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| >> Campfire Creative >> Fiction >> Death >> ID #1304187 |   |
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| [Introduction] Next part... |
 Stormy is Editing  (Continued from "Invalid Item" )Sana returned in a moment, the teacup steaming in her hands. "Have a drink, it'll help with the headache you might have." M Charlie took it and drank it. "Thank you Sana." Stormy is Editing Sana nodded and gave him a small smile. "You're welcome. Now, I'm going to go get the rest of our belongings from the car. Stay here, finish the tea and relax. Feel free to get ready for bed, I'm sure you're really ready for that." M "I am," Charlie nodded, "I will." He smiled at her as he finished the tea, "and I'm skipping the shower for tonight." Stormy is Editing Sana nodded, "I'll let you have it first in the morning then." With that she disappeared out the door and closed it quickly behind herself.*She's in a good mood. I'm quite pleased with your progress too.* Janus crawled up Charlie's body and licked his cheek. *Tired?* M *Exhausted, I'll be lucky if I have the energy to change.* With that he set the tea cup aside and attempted standing. Stormy is Editing The room swam around him and he found his legs didn't want to work. *Perhaps you should let Sana do that? Or you should just go to sleep?* Janus's voice was worried. M Charlie dropped back onto the bed, *I just wanted my pajamas and then maybe under the covers,* he explained, closing his eyes and falling asleep. Stormy is Editing He felt Janus curling up by his head just before he was asleep.In the morning, Sana shook him gently. "Charlie? It's time to wake up Charlie, it's nearly nine." M Charlie opened his eyes, "Einstein?" he asked groggily. Stormy is Editing "He woke me up, but you slept through it all. Even the trumpets." Sana grinned. "I think I overworked you." M Charlie grinned sleepily, "It was worth it. Thanks for trying Einstein." Stormy is Editing "I'm so sorry Charlie, I tried fan fair, and loud rap, and.. and..""Calm down Einstein, he said it was alright. And honestly," Sana grinned, "It was my fault, not yours." Janus yawned and licked at Charlie's face. *Good morning sleepy.* "Don't forget about your shield Charlie," Einstein said quickly. M "It really is okay Einstein, your success rate at waking me is higher than anyones, and thanks for the reminder." He gave his new shield a quick once over making sure everything was in place. Stormy is Editing Parts of it had become scattered over the course of the night, but it wasn't too difficult to collect the pieces."I'm glad to still be of service to you," Einstein said somewhat sadly. M Once his shield was right he sat up and went over to Einstein, lifting him out of his case and opening. "Come on now, you still have a 99.999 to infinite success rate. That means you have a better chance of waking me than a ball does of coming back down after being thrown into the air. That's pretty good if you ask me." Stormy is Editing Sensana burst out into laughter at that, and patted Einstein lightly. "You can't beat that, can you Einstein?""No," Einstein said, and Charlie had the feeling that if he could blush, he would be doing so at that moment. "No, you can't really." M "Good, I'm glad we can agree on this one." Charlie patted Einstein appreciatively, "I depend on you way too much to have you depressed." He closed him again and looked at Sana. "My turn to shower?" Stormy is Editing Sana nodded. "I went ahead and took one as Einstein tried to wake you, I had a feeling you wouldn't mind." M Charlie nodded, "Especially as I was completely unaware of it." He stretched and gathered a change of clothes then went to the bathroom, showered and changed. Stormy is Editing Sana was sitting on her bed, delicately painting her nails when Charlie came out. She glanced up and then back down, finishing her pinky nail and closing the bottle of polish. "So, how are you feeling?" she asked nonchalantly. M Charlie shrugged, "Still a bit worn down, but over all not bad. Why?" Stormy is Editing Sana nodded her head. "I needed to know if you were going to have a lapse into slumber part way through the day or not. I don't think you will, which makes me happy." She blew on her nails for a moment then shook her hands out. "So, breakfast, then we can go see Lisa." M Charlie nodded, "Breakfast sounds like Nirvana." Stormy is Editing *Lisa was out in the gardens again, and she looked incredibly sad. She tried to smile when she saw them, but Charlie and Sana both could tell she had been crying. "Hey guys," she said, attempting happiness, but failing miserably. "What's wrong?" Sana asked, taking a seat near her and reaching out her hand. Lisa shook her head. "Nothing," she said, then burst out into tears. M "Oh Lisa really," Charlie shifted so he was level with her, concern obvious on his face. "What is it? I won't let Sana write a word of it in her report, I promise." Stormy is Editing Lisa shook her head, "Honestly, it wouldn't matter. I wish I'd died before this happened!" She sounded perfectly distraught. Sana wrapped her arms around Lisa and patted her gently."What is it Lisa, what is it?" "He... he's... he's broken up with me finally!" Lisa wailed and she cried out in frustration and anger and sadness once more. M Charlie looked up at Sana quickly. *Well that does it. She's no longer here of her own free will. There's no way.*"Lisa, I'm so sorry," he said simply, and he was. Stormy is Editing Sana nodded once and held her closer. "Lisa," she said quietly, her face etched in pain. "I somewhat understand."*Her energy is fading, but not going out. She's here without her desiring it anymore, if she was here because of her will before.* M Charlie watched the two of them and waited. He'd felt this might be coming but Lisa had seemed so confident in her relationship. How cruel it seemed for him to take away the one illusion that kept her going."Lisa, I..." he shook his head. "Sana, let me have a piece of paper and a pen." Stormy is Editing Sana nodded and reached into her pocket, pulling out her pen and notebook she took notes of their conversations on. Then she returned her arms around Lisa, who was still crying."I... I... there's nothing I can do! I wish I would just die!" she wailed. M Charlie moved away, leaving Sana to console her. He began writing.Lisa, When you die, you can find me at the Detective Agency. I know this makes no sense, just trust me. When you die, if you decide to stick around, contact me. On my first vacation we'll go to the beach. It won't be a date but I promise you'll have fun because I know you and I can be great friends. Don't let the sorrow of this life win out because there is more to death than you might think. I Promise, Charlie He folded it. *Will you help me? It's a foolish thing, what I'm doing.* Stormy is Editing Janus shook his head. *It's not foolish, it's a girls wish you want to fulfill. You two really can be good friends, and it would make her feel better I'm sure. Where do you want me to put it? I'll help you in any way I can.* M *Either on her somewhere she'll find it or upstairs in a frequently used possession which the staff doesn't touch.* Stormy is Editing Janus nodded. *Got it, I'll make sure it gets put somewhere good.* He opened his mouth to accept the note, then dashed down Charlie's body and off into the hospital. M Charlie returned and sat by the girls in silence, waiting out the seemingly endless tears. Finally he observed softly, "I know it's of little comfort, but I've found that when things are at there very worst they can only go up from there." Stormy is Editing Lisa gave a shaky laugh. "Yeah, that is true. Its just... he's been with me for years, you know? And he's been so patient, and I've been getting better, and I know it's hard to have a girlfriend you can't be with all the time, but... we've been planning our future and everything, I can't understand why he's let me go now." Sana nodded and backed away from Lisa a bit."Who knows what men think," she said, shrugging, "I certainly don't understand them. Perhaps he finally got seriously scared. Perhaps he didn't realize he was scared until recently, and he couldn't handle it. Men are very fragile emotionally." M "Is that how we are?" Charlie asked a bit of laughter in his tone. "Sana is having trouble with her own love, so she understands, although they've called a truce to their great years long breakup fight." Stormy is Editing Sana blushed, "Well... yes, a truce for the moment. We're on speaking terms again." Lisa looked up in surprise."You... you were years in a break up? How could you stand it?" She asked it as though she was searching for some kind of hope. "Not very well, I'm afraid." Sana sighed. "We fought over a change in him, something I cannot understand, and it was terrible. We had to separate, but we work in the same business, so it was like we were constantly seeing each other, but not being together. Then when things happened to me, things he used to protect me from, I would get all angry with him again, because he wasn't there. I know he didn't get together with anyone else while I was gone, but... that almost made things worse. Charlie here," she motioned to Charlie with a smile, "Has helped us partly mend our relationship. We're no where near as close as we had been, but we're talking again, and that's a vast improvement for me." Lisa thought about that for quite a while. M "They're probably meant for each other, although Jared knows just how to irritate the living daylights out of me," Charlie said. "Still, when Sana told me she was still in love with him after two years of fighting I knew that there was something there, something more than I can see as an outsider looking in." Stormy is Editing Sana blushed a great deal at that and looked at Lisa."I want to hate him," Lisa said softly, "I mean," she looked down at her hands, "Really, really hate him. But I can't, I just feel regret, sorrow and a lot of pain." "You can't hate him, not really," Sana said, lightly touching Lisa's hand. "I hated Jared, but only when I was angry. It wasn't really hatred, it was confusion, and disappointment. I love Jared, and I know he loves me too, and that's what's hard. I don't want you to feel that it'll be the same with you and your love, but it's possible that you feel the same way I did." Lisa sighed and tears fell, but she didn't shake or sob. M Charlie nodded, but said nothing. He had never had a relationship. Much as he wanted to help he'd gone as far as he could for the moment. Stormy is Editing It was several moments before she calmed down a bit, and then she said, "So, do you have anything in particular you want to talk about today?" It was a somewhat falsely cheery voice, considering how she'd been crying, but Sana shook her head."I think we've got enough information today, perhaps we should just talk, without any pressures. How does that sound?" M Charlie nodded agreement, knowing that at this point all they could do is try to cheer Lisa up. Stormy is Editing Lisa gave a small grin, "I think that'd be great, thanks." She looked out towards the flowers. "I always come out here to feel better, and now, here I am crying by them. Do you think flowers feel pain?" Sana nodded."Yes, all living creatures feel pain. Most dead creatures feel pain as well, just a different sort." Sana blushed, and shook her head, "Well, that's what I think anyway." Lisa looked at her curiously. "I suppose you have a point. Do you believe in Heaven?" Sana nodded. "Yes, I know it exists." Lisa smiled. "I do too. When I almost died, I could see this man, and he was trying to hand me something. Then he said I could got to Heaven. I think I'd like to do that. Is it permanent, do you think?" Sana shook her head. "No, I don't think it's permanent, I think if you wanted to leave Heaven, you could, I think it's more of a decision than a destination." Lisa beamed at Sana. "You're being too nice to me." M "No, she's just being honest," Charlie said, "that's all." He smiled, then shut his mouth. Stormy is Editing Sana smiled at Charlie and then returned her gaze to Lisa."There's something there you're not telling me," Lisa said, her eyes peaked with curiosity. "There are many things we're not telling you, but don't let that bother you," Sana said, grinning. Lisa grinned back. "Well, that's allowed I think." Lisa went off onto a new subject, and several minutes passed in relative peaceful conversation. Then Lisa sighed and looked around. "I should be getting back to my room now. Thank you both, I feel a lot better." M "Take care Lisa," Charlie smiled, "and don't forget to call us if you need anything at all."*Janus? She's about to head up.* Stormy is Editing *I'm out, I just wanted to wait until you weren't around each other.* Lisa headed up with a nod at Charlie."I will I haven't lost your number, thank you." Once she was out of sight, Janus lept up onto Charlie and crawled onto his shoulder. *I got it in a good place.* M *Thank you Janus. Thank you very much.* Charlie stood and looked at Sana."Have we set things up around her room yet?" Stormy is Editing Sana nodded, "I did that this morning. So, do you think we should cut the line tonight?" She looked somewhat worried about it. "It might be a good time to do so." M "She's ready, I considered asking you the same. I think the real question is how important is it to find out who's using her?" Stormy is Editing "That is a good question. The thing is, it's our job to take her out, not to figure out who's using her. I've sent a message to the chief, and he knows, but we need to finish this job. She is ready," Sana said, somewhat sadly. "It's very sad for me to think like this, because I want her to live now." She laughed a bit, although it rang cold in Charlie's ears. M Charlie shrugged, "I thought it could help with our other case to know, but if you think so lets get it over with. How exactly do we... do this? Should we discuss it in the car?" Stormy is Editing Sana nodded. "It might help with our other case, but I think it's better to not delay things, I know we've got many cases yet to complete." When they reached the car, she put her chair back and sighed."This is a mess and yet..." *It's not so hard as all that to do,* Janus said, *It just requires you to cut the line that attaches a person's soul to their body.* M *How do we cut it?* Stormy is Editing "Well," Sana said, "The thing about cutting a person's soul from they're body is, it has to be a clean cut or you'll injure her soul."*You take a blade of energy and cut the line with it. But first you have to get her out of her body. I think that won't be too hard.* M "Do you have trouble making a clean cut?"*Why is Sana so reluctant?* Stormy is Editing "I botched up my first soul separation," Sana admitted. "I don't like to do it now, but I do, and I don't hurt them anymore, but the first time..." she trailed off.*I think it reminds her of Jared,* Janus said, curling up on Charlie's shoulder. M Charlie nodded, "I would offer to do it, but I think I should have more practice with my magic first. It sounds fairly straight forward, and I think you'll be fine. Are you worried about something else?" Stormy is Editing Sana shook her head, setting the seat up right and turning on the car. "No, it's just a sadness that I feel. I think we should wait until dark, slip out of our bodies, we have to be out of our bodies to do this, then head to the hospital. We should be able to take care of this fairly quickly."*I'll be going with you as a ghost as well,* Janus said, pleasure in his voice. M Charlie nodded, "Sana, her life will be better in death at this point. She might find happiness if she lives, but the world is meant to be turning without her on it right now. She's way out of her proper place and time, you know?" Stormy is Editing Sana nodded, "I know, and I do know Charlie," she turned her eyes on him and he could see the sincerity in them. "I just can't help but feel badly. I'm too much of a softy that way." M "I understand, but I wonder if we shouldn't just do this for the old woman as well." Stormy is Editing Sana nodded. "Perhaps. I'm wondering if that would be the best way." She looked thoughtful. "They have a branch of detectives that just go and do soul separations, you know?" M "And we aren't them, but under these circumstances we may need to just... forgo our instincts and morals in order to right what is terribly wrong. If there are evil individuals gathering magic from many of those lingering on and we don't act swiftly, they will only gather more. If there's no time to figure out who's doing it than the best thing to do is get rid of the source. There are many reasons to keep someone alive I think, information, money, other resources. You know?" Stormy is Editing Sana nodded and headed them to a diner. "Yes, I do know. I think we've got to be cold for a little while. Our job isn't to just kill people, but you're correct in stating that that might be what we have to do. I don't like the concept but the necessity for it is overwhelming." M "Will we be doing the wrong thing if we follow our instincts on this? I mean will we upset the chief?" Stormy is Editing Sana shook her head, "No, ultimately it is our goal to bring these to the land of the dead. However we need to accomplish this is fine, so long as we don't cause any undo stress on the people involved." She stopped at the diner and got out, "I hope you're hungry." M Charlie shrugged, "It is lunch time." Stormy is Editing Lunch came and went fairly quickly, then Sana was taking them back to the new hotel room. "I think you need to practice getting in and out of your body now." M "Show me the way," Charlie said, "and then maybe a nap since we intend to be up tonight?" Stormy is Editing Sana nodded, "Yes, indeed." She took them to the hotel and inside. "Let's see, nap first? No, I think we should practice first. Okay, the best way to do this is to lie down and close your eyes." She did what she said as she was saying it. M Charlie followed suit, lying down on his bed and closing his eyes, then yawning. Stormy is Editing Sana laughed, and Janus chuckled. "Next," Sana said, "you want to imagine that you're floating up out of your body. Some people do this in different ways, a cloud pushing them out, or any number of things. I imagine I'm sleeping and going for a walk alone. That works for me." M Charlie realized that the key was to remember his body was separate from him. Since he automatically acquired it whenever they left the agency it was a difficult concept. He knew it intellectually, but not in his heart. He wrestled with it for a while, finally when he felt he'd gotten somewhere he tried imagining he was climbing out of his body. Stormy is Editing It was like he was shedding his skin and becoming something fresh, clean, and new. He could feel the change, like his skin was incredibly sensitive.*Good job, now take your shield with you.* M He called his shield to follow his soul's skin. Stormy is Editing It didn't like to do that, but after a moment, it slipped around him and he felt less exposed. When he opened his eyes and looked around, he saw that he was standing on the ground to the side of the bed, looking down at his body."Very good," Sana said from behind him. "I'm proud you did that in the first go, and that you wrestled your shield back to you as well." She clapped. "That took a lot more energy than you think it did, so we should get back inside, and take that nap. When we get up, we'll eat, then get out of our bodies. Perhaps it should be a pizza or wings night again." M "Pizza sounds really good, mushrooms, green pepper and onions," Charlie replied, "and whatever you want," he added quickly. He hadn't had meat since the meatloaf incident. He wasn't sure why, it just didn't sound good to him. He slipped back into his body. Stormy is Editing It was a strange feeling, meshing his soul with his body once again. It was odd, somewhat uncomfortable, and finally, once he was seated completely, he felt the click of two things joining completely."Good! And that pizza sounds really good, so I'm going to order it," Sana said as she bustled off into the other room. M Charlie sat up slowly. *Practice will make perfect?* Stormy is Editing Janus nodded, *Yes indeed. You're doing really well considering you've never done this before. I think you've got a lot of potential. No,* Janus shook his head, *I know you've got a lot of potential.* M Charlie smiled warmly at him, "As do you." Stormy is Editing Janus would have blushed if he wasn't covered in fur. *I... thank you Charlie.* He said it with pleasure.Sana returned to the room, and sat down on her bed. "It's strange how easy it is to do even after all this time." M Charlie tipped his head questioningly, "ordering pizza?" Stormy is Editing Sana laughed, "Yes, ordering pizza of course." She stretched out on her bed. "I had such a hard time getting out of my body the first time I did it. It took me three days to actually accomplish, I kept getting something stuck." M "Three days? That makes me feel sort of badly for doing it on the first try. I guess I'm just good at that part." Stormy is Editing Sana shook her head, "Don't feel bad, I think you've got a really good handle on magic is all. You're a natural." She laughed, "I'll never forget the time my legs got stuck and I couldn't seem to get out of them, and kept flopping on the ground, trying to get my feet out." M "Fish out of water?" Charlie grinned, "Sorry, the images you just gave me. I hope you don't mind me finding that amusing." Stormy is Editing Sana shook her head, "I laughed, didn't I?" She giggled again, "It doubled Loki over for... months I think, and then when I told Jared, he had fits as well." She got serious for a moment, "Then Loki forgot about it..." she shrugged. M "Loki forgot? Why would he forget something like that?" Loki seemed the type who would enjoy and treasure a memory like that. Stormy is Editing Sana looked at Charlie sharply. "Oh," she said, and shook her head, "I forgot you didn't know about that. Loki..." she paused then shook her head, "Loki has some memory issues. He... it's because of Kaine I think, but it's like a certain amount of his memories get... taken away sometimes. I don't completely understand it." M Charlie looked at her, confused, "His stalker steals his memories?" Stormy is Editing She shook her head, "Not exactly, I think he free's Loki's memories, to be precise. That causes some kind of change in him, and then... Loki goes out of control. Honestly, I don't understand it completely." M "So... the agency steals Loki's memories?" Stormy is Editing Sana nodded hesitantly, "I... I think so. I'm not really sure I understand it all so please don't ask me too much about it." M Charlie shrugged, "Okay, don't worry about it Sana, it's just my curiosity. It's not important." Stormy is Editing Sana shook her head, "It's not that I mind your curiosity, it's that it was... really hard for me to deal with at the time, and I don't really understand the whole thing." That was when there was a knock on the door, and Sana got up to pay for the pizza. She returned with it and placed it on Charlie's bed. "Smells delicious." M Charlie had to agree. Once they'd eaten they napped, and when Einstein attempted to wake Charlie he succeeded on the first try. "Ready to go Sana?" Stormy is Editing Sana nodded, and exited her body. "Yes, let's get this over with quickly. I don't want this to take a long time, or I'll be thinking about it for years." She moved to the door. "Oh, and... try to remember that if you expect it to be solid, it will be." M Charlie nodded and crawled out of his body, careful to retrieve his shield. "I'll try." He followed Sana to the hospital. Stormy is Editing The walk was quick and rather uneventful, except for Charlie's first attempt to get out of the door. It was easier to remember that the door was not solid to him when they got to the hospital, as those front doors were made of glass. M *Part of me feels like we should have done this sooner.* Stormy is Editing *I agree, and understand why we didn't. This could have been disastrous if we'd done it too early.* M *It would have been nice to spare her the break up though.* Charlie followed Sana to Lisa's room. Stormy is Editing Once there, Charlie and Sana both recognized the black shadow hovering near Lisa's door. Sana put her finger to her lips and got close to Charlie. "I don't understand why he hasn't shown up on my radar," she whispered. M Charlie shrugged, "What now?" Stormy is Editing "I think one of us should follow him. Do you want to do the honors?" She was still whispering. M "I did last time and he escaped. I don't mind, but..." he shrugged. Stormy is Editing "Well, the other option is to have you sever her line and I chase after him." M Charlie closed his eyes and shook his head, "I sort of wanted to be there when... but I don't know how to do it." *If I agreed to sever it do you think I could make a clean enough cut? That wind energy is pretty sharp.* Stormy is Editing "Perhaps we should go together after the shadow?" Sana pursed her lips. "I don't think you should try to sever it alone actually, and we can always return here."*The wind energy is what you'd want to use. It'd be a good visualization.* M "Let's give chase together than. Sorry to slow us down." Stormy is Editing Sana shook her head, "You aren't slowing us down. Shall you take one end of the hall, and I'll take the other one?" M He nodded and headed for the further end. Stormy is Editing Sana rounded and then looked up at Charlie. *Now,* Janus said, as his spirit perched on Charlie's shoulder, *She says she's going to run at him.* With that, Sana started moving, almost touching the shadow before it recognized there was someone there and then it started running, straight at Charlie. M Charlie ran for it, thinking that it was solid as he stopped a few feet from it and attempted to trip it. Stormy is Editing A very solid foot caught on his foot, and the shadow splayed across the floor, a hood falling off of the top of the head, showing a mane of blond hair. Startled green eyes looked up at Charlie and the girl gathered herself and tried to stand up. That was when Sana flew out from behind her and fell on top of her. The girl struggled to get away, but Sana kept her firmly attached to the ground."Who are you?" Sana asked but the girl struggled more fiercely. M Charlie moved to her feet and pinned them so she couldn't kick Sana anymore. Stormy is Editing "Who are you?" Sana asked, and the girl said something, but it was in a language that Charlie didn't recognize. Sana held the girl more firmly, and the girl turned her head to bite at Sana. Sana took her fist and held it up, and the girl went still. She said something in the same language the girl had used, and the girl shook her head, closing her eyes and struggling, however not as desperately as she had before."She's not talking, I think we need to tie her up and send her to the Chief." Sana held out one hand and flames rose around the girl, binding into her so she couldn't move. M Charlie had no idea how any of this was going to work. "What language...?" Actually, it wasn't that important all things considered. "What do you need me to do?" Stormy is Editing "Gaelic," Sana said, "I know it by chance. We need to put her somewhere safe. Perhaps to our room until we can send someone after her. Would you like to wait by Lisa's side until I return?" M "Yes, I will." Charlie stood and went back to Lisa's room believing the door to not be solid he walked through easily. Stormy is Editing "Charlie?" Lisa said from the bed. "Really then," she said, turning her head to look at him. "I didn't think it'd be you." M His brow creased, "What do you mean?"*She must be near death to see me correct? Or is it something else?* Stormy is Editing *No, she's near death, that's why she see's you.* Janus's tail twitched nervously."Well, I knew that someone would be coming for me tonight, at least, I guessed. I'm past my time, aren't I? But you aren't the man I saw before." Her voice was soft, fading somewhat, but still very much alive. M "St. Peter, you'll see him again. He comes whenever someone dies. When you slipped from him, I'm sure that was your proper time. Sana and I were here to help you with any unfinished business that might have kept you here, but I don't think that's what's kept you."*What's bothering you Janus?* "Did you get my note?" Stormy is Editing "So, I should have died, but I didn't. Am I going to die now?"*I didn't expect her to be able to see you. I'm just... uncertain, that's all.* M Charlie nodded, "Unless something goes terribly wrong." She hadn't answered his question about the note. "It's not as bad as one would expect to die. Do you believe me? Stormy is Editing Lisa smiled and nodded. "Did you two both mean it when you talked about Heaven? Is it really a place I can go and yet not have to stay?" M "Yes, I'm in the only place that isn't like that in the afterlife. Well, other than rebirth. That too is permanent for a lifetime. Will you contact me sometime?" Stormy is Editing Lisa nodded, "I want to go to the beaches of Greece," she said impishly. "Can we go there on our not date?" M Charlie grinned, "Yes, we definitely can. We'll just need to get directions."*This is really odd, what's keeping her here at this point? I'm surprised we have to cut something.* Stormy is Editing "Good," she sighed, and then the machines started beeping, and she closed her eyes. It wasn't long after that, that she was standing next to him. "Hey, I'm standing!" she exclaimed."You're dead," said the serious voice of St. Peter. She turned and looked at him. "Yeah? This means I can run then, right?" she sounded so hopeful. St. Peter nodded his head. "Once I've explained a few things." She grinned. "In a moment." She turned to Charlie. "Do you have a way for me to contact you now that I'm dead?" M "I..." he smiled at St. Peter, "well, St. Peter should be able to tell you, or I can give you my email address." Stormy is Editing "Email address," she said, grinning, "Does this mean that the internet still works and all of that?""Yes, it does," St. Peter said dryly. M "He's in a hurry, let him do his speech. You're lucky to get individualized attention right away. I was on a school bus." He fell silent. Stormy is Editing "Oh, sorry," she said, turning her attention back to St. Peter, "Please go ahead.""You have options, now that you are dead. You may go to heaven, you may go to hell, you may stay on earth and you may be reborn. If you need to summon me, you may use the button in the middle. I will answer any questions you may have." He held out the watch, which looked significantly different from Charlie's. Lisa took it and nodded once. "Thank you," she said, and gave St. Peter a smile. "I'm sorry I didn't come before." He shook his head. "It is taken care of now, so that is fine. Do you have any questions?" She shook her head. "Not now, maybe later, thank you." St. Peter nodded, and then disappeared. She turned to Charlie again. "Email?" M "It's raised_by_w0lves@yahoo.com," he spelled it out for her. "Will you remember it?" Stormy is Editing She grinned, "What a name. Yes, I'll remember it. Thank you." She wrapped her arms around him in a quick hug and let go. "I'm going to go run now, just like I said I would." M Charlie nodded, "Have fun Lisa. I'm glad you're finally free." Stormy is Editing She blushed, "I feel free," she said, then laughed and dashed out of the room. It was only a moment longer and Sana was returning to the room."That went better than expected," Sana said, smiling softly. M Charlie nodded, "I don't really understand how it worked, but I'd label this one a success. How did things go with shadow girl?" Stormy is Editing "She's tied up for the moment, and I've notified the Chief, someone's coming to pick her up this evening. How do you feel?" M "I... feel like good things have happened tonight. Should we look in on that old woman while we're out?" Stormy is Editing Sana nodded, "I think that would be a good idea. Shall we?" She motioned towards the door with a smile. M Charlie nodded and headed out with her. If nothing else they could get a good look at the inside of the womans house and that might teach them one or two things. Stormy is Editing Sana led them to the old woman's house and then stopped outside of it. "She's got a shield up now," she said in annoyance. "When did she do that?" The whole house looked like it was covered in a wall of water. M Charlie shrugged, "After the groceries? Or maybe she does this only at night? Can we get through it?" Stormy is Editing Sana nodded hesitantly. "There are two ways, one would be like announcing our presence with fanfare. The other would be like trying to sneak into her house, which I'm not very good at. It's possible its something she does at night, many people protect themselves more when they sleep." She walked closer and started moving around the house, looking for something. M Charlie followed, "Announcing ourselves with fanfare sort of defeats our purpose don't you think?" Stormy is Editing Sana nodded, "Yes, I do, that's why I'm looking for the flaw. Usually every shield has some kind of flaw in it, a place where the magic isn't exactly right, where it's a little thin. With a shield like yours, with the different layers, it would take a very long time to find that flaw, as you'd have to figure it out on each layer, it wouldn't be the same place on all of them. So," she peered around another side, moving again, "I'm trying to figure out where it is here. It could be under ground, or overhead." M Although he didn't know exactly what to look for Charlie began examining the shield as well. He circled after Sana, his eyes on the barrier seeking something that was not quite right. Stormy is Editing What he found was that the barrier was like a waterfall, starting at the top of the house and flowing to the bottom. The energy washed down the the house and thinned out a bit near the ground. M "Doesn't it seem to thin out at the ground?" He stared at it, trying to determine what it might be like underneath. Stormy is Editing Sana nodded, "Yes, that's what I've noticed as well. I'm thinking of going underground and looking for the flaw there, do you want to try to follow me or does the concept disturb you?" M "It does disturb me a bit, but I really want to go. How do we do it?" Stormy is Editing Sana came over and reached out a hand. "Well, first, you have to do the normal bit of thinking that things aren't solid. But see, you have to think of something as solid, or you'll slide through the earth and get stuck somewhere. What I do, is find a nice tree," she looked around a bit, and pointed with her other hand to a large tree nearby. "And imagine it's roots as solid, but the ground as not. That way, I can step on the roots, but slip through the ground. Make sense?" M Charlie nodded and moved a bit closer to the tree. He didn't want to have trouble finding a root to stand on. "All right, I'm ready to try when you say the word." Stormy is Editing She nodded, let her hand fall to her side, and closed her eyes. She opened them a moment later and nodded again. "Alright, here I go," and she started sinking into the ground. M Charlie attempted to do the same. The ground, like the door earlier was no longer solid. The tree and it's roots however were solid as could be. He took a tentative step forward. Stormy is Editing He started sliding into the ground, taking a step forward into it, and finding that it was no different from walking through a puddle of water. He started sinking deeper, faster, and then he found a root, and was standing on it, looking around at different types of dirt, a few types of animals, bugs, and Sana, standing a foot away from him. "Weird, isn't it?" M "Yes, it really is." He looked around for the shield they'd bee studying. Stormy is Editing Sana took a few steps forward, and looked up, finding the blue of the round shield. "There," she said, pointing to a spot that was almost dead center of the bottom. "That's the flaw, see how it's very thin there, like it's connected, but just barely? That's what we've been looking for." M "I see it," excitement was clear in Charlie's voice. He was pretty sure he'd be able to spot such a thing again if he needed to. "What do we do now that we've found it?" Stormy is Editing "Well, this is the hard part. In order to break through a shield without anyone noticing, you have to become part of the shield, and then move through it. So," she paused, and walked up a few roots closer to the shield. "What I need to do, is take some of my energy, and make it her energy. Which might take me a few minutes, because, like I said, I'm not very good at this." M Charlie positioned himself so that he could comfortable watch the process. Stormy is Editing Sana reached out a hand and a flash of pink spread across her fingertips. It lightly floated to the blue of the shield, and touched it, then it started changing color. It faded to a lighter pink, then to a white. A bead of sweat slipped down Sana's face, and she held the energy, although Charlie could tell it was difficult for her to do so. The white got brighter, then started becoming a light sky blue. "Gods, I hate this," Sana mumbled, taking a deep breath. "Sorry this is taking so long." M "Take your time," Charlie said, "I can't do it at all yet, so I have no idea how quickly it might be done." Stormy is Editing "Loki is very good at this, it takes him a mere moment to do it." She relaxed, and then the blue got darker, forming almost the same color as the water around the house. She strained a bit more, then the colors matched, and it was like the magic was flowing around her. "Take my hand," she said, reaching the hand she wasn't holding towards the house to him, "I need to bring you into my shield for this." M Charlie did as she asked, "I don't think any of us can expect to be as good as Loki any time soon," he told her as he did so. Stormy is Editing She giggled and nodded. "I know, that's for sure, isn't it?" Her shield wrapped around him and held him in the blue as it covered her. "There, now we should be able to slip inside the house from here." With that, she moved closer to the floor and started trying to rise up into the house from the flaw.It was a strange feeling, like water rushing through his system, and they rose into a nicely cleaned, mostly wooden furnished living room. "We're in," Sana said softly, looking around the room. M "What are the chances we were noticed? Or does the fact that we are in mean that we weren't detected?" Charlie looked around as well. "It's a beautiful home." Stormy is Editing Sana shook her head, "It's just as likely we got spotted as we didn't. There's no way of telling unless--""Unless the person of the house comes and finds you," said a crotchety voice. There was a set of stairs that was just visible through a doorway and the old woman was standing at the foot of them, dressed in night clothes and holding an old lantern. "I'm not dead yet," she said. Sana sighed. "Well, I said I wasn't very good at it," she said forlornly. M "You have a beautiful home," Charlie said turning to her. "Did your husband make the furniture?" Stormy is Editing She looked at Charlie startled. "I... yes," she said, moving into the room. "My husband made it all." She put her hand on the smooth wood of the rocking chair and her eyes got sad. "He worked long hours making our house beautiful, for us, for our children.""You're protecting it all, aren't you?" Sana said, and the lady looked up sharply. "As much as I can, for as long as I can!" M "He did a beautiful job," Charlie said with a smile. Then he allowed a more serious expression to take over. "Do you know that you're family has been being hunted?" Stormy is Editing "Do you think I don't know that?!" she bellowed out in anger. "Do you think I couldn't tell when my line was dwindling away and I could feel everyone leave me? Of course I knew it!" She collapsed into the rocking chair. "Of course I knew it, and there's nothing else I can do. I'm the only one left, if I die... how will the legacy continue?" Her voice was small and soft now, with a hint of despair. M Charlie came over and knelt on the floor near her. He spoke very softly. "There is one other, but your children fear that if you find him those who have been hunting your family will find him too." Stormy is Editing She looked up at him with amazement in her eyes. "There is? There truly is? You aren't lying to me, are you?" she said, anger rising in her voice now."No," Sana said, stepping closer now and putting a hand on her shoulder. "I've asked for a Guardian Angel to watch over the child. That way, he has a bit more protection." The woman looked between Charlie and Sana. "If I find him, he'll die for sure. But... I wanted to know there was hope, that someone remained. Bards are so rare." M "There is hope," Charlie replied, "and there's really nothing you can do at this point to provide more hope. It's possible that no one alive knows about him at this point but you." Stormy is Editing She sighed. "I knew you two weren't with Eldercare Angels." She shrugged, "The canned veggies were good though."Sana smiled and nodded. "Glad you approved. The child will be watched over, and protected, you've done all you can." M Charlie watched her, wondering if she would move on on her own. Stormy is Editing "This is the end of the line for me then, huh?" the woman said, and Sensana grinned."Of course not, it's just the beginning." The woman snorted and shook her head. "Beginning huh, that's strange to hear from a person who deals in death." "Death is only the beginning of a new life, didn't you know?" Sana smiled softly and stood up. "Don't think that because you are going to die, you aren't going to live anymore." "Hmph, sappy women like you make the rest of us seem weak." "Why don't you trust a little bit?" There was a shudder through the woman's body, then she stood up, except that she was still slumped in the rocking chair. "Is this what it feels like to be dead?" she said. "You're dead," came the voice that Charlie was beginning to get used to hearing. M "It is," Charlie told her, "I wish you the best." He smiled at Sana and nodded at the door. "Shall we?" he asked softly, so St. Peter could get on with his own duties. Stormy is Editing Sana nodded, and headed out of the house. The shield was gone, so there was nothing stopping them from walking straight through the door."I didn't think that would work so well. So that's two cases down, and I'm sure they'll give us more when we tell them they're done." M For the next two and a half months they went from case to case some easy, some hard, some boring, some fascinating. For Charlie it was a time of constant learning as he mastered shielding fast, manipulating elemental energies and his gift. He was able to speak with any creature on the earth, with the exception of humans. They were full of information and occasionally willing to help him out, especially for favors in return. Stormy is Editing "Here we are!" Sana said, looking at the docks and seeing the cruise ship they were going to be boarding soon. "I can't wait!" She took Charlie's hand and started walking them towards it in excitement. She laughed as she walked, and Janus yawned loudly in Charlie's ear.*What's she so excited about this early?* he said. Janus had grown over the past few months, becoming a creature that didn't look neglected, and instead glowing in bright silver and looking sleek and beautiful. M *Our new mission, it's on a cruise ship.* Charlie smiled, it was exciting. He'd never dreamed of going on a cruise and yet here he was boarding a cruise ship. Stormy is Editing Janus yawned again, *But it's still a mission...*"Isn't it beautiful out here Charlie?" Sana called, waving from near the boat. M *Of course,* he replied, sympathetic enough. They could have used a bit more sleep, all of them."It's quite beautiful," Charlie agreed. "I'm very excited myself." Stormy is Editing Janus curled up on Charlie's shoulder and tucked his head under an arm."I hope this goes smoothly, I can't believe we have such work to do." She sighed as she looked at the ship. "And honestly, I didn't want to lose my best clothes, so I sent them back to the Agency." M Charlie shook his head, "What makes you think we'll loose our clothes?" Stormy is Editing Sana turned to him. "Out in the middle of the ocean, who knows what could happen." She blinked, "Don't you think it's possible the ship will sink into the ocean? I'd hate to lose those beautiful clothes I just bought!" M Charlie blinked back at her, "I think it's pretty rare for cruise ships to sink." Then he shook his head, "But it's probably best that you aren't worrying about your clothes in any case." Stormy is Editing Sana nodded and watched as they lowered the ramp. "And now it's time!" she said gleefully.Once they were checked in, had gotten their clothes into the ship, and they were on their way, Sana walked out onto the deck and looked out at the sea. "I've always loved water, though not as much as Jared." M "Mmhmm, you've really been missing him lately haven't you?" Charlie joined her, looking into the water. "It's beautiful, the air smells so crisp near the ocean." Stormy is Editing Sana rested her head on the railing. "Yeah, I miss him. It's been months and I haven't seen him. That's so long for me." She took a deep breath. "I love the air too." M The two of them stood there in silence for a bit, watching as people filled the boat. Then, slowly, the boat began to move away from the dock out into the ocean. "It seems like there's no end in site with these cases doesn't it?" Stormy is Editing Sana nodded. "We've been in the general Florida area for months, and we're finally going on a cruise, and it's our first time out of the state. Its like as soon as one gets solved, three or four more are found. I think I'm seriously going to need to take my vacation after this is over with." M Charlie smiled and nodded, watching the waves as they moved further into the ocean. "I think everyone is probably feeling that way. Too bad I probably haven't earned any vacation time yet. Although for me a normal case load might feel like vacation." Stormy is Editing Sana laughed and nodded, picking her head up to look at Charlie. "Yes, probably. I wonder if I can catch something for Jared's tank." M "Maybe, that would be fun, although... would you be able to get it to him in time?" Stormy is Editing "I could send it to the Agency. He's probably out on missions, but if I marked open immediately, someone would have to take care of it right away." She looked thoughtful. "Maybe it wouldn't be a good idea." M "I understand the desire though. If only we had a way of taking care of it properly in the interim." He looked around the deck, no one was especially close to them. "So, what are we doing here again?" Stormy is Editing "This is a cruise liner that many elderly take yearly. There are five people here on this cruise that should have died months ago. We're to make a disease attack passengers and only kill those five." Sana whispered back to him. M "Oh, this is that one," it had gotten to the point where the facts of each case were bumping together and scrambling in his mind. "I haven't been looking forward to that. At least we get a nice environment for our terrible deed." Stormy is Editing Sana nodded. "I agree. That's another reason why we might lose luggage, I mean if we aren't careful, we could kill the whole ship off." She sighed, "I don't particularly like these kinds of missions either. It's something that I feel they should send out the Special's for, not us." M "I just don't like the whole disease scenario, it's very messy and we don't even have the option of helping them move on naturally." Stormy is Editing Sana shook her head, "I think they're getting impatient, honestly. Things keep piling up and it's like there's no end in sight. I can't blame them, but... you're right, it is messy." M "Over two months and no relief in sight. I think there may be a deeper problem, beyond Loki, that is not being addressed." He thought about that as he looked out across the water. Finally he shook his head. "I think I'll go find our room and spend some time with Einstein. Let me know if you need anything." Stormy is Editing Sana nodded, then said, "Do you think we'll get to swim in it?" to no one in particular.*Gods I hope not,* Janus said, his head untucking, *I think she'd drown.* M Charlie choked back a laugh. *Don't do that to me.* He found the room and entered, opening Einstein on the expensive walnut desk, "ritzy.""Einstein, give me the information on the five senior citizens destined for disease that I looked up last week." Stormy is Editing "Certainly Charlie," Einstein said, drawing up the information asked. File pages appeared on the screen, with arrows for moving between the pages.*Nice indeed,* Janus said, hopping down off of Charlie's shoulder and taking a sniff around the room. He started exploring each corner and seeing how to move around it all. This was a habit he had these days, checking to make sure the place wasn't bugged and see where all he could get to from the room. M Charlie flipped through the pages getting a good look at the images and reading about each individual trying to understand what might be holding them to life past their proper time. *St. Peter must be ready to pull his hair out with all of these people missing their appointments. He seems to be pretty into punctuality.* Stormy is Editing *Oh, I'm quite sure of that.* Janus sniffed around a bit more, then moved onto a windowsill. *He does like his deaths to be on time, and not delayed.*Most of them seemed simply delighted to be wandering around the world without a care. There was nothing particularly striking about them. M "Hm, I remember now, I thought then and I still do, that something is being missed here. I just don't have enough information to tell what." He studied a bit longer then sighed. "You can move to standby Einstein, thank you." Stormy is Editing "Certainly Charlie," Einstein said, and his screen went blank.*Yes, something is definitely missing. The question is what. Oh look, a bird.* Janus sniffed at the creature that was currently sitting on the sill with him. M *Hello,* Charlie addressed the bird, *how are you this morning?* Stormy is Editing The bird started singing and said, *Wonderfully! The cruise is about to start, so I get to sneak all kinds of things off of the buffet outside now.* M *Do you spend your time following the cruise ship?* Charlie asked with interest, slipping Einstein into his case. Stormy is Editing *Oh yes! The food is great, my mate has a nest up near the top of the ship.* The bird chirruped a few more times in pleasure. M *That's wonderful, be careful while you're collecting, and if you see anything unusual come to me. I trade food for information and soft nesting materials.* Stormy is Editing The bird chirruped again in pleasure. *Certainly! I'll remember that!* With that, the bird flew off, leaving only the warm feeling of it in Charlie's mind as a reminder that it had even been there.*Well, we've started getting our scouts out already. It never takes long with you.* M *It helped that you pointed him out. Thanks for that.* Charlie put his laptop case over his shoulder. *Do you want to stay and rest or come check out the buffet tables with me?* Stormy is Editing *Check the buffet of course, there should be something to nibble on for even me.* Janus lept down and back up onto Charlie's shoulder. The move was so common now that Charlie could walk while Janus did it and Janus wouldn't even falter or miss Charlie's shoulder. M *You're feeling better than,* Charlie noted as he walked. Stormy is Editing *I'm awake you mean? Yes, I think for the moment, I'm awake. There are three different mouse holes in the walls. If there are mice alive, I'll let you know this evening.* Janus looked around as they moved, keeping his eyes on the people milling around. M Charlie nodded, "Good, thanks." He found the buffet and filled a plate with fruits, veggies, cheese and crackers. Then he looked around for any of their five victims, or Sana. Stormy is Editing He found three of their four victims, all sitting around a table together, chatting with each other amiably. Janus sniffed at Charlie's plate. M *What looks good to you?* Charlie moved to the table, "May I join you?" Stormy is Editing *The carrots,* Janus said in an instant."Certainly!" Said a gentleman, motioning to a seat near him. "Oh of course, although I can't guarantee we'll be much for conversation, we're a little old these days," said the younger of the two ladies. The other lady giggled. M "I think that makes people even better conversationalists," Charlie replied, joining them as he handed a carrot up to Janus. Stormy is Editing Janus took it and started munching it, holding the piece in his hands. He'd gotten much better with manners as he'd grown up. The older lady giggled and clapped her hands."What a great pet!" she said, watching Janus. "I'm glad you think we'll be good for conversation, I only hope we can live up to your expectations," the younger lady said. She held out her hand, "Lynn Adams, I used to be a reporter in my day." M "Charlie Barns," he replied automatically, "professional teenager," he grinned, "and this is Janus, God of new beginnings." Stormy is Editing Janus bowed and the older lady clapped again. Lynn shook his hand confidently and let go, motioning to the lady at her side. "This is Emily Fletcher," she motioned to the gentleman, "and this is Edward Arkhose." Edward nodded, and Emily held out her hand for Charlie to shake. M Charlie shook it and nodded to Edward, "It's very nice to meet all of you. They sure do provide a lot of food on these cruises don't they?" Stormy is Editing "Is this your first cruise?" Emily asked, a smile forming on her face, "They're so much fun!""Of course they provide a lot of food, dear boy," Edward said, a laugh in his voice, "If they didn't we'd all be angry!" Lynn laughed as well and nodded. "We pay for that luxury. They certainly get enough money from us," Lynn said. M "Yes," Charlie told Emily, "it's my very first cruise ever. Actually, it's the first time I've gone on anything like a vacation." He smiled, *and it's only a little like a vacation let me tell you.* He handed another carrot up to Janus. Stormy is Editing Janus took it and started nibbling. *And it's only a little like a cruise. Who knows when we'll be done, although I suspect Sana will try to delay it for some relaxation time.*"Oh, cruises are wonderful for the spirit," Edward said, taking a deep breath. "Indeed, I always feel better afterwards," Lynn added. "I can't imagine only going on one cruise a year, I can't stand to be away from the water," Emily smiled, breathing in the scent of the salt water. M "The water is amazing. I love the scent of the air," Charlie agreed. "I've honestly never had the opportunity to breath such invigorating air." Stormy is Editing Edward leaned back and nodded. "The sea is the beginning of us all," he said, and Lynn snorted."Again being philosophical? I don't agree myself." Lynn shrugged, "But I was a journalist, and a realist as well." M "Do you mean it philosophically?" Charlie asked Edward, curious. Stormy is Editing Edward shrugged, "I suppose you could say that. I do believe however, that all life sprang from the sea. You see, most scientists will agree that...""Oh, scientists don't agree on much these days," Lynn interrupted, "In fact, it seems their goals are to disagree rather than agree." M Charlie smiled and ate some grapes, allowing the two to discuss as they might if he weren't there. Stormy is Editing "Well, honestly," Emily began.It was several minutes later before they stopped talking and realized that Charlie was still there. Emily seemed to sit right in the middle of what Lynn and Edward believed. The whole conversation was quite interesting overall, as all three of them were fairly well informed on the subject. "Sorry," Emily said, a small blush taking over her cheeks, "I'd nearly forgotten you were there. You must have been terribly bored." M "Not at all, I'm just not nearly well enough opinionated to join in. Besides, I would only tip the balance in someones favor."*Another carrot, or something else?* Charlie had finished over half his food while listening. Stormy is Editing Janus sniffed at his plate and then said, *Celery, a piece, and it'd be nice to have some of the apple too.*"Well, opinions come with time and knowledge," Edward said, smiling. "You certainly haven't had enough time to decide all of your opinions." M Charlie shook his head, "No, I haven't, although I think experience contributes as well." He handed Janus some celery, "It seems like the more people have experienced the more opinionated they are." Stormy is Editing Lynn nodded, and Janus took the celery, eating it carefully. "Yes, that's very true. People who experience things learn from those experiences, and they grow to understand things about themselves and about others." M Charlie smiled at her agreement, "So how about you Edward, Emily, did the two of you have careers you've retired from?" Stormy is Editing Edward nodded. "I used to be a scientist. I was researching sea life. It was quite fascinating, but then my eyesight got so bad I needed a microscope to read the newspaper." All three of them laughed."I was a simple house wife," Emily said, "I did a lot of reading, but I was mostly involved with keeping the house nice and my children well fed. Now that the children have moved away, I have nothing much more to do." She shrugged, and smiled. M Charlie nodded, "I think the one career which most badly needs to recruit is that of housewife," he told her. "I know I always wished I could get a few minutes of my mothers attention during which she was not upset with me." Stormy is Editing Emily smiled softly at Charlie, "That's not something that is easy, being a housewife. It's a difficult job, and something most people don't understand properly anymore." M "I believe that to be completely true," Charlie replied, "based on the observations I've made over the last 16 and a half years." He winked and grinned. The he popped his last grape in his mouth and handed Janus an apple wedge. Stormy is Editing Janus took it with pleasure.Lynn shook her head, "Not everyone is cut out to be a housewife, that's another problem." "Oh, I agree," Edward said, nodding his head. "My wife was terrible at it, but she kept trying. She got a decent routine after a while, but at first! Oh, the terrible things she did." He chuckled. M "I suppose I see that," Charlie replied, "but many people aren't cut out for the jobs they take. They have to learn them. Still, I do hate thinking of people trapped into doing things they don't like. I hope I never feel like that." Stormy is Editing "There you are Charlie!" came the familiar voice of Sensana from behind him. The three at the table with him looked up and smiled."Hello," said Edward, and the other two greeted her as well. "Hello," Sana's carroty hair, done in the same way she had done for the antique store lady, bounced around her face. "I've been looking all over for my brother." M "I didn't see you, so I sat down with them," Charlie replied, "This is Edward, Emily and Lyn," he introduced, "and this is my elder sibling Sana." He grinned at Sana. Stormy is Editing Sana smiled back. "It's very nice to meet you all, I hope he hasn't been any trouble.""Oh no!" Lynn said, smiling and extending her hand. "He's been very nice to talk to." Sana shook it and Emily piped up. "He's a right delight, your parents did a good job raising him." Sana nodded, and shook Emily's hand as well. "Thank you, I know they worked hard." M "Oh yes," Charlie agreed, although not with the spirit of Sana's statement, just with the words. "Both of our parents definitely worked hard." Stormy is Editing Edward glanced at Charlie, and gave him an encouraging smile. "Well, would you like to join us?" he asked, motioning to the seat nearest him. Sana nodded."If it's really alright?" All three of them agreed, and she took a seat, and joined in on the conversation. It was about an hour before they all excused themselves, Sana walking with Charlie down one of the hallways. "What did you think?" she asked, glancing at him. M "I think they are as described. I find it interesting that the cruises revitalize them. They all agreed on that much and it makes me suspicious, not that I don't think cruises would refresh a person. It's just when you consider age and due dates and such." He spoke softly as they walked, pitching his voice to carry only to her. "It makes me feel just a little more rotten about this whole thing." Stormy is Editing Sana nodded, "I've been wondering if there was something in particular that happens on these cruises, and it makes them live longer." She glanced at him again, then looked at the walk in front of her. "Perhaps it's just my curiosity." M "Do you think? I wonder if you aren't just feeling like I'm feeling. If we don't get to the root of what's going on we're just going to be running our tushies off for the next several years." He fell silent looking out across the water. "I'd rather cut every life line than create a disease. I wonder why I feel that way." Stormy is Editing "Because you don't have any indication that it will only affect the people who we are targeting." Sana smiled at him, stopping and staring out at the water herself. "I don't completely understand, but I think you're correct in believing that if we don't get to the roots, the seeds'll grow into something we can't handle." M Charlie nodded his head and gazed into the water for a long time, thinking and feeling. The whole thing was just wrong, at least that's how it felt. Stormy is Editing After a half hour, Sana put her hand on his shoulder. "You alright?" she asked softly. M Charlie nodded, "Yes, just... annoyed and frustrated." Then he smiled, "So, we're on a cruise, what do you want to do?"(by the by, Charlie is actually only 13, I made him 16ish in this... Sorry 'bout that.) Stormy is Editing (Really? I thought he was like 14 or 15... oops.)Sana grinned, "Swim!" she said happily. "Wanna go change?" M Charlie nodded, "let's go." He couldn't imagine how she was going to pull off a swimsuit, unless her body really was female. Still, Loki had been pretty clear and Sana had confirmed plenty of times since that she was actually male. It was easy to forget, but a bathing suit? Stormy is Editing She led them to the room, where she disappeared into the bathroom, emerging a little while later in a one piece that had a decently long skirt. It was floral, with a black background, large bright flowers splayed across it. Although Charlie knew better, it looked as though she had something, something by way of a chest, granted, not much."I'm so excited!" she said, wrapping her arms around herself. "I haven't been swimming in so long!" M Charlie shook his head and smiled, amazed at Sana's ingenuity. "I like your swimsuit, it looks nice on you," he said, knowing it would please her and really the swimsuit did impress him. "Do you think it would be okay to bring Janus's hammock so he can sunbathe?" Stormy is Editing Sana blushed and nodded. "I can't imagine why it wouldn't be alright. Thank you for the compliment."*Thank you,* Janus said softly, pleasure dripping from each word. M Charlie nodded, "You're welcome." He lifted the hammock. He'd had plenty of time to change and gather towels while Sana had been getting ready.*You're very welcome, you probably won't want to swim. I'm pretty sure it'll be full of chlorine.* Stormy is Editing Sana put a towel over her shoulder and smiled, moving to the door. "Ready?"Janus shook his head, his hair fluffing out. *No, no chlorine. Yuck.* M "Yes," Charlie joined her as they traveled to the swimming pool. It felt silly really, there they were floating along on an ocean, in a boat, about to swim in a pool when there was water everywhere. He swam for a while, joining in a brief game of catch with a large beach ball. Most of the occupants on the ship had no interest in such a rowdy passtime however and it died out quickly. Eventually he found himself on his towel browsing the internet in the sun next to Janus. Stormy is Editing *Anything interesting?* Janus asked, yawning and looking over Charlie's shoulder. Sana was still lazying in the water, floating sometimes, and others swimming laps. M *The concept of elemental magic is a common one,* Charlie was not researching the case. There was simply no research to be done for this one. *I've just been reading about some of the cultures and religions which believe in and practice it. It's really very interesting.* Stormy is Editing Janus nodded, *Yes, it is. It's one of the oldest magics believed in, I think.* He sniffed at Charlie's hair for a moment and then lay down again. *So besides interesting, what is your thoughts on it all?* M *I'm surprised so few people believe in it considering its prevalence. It has it's place mainly in video games and fictional novels these days. I suppose it's a good thing most people don't know that it's real, but it's odd.* Stormy is Editing Janus shrugged, *Christianity,* he stated simply. *At least some people see the idea of elemental magic still, even though its not in the forms we'd expect to see it.* M Absently Charlie reached over and pet Janus as he continued to read. He really did feel like he was on vacation. For the first time since dying he truly felt there was nothing he needed to do at the moment. Eventually he fell asleep, Einstein above him and Janus beside him, the bright sun beaming down on his now dry back. Stormy is Editing He was floating, floating between clouds of color. They each meant something different, but he wasn't sure what that was. There were red clouds, blue ones, purple, and green, and brown, and yellow, and bright white. All of the clouds had people on them, some had more, like the red and blue and green and yellow, and others had less, like the white, and brown, and the pale blue, and the purple. Each person he passed waved at him. They smiled and waved, and Charlie felt as though he was searching for something, perhaps his own cloud to rest on, because it was getting tiring flying through the clouds, but where was his? Where was his? Or did he even have a cloud?"Charlie?" a hand was on his shoulder, shaking him gently. M "I don't have a cloud," he protested sleepily, yawning, "I wonder why."He was lying on a towel somewhere warm. It felt nice. He didn't open his eyes. Stormy is Editing "Charlie, it's time to wake up, you're going to burn," came the voice again. He was lightly shaken again. M Ah, he looked up at Sana and stifled a second yawn, he was roasting under the sun. "Sorry," he replied sitting up, "I was having the oddest dream." Stormy is Editing "Oh?" she said, wrapping her towel around him. "Would you like to tell me about it?" M He smiled, "You're really worried about me crisping aren't you?" He moved so there was room for her to sit down and told her about the dream with the clouds. "So it was odd, but I don't really think it was significant. Too much reading I suppose." Stormy is Editing She looked thoughtful. "Hmm," she said, looking at him closely, "Perhaps it wasn't significant, perhaps it was. It sounds like you were dreaming about the different elements that make up our magics. You do seem to have an odd magic, something not many people have, perhaps you're getting anxious about it?" M "Am I? Well, if I am I haven't let myself know. I was just reading about elemental magic but I wasn't really feeling anxious. I mean wouldn't I pretty much be air? That seems to be my strongest element... I think." Stormy is Editing Sana nodded, "Yes, air seems to be your strongest. Perhaps you have a mix of them all, like a spirit person would." She shrugged. "Perhaps the dream means nothing, and I'm overanalizying." M Charlie smiled at her warmly, "Or maybe not. I have no idea. So, did you get tired of swimming?" Stormy is Editing She shrugged, "I'm getting crispy. I wanted to get out for a bit and maybe eat something for lunch. Are you hungry?" M "Wasn't that lunch earlier? Oh no, breakfast huh? They sure did have some weird stuff out for breakfast." Charlie got everything together. "Lunch is fine for me." He followed her back to the ever full buffet tables. Stormy is Editing "I believe they're trying to cater to all the different types of people and what they might like at each time of the day," Sana said, walking up to the tables and peering over them. M Charlie made his choices, consulting Janus every once in a while to see what he wanted, then looked around for a place to sit. Stormy is Editing The three people he'd been sitting with earlier were in a corner table with another person he recognized from the list of people who they were supposed to kill. Sana looked up and glanced over to where Charlie's eyes had caught. "Wanna go bother them?" M "Might as well. I find that people sit still for meals, so it makes them easier to talk to." He headed for the table, taking Sana's suggestion as permission to do so. Stormy is Editing Sana trailed a little slower behind Charlie, but kept up well enough. When they got within sight of the table, Edward looked up and smiled at Charlie, waving slightly."Charlie, Sana! Come, come and sit with us." M Charlie sat down with a smile, turning immediately to the new individual who'd joined the group."Hello, I didn't meet you earlier. I'm Charlie," he offered his hand to shake. Stormy is Editing The man took it and shook it pleasantly, a smile on his lips, "No, I was in my rooms resting earlier. My name is Ben, I am an old friend of these three." He motioned to the others at the table. M "Hello, I'm Charlie and this is Sana." Charlie chatted with the people who he was starting to know fairly well. Stormy is Editing Ben seemed to add a note of complete and utter randomness to everything. He would agree with people, but then disagree a moment later, on some technicality. Overall, the whole conversation was a certain amount more amusing than the last one. Ben had a lot of energy and spoke quite well, and quite vibrantly. M Charlie truly enjoyed the conversation, and spent a great deal of the time listening. *I wonder what they'll do when they're dead. I hate to think of making them suffer, you know?* Stormy is Editing |
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