Estylwen

Iris Ascendis

Whelp. xD Thanks for the correction, everyone. I've made the edit. :)

Iris Ascendis

Not sure if I did the reverse incantation right, lemme know ow if the post looks okay! :)

Iris Ascendis

Ciara Ventura

Wingram Academy, Classroom 103
@Nanaya, @ERode

---

"If you cannot provide anything useful, Ms. Ventura, then silence would also be good.” Chunji said.

“Probably wouldn't be tasty enough to eat…” Said one of the Voices as Ciara narrowed her eyes.

“I've eaten ash before.” Ciara thought back.

Iraleth came to the rescue, which Ciara hated to admit. Healing was useful, especially when it came to the pet of the group. Based on what Professor Alto said, this - risk of broken bones, of getting stabbed - was about to become their norm.

Well then.

It meant taking especially good care of the pet, didn't it?

“Ciara, the remaining two mannekins are still beneath the canopy. That’ll give you plenty of shadow to work with.” Said Otis.

Ciara was quick to her feet in an instant, kicking up the dropped sword to land softly in her outstretched hand.

“The dark one speaks!” A child-like Voice cried out excitedly.

“I need to concentrate-” Ciara frowned.

“Onward! To victory!” The Voices shouted, already relishing the action. “Show them the darkness is superior.”

Ciara sighed, eyes closing briefly as she took a step toward the brush. She had never fought in such a dry environment - the lack of essence. But she could adjust to anything. The streets of Vaal Kastrix demanded as such.

“Fames.”

A shadow gripped the sword on loan, slicing the air, aiming to cut the axe in half. Following close behind it at a rapid pace, Ciara had her daggers unshelthed, edges coated in shadow, smashing down on the sword. If contact was successful, she'd try to jar the sword free by placing one dagger below the hilt and yanking hard.

The Mannekins wouldn't be able to handle it, surely.

Ciara also had to play her cards carefully. Witnessing Iraleth's white magic was a stark reminder of the fight to the death later that day.

She had to save her energy, as much as possible.

Fates knew she would need it.

“After that, any who wish to can challenge Instructor Alto in many-versus-one combat.”

Of course, she couldn't turn down a good fight. Especially when the professor nearly killed the pet. She would just have to conserve her energy as much as possible.

“My pleasure.”

Recollections: Under The Sycamore Tree Part. 1

&

Location: Tranquil Haven Park, Gazebo
@Punished GN

---

“Alizée hasn’t even been dead for twenty four hours and you’re already onto the next girl. Layla, you’re young and dumb so I can forgive you for being tricked by this parasite, but he’s not your buddy.”

Sloane

Layla's breath caught in her throat, and she almost choked on air. She could feel a heat in her cheeks, and a desire to disappear.

Maybe she could just disappear. It would be the best solution. Just leave.

“Just… leave?”

Void gave Layla a narrowed sideways look, ignoring Sloane's gaze.

”I haven't given you power to allow you the luxury of feeling small.”

“What am I suppose to do? She's right, isn't she?”

Void scoffed. “She's wrong. Leagues wrong.”

A pause.

”Sweetheart, why do you hide yourself from these people?”

“I want them to like me.”

“They think you're weak.”

“Maybe I am.”

”Maybe you're not.”

Layla grit her teeth.“What am I suppose to do?”

”Start walking with a straighter spine. It doesn't matter if these people like you or not. Most can be knocked off as food. And we don't care about food.”

“Food?”

”Yes. The world is more simple when you think by your Thirst.”

Void's eyes slid over to Sloane.

”Now, whatever she's dishing out, return it.”

“But that's mean.”

”You literally visualize pricking these people with knives. Pull out your other side a bit more.”

“I can't.”

”Then you'll be forever weak.”

Layla's teeth ground near audibly. She hated this feeling. Plagued her her whole life.

Except for last night. Last night… she saw her power for herself.

A sharp silence ticked by, before Layla met Sloane's eyes. The smile on her face was cold.

“We can take this outside, Sloane. Sure my buddy and I could shed some light on things.”

“Stabbing doesn’t necessarily point towards it being human, Layla,”

Anya

Layla tilted her head, and Void noticed right away how Anya was speaking.

”Tell her I'd love to wield a knife over her throat. For science.”

“I'd rather not?”

Void only cruelly grinned as Layla addressed Anya. “Wouldn't apparitions prefer to use their claws as opposed to uh, knives? Man-made tools?”

"... The leads involve our deceased members, Kari Wilson, and Lionel Hunter - but there are some matters I need to settle before we go there as a group. Mainly, getting us to our home base to establish where we will meet from here on that I don't mind you all destroying!"

Auri

Auri thought she might have been clever - yes, she was quite clever for someone in the ‘leadership’ position. But Void noticed how she sluffed off Layla, refusing to address her directly.

My poor little dear deserves the best… not this, though. This… is wrong.

It confirmed his worst fears. Auri was plotting something. There was something she was hiding. Something that set her off from the phone conversation.

Was Jack right? Was Auri seriously considering sealing him?

…What were the matters that she wanted to sort first?

…Had he prepared Layla enough?

"My grandfather's rings, cough 'im up.”

Adora

Of course, Void lost his train of thought when another familiar face started harassing Sloane. Made him smile. Briefly.

Layla gave a knee-jerk reaction. “Should I do something?”

Void smirked. “Nah. I got a better idea. Push plan A.”

“So soon?”

”Yes.”

Layla swallowed the lump in her throat, before looking at Auri.

“Who invited Adora, Auri? How can we put faith in you when you can't even control your own Coven? What about our safety in the public eye?!”

"After all, we have to end this meeting so we can go to the actual meeting.”

Sloane

Layla and Void blinked in near comical unison. Sloane… didn't have the rings? Then, also in unison, they both glared at Adora.

Adora was making a scene for no reason. Hunting down a cold lead and causing trouble.

Another strike against Auri.

Layla paused, before she was spurred on by Void.

”You can let go of Sloane now, Adora.”

Even if Sloane is mean.

The Dark Beyond: Adventures in Candyland (Prequel)

Ohhhh dear. #scared

The Dark Beyond: Adventures in Candyland (Prequel)

Yep, what Lexi said. Absolutely faaaabulous post. I really like how both Theo and Auri were playing detective in their unique ways. Cosy has a loooot of explaining to do. XD

The Dark Beyond: Adventures in Candyland (Prequel)

Yaaaay! No rush Days, I'm looking forward to it!

Iris Ascendis

I'll have a post up later today!

Edit: Whoops, it'll actually be tomorrow, sorry. I have a bit of IRL to take care of.

The Dark Beyond: Adventures in Candyland (Prequel)

Hehe, very happy y'all like it. I'm very excited to see what happens next!

Recollections: Under The Sycamore Tree Part. 1

&

Leon and Lynette

Location: The Temple
_{In collaboration with @AtomicEmperor}

---

Veni Vedi went as well as one would expect. Void snatched the purse and blazed out of there with Layla faster than prey dodging eagles. Soon enough, the chaos was left far, far behind, and Void set his sights on another familiar sight - the Temple.

Layla rolled up to the front, parking her motorbike to the side and setting her helmet on the seat. "Remind me what this place is, again?"

Void hovered around her shoulders as she made her way to the entrance. "It's one of the last safe bastions Alizée used. Everyone here is... well..."

Void cocked his eyebrow. "How's your thirst?"

"My... what?"

"Hm, you're still fairly new. It won't set in for a bit. But when it does, you may be seeing a lot more of this place."

Layla squirmed a bit uncomfortably at that response before she knocked on the door.

"You can just walk in." Void said, smirking with a slightly amused expression.

"You can walk in. I wouldn't feel right doing that."

Void just gave a short chuckle, summoned a phantom hand, and pushed the door aside, ushering Layla inside the Temple.

As the heavy church doors swung open, the rows of pews rolled ahead of Layla in clusters of three for ten or eleven rows. Orange and white banners depicting a sun rising over the crest of a forest-covered hill hung from the support beams crossing the ceiling, their ends dangling just above the pews. Scattered individuals sat in pews and on little shrines that had their contents shifted to support the intrusion.

As Layla entered, the few began to shift in discomfort before one of them finally spoke up.

"Who are you!?"

Layla visibly flinched, "Uh-"

Another cleared their throat, pointing up at the Void's massive hand as it contracted back into the backpack format it was in.

"M-master Void!"

Void turned his orb-like self in the direction of the voice, his eyes showing a hint of softness. Yes. In a world of kill or be killed, this was the last safe bastion.

Another skittered off behind the pulpit and down the small flight of stairs. Without much delay, the tall dark figure of Lady Richoux ascended like a phantom gliding across the floor.

"Void!? Oh, I have been worried sick that you'd be lost to the Ink!" Lynette called, stepping down to meet him and his new host.

"I have some... unfinished business in the Shimmer, Lady Richoux. You know I couldn't stay away." Void said, looking upon her face before politely averting his eyes. Lady Richoux was a sweet toy, not one he played with, but one he took advantage of. The Temple had helped Alizée, and thereby him, countless times these past ten years. And in those times, he had learned that getting his way meant never causing a scene within the Temple grounds.

Lynette's face was red, clearly she'd been exerting herself with grief or something else, but despite that she held a regal gaze down at the new girl. Her hand extended with lady-like poise, and she curtsied with her other hand.

"Honored Host... Whom do I have the deepest pleasure of laying my eyes on this evening?"

Layla blinked, at first not registering that the regal woman was addressing her. Void gave her a nudge, phantom hand only making contact for the briefest moment, just to urge Layla forward. Regardless, Layla shivered a moment before clasping the woman's hand.

"I'm... Layla. Layla Hyacinthus." She stammered, feeling a flush in her cheeks. "I- I'm sorry, I'm a bit, uhm, new."

"You are forgiven, dear Sister. This is the Temple of Charming and Graceful Individuals, where the previous Honored Host spent a great deal of time. You may consider this place as your home, and come here in confidence to allow your new companion the chance to feed and grow strong without fear of the dangers that come with Night Stalking."

Lynette held the girl's hand gently, rubbing it as she had Alizée's a million times before. The pale coldness of the Void contracted across her flesh. It reminded Lynette of the girl, and brought her back to silent tears beginning to fall down her cheeks.

Void waited for the two to make their introductions with each other before addressing the Lady of the Temple. In one of his fisted hands he raised up to Lady Richoux was a gift. He had noticed the redness of her eyes, reminding him of his own tears in the Void.

It meant she likely knew about Alizée.

"Are you aware of the news?" He asked, eyes level with the woman. If she held her hand out, Void would drop the gift in them - an antique silver locket that the woman would recognize instantly. It was the same she had gifted Alizée many years ago when her and the Void Heart were officially welcomed into the folds of the Temple. Within was a portrait of Lady Richoux and Alizée, faded with time.

The only artefact recovered from Alizée's purse.

She started sobbing almost as soon as Void mentioned "the news". It only got worse when the locket was returned to her, and it was in this moment that one could come to understand just how much Lynette cared. The wound was fresh, and she had been putting on a strong face for whoever decided to come around. But in the end, she couldn't hold it together.

"I need to speak with Leon, if he's here." Void said, a pained edge in his voice.

As if spurned on by the sobbing, Leon came from one of the back rooms and turned the corner immediately to see Void and the new host. His face became shocked, and all six foot eight of him barreled toward them.

"Void!? What the fuck happened, where've you been!?"

Void regarded Leon as he approached with a solemn look, before he shifted to the side, gesturing to Layla.

"Zu'u ris hin yun briinah ko hin ulaak." He said, his voice rolling over the enunciation of an ancient language. Anyone versed in the Void and its war-torn culture would recognize it as one of the oldest intact languages, not often used even by modern voidly standards. It would loosely translate to 'I put your new sister in your care.' It was customary to introduce family to each other like this, especially in the case of a death.

Void paused, before addressing Leon again. "She is your new sister. She still has lots to learn, but treat her as you did Alizée."

Leon bowed his torso before Layla in a respectful manner. It was painful to already have a replacement like this, but Void didn't have the luxury of taking his time and mourning. Without thinking about it, Leon reached out and placed a massive hand on Layla's head. He ruffled her hair gently, like an older brother would, and smiled down at her.

"Terrible to meet you like this. You must have a million questions and no answers with this guy."

Layla stared to a long moment, eyes wide in awe at the man before her. Before her face scrunched up, revealing the hurt she'd been trying desperately to hide.

"Th-thank you." She murmured softly. At least someone understood. Little did she know how much she would come to regard this man as her elder brother, and navigator for the Thirst yet to come.

Another pause. Then, Void spoke. He had to know.

"Where is Alizée?"

---

---

"Adagio for Organ" - <br>Morten Malvik

---

---

Lynette, who had very quickly been flanked by some of her adjutants, and they supported her physically in her grieved state. Leon clicked his tongue.

"Ma, maybe go back downstairs? I can handle things for now."

Lynette waved her hand, blowing her nose into a handkerchief.

"I-I'm... So sorry, Void..." she responded. "Leon will show you... I can't-" she started up again like a siren, and the two people with her began to turn her around and they headed back toward where she came from. Leon gave a loud sigh.

"Pardon... Come."

Void and Layla watched with pained gazes as Lady Richoux was led away, her tears etching their mark. It was plain as day on the followers' expressions. It was a dark day for the Temple.

Void's eyes slid over to where he knew the morgue was. He never had the strength, and never would have the strength to move forward. But.... Alizée was his charge. He had to see her. He had to witness her state with his own eyes.

Leon gently took Layla's hand, leading her off to the left and down a hall and toward a set of stairs. Another man guarded them, and stepped aside in Leon's wake. The three of them were able to descend a few flights of stairs to a dark stone room. Electric light crossed the ceilings, and the hum of electricity filled the room. There was a small wall of metal tombs. Cold storage for bodies processed by the cult's coroner.

Leon made way for the wall, a somber look on his face. He formed the sign of the Temple with his hands before popping the door open and sliding the tray out into the open. Alizée laid upon the slab with a white sheet over her body, a serene look on her face. Leon's hand gently rubbed her hair, just like he'd done to Layla. His head turned to Void, gesturing with his eyes as if to say "Here.".

Void stared for a long time at her. Before he had the will to move, his insides threatening to rend themselves apart. He could feel the pressure building. The pain of a fractured heart - hidden deep in the darkness within him. Torn heart strings, and a limpness in his spirit that caused fiery tears to pool in his cold eyes.

"Alizée...?" He called softly, reaching out to cup her cheek with a dark, ghostly hand. She didn't move, as still as death, painfully unresponsive.

"....Alizée...?"

He called again, his eyes tightening, willing her to open those perfect eyes of hers. To smile and tell her that everything was okay. That she was fine. That he didn't have to travel this cold Shimmer alone.

From the prolonged touch, not a single speck of white energy circled up from her form. Not even a hint of life. His face crumpled, and bent over her, fiery tears dropping.

"I can... finally hold you, my dear..."

Layla watched on, witnessing Leon and Void hovering over this quiet form. Her throat felt tight.

This was the one she was replacing.

How could she ever live up to such a legacy?

---

Once the worst of it passed over, Leon took the duo from the crypt and back out into the chilly air of the night. They walked down the road a short way, the cul-de-sac ringed with different buildings that looked like a college campus.

It was one of these dormitory buildings that Leon led the two of them up into. Void would know for a fact that it wasn't the same place they brought Alizée, becoming even clearer when the room they opened up to was barren of any personal decorum. A brand new person, a brand new room in the Temple.

It was befitting of an Honored Host, and sported a small kitchenette and fridge for personal use, a queen sized bed, and a personal bathroom with shower.

"I'm sorry if it's a bit bland, but it's yours Layla. Feel free to do with it as you wish. Tomorrow, when you have some free time, come back to the temple and ask for Furio. He'll get you more acquainted with the amenities available to you. For now, Void, if you need to eat? You know where to bring her. Bonne nuit..."

And then Leon too was gone, leaving the two alone to contemplate their new lots.

Void regarded Leon silently, his eyes a bit hollow, while Layla furiously nodded her head, eyes wide at the room. All of this was for her?

After Leon left, Void moved to close and lock the door, then turned to face Layla. His expression was a mix of pain and resoluteness as he addressed her.

"We'll be staying here for the night. Before you sleep, though. There's something I must teach you."

---

---

Unworn - A Winter That Kills

---

---

Void moved Layla over to the bed and had her sit. "Hold out your hands, palms up."

She did as instructed, staring up at the orb and its aura swirling in front of her. Void gave a nod, summoning phantom hands to hover above hers, palms facing down.

"Now, close your eyes. I want you to reach out with your awareness. It's usually in your head thinking thoughts, but I want you to take that and move it to the space underneath my palms."

Layla swallowed nervously and squeezed her eyes shut, her face scrunching up reflexively.

Void's voice was slow, a calculated growl. "Breathe. This will help you find your new power."

Layla took a huge, shaky breath, trying to relax.

"Good," Void continued. "Now, try to visualize darkness. Small, dark hands, hidden under my own. Squeeze them into a fist."

Layla grimaced, trying to visualize. But she felt she was missing something.

"Hmm... Open your eyes. Let's try something else." Void said.

The moment Layla's eyes flickered open, she saw a massive, dark fist flying in her direction. Reflexively, she threw her hands up, trying to block the incoming blow, squeezing her eyes shut to brace for impact.

Until she felt a pressure, and a weight. Foreign and cold, yet very much connected to her.

Void's voice growled in approval. "Good. You've made the connection. You've found them."

Layla blinked her eyes open. There was still very much a massive fist in her face, but what intrigued her more was the curtain of darkness blocking it. A separate hand mimicking her own pale fist, holding Void back. Her mouth dropped in awe, shifting forward in her seat. She reflexively opened and closed the hand, watching it listen to signals from her brain for a whole new set of hands.

They felt... light yet heavy. They felt strong. Powerful and solid.

She stood, and with one hand she gripped the frame of her bed. In one deft sweep, the bed was held high in the air, without any effort or strain on her system.

Layla blinked in awe, before setting the bed down again, and staring at her newly christened phantom hands.

"This is the power I've given you, Layla," Void said, drawing Layla's attention back to him. "This is what I offer you. Power. Hands that can grip, and shred away your obstacles. You'll never have to feel weak again."

Layla listened, standing with a stunned look on her face. It almost sounded too good to be true. Did she finally have a way to defend herself from the entities?

"Of course," Void continued, "It comes with a price. My own desire. My thirst. You will begin to hunger for energy, for the life force of another. But I will explain this all with time."

He glanced at her bed. "You should rest. It's another busy day tomorrow."

Layla followed his gaze, and nodded. She felt... she wasn't quite sure how she felt about all of this. But she knew one thing. If she finally had strength, maybe she didn't have to be so afraid. Maybe... she could flip the tables on those entities enticed by her sweet blood, and put an end to all her years of sleepless nights.

Would she stop hunting people? She wasn't quite sure. But now she had the power to make appeasing the entities easier, if push came to shove. The thirst the Void Heart mentioned was just one more curse to add to her pile.

All in all, she couldn't complain. This was the first time an entity from the other side had actually been nice to her.

Stripping off her outer layers, she hopped into bed and slept more peacefully than she had in a long, long time, Void keeping watching the whole night through.

---

&

The Next Day

Location: Tranquil Haven Park, Gazebo
@Punished GN

---

After their short, albeit interesting conversation with Jack, Void and Layla slipped into the crowd forming at the gazebo. Familiar faces. Some better or worse since the last meeting.

Void took stock of the run of events as everyone explained them. Seemed the Coven really wasn't off to a great start. I fucking knew it. There was a fight at the Dairy Queen on top of the showdown between the Coven and Wolfpack. On top of.... losing Alizée.

The cops had been called. Void wasn't sure who put the call through, but he wasn't entirely sure if he was absolved of his actions yesterday. Well. Layla seemed to be enjoying her newfound powers, so he was sure it would only take a small push to get her to wield it in case things turned south.

His eyes glanced over Auri's form, barely able to hide his disgust. He wanted her outed. Today, preferably. Jack seemed to be on his side. Seemed. So, he would just have to play his cards right, and see where he could cut with a surgeon's scalpel.

"... Yesterday, Eksa Thresh, Simone Le Lay, and Finn Reid were found murdered. All of them stabbed to death..."

Auri

Of course, all his scheming came to a halt when he heard the news. Three more dead?

Layla's hands flew up to her face. "What?"

"If we can't determine their motive, we should at least look for a pattern, so we can avoid it."

Jack

But what on earth would a serial killer have for a pattern?

Layla thought about it for a moment, her face turned to the side, trying to hide her eyes. When she took people away for sacrifices, it was typically at night, in a secluded spot, and the bodies, or what remained, wouldn't be found for at least a day or so.

Father Wolf was blatantly making it easy for them to note the deaths. Of that, Layla had full confidence.
Did Father Wolf want them to be painfully aware that they were being hunted?

”Father Wolf doesn’t only strike at night.”

Linqian

"It's like... he wants to scare us." Layla said, her voice soft. Speaking didn't come easy, keeping what Jack said in mind. But she had to say something!

"Mention the stabbing." Void whispered in her mind.

Layla tilted her head. "There's also the murder weapon used. The Stygian Snake, if it was somehow involved, couldn't wield a knife, right? And it was three in one go. This was..." she shivers. "Well orchestrated... More than one person at play. Human in nature."

She swallowed hard. "I might, uh- suggest the buddy system?"