Aretha Tesla: Not About Me (Or Written from my Perspective)

A man in a leather coat laughed hysterically in the corner of an empty alley at two o'clock in the morning. I'm not listening to you yes you are shut up
another scream added to twenty others but they never fused together like a chorus instead clamoring individually like the opposite of a vacuum and always exploding and each one different
you're weak shut up that trick won't work on me and you know it you must be getting desperate you know you're weak and weaker all the time and we'll catch up
if you cover the illusions I'll keep whispering and you start screaming and if we push hard enough maybe agreed
The laughing stopped. He didn't know how much time had passed. He didn't care. He had to
Adra she's probably dying you used to be so powerful look at you now please I wish I never wanted to know what happened me I wish you would just keep me in that I don't want to think he's never been so quiet have you noticed of course he's finished and so are the rest of us if we don't Adra she's probably dead no stop that never works it only makes him worse opposite of a vacuum power vacuum power just calm down, pull himself together,  and get back home. But then his mind was splitting with thoughts and screams and white pain and desperation and he lost track of what was his and couldn't think what's a thought? Aretha. But she was small. He shouldn't be hearing her.
I'm not small I will never be small I am so loud now you can't keep me forever no he meant me why are you even here you pathetic whisper
And then he was fighting himself fighting himself fighting himself all over again. It shouldn't be getting this far shouldn't be shouldn't be never has you're losing it hello there desperate desperate I'm mine now go away and then there was panic and he let it build if I'm mine now I can feel plenty of fear can't I and no matter what you have I'm the only one here who can stand this much

The pain grew instantaneously. It grew until there was nothing left in existence than this and screaming was nothing and everything was nothing and worthless. And the only one capable of pushing it willingly that far forward was the only one faintly able to think at the end of it. For a few blissful seconds, everyone else was quieter. Still never quiet. But he allowed himself a grin. He was still winning.

A few more seconds, and he realized that his eyes were closed. He opened them. A few more, and he checked the time. Exactly two o'clock. He checked the seconds. Only forty three had passed. He spent the last forty three seconds opening his eyes and looking at the time so what was left was almost nothing and it was getting worse and he wanted to sigh but. He wouldn't dare let his grin falter. He was still winning.

And then he was back home at 2:01, and he pulled his Adra into him while she slept. She was soft, and beyond beautiful, and he loved her heart and the smell of her hair and her eyes and her mind and her and he lost himself in it. He knew she was there, he could feel her breathing, he heard everything inside her working properly, smoothly, and he left himself just the slightest bit vulnerable to fix her dreams, so he knew also that he would stay here with her, safe from himself for at least a few moments. Still, he would keep himself from falling asleep.

Simone: Beyond Horror

    Antony Neverrest strode into the room exactly on time, to the second, as usual. It never sat well with Simone, that unnatural timeliness. He was too strange for her liking, even for an assassin. But he got jobs done, and that was what mattered. Until someone gave him a good reason to kill her. It wasn't inevitable, but she didn't survive by taking chances. "You're looking blander today than usual, Antony," she confessed, her tone cool. 

    "This one was boring," he replied, a slight smirk playing on his lips. She'd have found him attractive if it weren't for that awful leather coat. Really worn out for her taste, and it covered up far too much. "I can't help it if you give me easy targets." Simone raised an eyebrow, taking mental notes. What did that say about him? She already knew he was skilled, that much was obvious- but most people were happy to take a job that they knew wouldn't kill them. If he was genuinely upset from not being challenged, in this field, and with that caliber of target... 

    She stopped analyzing just long enough to notice him fixing that piercing stare of his on her, and made a conscious effort not to let slip how uncomfortable she felt. She swore she could feel him looking straight into her thoughts, sometimes. Deeper, even, if there exists anything beyond thought. "Well?" She demanded, smoothly ending the moment. "I send you out for heads, not complaints." If he was any of her other assassins, she'd have mentioned money, but it was obvious from day one that he didn't care. Another thing to wonder about.

    His smirk grew as he tossed her one of the uniform canvas bags she required all of her agents to use, and she peered inside to find a face that looked beyond horror. There was no fear in the frozen eyes, and although its mouth was open in what Simone was sure had been a tearing, barely human scream, it didn't look horrified. It looked desperate. Hopeless. Like it knew nothing could be done- no one would hear- but it screamed just because it couldn't stop itself. And what stood out to her the most was that while Antony mainly brought back unrecognizable bits and pieces of head, this one was perfectly preserved in stone. 

    "She wasn't elemental," Simone said aloud, as a question, but when she looked up he was already gone. She cursed, and held down a button on her wall, sending orders out to everyone in the area to search the house, and everything surrounding it, as far and as fast as they could. They wouldn't let anything, or anyone, out. They would catch him, this time. There was little worse in her business than keeping around an assassin who was too good at his job, and liable to turn. Antony Neverrest owned too many mysteries to stay alive for long.

    A tree with a consciousness watched with immense amusement as a well trained and heavily armed team of guards jogged right past it, hilariously blind.

Alexis: Brotherly Love (And sisterly!!!)

Alexis watched from her window as her older brother, Aro, walked to the lake. As always she felt that stab of sympathy. Aro was only around for a few months, but already he was proving loyal. Little Olivia jumped up next to Alexis.

"Lexi?" Olivia sounded serious, unusual for the little six year old. Alexis turned to look at her,

"Yes?"

"Well." Olivia began, "Do you think that Aro feels scared here?" The question hit Alexis hard, what she knew was limited. Aro was a Sense-Warden and powerful. He easily blocked her from reading his emotions. 

"I think he feels safe, just unsure. Liv, he's from a totally different world. He needs time to adjust to life." Alexis used a gentle tone, Olivia would not understand the true horrors their older brother had experienced, not for a long while. Olivia nodded and ran off to the play room. Alexis went back to the window. She had to speak to Aro. She put her coat on and went to the lake. Aro walked slowly. He turned, having probably heard Alexis through her thoughts.

"Yes, Alexis?" He asked in his Dublin accent. Alexis still found it weird that Aro sounded Irish. 

"Hey. I wanted to hang out with you." She said casually. Aro shrugged.

"Ok. I am just walking." He continued to walk as Alexis followed. They walked in silence for a few minutes before Aro finally spoke.

"Alexis, do you know why Mom always has nightmares?" 

"Ah. Yes. Well..." Alexis trailed off unsure where to start. "Okay, she just had bad experiences with true names of Coco's." 

"Names? I do not understand. We are born with one name." Aro looked over at Alexis, confused.

"Look he's stolen names...Aro you ought to get used to weird. This isn't even why you spoke, what is troubling you?" Aro laughed,

"I underestimated your skills, sister. You have caught me. I do have another problem. Though not of my own. Something is troubling you." He left the topic to her. Alexis bit her lip, she knew what was bothering her, but how did he know? Only two people knew her secret, her true name. Aro did not speak, expecting her to.

"My true name. Simple. I know it."

"Ciarda. That is it, no?"

"It is." Alexis sounded scared. Thank god it was sealed.

"Who knows it as well? Niccolò, yes Szoren is his, Mother's is Justaria. Yours is Ciarda. You are all troubled" He noted. Alexis nodded,

"Yes. My name is trying to take control. I need help subduing her. I am scared to ask Niccolò." Alexis blushed. Aro gave her a smile. 

"Oh dear. Dear sister, I have seen the memories of you Niccolò has, the time he watched you. The fact he trained you in knives. He may not be a man who will marry, but he will surely help you. You have known him since a tiny age. Possibly he considers you a friend, I know he does not like to be close to anyone. Ask. He may help, he has experience." 

"Thank you. I guess I should just ask." Alexis laughed. Aro grinned,

"Between you and me, when I controlled Niccolò, I heard a name called Alastair, I told him off a few times. He is an insane man." They both laughed.

"Oh remind me to ask Niccolò to release Alastair, it's our test to see if you're worthy of living." Alexis said seriously. Aro stopped dead, a look of fear evident.

"Do not say that. That man is a being whom does not deserve life. Killer. Monster. I dare not seek him out. I beg of you not to release him." Alexis burst out laughing,

"God no. Niccolò would hit me if I asked. We wouldn't let little old Alice out." The two locked gazes and suddenly a snowball flew in.

"ATTACK!!!!" Olivia screeched, charging in. Aro picked the little one up and a snow fight began. The three of them together in harmony. 

Zafira watched them fight. Pride swelling as her kids fought, sibling rivalry. The best kind. Sisterly and brotherly love.  

Rhydian Blake: The Day Lewis Said Hello

This time last year I wrote a message in this little box...And then I pressed 'Publish Your Comment' and then it was here, in this place forever. What I had said was stuck here and online for the rest of my life. I remember what I said. "HI! I'm new...What is this place?" 
And from that one small little moment, this place became part of my life. It became my life. I came here almost everyday, and never guessed I would've made it this far. And I'd just like to say, thank you!!! Your my first proper friends in a way...You gave me advice when I needed it, you gave me friendship that I needed...You all gave me a life. Thank you. "Hi! I'm new. What is this place?" - Lewis/Rhydian Sky


Today I'll say "Hi again! I'm not so new. This place is home to me :)"

Hmmm.....dunno what to write. I know "Hi! I'm new. What is this place?" Send. OK...Just wait for a response. Cool, people are talking to me. Miss Cain? Cool name. Why are these guys talking to each other like it's a chat room? It's Derek's blog. Only one way to find out...I'll have to talk to them. Awesome names, I shouldn't have used my Given Name lewis, I must seem so ordinary to them 
*talks for a bit* "Got to go now. I'll be back tomorrow!" Send. OK, time for sleep. 
*next day early* "Hi! You probably don't remember me but I came on yesterday. Guess I'm still classed as a newbie" Send. Star Inkbright? She seems very bubbly. Too bubbly. The bubbliest person I've had the pleasure of meeting so far in my short lived life. I should get to know her. Mischief Shadow? I met him yesterday. he's new as well, his first day was mine. At least I know I'm not alone. OK, another day of talking to these pretty epic people.

*March*
I've finally taken a name. Hope they like it...Rhydian.
*April*
I think I'll spend forever here :)
*June*
New school...So nervous. No matter what happens, I'll always be with my Bloglandian friends.
*June* 
Adrasdos Dark? Or Adra then? Cool name...What's going on? Roleplaying? OK, I'll give it my best shot!
*December*
Gotta get my friend Corvo Lavender to meet these people...There way too awesome not to meet!!!


This is my one year Blogversary...And hopefully I'll make it through another few years...I know for definite that I'll know you guys for the rest of my life :)

Yours Sincerely,  Rhydian 

Jekyll/Hyde: Alive

Hyde actually wanted to write this but both of them decided to write in a collab of sorts. Enjoy. -Zaf

Jekyll stood watching the stars. It had been many years since that fateful wedding night. He could remember Emma's voice, "You are free now. You're with me now, where you'll always be." Her sweet soprano voice. Of course he'd remember, his reflection kindly died. Eventually he had told Emma of this, and explained magic. She remained with him until death. He faked his own death for his mortal friends. Hyde on the other hand had killed the only friend he had. Lucy Harris, the only crime was meeting Hyde. I heard that, Jekyll! It was no crime! Hyde's voice rang out in Jekyll's mind. He let it. 

The English Sanctuary was a buzz. Stron had been killed in Ireland. Jekyll listened in shock as the news sunk in. I could of done it more creative! Hyde again spoke. Jekyll went to the Medical Bay, looking in on patients and going back to his work. Grand Mage Kerias had been in contact with him. He had been researching true names. She told him she knew a man who understood the true name. 

Hyde laughed, walking down Fleet Street. He loved London. He loved to kill, and killed he did. He had a raging desire to find a lady, but he quelled it. He had that Adrasdos girl to torment. Maybe he'd use her as Lucy. She seemed the type, in his mind. Movement behind Hyde made him turn, knife drawn.

"What do you want?" He asked the man. Alexander Remit looked at him, eyeing the knife wearily. 

"Master Mevolent wishes for you to go to the dungeons, Hyde. He said that the child Olivia is yours. Niccolò Croatoan has vanished for god knows what. He asked me to take you." Alexander offered. Hyde surveyed the teleporter. To kill him would be easy. He decided the child would be more fun.

"As you wish." Hyde replied. Alexander took him to the Anchor and they appeared near the dungeons. He stalked down to the cell holding Olivia. The child lay in a ball, bloody and weak. Her once beautiful face was dirty and bloody. Her hair had her own blood in it. She was barely able to look up. 

"Meanie." She coughed, she even sounded weak.

"I the 'meanie'? I believe myself worse, child. I find myself, violent. If only you were older. I could do oh so much more. Though this shall do." Hyde sat beside the child, holding her close. He did this before to Lucy. This time he would keep her alive. 

"Sympathy, tenderness warm as the summer, offer me their embrace. Friendliness, gentleness, strangers to my life, they are there, in this face. Goodness and sweetness and kindness are found in this face!" He cut the child up, laughing at the end kicking her. He began to cut her arm open. He did this slowly and carefully until her bone showed. He cut various parts of her, each cut adding a new scream. So young and just so hopeful. It was music to his ears. Finally, all too soon, he ended. He got up and left. He got to the Anchor going over to Blogland. The pain overwhelmed him.

Jekyll woke up in Blogland. The dynamite forest, Zafira....Olivia... Jekyll shook his head. He could hear voices, one smooth as chocolate. Jekyll did not like Niccolò, he had attempted to kill him. Jekyll went to his tiny lab. Once inside, he sat down. "I hurt a child." He whispered. I hurt her and I would have done worse, were she not so young. "Enough Hyde! I said to you not to do-" You are me. You and I hurt her, you do not control me! You and I, we are alike. We are one. "No. Stop!!! I can't stand you, damn you Hyde!" Damn you Hyde set me free! Oh be quiet! Let me out I have the guts to handle this! "No-" Hyde took control. Jekyll was back to watching. Hyde grinned. 

"Animals trapped behind bars in the zoo, need run rampant and free! Predators live on the  prey the pursue, this time the predator's me!" He sang and his teleporter teleported him to London. He had a night ahead of him. Of being the predator. 

Well we hope you liked this, well you have no choice, dear reader. -Hyde

My apologizes for Hyde. You are allowed your own opinion of this piece. -Jekyll

Rhydian Blake: Insanity & Blake

(This is what it was like for Rhydian being trapped inside his own head and causing him to go temporarily insane. And this us also saying bye to Blake coz he ain't real. Enjoy!)

Darkness. That's all it was here... Darkness...

Dark here. Dark there. Dark everywhere. Rhydian wad lost within this darkness, wandering around looking for something. But nothing was here. Just the darkness. He then heard echoes and cries and voices. He was scared to follow them, but he had to. Following the cries for help and voices of evil, Rhydian found himself at his old school. He knew what this was. A bad memory. A nightmare. His own personal Hell.

These memories, they were tormenting. He couldn't stand living through this the first time. He couldn't bear it a second...he was going to break.

Rhydian turned and ran but failed. His legs stopped and he fell. In dreams you have no control over what happens. That made the situation worse. Being forced to watch himself get bullied. No. Rhydian couldn't bear it. His own personal Hell. He awoke in his room. Tithe had trapped Rhydian inside his own mind. His memories. Rhydian was traumatised.

(So that's how Rhydian kinda lost the plot...)

Blake was doing homework. Rhydian looked over at him and then Rhydian was being slammed against the wall and Blake was thrown through the door. Tithe.

"Hello Rhydian. Something you need to know" saud Tithe

"Leave! NOW!"

"How polite of you...Y'know your brother Blake? Yeah, he's not real" Those words were truthful and cold.

"No. No. He's my brother!" Rhydian shouted

"Yes he is...Just a fictional one"

Rhydian ran out to Blake.

"Now you know the truth, he shall fade. Blake was only sustained by your belief."

Blake looked at Rhydian "I'm not real? I'm.....not real..."

"Blake stay with me!" Rhydian begged

"Goodbye Rhydian" Blake faded away. Rhydian cried and ran out of the house and ran and ran and didn't stop...he tripped in the snow and then his whole body was cold. But he didn't care...Rhydian wanted Blake back.

Aretha Tesla: Unbiased Advice

"What is troubling you?" Niccolò asked smoothly as I descended the ladder. He hadn't even looked up from his painting. And we still didn't have a mental link established, so he couldn't have been reading my mind, either.

"Is it that obvious?" I asked, my voice tired and laced with sarcasm.

"Of course," he replied, "We do know each other quite well, do we not?"

I smiled warily. "I guess we do." I walked across the room to sit on the corner of his desk, leaning my back against the wall and closing my eyes. I wanted just one moment to make my mind blank. "I've been thinking for a while, and I need some unbiased advice." He continued his painting as though I wasn't there, but I knew he was listening carefully. "I worked as an assassin before, and I hated it. But I only hated it until I started trying to bring people in alive, and I ended up doing that most of the time. So I wasn't really an assassin anymore, but you get the idea. And... In a way, I did like that kind of work. On the ground, helping people directly. And you know how much I hate politics, and I was hesitant to become an Elder in the first place..." I paused, taking a deep breath. "I just don't know if I can do it. I mean, I think I'm good enough at it- I'm pretty well read in strategy and I think- at least I hope- that I've made a lot of good decisions, and I'm careful to follow all the rules. I do all the necessary paperwork, and write in the journals, and issue orders and hold meetings and organize everything, and I never fight on the front lines. And it's killing me. I can't just sit around in an office sipping tea and reading reports while I send other people to their deaths! I just can't! And as much as I love Zaf, I can't do what she did the first time Mevolent returned, either. I can't lead the battles, or even be part of them- because she was right when she said she couldn't lose me back in the dungeons earlier today. Somebody has to be here to issue the orders, and that person has to stay safe, and I can't live with myself knowing other people have died to protect me, and all I did for them in return was add their name to the list and send for an obituary." I hadn't meant to speak for so long, but once I'd started I couldn't stop, and by the end my breaths became strained and hot tears fell from my eyes. "I just... Can't do it anymore." I took a few deep breaths to calm myself, and continued. "And I know I took the job- I feel like an idiot now for taking it, but I did- so I can't just say no in the middle of a war, can I? I mean, she only asked me because she didn't have any other candidates lined up... At least, that was my impression."

Niccolò made one long, final stroke of his brush, then set it aside and raised his dark eyes to meet mine. He looked so old, sometimes, so tired. I could never really forget who he was, or what he thought he was supposed to be. "What would you like me to tell you?" It was an earnest question. Of course, in the end, I needed to make my own decision. But I needed and what I wanted were two separate things. He  brushed away the few tears still drying on my cheeks.

"I want you to tell me that I don't need to be an Elder anymore- that I shouldn't be one. I want you to tell me that someone else will take the position- someone who's wise, and calm, and not heartless, but not so emotional that some piece of them breaks every time they turn a person into a statistic, and that I don't have to do it anymore. I want you to tell me that it's ok if I just quit, and go back to being a foot soldier." I spoke firmly, as though I was angry at the very nature of the job. Really, I think, I was just angry at war.

He thought for a few moments before answering. "For your sake," he spoke slowly, meticulously, so his dark chocolate voice sounded like it was melting, "You should not be an Elder. For the sake of others... Perhaps you should be. Ask Zafira if she knows anyone else willing and able to take the job. If she does, you may leave. But if not... War takes its toll on everyone, Aretha. You know exactly how much I loathe to see you scarred, but there storms that simply cannot be subdued, storms that even I cannot shelter you from. You have to outlast them. I know that you have the strength." He took my hands in both of his and kissed one of them, ever so lightly, while he dropped the hilt of a black knife into the other. Then, with a last knowing glance and a swirl of his coat, he evaporated from the room like a cloud of smoke. I took a deep breath, tucked the knife away in its rightful home in my pocket, and headed out into the late night. I would finish revising the recon schedule or fall asleep trying.