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Thread: Black Lake Friday (Revised take on Black Tree Friday)

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    Default (Rated:M) Black Lake Friday (Revised take on Black Tree Friday)

    Prologue,

    Danny opened his eyes. The dim light coming from outside the tent was from a now crackling fire in the brisk night. He shivered as he shifted upright, “12:30 a.m. and they’re still at it?” Slightly annoyed he got up from his sleeping bag and stepped outside the tent to see two men kissing half hazard while they smeared their mouths over the other in drunken stupor.
    Danny swore under his breath, “oh bother.” As Brad and Trever continued their escapade, Danny moved over to the fire that still blazed hot with a dutiful Kelsy feeding the flames as a swirls of embers danced in the shallow breeze. “Came to watch the homo-erotica?” Kelsy glanced up with an annoyed grin, “Sorry I have no interest in those lesbians.” They both laugh riley, while the two now very slushed boys meandered to Danny’s tent. “dammit, now I’m going to have to sleep in that.” He was annoyed because they had forgot to bring a tent before they went across boarders just to camp out at this reclusive site.
    Sighing deeply he turned to Kelsy who was now staring at the fire intently.
    It was several minutes of low moaning in the background that Kelsy spoke up. “Have you ever wondered what kind of things in the world live out here?” Danny thought about it for a moment as he stared out into the ink of the night. His voice was almost misty, “if only it was like the manga I read.” Kelsy giggled which brought Danny back in the moment, “What brought that question on?”. Kelsy now composed shrugged, “To much time to think since were out here. Why not wonder while we can.” Danny smiled slightly, he knew she was a profound thinker but he didn’t know this light hearted side of her that much. She was a straighten arrow as far as he considered her. “Well what about you? What do you think goes bump in the night?” Kelsy almost looked stern on the ground before the fire, almost like the shadows of the logs dancing was bringing on some sort of bad memory for her.
    “Probably some animal looking to get a bone.” She looked over, half grin on her face. For some reason, there was tension in the air after she said it. Danny felt a little uneasy but did not really feel like talking much after that. It was only when it seemed that kelsy was about to speak that Danny stood, “I’m gonna go for a stroll and see what goes bump in the night.” Kelsy frowned, “you should probably stay by the camp, or else your going to get eaten.” he waved her off as he started heading for the woods.
    Kelsy only to aware that Danny wanted to be alone. The night before they arrived she had heard him while he slept at a hotel. He had been muttering something ineligible that she could only guess was a living nightmare. After loosing sight of Danny, she stood and walked over to her tent unaware that this would be the last time she would see him.
    Last edited by Breken; 01-18-2021 at 12:01 AM. Reason: grammar fix

  2. #2
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    Default Day 1 - Dawn

    Danny’s eyes adjusted to the light but that still had him cursing that he didn’t bring a flashlight. Not wanting to confront that awkward situation he pressed on into the night determined to enjoy the solitude of the forest. Gazing up into the sky, he couldn’t see the light pollution that he was accustomed to but billions of glinting dots staring back at him in amazement. He smiled thanking the two drunk idiots for waking him up to enjoy this incredible sight all to himself. Still walking mesmerized, Danny started losing concept of time while the trees bobbed in his view of the sparkling blanket above. Several minutes passed as he walked, unaware how far he had walked away from the other. The sky was a silent mesmerizing metronome, and he was the waiting piano man just about to start playing a soft somber tune only to start showing with streaks of blazing light.
    A meteor shower danced across the sky only intensifying the sight like a grand performance. Each streak seemed to bend like it was being sowed into the very blanket of sky itself. At some point the ground beneath him started to level while he was distracted, gradually becoming less lush with overgrowth and almost like a forgotten dirt road. The campsite they chose was in the deepest part of the forest they could drive to. They were warned by authorities not to go out so far and that it would be dangerous, but they didn’t care. Why would they? To them a life not risked is not worth living and this was the adventure that they needed.
    At this point in Danny’s intoxicated stargaze he felt a slight chill run down his spine. He wasn’t cold, and in fact, was quite warm in the cold summer air. His gaze shifted as he lost his footing and breathed sharply as his legs came up from underneath him. His back hitting the ground first, knocking the wind out of him making it difficult to breath let alone scream. He tumbled down a growing slant, unable to catch his breath or footing, his head dizzy from rolling and crashing into small trees. Before he realized what was happening, before the weight of the ground disappeared from his sense of touch, and the crushing realization that gravity was pulling him down, Danny was falling off a now shrinking cliff.
    He finally caught his breath while letting out a scream as he fell into a populated forest. In a matter of seconds branches started to smack at his face and ripped at his cloths. He could feel his skin being ripped all over his body as he fell, with only the branches slowing his descent. His head hit the side of a sturdy branch and he began to lose consciousness as his body went limp before plopping on the ground. Covered in scraps, bruises, and a now bleeding head, Danny laid there limp. His breathing slow and shallow from the fall and shock. The air was still as if waiting with bated breath for Danny to come back to his sense. What felt like minutes turned to hours as the wind around the area weaved between the leaves and branches of trees.
    The once glittering sky overhead changed hues to a slight ruby black with the stars still visible. It was several hours before Danny stirred, and as he started to shift the forest around him seemed to let out a sigh like the tension had passed. He struggled to his feet, a burning pain at his temple while he whipped the blood from his brow. He looked up but still seeing double did not know there was a change in the blanket above as he surveyed his surroundings. The forest before him was much different then the one he was just in. The scattered and cramped tree brush had now turned to an almost orderly pine forest that was swallowed by the darkness of the night.
    His fall leaving somewhat of a hole to the sky he almost looked like he had a spotlight on him. Unsure of his surroundings he scanned the black for any inkling of direction he should go while propping himself against the pine closest to him. The blood reached his brow again and started to drip slightly as he scanned and just as he was about to wipe it away, he saw a faint light in the dark. It was slight but it was enough to distract him from the dripping blood as he shuffled to it. His body was sore all over and burned from all the cuts he had sustained and was amazed he hadn’t broken anything. As he walked to the light he could hear his heart beating in his ears louder and louder with each step he took towards the light. Its pace unwavering, almost like it was a confirmation of the path before him which gave him a sense of confidence and purpose. Eventually the light turned to a shining reflection of black that grew as he drew closer before finally reaching the edge of the pine.
    It was a massive lake with water as black as obsidian reflecting the light of the night sky. Kneeling at the waters edge he scooped up a handful of water that looked clear and crisp as if inviting him to drink from it. He started whipping his forehead down, trying to wash away the blood that now started to chip. At least the gouge on his forehead had stopped bleeding he thought, not at all concerned by why it had stopped bleeding. He saw his reflection in the water and his eyes began to widen as he jerked around to see what was behind him.
    However unlike the light illuminated figure he had saw in the water there was no one behind him and it was not until he turned back that a women inches from his face kissed the side of his cheek. Unsure if it was from the exhaustion of his ordeal or some sort of sedative the women used, Danny slumped over to his right and fell into a deep slumber. The illuminated women grasping at his arm and pulled him into the lake so that he floated on the surface head above water. She guided him toward an island with a massive tree at its center as a veil of mist started to form the closer they became. The bark of the tree glowed as if it started to crack like a mirror fracturing spiderwebs that emitted a pure white hue.
    The tree lit the water to a now crystal blue once the women and Danny reached the bank of the island and as she laid him on the ground, ivy slithered over his body until it blanketed him all but his face. The women gazed down on him and held a hand over his head and chest before lowering to whisper in his ear. Danny was not conscious to hear what she was saying but on some level his mind transmitted throughout his body a sense of placement.
    Like this was a natural way of being and he was anchored to the very spot with every fiber of his being. The ivy uncurled a now uninjured body but before the experience Danny’s hair a murky brown now turned golden red. The women, now fading, took his wrist and wade him back to the spot she found him, still unconscious but breathing normally now before disappearing with the first light of dawn. Moments later, Danny rose groggily rubbing at his eyes. He surveyed the area around him before frowning trying to remember what had happened. The water of the lake was jet black and the lake surrounded by towering pines all around it shimmered in the light of the sun. He shivered slightly not sure why his cloths were wet or where he was before his eyes widened in surprise as he breathed.

    “Who am I?”
    Last edited by Breken; 01-18-2021 at 12:23 AM. Reason: Polishing

  3. #3
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    Default Day 1 Morning

    Anxiety gripped at him, it felt like the world was swirling as he sat. Unable to grasp at his identity or his surroundings he started grasping at his throat like he was unable to breath. It was like many hands reaching out of the darkness trying to drag him away in the nothingness. He sat there unable to comprehend what happened when he stood in a panic. He started to run without thinking, into the low-lit pine, not sure where his feet were taking him. He just needed to move, needed to escape how he felt, needed to run from this loss of self. He wasn’t sure how far he was running, how far it would take to get back where he needed to go. His breathing ragged and uncertain as he pressed in a frantic canter. His lungs burned from, his mouth started to taste metallic and his skin felt cold from sweat. Thoughts raced in his head that repeated like a broken record player. “Who are you? Where am I? What is this?” The voices got louder and louder as he ran. He wasn’t even sure if this was his own monologue chasing him down as he fled. He clasped at his ears as he ran and shut his eyes trying to drive out the flood of what could only be described as emotion. He stumbled over a pine and almost lost his balance again, noticing a gradual slope downward and a sudden pain to his forehead erupted like a pyre of blinding smoke. “why does this seem familiar?” He gasped through gritted teeth. He bent over to grasp at his left eye, a slow stream of pain dripped from his temp to its iris like a snake coiled behind his skull. He glanced up and uncovered his eye, a now fading symbol that had taken over his eye that must have been as old as the planet waned from existence. He looked around nervously, sweat streaming the side of his cheek and rolled down his shirt. His limbs ached like fire and with each short shallow gasp for air, the anxiety only grew further up his chest to clutch at his throat once more. He started running again, this was the only thing he could do to keep the feeling of despair and dread at bay while grasping at what was going on. For him it was like a faceless shadow was running on his heels, tormenting his every attempt at reason, grinning without features or expression, like insanity had its own personification. This went on for what seemed like eternity to him and just when he was about to break, his foot caught on his leg breaking his stride and causing him to fall to the dirt. Vision blurring and gasping for breath he succumbed to the overwhelming ocean of exhaustion and fell into a deep slumber.

    Suddenly a blaring electrical buzz as annoying as an old hag screaming erupted in the brightly lit and disheveled apartment. You could tell that its occupant didn’t have a clean bone in their body with all the cloths strewn about the room haphazardly shoved away to make a path leading to the bedroom door, the computer in the corner of the room next to the window and the bed with the now half woken demon swatting at what looked like a dancing ballerina flawlessly evading the half assed attempts to swat it silent. Its emotionless face as it curled into elegant poses, were emotionless and straight as it danced without effort. The demon now unable to return to sleep looked up angrily as a puff of smoke seeped out from under his fingernails. The once straight-faced dancer, now looking a bit worried stopped and turned to the demon with its hands on its hips as if waiting for him to strike her.
    He patted the dancers head, and the sound went silent and the dancer still as if frozen asleep where it stood. The demon grumbled, “Oh buy it they said, it’ll be helpful for your productivity they said.” He felt half tempted to turn over and hide beneath the covers before he heard a light chime from outside his window. His eyes widened and lurched up to see what was outside. The owner of the shop next to his flat was switching the sign outside from closed to open as the demon peered out his window. He watched as the bearded man walked back to his shop and disappeared as he sighed. He felt his face grow warm as he daydreamed of the owner and his well-groomed beard. It was just the right shade of brown that would turn amber in the morning light as the demon watched and it would send sparks flying in his chest. Returning to sit on his bed he stared at the mirror across him as he pondered what his morning should be.
    His computer made audible dings as he thought and drew his attention to his desk. Tsking, he got up and went to his desk, scratching his back as he glared at the notification that blinked on his HUD. It was from his publisher and it looked like they were finalizing the latest issue of his book he wrote. He grinned when he finished reading, “Looks like I get a day off today.” He threw on a black T-shirt and blue jeans and prepared to go downstairs before pausing at the wall hooks next to the door grabbing the fire shaped pendant and turned it over in his hand. It had been many years since he was given this to him before the death of a close friend who told him of the city.
    He put the necklace around his neck and went downstairs, trailing his fingertips on the walls as he went while thinking to himself, “old habits die hard.” He had the flat to himself, working a part time job at a quick mart down the street while he did his novel gigs to support the rent was a rewarding routine for him. He kicked on his shoes and grabbed his keys as he headed out for the day, locking up before he turned to pass the bookshop. He caught a glance of the owner stocking a shelf that made him reach above his head exposing his abdomen slightly as he placed them. A combination of seeing the abbs and noticing it was his book he was stocking made him quickly turn away and walk faster as his face grew hot. He bit his fingernail slightly as the thought crossed his mind as he muttered, “if he ever found out that book was about him…”
    Walking towards his part time job to grab a quick bite, the whole way thinking of the owner and how he should write his next novel. He wondered if he was reading his books and quickly dashed the thought as he walked into his store. An audible, “Welcome!” rang out behind the register as one of the new part timers greeted him enthusiastically. May, just visible behind the counter stood on her stool to get a better view of who had just walked in. “Hey May, they got you working the morning shift today?” May shook her head enthusiastically as she spoke, obvious admiration in her voice, “You bet! This is only my third day and its sooo much fun!” It was expected, no matter your age that in this city since you were trapped here, you needed to contribute in some way. Even though she was barely of age that didn’t matter to the public as long as she did something. He glanced at her, “make sure you don’t let your cats cause any trouble like last time.”
    Grabbing the back of his neck like the mere thought was painful, “I really don’t need the manager breathing down my neck about another accident.” May shook her head with crocodile tears in her eyes in appreciation, “I’ll make sure they behave, even if someone is being naughty.” Nodding he moved back to his selection of choice for breakfast sandwiches and grabbed an egg salad sandwich and a cold coffee can, before returning to May. The once absent demon cats now on both sides of the register pawing like they were expecting payment. Grabbing his wallet he took out enough to cover the items and scratched behind the ear of Sandra who was a white furred cat with a single black patch on their right eye while Reynard the opposite of Sandra glared at him in detest.
    He sighed and thanked May as he left, keeping an eye on Reynard to make sure he didn’t try anything. Sighing when he left the store front, he traveled the road outside of town to find a place to eat his sandwich in peace. He jogged to the other side of the road and walked into the sea of pines ignoring the sign that warned of residence to enter at your own peril. It was a quiet morning in the forest today, with only the light breeze from the seaside of the city to keep him company as he walked. When he was far enough to get away from the buzz of the city he settled down under one of the pines and pulled out his breakfast. Human food wasn’t as disgusting as the others told him when he was first born and he had to wonder if it was due to this place that trapped any who entered its grounds.
    He didn’t care that he couldn’t leave, in fact he was rather found of the city because of the normal lifestyle it held to all races as if no one was different then he was. He finished his sandwich and pulled out his notepad and pen as he began to think of his books and where they should continue now. He cracked his can of coffee and stared at the page, imagining the owner and the budding romance that was currently in the series. His title, “The Thorned Garden”, was a very popular novel about romance and struggle in a 1872 empire that struggled with over burdening laws and budding romance of all shades. The stars, two men one a younger farmer’s hand forced into royal arms service while the prince an unexpected lover of men courted him in secret. The city gobbled it up like a wildfire and its been a best seller for three of his novels.
    Of course, he made his work under and alias to avoid unwanted attention and was satisfied with his work that way. He was not one that wanted or expect this kind of recognition and just wrote down a twisted version of what he wanted to convey to the world around him. It was at this point that he started writing down ideas in his note pad when he heard a faint scream. Unnerved but curious, he stood and walked in the direction of the sound. There was no real danger in these woods even though the sign warned the residents not to enter. It was more of a warning about the black lake and the island if anything since it was a place that was twisted by the rules of reality. Everyone considered it was unsafe to go there because of the first of the human warnings about it.
    He did not really give those old folks credit though since they might as well be senile fools compared to him. A little further in he heard loud panting and then someone falling to the ground as he had reached the bottom of a slope. Looking up he saw a figure crumpled on the ground panting as if it had been running for its life. He walked up the slope and approached the figure, a now obvious young human splayed on the ground. He shook the humans’ shoulder, “Hey are you alright?” the human struggled a low groan as sweat beaded its face. The human didn’t look familiar to him but then again it’s not like he knew all the residence of the city. Sighing that his quite morning was over he picked up the human and realized that he was drenched and was instantly reminded of the lake. He whispered to himself uneasy as he started walking towards the city with the human,

    “Maybe I should give those bats some credit.”

    In the Sin District all was quite and not a soul could be found in the early hours of morning light. One person stirred on the rooftop of an underground bar of white flowing hair that danced in the bustling morning winds. Cedric Vina Atrees Sat looking at the dawning sun with a sad smile and a glass of nearly empty vintage red wine. His skin almost seemed to glow in the morning sun with his button up shirt open to display his chest to the sky. Cedric lived for these peaceful mornings and was enthralled by the rush he felt on his skin and the warm caress of the sun. If it wasn’t for the damn smell of devils, he could enjoy it to the fullest. He drained his glass until it was empty even though he well knew alcohol had no affect on his race, it was the mellow taste, the subtle aroma of bitter fruit that made it worth drinking. As he staired into his now empty glass he pondered a new mixed drink he could make that would emulate the taste without breaking into his reserves or at least something that would satisfy his craving for the refined taste.
    He had already purchased scores of books from the only book seller in town and had a good friendship with him for whenever he could get his hands on available stock from the outside world. However, it has been awhile since any new accidental travelers have entered the city. A sudden thought about making a signature drink to toast to his friend came to mind. Something that could emulate that refreshing personality he enjoyed about the human. He stood once the sun lost connection to the horizon and headed downstairs to his apartment with his hand on his chin in thought and his arm tucked underneath. He approached his door and noticed package next to it that he was expecting from the glass blowers he had contracted for a special set. He smiled softly, “I didn’t expect this for another week.”
    Picking up the package he headed inside to a rather baren apartment with all the necessities you would think to be comfortable, couch, coffee table, basic kitchen, rug to complete the living room, and your basic bedroom dresser. The only thing that Cedric kept that was not necessary was a whine extension he had installed that kept a slew of wines he managed to collect from stranded residences as well of a few made within the city.
    Cedric placed the package on the counter and set to work on cutting a small platter of various fruits and cheeses he had picked out at the artisans market the morning before. He had no idea how in heavens green they managed to craft such wonderful delights but when it came to this damnable city he rejected the inquiry. He bit into a strawberry and savored the sweet crisp taste while cutting some thin slices of brie. “This should be a sin to enjoy the fruits of man.” He chuckled to himself slightly when he realized the irony of his current dwelling. He the plate he made himself and began preparing for the night of patronage.

    “After all, it is a place of sin I live in.”

    The store was silent as Mark flipped the switch for the lights. As if the lights themselves disturbed the slumber of the books on the shelves a wave of a familiar aroma hit his nostrils that was all to absorbing in the moment, he opened the prepped the store. He was lucky to get this store front when he did since he lived in the human district. He was told upon his arrival that the business was all but impossible for humans to procure a place in since the other races had knowledge that outclassed the older residences and was agreed by all that it should be developed by the more developed. This didn’t stop Mark’s passion for books and the trade for he worked tirelessly to establish with the other races that books were the backbone of any civilization.
    Because he was from a new generation of humans the other gave Mark more sway and allowed him to operate. At first their restriction of the type of materials he could collect, and sell was specifically for magic casting and the art for developing new technologies but ever since the mysterious Cobalt writer published his first novel the city was abuzz of the possible materials for enjoyable pass times and his restrictions were lifted. Mark placed his jacket on the hook behind the counter and went back to the front of the store and stepped outside. He could hear someone’s alarm clock buzzing nearby and smiled riley to himself. “Early birds to catch the warms.” He breathed, as he flipped the closed sign out front to open. Many customers told him this was a bit archaic since the invention of neon but to Mark he liked it a bit old fashion. He respected the new and interesting gadgets they constantly came up with but liked to pay homage to the old ways of the world. He went back inside and started prepping for his day, checking the back for any new deliveries to which he found the new issue of “The Thorned Garden: Periled War” He grabbed the box and closed the back door behind him, eagerly walking to the shelf he had prepared for the new issue a few days prior. He had many customers that were eager to read this title and it became a growing interest for him to pick up the title when he was done reading the collected works of Shakespeare.
    After he was done, he headed over to the counter to grab his inventory list so he could see if the new hire he had for afternoon shifts was doing his job properly. After a few minutes he had discovered that there were already titles not accounted for and decided to check the drawer for an accurate count. The currency here was rather odd even for Mark when he had first settled into the city. Instead of trading and bartering using coins they used this flimsy piece of paper that represented a numbered value. The concept of bill was not lost upon him but he didn’t really like the idea of what it represented. None the less, Mark did notice an appropriate amount missing from the draw of the value of books not accounted for on the shelf. He sighed with relief but was still concerned about the new hire.
    He might need to make a new posting if they keep this bad business practice up. He closed the drawer and started to dust the shelves as his first customer of the day came in. It was one of his regulars that was a fan of the mystery Cobalt artist and just as Mark went to greet the customer, he could here the quiet giggles of the now elven regular. “Welcome! Excited for the new release?” the regular shook their head vigorously obviously avoiding verbal contact with him over the title. It seemed strange that some of his customers did this after the last title was released. He didn’t give it to much thought and continued with the customers purchase as they left in hurried glee. He smiled to himself,

    “First purchase of the day and its already looking good.”
    Last edited by Breken; 01-18-2021 at 12:46 AM. Reason: corrections

  4. #4
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    Default Day 1 - Noon

    The light pierced through the shutters like daggers as they swayed from the current of the now oscillating fan. The fan a new developing source of technology combined with wind magic enchanted into a bracelet to emulate a commoner’s device of convenience was one of many technologies produced in this personal study. The study was scattered with any and every, manual, scroll, and book about magic and technology that could be found in this city. A singular desk and chair were the only source of furniture that felt out of place among the sea of literature and a woman in her early twenties with ears like a cat and hair purple like foxgloves slumped over on the desk deep in slumber. The door of the study opened, and a middle aged female Elf peered inside with a loud sigh. She wore cloths suited for a corporate tycoon that did not leave a lot of room for imagination stepped inside carefully, making sure to peer behind the door for any signs of booby traps or creatures that may be lurking about.
    This was common for the secretary, for she had a manor of run ins with magical beasts or rogue experiments gone wild as the developer slept. The fan created of wind magic was not visible to the naked eye and just floated about without much care, that is until, the secretary stepped into the room. With a sudden turn and a swirl of paper the fan turned to face the elf who was already prepared for such a situation and dived for the developer’s desk.
    Her reactions were much faster than before she had taken on her position, with caution as her prime directive and laser focus on the device on the desk, she reached the device and pressed what she had assumed was the off switch. Normally this would have been the correct decision, however, the developer a cat spirit with magical abilities had decided the night before to turn this into a game and had marked the wrong button on purpose. The fan now directing its gaze on the secretary, with a single breath, turned to maximum that caught the now surprised elf full in the face. The elf tumbled backward, papers catching her fall with an audible crash.
    The developer, in a drowsy stupor, jostled awake to the now disgruntled secretary who laid trapped on the floor by the air current of the magical fan. She blinked for a moment at the sight, the elf’s face disfigured by the window as if someone used scotch tap to mash it upward caught her by surprise. A slight giggle emanated from her and only grew louder as she stared until it was almost as loud as the wind generated by the fan. The cackle was like a mad scientist beholding its creation of the purest insanity as she fell over in her chair laughing from the sight, feet kicking at the air. An audible grunt of fury could be heard from the elf even over the roar of the fan which snapped the hysterical laughter of the developer who was now reaching for the real device that controlled the fan.
    The wind died down as the fan dissipated from the room as if the very air to created puffed like smoke. The elf stood like a loin about to pounce on its prey, her face red and eyes watery she screamed, “what the hell is wrong with you Marcy?!” The developer laid back in her chair and giggled, “Oh come on Elhwin, if I don’t keep you on your toes somehow, however, will you keep that razor shop wit about you?” Miffed, the elf collected herself and tidied her jacket before walking over to the door where she picked up the clipboard. Turning to face the now composed and playful Marcy, Elhwin approached her and handed her the clipboard, “This is an itemized list of the development team I have prepared for you.” She glared at Marcy before putting on her stern business face, “all we need now is a staff that can handle that level of magical development and we should be on schedule of the release date.”
    Marcy took the clipboard and looked over the list with a smirk. She was fully aware that this project was to keep the newly founded company set while it operated in the city but could not help herself feel disappointed it couldn’t be done without her as she sighed, “Alright, alright. I’ll head over to the shopping district to see what I can find.” Marcy, with the help of Elhwin, had procured an office building that would help them operate in the city but lacked the staff to manage the building. With just the two of them they were looking at a long road before either Marcy or Elhwin could relax. Elhwin nodded, as she turned to leave.
    She paused at the door, “Next time turn off the magical devices before you pass out.” Closing the door behind her, Marcy chuckled and got up from her desk. She drew the blinds that now flooded the room with natural lights instead of the flickering buzz of the lights hanging from the wall. She stretched as the warmth of the sun caressed her exposed shoulder.

    “That’s enough rest for the mischief.”

    Danny woke to a black void as he floated in the darkness, his body emitting a soft glow of flickering white flames. He raised a hand to his face to stare in a mix astonishment and concern, “What happened?” He tried to sit up in the dark but soon became disoriented unable to gather his sense of gravity. In the void, there was no sound, not even the slight buzz that he would hear when he was in the woods before he fell. He froze at the thought, “I… Fell?”
    The idea was foreign to him, he did not have any recollection of what happened before he had awakened on the banks of that lake. As if the question sprang up open a trapped door, other emotions leapt forth he was strangely alien to. Dread, fear, anguish, all formed a sense of emptiness that gripped the fringes of his mind. As the sense of his growing doubt spread like wildfire, his throat started to swell as before like they were unseen hands determined to snuff out his light. Questions of who he was, where he had come from, what he was doing flooded into the void like empty reels of movie tape. Nothing displayed on them but a “?” and seemed to flow about him in a gentle blanket. A slight wave of comfort glided over him as he floated in the darkness. It didn’t feel like this was his doing, but he welcomed it. The sudden relief was welcoming, and he closed his eyes embracing it all the while the reels of tap covered him from neck to toe. As suddenly as waking up to this lightless void, an image appeared in his mind.
    The sensation of moving came over him like a swaying swing going back and forth in the breeze. He could see ground that turned to pavement and then to what looked like a sidewalk. The image faded in and out like a tv with a bad connection until it finally winked out of existence. “Was that real?” He was puzzled as he considered if he was dreaming or just trapped in some sort of weightless space. He looked down at the reels of tap which now displayed that brief image before winking out and fading back to that question mark on faded brown. “Whatever it is I guess I just have to wait and see what comes next. “He closed his eyes and waited for that moment that sleep would grip at his mind once more as a figure of what could be describe as a woman silhouette in white behind him, embracing him as he fell deep into slumber.

    The demon turned over the panting human, clearly not sure what to do about the situation. “Should I just leave you here or…” He thought about taking him back to his flat but didn’t think that was a good idea since he had no idea who or where this human came from. Sighing with frustration he scratched his head trying to figure out what should be done before the human groaned in a barely vocal whisper, “Who am I?” This was enough for the demon to decide; it was clear that whatever was happening to this human it was either magic related or somehow caused by whatever was further in the forest. He picked up the human, its weight made him struggle slightly as he attempted to throw it over his shoulder. “Ok, let's get you to a magic user.”
    The city, because of the location had no need for doctors since no one ever became sick and was magically healed in minutes if any injuries were to happen. This was foreign to him and the only thing that seemed possible to do would be to take him somewhere that would get him examined. It took him a minute to get back to where he had placed disappointed he couldn’t finish his canned coffee like he wanted. He grabbed the can, chugged the coffee and picked up the rest of his things and started walking to the road, the human still panting but slower than before was now silent and still. It took him longer to get out of the forest since the human was slowing him down and was already noon by the time he had reached the road. “Good thing I have endurance at least.”
    He muttered before he looked for oncoming vehicles. Luckily for him, Friday was a rest period for the city for it seemed that everyone was either sleeping or just relaxing it off somewhere. He continued heading straight back to his apartment which was close enough to the magic district that he could stop by his place to check his phone book for any magic users that might be able to look at him. It was starting to get hot in the day with the sun looming overhead, the human on his back no longer panting but taking slow rhythmic breaths as he walked. It almost felt like it was syncing up to his walking but he pushed the thought out of his mind when he entered the outer edges of his neighborhood. He passed by his grocery store where May had been earlier but a now bored looking Naga flipped through pages of a magazine. He pushed on and reached the hill that would be a straight way to his apartment as he sighed. “Couldn’t they make this damn city flat.”
    He took a second to gather himself and started up the slope, each foot or so seemed to make the human get heaver as he ascended. After a strained while, he finally made it to the intersection that had his apartment on the building over the corner. He managed to cross the street and set the human down and leaned the human on the wall before plopping down with a huff. “Damn I’m out of shape. I really need to get out more.” He leaned forward and checked the human to make sure it was still breathing ok and leaned back again. “What a mess this has turned out to be” he thought to himself while the door to the bookshop opened. A lady with purple hair and ears of a cat leapt out to the sidewalk as if please with her achievements and turned to step in their direction.
    She paused to look at the unsightly pair with unbridled curiosity, “Well, well what do we have here?” The demon looked up into the wide green cat eyes of the woman and frowned, “depends on who’s asking.” Ignoring his curtly response, her attention was drawn to the slumbering human now with growing interest, “What’s with this human? Why does it feel like it was steeped in magic?” At once the demon’s suspicion was confirmed and readdressed the cat women, “Are you a magic user?” She nodded, “You can call me Marcy, I’m a magic developer for AmbientTech.” She again pointed at the human, “And I’m interested and what that human has going on.” She looked him over with intense curiosity when a low gruff voice from the store door interrupted the line of questions, “Tine? Everything alright?” The demon taken by surprise and flustered by the sudden appearance, “Wha- Mark?” looking up at the sky and seeing that it was now later in the evening then he had originally thought. Mark waved a cheery hand,” I’m staying late today to handle the store.” His glance shifting between Marcy and the demon. Marcy spoke first, “Well spill it demon, what’s going on with your friend there?” recomposing himself, Tine stood and recounted his morning, leaving out the real reason he was out in the woods and finished with how they ended up there. Marcy leaned down to examine the human with a furrowed brow and reached to open the human’s eyelids.
    She at first did not react to anything when she opened the right eye but upon opening the left, she froze. Without warning she leapt back, and a barrier of light formed like a solid wall between her, Tine, and Mark of a transparent glass. Both Tine and Mark stepped back in alarm both chimed in unison, “What?” Marcy held up her hand in a nonverbal hush while she watched the human, visibly unnerved by what she had saw. After what seemed like hours, the barrier disappeared, and she relaxed never taking her eyes off the human. “Tine was it? Did this human say anything while you made your way here?” Recounting the situation Tine glanced back up to Marcy, “It did say something on the way here, something about who was it?” Mark during this exchanged tried to lighten the tension that was now palpable in the air, “here let’s take this in my shop, I have a break room in the back we can use.” Moving over the human, Mark scooped him up and proceeded to go inside motioning the other two to follow him in. Tine followed while Marcy lagged still wary of the human over marks shoulder. In the back of the shop, Mark flipped a switch to a somewhat small room that had a counter to one side and a table with two chairs. It was a standard Break room, although there was no microwave or fridge it was still well lit and had a coffee maker to one side.
    Mark propped the man against the wall and offered the chairs to the pair while he leaned against the counter. Marcy and Tine took a seat, and the room was quiet for the moment. “Ok miss Rilam, could you explain what that display was outside?” For the first time since the storefront, she left her gaze upon the human and stared into Mark’s steel blue eyes, “this human was marked by the thing that traps us here.” She explained slowly, her voice quivered slightly with uncertainty. Nothing was really known of the magic that bound any who entered the grounds affected and as she explained this to the others she frowned and looked onto the man again, “there is no telling what this could mean or what has happened to him.” She shifted slightly as she held up a hand. Mark spoke up questioning what she was about to do, “Miss Rilam, is he a threat to us right now?” She turned to meet his gaze again, “I am assessing his current condition with a simple detection spell. It won’t explain much but it should at least give us an idea what is going on with him currently.” As she finished speaking lights sparked from her fingertips like embers, circulating in her palm like they were forming a circle with complex symbols. The flaming neon purple tainted the room with its hue and only the crackling could be heard as she caste her spell. Tine who was human in appearance before, skin as black as night and his canine teeth forming into two sturdy fangs. His hair growing longer while changing from a deep black to a vibrant red. He grunted, “You know you could warn me about the effects of your spell.” As Tine’s muscles grew and started to rip before exploding off his body in a mess of cloth like confetti. He quickly covered himself in embarrassment while Mark averted his gaze, an obvious rose bloomed on his cheeks.
    Marcy ignored the pair as she had her total and complete focus on the man, the embers forming a blazing circle that rotated in her hand. It was faint but she could see images of what she had assumed where the man’s past that gripped onto his body like vines. They were dark and heavy that almost seemed to blind her as her spell worked its magics to delve deeper into the man. The now flaming circle extended to the floor underneath the man and spun vigorously while kicking up the air in the room. The others flinched as the images in Marcy’s mind became clear. A young boy of maybe 7 or 8 entering a church, men guiding him inside while someone who looked like the boys’ father turned with other shadowy figures. The scene cut to black while the sound of crying rang out like bells crashing to the ground vibrated her skull. Before she had time to react to the image, the symbol that displayed on the left eye of the man emitted before her, the figure of the woman in the lake appeared and held out a finger to Marcy’s lips.
    The others jumped back in confusion as if they could see the lady before Marcy before the spell extinguished with a wisp and smoke enveloped the room. Coughing through the smoke Mark bolted for the back door trying to fan the smoke out into the ally while the others sat in stunned silence. Marcy, was standing at the time, now slept over weeping. Tine, forgetting himself moved over to her and tried to question her what happened. She couldn’t form words as tears spelt from her eyes, it was like she saw into the very memories of the man, like she was there but unable to do anything about it. Marcy drove her face into Tine’s chest trying to find comfort for that unbearable despair she felt while the spell worked. Lost with what he should do, Tine held her in his arms trying not to disturb her as she wept. The smoke dissipating when Mark had returned. He was exasperated and looked onto the still slumped over man stammering for his thoughts to farm complete sentences, “M-miss Rilam. Wha- what just happened?” Tine looked up at Mark and shook his head.
    Mark understood, Marcy was not in a capable state to explain what they had all just seen. Mark walked up to the front and grabbed his jacket and a shop apron; he took his time to survey the front of his shop that was still empty and untouched by the smoke. He sighed with relief and walked back to the two, Marcy sobbing a little quieter than before. Mark placed the jacket on Marcy’s shoulders and handed the apron to Tine who was still in demon form and very much exposed. Mark doing his best to advert his gaze while blushing, “You might want to put this on.” Tine lost in trying to do his best to comfort Marcy, realized himself and quickly grabbed the apron while mark took Marcy to the front. He quickly tied the apron on and followed the two to the front, leaving the human propped against the wall. Mark now getting Marcy calmed, “Are you alright? Do you need anything?” Through soft hiccups she pushed him away and tried to smile, “N-no I’m fine.”
    She was obviously still shaken by what had just happened but a little more composed as her ears twitched slightly. Mark tried to inquire again using broader words so she wouldn’t have to explain, “Are we in any danger?” Marcy who had found a tissue box had blown out the snot from her nose and her tone now stuffed, “No, we should be fine. It appears the only person who is affected by whatever that was is the human.” Sighing Mark turned to Tine who was now standing with a barely fitting apron covering his front side. The demon was almost twice the size he was before with broad shoulders and thick muscles that made him had to step sideways through the back entry way. “I think were ok for now, you should probably head over to your place and, “Mark trailed slightly unsure how to finish the sentence that Tine was already aware that his transformation would take time to revert to the human appearance. Tine nodded and went out the front, glancing to make sure no one was around before darting towards his apartment door.
    Moments later returning in an exasperated tone, “I forgot my keys.” Marcy and Mark blinked, Mark laughing, and Marcy softly chuckled to herself as Tine went back to the back. The human still slumped against the wall, where a now pocket of Tine’s pants most have fallen. He reached over to pick it up when the human mumbled something in its slumber but was unable to make out anything tangible. Grabbing the pocket and finding his keys he rushed back to the front and disappeared out the door, where Mark and Marcy now stood outside saying their goodbyes. Tine not used to his size was unable to stop himself in time for Mark to move out of the way and toppled over the man with Marcy already disappeared. Before Mark hit the ground on his back, Tine was able to catch him and brace the two from calling on top of each other, however a muffled Mark stammering, “T-Tine!” It was only for a moment, but Tine looked to see that the apron had shifted slightly and exposed him right on top of mark who was frantically trying not to touch Tine as much as possible.
    Without a word turn placed Mark on the ground and with a face flushed rushed without a word to his apartment door. Mark completely floored and unable to comprehend the extraordinary events of this evening sat up dazed. He was a simple man, that lived alone with a head full of books and in this moment in time all he could do was sit there face red as fire. After a few more moments he stood and composed himself, “I guess I have to close up early today.”
    Moving to the sign in front of his shop and switching it to closed. He headed inside and closed the door locking it behind him and then headed to the back where he picked up the sleeping man and headed out the back. “I guess I have to take you home with me.” He whispered and locked the back door before heading to the human district. He remembered that he had plans to meet with an old friend of his and thought it might be worth stopping by for a quick second since it was on the way. He sighed hoping that it wouldn’t cause to much trouble as he headed to the Sin district.

  5. #5
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    Default Day 1 - Afternoon

    The underground club was quiet despite the low hum of upbeat music that occasionally hummed against the bar making patron’s drink ripple slightly. Cedric, now working dutifully behind the counter setting up for the night hummed to the electronic buzzed air. Even though Fridays were a rest period for the city the bar still saw some patrons that, either could not stop the momentum or just liked the quiet that was offered on nights like this. Even Cedric admitted that the atmosphere was more of a bar then a dance club which he might have preferred if it wasn’t for such a good a passionate pit for sin. Continuing to polish glass after glass, he looked up at the clock and frowned. “Mark was supposed to be her by now.” He had come up with a new cocktail for him to try and see if it would be to his liking and was eager to get his opinion. “Ya’ll not slackin on me now are ya sugar?”
    A firm hand slapped the middle of his back, almost causing Cedric to drop the champagne glass he was dusting off. Composing himself with a slight air of unnerve irritation, “You really shouldn’t sneak up on me when I’m handling delicate things Taylor.” He turned his head to a now grinning curly haired elder women that looked like she could have been in a southern western film. Taylor grinned devilishly as she spoke in a booming southern drawl “Now, now, you know I only like to kid with ya. No need to make such a scowl like that.” Cedric sighed, there was no helping giving into her old timely charm. Although, when he thought about it her temper as a bouncer and business owner was on a level of its own. Since the night was going to be slow, she usually ended up helping behind the counter since it was the mellow crowd that liked to wonder in on days like this.
    Cedric still concerned by Mark’s tardiness, turned to Taylor, “Is it alright if you take over for a minute. I’d like to step outside for a sec.” Taylor smiled warmly, “Skedaddle sugar, were deader than a door-nail tonight if ya’ll wanted to hang your hat tonight.” He smiled as he took off his apron waving off the comment, “Just checking on something outside, no need to leave you for the night.” Smiling as she waved him off, he stepped from outside the bar and headed for the entrance. Ascending the stairs, the music was now a low reverberating pulse against the walls like the walls themselves were sucking him back down the steps. He wondered if it was always this loud before reaching the last step and swung the door open to a now faded sunlit sky.
    He breathed in the cool air of the dying light, a rare delicacy he enjoyed, and turned his attention to the sidewalk looking both up and down in search for Mark. Even though it was the middle of summer you could have sworn it was a winters night as the chill from the sea wind started to settle like a cold veil sliding over him extracting the breath from his lips. He unclasped a strap on his button up and closed his eyes as his shoulders quivered and a blast of heat bellowed from two well hemmed slights from his shoulder blades. In an instant, speckled gray wings emerged, still steaming from the sudden emergence into the crisp cool air, each feather glossing over with frost as he acclimated them. He shifted his head up, dropped his hands to his sides, and bent at the knee as he kicked up from the ground in one elegant swirl. The frost that formed briefly leaving a trail of glittering crystal powder falling from him as he rose into the air. Like a kite in the wind, Cedric shifted his weight to study himself, he did not need to go very high to survey the area if Mark was close by.
    As he peered from above it took him a second to survey the blocks closest to the club and within a few minutes found Mark with what looked like another human being carried on his shoulder. Cedric’s lisped tensed, unsure of Mark’s expression from this distance to indicate if he was in trouble or not. He leaned forward slightly and catapulted himself towards Mark trying to assess as much as possible before landing. In a load echoing gust of wind and feathers, Cedric knelt. Feathers speckled the air as a squeak uttered from a very startled Mark now grasping at his backside in a wince. Cedric motioned to Mark who was struggling to recover as he frets, “Mark is everything alright?” Mark turned to glance on the man who remained undisturbed turned to Cedric trying to stand, “Well I haven’t had the wind knocked out of me quiet like that, even when I rode a horse when I was younger.”
    Cedric Grabbed his arm, flawlessly raising Mark to his feet, “My apologized, it is not every day I see a man carrying another in this city with good intentions.” He paused to smile and motion to Mark, “including one I know.” Mark bellowed in laughter, “I supposed I should have warned you ahead of time I had a guest.” Leaning over to grab the man again and throw him over his shoulder. Cedric could tell that Mark must have lugged him from a long distance, possibly from his shop in the middle of the eastern district. Me moved over to Mark and before he could protect grasped the human to cradle him in his arms, a hushed whisper barely load enough for Cedric to hear escaped the man’s lips in a tired exhale, “who are you” without breaking composure, Cedric looked Mark fully in the eye, “Allow me to take him the rest of the way.”
    Mark pursed his lips and nodded; he knew it wasn’t going to get him anywhere arguing with the famed stubborn mule of the Sin District. As they walked, Mark explained everything that had happened, and the spell used to determine what was wrong with the man. Cedric scuffed when he had heard that a demon had been present for this endeavor, but Mark purposely left out the bit about his cloths and the collision. They had reached the club entrance, Cedric handing the man back to Mark, “I have to let Taylor know that I’ll need to retire for the night.” He pointed to the stairs on the other side of the entrance, “Can you make it up to my apartment with him?” Mark nodded as Cedric gave him his keys, “It was on the Fourth floor, right? 3-D?”
    Cedric nodded grinning that he remembered. Turning away from mark he headed downstairs and turned the corner, buttoning the strap concealing his shoulders again as he moved to the bar with a very load and cheery bouncer serving drinks. “Hey Taylor, I need to head off for the night. Let me know if you need anything.” Grabbing his coat, he headed to the door, Taylor calling out to him, “Everythin alright sugar?” Cedric turned and nodded, a sweet smile splayed across his face before he disappeared up the stairs and out of sight.

    Something had stirred in the darkness, the man wrapped in now decaying movie film floated in the distance like a speck to dust in a vacuum of space. He floated there as if on the surface of a pool of water only being rocked back and forth by unseen forces. Shouts could be heard in the distance and that sounded like rolling thunder that purred slightly while dissipating. The man could Barely open his eyes, he was to fatigue to move, too tired to think, too tired to process what had happened to him while he slept. It was a giant guest of wind that jostled him from the relentless drowse of exhaustion that he now saw another light in the door walking towards him. It was something of a darker gray that bristled his hair as it approached, two large objects protruding from his back like they had outlined what could be described at sizable wings.
    All the man felt was indifference as it drew closer to him not being able to make out any details farther then what his blurry vision could offer. The figure stood over him and an air of piety or sadness enveloped the man while it starred at him. Kneeling to pick up the man, the decaying reels of movie tape crumbled away, leaving only but a dusty black against the man’s white soft glowing skin. The winged figure held him up to his chest, cradled in his arms like it was trying to protect it from the cold wind blowing in the void.
    He was mesmerized while they floated off to some unknown destination, a crackle of broken vocals strewn together to a somewhat legible question, “who are you?” The figure stopped and for what seemed like time had frozen it stared at the man, an air of curiosity filled the void like a gentle winters snow. For a long while the figure stood, unwavering, unflinching as it held him in its arms like a stone statue frozen in the silent cold until it gently leaned forward and placed him on the ground once more. Instead of the sense of floating he could feel something sturdy on his back that supported him and gave his breath weight. It was the first real feeling he had since he entered the light-less void of twisting dark. The weight on his chest was a welcome sensation and as it spread throughout his body, it was like turning on a slow booting computer while the lights flickered followed by a buzz and slight hum of a fan.
    Over the course of time he felt the sensation of his skin return, the subtle crinkle of cloth grazing skin, and the feeling of a pulse behind his ribs. A light emitted over him that engulfed the void and with a sudden pop woke the man from slumber. His breath became rough, his throat like sandpaper, and a taste of bitter ash in his mouth. The scent of wood and lily filled his nostrils, flaring noisily as he breathed. He felt the motion of what he could only guess was a man stopping at a door and a loud click of a deadbolt pierced the silence of the area.
    As the person carrying him moved inside and closed the door behind them, he felt his weight shift from upright to laying on his back. He felt something soft prickle at his sensation of touch, his nerves feeding an unending flood of information that made him feel dizzy. A single question burned into his mind as he struggled to speak. In a low croak the word pierced the silence of the room which made the figure freeze over him as his vision started to fade to black once more,

    “Help.”

  6. #6
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    Default Day 1 - Night

    The door to Marcy’s office was slightly open with a low sickly red waning at its fringes, a silent chant of hushed mutterings seeped from it like sludge tainting any would approach close enough to comprehend. There was not anything unusual about the area, in fact it looked almost identical as this afternoon when Elhwin had last glanced over the room. However, when she approached the door this time, she did not feel the same atmosphere as before. It was darker, like a thick sap half petrified from the sun and though it did not smell of anything like the sort, I putrid acrid hung in the air. If Elhwin had to pin the scene to any meaningful word’s, death, despair, and sorrow would not begin to describe the twisted air emanating from Marcy’s door and all Elhwin’s senses could do is screamed at her to flee. She didn’t have to use magic to pick up the disturbance emanating from that open door and upon touching the door she broke out into a cold sweat, hesitation sinking into her flesh, her voice cracked with unease, “Marcy?” She pushed the door open with tremendous willpower, like it was made of some impossibly heavy material. It shifted on its hinges as intended, in fact almost to easily, like it was an invitation daring her to keep going.
    The study still scattered with papers, books, and scrolls looked as it had when she visited earlier. Not a spec out of place as her gaze shifted over the room with uncertainty, until she passed over Marcy’s desk. The chair was tossed aside the top half barely visible from one side of the desk. It was now that Elhwin could her the whimpering coming from behind the desk as she stepped carefully, “Marcy, is everything ok?” She had reached the right edge of the desk the chair fully in view and still no Marcy in sight, “I’m coming over.” Elhwin whispered, trying to be gentle as she stepped to the other side of the desk. She took a moment to collect herself and straighten her face before stooping down to inspect underneath the desk. Before she could fully stoop to see under, a hand shot out from the desk, grasping her wrist like a shackle that trembled with clammy sweat. Startled but now composed, Elhwin placed a hand on hers and peered under the desk, “Hey it’s ok. Your goin-” her words trailed off when she finally got a look at Marcy. Marcy’s cloths ripped, like a rabid animal attacked and clawed her from head to toe, Elhwin’s tone increasing in concern in exasperation, “Wh-what happened?”
    Marcy’s face contorted between a lifeless stare and an agonizing silent scream, her lower lip quivered and her eyes bloodshot from the streams of tears escaping her eyes, her other hand gripping at her chest like it was being crushed from the inside out. Her breathing was through forced exhales stuck at the back of her mouth. Elhwin was very unfamiliar with what to do and just watched as she watched Marcy weep silently. Elhwin, as awkward to this situation went under the desk and sat with her in silence and without skipping a beat Marcy wrapped around her like she was the only thing stable enough to keep her from falling off somewhere. They sat like that, Elhwin stroking Marcy’s hair as she settled little by little. Time was no longer an object to them as they sat there in the cramped space of the desk. Marcy finally spoke, “He was just a child.” Grasping at her mouth with her free hand like she was about to become sick trying to voice her thoughts, “h-he s-suffered so much for so long.” It was clear whatever Marcy saw was going to take a lot more then words to heal. “Shhh, its ok. You don’t need to tell me.” Marcy frowned and glanced at her lap almost relieved that someone gave her permission how to feel. They sat there for a little while longer before Elhwin spoke up, “let me take you home tonight.” Marcy without another word nodded, as they crawled out from beneath the desk, headed to the door, and turned off the light. The air a little less oppressive and desperate, she closed the door behind them.

    Tine laid in the darkness, still in demon form, grumbled angrily. He was annoyed that it always took so long to revert to human appearance and did not like how he ruined a good T-shirt and pants over it. Holding up a hand he stared at the blacken callous on his fingers as he attempted to remember the last time he adorned this shape, remembering the pendant now like a choker around his neck. He frowned as he gazed in silence as a warm memory drifted into his mind as he closed his eyes. The scent of fresh morning dew against grass as the wind whistled against the leaves of a maple nearby. Each stroke, a playful melody of sweat summer dreams that twirled around lulling any who heard it into a gentle slumber. Tine’s sensation of touch, amplified by his mood, as he trailed the back of a man that laid next to him. Each ripple of movement sending sparks up his arms while crackling along to the back of his neck before spreading throughout his whole body like a warm cackling fire. This was the only good memory he possessed in his short life since the eruption of St. Helen.
    His mind shifted to this evening, what it was and how unbelievably wild it turned out, now remembering that he should probably apologize to Mark about the incident in front of the store. He sat up trying to shark his mind off the thought, his face burning from either embarrassment or of his infatuation and stood. He looked at his computer, the keys were far to small for his fingers to use to put his mind to work and, for the time being, he had no cloths that he could wear that fit. He decided that a nice cold shower would be in order and headed to the bathroom. He flipped a switch and struggled to the shower, his size not in mind for the person who designed this bathroom. It took him a few minutes to adjust himself in the doorway and bobbed in the room to turn the shower on, while shrinking back when it had splashed against his skin in a sizzle.
    This was about to get steamy he thought as he adjusted the water to a lukewarm and climbed in, steam spilling from the open door like a caldron. He shifted with his back to the shower-head, he closed the door and sat down as comfortable as he could, all the while trying to keep himself from slipping, the water was biting at his skin. He sat there as the clouds of fog rose to a thick soup of evaporated minerals and steam, “At least this is relaxing.” He breathed.

    Mark looked down in surprise, the man eyes half opened and straining as a single word left his lips, “help.” As sudden as it was, he went limp again and left Mark with only questions with no real answers. The front door to Cedric’s apartment opened and Cedric walked in happily as if having company, even with the strange guest, was the highlight of his evening. Cedric paused as he saw Mark’s expression raising a brow in a silent question, “Did something happen?” Mark sighed relaxing slightly against the coffee table as he sat, “Well he was awake for a minute but fell under after he said something.” Turning back to the man both Cedric and Mark felt at a loss.
    Cedric continuing to the kitchen to pull out the new glasses and a fine wine he had been sampling, “Well you look like you could use a stiff one my friend.” Mark laughed slightly harder than he would have under the circumstances and nodded, noting the beautiful crystal glass Cedric had produced from the parcel. The glass rippled in the overhead light; half shattered but frozen as if it were made of ice. It seemed to glint madly in the light, like it was winking with temptation of a mere sip of intoxicants. Cedric held up a glass examining it while Mark stared in awe, “Well they certainly did a fine job this time around wouldn’t you say?” Cedric grabbing a bottle of red from his counter and pouring it for Mark, “Absolutely! Who did you commission for this?”
    Cedric holding a glass for Mark smirked with a sly grin, “If I told you all my secrets there would be no wonder left for you.” Mark turned the glass in his hand, its mesmerizing sparkle reflected all over the room. He took a sip of the wine and felt the intoxicating aroma of what almost splayed as an Italian villa surrounded by acres of grape vines. “Rosso di Montalcino, or baby Brunello is a wine farmers store until after the harvest often kept for years.” Mark took another sip as the smooth mellow taste sloshed in his throat, leaving a tinge of a bitter after taste, “Well those farmers sure know how to make a good wine.” Cedric and Mark talked for awhile after commenting on the many escapades of one another adventures and making small talk about their day until Mark finished his glass and stood, “It is getting late and I still have to figure out what to do with him.”
    Pointing a thumb to the couch. Cedric tempted to offer they stay until morning was cut short of the thought as mark placed down his glass and took the man by the arm to swing him over his shoulder. “I guess I’ll have to set him up in the guest bed for now.” Cedric stood nodding, “Are you going to be alright? Would you like me to take you home?” Mark shook his head bashfully, “No, no, no that’s alright. I never could get used to flying.” Laughed as Mark moved to the door with Cedric in toe, “be careful on your way back” Mark nodded as he stepped out of the doorway, “Don’t worry, I will!” Waving a hand, he disappeared out of sight and Cedric closed the door for the night.

  7. #7
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    Default Day 2- Morning

    It was the smell of roses that tickled at his nose, and then the sound of a careless breeze dutifully playing with a wind-chime in the windowsill, like some lazy cat half amused by the sound of sturdy wood slapping together. A man sleeping lightly started to stir under the covers, a slight rustle of sheets seemed almost loud in the still of the morning. He shifted his weight slightly like he struggled from the covers in his slumber. With a stretch and a slight yawn, he rose one arm above his head and held a hand to his ear. His chest bear of clothing a smooth surface like marble that glowed a tanish white, twitching slightly whenever he moved. His mind came back to him as he rose still aware, he was unable to recall who he was, where he was, even the time of year.
    He felt slightly out of place not knowing the very core of himself while bundles of information smack his fogged mind. The only difference is that he felt much calmer, in fact he felt a whole lot safer inside of a bed that offered such great comfort. He sat up scanning the room. It was a homey, bookshelves covering two sides of the walls filled to the brim with books from head to toe, a fireplace at the center of one wall still smoked quietly, the mantle made of some dark green speckled stone hung over head like the entrance to a cave. He removed the covers and sat on the side of the bed, unlike his smooth chest, his back covered in unbridled scars from shoulder to the waist of his jockstrap of varying shades and sizes.
    He never noticed them and in his current state had no idea of their existence while he glanced a stack of folded cloths on the nightstand. They had been folded neatly on the oak stained table that looked very modest and something you would only fine in high class hotels. He picked up the shirt on the stack and looked it over, it was not familiar to him as he poured over the shirt looking for something that would give him some faint hint of himself. After several inquisitive seconds he sighed and started to dress himself, he was about average in build but had broad shoulders and built limbs to boot. As he dressed, he noted the shirt and waist of the tan shorts were a little baggy and figured that these must be someone else’s cloths. He paused, “wait.”
    He stared down into his lap and reached a hand under the shorts checking to see if the underwear he was wearing had the same feel. His face felt hot when checking the mesh on the front, clearly not fitting well against his skin. He thought about it for a second as he removed his hand from the shorts. “I guess there’s no time for modesty.” Standing now fully clothed and face as red as roses that plumed in the air, he went to the door on the other side of the nightstand and hesitated at the handle unsure if this was something he should do. He pushed the thoughts away as he turned the knob and opened the door to a short T Holloway with two doors, one at the center intersection and the other to the other end of the hall. He slowly made his way to the center of the hallway, making a firm attempt to walk without sound.
    A light clatter of kitchenware methodically sounded in the dimly lit hall; a low humming played slightly like a maestro’s baton guiding the sound of the kitchen. He had just made it in front of the center door and was about to peer around the corner when a loud deafening creak came from the floor. He stood there frozen in a chilled panic, thoughts racing in his head, “what do I do? Did they hear that? Can I make a run for it?” After a moment of uninterrupted kitchen music, he relaxed slightly and finally peered around the corner. It was a medium sized man, stocky and muscular his muscles bulging at the restraints of his shirt.
    The man looked Scottish with a beard that seemed too lite on fire from the light of the window and every time he picked up a pan to toss its contents in the air, light setting it ablaze in a multitude of ruby and gold. His eyes glanced over to the hallway in a soft smile, “Well good morning, are you feeling better this morning?” He hesitated as he stood trying to make himself small against the corner of the hall, “w-where am I?” Mark had thrown a towel over his should and began to plate the luscious hearty meal from the pan he was pouring over moments ago, “Your safe, this is my home in the human district.” Mark finished platting the skillet and turned to the man, “Are you hungry? I mad enough for two.” Mark’s eyes seemed to sparkle as he spoke, like hospitality was something he rarely enjoyed and almost made him forget that he was in a complete stranger’s home.
    “Ok” he slowly moved from behind the wall as Mark went towards the other side of the room, a dinner style table covered in a light white tablecloth with blue trimmings stood holding a vase of flowers and a pitcher of orange juice. If he could have remembered his past, he would have compared this scene to those Lego commercials he had seen as a kid. Mark sat the plates down on the table and sat himself motioning to an empty chair as he chuckled, “you are welcomed to join me.” Walking over to take a seat in front of mark, he looked at the plat filled with skillet, the cheese looked gooey and the hash brown crispy brown. The smell finally hit his stomach and with a shutter he began to eat the hearty meal. Mark laughed slightly when he glanced at a man devouring food like he was either possessed or had not eaten in days. “Hey, hey there’s no rush. You can either tag along with me to my store or stay here if you like…” Mark trailed off like he was expecting the man to answer with a response. Swallowing what he had in his mouth he glanced down when he realized what he was asking, “I… I don’t know what my name is.”
    Mark once lighthearted and smiling, now looked shocked and discouraged at the questions, “oh I’m terribly sorry.” Mark shifted slightly and held a hand to his beard, “Well, we should call you something. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to be referred to as hey or man.” They both laughed weakly, it was a crude joke, but he wasn’t wrong. It was a few minutes before he spoke again, “Growing up we had an old wife’s tale about a wounded worrier who traveled slaying monsters that hid in nightmares unable to die and his duty bound him to the monster slaying.” Mark almost seemed mystified and reminiscent of the tale as he spoke, “The monster slayers name was Cathal, means battle rule.” He scratched at his beard, “I believe the English translation is Kayle.” He waved a hand towards the man, “so what do you think?” He thought for a moment and shrugged, “Kayle sounds just as good as any name I suppose.” Mark nodded, “It’s a very strong name.” As they continued to eat their meal the man now known as Kayle felt something odd as they sat and chatted. It was weak at first but the emptiness he had felt inside of him something stirred. This felt right to him and as he conversed with Mark, he started to feel a sense of belonging. Like this was where he needed to be. “So Kayle, would you like to tag along with me today?” Kayle nodded, now feeling much safer than he did before as Mark smiled, “It’s a bit far to my shop so we’ll take the bus today.”
    They cleaned up the table Kayle felt small standing next to the giant teddy bear of a man, “how long have you lived here for?” Mark chimed as he washed the frying pan, he used when Kayle first saw him, “Oh it’s been about 72 years now.” Kayle’s look of surprise gave Mark a smirk, “oh we don’t age here.” He held out a hand for Kayle to inspect, his skin no older then if he was in his early thirties. “That’s amazing. How in the world does that work?” Mark shrugged, “There’s not a lot we know about this place. But what we do know is that there’s a magic of some kind keeping us here but also keeps us from aging.” Not wanting to press anymore Kayle put dishes away as instructed and waited for mark to go change from his messy morning attire before they set out to Mark’s bookshop.

    Tine woke to the sound of the dancer again, this time not grouchy of the nosy alarm that buzzed while it danced in place. He had turned in a lot earlier then normal and felt a lot more refreshed than he normally would be at this time of morning. He turned to the Dancer and patted her head like a pet bird before shuffling up to his computer to check on his inbox. He grunted with no new emails and headed for the kitchen downstairs, checking on his human like appearance as he dressed. The kitchen itself was rather small, a table next to a window big enough for one, a stove with thick black metal grills, an old late 80’s fridge at the back. It was a rather unorthodox looking kitchen of no matching theme.
    He opened the fridge and took out a small cup of what looked like dark chocolate pudding and sat at the table, grumbling. He normally didn’t need to eat the stuff but because of that magic that forced him to transform he needed some source of blood to keep him from going on a rampage and luckily for him these blood puddings were mass produced ever since the human’s donated blood to keep the demons from rampaging throughout the city.
    He wasn’t a huge fan of the taste but just chopped it up to medicine and finished the cup quickly. He sighed as he stared out into the street, the city was starting to wake and would be bustling soon. “I’ve gotta get ready for my shift.” He muttered, throwing the spoon in the sink and the cup in the trash. He gargled a glass of water and spat it into the sink before gulping down the rest. Throwing on a pair of old shoes, he grabbed his keys and headed out for his part time job at the Quick Mart. Noticing that Mark had not opened this morning as he passed, “He must have his hands full right now.” As last nights events played out. He continued to walk and only picking up the pace when he remembered Mark’s face while he was on top of him. “I’m gonna need to apologize later.” .” As Tine hurried away, a figure appeared before Mark’s bookstore, silently looming over the front store window. It’s tail twitched in a chaotic whip from side to side, a low insanity chimed from a harsh grating chirp, “Hehe, lets see who’s the lucky winner this time.” It disappeared as suddenly as it had appeared with a looming air of malice and despair hanging in its wake.

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