inside their holders as the guards shivered, the king stone faced as ever.
*He has heard our prayer, and comes to give aid.* Crow thought greedily, a smile creeping onto his face.

Mysteria
01-21-2012, 04:52 AM
Location: On Lina’s way to home/work.
Day/Time: Monday 10:00 AM and beyond.


As Lina walked back towards her house she took out her Bluetooth and inserted it into her ear, then connected it to the I-phone she had also pulled from her pocket. Once the device was connected to her phone she gave it the command to call her editor in chief, Esther.

As per the usual, Esther answered before the third ring "The Kings Herald, Esther speaking" came the voice on the other end.

"Good morning Esther, this is Lina" said the comely young woman who was walking down the street and had nodded and smiled at her neighbors as she made her way back towards her house. I'm on my way out of town now to get those shots you wanted for this week’s spread on the series, a different location this time out by the creek."

"Excellent" was the brief reply on the other end of the line. Then all Lina heard was "No no NO, rewrite it, that's not going to do at all."

Lina grinned to herself. When Esther didn't like something, she was quick to tell her employees and at the moment, she was glad that she wasn't on the receiving end of that conversation. A few seconds later the voice returned to the phone "I'm sorry about that Lina, I didn't mean to cut you short."

"It's okay" Lina responded as she opened her garage door and stared at the two cars parked inside. One was a 2012 Cadillac CTSV (https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRPzryqs3U8j_qR8dfLFSp8Pl051b5Te vR3AFn4v3RxZBFl0OLzUg) and the other her prized 1969 Pontiac GTO. (http://agecars.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/99.jpg) As she stood there deliberating which one to drive for the day she finished her conversation with Esther. "I know you want only the best for the Kings Herald." Then she laughed "That's why you hired me for this series."

A light laugh came from the other end of the line "You know me well Lina. I have to run, see you when you get in with the photos. You'll have them by this weekend I presume?"

Lina nodded to herself as she fingered the keys to the GTO "You presume correctly, I'll have them there before Friday. See you then!" Lina hung up the phone and opened the door, tossing her bag in and crawling inside to fire up the engine. As the motor roared to life Lina felt the power under the hood. The brown eyed woman smiled to herself, she always did love a powerful car and the two sitting in her garage were proof positive of that fact.

Steering out of the drive Lina headed the car towards the outskirts of town, past the hustle and bustle of the city and into the country. Upon arriving at her chosen destination, she parked the car and grabbing her bag she began her trek through the woods stopping only to pull her camera out of its resting spot.

Taking advantage of the turning seasonal Maine foliage she began snapping pictures. The trees were just beginning to turn the shades of colors that in Lina's own personal opinion were some of the best the country had to offer. Nothing could compare to Maine in the autumn and the month long series would provide for some of the most amazing pictures to be found, if she could just time it properly to showcase the full turning of the leaves during the season of splendor. It would mean she would need to make several trips out to the country, but she never seemed to mind it for some reason, as she preferred the quiet of nature to the hustle and bustle of the city. Of course, her work demanded her to live in the city, but her love of nature was one of the reasons why she had chosen the outskirts of Kingport to make her home.

As she walked towards the small stream that she wanted to get some stills of, she couldn't help but notice that just as it was last week, it was quiet, actually, even quieter. There was barely a rustle in the woods, no sounds of animals scampering about. Even the wind seemed to be still. The only sounds came from the crunch of her boots as she walked and the occasional noise of the shutter on her camera.

Stopping in mid stride, Lina adjusted the f-stop and began walking again, snapping random photo's. As she did so, she heard a strange noise and turning her head she saw something odd which she could only describe as a shimmering ripple of light. Pulling her eye away from the view finder she looked again but saw nothing. Quickly she wiped her lens with the cleaning cloth, shaking her head and thinking to herself that she must have been seeing things.

Location: The past

Beware Beware, the red eyed crow, for he comes to steal your soul (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=nGLGxjXYuKI)

The flames fumed low, smoke billowing them into the air as the woman’s body arched, lights dancing across her eyes. The air seems to bustle with noise at it. The body strained against the binds as the seals glows white, shifting black and red as the air thrummed louder. The air shifted above the woman, the very air seeming to bulge above her as her body rocked up and down against the air, blood mixing with sweat and other fluids as drool pooled outwards.

“The lord Azathoth has heard our plea’s so we shall listen to his words. Release her binds and let the grand lords wise words pour forth” Crow said, sending five pages forward, one each for the bind. The second that her body was free, she retched forward, black bile floating down from her lips. Her body hovered upwards as it floated up, the girls head rolling on her neck like a rag doll.

“noitidnoc eno no ,hsiw ruoy detnarg eb llahs uoY
.desaelp ma I dna ,aelp ruoy draeh evah ,htohtazA drol dnarg eht ,I” The demonic voice spewed forth from the woman’s mouth, the spit mixing with the bile that stained her teeth. The voice sent the men to their knees, the voice booming, send the flames once again to a low flicker. She snarled as she looked directly at crow, pointing a broken finger at him.

“Yes my lord Azathoth, whatever you wish I shall gladly follow your orders. I shall be your humble servant and allow your words to be conveyed through my actions.

Azathoth stared at the man, her eyes swiveling around in his head like they were completely detached, the head lurching back and forth as cracks resounded through her body, the energy coursing through her body ravaging it as it fed off her light, bathing her in the darkness as the color faded from flesh, from the tips outwards.


“!egassem ym daerps dna ,niamod ym ssorca og woN
.ti rof reffus lliw yeht won dna ,su tegrof ot desivda lli erew yeht taht meht lleT
dnal eht ssorca egassem ym daerps llahs ,niamod ym ssorca egassap ksa ot em dellac sah ohw eno krad eht ,uoY
!desaelp ton era ew dna ,syaw sdrol eht nettogrof evah erutuf eht fo elpoep esehT
.tnavres ym uoy rof noissim a evah I ,woN .doog ,dooG”

The voice spoke, splashing his body with darks powers unrelenting as the woman’s eyes finally stopped swiveling to focus on him. His body shivered as though plagued by a flu, when the woman’s head rolled back with a final sickening snap, her body falling limp onto the ground, releasing both Crow and the woman’s hold, her body falling with a muffled thump. Her body had gone completely grey as the blood stopped pooling from the wounds, now laying inside a pool of her own fluids.

The air above seemed to shiver and fold in upon itself, pulling in the light from the room as the smoke was pulled into the portal, light crashing with the darkness as the area above the girls limp body fluxed and crashed, a humming pressing against their ears as it swirled in the air.

*noitidnoc eno no ,hsiw ruoy detnarg eb llahs uoY
.desaelp ma I dna ,aelp ruoy draeh evah ,htohtazA drol dnarg eht ,I

I, the grand lord Azathoth, have heard your plea, and I am pleased.
You shall be granted your wish, on one condition

“!egassem ym daerps dna ,niamod ym ssorca og woN
.ti rof reffus lliw yeht won dna ,su tegrof ot desivda lli erew yeht taht meht lleT
dnal eht ssorca egassem ym daerps llahs ,niamod ym ssorca egassap ksa ot em dellac sah ohw eno krad eht ,uoY
!desaelp ton era ew dna ,syaw sdrol eht nettogrof evah erutuf eht fo elpoep esehT
.tnavres ym uoy rof noissim a evah I ,woN .doog ,dooG”

*Good, good. Now I have a mission for you my servant.
These people of the future have forgotten the lords ways, and we are not pleased!
You, the dark one who has called me to ask passage across my domain, shall spread my message across the land.
Tell them that they were ill advised to forget us, and now they will suffer for it.
Now go across my domain, and spread my message!

Location: Present

Lina wiped the lens and tucked the cloth back into her case. She snapped off a few more pictures, this time of the surrounding area and the stream itself as the sun reflected off it and as she did so, there was a sudden bustling in the woods and the scampering of animals as though something had spooked the gray squirrels which had finally come out to play. As she turned her head back in the direction of the earlier disturbance that had affected her camera, she again noticed a glimmer of light which now began to intensify. It fascinated her and she stepped towards it, her curiosity piqued. As she got closer the rippling effect grew and she heard voices. She stopped in her tracks as she heard what sounded like chanting.

For a moment she thought it was a voice she recognized and looking around she quickly realized that there was no one present but her. As her gaze drew back to the source of light, it began to appear almost phantasmal to her, as though it there was something there that was visible but yet hidden from full view. She stepped towards it and then froze in her tracks as she heard a voice coming from the flickering light which now held the appearance of something she’d only seen in movies, a portal of some sort but the voice that came through was distinct and crystal clear

“Now they will suffer for it. Now go across my domain, and spread my message!”

Wide eyed, Lina was drawn towards the voice, reaching a hand out to touch the iridescent glimmer with the curiosity of a child experiencing something for the first time.

Through the flux –

Crow stood transfixed as the image of a girl appeared in the portal, a strange devise around her neck as her fingers reached out to touch the portal. Cursing, he pulled a crimson marble out of his pouch on his left. No larger than the tip of his thumb, he chanted, a low guttural sound. He had to work fast, or he could tell if that the woman touched the portal first, she would cross over into the past, and that would foil their plans quickly.

“Nox orcania set soz. Setra ala couz tera seh!” Crow shouted, crushing the orb inside his hand. The blood and class pooled from his hand and dripped downwards, but none touched the floor. The blood turned black and sprung forward, each drop taking the form of a black red eyed crow as it flew through the portal, aimed with one mission.

To stop the girl from touching the portal, and ensuring his entrance to the future.

As Lina’s hand almost touched the ‘shimmering whatever it was’ from the depths of it flew a crow that startled her. It landed on a nearby branch and seemingly watched her as she gasped and quickly backed away from the sparkling light. The forest became deathly quiet save the sound of cawing from the red eyed creature. Red…eyed…creature.

While Lina had never considered herself a scaredy cat, the sight of a red eyed crow was enough to make her take a few steps back before raising her camera one last time to snap a few pictures of the animal off before quickly leaving the forest and returning to her car where she slid in and squealed the tires as she made her way for home.

Her mind raced on the drive home, it almost racing as fast as she was driving the vintage car. Boy, was she going to have plenty to tell Cherri when she came over, much more than she had expected! Wheeling the car into the drive Lina took a deep breath before climbing out. Get a grip girl, she told herself as she saw the mailman who waved “Hey Lina, how’s your day been?” Marty inquired as she approached “It’s been unique to say the least” the bewildered Lina said as she accepted the mail he handed her. With a brush of his hand against hers in the exchange, Lina almost jumped out of her skin when suddenly before her eyes she could see Marty running from a neighbor’s pit bull just a few houses down as he beat the dog off with his mailbag. Quickly she withdrew her hand, her eyes darting around rapidly. What was wrong with her, what was happening? Marty’s voice snapped her back to reality “Lina, you okay?” he queried.

“Sure Marty, sure, I’m just tired I guess. Haven’t been sleeping well” she lied. Marty smiled and said “Go take a nap; you look like you need it.” The brunette smiled at the balding mailman “I think I’ll take your advice. Maybe a nap will do me good” she replied as she waved goodbye and went inside.

Nap hell, what she really needed was a good stiff drink and laying the mail on the table she immediately poured herself a snifter full of brandy. Settling into the chair she noticed that even Lady seemed uptight as she curled up against her feet while Mattie in her cage made noises she’d never heard her make before, her calico cat Joe jumping up into her lap, shivering. Taking a long pull from the brandy she then left out a deep sigh “What in the hell is going on around here?” she asked out loud to no one there but the animals. Thankfully, none of them answered her because if she doubted very much she could take anything more weird happening without her feeling as though she would need to begin seeing a shrink.

Setsa
01-21-2012, 05:48 PM
Whispers of the past:

Location: Behind World of Wonders Bookstore

Time: Monday: Mid-morning thru Mid-day

"Great timing as usual Charlie" Trixi said taking the stethoscope from his hands to give a good once over on the guy; tossing the bloodied shirt she used to clean him up with out of the dumpster to be bagged just in case. His harsh breathing and weak pulse worried her; now with lips turning blue it was obvious that his lungs were damaged enough to get enough oxygen to the body. Asking for little silence as the woman listened her suspisions were confirmed.... Each breath his body took was full of bubbling, gurgled sounds from his chest. "Shit.....SHIT! Get in here and let's get him in that ambulance we don't have much time he has severe internal damage!" While Charlie stayed outside of the dumpster, the deputy and extra EMT worked fast and careful to get Carter secured on the back board and lifted out.

While the two men got him bagged and started an IV to spare them a few extra minutes. Trixi ran to Ambulance and into the driver's seat. Grabbing the talkie so it would go directly to the ER desk "Hostipal this is Trixie with calling from Ambulance Two at the Wonders Bookstore. Loading up one Carter who is very hurt, with severe internal injuries including his lungs. Confirmed by me... Charlie loading him up now, eta 6 minutes. Get Dr. Acerton on this one please and tell him I'll help him out anytime, he just needs to name it..thanks!"

Stepping off vehicle her dogs were right there waiting for their human companion as she said her quick good lucks to the EMTs. Now the other half of her job was demanding her attention....this kid was beat up far worse than a little skirmish and disagreement. The town was having enough trouble as is and she wasn't going to allow it to get worse if she had a say in it! Heading back to the dumpster she talked her fellow co-workers on what she discovered...the trail of blood leading to the impact site of injury on the brick wall. How she found Carter lying fast down in the dumpster, the works.... As she found his body the case would be hers once the evidence was all collected and more information on the lad's injuries and recovery came to her desk. Turning around she noticed Su Lin already went off to probably open her store...she'd have to give her thanks later then. Seeing an officer handing Kurt a blue t-shirt in his size for the topless guy she had to give a smirk. Seeing his face when she altered the shirt into rags was near priceless "come on Kurt...let's get you back to work before your boss throws a brick at you next."

Following him through the back door of the bookstore with Maxum and Thor at her heels. The small group managed their way through the maze of books to the front. She needed to get back to work and let the dogs run a bit for a job well done. "Cherilyn.... here's Kurt; you had more than a little fight behind your store and I needed him and his shirt to help the Carter boy out until the ambulance and other police arrived." Maxum lightly nudged the woman behind the counter, giving off big eyes and an expression of' 'sorry ma'am'. "So please don't be too harsh on him...he stayed at my request and I'll be sure to drop off some homemade Apple Pie from my apple trees out back for you, tomorrow morning on my way to the station." Noticing a paper cut on Cheyilyn's knuckle she touched the hand to get a better look, a smirk on her face when she lifted her head to meet the woman's. "Looks like I'll drop off some of that herbal ointment cream of mine for you too if you like." It never surprised her that she had so many papercuts working in a bookstore; but when she looked back down to see how bad it was .... the paper cut was gone. No red, angry cut...no dry knuckle...nothing. 'Huh...that's odd I could have sworn she had a... Well, guess I've been working too hard and only expected her to have another on her hand. But..I could have really thought...' The words raced through her head as she tried to figure this...illusion out.

Shaking her head to get back at the point in hand; Trixi called Maxum back to her side. With a smile and a wave Trixi and the dogs left the store; soon the Police SUV was backing up into the street and headed off to the station where there was a play yard for the dogs and more work for her to get back on. The next few hours after playing fetch with her dogs was occupied with phone calls for any leads on Carter. They got several anonymous calls to the station about it that brought her there...but bad thing about anonymous is that getting any extra information required much more work to dig up. Either way she couldn't do much until the Dr. called with his prognosis and what he did to give the poor kid another chance in life...if he could. To help pass the time she busied herself with the pile of papers in her Inbox bin.

"Joy....hi ho hi ho..its off to dull papers I go..."

Edynol
01-22-2012, 12:59 AM
Location: The hospital
Time: Monday. Mid-morning thru Mid-day

Zack was still standing at dispatch when he heard Trixi call over the radio. When the lady looked up at him, he gave her a nod. "Have him brought to Xray-3," he said, and she nodded as he turned to a near-by nurse. "Go have O-1 prepped and readied for surgery." He then left to go prep-up.

As he walked to the X-ray room, one of secretaries called to him from down the hall. "Hey Zack! Dr. Hillbrough from County called and needs your help on a differential."

Zack turned briefly and yelled back. "Call him back and tell him I'll get with him when I can, but he may want to call Henton from the university if it's urgent." The woman obeyed and Zack proceeded to the OR prep room to get scrubbed up. Carl was brought in on a stretcher as soon as the doctor entered the X-ray room. Zack got the X-ray ready as a few EMTs transferred him to the table. Not bothering with reading the negatives, he went straight the computer screen so he could see the X-ray as soon as it popped up. It took him only a few seconds to see which lung had been punctured.

"Okay! Get him to O-1 stat," he told the EMTs, who hastily obeyed. He then rushed to Operating Room one. When a few attendings joined him, he motioned for the surgical tray. "He has a large puncture in the right main bronchus and right ventricle. Hook him up to vent and have suction ready."

"Doctor Acerton," one of the newer attendants said nervously. "I don't think there's anything we can do. There's too much damage and he's lost a lot of blood already."

Zack spoke as he began to cut open the guy's chest. "Maybe, but we have to try anyways. If you're afraid of a risky surgery looking bad on your resume, you can leave now and find another hospital. I took an oath and I mean it. I do this to help people, not to look good on paper." The young man, his shame showing even through his mask, nodded meekly. "Okay I need suction, Pam, sutures." The nurse handed him the sutures as the attending suctioned the blood out from the lung.

The young man was losing a lot of blood and his heart rate started to become erratic. "No no no. Come on kid, hang in there. Don't quit on me."

"Doctor, he's lost too much blood. He's becoming Anemic," the younger doctor said again.

"He's still alive, dammit," Zack snapped. "Just shut up and do what you're told." The doctor went as fast he could without causing more damage, but he was bleeding faster than the hose could suction and he was already on the second blood bag. Zack was starting to get angry. He hated seeing someone this young die before really have a chance to experience what life had to offer. But then suddenly, his heart rate started to stabilize and the bleeding slowed down. A few other doctors observing watched in amazement as Zack sutured up the last of the damage and closed the young man back up.

Everyone clapped and cheered as Dr. Acerton took a few steps back and lowered his mask. He wasn't sure how he managed to do it, he must've just been in the zone, which wasn't too uncommon in surgery. Every doctor had great moments here and there, and he just had one himself, he thought. He took a few deep breaths, he felt oddly exhausted, like the procedure lasted all day rather than just a few hours. "Alright, get him to IC. I want him monitored diligently for the next twenty four hours."

Zack crooked a finger at the young attending and the boy followed him outside the OR. Zack was not pleased with him. "If you ever try to give up on someone who's not flat-lined again in this hospital, you are out of here. And I'll make sure you never do anything in medicine above being a school nurse. Is that understood?" The young man hung his head and nodded. "Good. Now get the hell out of here." Zack the turned and made his way down the hall to his office.

Rosaline had spent what was left of her morning at home trying to convince herself that she was not completely and totally crazy. She needed to relax and in order to do so she had locked herself in the dark room that she'd had built in her spare room. While she owned a digital camera she still preferred to do much of her photography the old fashioned way, right down to developing the films herself.

She hummed as she processed the film and then hung it to dry while she prepared the image enlarger. Carefully taking the photo paper out of it's box she laid it on the platform. Making sure the film was dried properly she inserted the negative into the slot and began the dodging process, trying to bring to light the shimmer that she had seen in the woods. Much to her dismay there was nothing to be found on the film, the only things visible were the shots of the magnificently colored foliage and the crow. She shuddered as she brought the crows image into focus, bleeding out the surrounding shrubbery and focusing on the crows head. Even in the dark room the crows eyes were a deep blood red color.

Quickly she enlarged the image and transferred it to the paper then slid the paper into the developer. When the allotted time was up she transferred it into the stop bath, then the fixer before squeegeeing if off and hanging the photo's to dry.

While the film dried she exited the dark room through the double doors that ensured that none of her photos would be ruined and went into the bedroom to brush her hair and check her makeup. She had one more stop to make today, at the hospital to see her friend Mary Taylor who had recently been in a strange car accident. The circumstances surrounding her accident were still unclear to everyone and had police puzzled. She had received the call from Mary's mother on her way home from the woods that Mary would be moved out of ICU today, that she had suddenly awoke from her week long coma. The doctors had not expected Mary to even live so Lina was excited to say the least that her friend had finally snapped out of it.

Grabbing her purse she headed out the door and jumped into her CTSV and made the quick trip to the hospital. As she headed down the hall one of the nurses who she had come to know through her many trips to visit Mary called out to her "Rosaline, she's already been moved. Down that corridor, third room to your right."

Lina turned her head to look at the older woman with a smile and wave "Thank you June!" she said rounding the corner and looking back in front of her a second too late and running right smack into a doctor who was considerably taller than her and had the most amazing hazel green eyes she had ever seen. Her eyes locked with his for a split second before she realized that she was staring at him and blushing slightly she managed to squeak out "I..I'm sorry, the nurse was talking to me..." She stammered the words out apologetically "I should have been more careful."

Zack wasn't paying much attention himself, lost in his own thoughts as he walked down the hallway, when he bumped into a woman, who looked to be around his age. She was taller than average for a woman, had wavy brown hair nice highlights and pretty brow eyes. He reflexively grabbed her arms to steady her, his expression still slightly startled. "Oh, geez. I'm sorry, miss. No, I wasn't paying attention myself. Are you okay?" he asked as he looked into her eyes.

"I'm fine..." Lina began but the minute the handsome doctor took her by the arm to steady her the slightly older female felt like she was in a fog for a moment as brown eyes stared back into the younger mans hazel orbs. A vision of the doctor, much younger as a teenager appeared in front of her. He was with a man who was speaking to him "Son, it is up to us to take control of our lives and make it better."

A split second later she saw the same boy again, perhaps just a bit older with a woman who she took to be his mother at the other mans funeral. It was now the teenage boy who was speaking "Mom, I'm gonna become a doctor. It's what I want to do."

Suddenly Lina felt dizzy and at the same time her knees began to buckle underneath her. She didn't understand what was happening to her as she reached for the wall, her face turning ashen.

When Zack saw the women suddenly become disoriented and start staggering, he quickly put his arms underneath hers and behind her back. He knew the difference between a play for affection and the real thing, and this definitely wasn't faked. You can't fake that look. He slowly brought her over to the nearest wall and gently lowered her down. "Don't worry, I got ya," he said in a gentle, reassuring tone. He then scooped her up in his arms, despite how exhausted he already felt, and carried her to a near by exam room.

When he sat her on the exam table, he went and grabbed a light scope and gently put his hands on the sides of her face, gently patting her cheeks to get her eyes focused on him. "Okay now," he spoke softly. "Look at me. Can you look at me?" When he had her eyes looking into his, he gave her a small smile. "Hey, there you are," he said as he shined the light in her eyes. Her pupils reacted normally so he proceeded with checking her pulse, which was slightly elevated but with in the norm. "Do you know what day it is? Can you tell me your name?"

Lina felt herself being lowered and heard the genuine gentle concern in the doctors voice despite her protests that she was fine. Within mere seconds she was scooped up, her head resting against his chest as she tried to get her bearings. Once he had sat her on the edge of the table she stared after him as he went to the other side of the room and returned.

"Look at me. Can you look at me?" Lina forced herself to focus and once again found herself caught up in the depths of his eyes. Then he smiled at her and for the first time she really saw him as he came into focus "Hey, there you are."

She smiled a small smile at him as he took her pulse, her heart fluttering slightly although he remained professional "Do you know what day it is? Can you tell me your name?"

Finally she found her voice "It's Monday. And my name is Rosaline Bennett, and I'm okay" her smile broadening as she added "How could I not be okay when I was just being held by someone as handsome as yourself?"

Then her tone turned serious as she realized how her joke may sound to him, her blush returning to her cheeks "Again I find I have to apologize to you. That was out of line. You've been nothing but helpful to me. Really, I'm fine. Thank you for your concern."

Zack's smile widened a bit at her comment. He assumed she didn't mean to speak that out loud and didn't want to add to her embarrassment, so he didn't comment on it right then. "Hello, Rosaline Bennett," he said in a casual, friendly tone. "I am doctor Zachery Acerton, but you can call me Zack if you like." He then called in a nurse and had her look up Lina's medical file. "I think I've seen your face around before. Were you coming to visit someone here?"

When the nurse came back with a file folder, Zack looked it over and nodded. "Well, you have no apparent drug allergies, no diabetes or history of low blood-sugar. I don't think it's anything serious, but you may be having an minor onset of narcolepsy. Have you had fainting spells in the past? Trouble staying awake during the day?"

Lina was finally getting her bearings enough to know that her attempt at humor had failed and although her smile faded just a bit she managed to not allow her disappointment to show to the good doctor. At least, he had noticed her at some point, but she found it odd that she had not seen him before.

Instead she answered his question, and added her own.

"Hello, Dr. Acerton. Yes, my friend Mary was being released from ICU today, no I've never fainted before and no, I've never had problems staying awake and do you always ask so many questions?" She grinned as her own question slipped from her tongue.

Zack chuckled at her last question. "Well, if I didn't ask question, I wouldn't get any answers. And without answers, it's hard to give a diagnosis. And if I just sent people away without one of those, I wouldn't be a very good doctor, would I." He spoke in a light tone. "And if I ask a few more question than other doctors, that's because I care about you. Ahem, my patients I mean." Where the hell did THAT come from? Zack thought to himself.

After taking her blood pressure and drawing a little blood just to be safe, Zack put the equipment away and turned back towards Lina. "I don't think it's anything to be worried about, but it's better to be safe than sorry." He then reached into his shirt pocket and pulled out a small card. "If you experience anymore episodes, no matter how small, call and ask for me or Dr. Grubner. Day or night. He works the night shift. If you can't reach either of us here, my cell is on the back. And I always answer that unless I'm in surgery." He handed her the card and then looked at his watch. "Have you eaten today? I have a lunch break coming up, Wanna join me? Being hungry can sometimes trigger dizziness if you over exert yourself or run into an overly inquisitive doctor," he finished with a wry smile and a wink.

Lina's smile perked up at the doctors question and then her face fell as she remembered her original reason for her visit, and her dinner date with her good friend, Cherri.

She accepted the card and then flipped it over, again grinning to herself. He really had written his personal number on the card. Hopping down from the table she offered one last smile "As inviting as that sounds, I'm afraid I will have to decline. I've yet to visit Mary, and already have prior dinner arrangements with my friend Cherilyn, the owner of the World Of Wonders bookstore but I'll keep your card just in case." She picked up her purse then, adding as an afterthought "That is, if I feel ill again or anything that needs your attention. Thank you again, Doctor."

Zack chuckled a little. "I know her. I sometimes go to her for hard to get medical journals. Tell her I said hi." When they parted ways, he went by his office and gave Trixxi a call. "Hey, thanks for getting that kid here so fast. Anyone else and he would've been DOA," he said with a smile. "I'm headed to Jackie's Diner for a quick bite. Wanna join me?"

Storm
01-23-2012, 08:43 PM
Location: Street across from World of Wonders Bookstore
Day/Time: Monday – Mid Morning

As her engine comes to life, adjusts her sun glasses while checking for on coming traffic before merging into the street at a rather high rate of speed. Thoughts race through her mind wondering about that crime victim Deputy Nunrico had been tending to while taking her Starbucks cup in her left hand, right on the wheel weaving between cars on while on her way to her shop. Thoughts race through her mind on rather that less than innocent bystander type person had anything to do with the person in the dumpster.

She had always trained to handle herself in those situations as well as trained others in self defense; however she had never been put to the test in actual threat situations. A slew of emotions run through her, a touch of fear, a pinch of excitement, a slight feeling of sorrow for the victim of what transpired, and anger. The more she thought upon it, the more the anger won over her emotions. Her thoughts drifting ~No, I am not angry, I am PISSED~ all the while pressing harder upon the gas peddle. ~Some little fart butt attacking someone obviously unable to def…~ suddenly her foot shifts from the gas to the brake shoving her foot down hard, her tires screeching as her car comes to a halt mere inches from the other car in front of hers. As the other driver extends his arm out his window offering Su Lin his hand – middle finger extended before the other car drives off, she pulls to the side of the road and shifts to park.

Looks to her cup as a slight smile forms across her lips ~Gawd I’m good, nearly wreck … and my cold coffee is safe~ runs through her mind as a slight giggle escapes her lips. Her heart is still racing from having those thoughts of hate running through her mind earlier as well as the adrenalin pumping through her after the near accident. She moves the cup to take a quick sip of coffee before resuming her trip to her shop before pulling the cup quickly away from her lips grabbing a napkin to spit the rather hot liquid into. “DAMN That is HOT!” comes from her as a look of confusion washes across her face being absolutely certain her coffee was cold. She pops the lid off the cup and steam rises from the hot beverage. ~Get a grip girl~ races through her mind as she sets the lid back on the cup settling it in the cup holder. She rationalized this with ~Yea, I now know what is meant when people talk about crime witnesses offering conflicting statements even though seeing the same thing, that must be it~. She readjusts her sun glasses and merges back into traffic.

Location: Mok’s Fine Jewelry
Day/Time: Monday Afternoon

Having arrived at her shop which Gail had already opened, she sits in the back office scrolling through her phone finding Austin’s picture. “Yea, you look the shady type, don’t you buddy” setting her phone upon her desk and flipping through her business card wallet, a soft smile gracing her lips now having a conversation with her card wallet “Yea, I know I really need to digitalize you guys, but I am kept so busy lately … who knows, some day…” happening upon Trixi’s card. She takes her phone and opens send message entering Trixi’s number in the To line. Types a short text

~Deputy Nunrico, there was a person loitering around the bookstore that did not appear a casual bystander, I am attaching a photo if you would be interested in any kind of follow up or what ever police do with these~

She attaches the photo to the text and sends. She leans back in her chair before picking up the desk phone speed dialing World of Wonders. Thankfully Kant answered as she did not feel like getting into a discussion about book DNA and what an author’s favorite food was to determine what book she should be allowed to buy. The thought of how obsessed Cherilyn was causes a slight giggle escape
“Oh, I’m sorry, this is Su Lin over at Mok’s Fine Jewelry…” she had always liked Kant, he seemed one of the more sane people over at World of Wonders, plus he was not hard to look at biting her bottom lip at that thought “… Can you please do me a HUGE favor? I am going to send Gail over to see what we might be able to use, can you possibly wait on her when she gets there to avoid the endless interrogation *giggle escaping*. My business card is on file, I would so appreciate this dear.” Hanging the phone up.

Buzzes Gail “Hey Gail, can you do me a favor and make a run over to Wonder why we shop there Books? I spoke to Kant and he will be waiting to help you so you would not have to bring a urine sample to buy a book for the store.”

“You mean the boy you are crushing on?”

Blushing “Am NOT!”

Gail giggling “Yea, I’ll head over to see … Himmmyummy”

“You are just the worst.”

“Yea, but didn’t hear you deny it” with another giggle before Gail clicks the intercom off and makes her way out of the store before Su has a chance to come out and throw something at her.

Stryker
01-24-2012, 10:04 PM
Location: On the corner of Lakeland St. and Westwood St.
Time of Day: Monday - Late Morning.


“Shaylen…” he thought to himself as he looked in on his sister. He’d come to visit her every other Monday since she came here, a guardian so to speak, always attempting to protect her no matter how long it’d been.

His hand slowly and gently caressed the granite, memories flooding his mind of that day that the unthinkable happened in regards to her. The day he’d never be able to forget no matter how hard he tried to or how hard he tried to fix what happened. The gang, his friends in the gang and the trouble they’d caused the locals all had solid reasonings to him. He didn’t care how it affected anyone not close to himself, and in truth there weren’t many that he considered close emotional, mentally or physically.

Carter, he was only a message. Sent to all that were involved in the incident, he played a small part, but a part nonetheless and had to pay and pay heavily considering he was sending a message that the assholes that did what they did hadn’t gotten away with it no matter how many times the authorities gave him the runaround.

“You might not approve of what I’m doing, Shay, but for me this needs to be done in the manner that it’s getting done. They won’t get away with what happened as long as I’m alive and have The Dollars, that day won’t be forgotten…” he declared, not caring who might’ve heard him.

“Austin!” a voice called out from behind him.

He turned in time enough to spot someone wearing the telltale sign of his alignment with The Dollars, a black armband, a subtle uniform that he’d decided upon.

“Stop yelling,” he replied as he stopped next to him to catch his breath, bent over with his hands firmly placed on his knees.

“Brian and Roy said that they saw a fishy-looking vehicle pull out with three people in it earlier this morning. They said it looked like a regular old delivery truck but there was something strange about the three people that got into it, they said they didn’t look like they belonged there. You know, like they were hiding something.”

“Where’s the truck now?” Austin asked, now paying full attention.

“Last we saw it was making deliveries to all sorts of places, probably dropping off packages of something illegal to their contacts or something, I’m guessing.”

“… Tell everyone to meet at the warehouse so we can get all the stories on this…” he instructed to Brian. “It sounds like something big might be going down around here.” He added before Brian took off, dialing numbers on his phone as he ran.

After settling that bit of business, he turned back to where his sister was and closed his eyes, a small bit of dizziness swept over him, he used the nearby tree to steady himself as the feeling passed. “The hell…” he wondered aloud before shaking himself physically and kneeling down on the grass, placing his hand on the slab of granite before him once more and taking a deep breath.

“Take care of everyone while I’m gone, Shay…” he told her with a smile before slowly rising back to his feet and leaving the small cemetery that his sister had called home for 3 years now…

Kris
01-26-2012, 11:40 AM
Location: World of Wonders
Time: Monday 01:05 PM


Taking in the sight Julian's messy appearance Cherilyn didn't know if to yell at him or asked if he needed further help. Judging his look, the story of the cat being run over didn't seem THAT unlikely.

Truth be told, because he showed up so messy and dirty, if Julian said that HE was the one to be run over, Cherilyn would have believed that story too.

She stood frozen, her eyes widen while Kant's jaw were dropped open. They stood like that for a whole bloody moment before Cherilyn recovered her senses and closed Kant's mouth, by force, almost breaking his teeth by the might of her shoving hand into his chin.

"OUCH!", Kant protested.

"LOOK DECENT DAMMIT!", she screamed, fixing herself before turning to Julian, walking slowly around him and studying him.

"Amm....", she titled her head, trying to think what to say. Instead she just gave up and pointed at the boxes that were half open by now, "Just.... Just... get the book into order... We have a lot to unpack and I don't have time for excuses....".

Kant narrowed his eyes, "Why is he getting off so easily?"

"That's rather simple", Cherilyn said holding two fingers in the air, "He cost me less money than you do", she lowered one finger "and I need to get those books ready before noon. I don't plan to stay over hours because you are so DAMN slow".

"Whatever", Kant said annoyed as he moved for the pile of books he already unpacked, shaving Julian with his shoulder as he did so.

Cherilyn coughed softly getting the young man's attention, "Julian, I'll let you off early today... to clean up and whatnot", she shook her head, "But by all means, come at this hour again and you are fired for good".

Setsa
01-28-2012, 02:49 PM
Location: Hospital/ Police Station
Jackie's Diner
Time: Mid-Afternoon

Trixi was looking over the pictures of the crime scene from this morning. Well, more of reclined in her chair with her hiking boots on the corner of her desk while the photos she wasn't holding were scattered all over her desk. She just had it cleaned off from completing all the paperwork when an officer brought the photos to her. Least, after several years, she had given up on her desk ever being cleaned for longer than a few hours at a time. This was definitely gang affiliated; a "message beat down" considering they left as fast as they came. There were a few gangs in town...some just lived here and dealt elsewhere, some preferred to stay and make profit off of the citizens from drugs or other things of that sorts. But there were some...that preferred to do what they want, when they want...and rule their little areas with iron fists that Carter had seemed to be a victim of.

Scribbling a few thoughts and notes of things she had noticed from the photos. Trixi's cell started to ring on the desk; Thor immediately sat up from his spot next to her chair. Nudging the noise-making device with his muzzle until she sat up and took it. "Thanks Thor; Hello this is Trixi...."

"Hey, thanks for getting that kid here so fast. Anyone else and he would've been DOA," he said with a smile. "I'm headed to Jackie's Diner for a quick bite. Wanna join me?"
"Hey Zack, glad to hear he'll survive for now. You have my thanks as well for saving him and least giving his life a second chance. Jackie's Diner huh? Guess I'm due for a lunch break too. Meet you there in 15 then and my treat since you did the work today."

Flipping her cell closed she stood up, giving a good stretch from being still in the chair. Grabbed the leashes off the wall and was soon seen loading up the dogs in the Police SUV before getting in the driver's seat. "Come on boys, we got a lunch to get too. Which means Jackie's oven baked canine meals for you two!" The news was received with the sounds of barking and wagging tails hitting the sides of the vehicle.

"Goin' to Jackie's," Zack said to the girl at the front desk as he left the hospital. He then made his way to his truck, a dark green Chevrolet Colorado four by four. Everyone thought it was funny that he always left it at the hospital and took the bus almost everywhere he went, but his reasons were logical. "Well," he would say, "I support public transportation, and its nice to just sit and chat with people on the bus after a long day at work. Plus, I am not ashamed to admit that I suck at driving, especially when I'm tired." And it was all true. And just well, the people on his bus' route were nice and civil, for the most part. They all lived on the nicer side of town not too far from the hospital. Sure, the town had a few gangs who thought they owned the place, but he lived in the same neighborhood as the mayor and other city officials. And no matter how tough they were, the gang bangers knew to stay well away from where the politicians dwelt.

As he drove to Jackie's Diner, he turned on his police scanner. Technically, it was illegal to have one in this state, but the PD made an exception for Zack, as he used it as a way to catch any medical emergencies while he was driving. It didn't happen often, but since he abhorred using cell phones while driving, if something came up, he could just turn around and rush back to the hospital and be there when the victim arrived. He thought about asking for his own personal siren, but figured he shouldn't press his luck. But if anyone from the PD ever made an offer, he wouldn't refuse it.

When he arrived at the diner, Jennifer, a waitress he'd dated a few times, met him and showed him to a table. "Hey Zack," she said cheerfully. "I heard you were quite the hero on the 214 last night. Is Larry all right? This place wouldn't be the same with out him here everyday."

Zack nodded as he took a seat. "Yeah, He'll be fine. But you probably won't see him for a few weeks at least. He won't be able to eat solid food for about a month or so. So if he asks for any before then, you tell him what I said and that I'll send Nurse Chandlers to take care of him." The girl giggled. Bella Chandlers was the lead LPN of the hospital, a stocky lady in her forties that took crap from no-one and wasn't above making house calls. And to make it even more torturous for Larry, he had a thing for her but was always to scared to make a move. "Oh, when that deputy arrives, I forgot her last name, but Trixi? She's meeting me here." Jennifer nodded and went back to wait at the door.

Not long after, Trixi and the dogs were greeted by Jennifer and led to the table that Zack was seated at. "Thanks Jennifer...glad to see this place is still as busy as ever." When the lady brought out a pad of paper asking what they wanted to drink, Trixi responded quickly "Bowl of water for the dogs and I'll have some iced tea thanks." Once she had Zack's drink jotted down she left to turn it in and get back to greeting others at the front of the diner.

"Well seems like you're still alive enough after that long shift. How is Carter and you for that matter? Don't need to be bringing you in on my next EMT shift cause you fell from exhaustion." Giving a wink to him she relaxed a bit more in her seat as the dogs made their way to Zack with "love me" eyes and nudges to his hands. "Easy boys don't get pushy...."

Zack patted the dogs and laughed. "Well, I got a good five hours last night. Larry and that kid you brought in earlier, I've been to busy to worry about. Though I was a bit exhausted after that operation today, guess I didn't sleep to well after all. Of course that new attending Gillian, forget his first name, is tiresome to work with. He just wanted to give up. Truth be told, I didn't he was going to make it either, but we were lucky and got him sutured up just in time."

When the waitress brought them their drinks, Zack thanked her and took a drink of his soda. Zack wasn't a big drinker of soda, preferring tea or water, but he needed a little boost today. "The kid's gonna be in IC for at least a weak though. Ventricle lacerations are nasty things, so he isn't totally out of the woods yet. He'll have to be kept under until he's healed enough to remove those sutures."

Zack then tapped his fingers on the table for a bit. "I also have a confession for ya," he said with a half smile. "Now I did want to have lunch with you, get to know you a little better, but I also wanted to ask a favor of ya. Remember that stabbing that happened a few weeks ago by the bank? Well I was in the area and rushed to assist and parked in a red zone and got a ticket. There isn't any way you could take care of that, is there?"

She couldn't help but chuckle some shaking her head. "I remember that incident.... I would have been there myself except I was in the ER working on the diabetic man who was rushing home for some insulin and clipped a crossing deer; then hit the tree." Taking a sip of her iced tea she began to nod. "But yea since you were responding to an emergency call you're excused from the parking long as the ambulance could still get in. Which they obviously did... So all you had to do was go to the EMT who responded or the front desk of the ER, get a signature saying you responded to the emergency incident and bring the ticket to the station and be an easy fix. Since I was there and saw you coming out of the ambulance that brought the stab victim I can take care of it soon as I get back to the station not a problem."

When a young college age waiter came over to take their orders, Trixi asked for 2 Oven-baked Canine Meals and a Turkey Club sandwich... opting for some sliced fruit instead of fries since she was going to take a long run today after this shift. "Well Zack I'm glad he'll make it..as I have to agree his survival chances were very slim for me too. But I'd rather be wrong each time than right in those cases any day! I'll be sure to drop in and pay him a friendly visit on the way back home during my run. He may be under but I'm sure a kind voice would still be appreciated for the poor guy." It was then that her cell phone played Slash's guitar solo from November Rain....her text sound... Seeing it was from Su Lin was wasn't marked urgent she stuffed the phone back in her pocket.

"Sorry about that... So you said you wanted to get to know me more huh?" Relaxing back in her chair, Trixi couldn't help but grin. "Well I love to run, long distance too. Maxum and Thor are my best friends as they go nearly everywhere with me as you can see... I may seem rough around the edges; but am very kind and love to help others with whatever.... Movie buff, non-smoker, excellent baker!..." She took a moment to think "and perfect date would be a great meal with good company and not having to leave to the hospital cause the ER is getting so busy they need more hands on deck." Grinning big she gave herself a thumbs up for the brief "about me" info. "You're turn..."

"Well, there's not much to tell, really. I can't cook worth a lick, don't smoke, of course, but like a good Long Island ice tea if it's made right. I'm big salads and eating healthy, but I do have a weak spot for Philly Cheese steak sandwiches." He chuckled a bit at that. On my off days I run about a mile and half in the morning, though I probably don't need it since I walk about ten miles a day at work. I have a truck, as you know, but prefer riding the bus. I'm a sucky driver. Grew up here in town, but went to Harvard Med at seventeen and got my doctorate after only five years instead of nine because I took no side courses and was lucky to land an early internship my sophomore year and became the second youngest person to graduate from there, which I do like to brag about."

When the waiter came with their orders, Zack opting for a large salad with some bacon and ranch dressing, Zack thanked the waiter and took a bite. "Anyway, I got my degree in both surgical and diagnostics and during my off time or when I'm all caught up at work, I dedicate a few hours to working on my masters, but I try go out at least twice a week. Gotta have a social life," he finished with a smirk. "So how long you been on the force?"

Completely understanding trying to have a social life she realized that the two of them could really relate to each other. "Well got into the Academy 3 weeks after my high school graduation here in town. Graduated February that next year with full honors and a second 'degree' if you will; in EMT fully certified to even work in the ER. Since then I worked hard..lots of extra hours both at the station and ER and now... I'm the Deputy with full additional training as an Canine Handler and a full EMT here in town."

The rest of the conversation over their lunch went great...seeing they had much to talk about. Trixi had to admit that she was enjoying her lunch; not having to gobble it down and run back to either work place and the company was a plus too. Lunch was interrupted when she looked at the time from the clock on the wall... She had to get going to let the dogs run and back to paperwork of evidence and other documents needing a signature.

Zack looked at his watch as well and agreed it was time to get going. "Well it was great chatting with ya," he said with a smile. "We should do this again sometime." He then took out one of his cards and wrote his cell on the back. "Call me up if ya ever need anything. Maybe we could meet for drink some time?"

Exchanging their cards with cell phones attached, Trixi put his card in her jean pocket of her uniform. "Yea drinks sound great, feel free to give me a call if you ever want a running partner too... I have tonight off from the ER but I am sure will see you soon." Giving off a bright smile and taking the check she went to the front counter and paid for their lunch before loading the dogs into the suv; heading back out for another round of work. Waving to Zack as he left back to the hospital....



A Setsa and Edynol wonderful co-op :)

Koti~
01-29-2012, 11:24 PM
Location: The Johnson's residence, off Kingport Dr.
Time: 4 pm

“I gotta get out of here, before something else tries to take my life” Crow muttered, staring at the metal monsters that hurled down the streets, some with humans inside, oddly dressed and staring at him. Once off the warm smooth street, he slipped behind a large building, docile looking and soft under his touch. Panes of glass decorated the walls, showing strange and odd looking objects that he could guess were furniture of such.

“What a strange world the future is. Caloc, keep an eye on the front, for when the original owners return.” Crow said, pulling out one of the thin daggers from his cloak and began to run his fingers along the edge. The bottom half of the window was indented into the wall, a small groove running between them. He took the thin dagger and worked it across, satisfied with two silent clicks. Once the dagger had been pulled out, he pushed the window open, soon finding his way inside the silent domicile. Once in though, a dog charged him, barking furiously and baring its fangs.

“So, the little dog wishes to play? Let’s silence the doggie, and I do need a .. fresh supply” Crow said, digging into his pouch for another crimson marble. This one was much larger than the previous one, making the dog wary.

“Unsou tat ecrit souza elentou Calicazo enerit!” Crow spoke softly, his voice gravely and rough. Breaking the orb across the ground, the blood inside seemed to vaporize and waft towards the dog, flowing against its nose as it sneezed twice. The dog whined then soon laid down on the ground, giving the man a begging look as the red vapor continued to spread around the house.

Soon another animal joined, a straight black cat with a single white paw, laying down next to the dog. He bent down and held out his hand to each animal, watching as they both licked his hand, the cats rough tongue an odd compliment to the dogs wet one.

“Good good, now, I have a mission for you two. We have humans here who will smell like me, taste like me, and radiate the same aura as me. I will need you two to… Ah.. a child returns. To your posts, and do not leave until I say so. I do need to harvest some new souls.” Crow grinned, pulling a clear glass ball with an odd design on it. Heading into the hallway, he dropped the ball near the front door and hid in a shadowed door way. Taking one of the daggers, he made a slice across the front of his arm, muttering angrily as the pain seared through.

With the spell completely, and his arm glowing oddly, he waited for the door to open. A small boy, no older than 9 entered the door and dropped a bag on the floor. Crow smiled widened, amazed at the young target.

“Oh? What’s this?” The boy said, picking up the orb that was in the hall, his small fingers wrapping around the smooth glass, his left index running over the raised edges of the design. The thing felt warm to the touch, and he affixed his eyes to the image of the marble, to the point where he didn’t even notice the man until he felt something sharp and boiling pass through his body. Looking down, a strange three pronged hand was pointing out of his stomach, a ball of pure blue glowing inside his hand. Looking up, color paling from his body, he looked up at the image of a strange garbed man, his arm colored red and holding the boy on his shoulder.

“That, my boy, is where your soul will be. You belong to me now” Crow whispered into his ear, the ball floating into the orb as the symbol changed to match the boy’s name, Cameron….

A hour later, the boy walked out of house, his dog and cat rushing after him. He began to walk down the side walk as the red eyed crow alighted onto his shoulder as his small hand tightened onto the 5in cutting knife, his eyes staring off into the far distance, mumbling a slightly garbled chant rolling off his tongue.

…Crow sat in the living room as the room swayed and shifted around him, the world turning up and down, monsters bursting froth from the room as he held onto the sphere, a tight smile painted across his lips as he laughed, his voice sounding cracked and pitched in odd places.

The Imposter
01-31-2012, 03:18 AM
Location: On the road
Time: Monday, 10:50 AM

Bao pretended she was standing on a battlefield. Arms outstretched, up towards the sky, the enemy coming in hoards, yet still she did not move away, she would not yield. They thought they could knock her down, trample her beneath their feet like a cat caught in a stampede, but it would not be so.

It would not be so….

“Bao!” Duke dug his dirty nails into her shoulder.

She gave a little cry of protest, then shoved his arm away. “What?”

“Pay attention. We’re at the next stop.” Duke had already unbuckled his seatbelt, anticipating the moment when Wes would park the truck again. They’d already made their way to one stop, and it had gone as smooth as usual.

“I was paying attention.” But Bao had been staring up towards the ceiling, just about rolling her eyes back into her head.

Duke pursed his lips, resisting the urge to yell. He still had his hand on her shoulder, and she could feel his fingers twitch. “Come on, hurry up,” he growled at Wes.

Location: Frederick's Fishing Fuel-Up
Time: 10:56 AM

The truck rumbled to a stop and Wes turned the key killing the engine. He tried his best to let the tone of Duke's words not sink in. He took out his cell and wallet and tossed it to Duke telling him to put them in the glove box. Even back in the day Wes never liked going into areas with anything that could lead to trouble for others.

'Alright already...Don't be so edgy. Something doesn't feel right about this place. It seems way to busy for mid day in the fall. Didn't you say the place was normally closed?'

With a very disgruntled sigh Wes peeked through the truck's windows looking for some evidence to just leave. However, none were presented so he opened his door and stepped out casually making his way to the boxes in the bed of his truck. He spoke low as he shuffled through them and found the ones for this delivery.

'Have you two ever been made? You know what I mean? Has anyone figured out that it is you two making the deliveries? Call it old experiential wisdom but something is definitely fishy about this place.'

The pun wasn't purposely brought up and Wesley only half smiled as he said it. Truthfully his mind was already trying to figure out how the three of them were going to get out of any sour situations that might come up. Duke reminded Wesley of a younger version of himself, being quick to speak and even more quick to devulge his emotions to everyone else. Bao on the other hand seemed quite laid back and stuck in her own world. Both of them at least seemed like people Wesley could at least put up with but when push came to shove would they be much help? He wasn't too sure.

"We'll be fine," Duke insisted as he jumped out of the car. "Jobs are done in shifts."

"Besides, we don't come here all that often," Bao added on, though the statement was more vague than it should have been.

But Bao could feel it too, the strange air of this morning, the ominous atmosphere dragging through her lungs. They'd almost been caught before, but this wasn't something Wes needed to know. If anything, they'd just throw Wes forward and run off with his truck. Duke couldn't handle the pressure, but Bao had quite a steady hand when it came to hot wiring.

Duke had already grabbed some of the boxes, made his way to the back with the list to sign on top of the boxes, grumbling and shooting Wes dirty looks with every movement. Bao sidled up to Wes and began unpacking her share of boxes as well. Couldn't hurt to break the ice, maybe make Wes feel a little more welcome.

"Pay Duke no mind. I don't know what's gotten into him today, he's not normally like this."

Wesley hummed as Bao walked up and made some conversation. The intention behind her words were somewhat comforting. Still weary though of everything going on around them Wesley took the lead carrying his share of boxes at point.

'Yeah he sure seems to have his panties bunched up today. Is it because I've been added to help out with these deliveries without any real discussion?'

From his peripherals he noticed a few men closing in on them. He stopped and turned his head to see what they would do. Wesley cursed under his breath as the small posse passed the three and made their way into Frederick's.

"Oh no, that's not it. He's just... erm...." Bao was having a hard tiem coming up with an excuse for Duke's behavior. In all honesty, he was usually like this. "He's going through some hard stuff. It doesn't mean that-"

She stopped. Up ahead, it sounded as if Duke were in the middle of an argument with someone at the back door. His sunken eyes wide, his teeth ground together to suppress his screams.

"Duke?"

But there was no time to react. Duke was flung back, a punch landed firmly on his cheek. The box flew to the side, just inches from falling off the pier. Wesley reacted to the scene in the only way he knew how. In an instant the boxes he was carrying were on the ground and he had quickly moved up to where Duke was. His massive hand reached down and grabbed Duke by the back of the neck pulling him behind him. Wesley's other hand was coming down on the young man that threw the punch.

Wesley called out in a fatherly tone behind him.

'I think they've figured you two out. We need to get out of here...what's the plan?'

Austin's gang, Bao was sure of it. She hadn't seen the black armband until she'd gotten closer. Wes's punch had stunned him massively, but he was still at least somewhat conscious, and there were more already coming, five of them, screaming threats and advancing with their fists and other odd weaponry.

"We gotta go, Duke."

"The box--"

"No, we gotta go! Come on, Wes!"

"The fucking boxes, Bao!"

He moved a hand towards the inside of his jacket, just about ready to pull a gun. Bao yanked his hand away in an instant. Wes hadn't seen what was going behind him but he could see a few more goons coming from out of the shop. Wes turned to face the two grabbing the box that had left Duke's hands. He threw it hard to Duke on the ground and called out to him.

'Listen...get rid of the product, dump my truck and call the cops. Do it now!!!'

Wes turned back to face the group only to be met with a first crushing his cheek. It had been years since Wes found himself in any sort of altercation like this. Nostalgia flooded in with the pain and Wes reacted with his own strike. He already knew the outcome of this, if anything Paulie probably knew it was going to happen and sent him out to square off an old debt. He tried to take as many notes of the thugs as he could before the overtook him.

Bao dragged Duke to the car without a second thought, pushing him away from the driver's seat and speeding away with a turn of the keys and a shifting of gears.

Location: On the road
Time: 11:23 AM

"Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck!" Duke threw his head forward onto the dash with a thud.

"You better stop that fucking bullshit before I-"

"Fuck you, Bao! There goes our fucking run to a bunch of Austin's cocksuckers!"

Bao couldn't tell if her fingers were shaking or if it was just the vibrations of the truck. "Just call the police."

"And let them-"

She reached over, yanked the black cellphone from his pocket, and threw it in his lap. "Call the fucking police!"

Duke's eyes looked just about ready to pop out of his head. Murderous, filled with fury, he dialed 911 and shoved the phone up to Bao's ear so hard it'd leave a bruise for later. She grasped it without question.

"--1, what is your emergency?"

"Hey, hey, um, we- I mean, I heard some shouting over by Frederick's Fishing Fuel-Up. I th-think it's a fight or something--"


Location: Frederick's Fishing Fuel-Up
Time: 11:15 AM

To Wes' amazement he was able to knock out two of the five or so there was before they had him beat down and had him by the arms. His breathing was heavy and he felt like he was about to pass out. Before he was allowed to pass out though one of the thugs yelled in his face.

'You...YOU! We gotta a message for ole Paulie. Tell him to piss off we are taking Kingsport Cove.'

A quick flash of his wrist and Wes saw the glint in the sunlight. The only thing Wes could think of was his kid. Whatever was going to happen Wes had to survive for Ryan's sake. The blade was cold the moment it made contact and then it became warm. Wes slumped in the thugs arms and then fell to the pavement. The last thing Wes heard was all the footsteps of the punks as they left.

Stryker
02-06-2012, 10:03 PM
Location: 1132 Garth Rd.
Time of Day: Late Afternoon

Usually after spending a while visiting with his sister, the rest of the day seems much clearer to him. As if a veil had been lifted by his late-sister, a way of keeping his eyes open for dangers that he felt his sister did her best to shoo him from no matter how stubborn he was in finding them.

He had just then started to enjoy the tranquility of walking through the neighborhood before his phone shook him from his absent-mindedness.

‘The show goes on all night, ‘til the morning with dreams of a lon-‘

“Yeah?”

“We caught the bastards that were running that truck down at Freddy’s” the voice answered on the other end of the line.

“What kinda stuff are they selling?” Austin asked, picking up his pace and making his way there, luckily he was only 20 or so minutes away if he walked, less if he put his fitness to the test.

“They threw the shit into the water when they saw us coming, we got no clue.” Came the reply, causing Austin to swear under his breath before taking a deep breath.

“You said you caught them?”

“Two got away but we got the third one, though I think he’ll be out for a while.” He replied with a chuckle and a few cheers came over the line.

“…Meaning?”

“People find a hard time staying awake after getting the hell beat outta them!” answered the man, obviously pleased with himself.

“I’ll be there in 10 minutes.” Austin replied before hanging up and taking off on a dead sprint.


10 Minutes Later

“Boy, you shoulda seen it, Jack. Beat the shit outta them!” boasted the man who gave the call to Austin earlier. “Piss-ant little girl took a shot too when she tri-“ he began again before feeling a fist meet the right side of his jawline and send him stumbling back a few feet.

“Hey, what the fu-… Austin!”

“The hell have I told you all time and time again, huh?” he shouted, clearly agitated and pissed off. “You don’t do more than what’s necessary, and yet you do this… Again!”

“But they had that stuff you wanted gone.” Came the meek reply.

“And I’m sure these wounds were all done before you tied him up?” he growled after taking a quick look at the man he spoke of. “I’ve had it with you four… You’re out.” He declared.

“…What?” they all asked, bewildered. “What’d you say?”

“Take those damned armbands off and get the hell out of here… Now.”

“The hell are you talking about, Austin? He was selling shit in our town! He’s lucky we didn’t kill his ass!” he continued argue.

“Alex… You realize that the only reason you were ever in The Dollars is because your friends snuck you in when they thought I wasn’t paying attention?” Austin revealed while turning to face Alex and his friends in question.

“I knew what they were doing and thought I’d see what’d happen and how long you’d keep your nose clean to blend in, but I knew that sooner or later that you’d screw up and I’d have to handle you and them at once…” he continued, 20 silhouettes appearing behind him. “And I think that is now unless you feel the need to get the hell out of our goddamned town.”

“Arrogant little, bastard… Come on, let’s get outta here…” Alex muttered under his breath before he and his friends ripped off the black armbands.

Once they left, Austin returned his attention the unconscious guy. He walked behind him and untied his hands before motioning to one of his gang members wearing shades to take them off and hand them to him. He then wrapped an armband around the glasses and placed them on the man’s lap. When he awoke, it was a signal that The Dollars would have their eyes on him.

“Jason, take five with you and go east. Will, take five and go west. Nathan, you and I will split the remaining eight and take north and south to make sure those pricks don’t try to lay low.” He instructed.

“What about the guy here?” Nathan asked, “We’re just going to leave him?”

“He’ll wake up on his own in time and he’ll get the message, I’m sure the other two called the cops so we should get going before we hear sirens.”

And with that, the 20+ members of The Dollars dispersed in different directions.

Mysteria
02-06-2012, 11:39 PM
Monday, evening.
The World Of Wonders Book Store:

Cherilyn closed the doors of her store. About a hour ago she allowed Julian to go home, seeing how things moved faster than she hoped them to be.

"Kant... It's okay... you can go, I'll do the closing".

"You sure?", asked the blond.

"Yes, yes, I'll handle it, also you requested a day off tomorrow, right?", she asked, still busy with the locks and making sure all the windows were sealed.

"Nah... Gonna pass... The girl I wanted to take out sort of ditched me...".

"Oh!", said Cherilyn, again, not much bothered, and still moving over the files and shutting down the computers, "Ask her out next time then?", she asked while making sure the books were in order.

"Yeah... probably should... Listen, Cherilyn... I....", he seemed to struggle with his words.

The pause actually made the woman turn around, or more to say look at his direction since she was busy holding some books and replacing them over the shelves, "Yes?", she asked once the silence was too great to bear.

"I... well...", he chuckled digging his hands in his hair, "I... oh well, never mind".

She nodded and shrugged, "Okay, cool, see ya tomorrow at 9:30?", she said, humming to herself as she made sure everything was in place.

"Yeah... yeah... sure", he turned around and left the bell ringing as a cold wind blow forth.

Cherilyn sighed. She was no fool. She knew perfectly well what he was about to say. She kinda hoped to get any ideas out of his mind by making his life miserable, but things just didn't seem to work like that, so she figured... or that he actually enjoyed it?!

Whatever it was, she felt she didn't want to bring anyone into her life now. Still feeling a bit edgy over her last relationship. She sighed as she went for the entrance, pressing the code of the alarm and locking the door as she stepped outside.

***

It was fairly dark by now, but she decided to walk anyway. Something about being closed in the small store for too long made her feel rather uneasy and she sure enjoyed her thoughts as she walked alone in the open, moving her gaze over the windows of the locked stores and the impressive homes on the road for Lina's place.

It was a cold night so she found herself tucking her hands within the pockets of her jacket, digging her nose within the scarf that covered her neck and chin.

It wasn't long now before she reached the place. She took a deep breath and rang the bell's door.

***

Monday, 7:00 PM
Lina's house, 25 Merlin Blvd.:

Lina ran from the kitchen where she had been preparing dinner to the front door upon hearing it ringing. She flung the door open to find Cheri standing there, shivering like it were already the dead of winter.

With a chuckle she made a sweeping motion with her hand, while chortling at her friend lightly "Come on Cherri, get in here before you freeze to death!" It was an exaggeration but the two friends had a good laugh over it.

"That sure will be wonderful", Cherilyn smiled, while shivering some more.

Rosaline remarked "Smell that lasagna baking, next we make the garlic bread" as she began to help Cherilyn remove her coat. A wave of nausea hit her as a vision of Cherilyn walking in on her ex boyfriend and another woman formed in front of her eyes. Luckily for Lina, Cherilyn’s back was to her and she didn't see the brunette momentarily falter.

Quickly pulling her hand away and hanging the coat for Cherri she said "I'll turn the TV on in the kitchen for you if you want while I make up the bread, or I'm sure Mattie and the brats can keep you occupied while I work." Lina grinned at the word brats, her beloved cat and dog were often like children who liked to fight and rather amusing to watch.

Lina smiled, but her mind quickly returned to the image she just saw. Could it have been..nah...it couldn't have been. She knew that Cherri had left her last boyfriend but Cheri had never mentioned anything like that happening and she couldn't just ask her without drawing attention to her crazy frame of mind lately. Hopefully Dr. Acerton would find something in her blood tests to account for it.

Just then, both Lady and Joe decided to vie for Cherilyn’s attention by rubbing her ankles, leaving out small purrs and yips of "look at me, I'm down here" in their respective animal languages, a meow and bark.

"They seem to be found of me", Cherilyn laughed as she raised her voice for Lina to hear, "Maybe because I'm such a bitch", She chuckled, "Told you Kant planned something?... He almost confessed... Gah, I really should fire him you know...", she twisted her lips before she inhale the aroma, "God it smells wonderful, I wish my stuff would come out half as good as you... So... How was your day after you left my store?"

Lina watched her pets loving up on Cherri. Despite the woman's tough exterior, she knew that inside, Cheri was a good and kind woman and there was no hiding that from Lina's two "children" that were still battling for the brunette's affection.

"So tell me, what exactly is Kant up to?" Lina chewed at the bottom of her lip hoping that the usually observant Cherilyn didn't notice the tinge in her voice, as she didn't want to worry her friend with the earlier episode at the hospital, and instead tracked off to the time she had spent in the woods shooting film.

"I managed to get some good shots for the article today, but I tell you Cheri, something strange is going on in this woods." Lina rubbed her eyes to emphasize the words that followed "I swear, I am seeing things. After dinner though, I have a photo I want you to see."

Lina slipped the bread she had just finished spreading with her homemade garlic butter into the oven to bake. To her friend then she smiled "Would you like some wine while we wait, maybe a sweater to wear over your dress (http://industrysoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Casual-Clothes-206x300.jpg) or would you like me to turn up the heat?"

"Sounds great", Cherilyn stretched her limbs as she got up, the pets withdrawing from her body, "I really can't wait to taste some food", she said petting her stomach as she chuckled, "Wine is sure to be a lovely addition as well"

Moving into the kitchen, Cherilyn quickly set the plates and fixed the silverware on the table that had already been decorated with a lovely tablecloth and some candles. She opened the oven and inhaled the aroma before she looked back at Lina with a brilliant smile, "Winning dish!".

***

About an hour later both Cherilyn and Lina appeared to be in a rather mischievous mood, the wine taking effect over Cherilyn's mind as she found herself drifting into the happy mood it brought along, "Good wine...", she added, "So... I gotta admit I'm curious... I thought about what you said ever since you left... What's going on Lina?"

The gaiety of the moment was broken upon Lina hearing Cherilyn's question. Her tone quickly turned somber "Cherri, something's wrong. Very wrong. You know I've been shooting some film out at Kings Valley woods. The animals have been upset but today..."

Lina's voice trailed off. How could she tell Cherilyn what had happened, about how the very air looked to be wavy, how the crow flew out of the shimmering light right at her and worse, the weird vision she had seen in the hospital.

She settled for telling Cherri only about the crow "Today, it was unusually quiet and as I was snapping photo's the ..bird....flew at me. I managed to capture a picture of it. Come with me."

Lina led the way out of the dining room and into the hallway that led into the main living area. She stepped over Joe and sidestepped Lady as she moved through the hall with Cherilyn close behind. They passed the bathroom and spare bedroom, the den and Lina's main bedroom to the very end of the corridor where Lina opened the door and flipped on a light.

"This is my dark room" Rosaline said as she opened the second door that led from the light lock entrance into the actual dark room itself. Since all of her film had already been processed earlier in the day, it was safe for her to open the door and look for the photo of the crow with red eyes.

"And this, is a photo of the crow that flew at me. Cherri, do you see it's red eyes? They were glowing at me."

Lina handed the photo to the young bookstore owner, her hand brushing the other woman's as she took the picture. An image flashed in front of Lina, one of Cherilyn but yet it was not Cherri. Lina attempted to pull her hand away but she was frozen, feeling as though the blood were being drained from her very body.

Lina's brown eyes grew wide, her voice a whisper "Cheri?" was all that Lina said for it was not Cherilyn that she saw. It was of another Cheriyn, dressed in clothing (http://stylespotter.luckymag.com/assets/looks/0000/6279/large.jpg?1277439452) that was unfamiliar to her. This other person was bent over a table looking at maps, her facial expression grave as it turned from the table appearing to stare straight past Rosaline's eyes and into her soul.

Lina opened her mouth to say something, felt her knees buckling and then a wave of darkness washed over her as she fell with a thud to the floor.

"Lina?!", Cherilyn cried, "Oh dear lord!"

Cherilyn bent near her friend, trying to shack her, trying to try and awake and see what was wrong with her, "Lina! Talk to me! Lina?!"

What had just happened here?!

She raised the woman's over her, trying to pet her head and wave at her, before pulling her up and carrying her over the sofa.

"Oh, god! oh god!"

She raised her mobile dialing for the person she knew might help.

***

Back at the hospital, Zack in a video conference with Doctor Hillbrough from the county medical center as they were doing a differential. "Well, you said he had suffered a hairline fracture in his right clavicle. Right?"

The other doctor nodded. "Yes, but how would that cause him to pass out and run a fever? If it was a compound fracture, I could believe that if it got infected, but it wasn't a serious break, didn't even need to operate."

"Well, it says in his record here he was treated for Calcinosis last month. If they didn't get all of the calcium deposits, the fracture could have caused the marrow to carry it into the bloodstream. And working at a dairy manufacturer, it's safe to assume he drinks a lot of milk, which could potentially add to that. So maybe he could have septicemia as well as hypercalcemia."

Doctor Hillbrough pondered that for a moment. "I never thought of that. I'll start him on furosemide and corticosteroids with drotrecogin on stand-by. Thanks Ace. We still on for bowling this weekend?"

Zack smiled and nodded. "Unless something comes up, yes. I think I'm gonna beat you this time. You only won by two pins last week and I've been..." Zack was cut off when his cell phone rang. It was Cheri from the book store. "What? Okay. Try to get her to a bed or couch, something soft, or put some pillows under her. I'll be right there." He hung up the phone and turned to the other doctor. "Sorry Hank, I gotta jet. See ya Saturday." He then told the nurse at the main desk where he was going and rushed out to his truck, driving a little above the speed limit to Lina's house.

***

When Zack arrived, he grabbed his medical bag, ran up to the door and knocked hard and rapidly. "Hey! It's Zack! I'm coming in, okay," he hollered as he opened the door and walked through finding the two girls, one lying over the couch the other bending over her friend, tears in her eyes as her face was completely wet and red.

The pets around the house sure notice that something was wrong with their mistress as they moved around the two.

"I don't know what happened. One minute she talked, the next she just...", Cherilyn sobbed.

Zack bent over Lina and checked her pulse. As before, it seemed fine, just a little rapid. "Her name's Rosaline, right? I just met her at the hospital today for the first time. She had a similar episode, though she didn't go completely unconscious." Zack took a light scope from his bag and opened her eyelids. This time, they just stared blankly, but at least the pupils retracted, which was a good sign there wasn't brain damage.

Zack then cursed himself. "Damn it," he said in a harsh whisper. "I should have ran more tests. She seemed perfectly fine when she left, but I should have kept her there anyway." He then checked her ears while feeling her head for a temperature. Everything seemed perfectly fine. "Hey," he said in a soft tone as he gently patted Lina's face as he did before. "Rosaline. Can you hear me? Come on girl, wake up for me." Zack suddenly started sweating as a small wave of fatigue hit him like earlier that day, but he was barely aware of it.

Her friends sobs and then the subsequent sound of a mans voice, coupled with a bright light in her eyes then gentle touch upon her face jolted Lina fully awake.

Although she had been aware of Cherilyn struggling to get her from the hallway to the couch, she'd been unable to force her eyes open, feeling as though she were caught in between an unconscious and awake state.

"Cherri? What's wrong?" Lina blinked then saw the doctor standing beside her as she felt his warm hand take hers in his own.

"Dr. Acerton? What are you doing here?" Her question to Cherri had now been overridden by the fact that she found herself face to face with the doctor for the second time that day.

He was sitting on the edge of the couch trying to examine her and she struggled to move in order to give him more room to sit.

Zack put a gentle hand on Lina's should when she tried to move. "Try to relax Rosaline, you fainted again. Cheri called me," he said with a nod and a smile to Cheri. "We really gotta stop meeting like this, otherwise I might have to move in with you." He gave her a small smile as he squeezed her hand lightly, his brow glistening from the sweat as he grabbed a handkerchief from his pocket to wipe it off.

He then turned to Cheri. "Cheri, mind getting us some water please? Today has been an exhausting day for all of us I think."

Cheri just nodded and dashed for the kitchen and then Zack took out his cell phone and dialed the hospital. "Yes Pam? Can you have Grubby call me on my cell as soon as the blood work results come in for Rosaline Bennett please? That's Bennett with two Ns and two Ts. Yes. Thank you." He then hung up.

Lina stared after Cheri as she hurried off to get the water then looked up at the doctor. She was certain that whatever color had drained from her face had returned ten fold when he had commented about moving in with her.

She watched as the handsome doctor dialed his phone, smiling softly to herself. The smile quickly faded then as she realized that he had mentioned in front of Cheri that it was the second time that day she had passed out. Lina winced to herself and hoped that Cheri had not caught that small detail.

Cherilyn was back, watching her friend as she drank the water and once the glass was emptied she went back to the kitchen to bring another, the worry still carved upon her face, but the fact that the Dr. was around seemed to ease her a bit.



***
Monday, late evening
Cherilyn's Home:


After some persuading Cherilyn left the two, but with a heavy heart. She couldn't help but thinking about everything that happened today. Worried or not, once her thoughts settled down, she noticed something in Zack's words.

Cherilyn had a great memory, sharp and calculated. She did notice that her friend was not in the best spirit when she first arrived her place and now she did notice that the Dr. said it was the second time she fainted...

Digging her arms within her jacket's pocket yet again, she continued to think and think, but deciding it was best to leave everything aside until Lina felt better.

With that she was back at her place, ending the day in her bed and falling asleep while the T.V's on, on the commercial channel.

-A Kris, Edynol, and Mysti Threesome-

Wattz
02-11-2012, 06:26 AM
Location: Paul’s place?
Time: Monday, 6:00 PM

“So let me get this straight….” The tall man was standing, pacing every once in a while, but always keeping his hands pressed together, fingers to the lips. His blotchy arms appeared even more defined in the shadows cast by the flickering lamplight, his hair puffed like a graying mane, his wrinkles sinking inward.

Bao and Duke stood opposite him, knowing better than to take the couch. If it had been morning, they could have just about seen the outline of a stain—

“The stuff’s been dumped.” His voice always reminded Bao of dead leaves on pavement.

“Yes.” Duke was always the one to speak to Paul. Bao would never let herself lose eye contact, but when she spoke, well….

“You’re sure? It’s all gone?”

“The fuck you think I am?”

“I think you’re a shady fuck who ruined the whole operation.“

“Excuse me? They ambushed us. I think it’s your fault for not paying close enough attention—“

“I swear to god Duke, if they trace them back to us.”

Of course, the ‘us’ was not the three standing in the rundown apartment, oh no, of course not. There were always more, always others at stake.

“And fuck, you lost Wes too—“

“That was his choice.”

“Of course it was.”

“But the shit’s dumped and that’s all that matters.” She could hear his voice quiver, saw how he buried his shaking hands by crossing them.

Silence. Pacing. A lit cigarette. “You know I’ve got my guys searching your place now.”

“I know.”

Paul laughed, tapped the side of his head. “God, this is just so… so fucking stupid. Just… just get the fuck out. I gotta think.”



Location: Abandoned Warehouse
Time: Monday, 8:12 PM

On their way back, Bao felt as if someone had been watching them. Duke kept looking over his shoulder at every scrap of paper that blew across the pavement and ducking at the bright lights of the passing cars. And now he was hunching his shoulders over, breathing heavily. His wide eyes twitched from the fallen stone slab to the tossed blankets to the gutted pillows with cotton spilled everywhere.

“I don’t want to stay here,” he said.

“We don’t have to.”

“I don’t want to sleep.”

Bao grabbed his shoulders and turned him away. “Come on, let’s go for a walk.”

“We shouldn’t have done it.”

“It’ll be fine, Duke.”

“He’s going to find out.”

“Hush. Let’s just keep walking.”

Mr.Cynic
02-12-2012, 03:26 AM
Co-op: Keeper + Clyde

Location: School [Hell]

Time: Noon

Character: Stephen

Keeping the books balanced in her arms, she carefully walked through the library isle’s making sure to not hit anyone with the stack. She somehow made her way to the front of the area, where the service tables were located, and dropped the books onto the counter with a loud thud

“Dear, please be gentler with those books” The librarian screeched at her, brandishing a ruler at her as the grey bob bounced up and down. Jessica nodded as her face flushed, taking the top book and setting it aside. Making quick work, she sorted through the books, setting them in alphabetical order and then by library decimal sorting system. During this time, she heard something from the back of the library. Noticing the time, she looked around to see the place mostly empty, except for a one person sitting in the far back, where the lights had yet to be replaced.

Adjusting her glasses up on the bridge of her nose, she headed over towards the person, trying to look as inviting as possible.

“Hello there, my name is Jessica Whitmore, are you okay?” Jessica say, bending down to look at the crying person.

The library had an odd smell, it was the perfect mixture of books and someone's bad body odor. Many students had been piled into here before the lunch time, probably for their English classes. All though an uncomfortable smell it didn't deter him from feeling the way he did. It didn't dissipate the feelings of vulnerability and sadness, the crippling loneliness. As he held his knees together in fetal position a person's voice stirred him. Carefully moving his gaze towards this person with puffy eyes from crying so much, she introduced herself and asked if he was okay.

His mind had a brain attack. He never knew in times like this or even in situations like this how to respond. Everything sounded better in his mind far more than what they sounded like coming from his own mouth. He made note of her brown hair and thick rimmed glasses. She was rather pretty as well. He scrunched his face up and try to think what his favorite character would do.

"Hello," he replied weakly.

That sounded lame. He sounded lame. That was lame. He frowned.

"Hi," he tried again this time a little stronger.

Who was he kidding? All the time he came up with faker and faker responses. Kidding himself, kidding the world. He only sighed and tried to wipe away his tears. But he ultimately felt defeat.

"I..am having a bad day," he said honestely.

What day wasn't hard? What day had he ever had an easy and normal day? Never truly. He always hid in this dark part of the library to cry away sorrows. He felt pathetic. Like the kid with the victim mentality he tried not to. But he didn't know how to fix the issues with him. He didn't know how to fix what was wrong with him. He tried to smile at her, but it came out crooked and awkward. He fidgeted a bit.

"Meet a new person," he whispered so that way she couldn't hear, "Achievement unlocked."

Jessica giggled, sitting down next to the boy, looking at his puffy eyes and his quiet talking. Sitting there for a few seconds, she looked out and around the library, seeing that from here, you would not be seen very well, though you could see out quite well.

"So, you are having a bad day huh? I can say I've had my fair share of those, can I tell you. So, why have you been having a bad day?" Jessica said to him, leaning against the wall while looking at him. He seemed like a quiet boy, evident from his lack of talking other than those three... was it three? .. quick lines. She smiled warmly at him. She liked him, even with his quiet odd ways.

Stephen stared at the gray floor, it had many stains in it. Many students brought in drinks and food even when they weren't suppose to. For some reason to them breaking the rules was an act of fun. He felt bad for the carpet. He smiled a little as she giggled and sat next to him. She smelled nice, he actually enjoyed the way she smelled. Like something sweet, like candy of some sort.

"I'm...not...really good at talking," Stephen said, "My...math teacher doesn't like me very much. He thinks...I'm stupid. I..don't really...like..talking in front of the other students. It makes me nervous so I can't answer questions in class cause everyone is watching me."

He put a finger on the carpet and swirled his finger around as if he were playing with sand.

"My...name...is Stephen Hughes," he said, "I'm..not..dumb. I just...sorry. I hate this right now. I hate just being me. Cause...cause...this isn't cool. You're probably thinking what a cry baby. Or wow he's such a loser cause he thinks negatively. I don't try to...it...just...everything happens even when I try to think positive. Negative things happen even when I think positive."

"I don't think that. I think you are a pretty neat guy, you just need a bit of confidence. Besides, I don't like most of the... 'strong' men, all brawn, no brain. And I can assure you. everyone gets stage fright now and then." Jessica said, crossing her legs Indian style, staring at the stains. She hated when people broke the rules of the library, and even took the risk of breaking the books.

Taking a risk, she wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into her chest and holding him there for a bit. Once done, she let go and stood in front of him, holding her hand out for his.

"Well, lets make this day better. Just keep a stiff upper lip and let no one get under your skin. And personally, I don't like math much either. So come on, if you are going to spend your time in here, you might as well do it in the light, and not in the corner. As well, you are not a loser, you are who you are, and that person is awesome." Jessica said, tugging at his hand to pull him to his feet.

He could feel his face go hot from the contact. He hadn't been held in such a way for a long time. His mother rarely home now adays never embraced him and he had forgotten what it felt like to be against another person. Granted this was a girl around his age, it was a little different from the embrace of family. Or maybe he was thinking about it to much, he wasn't sure any longer.

It had ended as quickly as it happened and yet the very feeling lingered on his skin and on his body. He had never felt more embarassed before then now. He hadn't really thought about girls or relationships. Admiration and crushes were things other people did, not things he had or did. Yet, he found himself hovering her over word and her every scent. Was this instant puppy love or was this more surprise. He wasn't truly sure at the moment.

She offered to make his day better, was it a lie or was it the truth. Was she another with an ulterior motive. A liar, cheat. At some point was she to backstab him too. It was a thought that held existence in the back of his mind. Silently whispering in his thoughts making him paranoid and distrusting of others. He always gave the benefit of the doubt, to always end up meeting people who burnt his bridges.

Was he to trusting? Was it this feeling inside of him that was allowing more weakness and vulnerability to come out. So many questions and such a fraction to think.

"O..okay," he said rather nervously, uneasing about her intentions.

She smiled and pulled him to his feet, helping steady him before he fell over, giggling happily.

"Well, seeing as we still have some of the day left, you need to be hurrying on back to class, but promise me that we will meet at the end of the day here in the library, okay? I'll help make your afternoon better, and I'll turn that frown upside down. So hurry onto class Stephen, and I will meet you here after school, okay?" Jessica told him, giving him another hug just as the lunch bell rang out overheard, signalling the end of lunch and the beginning of class.

He stared at her for a second. He was being invited for something after school. Instead of walking straight home, he'd be like the reast of the kids hanging with friends.

"O..okay," he said, "I'll see you after class."

Today he met a pretty girl whom promised to turn things around. Still slightly frightened of her motives he left the library in higher spirits. But those spirits began to sink as negative thoughts spread into his mind like a wicked poison. She could be lying to him. This could be a bet to hang out with that weird kid. This could be the Kim incident all over again, where kids dared her to hang with him.

She showed him off to her friends and they paid her in a big fat twenty. This girl, the library girl, Jessica could be just another person ready to play with him again. Ready to harm him again.

Edynol
02-12-2012, 11:16 PM
Edynol/Mysti Co

Monday
Late Evening
Lina's House

When Cheri left to go back home, Zack found himself thinking about being there alone...with Lina. Even in her weakened state, her hair in disarray, she was really pretty and the thought about kissing her mingled in his mind. Oh come off it, you mud-headed fool! What's wrong with you, he thought to himself. He then gently put an arm under one of hers to help her sit up. He then gently brushed a hand across her cheek as he moved a stray strand of hair behind her ear. She really did have amazing eyes. "Alright look at me for a moment. Do you think you can walk if I help ya? I usually don't carry a girl around til the third date, so you already me two dinners and a movie, unless ya wanna make it three dinners, two movies and a sleep over. Though I guess we can knock that last one off since I ain't leaving you til I get your blood work results." He let out a small laugh as he looked into her eyes, a small smile on his lips.


Lina sat up, still a bit dazed and confused after hugging her friend goodbye and promising to call her right away in the morning. As Zachary Acerton's hand touched her she winced, almost afraid of what she may see. Oddly enough, she saw nothing but his warm smile and concerned eyes searching hers. Then that smile spread slowly across his face as his hazel green eyes lit up with mischievousness.

Rosaline blinked for a moment, then pulled away slightly "I assure you I can walk by myself," she said, rising to her feet but still feeling slightly off kilter, her balance being affected by what felt like her having been drained of energy despite the fact that she had recently eaten.

Lina brushed it off as she tried to take a step forward "I..I guess I had more wine than I tho.." her voice trailed off as she steadied herself by grabbing the table beside the couch.

Zack grabbed Lina's arm gently when she faltered. "Easy now girl, don't try to overexert yourself. I'll help ya til you get your bearings back. I have no doubt you're a strong, very self-sufficient woman, but everyone has off an off day here and there." He spoke matter-of-factually, no hint of pity in his tone. "Now come on, I'll help you to your room."

When they finally reached her room, Zack held on to her til she took a seat. "Okay, how are you feeling? If you're feeling any discomfort, tell me, no matter how small. Any dizziness, nausea, trouble breathing? Any light-headedness, trouble focusing or fatigue? Don't just tell me your fine, I'm serious." His look and tone were both serious, yet still friendly.


It was something in the good doctors tone that caught Lina’s attention. He wasn’t being overly cautious, he wasn’t trying to tell her what to do, and he appeared to be genuinely concerned. Oh for pete’s sake Lina, she thought to herself. He’s a doctor, of course he’s concerned. He’s seen you around town at least fifty times and never has he shown interest in you. He’s just doing his job. she told herself as she allowed him to help her to her room where she sat at the edge of her bed.

“I’m fine” she lied softly, realizing that she still felt weak, or more importantly suddenly very tired. She swept it from her mind. “Really I’m fine but if you wish to wait to tuck me in and be sure I’m okay, would you at least turn around and let me change into my night clothes?”

Lina blushed. That was stupid she told herself. He was a doctor, he’d seen women naked before. But he’d never seen her naked before. The doctor smiled but did as she asked, turning his back to her. Once she was certain that it was safe to do so, she began removing her clothing.

With Zachery Acerton’s back to her, she unbuttoned her blouse and left it fall from her shoulders as she reached for the dark teal nightgown that lay folded on the bed. She then slipped her boots off, her long hair falling down over her breasts as she tugged at them. Allowing them to fall onto the floor with a soft thud she pulled her pants down, and stood just long enough to lay them over the back of a nearby chair.

Sitting back down she undid the front clasp of her bra then slipped if from her shoulders leaving her breasts exposed for just a quick moment before the silk nightie was slid down over her head and she pulled it down and slid back on the bed making sure it was tucked in around her.

“You can turn around now.” Lina said quietly before adding on “I hope you don’t mind letting yourself out and making sure to lock the front door behind you?”

While she undressed, Zack saw her reflection in the mirror hanging on the wall in front of him. Sure, he had seen plenty of naked women before, both in and out of the office, but he still felt a little awkward seeing her body nude. Zack was never one to gawk, but something about Lina made him feel like a nervous schoolboy again peeking into the girls locker room.

He knew it was improper, but he couldn't make himself look away. Her smooth skin, her beautiful breasts that were perfectly proportioned to her chest, and thighs and butt that were the perfect size for many things. When she said he could turn around, he did so quickly and when she mentioned him leaving, he snapped out of his day dream and shook his head.

"No no no," he said in a flat tone. "I'm not leaving you here alone until I'm sure I get you results back and I'm sure you are alright. You are not a good liar, I know you're not feeling fine. People don't just faint for no reason, so you can forget trying to convince me otherwise. Now is there anything you need? Some more water, a sleeping aid?"

Lina's first reaction was to become indignant at his suggestion of spending the night and immediately she swung her legs back to the side of the bed as she arose with purpose. Reaching out she took his arm to guide her from her room but as she did so a sudden strange feeling washed over her as a vision of Zachery watching her the very first time she visited her friend in the hospital after the accident that almost had taken her friends life. He hadn't just noticed her but his eyes had followed her every movement as she made her way down the corridor until she was out of sight.

Lina was certain now that she was going insane as another wave of darkness hit her, she clutching at the doctors shirt to keep herself from falling.

Zack caught her, again, when she fainted and picked her up in his arms to carry her over to the bed. He then went back to the living room to grab his medical bag. When she came to again, he was right there, his eyes only inches from hers. "Okay, you are not leaving this bed tonight," he said, the friendliness gone from his voice as his tone became gravely serious. "I am going to give you something to help you sleep. No more arguing, no more insisting you're fine. I didn't come here on my own time to help you just have you faint again with no one around to help you. So it's either this or I call the EMTs and they strap ya to stretcher." He then took a needle from his bag and gave her a shot to make her sleep.

Tuesday morning
7:30 am
Lina's house

The next morning, Zack woke up to his cell ringing. It was Grubby. "Well, her blood work show she has low blood sodium, but other than everything seems fine," the other doctor said. "She might have a slight case of Hyponatremia, which if she has been drinking and overexerting herself as you said, could lead to frequent losses of consciousness."

Zack thought for a bit before answering. "Alright Grubby, thanks." He then hung up the phone and decided to try and cook breakfast, which didn't turn out too well as smoke from the burnt eggs and bacon filled the kitchen.

Lina woke to the smell of something burning. The night before seemed fuzzy to her as she dashed out the hallway not bothering to grab her robe, oblivious to the fact that Doctor Acerton was burning something in the kitchen but rather fearful for her pets lives thinking that her home was on fire.

Finding no flames and following the smoke she stopped dead in her tracks, quickly crossing her arms over her scantily clad physique and letting her long hair fall forward. "Dr. Acerton, what are you.." Her voice trailed off as the previous nights events slowly returned. "Wait a minute, what time is it anyhow?"

Zack gave a start as he turned around at Lina's voice. "It is 7:30 in the morning, and I am attempting to make breakfast for you." He looked back at the burnt food then back at Lina, his cheeks blushing a bit. "But...it seems I've made a disaster of things. Your results came in, you have low blood sodium, perhaps a slight case of hyponatremia. You need a lot more salt in your diet."

After dumping the food down the disposal, he washed his hand and turned back to the girl. "So this is what we're going to do. I am going to take you out to breakfast for a nice healthy helping of eggs, bacon, and some buttered biscuits." He then raised an eyebrow. "And no arguing. I'm buying. Next time I hear of you fainting, you're going to the hospital and being checked in. Besides, you already owe me six dates now, we can count this one as the first," he said with a smile.

Lina was so happy to learn that there was a medical reason for her condition and she wasn't crazy as she had feared that she literally threw her arms around his neck, kissing his cheek "Oh yes, of course.."

Quickly realizing what she had done she stepped away, her cheeks flushed "I'm sorry..." she stammered "I...the results..." With each word her cheeks deepened in color "I mean, I was so excited that there's a simple explanation for all of this, I.."

She stopped then before making a further fool of herself, offering him a smile "Yes, breakfast would be fine, Doctor." Then her tone took a more serious tone "And, thank you."

Zack blushed a little when she kissed him, a grin forming on his lips as she accepted his invitation. "Pleasure is all mine, Lina. I'll waiting for ya when you're ready." When she got ready and came back, he smiled at seeing her and held the door open for her. He did the same when they got to his truck, then headed for Jackie's Diner.

Setsa
02-24-2012, 11:18 PM
Location: The Hospital
Time: Early morning

Wesley awoke with a start a small pain in his wrist and the layout gave him enough information that he was in the hospital. His mind cussed and shouted vulgarities at his own stupidity. He should have never went back to Paulie. Hell the guy probably set the whole thing up just to get back at him. Before his mind could process anymore it went straight to thoughts of Ryan.

'Ryan....'

The name rolled off his lips with a fear. He had no idea who had him or where he was. He reached for the red button and began to press it madly. He hollared as loud as he could for a nurse. Eventually one came running in and Wesley began blurting everything out. Truth of it was he had been in this type of situation before, many years ago. He explained who he was and said that he had a special needs child and needed to know where he was and if someone was looking after him. When he finished she said she would do what she could with the information she wrote down but would be calling the police because he came in with no identification and a stab wound.

When she left, Wesley was alone with his thoughts. A unspeakable shame waved over him feeling as though he abandoned his son. He had no idea how long he sat there in such a state but eventually someone opened the door to his room and walked in.

Trixi had been wokened up from her slumber in the very early morning by the familiar ring of her cell phone going off. The light from the mobile device illuminating the room until she finally flipped it open; laying on her left side still not fully awake and only running off of pure installed, done this one too many times, response. "Deputy Trixi here who's calling?"

"Sorry to wake you up at this hour Trixi but we got a paticular situation here. I have the hospital on the other line reporting a man with no identification, in bad condition, and saying he has a special needs kid that he's concerned about." She sighed as she sat up fully in bed wearing nothing but a black sports bra and matching thong "alright patch me through and I'll make sure Ryan is alright and talk to Wesley in the hospital." Rubbing the back of her neck as she spoke, the woman reminded herself not to run so hard and eat little after while working on things in her office at home. Always gave her such a headache in the morning.... "Wait...how do you know the special kid's name..or the unidentified victim in the hospital?!" The male voice demanded from the other end of the conversation.. "because you idiot...there is only one kid who is special needs that has just a dad in the town! Now fricken patch me through to the hospital or you hide will be more than tanned red by ME!!" Tossing the red sheet off and back from her lap she stood up; phone put on speaker, talking to the hospital while getting dressed in one of her deputy uniforms.

Not long afterwards Trixi and her dogs were in the elevator of the hospital having agreed to see Ryan first since she found out that he was emitted into the hospital after another seizure at school. Since the nurse informed her that Ryan would be here least over night. The woman agreed to leave Thor behind to keep Ryan calm, as it's a familiar dog from the many "doggy day" times in his special needs class at school and help set the nurses at ease a bit more. Being shown where the boy was, Thor immediatley lightly nudged his hand before jumping up to stay at the foot of the bed while his mistress stood beside the bed. Giving Ryan a soft smile, and speaking in a very soft, reassuring voice... "Ryan..are you focused on me? I'm going to leave your buddy Thor here with you and Nurse Harriet so you can have a special sleepover with him while your daddy helps me with a very special assignment ok? I promise soon as I see him I'll call here in your room so you can tell your daddy all about your big day 'k?" Trixi absolutely loved kids and special needs never phased her... which is probably why she volunteered some free time everyother week to spend the day visiting the special needs classes as dogs were a great way to sooth any soul and bring out an imaginative side out.

Walking to the other floor, she couldn't help but think of having kids herself, but got to get a guy first.... Her busy schedule never seemed to allow much time for dating but in due time...she was plenty young enough so not rush just yet. The thought followed her until she heard the 'bing' of the elevator announcing she had arrived at the floor she needed Maxum following at her side seeming very content with himself. Meeting up with the on duty nurse in the ICU who held a fit about a dog in there, she shrugged and left Maxum at the door to the room to stand guard and get any stray pets for being woken up so early. Opening the door she saw Wesley looking like he got the shit beaten out of him and then some more. Offering a kind smile she pulled a seat over to his bedside and placed one of her soft hands gently on top of his. "Hey Wesley...it's Trixi...I got the call you were in here. Don't worry, Ryan is safe and well here too.. apparently he had a seizure and was emitted into his own room from school. Right now he is being tended to by Nurse Harriet and his furry buddy Thor. So I want you to take a breath and relax...you're son will be alright for today and we'll go at it day by day until you're out of here..... Now can you remember anything on how this happened to you? Don't worry, I'm in no rush."


Wesley just smiled feeling the effects of the drugs taking over him. He sure needed his rest and it was best to leave the major deeds off.

"Stupid fight... Wrong place... wrong time... Apparently I overstepped into a place I shouldn't have been into to begin with... Then I got punched and kicked for it...".

The drugs were working completely now, "Forgive me, I don't remember much more... Just make sure Ryan is good, okay?"

The Deputy agreed to his request before leaving his room to double check on Ryan, and signing as his and Wesley's person of contact just incase anything happened and there was a decision to be made with the doctors. Trixi had then drove out to the station for what was left of her actual shift for the day. On the way she got a call stating both Ryan and Wesley had slipt into coma, Ryan was induced coma so his seizures would calm down and the news of his dad wouldn't make things worse. Wesley did it all on his own though she couldn't blame him, those wounds were bad and now he's in a "happy Morphin, no pain" state of relaxation.

[An Imposter and Setsa co-post with Kris at the end too :) ]

Storm
02-27-2012, 01:46 PM
Location: Mok's Fine Jewelry
Time: Monday Afternoon
Kant reached over for the woman's store holding a box full of magazines and papers. He was wearing a jeans and a loose baggy T-shirt that flattered the lovely building of his upper torso, to the point that his muscles were visible under his clothing.

At the sight of the lovely Su Lin Kant smiled softly, "Cherilyn sent me to drop this by", he said, stretching from the effort of carrying such a heavy box, "I hope this will work for you, I think she pretty much got whatever that was in the stores. She only found two books, but said she could order more if you liked her to. Please notice that some of them are not written in English, but it shouldn't be much of a problem since they are mostly pictures of products, so ordering them will require the codes numbers".

A soft smile formed upon her lips as she gazed momentarily upon Kant. Thoughts race through her mind on how Gail is going to dog her big time over this; she will accuse her of intentionally sending her to the store so Su could have time alone with Kant. A slight giggle escapes as her thoughts drift on if she were only so clever to have planned this but there he was just the same, she was alone with him … thoughts drifts on if there was truly such thing as fate as it did seem to favor her for the moment. Her mind snaps back to the cute guy before her as he stretches. She moves over close to Kant ensuring to brush gently against him as she picks up one of the books which was written in another language. She opens the cover leaning back giving the impression she was focusing upon the words, more to lean into Kant again, while moving her hand back running her fingers through her jet black hair so as to release the delicate scent of her perfume and hair sprits into the air.

Her tone unusually soft “Pictures work well; I do understand the language this is written in as well. Tell Cherilyn I so appreciate this, I have Gail heading over there now, I am sure she could pay for these.” Thoughts again drift if there were a God, he would see to it there was a billing problem that would keep her there longer. “You look hot … “ tries to refrain from a smile thinking so very hawt “after carrying all this. Can I offer you a drink … tea or perhaps juice?” while slowly turning toward Kant, her face slightly flushed.

Kant gave a goofy smile, her small remark did not passed by him unnoticed, hell, he words and body language did the trick for her... and him...

His heart was still somewhat at disarray over the night before at Cheri's store, but for some reason he decided to go along with the offer, "Sure", he answered with a winning smile, while he couldn't help himself from glaring at her in a new way that he did before. Hell she was FINE... from head to toe she was just the type of girl to make a mind lose his mind, "Cup of juice sounds wonderful", he added.

A soft smile graces her lips taking a moment to rest her soft chocolate brown eyes upon his taking a step forward making her way around him while taking additional effort to make sure her hand brushes against his as she makes her way toward a small mini refrigerator. Now her front hidden from his view, she softly bites her lower lip. If it were within her power, she would stop time and spend eternity in this feeling. This man in her shop always seemed so sweet, especially with having to deal with all that the QBOTU put him through.

Hoping that he was looking at her, she crouches down lady like opening the fridge, she after all did not want to make it THAT obvious. She removes a chilled apple juice “Hope apple is fine” as she rises turning back toward Kant. She had been formulating for sometime how she was going to inquire this and was finally ready as she approached him offering the apple juice, eyes looking into his to gauge his reaction, she has been lied to by many men and could read lies too easily, the mouth can lie, the eyes – not so much. Offering a soft smile “It must be hard on your girl friend working for someone as attractive as Cherilyn…”. Her gaze now focused on him praying he says that he does not have a girl friend, and if he does say that, his eyes do not show lies.

"She's.... well... I need the money", was the best answer Kant could summon before drinking without blabbering so much unneeded stuff, "Say, I didn't see you around the store much, which is a great shame", he said with a smile.

As the word She’s emanated from his mouth, she felt like a small knee was thrust into her stomach. What did she think anyway? This man is so cute and so sweet, it was painfully obvious that he would have a girl … or guy. She had always sworn that she would never be the other woman, like that little whore her only boy friend left her for so many years ago. One thing she admired him for, his honesty. Offering a soft smile, offers “I have one advantage over you, I don’t work there. I am sure Cheri is nice once you get to know her, but I look at visits with her like getting unmedicated dental work done.” She moves her hand over resting hers upon the top of Kant’s “I’m sorry, that was awful of me to say, just curious … you ever thought of opening up your own little place?”. Her eyes squint momentarily, eyes momentarily glass over.

"No... Well yes... Obviously... in the end I guess I want my own place... But right now, mostly out of stupidly I'm low on cash.... so...", he chuckled, "And there's no way in seven hells Cheri gonna get sweet and nice, she's a bitch and that's it", he raised his arms to check the time on his watch while lending the glass with the juice on one of the stands, "I gotta jet... But I tell you what, if you are available later... say 20:00 or so? I'd love to meet ya someplace, you know... payback for the juice?", he winked and gave her a soft poke with his shoulder.

Standing slightly dizzy, her eyes clear back up missing a bit of what Kant had said. The one thing that did come through was 20:00. She bites her bottom lip slightly leaning into the shoulder bump. She felt like slamming her head into the wall, why did she tell Gail that she would do a full inventory tonight. Her tone somewhat shaky, still a little dizzy from when her eyes glassed over “Tonight is simply awful, I am going to be tied up with the draw back of working for yourself.” Her tone turning softer “Now if you really wanted to pay me back for the juice, you can buy me breakfast, perhaps at Jackie’s tomorrow morning?”.

Yes, after all, she did give him some juice, it was only polite for him to offer some repayment, he was cute, oh so cute … and taken … but she could be his friend … and IF his girl should … her racing mind interrupted by the door buzzer as Gail arrived back.

“PB said she sent….” Gail giggles “… never mind, I see HE is STILL here…” winking to Su Lin

"Sounds good, I'll come pick you up tomorrow", he nodded and with that Kant was on his way back to the store.

As Kant leaves the store, Gail softly giggles under her breath. “So, what were you and Yummy…” turning toward Su, she suddenly stops in her tracks, face pales “… it happened again?”

Su, still in her own little dream world where Kant left his girl on his own and was interested in her tilts her head toward Gail “Yea, must going to have a bad storm, this was … different … nothing like I have felt before…” her face grows firm as she folds her arms across her chest “… and NO, it had NOTHING to do with YUMM… ummm … Kant … you are the WORST … see, you have ME saying it too!”

Gail keeps focus upon Su, her words drifting past while a look of concern washes over Gail. What she is looking at is definitely beyond anything she has read or learned at her coven, a feint smile forms “Well, you do have a long night ahead of you” making her way to the door “I see you in the morning Su”. She is going to need to consult with an elder on what she saw.

Su, arms still folded, a soft smile forming on her lips as Gail departs the store whispering more to herself “Yes, you do have me saying it … but he is so cute and nice.” Turning to find her scanner to get this inventory knocked out. She dearly hopes Kant does call her tomorrow. No, she won’t be the other girl … but if Kant were to ever leave his girlfriend … a soft sigh escapes whispering ‘that would be so nice…’ as she becomes wrapped up in the tedious task of inventorying her store.

Location: 5377 Cline Court
Time: Tuesday 6:00 AM

As the alarm buzzed, she reached over and slapped the top of the annoying device persisting on stealing moments of sleep away from her. Mornings after inventory she would always have domestic disputes with her alarm clock, she grumbles “Alright already, I’m up” sitting up protesting having to leave the warmth of her blankets. She slips her phone off the charger and looks at her call log hoping that Kant had called. She sits in her bed looking at the call log absent the call she realistically knew would not be there, after all, it was 6 AM. She spun around and rested her feet on the plush carpet on the floor and staggered her way to the bathroom. Clicking the light on she entered, standing before the sink she turned on the water and looked in the mirror immediately stepping back … the woman staring back through the mirror was not her … the woman in the mirror’s eyes were crystal clear. The start caused her to let out a gasp before refocusing and splashing some water in her face. She looked back in the mirror at her reflection, soft chocolate brown eyes starred back at her. A giggle escapes ‘Inventories are really taking it out of me I guess’ runs through her mind as she starts readying for this new day before her.

Sickly
02-28-2012, 09:43 PM
Kris & Banned
Hour and day: Tuesday, 9:53 am
Locations: "World of wonders", books store


It started like every morning, however Kant was sent to drop off some goods so Cherilyn was left alone to clean the place and get it ready for another day of selling.

"Cheri?"

Looking at the door she noticed young Julian standing before, Cherilyn nodded at him, "Glad you came so early, we have some stuff to take care of", she said as she handed to him some books, "I need you to find some cooking books, just look around and pick up whatever you find, okay?", she nodded, "How are you? You were late the other day, so I hope nothing too big happened"

Cheri was sweet, Julian liked her the moment he laid eye's on her. Not like true love or anything but definitely something of an "instant friend". He grabbed the books out of her hands and began to walk around the store. Julian pondered her question for a moment before answer, not even sure he should bring it up. "Hey, Cheri? Do...do you ever have dreams?" Julian rubbed the back of his neck nervously, that was stupid question. "What I mean is: Do you ever have strange dreams? Ya know? Like different from a normal dream and a nightmare?"

"Hmm....", truth be told she was dying to answer with a cynic joke, but after what happened the night before with Lina she was still uneasy worried about her friend, "As a matter of a fact... I had...", Cherilyn took a chair and sat down, putting aside the books she held over a near desk, "This is going to sound SO silly, but I had these... dreams... about... dunno... me wearing these weird cloths, the type you see in middle aged films... and... Well, I sort of... know that a war is coming and... well... I just remember that I am always afraid that we are all going to die in this war... Me and the people that are with me in my dreams... They are always so unclear, and I can't tell their faces....", she chuckled, "God, it sure sounds silly, isn't it?".

She slowly got up, "But you are not getting away with it", she winked, "Your turn, tell me your dreams".

"I don't have dreams. I haven't had a single dream since I was little. I go to sleep then I wake up." Julian shuffled around nervously before picking up another cook book. He opened it up and flipped through the pages pretending to read and avoiding Cherilyn's gaze.

Cherilyn just title her head, looking somewhat surprised, "No dreams at all?!", her eyebrows were high above her eyes. She couldn't help but wonder why did he bring up the subject unless he wanted to say something.

"Sorry I brought it up but I've just been hearing rumors around town about people havin' strange dreams and I was just wondering about you. Don't worry about me." Julian smiled at Cheri and brought the books he collected over to her.

"What's next?"

"Oh, that's it, the rest just need to be restored by the orders of the author's name", she said while looking at the book before adding, "Say... did you happen to hear about any other strange event... aside of dreams?"

".......Can you keep a secret?"

"Of course!", she said right away.

"Sometimes....I feel like I'm not in my body....I get this strange sensation that I'm watching myself from someone other than.....myself. Their point of view. I've been getting these weird sensations starting just a few days ago. I'm beginning to think its real. Last night I felt I was in my mother's body watching me sleep, then going off to do taxes. I think the bank is going to foreclose on my house.....I talked to my mom about in the morning and she asked me how I knew but I lied and said I noticed her getting stressed a bit. I think I'm getting the sensation now. From you. I can see you but I can also see me from your point of view."

Julian shut his mouth immediately and turned around. Did he just say that? Out loud? Julian turned to Cherilyn then apologized. "Uh...I...I'm sorry that was weird.....I....I gotta go....um....I need a breather. I'm going on my break. Sorry. Sorry. Sorry." Julian put down the books in his hand and walked out of the store, he dared not to look at Cherilyn. The embarrassment turned his cheeks red. Turning around the corner Julian slumped up against the wall.

"Stupid, stupid. Why did I have to blurt that out? This is why everyone thinks I'm weird. She's probably gonna fire me. Mom's gonna be so pissed. I'm so weird."

Back at the store Cherilyn was somewhat surprised yet not disturbed... His words awoke something in her that she knew for sure she was forgetting...

Then again...

she bite her lips and fight the urge to chase him down. She thought it was better to let him go for now and settle up her mind on the talk they just had.

She looked at the phone in the corner of her eyes and somewhat hoped that Lina will call up, just like she promised to.

Wattz
03-03-2012, 01:37 AM
Time: Tuesday Morning, approximately 10 am
Location: Roaming the Streets, near the World of Wonders book store

She didn’t want to leave him, but knew better than to tell Duke otherwise. They had wandered the streets for a while early that morning, and his mood began to swing like a pendulum. I’ll be right back, I said I’ll be right back, he growled, eventually pushing her away and wandering off in a different direction. Bao never blamed him for this. It wasn’t as if the two were completely inseparable. In fact, if he never wandered away, she’d surely be driven crazy by it.

But truly it was she who did not want to be alone right now. Bao took to roaming about waiting for shops to open, eyes flicking from side to side, always worried that she was being followed, or waiting for Duke to come back. Anything to keep moving, anything to not fall asleep. She hadn’t had any sleep since the other night. And of course she couldn’t go back to the Warehouse, no, not now, not alone. The whole mess put her in an emotional flux, furious at Duke for running off on his own, terrified that she’d run into one of Austin’s men. Sometimes she even felt numb, as if she weren’t even in her own body. The battlefield came rushing back in little sections, too natural, like a daydream.

From time to time, she wondered how that man was doing. Wes. Did they catch him? Did he make it to safety? Part of her wondered what would happen if she could go to the local hospital and…

No, no, no, of course that was a horrible idea. And oh lord, if Duke ever found out about it, well…. And of course they’d ask questions.

All around her, the streets slowly came alive. The shops began to open, and she suddenly stopped. The book store. She hadn’t been inside the World of Wonders since she was a kid. At the very least, it would be a safer place than outside. Bao opened the door to the sound of a bell chime and the smell of books.

She stood awkwardly for a moment, eyes flicking over the labeled sections. Fiction, Non-Fiction, Horror, Fantasy, Romance, Mystery…. Bao hadn’t read a book in a while. She slowly began to peruse the nearest display, vaguely paying attention to the titles as her mind continued to wander.

Setsa
03-07-2012, 02:47 PM
Time: Late Morning to Early Afternoon
Where: Police Station, World of Wonders Bookstore

Trixi was outside letting the dogs play their hearts out while she threw the frisbee a good distance out. Play for them was just as important as their work when the canines were needed by the police force or anyone else in the town. Such thoughts gave her flashes from when her own mother has given 'subtle' comments that she needs to find a good man, have fun, and settle down. So her life wasn't about being at work nearly 24/7 at times.

Calling the dogs in after awhile and pouring herself a large cup of fresh coffee. The deputy sat down at her desk with a fresh, newly caffienated, mind ready to hit the papers and crimes. First off was checking for any missed calls or texts on her cell that she purposly left behind for a few minutes of peace. Trixi's eyes caught sight of the text Su Lin had sent the day before while she was enjoying a nice lunch. There was a picture attached to the text....interesting. Opening up the photo attached she saw Austin giving a look at the crime area with very little concern. Chalk it up to good people! This helped alot considering what gang he led. For the most part they weren't much trouble...but this was least a lead and she knows the station had his fingered prints on hand. With luck, it may come out with a match to some collected from the crime scene. Quickly the woman took out a document and filed it out with the picture that was printed out; after fowarding it to her work email. If the computer at the lab was still running through the fingerprints this may help them! "Stay here boys I'll be right back!" The dogs only raised their heads somewhat from their extra large dog pillow/beds to watch their mistress dart off.


Early Afternoon


Trixi was pacing back in forth in thought while waiting for copies of the fliers she typed up were scanning and printing out. She needed more information and the best way here seemed to be fliers.... There wasn't much to go off of on any real activity from the gang in question. But if she was to bet, the last two events that sent two men into the hospital had the possibility of being linked. Even if only a small amount it was better than nothing to work with. Suddenly the machine stopped and began beeping that there was low ink. With the deputy needing least 20 more pages she bent over and opened up the beast of a machine that badly needed to be replaced with this year's model if they could get it. Grabbing the ink cartridge while it was still cooling down she quickly retracted her hand and dropped it on the floor. "Dammit!" Being in a rush again the hot cartridge burnt her 3 fingers pretty good. Nothing serious for a doctor visit but dam that smart and then some!! Grabbing a kleenex to wipe away some of the ink. The woman's eyes grew wide as her three burnt fingers began to heal immediatley..... The discolored spot of flesh transforming to her original skin tone as if nothing happened. Much like a child, she poked and pressed the once burnt spots to see if this was some sort of weird trick. But sure enough it didn't hurt...flipping her hand over and back there was still no burnt spots from any angle. Ok....that was beyond weird. Putting a fresh cartridge into the machine and letting the last 20 pages scan and spit out for the rookies to post all over down she went to her office and closed the door. Grabbing the cell and thumbing down she found Dr. Zack's cell number and gave it a ring... Voicemail, no surprise there considering poor reception in hospital areas. "Hey Zack it's Trixi..wondered if a movie or good run would interest you in the near future...got something to discuss that I think would pick your mind..sure is stumping me alright. Give me a call back don't work too hard."

Hanging up she then dialed Su Lin's number from which the text was sent "Hey Su Lin just wanted to thank you for the photo.... That actually helped me out quite a bit! We're sending fliers out for more info about the activities the past few days..anything out of the ordinary. Well talk to you later hun keep smiling hmmm?"

With phone calls done she doubled checked her list of tasks and ran across "drop pie to Worlds..." She did promise some pies to Cheryiln for the trouble it may have caused her from nosy people comming in wondering what was going on yesterday. With such she took her much later than should be. Lunch break to drive home...let the dogs out to relax in their backyard, make her famous warm apple and peach pies.. Then drive off to the bookstore....it wasn't long before the sound of a closing car door then the ring of the bookstore's door sounded off as she entered holding a container that help the pies keepingthem safe. "Hey Cheri got two warm pies for you like I promised...where you want them?"

Storm
03-10-2012, 09:55 PM
Day/Time: Tuesday, 7:35 AM
Location: 5377 Cline Court

As she finishes her last prep for the day, she reaches for her car keys as her cell phone ringtone ‘Dancing Queen’ activates. A grin forms wondering if Gail was going to dog her more about Kant. Clicks the phones answer icon.

“Hey G, great timing, I was about ready to head out … what’s up?”
Gail’s tone sounded rather serious “Can you stop over for a few, need to bounce something off you.”
Su quirks a brow … odd … this is out of character for Gail “Sure, be there in two shakes.”

She disconnects the call and slips the phone in her front jacket pocket and places her sun glasses on. As she makes her way out the front door and down the steps to her walkway, she notices her neighbor Jack in his front yard. Thoughts of ‘morning creepy stalker guy’ filter through her mind as Jack heads across his yard toward her. Rather irritated thoughts of ‘Go away preve, I don’t have time for your crap this morning’ rush through her mind wishing he would just go away.

Yet Jack persists on speaking “Well, good morning my beautiful neighbor, how..” about that time a strong current of wind swirls around a pile of dirt, leaves and other debris in Jacks path swirling in his face causing him to back up as particles get in his eyes. Su still looking toward the debris bites her bottom lip … she is glad that the strong gust seemly out of nowhere blew up as it did but was a little sad the poor guy … creepy as he is … seemed to have caught debris in his face. Oh well, his wife could take care of him. She offers “Sorry Jack, bit of a hurry this morning” as she continues to her car, eyes returning chocolate brown hidden from view behind her sun glasses. She enters her car feeling a little woozy, must be the late night inventory after all. She starts her car and heads out for Gail’s house.

Day/Time: Tuesday, 8:12 AM
Location: 413 East Chandler Drive

As she approached Gail’s house removing her sun glasses hanging them off her right breast pocket, she takes note of several other cars she did not recognize along the street. She pulled up in front of the house and started for the front. She knocks and hears Gail call out from inside “Come it, doors open dear.” As she enters, the front room is darker than usual as the curtains are still drawn closed; there is a dim light from the dining room which she heads for. She has already undone the inside velcro liner of her jacket so to have quick access to her throwing stars if needed. As she enters the dining room which is iluminated by numerous candles, Gail sits at the side of her dining room table dressed in a grey robe. An elderly man sitting at the front of the table in a black robe speaks
“This is her? I already feel what you have seen”
A younger lad apparently in his late teens offers “I still think my alien hypothesis should be given some credit.”
Gail dismissing the elder’s son offering “Yes, this is her.”

Su looking perplexed takes a step backwards mumbling “This is her? Alien? Feel what has been seen?...” feeling as though the room is closing in on her. “… Gail … what on Earth are these people talking about … who are these people … what is …” about that time the young lad excitedly squeals “Dad… LOOK, she IS an alien! Her eyes are GLOWING!”
The elder in a soft but stern tone “Stay silent my son, I do not think she is … aware…”

Finding it hard to breathe, she squints as the son’s words filter through her mind, creepy perve this morning, PJ creepy guys at Gails, the room softly greys out as stress and exhaustion give way as she passes out on the floor. The elder man stands looking to his son
“My boy, home this moment, you are not to speak of this to anyone … do you understand my boy?”
Under protest the boy responds “Yes sir, I still want to know what planet she comes from and if all the aliens are as hot!”
The elder shakes his head as his son departs before looking to Gail. “Children…” waiting for his son to depart before looking to Su as she lay on the floor “… I do not think she realizes anything … nor do I sense that she … I don’t know … belongs here. You were correct in what you observed. Would you like me to stay till the child awakens?”
Gail offers in a soft tone as she illuminates her dining room lights “No, we are close, she will have many questions neither of us will have answers for. I will speak with her when she wakes and will keep you informed of all I see and learn.”

Before leaving, the elder picks Su up and lays her on the front couch while Gail lays a light blanket over her. The elder departs as Gail starts preparing tea leaves, her own unique blend, for when Su wakes.

Koti~
03-11-2012, 03:29 PM
For every light born, darkness will follow (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8liPdLa0yc&feature=related)
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8liPdLa0yc&feature=related)
Tuesday
Location: ???

A crow perched outside the window of the hospital, its beady red eyes staring in through the window, the feel of discomfort emanating from its body. It gave a shrill cry while staring in the through the window, startling the nurse some as she had stopped to look at the strange bird.

“Shoo crow, this isn’t a place for you” The nurse said, the open window letting in a slight breeze. Caloc’s head twisted as it finally looked at the person, eyes trained on the small boy inside the room, sound asleep. Caloc gave another shrill cry as it opened its wings, seeming to pull in light as it raced into the room, tearing open the screening with little care. The nurse shrieked and ran from the room, Caloc having landed many lacerations to her arms. Once the nurse had been forced out, Caloc landed on the edge of the bed, peering at the boy as it slowly waddled forward, beak clacking a few times

*Enough Caloc, the boy will serve us in time… but not now. Leave him be, and continue your search*

Caloc let out anther shriek and flew out the window just before a doctor could rush into the room, brandishing a broom and swearing obscenities at the crow. The bird took the air and flew into the sky, its eyes staring at those who walked the early morning streets.

--

The dog stared after the woman who had entered the house, her car joining multiple others that stood there. Its tail wagged back and forth, eyes narrowed as the woman entered. The dog stayed hidden as the woman entered, the hallway darker than other households.

Something was off, as a boy left the house a while after, soon followed by an old man.

*You are right, this one is worth keeping an eye on. Wait there until you see the woman again, I want to keep an eye on it*

The dog laid down in the patch under the bush, the only sign of it being there was a slight ruffling of the leaves. It let out a slight snarl, warning off another dog as it came close, causing it to whimper and dash off.

--

The cat prowled the streets, eyes flitting back and forth between each person, otherwise ignoring those around it. Hopping onto nearby boxes, it scaled its way up to the roof, claws clacking lightly off the stone walls while making its way upwards. Once landing there, it swiveled its head back and forth, seeing nothing of interest.

*Continue looking. The faster the better*

--

Cameron walked the streets, lifeless eyes peering around as he had tucked the blade into his shorts, blood now staining them. His feet stopped short as something tugged at his thoughts, pulling him towards the entrance of a store. Looking up, he could see himself just outside a book shop, the store just having opened up. Looking through the window, he could see people gathered around, each one tugging at his essence. Smirking as a voice echoed through his mind, he entered the store, the door chiming as he entered.

*Yes yes…their power will make for good… souls. Attack now my boy, and bring me their souls*

“Yes my liege.” Cameron whispered to himself, stumbling into the door as his eyes flicked to different book shelves while picking up what he could about the people. Deciding to take out the woman holding food, his hand reached towards the hilt that was tucked under his shirt, ears deaf to the world as only one voice guided him.

“Souls to be fed for chaos to spread!” Cameron shouted as he pulled the dagger out, ignoring as the blade seared his own flesh, adding more blood to the already stained dagger. Brandishing the knife like a dagger, he rushed towards the woman, aiming to slice at her legs to bring her down, his eyes trained to the spot just below her breasts, thinking of the heart that pulsed beneath it.

--

Crow sat and watched the events play out in the large pool of blood that now coated the floor, two bodies stuffed into the fridge, another two orbs resting on the couch, a wicked grin splayed across his lips.

“I will need plenty more souls to complete my task, and seeing these people, that will not be a problem. And that boy … aged yet so young … his blood and soul will serve as a perfect vessel for the portal, though not a maiden he be. His majesty will be pleased, for if this is the defenses they have now a days, we should easily claim this future for our own, and raise the great kingdom for ourselves!” Crow laughed, sitting down in the chair as his energy ebbed, the world swimming around him. Soon monsters rose from around the shadows and he could feel as if they clawed at his skin, though no pain or blood rose from the wounds. He tried to stifle the silent shrieks of pain as the shadow illusions began to gnaw at his flesh and bones, pulling him even further into the madness that gripped his pained mind

Edynol
03-11-2012, 06:28 PM
Zack & Lina
Tuesday morning
Jackie's Diner/World of Wonders

Lina went into her bedroom and slipped into a pair of dark jeans and a white blouse, finishing it with her favorite pair of boots. Quickly she combed her long wavy tresses out all the while thinking of Dr. Acerton, his demeanor, his nice smile, his strong arms holding her against his warm body...

Lina shook her head, scolding herself. He's a doctor you idiot, he's just making sure that your okay....

With a final glance in the mirror she had exited her room and seconds later they were on their way to Jackie's Diner for some breakfast. Along with the medicines that Zack had prescribed for her, she'd be certain to start incorporating more salt into her diet. During the ride over Lina made a metal note to give Cherri a quick call after they had gotten their breakfast orders placed.

Upon entering Jackie's the owners voice could be heard over the crowd "Hang on Dr. Ace, I have a table for you right here." The handsome doctor helped Lina to be seated and she thanked him, then he took his own seat, Lina smiling across the table at him.

"Thanks, Jackie," Zack said with a slight nod. "Can we get some coffee please?" The owner nodded and went back to work as Zack smiled at Lina. "I recommend the country breakfast with some bacon and hashbrowns. And put some real salt on it, that imitation salt you use is good, but every so often you should used real salt. Salt helps to maintain our water retention levels. That's why it's in our swet and tears and such. Without out it, your body can take on too much water which can lead to all sorts of problems." He then gave her a grin. "Not to mention it can ruin your figure," he added with a wink.

When a waitress came by to bring their coffee, Zack thanked her and added some sugar and cream. "So, what is it that you do?" Zack asked idly after the waitress took their orders. "Do you have any hobbies or other interest? Tell a bit about yourself."

Lina chuckled at the good doctors comment about ruining her figure only because she'd always been lucky to never have to worry too much about her figure, she had always had a high burning metabolism which helped to keep her naturally thin. By the time Lina was half way through her first cup of coffee she had already begun to tell the handsome doctor about her chosen professions. Picking up the salt shaker she applied a generous amount to her hash browns before adding some ketchup to both the potatoes and sausage that she had ordered. She rarely ever ordered bacon when dining out only because of the fact that most places fried it harder than she liked it and she preferred to make bacon at home the way she liked it on those occasions when she ate it.

"My two loves have always been writing and photography so I've combined them into one to make them my life's work" the brunette said taking a pull from her coffee before continuing. "I write novels and sometimes columns for the Kings Herald but currently am involved in an ongoing project for the paper on The Nature of Maine. I was out at the woods just yesterday taking some photo shots for the photojournalism piece for the paper.

Lina stopped then, remembering the crow and the strange events that had begun unfolding after the incident in the woods had occurred. She stopped then, not wanting to say more about it and quickly changed the subject, tossing her long hair over her shoulder and smiling a warm smile at the handsome man sitting across from her.

"So, Dr. Acerton tell me, what does a handsome doctor like you do on his time off? I mean, I know that the hospital consumes most of your time but surely there must be other activities that you enjoy besides helping pretty girls back to good health all of the time?"

She took another sip of her coffee then, setting it down and reaching across the table folding her hand on top of his for just a moment "Which, by the way, thank you for what you've done for me." She blushed slightly then "I appreciate that you stayed with me last night but I assure you it wasn't necessary."

The moment her hand had touched his she felt a small tingle begin and quickly she pulled it away. She was not going to allow another incident to happen, at least not in front of the good doctor as she didn't want to further burden him with whatever was going on inside of her. No, she'd rather wait for the medicine to work it's magic. She reached for the salt shaker. Perhaps a little bit more salt would help.

Zack took a bite of eggs and bacon before replying, his hazel green eyes peering into her beautiful browns. "Well, I don't have many hobbies aside from reading," he started. "I go out a lot, mainly to Henry's, that small bar a few blocks from here. Play a game of pool once in a while. Though I don't drink all that much, I just like th atmosphere. Reminds me of home and the bar my mom worked at."

He then chuckled a bit. "You know, I've seen some of your work in the paper. Makes feel a little dumb I didn't recognize your name until just now. Hahah." He took a swallow of coffee before continuing. "I guess I'm a little slow today. Been oddly exhausted the past few days. I may have to get a check-up myself." He then paused for a bit. "You know, I have the day off today, unless an emergency comes up. You think you'd be up for a movie or something?"

Lina's ears perked up at his question and she tried to not allow him to see just how delighted she was at his offer. Instead of rushing right into yelling out YES she began calmly with "Maybe you need a break and you know, just because your a doctor doesn't exempt you from taking care of yourself the way that you do your patients. You should probably get a check up, just to be sure. I mean, I didn't think I needed one either until all of this started yesterday..."

Her voice trailed off, the realization setting in that this had only started yesterday after she was out in the woods. Sure, the animals had already been acting strange but she hadn't begun to have the black outs until the episode with the red eyed crow in the woods.

Quickly she changed the subject as she accepted his offer, returning with "I have to make sure I talk to Cheri today and I still need to check in with my editor and let her know the status of the project, but after that sure, I'd love to see a movie with you."

She really did need to let Cheri know how she was as she knew otherwise the other woman would have no peace. Lina smiled then "Would you mind stopping by Cheri's when we are done here so I can put her mind at ease? I don't want her to worry."

Zack nodded as he chewed some food and took a drink of coffee. "Sure thing. I usually stop by the book store on my days off, so it won't be outta my way." When they finished eating, he wiped his mouth off and went for his wallet before pausing. "You know, I usually charge for house calls and personal consoles, but how about you pick up this tab and we call it even," he said with a smirk and a wink.

Lina swallowed her last gulp of coffee and without ever missing a beat reached for her purse and pulled out her wallet. She had always lived in the here and now and days of chivalry had long since faded from the face of the earth. Calling over to Jackie she said "Any chance we could get our bill?"

Smiling back at Zack, a small smirk of her own spreading across her fair features she said "Sure, justl let me get this check paid for and we can get out of here" as she tried to interpret the expression she read on the good doctors face just then.

When they left, Zack opened the truck door for her before getting in himself. "Don't forget your seatbelt," he said instinctively. He then gave her an apologetic look. "Sorry, force of habit. Don't mean to come off like a nagging parent or something," he said with a chuckle.

When they arrived at the book store, his cell went off and he looked at it. He then looked at Lina. "You can ahead if you want, I'll be right behind ya." When she went inside, he answered the phone. "Hey Hank, how ya doin," he said to Dr. Hillbrough.

"Doin great," the other doctor said. "You were right, it was hypercalcemia. I owe ya one. Beer's on my this weekend."

Zack chuckled. "Actually, Hank. I think I may have to take a rain check on bowling this weekend. Turns out I may be a little busy."

The other doctor laughed. "Ahh. So what's her name?"

Zack shook his head. "You know, I do actually do other things besides date girls."

"Yeah? Like what," Hank chuckled. "Nah I'm just messin with ya. I'll see next week then." Zack hung up the phone and went inside the book store with after Lina.

Lina went inside awhile to find Cheri while Zack took his call. As she made her way into the book store towards the front counter to find Cheri, she noticed that there were several people in the store already. Everyone loved Cheri's Wold of Wonders so it came as no surpise to Lina to find the store full once again.

There was a young boy who looked to be at the oldest only ten years old standing in Lina's path and as she went to brush past him from behind she said excuse me but froze in her tracks as a vision of a young boy appeared in front of her, a young boy who was staring up at a man dressed in strange garb, a look of horror on the boys face. Lina stood perfectly still as the wave of darkness threatened to wash over her. She refused to pass out again, she would not pass out again she thought to herself even as she felt the overpowering sensation to close her eyes overtake her.

When Zack entered the store, he saw Lina with a young boy. He didn't think much of it, but then the boy turned towards her and revealed a knife in his hand. The look in the child's eyes unnerved Zack, so protectively he grabbed Lina from behind and pulled her behind him. "Easy now, son. What are you doing with that knife?"

((An Edy and Mysti co))

The Imposter
03-12-2012, 01:39 AM
Tuesday 10:13 AM
The Hospital

Wesley found himself in his home waking up and doing the same old routine. Getting ready for the day, when he was in his bedroom he thought he heard foot steps from the hallway. He cautiously opened the door and looked down the hall to just catch the tail end of a child running towards the door. Wesley called out for the child to stop but the door was already open and then closed. Wesley was compelled to follow and ran out the door after the kid. The sun was a lot brighter than he had expected and his eyes were extremely sensitive. He could only see the back of the child but it looked a lot like Ryan. Wesley knew it couldn't be true he tried to take a step forward but he blacked out.

Wesley's eyes opened slowly the meds wearing off. His medical induced rest had been full of dreams. Strange dreams to say the least, constantly he found himself chasing someone. That young boy, uncanny in resemblance to Ryan but was it Ryan? Never in his life had he dreamed about his son being able to do things he couldn't. Must be the drugs he thought but before he could think about it he was interrupted by two figures.

His vision was still sensitive to the light but he managed to guess it was his in laws. The stood right beside the bed almost hunching over him. He opened his mouth to speak but was met with a hard slap.

'Meredith!' The taller of the two exclaimed only to be silenced by the shorter.

'Don't you dare! This man has jeopardized our grandson's life! Running around doing God knows what. I knew you would go back to your old ways.'

Wesley rubbed his cheek trying to make the sting go away. It wasn't long before the words sunk in. His eyes widened in fear as he realized what Meredith meant.

'What happened to Ryan?'

'He had an incident at school and the paramedics brought him to the children's ward. That was yesterday...'

The second voice was that of Wesley's father in law Gregory. He didn't do much to cover up the sadness in his tone. Wesley couldn't help but feel ashamed, he had really screwed up. Meredith gave him one more scowl before they said that they were going to go to Ryan's room. They left and Wes had a chance to get his bearings and sit up. He noticed the armband and shades on the small table beside the bed.

'Things aren't going that well. I think it was Trixi that was here earlier. I must've been drugged, hopefully I wasn't a fool or at least more than the one I already am. Nurse! Nurse!'

In a moment a guy stuck in his head and asked if anything was the matter. Wesley quickly asked how his son was and if he would be allowed to go visit him.

'Oh, you are Ryan's father. Umm, well you can't really be up and on your feet right now. I can go check on him for you if you'd like.'

Wesley nodded and the nurse left leaving the bedridden man by himself once more. One thing Wesley couldn't stand was waiting around for something to happen. Patience wasn't one of his strong suits and being stuck in a small room was only going to put him on edge. Realizing that he was stuck he picked up the remote and turned on the small television in the room. If he was lucky maybe someone would stop in with some info on where Bao and Duke dropped his truck.

Wattz
03-28-2012, 12:08 AM
Time: Tuesday, approximately 10 am
Location: World of Wonders Bookstore

Bao’s hands trembled slightly from exhaustion as she finally picked up a book. She hadn’t realized how dirty her hands were until compared to the pristine pages. She wiped her hand on her pants when she accidentally got some dirt on the paper, but it didn’t do much good, since her pants were pretty dirty as well. There was even dirt beneath her fingernails. Bao had to grip each page lightly between her thumb and middle finger to make sure she didn’t smudge anything else onto the book. But this one, this one was quite boring already, a shallow romance novel about boy a meets girl b, blah, blah, blah….

She put it down and moved to another section: the fantasy section. She’d never been one for reading when she went to school, least of all fantasy books. Bao picked out a book with the most interesting cover she could find, a knight garbed in silver, battle-worn armor from head to foot with a mage at his side. She tried to read the back, but her focus was drifting in and out, and pretty soon she was simply staring at it, not paying attention.

"May I help you?!", Cherilyn asked from behind the young woman and tried her best not to smile when she realized she had caused the occupied girl to flinch, which was rather amusing.

She loomed over Bao like some body guard as she tried to have a glance over the woman's shoulders and see what book she was holding. Cherilyn tried to smile although she would rather someone as dirty as Bao wouldn't touch her beloved books.

Bao fumbled with the book before putting it back on the shelf in a hurry. The woman gave a fierce stare. Even smiling, the woman radiated with a certain amount of intimidation. She was instantly reminded of those librarians that held you guilty of foul play the moment you stepped within a foot of their books.

"Oh- well, I believe I'm looking for a certain book, but unfortunately I can't remember the name of it." The words slipped out with ease. Bao didn't want to look aimless to this stranger, nor did she want to be kicked out immediately. "I haven't read it in so long, but it's very dear to me. I hope to make a present out of it. I was thinking it could go to one of the fiction sections, so I'm just looking for familiar covers."

"Oh!", Cherilyn nodded, "We have huge selection here, so you are free to lurk about", She faked a smile, not very pleased with her dirty customer touching her books just yet, "Maybe you want me to run a search over the computer and find more?" .

'And get your hands away from the pages', thought Cherilyn to herself.

"Oh, thank you! Maybe that could help." Perhaps she could have fun with this. She could do with a laugh.

"Let's see... how do I explain it.... Well, it was about this sorcerer who lived atop a hill. One of those lonely types, you know. That's the biggest part I can remember, I think. But he also loved to collect things from his occasional visitors. I remember that part because my mother loved it so much. She loved to collect too." Bao didn't mind that she seemed strange for rattling off such personal things. None of it was real, anyways.

"Hmmm...", for some reason Cherilyn seemed to be more interested now, "I think I remember something... about it... He used to be a good wizard... right?! It's part of a series, yes?", she pulled out some possible title and held it out in her hands, "Then some king gathered around warriors and wizards against him... And the story just ends where....", she tried to remember the ending, but couldn't, then she laughed slowly, "There was no ending to the book, the author has never finished it I think... There was this big light surrounding all the warriors and then... It just stops there...".

She picked up some more books, "Again, I could be wrong and we could be talking about completely different books"

Bao blinked at the book, a little befuddled that the librarian had actually found something out of what she'd given. What luck, indeed. Perhaps she could find another way to lead her in circles?

"Hmm... well I remember the cover being brighter... and I think it had red lettering instead of gold. But I don't remember the sorcerer ever not being good. My mother, the sorcerer was her favorite character. And I could have sworn the series was still going...."

"Oh yes", Cherilyn nodded, "the author kept saying he'll continue, but it's been already 8 years... so I'm not too sure...", she picked up one book, "I think you refer to the third one. There was actually a lovely character I enjoyed there, clown with habit of pranks who later became a hero...", Cherilyn chuckles, "And we realize it's a girl only on the fifth title".

"Huh." Something stirred in the pit of her stomach, but she wasn't quite sure what. "Strange sounding book. Or maybe..." she was feeling anxious now, with every single book the woman pulled off the shelves. Bao couldn't understand why, but she felt the pressing urge to get away from them. "Maybe... maybe it was a... horror novel. Some of the things that happened... I can't imagine putting such a book anywhere else."

Cherilyn looked confused, "Are you okay?!"

"I don't... I don't think I need the book anymore...." But Bao reached out to touch it anyways, taking it from the woman's grip and flipping through the pages. She didn't care that she was getting the pages dirty. All wrong, all wrong, something was all wrong, yet glimpses of the conversation words seemed familiar all the same.

Cherilyn leaned against Bao, trying to see what she could do to help, "Are you hurt!? Are you well?!"

"No, no, no," she began to murmur. The passages in the book began to jump off the page, but none of it seemed right, no. Duke wasn't even there, why wasn't Duke there? "All wrong, all wrong..." she gripped the side of one page so hard it crumbled in her grip, then she tore it away in a swift action. "All wrong, all wrong all wrong all wrongallwrong-" on and on and on, tearing violently at each page, because the author- the stupid author hadn't gotten a single thing right.

Julian re-entered the the store through the back and went back to his duties. Ignoring Cheri seemed like the appropriate action at the moment since he had previously been creepy and awkward. He decided that pushing the thoughts from his mind would be better than trying to explain himself. The sight of a customer ripping the page out of the book shocked him out of his decision. At first there was anger but Julian's wit beat it to the punch. "Ya break it. Ya bought it." Then anger. "What the hell?" Then an awkward moment of wondering whether or not the order of those two phrases should have been done differently.

Julian raced over to the customer inadvertently pushing Cherilyn out of the way. Julian yanked the book out of the customer's hand and threw it to the floor. "What is wrong with you?"

Bao was no longer in the bookstore, or at least she perceived it as such. Blur of colors, a roaring in her ears, and something slipping easily from her fingers. The book, the book, it was the book....

She lunged forward, eyes wide, lips snarling, then gripped Julian's hands so hard they could bruise. Her nails raked across his skin as she moved to grasp the book away. He wouldn't know, he couldn't know, it was all wrong, all wrong....

Julian's mind lagged, yes lagged would be the appropriate term. Then he reacted. The pain was immediate as was his reaction. Julian got into scrapes before with his classmates over bullying and he had never held back then. He certainly didn't do so now. Yanking his hands away Julian held them up to see the blood well up, it was hardly a serious injury but Julian didn't reason enough to realize that. He punched. As hard as he could. In the girls face. He stepped backwards. Then regret welled up in him, "I'm sorry." Then a follow up of "Wanna go, bitch!" Then an awkward silence of wondering why he hadn't thought to rearrange those phrases before he spoke.

All Trixi heard was a male voice while she was trying to better assess the situation up front that threatened more than a few lives. 'Well this is just all going to hell in a death basket!' She thought to herself, drawing her weapon quickly while moving behind the kid. Seeing her opened opportunity as the Dr. tried to reason with Cameron and protect Lina at the same time. Trixi hit Cameron in the back of the skull right at C3 hard and watched at the boy dropped to the floor knocked out cold. Moving the knife away with her boot as it slide across the floor she gave a quick once over at the two. "Like HELL he was going to do that with me here in this town....you two ok?"

"Wanna go, bitch!" ......"Christ what now?! Ok new plan....Zack, you can handle yourself and make sure she's ok. Watch this kid unless you must leave to the hospital, I have your number." Silently moving further into the bookstore the woman abruptly stopped and just peered over one of the shelves to see Julian, Bao and Cheri. One outraged oversomething...one looking like she was going mad...and Cheri being Cheri. Least she could rely on her for that much, which right now was great and she'd make the best of it. "Hey Cheri could have told me if you were trying a few people out of a theatrical play. But I think they need to take five hmmm? Wrapping an arm around Julian she gave Cheri a wink "come on now... Bitch isn't a nice word..besides working here I'm sure you could have thought of a more intellectual term." Massaging his shoulder as she spoke to try and lower his blood pressure as she eyed Bao. "You however got only a few choices...come with me to cool down and talk now. Or if not willingly then you'll be put into the hospital in restraints and I promise you that won't be nearly as enjoyable...."

Bao was on the ground, hands before her face and trembling. The roar in her ears began to die down and the world faded back into existence, but she still felt the agitation in her chest. She looked up to see a cop looking down at her, only just managing to catch the last few moments of her words. She still remembered what she had done, could still feel why she had wanted to destroy the book, but her urge to do so was somewhat tame.

"No... no, please, I'm sorry, I... I didn't mean it." Anything, anything to get away from going to the hospital. "I'm fine, I promise. I just need to use a phone, that's all."

Trixi eyed the young woman as if trying to see what was really troubling her behind those eyes. Gently cupping both elbows she helped Bao to stand up and give a proper once over. Noticing her hands with many scratches she couldn't shake off this feeling...a whisper from deep within. That she was weak...and worse than a few surface wounds. "Cheri can you get me the first aid kit please?"

Suddenly something happened to the deputy that felt like a wave through her body; leaving her a bit disoriented and weaker than before hand as if she pushed herself through a marathon and left out of breath. Looking back at Bao the same odd thing occured.... all the cuts and whispers that Bao was wounded/sick inside were gone; leaving soft and supple skined body of perfection. Comepletely baffled trying to get her mind wrapped around this act, wondering if she was going blind from too much stress. Trixi waved her hand, "nevermind Cheri she'll be alright. Bao come see me tomorrow at the station or if you like call for a public place you're comfortable with so we can chat." Handing her hurridly one of her business cards so she can make contact. "If you don't call to see me tomorrow I will come find you...to make sure you're ok alright? Rest and plenty of water... I...I got to go." With that the deputy left out the front, not even bothering to say hi to the guys that responded to the call or thank Zack for what he did. Jumping in her car and driving off with a mission to get back home asap while telling herself 'it's ok... You've been working to hard again woman...no running today, just rest. I'll be fine tomorrow...everything will be alright..."

Bao couldn't believe it. She'd just had a conniption fit in public, ripped up a book she hadn't paid for, and assaulted an employee (all in front of a police officer) with nothing but a slap on the wrist and a handed ID card. Her breathing became heavy just thinking about all the things she should not have gotten away with, unable to even respond. Sure, she certainly hadn't been in her right mind, but that would have been even more cause to make sure she was contained in some way.

The bookstore workers were still standing before her. Bao was unable to speak. She stood there with her mouth gaping open and her fingers curled in front of her chest, too sure that she was dreaming.

Storm
03-28-2012, 08:46 PM
Day/Time: Tuesday, 9:30 AM
Location: 413 East Chandler Drive

Su Lin still stirs restlessly before opening her eyes, Gail sitting next to the couch offering her a soft smile. “I am so sorry for not letting you know what to expect Su.” while pouring a cup of freshly brewed tea.

Su sits up taking the cup between her hands allowing the warmth between her hands not sure what exactly to say. She does finally manage “This has been one totally freaky day. Please, what in the world were those others talking about … Alien … and glowing eyes?” taking a sip of tea. Gail always does blend some fantastic tea.

Gail’s tone soft, almost motherly offers “Su my dear. I am afraid that it is only going to get freakier from here. There is something I felt when I first saw you. Yesterday in the store there was an … aura about you that I had never seen before. This I had not spoken to you before until I could be sure. You do realize there are really witches, don’t you?”
Su simply stares back with a somewhat blank expression as Gail continues.
“Not those you see on TV, we are more one with nature, and we are the white side of what some would call magic. Do not be alarmed at Zach’s son, he thinks every unexplained event is caused by UFOs. I think everything would be clearer if you allowed Zach to speak to you.”

Su bites the bottom of her lip whispering “I don’t think things could get any weirder. Are you saying I’m … a … witch?”

As Gail stands offers softly “No my dear, we do not know precisely what gifts you possess. Zach would be best to ascertain what gifts you have and where you came …” with that she silences, she does not wish to distress Su anymore than she has already.

A million questions rush through Su’s mind as she stands. Gail has been a mother figure to her the moment they met and she fully trusts her. Gail and Su make their way out the front door and start down the walkway. As they start toward Su’s car, Gail slows her pace slowly turning toward the bushes which the dog lays sensing something is off however does not see anything of a concern. Su at the same moment feels a strong knot form in her stomach as she too turns toward the bush not understanding the feeling or what is happening. Her chocolate brown eyes glaze over to a crystal celerity. As the two women stare toward the bush for a moment, Gail softly speaks noticing Su’s eyes and for the moment assumes that is what feeling swept over her “Let’s head over to Zach’s”. Su removes her sun glasses slipping them on as the two head to her car. As they head off toward Zach’s house, the dog follows. The two make small talk about Kant while driving.

Day/Time: Tuesday, 10:05 AM
Location: Zach Prescott Residence

Su and Gail pull up in front of Zach’s house. As they exit the car, Gail looks toward the house, an ominous feeling washing over her. She notices Zach’s door open, screen door shut “That’s odd, he never leaves the front door open like that” as she moves up the walk way. The knot in Su’s stomach returns as she follows Gail undoing the Velcro liner of her white open jacket giving her access to throwing stars should they be needed. She reaches around her back adjusting the dagger sheath sewn into her belt in the center of her back. As the two women reach the front door, Gail knocks calling out “Zach? You home?” while opening the door to enter. As Gail enters with Su behind her removing her sun glasses, Gail stops in her tracks noting the blood soaked floor.

“SU, back out NOW!” as Gail back steps toward the door grabbing her cell phone thumb pressing the emergency key auto dialing the police department. Gail quickly gives the address advising the operator there may be a violent crime in progress before disconnecting. The eerie feeling still surrounds her as she looks toward the dog which has also followed the women “Su, that same dog…” Gail blinks several times as she looks toward Su who’s eyes are clear with a bluish radiant look, Gail softly whispers “…what in the name of Anaitis…”

Su stares almost blankly in the direction of the dog, confusion as well as unknown feelings swirl within her. As her eyes radiate a more defined blue aura, she extends her closed hand in the direction of the dog whispering “you do not belong here…”. Her focus is intense before flipping her hand open while a swirling cloud of small rocks and debris close to the dog sails in it’s direction almost with the velocity of a shotgun blast. As the debris peppers the dog, a small trickle of blood trickles out of Su’s nose before she collapses in the yard. Gail rushes to Su’s side kneeling next to the fallen woman gently stroking her forehead whispering “You will be okay, we will understand what is happening together….” in a motherly tone as the mid morning air is disrupted by police sirens.

Stryker
04-02-2012, 06:55 PM
Time of Day: 9:45am
Location: 714 MLK North (The street in front of the bookstore)



“So we weren’t able to find either of the other two that were at the docks with that other one overnight?”

“No, couldn’t even find the vehicle they were in. It’s like they vanished or something, Austin.”

The disappointment of not finding their targets showed on his face as he looked down the road they gathered at, near a bus stop.

“Get everyone either off the streets or to drop their colors for a few days, if everyone keeps seeing us everywhere flashing the armbands then they’ll start to get more on edge with each passing moment, not to mention that I’m pretty sure that the ones we’re looking for are still in the town… Just hiding.” Austin instructed before seeing the man run off with his phone out, already dialing others to tell of the new orders, but before he got too far Austin shouted out for him to tell anyone not to pull anymore kind of stunts like what was done at the docks or else the repercussions would be swift and severe this time.

With a slight nod, he went on his way again, making the announcement as instructed on his phone.

Now that he was alone again, Austin began to roam the streets, looking at everything yet focusing on nothing. Thanks to a heads-up call last night, one of the Dollars took a picture on his phone of the other two people that they were looking for and had sent it to everyone else. One of them was a girl, small in size and looked to be quite timid while the other was a complete contrast to her in seemingly every way possible. Big and mean-looking, the type that looks for a fight just to show and establish his dominance over everyone else, not to impress anyone but maybe himself.

“Where the hell are you two…” he wondered aloud to himself as he trekked down the familiar street in front of the book store where he and a few others had recently taught someone a lesson that they richly deserved to be taught. Before he got much farther though, he felt a little woozy and placed his hand on a tree to stabilize himself.

Soon thereafter, the air around him began to heat up until his skin took on a sheen of sweat, like he had, unbeknownst to him, been stuffed in an oven. With each passing second it got hotter until his clothing became drenched in sweat.

“Wha-… what’s going on?” he asked himself, unaware of the fact that he had stumbled over a tree root and was now on his hands and knees, breathing heavily and covered in perspiration.

Suddenly though, as quickly as the episode began it had ended… gone and leaving no trace except for the sweat that coated his skin and forced his clothes to cling to his body like a second skin. “What the hell… just happened…” he thought to himself as he stood back up, the exhaustion he felt was now gone from his night of prowling the streets.

“The hell… just happened?” he asked himself, staring down at the palms of his hands as if trying to find some kind of trace or clue as to what he just endured. At one point it felt like someone had seemingly trapped him inside of an oven of sorts and turned the dial all the way up, but just as suddenly as it started, it stopped and now everything was back to normal.

He took a quick look around and slowly continued on his way down the street, beginning to wonder if someone was behind that and if so, what in the hell did they do?

Kris
04-21-2012, 10:01 PM
Time: Tuesday, 11 am
Location: World of Wonders Bookstore


Lina felt Zack pulling her from behind before she even realized Cameron had a knife in his hand. Everything happened so quickly and before she had known it Trixie had knocked the young boy out. She had watched as Trixie walked away to investigate whatever was happening on the other side of the store but Lina was too distracted to look at that moment.

All that Lina could think of was that Zack had protected her. Not that she needed protected, she had after been to a few of Su Lin's martial arts classes before but regardless, Zack had been willing to protect her. Just like he had stayed to make sure she was alright the night before. As she stared up at him her eyes switched from that of her earlier disbelief that a boy as young as Cameron would even have a knife to that of adoration for the handsome doctor that now stood in front of her.

Taking his hands into hers she leaned up and kissed his cheek then whispered to him softly "Thank you."

As Zack looked back into Lina's eyes, he brushed a hand through her hair, his eyes unblinking for that moment. Zack never liked seeing anyone get hurt, but with this woman, he was actually fearful of it. "Welcome," he said softly. Then when Trixi knocked the boy out, he snapped back to the reality of the situation. He then moved Lina behind him, followed by Cheri as he knelt down beside the unconscious kid.

As he looked the kid over, he grabbed a small light from his back pocket and shined it in his eyes as he lifted the eyelids. The kid was definitely out cold, but his pupils reacted, which was good. "I don't think any serious damage was done, but can't be certain until more tests are done," he said to no one in particular. He then grabbed his cell and called the hospital. "Yeah, this is Ace. Need an EMT at World of Wonders stat. Who's on today? Okay. Tell Mitch to have radiology prepped and ready and have some restraints on stand by. May have a potential IED so have some Xanax ready" After hanging up he looked to Lina and Cheri. "Do you know him? Can you contact his family?"

Lina nodded her head "I don't know who the kid is but I'm sure that someone will be able to contact his parents." That was when she noticed that Cheri appeared to be visibly shaken. Lina left go of Zacks hands then and giving him a worried look she moved to Cherri's side. Lina hadn't even realized until she lay her hand on Cheri's shoulder that when she'd touched Zack just moments before that she hadn't gotten dizzy. The salt intake was helping already. Or so she thought until her hand came to rest on Cherri's shoulder and a wave of darkness threatened to overtake her. Lina fought it off as she spoke softly. "Cheri, are you okay?"

Cherilyn was trying to recover while still looking down at the kid, however something seemed odd. She couldn't help but look up at Lina and think of what they just discussed the other day.

"Lina...", Cherilyn tried to say, her mouth opened few times but it looks like she was still considering what to say. Digging her head between the palms of her hands, she pulled her cheeks as she looked up at her good friend, "Lina... What you told me...", she uttered slowly, hoping her friend would recall their dinner, "I think...", her hands were sent to rub her arms as she hugged herself, still confused, yet so sure it scared her. She was certain, "I think there is... a connection...", looking down at the kid she couldn't help but feeling goosebumps. It was not the child that made her recall, hell she was certain she never met that little boy in her life. But the pattern... There was something oddly familiar about the pattern...

Lina wrapped her arm around Cheri, bracing herself for a feeling of uneasiness to wash over her but it didn't come. She breathed a sigh of relief as she hugged her friend but concern flooded her as Cheri appeared to be almost pale in color now. She flashed a glance at Zack then back to Cheri. "Cheri, why don't you close up shop for a bit, there's been a lot of excitement for one day."

Lina looked around the store. The truth was that everyone there looked as though they needed a drink and the young woman who had taken a "fit" as she tore up books looked as though she could use a good meal too. "Cheri, I know it's early but maybe a glass of wine and a bite to eat at Jackie's would help calm you down, put things in perspective? After what we've all just witnessed I think everyone here could use a drink."

Just then the paramedics showed up and entered the store, at which time they were directed to the boy who still lay unconscious on the floor and while still there, Cherilyn couldn't help but pick up the phone.

Su Lin...

After all Kant has yet to return... He went to pick up things for her... and... Su Lin... a strong and tough woman like her, she will know what to do, would be best to get her over and talk this... Over dinner... yes, that would be a wonderful idea.

"I'll call Su Lin, if that's all right, get her over... too...?", she looked at Lina while calling.

Lina smiled at her old friend "Sure, anything you want Cheri. While you call Su Lin I'm going to speak to the woman over there" Lina said quietly, directing her nod towards Bao.

As the EMTs took the boy away, Zack shared a few words with, telling them what happened and all. When he returned, he leaned on the inside of the doorframe and wiped his brow with a handkerchief. "I could use a drink myself, I think," he said to Lina and Cheri. "When we get to Jackie's drinks are on me."

Storm
04-24-2012, 09:47 PM
Day/Time: Tuesday, 11:08 AM
Location: Treatment Room 14, Kingsport Cove Memorial Hospital

Su sits on the treatment table waiting for results to come back which Dr. Welch had run. Her bleach white jacket still has a streak of blood down the left lapel as she sits with her arms folded across her chest “It was just a nose bleed, I’ve had them before, it really isn’t anyth…”

“Young Lady” is firmly in an almost Motherly Scolding tone offered by Gail who still is sitting in a chair to Su’s side, a concerned expression on her face. As Su quiets as though a mute button was hit, Gail continues in her typical soft tone “First my dear, why have you not mentioned nose bleeds to me before?”

Biting her bottom lip offering a smile “Cause I know how you are always worrying about me, and they really have just started randomly the last few days.”

Su’s phone which is on the exam tray rings, ring tone of ‘The Bitch Is Back’. Almost simultaneously she and Gail let out a laugh as Gail grabs her phone “Gawd Su, one of these days you are going to be IN World of Wonders when she calls..” then she answers Cherilyn’s call “Mok’s Jewelry, Su Lin’s phone, Su is pre occupied at the moment, this is Gail, may I help you?”

"Su Lin", there came a voice from the other side, "I gather she is well and that Kant got the magazines to her?"

“Why yes she did, she does appreciate the time the young lad took to bring them over..” offering a smirk to Su “How is young Kant? That was quite a load of books he delivered.” As Su starts to get off the exam table to get her phone, Gail slightly cups the mouth piece “Young lady, back on the table till the doctor clears you.”

"Please... I must speak to her...."

Gail quirks a brow and hands the phone to Su “She is asking for you direct, keep it short, at least till Doc says you are completely okay.”

Su takes the phone and offers a soft smile “Okay … mom”, tone playful. She puts on a more serious tone as she answers the call “This is Su, and yes, we did get the shipment, Kant is simply wonderful.”

Gail tries to refrain from a laugh whispering “He DID wonderful … you realize you just said he IS wonderful?”

Turning beet red she bites her lower lip, surely Cherilyn would realize she meant that Kant did a good job, after all, Su does try her hardest to maintain her professional appearance.

"Good, good... Now...-", As if not hearing any of this Cherilyn went straight to the point, "I need you, soon, we plan to meet... some more... join us... I'll explain more later, I promise but I need you to come", she said, whispering more details of their meeting such as location and hour.

As Cherilyn spoke, she had grabbed her medical chart jotting information down on a blank form under her chart. Her expression is that of confusion, she had never known Cherilyn to be vague and her tone seemed to not fit her normal bossy persona. When the information is done, offers “I will definitely be there, I’ve had a weird day so hope you don’t mind some venting.” She looks over toward Gail who is giving her a hard once over “…oh yea, do you mind someone else tagging along, I think my business partner will be tagging along, is that going to be a problem?”

"No", and there was a hint of giggle over the line, "The doc pays on everything anyway....".

Without even knowing how her face looked on the other side, Su-Lin could tell that Cherilyn was grinning.

As the doctor enters the exam room, she wraps up “We’ll see you a little later then.” hanging the phone up offering more to herself “I hope Kant is there too” before looking to the doctor, Gail already looking over his shoulder at the report.

“Well, everything looks okay. Just need a signature and we’ll get you on your way.” Su quickly scribbles her signature on the release form as her and Gail make their way from the exam room.

"Well, let's get over to Jackie's Diner." as Su slips her jacket off, after all, doesn't want the tell tale sign of blood to ruin the atmosphere.

Setsa
04-24-2012, 10:00 PM
Day/Time-Tuesday: 11:05am
Location-The Hospital/Jackie's Diner

Wesley had become rather bored in the hospital room, his impatience getting the better of him. Something other than hospital food seemed very appealing right about now not to mention something to take his mind off things and give his inlaws some more time with Ryan. He sat up in his bed and picked up the hospital phone.

'Is it ok to make an outside call from this phone?'

'Oh yes of course.'

The nurse on the other end answered In response Wes picked up the card left by Trixie and dialed the number. He waited for her answer.

'Uhh...G'day Trixie. Just wondering if there's been any word on if my truck turned up....and I know it might be too much to ask but I could really use some non hospital food. Not too mention being stuck in a room like this...'

~~~

Only a few minutes away from home now, Trixi was still trying to wrap her mind on what all has been going on. She wasn't afraid of touching people...that was just absurd, but strange things did happen to a few she did.

It was then her phone virated on her belt that laid beside her in the passenger's seat. "This is Trixi, what's the emergency at the hospital?" Her first thought was that it was the kid she knocked out cold at the bookstore. But upon hearing Wesley's voice a small sigh of relief came over her as her face started to soften. "Well no word on your truck yet sorry, but lunch sounds really good, I bet a nice walk after to stretch those legs may interest you as well?" Smiling really for the first time today she pulled into her driveway and got out of the vehicle.

"I just got home so give me maybe a half hour tops and I'll be there to pick you up. Want me to leave the dogs with your boy before I come get you?" She asked while letting the dogs back inside and going upstairs to change.

'Umm...no that's fine his grandparents are with him now, thanks for the thought though. Thirty minutes sounds good, I'll see you at the entrance.'

Wes couldn't help but picture his wife's mother going on some tirade about having the dogs near Ryan. Saying a brief goodbye he hung up the phone and pulled himself out of the bed. After taking some wobbly steps he managed to steady himself and began putting on something a little more casual than his patient's robe. It wasn't long before one of the nurses arrived to advise against too much movement, and that he in fact hadn't been cleared. He reassured the nurse that it was just a quick bite to ear and stretch, he also mentioned that such small injuries really didn't impede him all that much.

Still attatched to a drip he made his way to the children's ward and found Ryan's room. He opened the door slowly lumbered in catching the eyes of the two vistors. Before either of them could say anything Wes spoke up, his voice didn't contain that small tone of humour, or happiness but instead was solemn.

'I know that nothing I say can justify what I did, or whatever it is you think I've done. Despite what you might believe though I am doing whatever I can for my son. If you are going to hate me for that, then so be it. I'm not your daughter and I can't always make the right choices like she did....'

His eyes reflected the sorrow that the words caused and grew in saddness as he saw Ryan sprawled out on the bed. Wires running out of his head and chest to monitor his brain waves in case his seizures weren't visible. The scene took Wes back to the what seemed like countless other times with Ryan in a hospital bed in the same state. He had been doing pretty ok recently and now this. Wesley's large hand rubbed his son's face gently and he made his plea with Meredith and Gregory.

'I'm going to get out of the hospital for a little while, I'll be back soon and we can switch up. I don't have my phone but you can reach me at this number.'

He gave the older man Trixie's card before he made his way back to his room passing by another room he couldn't help but overhear about the young boy inside. Knocked out at the bookstore because he was carrying a knife, seems pretty unbelievable...or at least a little exaggerated. Getting back to his room he motioned for a nurse to follow him requesting to be unshackled from the bonds of the drip. She began cautioning him about coming off the drip and such but Wesley either failed to understand or just didn't care to listen. A small rage had begun too build up in him and it was directed towards one man....Paulie. He would deal with Paulie and see to Ryan's health, but for now it was time to get away from the hospital.

Considering everything that has going on some grub and walk sounded like just what she needed to get herself back on track after just this morning alone. Shoot, the past 24 hours had been one hair blowing, body shaking, hoarse screaming, roller coaster ride! So when Trixi pulled up in her civilian suv with the dogs in back and her signature tank and shorts look to the entrance of the hospital. The sight of Wes was definetly one for sore, tired eyes that she greeted him with a bright smile and gentle hug that she needed and probably him as well considering all of his injuries.

"Hey there Wes, you're looking good without a hospital gown.." she said opening the door and helping him ease into the passenger seat. Closing the door once he was buckled in she gave a nod to the attending nurse at the welcome desk before hopping in and driving off. "So, need anything we should get quickly first or should we get some of Jackie's Diner food in that gut?"

Wes couldn't help but feel a little embarassed getting helped into the vehicle but nonetheless he would endure it to get away from the hospital for a while. He gave a look at the dogs and answered their owner.

'Nah...I'm fine with just heading to Jackie's, unless you need to stop somewhere on the way. I don't want to seem like much of a burden but I still don't have my wallet yet...so I'll owe ya one Trixie.'

As the SUV left the hospital and headed on its way Wesley looked over to the lady beside him. She had certainly helped him out a lot over the whole incident and with Ryan.

'Thanks for everything Trixie, it means a lot. How have you been doing? Busy on patrol?'

"Don't mention it Wes, help me figure out who did this to you as I only have so much to go off of and we'll call it even hmm?" Turning to smile at him she noticed that his eyes were already on her. With the dogs wagging their tails enjoying an off-duty car ride it wasn't far to get to Jackie's Diner; the sign above the restaurant in their sights when they got stopped at a long red light. "I've been...well good over all though it certainly has been interesting, got a good heart thumping experience today that's for sure. Patrol wise no, I've been stuck behind my desk working on a couple cases one being yours ofcourse. Hopefully tomorrow my evening hours doesn't get changed, which reminds me..." The deputy said when the light turned green and she hit the gas pedal. "I work EMT tonight so if you're a night owl I may pay you and Ryan a visit... I'd hate to miss seeing his smile in school when I visit with the boys."

'Oh yeah? Always happy to have some company...I'm not sure how smiley my boy will be when he wakes up but he'll come around. He always does.'

Wesley's brow furrowed ever so slightly, truth was he felt like an idiot for not being available when Ryan had his spell. He relaxed again as they pulled into the parking lot of Jackie's. The diner was an iconic place known for its meals, it had even gained some out of state renown. The small bit of fame didn't effect the diner at all though and it still maintained its usual atmosphere. As they parked in the parking lot Wesley looked back to Trixie and asked if he should leave the window rolled down some.

'Your dogs aren't allowed into the diner right?'

She looked at them while helping to guide Wesley out of the car in as little pain as they could manage, pressing down the button for the windows. "Yea they were here yesterday so one day without her Doggy Pies won't hurt them... They're running with me tonight anyways."

Step by step, going at his pace they made their way into the diner, motioning for the hostess at hand to sit them down at a large 8 person table so he could prop his feet up and not get bumped into.

"Alrighty then Wes, what are you in the mood for besides anything that isn't hospital food?" A grin on her face as she gives a wink.


{A Setsa and Imposter Production}

Stryker
05-03-2012, 01:43 AM
After his incident on the street corner, Austin had found his way to a bench and settled onto it to try and clear his head from what just occurred. Looking at him now, he had a slightly dazed look as he tried desperately to get everything in order, something was wrong but what and how could something be wrong in the first place?

“The hell just happened?” he asked himself for what felt like the ninth time as his right hand brushed a few loose and slightly damp strands of hair from his face. He then glanced around to see if anyone had been watching and was slightly relieved to find out that the answer was no. “I gotta go somewhere a bit more private or something, maybe splash some water on my face and see where it takes me…” he decided as he stood back up and began walking down the sidewalk once more.

**************************************

After roughly ten minutes made his way to the front door of a diner of sorts from what he could tell, “Pretty full.” He thought before walking through the front door and coming face to face with someone who, from the looks of him knew who Austin was and seemed a bit cautious.

“Bathroom…” Austin asked before seeing the nervous man quickly point to his right, “Thanks.”

After turning the corner he spotted the telltale sign on the wall.

He pushed open the door, locked it behind himself and made a beeline for the sink to splash some water on his face. As he turned the water on and placed his hands under it, he looked up at the mirror and saw nothing out of the ordinary about his appearance but would swear that something felt off for some strange reason.

“Get ahold of yourself, Austin…” he growled to himself before showering his face in a few splashes of water before standing back up and turning the water off. He then unlocked his door and made his way back out before finding a seat in a window booth near the front door by himself to have some more alone time to himself to think.

Wattz
05-03-2012, 02:34 AM
Place: World of Wonders Bookstore
Time: Tuesday, 11 A.M.

Bao shivered on the spot, her hands folded defensively. She felt colder than usual, drained of energy and so confused she could not attempt to make sense of it all. They were unusually calm for what had just happened, but she felt grateful that they seemed so distracted by one another, quick comforts and hugs sent out in their little circle: an opportunity to slip away before they had a chance to charge her for the book.

So she did just this, making her way swiftly to the door, all too ready to bolt once she’d made it outside.

While Cheri was dialing Su Lin, Lina noticed the young woman who had caused the disturbance with the tearing of books heading for the door. Releasing Zack's hand she stepped towards the door herself "Excuse me, Miss, could I have a word with you? There's something I'd like to talk to you about. We were all just getting ready to head over to Jackie's for dinner and I was wondering if you'd like to grab a bite to eat with us, it would give us a chance to...speak more." Lina had paused at the end, not quite certain of how the girl would take her proposal. She smiled at the younger woman, hoping that she would realize that Lina wasn't the type to pass judgement on appearance only. Lina truly did want to talk to the girl about what had just happened, but more importantly, why it had happened.

"I..." Bao stared stupidly at the woman, "I'm sorry about the... the... trouble, but... my roommate will pay for the book, you just have to let me go get him."

She flinched, feeling a strange itching beneath her skin. Bao scratched her arm in response, and it faded as instantly as it had come. But... what had the woman said? "Dinner? I don't... I don't know...." This offer, it was nothing more than a trap, something to make her be held accountable for everything. She'd rather just find Duke and find another place to hide away.

Lina blinked twice. The book? The girl was worried about the book after all that had just happened? Lina smiled at her, a warm genuine smile "Please, don't worry about the book. Consider it already taken care of. I assure you that after the incident with the boy, the book is the last thing on Cheri's mind."

The young woman who stood in front of her still appeared to be uncertain and Lina reached to touch her shoulder, speaking as she did so "My name is Lina and" the moment Lina's hand rested on the girls shoulder she felt a wave of nauseousness roll over her but she fought it for long enough to finish her sentence "really, maybe if your in a hurry we can get you a sandwich to go or something." Lina took a step back from Bao, really looking at her for the first time. She appeared similar to the girl that she'd just seen in her vision, lounging and having a conversation with a young man that she didn't recognize, but yet she looked different now. Perhaps thinner, dirtier, and definitely hungrier. Maybe that's why the girls skin itched, because she was dirty and Lina wished there was more that she could do for her, like offer her not just a hot meal, but a long hot bath. She quit looking directly at Bao then, not wanting her to think that she was staring or that she pitied her.

Lina shrugged slightly "Of course, if you're not hungry then by all means you are free to leave but I had really hoped to have a word with you about a few..." Lina's voice trailed ever so slightly "things." What Lina had really meant and could not yet divulge was that she wanted to know what had caused the girl to go off on a tangent that way and she couldn't help but feel that both Bao and Cameron had somehow been effected by whatever was causing the animals in the woods to act strange. Lina was a journalist, it was in her blood to try to get to the bottom of things.

And the crow...the red eyed crow.

Lina shuddered visibly before finishing "I hope you will reconsider, and maybe we will find your roommate along the way? They could join us too, up to you." Lina said casually " I just thought you might be hungry and since we are all headed there anyhow, drinks on the doc..." she said, nodding and smiling towards Zack.

"I guess... it wouldn't be so bad." Bao still eyes Lina with suspicion but the prospect of food was becoming too real for her to decline. Hopefully they would find Duke along the way. If not, maybe she could convince them to let her take him something for later.

Lina glanced at Zack and Cheri then back to Bao "Great!" Lina said enthusastically to the young woman who's name she still did not yet know. Then directing her next statement to everyone within ear shot "Cheri, if you want to close up we can all head over to Jackie's, its a beautiful day out we can and Jackies is just two blocks away. We could walk.?" Her last statement was more of a question.

Lina glanced back at the girl who had ripped up the book "Would you mind walking with me, and I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name?"

"Kent," Bao said as she scratched her arm. Bao was usually reluctant to give her real name out to people she didn't know well. She gave a side-smile, but she wasn't quite sure if she wanted to be out on the streets in broad daylight just yet. Being in a group would definitely make her less suspicious.. "Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too, Kent." Lina said with a small smile, thinking the name odd for a female but she'd heard odder names so thought no more of it and said to Cheri "If you're ready to lock up we can all walk the short distance to Jackie's."

Lina nodded to Zack as they stepped outside, waiting for the others to emerge and Cheri to lock up shop. "I'm going to talk to our new friend Kent for a few moments, I'll catch up with you soon."

As the small group made their way the short distance to the diner, Lina hung back for a moment with Kent, trying to think of how to pose her question. As they started walking Lina finally spoke again "Thank you for walking with me. I was wondering, has anything like this ever happened before to you? I've just noticed a lot of ...." Her voice trailed slightly "oddities happening here in town and out on my photo shoots in the woods, and I couldn't help but be curious if that was the first time anything like that ever happened to you?"

"Hm? Well... not really, no." Bao felt an itch on the back of her wrist and began to scratch it. "Nothing... quite like this, anyways. I guess I've just been tired is all. I have a tendency to zone out every once in a while. But hey, photoshoots, huh? You're a fancy photographer? Can't say I go much to the woods, so I wouldn't have seen anything there." Bao thought about the strange ways in which she'd been phasing in and out of focus, though none had been quite as intense as just now. From time to time her imagination would run a little wild, but Bao never considered it to be anything more significant as this.

As the pair walked Lina caught herself glancing at both Cheri and Zack from time to time but not enough that she didn't notice Kent scratching again. Perhaps the girl simply had dry skin but Lina asked anyhow considering she had suddenly seemed to develop her own health issues. "Fancy photographer, me? Not really, I've been dabbling in it for years and am currently doing a month long series on The Nature Of Kingport. Funny thing is while I was in the woods the other day I noticed some really strange things. The animals acting strange, odd looking birds." Lina didn't elaborate on the red eyed crow and wouldn't unless pressed. "Dry skin?" Lina questioned, nodding to Bao's wrist where she was scratching. "Could be the time of the year. I swear something is in the air around here, I've had one or two instances of feelig light headed. Doc there says it's a lack of salt." With that comment Lina shrugged.

Noticing that the others were moving ahead Lina smiled "Guess we better catch up huh? When we get there, please order anything that you want to, the treats on me. Personally, I could use a good stiff drink, that was some excitement we had. I wonder what's wrong with the kid?" Lina shook her head then "Strange happenings indeed" she offered quietly.

"Always had dry skin as a child." Bao continued to itch. "Thanks, thanks a lot. I haven't eaten much in a while."

Place: Jackie’s Diner
Time: Tuesday, 12:12 P.M.

By that time the small group had made the walk to Jackie's diner, quietly talking among themselves. As they neared the front door Lina said "Good then, lets get a hot meal into you. And thank you for indulging my curiousity." Rummaging in her purse she produced a small jar of a lotion called Eucerin that her dermatologist had reccomended for dry skin "Oh!" Lina exclaimed "I almost forgot" she said handing the jar to Kent as the first of the group went inside while she finished talking to Kent "My dermatologist swears by this stuff, and it's really worked for me. Here, I want you to have it." She offered the jar to Kent "It really will help with the itching. And Kent, you are very welcome."

Lina called out to those ahead of them "Hey, get Jackie to push a few tables together for us so we can all sit in a group!"

"O-oh, thank you!" Bao took the little container and stuffed it in her pocket. The turn of luck was absolutely insane. What would Duke think about this mess? She'd have an interesting story to give him next time they met up.

Bao sat next to Lina and stared awkwardly downward, since she didn't want to look up into the eyes of the strangers Zack and Cheri. She was slumped over, her greasy hair hanging limply over her shoulders, and she fidgeted with her hands in her lap. Soon enough a waitress came by and took all their orders while Bao took the opportunity to order a rather large plate of food.


* * *

Duke was tired, and it showed in his posture. He kept mumbling to himself, eyes wide and cast downwards towards the concrete. He’d been walking in circles around the city, though it would have been far safer for him to just find a place to stay put. He never should have left Bao, but his skin was crawling with such anxiety that he couldn’t get his head straight enough to be reasonable.

He even ended up passing his old house.

There were others living there, he was sure. He never saw his ex-wife around there anymore: all the better. Duke had stared at the fence that had once been white, now painted a clashing dark green. He tried to find poetry in it, but there was simply nothing left in him. Something about a fence trying desperately to blend with the brown blades of grass….

Now Duke passed shop after shop after shop and scowled at every mannequin dressed in gaudy clothing. He even scowled at the happy customers stuffing their faces full of greasy food in every restaurant, fat and just as unclean as himself. But then he saw her—

“Bao?”

Bao was sitting in a little diner, Jackie’s Diner, surrounded by a group of people Duke didn’t know. He stared bewildered for only a moment before placing his hand on the door handle.

Koti~
05-03-2012, 11:17 AM
Day/Time-Tuesday: 11:05am
Location-Jackie's Diner' back entrance

“Hm? That is odd … and not very good for me” Crow said, turning his head to the side and looking over at a building. He had left the home of the little boy that he had been using, and was heading to where the boy had been taken. He had watched the scene unfold in the library, and he needed to take the boy out, since he was now completely useless to crow, but the boy needed to be removed. But now there was worse worry, the people in this building of sorts. If they found out about what he had done, he could be revealed way too soon for his taste.

“Can’t very well enter through the front, so let’s see if they have a back door, shall we?” Crow said to Caloc, the crow that had just rested on his shoulder. Wandering around the building, a metal door could be seen nestled into a small porch like thing, near a large metal object with heaps of trash and other foul objects that made his nose cringe. Walking up to the door, he tried the handle finding the door obviously locked from the inside, so he pounded on the door, placed a small orb on the door step and stepped into the shadows, preparing his spell for use.

“Look kids, how many times do I have to tell you, this isn’t an en… What is this?” Jackie said, stooping down to pick up the soft glowing orb. Her eyes went wide with pain as a large clawed hand burst from her chest, leaving no damage, but yanking a glowing object out of her chest. Shaking with fear, words frozen in her lips, she turned to see crow standing there, his eyes gleaming with a hidden lust.

“It is your soul, dear wench, which now belongs to me.” Crow said, leaning close to place a soft kiss on her neck, pulling some at the flesh as her soul flew into the glass ball, making it light up as the girls eyes hazed over some, her arms relaxing while crow pulled out the claw. His arm returned to normal, but he was now tired, but it mattered not, for this new girl, Jackie, would fill many needs he had been missing since he came here, short though they were.

“Now dear, I have a problem with a few patrons of your diner, I need you to rig this place to blow, and hard. Once this is done, come meet me at the hospital.” Crow whispered into her ear, before leaving a hard kiss on her lips, a slight bruise starting to form from the force he used to hold her jaw. Letting his hand drop, he backed off, chuckling while looking at the orb in his hand. He would have fun with this one, and would well use her, even after death…

Jackie, eyes dazed, looked around the kitchen, 3 other chefs working the stoves to cook for the customers. Taking a knife from the counter, she quickly moved behind one of the other chefs and took him out without a sound, grabbing attention of the other two, both of them shouting and jumping at her to try and rip the knife out of her hand. She was too quick for them, and took them both out, slicing through their jugulars and watching as they dropped to the ground, gripping their throats as they slowly bled to death. Fearing her time is short, she looked around quickly, grabbing some oil, a large metal pan, baking soda, and some forks and silverware. Throwing them in the pan and filling the rest of the skillet pan with oil, she shoved it in the microwave, setting it to one minute. Looking out the small diner window, she could see Trixie, though they had not reacted to the noise inside yet. Smiling, she shoved the knife into the string of her apron as she left out the back door, starting the microwave as she left.

…. Lightning danced along the surface of the skillet as the timer hit 3 seconds, the oil starting to bubble inside the microwave, weird noises starting to echo from inside the room. Once the microwave clock passed 1 minute, the door exploded outwards, sending seared silverware and boiling oil and the skillet pan flew out the microwave, skidding into the diner room as a fork slammed into an electrical socket, igniting a fire into the room, grease and oil causing the entire kitchen to explode in a towering inferno of fire as the roof in the kitchen was ripped apart.

Kris
05-03-2012, 11:21 AM
http://www.appian.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/to_be_continued_1.jpg