Travel Arrangements Part 2 - Originally Posted by ShadowGhost on 29/09/2008
(( For clearity, Part 1 happened on Sunday, Part 2 on Monday ))
Jessica stepped onto the plateau on top of the stairs, leaning with her hands on her knees, she panted from the exertion of the climb. Straightening up she looked at the structure properly for the first time. It was, in one word, majestic. The building was indeed a large pyramid, but layered like stairs. Each layer had its own colour and structure. Though Jessica could only see the top half because of the fortified but no less ornate wall that surrounded the compound.
As Jessica took in the view, she was marvelled at the way it caught the last rays of the sun as it shone between the other mountains. The last minute the sun was sinking below the jagged horizon, the walls seemed lined in millions of small gems in every colour of the rainbow, gems that were not visible before.
Taking a deep sigh, Jessica walked the last 100 paces to the large doors, guided by several large lanterns. Examining those doors she saw many decorations, most revolving around a dragon theme. She also recognized more then a dozen runes hidden in the decorations. She smirked, realising that most would just think them part of the figure that overlapped them.
Walking to those ornate doors, Jessica was not surprised in the least when they opened up with only a slight creak. The doors opened just a little of their width, but it was more then enough for Jessica, even if she had come with a truck. What did surprise Jessica, how ever, was the blue robed monk that greeted her with a friendly smile and a hand held paper lantern.
Greetings Stoneberg. I am pleased to see you have made it here. I took the liberty of arranging a room for you.
Jessica had to take a few moments to digest the image, and process that this friendly looking person was the same person as the incredibly grumpy and rude monk that grudgingly let her buy a map showing the path to the fortress monastery.
Greetings Shan Li, Im grateful for the hospitality, and that you seem more social then in town.
Shan Li chuckled lightly and began to lead Jessica to a building in the courtyard which looked like guest quarters even in the dim light of lanterns.
My apologies, that was part of the test. As was the walk to here. I must congratulate you, not many that come here do so without the aid of their magic.
Jessica didnt know how to react, other then just nod in accepting the compliment. She was tired, her feet were beyond aching and all she wanted right now was something that resembled a soft bed and sleep the night away.
Jessica was not disappointed by her guest quarters, Spartan as was, it was better then the tent Jessica had put up the previous night. After saying bidding Chan Li good night and thanking him for the hospitality once more, Jessica made use of the tub filled with hot water to relax in and wash off the dust before going to bed. Even though it had been just two nights ago that she slept in a comfortable bed back home on the other side of the globe, this bed felt rather good after her trail.
@FloatingFatMan
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Travel Arrangements - Part 3 - Originally Posted by ShadowGhost on 30/09/2008
Jessica sat straight up in bed as the gong sounded to wake everyone (and probably everything in a few mile radius as well). When she remembered where she was a second later she dropped back down on the bed. Although she was once an early bird, the last few years shed gotten used to sleeping in when it was possible. To her internal clock, it was still very much in the middle of the night. Deciding that jetlag is a drag, Jessica dragged herself out of the bed and washed self with the bowl of water. She smiled as she felt Ellie more pronounced again, a feeling of peace coming from the sleeping woman on the other side of the world.
A while later Jessica sat at breakfast with most of those in the monastery. Though she was wearing the blue robe, she did stand out a fair bit. As if being a head taller then most, having green skin and blond hair wasnt enough, Jessica didnt see any other women. But then, it was a monastery. During breakfast there was ample opportunity to get better insight in the place. It housed roughly a thousand monks as far as she guessed. Though she couldnt say what it was, but Jessica had the distinct impression that it was as much a school of magic as a monastery.
After breakfast, she was once again greeted by Shan Li, who took her for a walk through a tranquil garden.
I know you are here following the footsteps of Magus Renwin, but what is it you hope to learn at our school?
Jessica took her time to consider the question and her answer before answering truthfully.
I hope to learn of a cure for a curse that I am under, one I believe Magus Renwin was under when he came here.
Shan Li nodded as they walked along a small stream.
That curse of apathy, yes? I am sorry to say you will find no cure here.
Jessica did not seem at all dismayed by the blunt statement.
But you know of the curse? Would you know where I might find a cure?
Shan Li stopped and turned to look up at Jessica.
What if I were to tell you that there is no cure?
Jessica did not have to try to keep her face from falling, she believed her answer with all her being.
Then I would choose not to believe you. As that answer goes against my understanding of the universe.
Shan Li examined Jessica for a moment before nodding.
There is a cure, that much I do know. But exactly what it is or how it works, I do not. Where would you search if you had no success here?
If I found nothing here, I would attempt to go to the dimension from which the book originated. Jessicas face revealed little of her hope that she would not have to do so.
Shan Li nodded again. That is also the place I would search, though I can not in good conscience advise anyone to go to Cornethas. It is a dangerous place indeed, even if you manage to get there. He examined Jessicas determined face for a moment longer before he continued. Magus Renwin did go to Cornethas in search of a cure. I know he found one, but if it was there or elsewhere, I can not say.
Jessica pondered the monks words. It is a place to start, even if it leads me down a path through many dimensions, it is a step that I will take.
Unexpectedly the old monk smiled. It is good to see such determination. For determination and faith will be your strongest tools in Cornethas. More so then even your magical power, Magus of the Tellurian Stone.
Jessicas eyes opened wide and her jaw dropped a little. Only come across that title in her library, nowhere else had she found her bloodlines mages described thus. She had not thought anyone alive would even know of the title, let alone recognize her as the current holder of that title.
Shan Li grinned I have my secrets as well. You are not the first my spirit has met.
Shan Li continued to walk before Jessica could formulate more questions, further altering the subject by suggesting: Now, let us see what we can find to arm you with more knowledge of Cornethas and what to expect there.
Jessica and Shan Li spent several hours looking up what they could find about the demon dimension Cornethas, with the help of several other monks and students. By the time Jessica said goodbye to Shan Li and the other monks she felt more confident about her trip across the dimensions, though it possibly scared her even more.
Dressed ones more in her own clothes and with her backpack secured, she opened up a wormhole and let herself be pulled in.
She was off to finalize her preparations for her trip to an other world.
@FloatingFatMan
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Travel Arrangements - Part 4 - Originally Posted by ShadowGhost on 03/10/2008
Jessica gathered up her things and walked out into the open air, closing the door to her cottage in the Alps. She had spent some time to make her preparations. Should things go wrong, itd be a safe place to go to without endangering anyone else, plus she didnt want to worry anyone if things went smoothly.
After a few steps, Jessica flew up over the pine trees going higher up the mountain to a shallow cave she found some time ago. Conjuring up a floating ball of light, Jessica checked once again the carvings on the floor. All was still as they should be and Jessica checked the time, it was nearing 7pm and it was getting dark outside.
Going to work on finalizing the ritual needed to secure safe passage to this particular dimension, Jessica frequently checked the notes. She made very sure that she filled the right carvings with the right powder. Cornathas was an unforgiving dimension and so was the ritual. It didnt make it easier that the powders were all the same terracotta colour.
When she was sure everything was in order, Jessica checked the clock again and looked outside. Just past 10pm and it was rather dark outside. Jessica walked out the cave and looked up at the sky, taking a deep breath. It could well be a while before she could see those starts again, what few she saw through gaps in the clouds at least. She send out her love to Ellie before she walked back inside.
The mage sat down among the carvings, making sure her robe did not cover any of the runes before she started to recite the incantation. It wasnt long before the outer circle erupted into flames, soon followed by the runes along the edge as Jessica spoke their names. Closer and closer the eruptions and flames came to the centre as the ritual progressed. Jessica felt the heat clearly but continued without faltering.
When Jessica uttered the final word with her arms raised, she felt a moment of doubt. The texts were not that clear in what form the transportation would come, just that the caster would be transported to Cornathas. Her doubt turned into fear as the lines of fire erupted violently. Jessica screamed in agony as she felt the fires burning through her clothes and eating away at her flesh, but she could not move, she was paralysed. In that brief moment that seemed like an eternity, her thoughts were chaotic, but a few stood out: thoughts about her loved ones and wondering what she had done wrong.
Then suddenly it was over as darkness fell over Jessica.
In the town below the mountain, a woman looked out her window as was going to shut it to prevent the starting rain from coming in. She stopped half way, though, as she started up the mountain where she saw a column of flames erupting high on the mountain. Blinking her astonishment away she closed the window. Taking the burning tree tops as a sign she hadnt imagined things, she took up a phone and called the fire brigade.
@FloatingFatMan
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Originally posted by FloatingFatMan on 03/10/2008
Founders Falls
Ellie sat in the coffee shop, sipping on her latté as she chatted to her friend Ashley, when she suddenly froze, the glass holding her drink just touching her lips. Deep in her mind, a tiny light suddenly flared brighter than the sun for a moment, bringing with it a feeling of almost intolerable pain, before winking out suddenly, leaving only darkness in its wake.
The glass fell from her suddenly numb fingers, and shattered on the ground, splashing her feet with the hot liquid, but Ellie felt nothing of it. Her face turned as white as a ghost as she whispered, Jess?
Ashley glanced over at her as she heard the glass shatter, her blind eyes hidden by her dark glasses, and a worried frown crossed her face as Ellie slowly rose to her feet, her face a mask of horror. Ellie? Ellie, you okay?
Ellie didnt reply, and her face seemed blank, as if she were looking within herself. She took a couple of steps away from the table and again whispered, Jess? Her voice sounded empty and hollow, as if shed just suffered a massive shock.
Abruptly, her eyes rolled up and her knees collapsed under her as she fainted dead away. A couple of other patrons screamed as she collapsed, and Ashley jumped from her chair, her hands fumbling over the table and chair backs as she hurried to her friends prone figure.
A voice called out from amongst the patrons, Someone call 911!
@FloatingFatMan
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Originally posted by FloatingFatMan on 03/10/2008
M. Harvey Medical Centre, Founders Falls, 7:15pm
Ellie lay quietly in the bed, staring out of the window. Her expression was blank and lifeless, and her eyes seemed dead. Around her, various pieces of medical equipment beeped quietly as they monitored her physical condition, but she heard none of it.
Outside, Ashley Gray sat in the corridor, her knees tucked up under her chin and a worried expression on her face, whilst down the corridor, Zorielle Rolando was talking to one of the doctors.
"So you've no idea what caused her to collapse?" She asked, her voice carrying a tone of urgency.
The doctor shook his head. "As far as we can tell, Ms Stoneberg is perfectly fine physically. We can't find any sign of injuries or toxins or anything that could have caused her collapse and current condition."
Zorielle frowned. "And just what exactly IS her current condition, doctor?"
The doctor tapped his teeth with a pen, making an irritating 'tic tic' sound. "Hmm... Hard to say without further tests. All her autonomic responses are completely normal except for her pupil response. I'd say her current state could only be described as catatonic, but as to why... " His voice trailed off.
Zorielle frowned even further, her patience wearing thin. "And just what have you done to bring her out of it?"
The doctor tapped his teeth again. "For the moment, we've been concerned mainly with stabilizing her condition, giving her glucose and so on, standard procedure for now. Any further treatment would, of course, depend on her level of medical insurance. Our records show Ms Stoneberg's hero license is currently suspended, so city insurance doesn't cover any expenses I'm afraid."
Zorielle's jaw set, an eyebrow raising as her gaze became somewhat cold and piercing. "Denying emergency treatment due to a percieved lack of medical insurance, Doctor? Might I remind you of the Hippocratic Oath?" She said quietly, still staring the doctor down.
The doctor looked back at her in surprise, then frowned himself. "Now hold on there, Ms Rolando. We have NOT witheld any medical treatment. Ms Stoneberg is stable and resting quietly, her immediate needs are taken care of and she's in no danger. However, further treatment DOES require authorisation from next of kin AND appropriate payment. I'm sorry Ms Rolando, but we do have regulations here and we can't just authorise non-emergency care pro-bono."
The doctor sighed. "Quite frankly, it's not my most favourite of hospital policies, Ms Rolando, but I have a duty to the hospital as well as my patients. Where would we be if we just treated everyone free of charge? Closed, that's where."
Zorielle listened to the doctor, her expression not changing. "Nevertheless doctor, Ms Stoneberg DOES have full medical cover as a member of the Unity Vigil, and I expect her to be given the absolute best care until she can be moved to our own medical centre, understood?"
The doctor blinked at her, then smiled. "Of course, Ms Rolando; that won't be a problem at all. Now.. Would you like to see her?"
Zorielle nodded, "Yes please."
The doctor nodded down the corridor. "She's in room 6, that young lady sat just outside came in with her."
Zorielle nodded and started down the corridor. Arriving just outside room 6, she turned to speak to Ashley. "Miss Gray? You were with Ellie when she collapsed?"
Ashley looked up at Zori. Though her eyes were covered by her dark glasses, her expression clearly showed she'd been crying. "Y... yeah, I was."
Zori's expression softned and she sat down next to the young woman. "Can you tell me what happened, exactly, please?" she asked.
Ashley sniffed before replying, gathering herself. "We... We were just having a coffee, chatting about stuff, y'know? Talking about a movie we saw yesterday when she just... dropped her cup. It smashed all over the place. I heard her whisper Jess's name, her wife y'know? Then she stood up. I asked if she was OK but she didn't answer... Just whispered Jess again, then fainted. I didn't know what to do or anything. Someone called 911 and an ambulance turned up pretty quick. Once we'd got here and Ellie seemed OK, that's when I called your office."
Zori looked puzzled. "She said Jess's name, you say? Hmm..."
Looking thoughtfull for a moment, Zorielle activated her internal communicator. "BODICIA, I want a trace put on Jessica Stoneberg. Find out where she is, and if she has a comm or cellphone on her, I want to speak to her immediately."
"Yes Zori, immediately." came the response.
Zorielle nodded and shut off her comm, then held a hand out to Ashley. "Come on, let's go in shall we?"
Ashley nodded, and taking Zori's hand, allowed herself to be lead into Ellie's room.
Inside, Ellie continued to stare out of the window, her eyes unblinking and her face ashen. Zori released Ash's hand just inside and moved over to the bed. "Ellie?" she said, her voice soft. "Time to wake up, Ellie."
Ellie didn't reply, and just continued to stare towards the window, almost as if she was looking through Zori. Taking Ellie's hand, Zorielle sighed. "What are we going to do with you, Ellie? Everything always seems to happen at once, doesn't it?"
Zorielle held Ellie's hand for a moment, looking very much like a mother comforting a sick child, then let it go, moving to tuck Ellie's cover in, even though it already was. "We will find her for you, Ellie. I promise."
Straighening up, she turned to look at Ashley, her voice taking on a more matter of fact tone. "Come, Miss Gray. We should let her rest. I need to arrange to have her moved to the Unity Tower, and I'd like to talk to you some more if I may?"
Ashley sighed and started to move towards the door, before pausing briefly. "She will be okay, won't she?"
Zorielle smiled and nodded, her voice showing a confidence she didn't wholly feel. "Of course she will, don't worry."
Ashley nodded, then with another sigh, stepped out of the room, Zorielle close behind.
@FloatingFatMan
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Travel Arrangements - Epilogue - Originally Posted by ShadowGhost on 03/10/2008
(( With many, many, many thanks to Ravenswing for writing this part. ))
(( This takes place in Paragon Time at roughly 7am, 04 October 2008 ))
Bundespolizei Detective Frankmann stood in the entrance of the cave watching the sky. Around him, the trees had been burnt back by a fire which the crime scene people claimed showed no signs of accelerant. Of course, he had heard that before and then some minute analysis of something in one of those big machines had shown something. However, consider what was inside the cave, he was not so sure. He turned, figuring he would hear the sound of the helicopter before he saw it anyway, and walked a few paces back into the cave.
The scene was... bizarre. In the centre of the cave, now surrounded by three halogen lights, was the body of a woman. She was naked, lying on her back, arms stretched above her head. Scorch marks on the stone (right up to the roof) showed that the pillar of flame the witness had claimed to see had probably originated here, but the woman's body was barely marked. The skin was showing signs of heat damage where her clothing had been tight; there were marks from bra straps, for example. There were two more obvious burns, one on her ring finger, the other in the shape of a tear drop pendant around her neck, but there were no signs of molten metal. The forensics guy that had taken Frankmann through the scene was perplexed. Something hot enough to vaporise the metal should have reduced the body to ash, but there was not even any evidence of the jewellery deforming before it went.
The look on here face... When Frankmann had arrived he had seen one of the forensics guys throwing up into a bush and had expected something messy, instead there was the look of total agony locked into her features. It had sent a shiver down Frankmann's spine, he could see how the pain expressed there might have turned someone's stomach. Still, looking closer, there was something else. She had been resisting it, fighting it, determined to get through. And then there was just that slight touch of fear around the eyes, as though she was afraid that her efforts had not been enough. Which, from the look of it, was the case.
As you went out from the body, things got stranger. Well, Frankmann had to admit that he did not get that many tall, green-skinned corpses to deal with, so perhaps he was wrong, but the golden runes carved into the rock just straight gave him the creeps. Lining the body, the runes and sigils which had glowed a bright gold when Frankmann had first arrived, were now dull and lifeless, but they still set his teeth on edge. There was something... wrong about them.
And then there were the forensics people who were glaring at him again. He had taken one look at the scene and told them to get away from the body. There was currently no time of death, because Frankmann had told them not to move the body, never mind sticking a thermometer into it's liver. They had been able to take photographs, and a small sample of the gold substance in the carved runes, but that was about it.
A burst of white light filled the cave entrance, accompanied by a weird sucking sort of noise and there was a man standing there. Frankmann turned and looked at him, taking in the leather duster over an expensive looking shirt and tie, the asian features, the tall, muscular body. You are Professor Caine? he said, in English.
Caine nodded, his eyes scanning the cave interior rather than looking at Frankmann. Es ist auch moglich fur uns Deutsch zu reden, he said.
Frankmann shook his head. I get little enough opportunity to practice my English. I thought you were coming by helicopter.
They couldn't land close enough, Caine said. I got out. Is the scene exactly how it was found? No one's touched the body?
They checked for life signs... there are none, by the way. When I saw the carvings, I locked the scene down and called Vienna. We do not have the kind of expertise to deal with this kind of thing in Bregenz. Even these days, you didn't get a lot of weird magical rituals in routine cop work. He took out a notepad and looked at it. The only thing that is different is that the runes were glowing when I arrived. Are those... Satanic, or something?
Jason wandered slowly around the corpse, examining the runes, occasionally dropping to one knee to look closer. Not exactly. I assume these have been photographed? I'll need you to send those to me case of the Paragon City University.
Of course, Frankmann looked at his notepad again. We have a tentative identification of the woman as...
Jessica Stoneberg, Jason interrupted. Also known as Grav Mistress.
You know her? She has owned a house here in the mountains for around two years. She was seen in the village below buying supplies, perhaps for a hiking trip.
I know of her, and I don't think she was going hiking. I don't think she knew what she was doing, quite frankly, otherwise she wouldn't have tried something this stupid. Jason stood and wandered out to the entrance of the cave, Frankmann following, looking a little confused.
What do you mean? the detective asked, taking a pen from his pocket.
She was trying to travel to another dimension, not a very hospitable one. You would have to be utterly desperate or amazingly arrogant to try. As it is, she may have succeeded, or not. I won't be sure until I've checked every last rune, and even then there's so much more that could have gone wrong. Jason pulled his cell phone from his coat, flipping it open and leafing through contacts.
Who are you calling? Frankmann asked.
Jason pushed the dial button and listened to the phone while answering Frankmann. I thought it would be nice if you did not have to notify the next of kin yourself, Detective. He paused for a second as the phone was answered. Yes, could I please speak to Zorielle Rolando... Jason Caine, we've met. I work at the University... Yes, I realise she's extremely busy. Please tell her that it's an urgent matter regarding the possible death of Jessica Stoneberg. There was a slightly longer pause. Ms Rolando, Jason Caine. I need some assistance getting a body back to the US...
(( This entire story range can be found: This Wiki Page feel free to leave comments on the discussion page.))
@FloatingFatMan
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Unity Tower, Saturday Morning - Originally posted by Zortel on 04/10/2008
"Mr Caine has boarded the Unity Wing with the body, and police reports and evidence, Zorielle." BODICIA's voice came from the room. Her main avatar was currently piloting the groups high tech aircraft to bring back Jessica Stoneberg's body from the Alps where it had been discovered, along with a magic expert and old associate of Zortel's.
"Alright... when you arrive, have her body shipped to Scanner Lab Three, and I don't want anyone to see her. Let's do a thorough scan first and see what details we can get before doing anything rash..." Zorielle replied slightly wearily, rubbing at her eyes.
"Of course. Also, as OverAI I am compelled to remind you that you have been up for twenty seven hours now, and should really get some sleep before your wife shouts at you." BODICIA added before closing the commslinks.
Zorielle -couldn't- sleep though. Ellie was still catatonic, her daughter was at a bedside vigil, a close family friend had turned up dead, a member of the New Vigilants had gone missing, a member of the Unity Vigil was worrying about that, and all the thousand and one other things laid upon her mind.
"... Not much more can be done till then." Zori sighed, setting her internal cybernetics to force her to sleep until the Unity Wing arrived. Her eyes closed almost instantly as the relaxants and electronic impulses surged to her brain, willing her to sleep.
------------------------------------
Stepping out of Scanning Room one, Zorielle sighed. It was only thanks to her iron will and prior experience that Jess' expression didn't drive her into nausea, but it still chilled her to the bone. As she began her walk towards the medical bays, she let her mind wander over the facts.
Coupled with what Jason had told her, and the state of her body, there was a chance that her body was merely just an empty shell at this time. But from the hints that she had gotten from Mr Caine, where the rest of her was could be classed as an unpleasant place at best. Her body was dead. Definately. But some strange force that people called magic had set her cellular structure into stasis, preventing decomposition. How she proceeded next could make all the difference.
"Hey Mom..." Hannah called out quietly as she came into Ellie's room at the tower. Ellie had been sedated the night before to let her body rest, and now awake she continued to just stare out at nothing, her expression hollow.
"Hannah, Yoko... I need a word with you both outside." Zori said after a moment, motioning them to her. Noticing the expression and tone, Hannah quickly headed out, her girlfriend following behind her. With the door shut, Zorielle looked to the pair.
"We've located Jessica, girls... but it's not looking good." The older woman sighed.
"... How do you mean, not good?" Yoko asked with concern.
"Mom... what's happened to Jess?" Hannah added, staring at her mother with frightened eyes.
"... We located her body. There seems to be some form of magic involved, as its in a form of cellular stasis... she may just be projecting herself dimensionally via some kind of magic, but there's a chance that... there's a chance that she may have died. I'm sorry... I'd have wished to have given you a definate, but... it's tough to say. I've got some of the best minds in the magical theories looking into it, but... that explains Ellie's current state."
Zorielle hated not having all the answers. They had to know the current facts though, she knew that. But it was never good in telling. With a sigh, she pulled Hannah close as she burst into tears, wrapping her arms around her and stroking her hair gently. Yoko just stood there, staring into nothing with a shocked expression.
@FloatingFatMan
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Behind them, in the private room, Ellie slowly blinked and took a long deep breath. Her brow furrowed briefly as she tried to figure out her surroundings, then cleared as she recognized the place. Slowly, she sat up in the bed, her bare feet sliding out from under the covers.
She glanced around, looking puzzled at being in the medical unit, then slid out of bed and went over to a cupboard. Finding some clothes, she dressed herself then went over to the door, opening it quietly.
In the corridor, Zori was holding Hannah tight as she sobbed, and Yoko was staring blankly in to space. Giving them a curious glance, Ellie shrugged and slipped out of the room to walk quietly down the corridor in the opposite direction.
@FloatingFatMan
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
(( The following is a transcription of live RP. ))
Twenty minutes after leaving the tower, Ellie was wandering through Gemini Park when she spied a familiar figure sitting on one of the benches. Smiling, she walked over to it.
"Hi Ash, " she says, "I thought I'd find you here."
Ellie's friend, Ashley Gray, looked up with surprise and shock. "Ellie!" Standing quickly, she rushed over to Ellie, throwing her arms around the young woman and hugging her tight.
Grinning, Ellie returned the hug. "Well, hi to you too!"
As she hugged her friend, Ellie caught a whiff of something and sniffed carefully. "Hmm... Had a bit to drink, Ash? It's a bit early for that, don't you think?"
Ashley bit her lip, maintaining her grip on Ellie, and replied hesitantly. "I uh... Got a little..."
Ellie chuckled, "Oh, you got a little drunk? Well, what was the occasion?"
Moving her head back to look in to Ellie's eyes, Ashley frowned. "I was worried about you!"
"Really?" Ellie sounded surprised. "Whatever for? I'm absolutely fine! I just overslept a little, is all!"
Ashley stared at her friend, dumbfounded. "Ellie... You collapsed!"
A confused expression crossed her face as she replied. "I did? What was that?" She looked thoughtfull for a moment, before a memory came to her. "Oh wait... That must have been why I was in the medbay..."
Ashley nodded, "It happened yesterday, in the coffee shop. We were chatting when you suddenly stood up, dropping your cup. You whispered Jess a couple of times, then just... fainted! I was worried sick!"
Ellie looked confused as she listened, then shrugged. "Oh well... I feel fine now... Better than fine in fact. I feel better than I have done in aaaaages!"
A worried expression flitted across Ashley's face as she realised something wasn't quite right. "Ellie, have you spoken to anyone since you woke up?"
Thinking for a moment, Ellie shook her head. "Zori was chatting to her daughter, Hannah, and Hannah's girlfriend... Out in the corridor; but they looked kinda busy so I thought I'd just go for a walk."
Ashley gasped, "Ellie! They were all really really worried about you, everyone is!"
Shrugging, Ellie took a step back and grins. "Well... I'm not sure why. I feel just fine, really. Probably all just a delayed reaction to all that prison food."
Moving to the bench, Ellie sat down and pulled Ashley in to her lap. "Well, sorry if I scared you or anything, but I'm fine now, honest."
Ashley frowned slightly as she was pulled to Ellie's lap, then smiled. "Well, then that's good, really good!"
"So... Other than getting a skinful, been up to anything?" Ellie asked.
"Well... To be completely honest, I... don't actually remember." Ashley seemed embarrased.
"Wow, you must have had a LOT to drink. That's really not good for you, you know. You could have falled down, hurt yourself or anything!"
Ashley looked contrite. "I know, I know... I shouldn't have... But I was upset and worried and well... One drink led to another... I don't normally drink, you know!"
Ellie nodded firmly. "Good, but if you do it again, I will have to put you over my knee!"
A giggle came from Ashley as she suddenly blushed and whispered, "You could do that anyway..."
A smirk crossed Ellie's face as she giggled in response. "Ooooh... Look who's getting all kinky! Well, maybe later, okay?"
A sudden panicked look crossed Ashley's face for a second, before she smiled softly. "I guess I can wait."
"Good, " came the reply. "Because I have a few things to do anyway. I've decided to move my stuff out of the tower and live on my boat full time."
Ashley looked back, puzzled. "What about Jess's stuff?"
Ellie blinked at her, and replied slowly, her voice a little distant. "Jess's stuff? Oh... no. No need..."
A frown creased Ashley's brow. "What do you mean?"
"Well... There's no need, is there?" Ellie's voice sounded stronger, if somewhat emotionless. "She doesn't need it any more, after all. And I certainly don't. I'll probably just throw all that stuff out or something..."
Ashley looked confused. "But... Why would you do that Ellie? Doesn't she want it anymore or something?"
"Oh, no... I mean, it's no good to her anymore, is it? Not now that she's dead and all..."
A shocked expression crossed Ashley's face. "Ellie! That's NOT funny!"
"Funny?" Ellie sounded puzzled. "I'm not joking! She's dead, I felt her go. She burned up or something. Kinda of a shame really, I mean. It's not like she was that old, and she was pretty popular."
Ashley stared at her friend in horrified disbelief, unable to understand how Ellie could be so cold.
Ellie shrugged, "Anyway, it's not important."
Finally finding words, Ashley managed to stammer, "El... Ellie. That really really isn't funny. How could you? She's your wife!"
"I'm not being funny, Ash! It's true, really! Jess is dead and gone, burned up in some kind of fire." Ellie tapped the side of her head. "I can't feel her in here anymore, so she's gone. I guess her friends will miss her but that's life I suppose."
"Ellie..." Ashley's voice sounded horrified. "She's your WIFE! How can you just... Talk about her like... like that!?"
"Wife?" Ellie sounded puzzled, "What ARE you talking about Ash? Don't be silly! She was just... just someone I knew.. from around the statue! Sure, she was nice enough I guess, and I spent a bit of time with her; chatting and stuff. But it's not like we were an item or anything!"
Ashley grabbed Ellie's right hand, feeling angry all of a sudden. "Then explain this? Where'd this ring come from Ellie? Tell me."
Ellie stared at the gold ring on her hand, and examined the slender threads of emerald and diamond twisting around the glinting metal. "Oh, wow.. Ash, that's really pretty! Did you sneak that on there?!" She started to pull it off. "You really shouldn't have put it on that hand though, the friendship ring is on the OTHER hand, you know! People will talk!"
Ashley grabbed Ellie's hand, stopping her from removing the ring. "Ellie... JESS gave you that ring, when she married you 2 years ago. Your third anniversary is at the end of the month, you told me yourself the other day!"
A frown creased Ellie's forhead, and she shook her head slowly, her voice sounding confused. "Jess got it? Why should Jess buy me a ring? It's not like we... We never... We didn't..." Her voice trailed off as her expression went dull and lifeless before she spoke again.
"So... Want to help me move my stuff to my boat?"
Ashley just stared at her, biting her lip, before throwing her arms around her friend tightly, trying not to cry as she realised what must have happened. "Oh Ellie..."
Ellie seemed surprised at Ashley's reaction, and rubbed her back gently. "Hey, what's up hun? No need to be so upset..."
Her voice sounded strangled as she tried hard not to cry. "Ellie... You are... " Ashley sighed, "You were, married.. To Jess. For two years. You told me yourself how much you loved her and could never bare to be apart from her for long."
A long sigh came from Ellie as she moved Ashley back a bit, looking in to her eyes. "Ashley, look. I like you, I really REALLY like you, a lot; but I do wish you'd stop saying such silly things. I mean... If all that happened, I'd remember it, wouldn't I?
"Ellie... If you really liked me that much... Don't you think we'd be something more than just friends by now?"
Ellie suddenly grinned, and a flush crept up her cheeks. "Well... Actually, now that you mention it.. I was uh.. wondering if maybe... you'd kinda like to come stay on the boat with me? If you want to of course..."
Tears sprang up from Ashley's eyes and she threw her arms around Ellie once more. "You have NO idea how much I'd love to do that, Ellie. But... You aren't yourself right now."
"No?" Ellie sounded embarrassed, and her cheeks grew redder. "Um... I'm sorry. Maybe I should have waited a bit longer... It's a big step and all... Uh, well.. would you... you could maybe stay over sometimes, if you want to?"
Ashley shook her head. "No, Ellie... It's not that. You *are* married, Ellie. You told me yourself that we... We could never be together.. That you loved Jess and could never leave her, even if you wanted to... Because of your link."
Ellie tilted her head to one side, an odd expression on her face. "I'm... married?" She shook her head, and with a soft sigh, gently slid Ashley from her lap. "I'm sorry Ash, but I... have to go do... something. I'll see you later maybe, okay?"
She stood up, turning to leave. "I won't be too long. Maybe see you at the statue later or something?"
Rising to her feet, Ashley nodded slowly, taking deep breaths. "Right..."
Leaning towards her, Ellie gave Ashley a quick peck on the lips. "Love you."
Ashley's face flushed and she quickly reached a hand out to Ellie's shoulder. "I love you too." she whispered, "And... I'm sorry..."
Light erupted around the two women suddenly as Ashley used her teleportation abilities, and they both vanished. Seconds later, light flared in the corridor outside Ellie's room, where Zorielle was still talking to Hannah; and the two women appeared. Stepping quickly back, Ashley removed her hand from Ellie's shoulder and with a whispered, "You'll be safe here.", vanished in another flash of light.
@FloatingFatMan
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Tiger in the Carnival
It's 20:32, Crey's Folly, the sky a deep dark grey as the smog churned, masking the moon and stars. The glow of the War Walls gave the place a cold and eerie atmosphere.
"Kill that Tiger [censored]! Kill her now!"
The screeching voice of a Freakshow lieutenant echoed in the makeshift alleys of Crey's Folly's Carnival Town, writhing in pain from his shattered thigh bone and broken ribs. His 'friends' aching to defeat the Cape that had walked into their home looking for a fight.
"That's right! All of you! I want as many as you can throw at me!" shouted the purple haired heroine in black, Tigergirl, as the large group of thirty something Freakshow gathered to get the kill. "If you dare hold back you'll pay with your twisted tin scraps you call arms!"
She was angry, swift, and brutal. Freak after Freak. She tore through them. Legs broken, jaws dislocated, and cybernetic arms severed. She loved fighting the Freakshow, they were arrogant, their cybernetic limbs provided no need to hold back, and above all they were stubborn. They wouldn't stay down unless they had no choice, and she was happy to take it from them. But this was not like her.
She never goes into Freakshow territory without a reason, but she was blind with rage, taking out her pain on the enemies she knew could take it. She was unable to accept what had happened, the news that her best friend, her first love, is dead.
The thoughts that ran through her head, it couldn't be true, it just couldn't. She wanted it to be a sick joke...a bad dream...any thing but the truth.
Moments later she stood over the pile of unconscious Freaks, one by one disappearing to the Zig, she was lost in her emotions, this wasn't enough to take it away. She gazed up to the faint glow of the moon, questioning what had happened.
The moment quickly passed as a shack was destroyed behind her, the swinging steel hammer of a Tank Smasher crashed into her side. Injured and dazed she was unable to avoid a second attack, a Swiper's blade cut across her torso, from her right shoulder to her left hip. It wasn't deep enough to kill her, they were toying with her.
"Peh, dumb [censored] Cape! Where'd all that steam go, huh?!" The Swiper grunted, aiming his blade for her right eye he pulled back to swing in deep.
For that moment, no fear came from the heroine, not a shiver, her vision fixed on the blade, unnerving the Freak, he paused for a moment. Before he could move, the heroine's blue eyes changed to yellow, her pupils sharpened, her muscles bulged, her wound sealed, and she growled a fearsome roar.
Before he knew it, the Swiper was the recipient of a monstrous uppercut, giving Tigergirl the chance to finish him of with powerful kick to his chest.
The Tank stamped his foot and charged at Tigergirl, waving his hammers like wrecking balls, but was to no avail. The purple haired heroine dodged every attack, countering with swift kicks.
The large Freakshow Tank stood there dazed; looking to the heroine whose rage was amplified by a fang filled expression. He stood up and whacked his hammers together, attempting to but some fear into the woman. She simply growled and charged towards him.
He swung again to catch her between them, but she swiftly jumped, pressing her knee into the Smasher's face.
_ _ _
An hour later in Brickstown, Tigergirl sat atop a skyscraper. The blood on her costume had dried, and her muscles had relaxed. The cold air cooled her anger. She thought about Jessica constantly...her face...her voice...at that moment she remembered her family...Hannah.
She left her crying in the Tower. She was so afraid to face the truth she wasn't able to help others deal with it.
Taking a deep breath she activated her teleporter, after a few moments she vanished in a burst of light.
((Edit: fixed some errors))
Tigergirl/Yoko Hatori - Full time hero
Kiyarii Kade - Model and part time hero
Mileena Lim - Alien Demon Bat Sorceress or rather Hotel property owner
Starborn/Klair Elwin - Full time hero and Journalist
Closure
Sunday morning, the Unity Vigil hallways seems quieter than normal, the echo of the high heels worn by the tall white haired, blue skinned woman in a business jacket and skirt could be heard on the opposite side of the tower, but then most of the Unity Vigil were not allowed access to this particular hall way right now.
After receiving yesterdays grim news of Jessica Stoneberges death the Unity Tower has had a melancholy ambiance for the woman, Mileena Lim, who was doing her best not to give into it, not yet at least. Jessica was a dear friend to her, one she had nothing but love and respect for, she refused to believe she had died until she witnessed the body, and now she had been given that chance.
She looked up as she approached the head of the Unity Vigil, wearing a white lab coat.
Good morning Mileena, glad youre on time. The dark haired woman asked.
Good morning Zorielle
I wasnt about to let you down today
thank you for letting me see her. Said the taller woman.
No need for thanks
maybe you can see something no one else has
if not at the very least you might get some closure.
Nodding slightly with a soft sigh I hope I can
though Im unsure
you might have all the information you can get without replicating her
ritual
Perhaps, but I would rather we didnt risk overlooking anything for now. Zorielle turned towards the door leading to the room storing Jessicas body Anyway, we should get a move on, though I must warn you again, it
may be a disturbing sight.
Cold air rushed into the hallway as the door began to open. The room behind was large and cold, at the centre Jessicas body laid still on a raise metallic platform covered by a medical sheet. Zorielle moved to slide the sheet to reveal Jessicas face and shoulders.
The expression of indescribable agony frozen onto the bodys face was haunting, Mileena was no stranger to witnessing fear or pain of unparalleled degrees, but to see such an emotion on someone so close to her heart
their dieing moment
she couldnt help but feel devastated.
Jess
.what happened to you
the blue skinned womans green eyes became watery as she witnessed the body before feeling a warm hand rest on her shoulder.
Im sorry, Mileena
I truly am
Zorielles voice was soft, hoping to comfort Mileena even if only slightly. If you would like some time before you
examine her further
The tall woman nodded, resting a hand upon Zorielles Thank you
Zori
Tigergirl/Yoko Hatori - Full time hero
Kiyarii Kade - Model and part time hero
Mileena Lim - Alien Demon Bat Sorceress or rather Hotel property owner
Starborn/Klair Elwin - Full time hero and Journalist
Unity Tower, Sunday Evening
Zorielle was tired... she'd been up for three days now and without adiquate preparation, sleep was begining to catch up to her. She had one thing left to do though, one hard thing before she could finally return home and rest. The decision hadn't come easy, but with Ellie's mind forced into a state of emotional disattachment, protecting herself subconciously from the wave of loss and grief, she'd openly speak about Jessica as being dead.
Leaning back into her office chair, she took a moment to compose herself and check her make up, concealing most of the tiredness from her face. Never show weakness in public, never expose yourself as vunerable.
Over the UV comms screens, commslinks and internal HUD comms implants, her image and/or voice appeared.
"Good evening to everyone in the Unity Vigil and New Vigilants.
It is with great regret that I must notify all members of an event that occured on Friday morning. A dear friend of the group and its members, and a teacher for the New Vigilants, passed away.
Jessica Stoneberg, better known as Grav Mistress, was involved in a magical accident while on a trip away from the city. Though there is some slight hope that what fate befell her is not terminal, in accordance to proceedure and mitigating factors, I sadly must inform you all of her untimely death.
As a close family friend, a valued teacher and a steadfast collegue, she will be sorely missed, and a memorial will take place on Monday for her in the Hall of Honours in Unity Tower. A private ceremony, to be attended by close friends and family, will take place on Rolando Island on Wednesday morning.
Thank you for your time, and I hope you will all join me in sending regards to Jessica's family and loved ones."
With that, Zorielle's image and voice flickered from the comms channels, letting BODICIA relay it to all pertinent outside members. Shortly after, an encrypted message was sent to all the recepients from the OverAI.
"This is OverAI BODICIA of the Unity Vigil. As an addendum to the earlier message, the following information has been classed as Priority One by the Unity Vigil Medical Board. Currently, Ellie Stoneberg, the partner of the deceased Jessica Stoneberg, is currently in a state of emotional amnesia. Investigations are still being done, but we believe this is a mental defence to protect her from realisation of her loss.
Please be considerate and mindful in all interactions with Ellie Stoneberg. Any persons found inflicting undue mental stress to her by ignoring this will be dealt with personally by Zorielle Rolando.
I must make a point to remind you that she is not in the best of moods. Do you -really- want to incur her wrath? BODICIA out."
In most Paragon City newspapers of 6 October 2008
A fair few have it as front page news.
The hero known as Grav Mistress was declared dead last night. Found dead in a magical incident in Austria, her body was moved to Paragon for further investigation.
The investigation into events leading up to her demise is still ongoing.
The Grav Mistress was a mage of some renown in the magical circles. Loved by most due to her actions and the comic Mistress of Gravity.
Recently Grav Mistress has been in the media more due to events surrounding her life partner Tiger White.
Azuria commented that Grav Mistress was a keen scholar and a powerful practitioner of the art. Her contributions have made a difference, she will be missed as a person and as a hero.
@ShadowGhost & @Ghostie
The Grav Mistress, Mistress of Gravity
If you have nothing useful to say, you have two choices: Say something useless or stay quiet.
Rolando Island, South Pacific Ocean. Wednesday 8th October, 8:55am Local Time (11:55am Paragon Time)
All was peaceful on the tropical paradise of Rolando Island. The sun was bright in the sky, and the waves lapped gently at the gently sloping sands with a relaxing sigh. At the southernmost tip of the island, 6 rows of 10 seats, split down the centre, were lined up, facing the ocean. In front of them, a small lecturn stood next to a large oil painting of Jessica Stoneberg, resting on an easel, and clustered around the painting were a large quantity of lillies, tulips and roses, Jess's favourite blooms.
On the seats, the groomed figures of Ellie & Jess's family and friends sat, talking in hushed whispers. Forefront, Jessica Kade and her partner, Kiyarii sat talking to the tall blue skinned figure of Mileena Lim and her partner Katie. Next to them, a stony faced Erik and his partner Sara Aegis sat next to an elderly couple, speaking softly in Dutch. Scattered throughout the rest of the audience were the couple's closest friends. Richard Huntington and his partner Cassandra; Isaac and Juan were stood near the back of the seating area, showing several people to their seats.
Up at the tower home nearby, a white haired figure looked out of the window, watching the gathering guests. Behind her, the two people most affected by Jess's loss, Hannah and Yoko, were just finishing their preparations for the memorial service.
A soft voice, touched by a hint of a hispanic accent, sounded from the doorway. "It's almost time."
Ellie slowly turned, the long black dress she was wearing rustling faintly, to see Zorielle stood in the doorway. Wearing a black suit, the older woman looked tired; the past few days had been a serious strain on her, and Ellie felt of pang of sympathy for the woman she thought of more like a mother than a friend.
Hannah and Yoko both stood up and moved to Ellie's side, taking a hand each. "We're right here, Ellie." Hannah said, her voice carrying a hint of the grief she was feeling.
Nodding, Ellie allowed herself a faint smile, mindfull of the sombre atmosphere. "I know, Han... Yoko. I know..."
She looked back to the doorway, vacant now as Zorielle had left to take her place outside. Taking a deep breath, and still holding the girls hands, she started towards the door. "I guess we should head down there."
****************************
Outside, the hushed whispers settled down as Zorielle exited the tower home and walked down to the lectern. Seated just before it, her partner Tessa gave her a reassuring smile as she held on to their twin toddlers, Kelly and Michael. Seated just behind them, Eloise; Ellie's twin, and her partner Mike, nodded in greeting to Zorielle. As the audience grew quiet, Isaac and Juan took their seats amongst some brightly clad heroes at the back, resplendent in their best uniforms and each wearing a black armband.
A couple of minutes later, the final hushed whispering ceased as Ellie, Hannah and Yoko exited the tower and walked to the front row of seating. As the three took their seats, Zorielle stepped up to the lectern and began to speak.
In her chair, Ellie started up at the painting of Jess, barely listening as Zori extolled Jess's virtues. Her mind felt numb, as it had since Jess's death, and she found herself wondering why she was there at all. As Zorielle continued to speak, Ellie turned her head to look around at the others in the audience. Her brother-in-law Erik, and his parents; his mother softly crying into a tissue as her husband held her. Eloise, her twin, sitting quietly with Mike, both as stony faced as Erik. Richard and Cass, both equally stoic, though Ellie thought she saw a flicker of emotion in Cass's face.
As Zorielle continued to speak, Ellie became aware of soft sobs either side of her, and looked back to see both Hannah and Yoko crying into their own tissues. She stared at the two lost in their own grief, but like Jess, she felt nothing for them. She knew that right now, these two women were her closest friends, but even through everything she remembered, everything she'd shared with them, she was unable to give them even the slightest comfort.
Returning her attention to the rest of the audience, she looked at each one. All of them friends from Ellie and Jess's time in Paragon. Each one's lives touched in some way by the well known couple, each one feeling their own grief at Jess's loss and concern for Ellie.
Finally, Zorielle stopped talking, and Ellie turned back to see the older woman looking at her. They'd discussed this last night, Zori thinking that it would a mistake for Ellie to speak at this point, but being overridden by Ellie's determination to at least TRY to give Jess the respect she deserved.
Ellie stood smoothly and walked towards the lectern, a smile on her lips, and nodded to Zori. "Thanks Zori, I'm sure Jess would have appreciated that."
As Zorielle returned to her seat, Ellie turned to face the audience. She felt strangely calm as she recalled to mind the words she'd wanted to say to these people, and her voice soft, began to speak. "I know Jess would have been honoured that each one of you could come today, to say your last goodbyes. She was a good woman, a kind woman, and it give her great joy to know that she'd been able to get to know so many people in the past few years. I know that some of her proudest moments were those times when she was able to help those who needed it most."
As Ellie spoke, images of some of the things she and Jess had done over the years started to flash through her mind's eye, and for an instant, her voice faltered. "Jess's greatest wish was to have an impact on this world, to make it a better place. I think she... I think..."
Ellie's voice faltered again, and Hannah and Yoko looked up into her eyes, concern on their already grief stricken faces.
More images flashed through Ellie's mind as her voice stumbled to a halt, and with the images came a flood of emotion. A single tear appeared in the corner of her eye as she cleared her throat. "I think she made a bigger im... im..." She stopped again, and her hands gripped the lectern as brief wave of dizziness passed through her. People in the audience were starting to murmur quietly, wondering what was happening, and Hannah and Yoko had half risen from their seats.
At the lectern, Ellie took a deep breath, confusion clear on her face as all the emotions she'd been suppressing since Friday rushed to the forefront of her mind. Her knees sagged underneath her, and tears were now flowing freely from her eyes as she stammered. "...Impression.. than she... than she... thought..."
Abruptly, her knees gave way completely, and she dropped to the floor, sitting down hard. She let out a loud keening wail as the formerly suppressed emotions overwhelmed everything in her mind, and energy started to crackle around her body. Hannah and Yoko immediately sprang to their feet and started to move to Ellie's side, but a bolt of energy slammed in to the ground before them as the out of control emotions started to feed her unstable powers.
In the audience, most of which was hurriedly scrambling back, away from the growing energy storm, Ellie's twin Eloise stood and made her way towards Ellie, a determined look on her face. Cass moved as if to follow, but was stopped by Richard hand on his chest, and a soft shake of his head.
As Eloise approached, more wild energy flashed out from Ellie, striking Eloise dead centre, but she merely flinched as her body absorbed the blast, its signature identical to her own. Quickly she crouched down by Ellie and took the hysterically sobbing woman in her arms. Making soothing sounds, she started to rock her gently back and forth as the energy storm continued around the two of them, until slowly, it began to subside.
Moments later, the last few bolts of energy grounded themselves into the earth, leaving only Eloise holding a quietly sobbing Ellie, free at last to feel her loss.
@FloatingFatMan
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Date: Unkown.
Time: Unknown.
Location: Unkown.
Paved with good intentions - Part 1
There was nothing, only darkness.
And yet, if there was darkness, there was something.
For there could only be darkness if it could be perceived and that means there was something to perceive it. Thoughts jumbled together into the realisation that those thoughts meant that there was something, or someone to perceive the darkness and have the thoughts. With that realisation came colours, soon followed by sensations that could be interpreted as touch.
Eyes snapped open to view the red and black sky. After a moment, the entity sat up smoothly and regarded its surroundings. It was all dreary, depressing and desolate, made up of scorched rock, rivers of lava, and the occasional blood red grass plant. As the entity saw its own body, a curious sensation was felt: the slight tingling in the skin that came in to view. It only took a moment but it spread until the entity felt its own body whole and it could sense more realisations popping into her mind - it was a she.
Standing up, she let the memories and feelings rush over her, gaining knowledge and awareness by the second. Though this also stumped her senses as she didnt notice a small humanoid creature pass by behind her, running fast. Nor did she hear a large minotaur like creature give chase and barely did the roar register as the beast changed targets, going for the seemingly helpless woman.
The smaller humanoid kept on running, fearing it would be next as the original prey. After having run some yards further, it paused, for the sounds were not the sounds of slaughter it had expected. Still thinking it would be over soon, the 4 foot tall creature kept on edge, curious but fearful. After a while it started to move closer, curiosity gaining the upper hand, using its monkey build and agility it climbed a cairn that would give it some protection from the minotaur thanks to the height.
With the creature climbing to the top, the sounds grew as if moving towards a culmination or explosion. Just as the creature reached the top, it paused. For it had heard the minotaur grunt then nothing else. It dared not look, fearing that the minotaur had with finished the new arrival. Fearing that in peeking, the minotaur would notice it.
@ShadowGhost & @Ghostie
The Grav Mistress, Mistress of Gravity
If you have nothing useful to say, you have two choices: Say something useless or stay quiet.
Paved with good intentions Part 2
Curiosity killed the cat, and could very well kill this creature, but it could take no more of the eerie silence. Moving carefully, the creature peeked over the top. The first thing it noticed was the large bulk of the 10 foot minotaur laying on the floor, motionless. While this amazed the creature, more so was it amazed that the much smaller woman actually stood, if stumbling a bit away from the beast.
Could this newcomer be a possible ally or protector, or was it just another predator like so many that got sent to this realm. The observer had little better things to do, and it was curious, so it decided to hide and observe.
The womans steps became steadier and after a moment she flared up with a bright green light. She found that it had a greater effect then she had experience on the other side, but at the same time, it felt appropriate for some reason. In life she prided herself on her self-knowledge. She knew she didnt have a real body here, at least not as she was used to. As a test, she focused her thoughts and half smirked as sturdy pink metal armour covered her body, a short cape unfolded and moved in the nonexistent wind. Most of all, the cowboy hat forming on her head made her feel better, more confident.
Looking around, the newcomer looked for clues where to go. It took a while to discern the different sensations and energy readings.
The monkey creature duck low behind the peak of the cairn as bright glowing eyes turned its way, hoping to remain hidden. Holding perfectly still and making no sound the creature waited, nervous, for what seemed like hours. When it dared look again, it noticed the woman was no longer there.
Hovering in a relaxed manner towards a direction she sensed a multitude of energy, the final pieces fell in place in the womans consciousness. She was well aware of the entity following her. She in turn was observing it, guessing its intentions and threat potential.
Having seen enough, she turned around another of the cairn before she disappeared.
@ShadowGhost & @Ghostie
The Grav Mistress, Mistress of Gravity
If you have nothing useful to say, you have two choices: Say something useless or stay quiet.
(( I've been low on writing drive lately, but still aim to complete the story.
Well, this is the ending, but I'll be filling in the blanks between the previous and this final part.
This was RPed out ingame by Ravenswing, White_Warlock, Zortel, Catkeeper and me.
With Ravenswing being so kind as to storify the logs again.
Kind of fitting that he also writes the epilogue of this chapter 
I did do some minor editing afterwards, but here it is! ))
Jessica and the Dragon
or How We Dragged Jess Back by the Hair
[u]October 21st, 2008, around 21:30. Unity Tower Infirmary.[u]
At least someone had done something about the face. It was not, perhaps the most charitable think to think about someone's corpse, but it was the first thing that Jason Caine thought as he walked into the infirmary, four large books under his arms. When he had last seen Jessica Stoneberg, her face was contorted in a manner he generally only saw on visits to Hell. He dumped the books onto a table, three smaller ones and one huge tomb, and looked around.
Hannah stood leaning against a wall dressed in New Vigilants uniform. The sections of her costume which were normally a bright blue were black. She was in mourning for her lost friend, even though they were here to get her back.
Mileena Lim walked in, tall and blue, and dressed as dramatically as ever, followed by Michael Maxwell, the White Warlock. He was carrying a large satchel which he swung down and planted on the floor near the table where Jason had placed his books. They made their greetings, none of them looking happy. Perhaps, then, only Jason had a feeling this would all work out. Perhaps the others did not dare hope, should it prove in vain. He shrugged and opened one of the smaller books, leafing through the ageing pages. "You've got the amulet, Hannah?" he said, still looking down.
Hannah, all blue hair and vibrancy normally, only had the blue hair today. Her fingers constantly played with the necklace Jessica had given her before 'going away'. "Yes, Mom mentioned what I told her, right? About it heating up a few days ago?"
"Mmhmm, that's why I started doing some research..."
Michael broke in. "I have some general ideas, but it would help if I knew exactly what she was attempting in the first place."
Jason frowned and looked up, his finger holding a place in the book. "I don't think anyone knows. The spell she was using in the cave was for transportation, but there's no logical reason for her to go to any of the places it might take her."
Mileena, however, did know. "She told Yoko she was cursed."
Jason raised an eyebrow. "A curse? Interesting..." He flicked over a couple of pages.
"The curse caused her to be rather uncaring toward others. Nothing major at first, but it caused a lot of issues and would have grown worse."
"I didn't think anyone could still do that one," Jason mused. "Well, except... never mind."
Hannah spoke up. "She said that to me, too. Said some book was responsible. I don't know where it is though... before she left, she gave me the amulet, for if something happened."
Michael was reaching into his satchel and pulling out books, a lot of books. Jason watched him for a second, bemused. "So I do research beforehand, you just bring your whole library?"
"Oh I did a bit," Michael replied wryly, "but I felt having them to hand for reference would likely help." He continued rifling through his bag before emerging in triumph with a large, leather bound tomb.
"This is why I keep PDFs up here," Hannah said, tapping the side of her head, "helps when dealing with systems."
"Jason, could you describe what you found when you discovered her?" Michael asked.
"She was lying in a cave," Jason supplied, "surrounded by a set of runes from about three different demonic languages. There had been a lot of fire. Burned her clothes off, but left her basically unhurt." He paused. "And she was, effectively, dead, of course."
"Hmm," Michael began flicking through pages. "And did she give any more details about the curse, aside from a basic description?" Jason shrugged and looked to Mileena and Hannah.
Mileena shook her head. "Not that I know of. I think anything too technical would have flown over Yoko's head.
Hannah had begun pacing between the wall and the table on which Jessica's body lay. She paused. "She said..." She closed her eyes, the sparks fading from around her body as she concentrated. "It was a subtle, low impact curse, making her apathetic in varying degrees. It got to her via a book that she started getting really obsessive over. Apparently it was from a demonic realm." She opened her eyes. "She then said her first stop was Tibet, and she wasn't sure when she would be back."
Jason nodded. "That would fit with all the likely destinations the spell could have taken her."
Mileena was frowning. "That book... it didn't happen to cost her fifty thousand dollars, did it?"
"She never said... Why do you ask?"
"She bought one a while ago. She really ate into her personal savings so I offered to pay for it."
Hannah was back to pacing. "Might have been that one. Seems really expensive."
"Well, we don't have it, but we do have Hannah's pendant," Jason said "Stop pacing, young lady, and come over here. Step one is to figure out where she is, and I have that covered, I hope."
"Sorry," she replied, wandering over.
"Do you mind if I touch that?" he asked, indicating the amulet. Barely waiting for her nod, he took the glossy stone in his hand and began to recite from the open book. "Har nem kofec. Num elito. Sanctum nar est colegium. Far por na then." Hannah looked a little nervous at the chanting, but Jason just paused to check the amulet and then continued. "Adenum coprectus mar tolegedo calthec." He paused again, pacing was important for this part. "Tor... belenus... malcus." The pendant's jewel began to glow with a silvery light and he dropped it suddenly.
"Jason?" Mileena sounded concerned.
"Was that a good drop, or a bad drop?" Hannah asked, looking at her necklace, which had stopped glowing.
"Um... nothing to worry about... let me just look something up." He reached for a second of the smaller books and began leafing rapidly though it. "I got an image..."
"What image?" Mileena asked.
"Oh, burning sands, weird creatures, that sort of thing." He tossed the book aside and reached for the third. "I just have to find the right imagery... There was an impression of... pain... hostility... not very nice."
"Sounds like too many places."
Jason nodded absently to Mileena "Yes, that's true." he continued searching, clearly becoming more frustrated at not finding anything. "She was being followed... chased..."
Hannah looked worried and Mileena said, "what? By who?"
"I'm not sure, but it wasn't good." He closed the book and turned to the big one. "Now... Hannah, if I ever hear of you trying to get a PDF of this in your head, I'll skin you, okay?" As he opened it, the room filled with a scent of must tinged with iron, or maybe blood.
"I won't, promise."
"How old is that book?" Mileena asked.
Jason turned over a couple of pages. "It was bound like this in sixteen-oh-four. The pages themselves date back to the twelfth century. The text is older."
"I'm guessing torrenting it would be a really bad idea," Hannah asked. "And whatever's in there wouldn't interest me. My magical knowledge is just from stuff Jess and Milly taught me, and a few things Jane did."
"Torrenting it would be a horribly bad idea." Jason turned another page and went white, or as white as his complexion would allow. "Cornathas," he said.
"Cornathas?" Mileena repeated, questioningly. Jason just nodded.
"Do I want to know?" Hannah asked.
"I don't think so," Mileena replied.
"I don't," Jason added. "Never been there. Don't want to. You'd have to be desperate..."
"Which explains how Jess felt," Mileena supplied.
Jason nodded. "Okay, on a scale of one to ten of bad, this is a thirteen. She'd never get out on her own." He flipped over a page and began to read, carefully.
"Then we have to get her out ourselves," Mileena said, standing up straighter.
"Then we have to do something!" Hannah was saying. She was starting to panic, her eyes darting between the amulet and Jessica's body. "I mean... we need to get her out! Really, now!" Mileena laid a hand on the teenager's shoulder, trying to calm her.
"Well," Jason said, hefting the book into his arms, "there's a way, but you aren't going to like it."
"I can guess," Mileena said as Jason carried the book over so that he could prop it against the wall near Jessica's head.
"I can't guess," Hannah put in.
"Someone anchored to here has to reach in and pull her out," Mileena explained.
"Yes, but it's the pulling part that's the problem," Jason said, settling the book in place. "We're going to need a lot of juice."
Michael raised an eyebrow. "Define 'juice'."
Jason smiled slightly. "Well, power... but considering the location and the amount of power, I think we need blood." Hannah raised her arm, offering it to Jason. "A bit more than that, Hannah."
Mileena shook her head, squeezing Hannah's shoulder. "No, Hannah, not you. I think Jessica had a stone that bled."
Jason shook his head again and his voice came out low. "Life for a life..."
"Me then," Mileena responded immediately.
"Milly, think about Katie!" Hannah said, shocked. "Any more talk like that and I'll handcuff you to... well, something."
"No, I'm not risking you, Mileena, and besides, you have a link to Jessica we can use."
Michael frowned and began rummaging in his satchel again. "I think, perhaps, before we start resorting to blood magic and sacrifices it might be wise to explore some other sources of power." He emerged with a series of glowing gems.
"Right," Mileena was saying, "but if the worst comes to the worst, remember I'm already a demon. I may be able to twist things... though... even then..."
"What if I, like, upload myself?" Hannah burst out. "Y'know, like making a ghost?"
"Hannah, think of what you would be risking," Mileena replied.
Jason smiled at Hannah and Mileena, wondering whether their desire to help a friend would ever allow them to see the obvious answer. "What've you got, Michael?"
Michael tossed the gems to Jason, who examined them carefully. "These are the better part of 6 months work, enspelled crystals, think giant magical batteries."
"It's worth a try," Jason said. He had never been that good at magical sight, unless it was to do with necromancy. To him, they were magical crystals, but that was about it. "You willing to risk them on a failure."
Shrugging, Michael said, "better them than a living person."
Jason nodded and piled the crystals into a small cone shape on Jessica's chest. "Everyone gather around the body. I want you to fill your minds with memories of Jessica. Keep them fixed there, no matter what happens. That's what will draw us to her."
Michael stood up from reaching into his satchel, holding a staff. "Just in case we have any visitors follow her back." He took up a place and Jessica's feet, Mileena stood to Jason's right, Hannah to his left. He looks around the table and nodded.
"Okay, here we go..." His voice rose, becoming firm, confident, commanding. "I call upon the Guardian of the Watchtower of the North to open the aetherial gates. I call upon the Guardians of the Watchtowers of East, West, and South to guard their passes against intrusion. Jessica Stoneberg, harken unto those who those who love you and know you. Edarmortem, thoriagas markem. Come unto us. Now!"
For a long second, there was nothing. Then, in the air above Jessica's prone body, right over the pile of glowing crystals, something appeared. A spark, at first, a tiny, bright wisp which grew until it was, perhaps, six inches across and the landscape beyond it could be seen. Jason reached out a hand toward the crystals, willing them to draw more power. "Concentrate..." he hissed. Hannah focussed herself on the task, filling her head with every image and memory of Jessica she could dredge from her mind. Through the portal, they could make out a bleak, burned landscape, largely obscured by the bulk of a huge, medieval European-style dragon which was chasing... something. Jason got something of a sinking feeling, but this was Jessica Stoneberg, not some novice witch. "Keep... going..." he almost whispered, strain showing on his face. Sure enough, the dragon's prey resolved itself into Jessica. She was running to stay ahead of the dragon, returning its fire breath blasts with her own energy bolts. For a moment, she faltered, turning toward the portal as though hearing her name called. And in that moment, the dragon struck and she was enveloped in flame. It evaporated, leaving nothing behind.
"Don't... stop..." Jason breathed. Michael reached out with his staff to the crystals, his own power flooding along it to bolster the portal. "Arrey em..." Jason intoned in a strained voice, "han nach... morchenem..." The dragon quite suddenly doubled over as if struck and Jessica appeared from under its belly, flying toward the portal. She looked a bit scorched, but otherwise okay. "Little longer... parnem... thoveium... Taking too long... Move it, Stoneberg!" Flickers, and then tendrils, of dark energy began to spiral from Jason's hand into the pile of crystals. Mileena began to push her own power in, even Hannah, crackling with energy, began to stream charge into the crystals, which took it and adapted. Jessica was almost at the portal when the dragon caught her a blow with its tail and knocked her away. The portal collapsed in on itself, leaving nothing more than a tell tale shimmer in the air, and the sounds of the battle, still audible, behind it.
"Damnation!" Jason snapped.
"What happened?" Hannah looked confused and worried. Mileena just froze.
"I'm not sure," Michael replied, bending to examine the crystals. One of them still glowed slightly, keeping the remnant of the portal alive, the others were dull and lifeless.
"Not enough power," Jason said, "but we've got something of a link, we can still hear her..." He pulled a black hilted dagger from the back of his belt.
"Would the energy generators in the Tower be any good..?" Hannah trailed off as Jason handed her the dagger.
"Be very, very quick. After I speak, you cut my throat." Jason fixed Hannah's eyes with her own. She was the logical choice. She had the amulet, she was the closest person to him, but... She held the dagger, trembling.
"You have got to be kidding!" Michael cried. He was right, but...
"Hannah?" Jason asked quietly. "We can still do this and I can't die.
"Hannah, give me the dagger," Mileena said. And Milly would have been a better choice under other circumstances, but...
"Alright, Mom always says sometimes the right choices are the hard ones."
"Good. If I don't wake up, you've done me a favour. As soon as I finish... Vitruvium, liverum nunc! Now!" The blade cut an arc through the air, blood sprayed from severed arteries until Jason clutched at his throat and sank to the floor. The portal burst into life again, a foot across this time and growing more stable as blood pooled on the floor.
"Oh jeez! Oh jeez! Oh jeez!" Hannah was shaking and looked panicked. "Is it working? Please let it work, I mean, it's got to work!"
"Hannah..." Mileena said softly. "That idiot."
"He's been, like, buried under rocks for years and such! He said!" Hannah wailed. "Oh jeez!"
On the other side of the dimensional rift, Jessica spotted the open portal and made a bee line for it, tossing off a final blast at the dragon's head as she went. The dragon, dazed, let out a blast of flame which licked around the edges of the portal as Jessica's spirit flew through it. "Quick! How do we close it?" Mileena asked, moving toward Jason.
Michael stepped forward, around the table. His stave appeared to burn with a silver-white light. "You are barred from this realm creature, by ancient compact thy kind shall not walk here, you shall not pass." The dragon flew toward the portal, even knowing it was too big to pass through, as Mileena tried to bind Jason's neck wound with a strip torn from her coat. The blood stopped oozing and the portal faltered. Almost unnoticed, Jessica's spirit floated down to her body, which drew in a deep breath.
The voice was resonant and it seemed to be heard in your head rather than your ears. "Foolish human, you cannot stand in my way."
Mileena blurted a curse in her own tongue, Hannah had obviously shifted from shock to anger. "Stop this!" she yelled and unleashed a massive surge of electricity through the portal. Causing the creature beyond to rear back for a second before jamming as much of its head into the portal as it could manage.
"So proud, and so very mistaken," Michael said and then began speaking in what sounded like two languages at once. One was Celtic, the other was old, and the words sent shivers of power through your body. Mileena began throwing ice spells at the dragon's head, Hannah continued the electrical onslaught. Jason... lay still, but to someone watching carefully, was slowly rolling onto his back. Michael's staff grew brighter, almost blinding, and then he rammed it into the portal, through the 'spirit' dragon.
The portal was collapsing, it's energy source depleting rapidly. The dragon roared in pain, but continued its efforts to force itself through. Hannah yanked a fire extinguisher from the wall and throw it with all her might at the dragon's head. The purely mundane assault actually shocked the thing enough to make it rear back, so that only the end of its muzzle was sliced cleanly off as the portal snapped shut. The spirit muzzle hung there for a second before beginning to unwind into streamers of faint energy.
Jason suddenly coughed violently. Michael was suddenly beside him. "Easy old friend, you've lost a lot of blood."
Jason opened his eyes. He was pale, very pale, and when he spoke, his voice gurgled. "Did it work?"
Michael grinned. "See for yourself?"
Mileena and Hannah were beside Jessica's body in an instant. Jason sat up, not yet trusting his legs to stand. Jessica was breathing evenly, apparently asleep. "Someone," he stopped as his voice gave a particularly alarming gurgle. "Ouch! Someone give her a poke."
Hannah turned to Jason as Mileena reached out and nudged her friend. "Sorry for... y'know. But thanks."
Jason smiled. "I did tell you..." he stopped as Jessica sat bolt upright, shedding dead crystals and the blanket that had been covering her.
"Wah..?" she said. She looked terrified.
"Welcome back to the land of the living, Jessica," Michael said, grinning. He was leaning rather heavily on his staff, and there was a tiredness about his eyes. The struggle had taken its toll on both mages. The energy remains of the dragon seemed to be fading, but coalescing as they did, drifting vaguely in Michael's direction. He made an absent shooing gesture at them. The energy floated upwards, through the ceiling, leaving an almost audible chuckle as they went. In the back of Michael's mind, an image formed. A woman sat at a writing desk entering something into a journal, perhaps. She turned suddenly, looking up, and he saw her face. Egyptian features, but somehow not quite right, and yellow eyes. She smiled, and the image faded.
Jessica was blinking, looking around, confused. "Wh-where's Ellie?" She managed to focus somewhat. "Milly? Han?"
"It's us, Jess," Mileena said. "We're here for you."
"Ellie's at home," Hannah told her. "You okay? I mean..."
"Glad," Jason stopped to cough. "Glad to have you back, Ms Stoneberg." He pulled himself to his feet by leaning on a table. He looked a little wobbly, but was rapidly regaining his strength.
Jessica swung her legs from the table, too preoccupied, and perhaps not even aware of the men in the room, to worry about modesty. "I can't sense Ellie..." Her voice was vague. Jason could empathise. Being dead could have that effect.
Mileena removed her coat to wrap around Jessica, materialising a white corset on her own body as she did so. "Don't worry, we'll get all that sorted out. She's on the Island, I believe."
"Ellie's okay," Hannah reassured her friend. "Your link kind of split when..." She stopped short of saying 'you died'.
"Listen Jess," Mileena was all practicality now, "let's get you home. You can rest and eat, and we can explain everything."
Michael was slowly dropping his staff and books back into his satchel. "Well, I really ought to go and lie down as that was somewhat draining." He hefted the satchel, staggering a little under the minimal weight.
Jessica frowned. "I hoped..." She shook her head, only then really noticing that the men were there. She looked at them, not knowing what to say.
"Michael and Jason helped a lot," Hannah told Jessica, and then turned to Michael. "Get one of the Vigilants to help you... and get some tea, and... the like..."
Jessica was looking at Jason's chest. He looked down at his blood-soaked shirt. "It's, uh, my blood, Jessica, don't worry about it."
Michael paused at the door and looked back. "Oh, yes... Jessica? In future, do everyone a favour and come to me first before trying something that foolish, all right?" He turned and vanished before waiting for a reply.
Jessica blinked, looking from the door to Jason's shirt. Then her eyes rolled back in her head and she feinted. Mileena grabbed her before she hit the table again. Hannah yelped, "Jess! We should get her to a med scanner."
"Jason too," Mileena added.
BODICIA's voice rolled out of the air around them. "Rooms have been made available as required, for Michael and Jason. Mileena, I have prepared a private room for Jessica in the medical ward."
Mileena thanked the Over-AI as Jason was busy waving the assistance away. "I just need some rest." He pulled Mileena's make-shift bandage from his neck. While covered in blood, it was clear that the wound had now healed completely. He took a step forward and his knees almost buckled. "But not having to leave the building would be nice. Thank you, BODICIA."
BODICIA's voice rang out again. "It is what I am here for. The blood will be cleaned up." Was there just a tiny hint of annoyance in her voice?
"So," Jason mused, "that just leaves one question..."
"Is the curse gone?" Millena asked, lifting Jessica's body.
"I hope so," Hannah replied.
"It bloody well better be!" Mileena snapped.
"Okay, two things... What does a guy have to do to get redeemed around here?"
@ShadowGhost & @Ghostie
The Grav Mistress, Mistress of Gravity
If you have nothing useful to say, you have two choices: Say something useless or stay quiet.
(( As this is getting rather involved, have decided to move all the posts here after discussion with the other players. Please don't just jump in. There will be an OOC thread for discussion. ))
Travel Arrangements Part 1 - Originally Posted by ShadowGhost on 28/09/2008
Jessica wiped her brow with the back of her hand, looking up at the seemingly endless stairs leading up to a speck in the distance she knew was a temple on the mountain side. If she was lucky, at least, it could just be a gateway before a turn or something. It was so temping to just fly or teleport there, but she was told that she had to walk the entire way if she were to have a hope of getting advice, let alone help. She took a swig from the water bottle she had on her belt before taking the next step up the mountain.
Keeping a brisk pace, Jessica ignored the ache in her feet and in her back. It was barely 10am on the mountain and she had already gained several miles of climbing stairs. She let her mind wander as her hands held the backpack tightly in place to keep its bounce to a minimum. Her mind wandered back to her time of the past weeks, researching a particular curse she had a particular interest in. For this curse had been put on her.
This curse was tempering with her emotions, its effect had snuck up on Jessica over the course of months. But when she realised what was happening to her, she had to act. Apathy can be a dangerous emotion, and that has been fed by the curse. Filtered as it was by Jessicas own perceptions of priority, it wasnt noticeable until she stopped to compare her actions and feelings with her own past.
Her research revealed to Jessica that this (or rather similar) curse was used at least twice.
Once on a king to keep him out of a conflict between the instigator and a neighbouring kingdom. The other time in a similar but smaller scale rivalry between two mages, one who was good friends with a more powerful practitioner of the arts.
The king still approved of a military response proposed by his general, not caring enough to stop it. In the mage conflict, however, the more powerful friend surprised most by not stepping in to save his friend.
Who knew how many fell under this subtle curse that didnt get noticed, let alone documented.
Her mind going over various clues that lead her to this mountain path, a flash from up ahead broke her trail of thoughts. Jessica wasnt quite sure what it was, it was small and in the distance. Though she could not be sure, Jessica assumed it was from that speck that was now more a spot. She was making progress, no matter how long the road was, shed get there sooner or later. She was sure of that.
A few miles later, Jessica could barely make out the pyramidical shape of her destination. She needed a rest, though. Making herself as comfortable as possible, Jessica snacked on a sandwich. She wondered if the translation had been accurate, or if her interpretation of no magic, walk the path had been a bit too literal, or maybe not literal enough. No magic resulted in Jessica sitting on the cold stone rather then a comfortable recliner. The combination meant she took it to mean no abilities beyond the normal. She could transform to Kurukt form and jog for hours without breaking a sweat, but no, not even a revitalizing Essence Boost.
After the short break, Jessica got up and hoisted the backpack onto her back. She was grateful to say the least that she kept in shape with jogging and swimming, making the long hike less challenging then itd be if she had allowed herself to slouch. Setting a brisk pace again, she started walking towards her goal. The view around her was spectacular, but Jessica did not notice that. She walked almost as in a trance, her focus turned inwards with only enough senses focused on staying on the path and being mindful of danger.
Jessicas mind wandered as she walked on, going of things, thinking of people, pondering yet again how that conversation from 10 years ago should have gone. Most of all, her loved ones and the memories she made with them passed the screenplay. She couldnt help but sigh out there, all alone in the middle of nowhere, as she thought of her partner Ellie. Ellies a kind and loving person and Jessica loves her dearly, but shes also a trouble magnet. Feeling the dull ache of every step as just something distant, Jessica thought of Ellies current situation, being locked in the Zig for overreacting and accidentally putting a very rude woman through a wall. Knowing the root cause of Ellies problem did little to diminish her disappointment, though she hid it from Ellie as best she could.
She admitted to herself then and there, that this trip was partially to get away from it all. The trip could have been postponed so Jess could be there for Ellie, but she had decided against it. At the time she rationalised it by the agreement she made with Ellie: Jessica would sort out her problem, and Ellie would sort out Ellies problem. It sounded cold as she mentally said it like that, but when each has a problem the other can not help fix, it is logical to each focus on what can be done. And so Jessica trod along, a minor speck on the side of a mountain in the Himalayas, far from having to deal with the issues of having a partner in prison, trusting in Zorielle, her lawyers and the Law that Ellie will spend no longer in jail then was needed.
@FloatingFatMan
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.