Irradiant
Sky Blue
Ivar
AtomicEmperor
Audacious
Shin Ghost Note
NoriWasHere
FernStone
LimeTime966
AThousandCurses
MONDAY
After the Meeting, on the Way to the Temple
In Collaboration with @AtomicEmperor
Oh, how fun! Delightful, even titillating… You smelled what I smelled, did you not?
Leon’s mind was full of his ancient bride’s curiosity with her rare convivial prodding into the world surrounding her prison. She saw through Leon’s eyes at all times, whether dreaming or awake, and could only ever comment about the silly things she observed. He ignored her, knowing full well that Ruby and the other Greenwood members smelled like home. The only explanation is that they had been to the Temple, and there was some kind of game here that they weren't being honest about.
There were far more concerning and pressing matters he believed needed to be attended to. This Layla problem… He only hoped that Alizeè wouldn't trouble Layla any more than the others. He'd come to empathize with the young woman, her situation entirely lacking the quality required for envy. She barely retained strength, the beasts gnawed at her flesh constantly, it was a prisoner's lifestyle.
He was, at the very least, happy to imagine it ending soon. Happy to see the dynamic changing on the horizon. He just needed to get them both to a place that would be conducive for this ceremony.
Unlocking the doors, Leon popped the back open and held it for the two of them to get in. The ghost, having wound up ahead of Layla, seemed confused about the operation required to get in the car.
Layla had to go first; to demonstrate.
When they were both in and secured, he rounded the car to the driver's seat and quickly had them moving down the boulevard toward the highway that would dump them out in Temple territory.
Lelou didn't stop jabbering, mostly about the humor in an entity like Vul C'thara Mangak gathering enough lovers that he'd inspire one back from the dead.
He wasn't paying attention to her.
”Layla…-” he started, feeling the car under him vibrate as he pressed his foot to the gas. ”-You know I didn't want them to hurt Alizeé, right? That if you… If you don't want to try things out with Alizeé, nobody will shame you. But I would never do what Britney Williams did to people. We're not like that: Both of you have a choice to make here…”
Alizée was awkwardly fiddling with the seat strap holding down her half-floating form, before looking over at Layla. Layla was staring with her jaw slack slightly, before she gently shut it and moved her gaze to Leon.
Her lips pursed slightly before she spoke. “I… I was really scared. I didn't know-” Her gaze shot to Alizée. “I didn't know if they would take her away too.”
A weak chuckle left her, staring at Alizée a little more closely.“Alizée, you wouldn't know this, but it's actually thanks to you that I ever ended up with the Sycamore. We… used to be friends.”
With flashes of Britney and her sealing symbol impulsively staining her mind, Layla’s face darkened as she glanced back at Leon through the rear view mirror.
“It was this close. She was this close to not making it out of that, to being taken again, to being locked away, just like… like him.”
Her gaze dropped, and she uttered gratefully. “Thank you, Leon. I think your intervention saved her.”
A pause, before her head lifted slightly. “This is still what I want to do. No matter how much Void or the Void have shaped her, I'm willing to take that risk.”
Alizée curled a part of her floating white hair to the side, her masked face staring unfeeling at Layla. The only betrayal of emotion was in her red eyes. Longing.
“You think Vul has shaped me?”
Layla stared for a moment before nodding. “Definitely. I don't know how, but he leaves his imprint on those he bonds with. You, me. A mark that shapes the soul.
“It’ll only be a matter of time until we see how he's shaped you.”
Alizée pressed a gnarled finger to her chin in thought, breathing slow and deep. Wistfully. Before her glowing eyes slanted towards Layla.
“There's something else shaping you now.”
Layla swallowed, before carefully nodding.
Alizée's eyes narrowed into slits. “And this troubles you.”
Layla carefully nodded again. She could feel Mr. Riil staring silently from within her, fuming, his cold anger killing the will to speak in her.
Alizée saw the change in Layla’s eyes, and her own eyes tightened. A gnarled hand grasped a dainty, porcelain hand.
“...Do you want help?”
Layla trembled for a moment, staring. Then, she slowly nodded.
Alizée's gaze watched carefully, before it moved to Leon. “...I don't know where we're going, I don't know if I can fully trust you. I don't know anything about this Temple. But…”
A breath. “Without knowing the full story, I'm willing to do everything I can to protect her. I'm just… not sure how to start, or where to start.”
”The Temple of Charming and Graceful Individuals… It's something you were a part of when you were alive. Our family. Not by blood, but family still. We cared for you there, when Vul and Yourself still lived. It's also the resting place of your obsession, which I… I will be honest with the both of you: I have reservations about this course of action only because of him.”
Leon imagined a world where the two of them overpowered Andrade Salamente, destroying the Butcher's Prison-Blade and releasing countless unnamed horrors alongside Void Heart. There was no telling what the reaction would be, but he certainly feared the hellish army that could surge forth from an artifact like that.
”I strongly encourage you both to seek one another's comfort before making foolish decisions that you could be hurt for. Layla, please remember: Mr. Salamente is no pushover.- He may be a friendly man, and he may cook incredible food, but he's spent his whole life fighting and killing Apparitions. As far as I'm concerned, he's one of the greatest Adepts on this planet, and you would both be wise to avoid him… Especially if you're adjoined.”
He was only so insistent because he wanted them desperately on the same page. After a meeting like that, especially one where he was compelled to stick his neck out in the path of the guillotine, he needed a victory. Too many losses in the last few days were mounting on his confidence. Little social boosters were so necessary for his mental game.
Layla's head hung a bit, all too aware of the thinly veiled threat Leon cast over them. Of course. They would be in the presence of the Butcher, and the Blade soon. The artifact that held Void prisoner.
Layla gritted her teeth, her fingers pulling at the fabric of her black dress. ”I… I pledged myself, Leon. To you, to your mother. Her Grace promised… I would never betray your trust.”
Alizée seemed to be more hesitant. If the Butcher was responsible for Vul's sealing, his torture, she had to release him. One way, or another.
Alizée's silence caused Layla to look over, seeing the distant look in Alizée's eyes. The plan forming in the apparition's eyes.
“Alizée?”
“...”
“You can't seriously be considering what I think you're considering… are you?”
Alizée sighed, pressing gnarled hands to her face. She remained silent.
“I know you can't forget him. Neither can I. But we gotta take it one step at a time. Today, we're focusing on you and I. One day, we will focus on Void.”
A muffled moan escaped Alizée, and her hands tightened around her masked face. Layla watched with a pained expression, before she reached out, and patted Alizée's knee.
“Alizée…?”
Alizée's voice was broken as she spoke, muffled through her hands. “He's gonna be there. He's gonna be right there, and I'm not going to be able to do anything about it.”
She curled in her seat, face hidden firmly in her hands. Mist escaped her eyes.
“I miss him! I miss him so badly. Every inch of my chains ache to see him, even if it's across the ocean. And you're telling me he's going to be there, locked away in the Butcher’s knife, and there's nothing I can do about it?!”
Layla swallowed painfully, before she spoke. “It's… it's my fault, Alizée. If I didn't let Void hurt those people, if I was stronger… Maybe Void would still be with us. But that's why I'm here. I haven't given up on seeing him. And neither should you. But the timing has to be right. And right now… the timing isn't right.”
Layla unbuckled her seat, shifting over to rebuckle in the middle seat, and reaching out her arms to Alizée. Alizée sniffled, before accepting Layla's hug, and they both sat there silently, Layla resting in Alizée's chest, arms wrapped around each other.
Alizée gently stroked Layla's hair, and she spoke softly, a pained sigh escaping her. “I gave my word too… That I wouldn't pursue him, lest I be sealed…”
Alizée's cheek rested on Layla's head, “So… I'm counting on you. Please… don't leave me in the dark here.”
Layla nestled herself deeper into Alizée's embrace. “We won't be alone forever… Trust them. Trust the Temple, Her Grace, Leon. They are friends, family.”
Eventually, Layla lifted her face and leaned back, but kept her hands wrapped around Alizée's.
“I need your strength, Alizée. Today, and forever. The demons in me… I don't want you to get hurt.”
Alizée squeezed Layla's hands lightly. “I'm here, and I'm focused, ready. Let us return to your home, my old home too, and put your demons to rest.”
Layla smiled a little. “And Void?”
Alizée's eyes closed softly. “I leave that to you and the Temple.”
Leon's mind was wracked by nerves and questions about what this would entail. It was ultimately a book full of questions that he prayed Andrade would be able to answer for him.
A morbid thought crossed his mind, and he wondered about what could happen if he followed through.
”Alizée… Your previous physical form… We have interred it in a beautiful mausoleum. You were given a Martyr's funeral, honored many times over by our congregation. Once things are settled, and the two of you are Adjoined, I encourage you to visit… And, tomorrow… Well, should you both be up to it, there's an event: I told Layla about it. The Adjoined Night? We originally planned to find you some help with the Riil… But, if you'll be free of them, maybe we can present you from a more positive position.”
His big brother instinct was the only one active at this point. He wasn't a Temple Scion. He wasn't the host of Lelou Faim. He wasn't even the Timberwolf. Just a concerned older brother on pins and needles about what was to come next.
Alizée listened carefully, before lifting her head from Layla's, and tilting it. “...Visiting my old body. That's such a strange concept. But… Yes, I would like to go there, once everything is done…”
Layla offered a small smile, before she leaned back a bit, and nodded towards Leon. “Both of those sound great. I uh, imagine I'll be a whole new person without my uh… well, the Riil siblings doing what they do.”
Layla glanced at Alizée, before looking back at Leon. “Of course we'll attend. It'd be rude of us to not.”
Both, of course, didn't notice the brief look of morbidity that passed across Leon's face.
”I’m certain that a great deal of your current problems will fade away in the wake of new ones. Trust me, things get complicated sometimes; But you have to believe that we’re gonna be there to help you in the best and worst of times.”
Saying that stung a little more than he liked, considering what had happened to Alizée. He hadn’t been able to stop it, and now he was faced with this… Strange new problem. All Leon could hope for was that it wouldn’t be such a problem in the end.
As he spoke, he was taking a turn off the highway into the outskirts of St. Portwell where the lands turned into the forests again. It was easy to get lost out there, go feral in those woods… Some patches were so big, you’d easily get lost in the middle and never make your way out. As they got closer to the property, Leon turned his eyes up to the rear view mirror to try and catch Alizée’s reaction.
”You recognize this roadway at all? Feel any of the magic from the property?” he asked casually. ”Even when you were coming back to us in a struggle, you always seemed to calm down the closer we got. I never knew if it was you resigning to the fate of being hugged and fawned over, or if you actually felt good being around us.”
Alizée stared out the window, watching the trees roll by. Leon would notice her eyes slowly go wide.
“There's food here, isn't there? I remember… Void was never hungry for long. I was never hungry for long.”
Flashes of white motes scattered across her vision, reminding her of a time that no longer existed. The flash of a voidly smile. A bow in sincerity, before feasting. Hands raised in gratitude. Once, they struggled. But no longer.
Alizée breathed in, as if sampling the air, before she began to visibly relax.
“I like this place. When will we arrive?”
Layla watched with an incredulous look.“You can… smell the Temple?”
Alizée closed her eyes briefly, breathing in again.“I can smell Vul mixed with other notes. Light, airy, dark, poignant like pomegranate. We're getting close. It's… relaxing.”
Layla gave a soft smile,“That's reassuring. I can't wait for everyone to see you. The original host. It'll be quite the change for them, but… for the better?”
Alizée just nodded, feeling her inhibitions slip away, one by one.
The turn into the Temple’s three-square miles of Paradise was marked by something absolutely amazing for the returning members’ weary hearts:
Front and center, hung from the gates of the entrance and the security house in between, was a massive banner. Reading “Welcome Home Alizée!” in big, periwinkle colored letters, the sign was flanked on all sides by bundles and bundles of white, red and purple flowers whose shapes and colors would be a deep memory. A day which Alizée spent with the magnanimous Lynette Richoux and her closest sisterhood. A picnic, a field of those flowers; it was another world, another time… Another place that they’d brought her and included her.
Or, included Void Heart? Perhaps the goals were unclear, but Lynette was banking on the spirit at hand holding fond memories with little to no context: Any jogging of the memory was a dangerous game, so it was best to only jog the good ones. Leon certainly hadn’t been expecting it, nor the response time to get a banner like this up. Not only, but the roadway leading up toward the main bulk of the property was lined with bundles and bundles of these flowers. Leon had been to the President’s funeral, and had seen the rows and rows of flowers like this.
Hell, they hadn’t even done this for the poor girl’s funeral… It was lovely, sure, but this was thick.
The fragrance of flowers, it rang something deep within Alizée. It was a day when the Void Heart had been in a good mood, fed. He would rumble something soft in her head as she was handed sweets on the picnic cloth. Clasped hands, laughter, hugs… She only remembered the lightness in her soul.
Alizée stared out the backseat window, entirely transfixed as the flowers rolled past, her eyes and her heart in the fractured and erased past.
Oh my stars beyond… Lynette is in a panic!
Who the Hell would have expected this?
Is she not The Omnipresence? The One That Watches?
I find your sarcasm to be one of your more attractive habits.
A bit of outward affection shut the ghost up. Gave Leon a second to think about what the hell was coming next. First, he was curious as to who the plant was… Not like there were a lot of options to choose from; one possible perp may have even been totally unwitting. But… Had she heard what he said? Was there the possibility that she’d go against him if she had? And what would they do otherwise, just seal Alizée up like they had Void Heart and be done with it?
He didn’t want that… Part of him felt like turning around then; but, he was going to need his family’s resources if he wanted to make this any kind of possibility. So he kept driving them forward, trying to put a smile on and sound enthused.
”Wow, Alizée… You’re really uh… You’ve got everyone here excited that you’re back! Look up ahead!”
Alizée tore her red eyes from the window, looking up.
Pointing through the front windshield, Leon directed their attention to what appeared to be a fully stacked up gathering on the front green. There were banners, balloons, all sorts of fellow Apparitions and their various hosts. Getting closer, there were plenty of familiar faces. Kind ones, friendly, who only got more excited as the car approached and they could see the wispy, pale ghost in the back seat.
Pulling up, Alizée could look up the stairs to the church in the center of it all and see a tall, dark haired woman with tears streaming down her face. She was dressed in the most incredible kind of dress, a massive neck fan highlighting her face and body like a big white halo in the light shining from within the Chapel.
The car slowed to a stop, and Leon pulled himself up to look back.
”I can… Pull us off to a quieter place if this seems overwhelming, you two…”
Alizée stared, her eyes wide. It all seemed so surreal. But so, so right.
She soaked up the happy faces, wishing she recognized more. But they knew her, and that's what mattered.
Alizée turned her masked face to Leon, and gently shook her head, white hair swishing in an anti-gravitational manner.
“I feel… strange. But not in a bad way. I've… never felt like this. I… want to meet them.”
Layla stared at the gathering outside the car windows, swallowing nervously. Too many people, powerful people, if they wanted to take Alizée away, like they took Void away.
Layla shook her head to herself, eyes pinching. She was getting ahead of herself. Her Grace looked so happy. Surely, this wouldn't be like the last time she set eyes on the Butcher. Surely, she could believe in the goodness of the Temple.
Swallowing, she reached over and placed a hand on Alizée's knee. “Then let's go and meet them.”
Never forgetting her manners, Layla glanced at Leon.“I uh, appreciate the ride, Leon. It's… good to be back.”
Layla unbuckled and got out, coming around to open Alizée's door and unbuckle her. Alizée drifted out, her feet hovering inches above the concrete as she stared at the happy faces.
Instead of being scared, however, her chains rippled around her like bubbly, cascading sheets - an expression of happiness. New connections could be formed, and that was something that made all the difference in Alizée's world. A chain, a link, a representation of trust, of friendship, of loyalty. It all started here, where she had been known once before.
Alizée's red eyes surveyed the group, before they looked up to the lady in the extravagant dress.
“...I’m honored by this welcome party, but I have to admit, my memory is not what it… well, what it used to be. You’ll have to introduce yourselves to me uhm, again?” Alizée said, her eyes curling upward.
Layla stood a little behind Alizée, reaching out a hand to grasp Alizée's long phalanges. For comfort. She stared up at the group, finding it hard not to smile in the face of such enthusiasm.
She glanced up at Alizée. “This should have been the welcome you'd gotten earlier. You truly are amazing, Alizée. You just don't know it yet.”
As Alizée spoke, a cheer ran along the crowd. Small children, elderly folk, teens and their parents, Apparitions of all shapes and sizes accompanying them; there was a haze of familiarity that always managed to escape the pale Phantom’s grip. Only the woman in the dress, however, made any true impact. Alizée would be able to feel White Lux pouring from her, the small book in her hands at the epicenter of it all.
Raven hair, steel blue eyes, a smooth and regal expression of high-cheeked native beauty in powdered pale glory. She had small runes painted down the front of her forehead, the entire bundle of hair cascading down her front and in between the hands which clutched the book. The book which they opened, and the world around them flooded into the Pale. Colorless surroundings…
Only the words echoing.
”A Lady red — amid the Hill
Her annual secret keeps!
A Lady white — within the Field
In placid Lily sleeps!
The tidy Breezes, with their Brooms —
Sweep vale — and hill — and tree!
Prithee, My pretty Housewives!
Who may expected be?
The Neighbors do not yet suspect!
The Woods exchange a smile!
Orchard, and Buttercup, and Bird —
In such a little while!
And yet, how still the Landscape stands!
How nonchalant the Hedge!
As if the “Resurrection”
Were nothing very strange!”
And then there was no sign of that tantalizing, private and oh-so intimate magic. The book snapped shut, returning color to the world as the woman descended the stairs with arms outstretched and tears rolling from her face.
”Dearest, sweetest most Charming and Graceful girl… You… You’re just as beautiful as the day we thought we lost you~”
Arms wrapped around the Apparition as they could, unconcerned about the potential threat. There was hesitation, before long fingers wrapped back, gently. The woman held her tightly, and there was a gentle shaking that indicated some quiet weeping before she finally pulled back.
”You… Call me Auntie Lynette. You always have, and I hope you always will.”
“Auntie Lynette…” Alizée echoed back, feeling the words as they reverberated gently from her.
Taking Alizée’s free hand, she swept her own across the crowd.
”And this is your beautiful Family… The Temple of Charming and Graceful Individuals. We welcome you home with great enthusiasm and overwhelming love, Alizée Vul… You honor us.”
Another cheer drove the people into a frenzy as they excitedly chanted her name in three sharp syllables over and over.
The chains swirled around Alizée, betraying the surge of emotion bubbling up in her throat that her mask simply couldn't communicate. There was so much potential here, so many untapped sources of connections. The scents were sweet here, tinged with the Void, and the Void Heart.
Before her eyes fell on Layla, smiling, despite pain in her eyes. Pain they both felt.
Without wishing to dampen the high spirits, Alizée leaned in close, whispering in her aunt’s ear. “Auntie… You know what I'm going to ask… when the time is right, please, would you entertain me?”
To hear it from the source, where her Void had gone.
Lynette wasn't surprised to hear the request leave Alizée's ethereal lips. It was only natural that such an impressionistic soul would have the stench of the void still coloring it.
Leon knew, however. He saw it all coming, and wasn't sure he was going to be able to stop it… All he could do from here on was get Layla the support she needed. She was, in his perception, the weakest link in the whole chain. It only took convincing her that life was better without the Void Heart, and plans were over.
Get them Adjoined, get them into therapy, surround them with love. Don't give them the opportunity to question what if.
Standing next to Layla as Lynette spoke, Leon placed a hand on the girl's shoulder. One of comfort, and he smiled down at her gently.
Lynette took Alizée's hands herself, rubbing them gently in her own.
”In due time, my sweet girl… For now, let's get you fed. You must be starving, the both of you! Come, come, come!!”
Turning, she led Alizée up those familiar stairs and into that familiar chapel, where the pews were replaced by tables full of delicacies. For the night, all may be able to rest but the dreaded Riil, who could only look on in abject horror as the meal seemed to weaken them.
Deaden them. Make them sitting ducks for a greater predator. Time was nearing its end…
TUESDAY
Layla's night had not gone unnoticed. The Temple's grounds were under strict surveillance from multiple sources, with several alarms touching off at the unfamiliar Lux signature responsible for the teleportation. Layla's room was particularly bugged, given to her under the auspices of maintaining her privacy. The books already there, under the mattress, tiny magical sensors had gone haywire twice that night.
Lynette chose to keep her eyes on the prize. Whatever may've happened, she simply hadn't attached the girl to a proper Apparition to slake her curiosity and thirst for security. The game was still early. With her powers, she tracked her Eldest son across the compound as he made way for his Coven mate. Occasionally, he'd pause and she'd take a more direct view. From inside his pocket, she couldn't see; but hearing was simple, and as expected Leon was stopped by all manner of Temple Members wherever he went.
In that early morning, children asked for help with homework before class. Contemporaries asked about upcoming plans and Temple events. Distractions from his goal of waking Layla and bringing her safely to the Adjoining Chamber filled his life. But, she'd trained him well. His purposeful avoidance was casual, unthreatening and open for rapprochement later.
He was a paragon of his people, and she bristled slightly with pride. Eventually, he came to Layla's door. Having been spared the knowledge of her previous night's excursion, Leon had no idea that she may be a bit tired. Or, alternatively, perhaps jumpy about the situation.
Deep knocks echoed through the door.
”Yo, Layla? It's Leon, Sis… You in there?” he asked blindly through the wood, his dog-like sense of smell telling him she absolutely was there. It was, after all, a bit of a courtesy rather than a genuine question.
There was a flutter of feet, before Layla shyly opened the door. She was dressed in a loose-fitting back dress she had found in the closet, likely from Her Grace. And, indeed, the evidence of dark circles under her eyes were apparent. It seemed her sleep was fraught with frequent nightmares and sudden starts.
Regardless, she held a small smile on her face, swallowing any discomfort she felt. She had to maintain her silence, after all.
“Good morning, Leon. I just need to grab my purse, then I'll be ready to go.”
Alizée, on the other hand, was currently in the kitchen, of all places. There was amazement in her eyes, watching as foodstuffs were prepared for breakfast. Having no knowledge on the cuisine of humans, everything was new to her there. The smells, they didn't really interest her in an eating sense, but they were new and intriguing nonetheless.
Leon simply assumed the night spent alone in her own body was a change that she hadn't been ready for. Especially with the kind of dinner she was fed the previous evening; somnial root vegetable puree, Sandman filet basted in the clarified butter from the milk of an ever-sleeping brahm. Everything cursed to redirect its potent effects onto the Riil so they'd be easier prey.
But Leon knew eating that kind of thing made one feel worse. Empty. He was more happy that at least Alizée didn't seem worried. She'd be doing the leg work, after all.
”You look wonderful. Not that I think it matters what you look like in an Adjoining, but… Anyway, come on. There's a beverage waiting for you, and you really want to drink it hot. Speaking from experience…”
The beverage in question was tea: Grown in soil fertilized by the physical scrap remnants from the butchery of cursed Apparitions, some believe imbibing it can induce the Third-Eye Open condition upon a mundane.
Proven unequivocally, however, is its capacity to leave the human vessel open to visitation. Thus, Nether Tea is a small-batch staple of the Temple, who maintain a policy of forced Adjoining for those inner circle members unable to Kindle on their own.
Leon himself was dressed somewhat strangely, his wide frame covered by some kind of monk's robes, smiling a half smile down.
Layla nodded. Drinking something hot might soothe her. It always did. ”Alright. Wouldn't want to keep anyone waiting.”
As she got her purse, he nodded his head.
”You probably won't need that… Chances are this is all over in fifteen minutes, and you may end up passed out and shuffled back to bed. But whatever makes you more comfortable. Can I just-”
His hand slid toward her very slowly and gently.
”-look through it real quick? To make sure there's nothing in there that may affect the Adjoining negatively?”
He had been ordered to make her comfortable, but also to keep a close eye on her… This was simply part of that in his mind.
Layla bit her lip, before conceding, and offering her purse out to Leon to inspect.
”Sure, uh, be my guest.”
It was fairly mundane, holding a cellphone, wallet, and a small bottle of hand sanitizer. However, what could be considered as worrisome was the large pocket knife nestled between the objects. Leon wouldn't know it, but it was the same knife she had used to threaten Jack and herself when the Coven had moved to take the Void Heart away from her.
Why she kept it around when her problems were always apparitional in nature was a bit of logic even she didn't understand. Perhaps she felt reminded of the Void Heart holding on to it. Or, more likely, it had something to do with safety, and remnants of shattered trust between her, Jack and Auri. Britney was a different story, of course, what with Mr. Devola's intervention.
Layla swallowed nervously, a part of her wondering if she was even allowed sharp objects on Temple grounds. She didn't want to be in trouble, not that early in the day.
Leon was extremely gentle about it.
”Do you… Mind if we just leave it here?” he asked, holding up the pocket book entirely.
”If it’s just to keep the knife; don’t worry. I’m your knife for the morning. We’ll be back before you know it, and there won’t be any harm.”
Handing it back to her, his look was somewhat expectant. As if he didn’t think she was going to push back against him.
Layla appeared somewhat uncomfortable when Leon said no to the knife, but perked up when he said he'd lend his own powers. She nodded, “Probably best to leave it all here, then.”
And she set the purse on her bed. Turning back, she stepped out of the suite, standing beside Leon as she closed the door.
“I'm ready, Leon. But uh, this ceremony. Is there anything I should be aware of? It won't be like… well, like the last last time, will it?”
She, of course, was referring to the time The Butcher had put her to sleep.
Leon shook his head, a wry smile crossing his face.
”No, no, Mr. Salamente is a splitter, not a joiner: His curses aren't a necessary part of inducing a consensual Adjoining.”
He trailed off, thinking about how deeply that moment must be burned into her brain. It made him feel terrible about the entire ordeal in both past and present. He could only make up for her nerves with consistent comfort.
”The Temple teaches us that an Apparition is made of unresolved intent: Something to be done which never had the chance to be. In this case, the satisfaction of returning to the Coven and being a hero for us…”
As he spoke, the two of them walked further and further down the hall, then down the stairs.
”So, we'll get Alizée, and then our destination is her mausoleum. The ritual is purely symbolic, as we ‘ask’ the interred body to pass everything that it was onto you. So long as our Casper is still fine with the Adjoining, it's a cinch from there. Fifteen, maybe twenty minutes tops. Easy, huh?”
Layla seemed to visibly relax. ”Yeah, sounds easy enough.”
They found Alizée still in the kitchen, her red eyes entirely transfixed on the plating of pancakes with syrup and a side of hashbrowns. A quick sniff, and Alizée's eyes turned to the door, creasing upwards.
“I thought I smelled a sweet smell.” She said, floating over to Layla. A quick double-take and Alizée's eyes slightly narrowed, seeing the lack of sleep in Layla's face.
A pause, before Alizée turned to Leon. “Leon? Are we ready to start? I've been waiting all morning.
“Did you know Layla doesn't really cook for herself? I was thinking I might try this ‘cooking’ thing for her. Strange what humans do, but as long as it fills their stomachs…”
Layla immediately looked a little shy. ”I do cook. Sometimes…”
“You had a granola bar to eat last night before you retired.” Alizée said flatly, arms crossed as she leaned down into Layla's view.
Layla blushed, holding her hands to her cheeks. “Okay, fine! Let's just, get this over with, okay?” She mumbled.
Alizée's eyes creased upwards again, before glancing at Leon. “Where are we off to?”
”A good place. Somewhere peaceful. Your Mausoleum.”
There was a small walk from the dorms and into the forest surrounding the property. Enough time for all parties to think about the implication of what was about to happen. Where. As far as Leon knew, it was a fairly easy process when all parties were willing: In his own experience, it was anything but. Lelou wasn’t looking to be “tied down”, and there was a great deal of pain and effort that went into getting their relationship even to this point. She was unstable, picky, needy, and wanted what she wanted. And if she wanted to stretch, but he left the seals tight?
Then the next time he had to open them, she’d make him regret it. It was all just… Fear. Of course, how much worse could it be than what she’d had to go through previously? The Riil, from everything he’d been told, were sadistic fucks who had made her suffer for a great deal of her life.
But Alizée had mostly taken care of that, and they were sealed within the amulets. It would be good. Had to be good.
Ahead of them, further in the forest standing beside the entrance to the grand, stone-filled graveyard of the Temple, were two other figures. Layla had at least met them both, coming to know one with a touch greater detail than the other: Lena, and Harietta. The former, in all her raven-like beauty, contrasted the bold and colorful energy practically brimming from the latter. Both were dressed in informal clothing, nothing too daunting or intimidating.
It wasn’t meant to be anything grand, after all. It was a process… One that occasionally had to be carried out. It just wasn’t usually done in such a symbolic place. But Lynette had directed it, and so it would be despite her not actually being there to be involved. Hari carried a book in her hands, turning it gently as they approached. Lena seemed to be empty handed, but her arms were tucked behind her back, hidden behind a black denim jacket.
But they were two of Lynette’s closest students. Crones of the Temple; of Punishment and Judgement.
”There they are…” Lena cooed gently, a small smile crossing her face.
”Oh, it’s so good to see you’re both doing alright after last night. Layla? Did you sleep well sweetheart?” Hari asked, almost treating Layla as if she were a young child despite their age gap being more like an age crack.
Layla smiled softly. The lie came easy. ”I'm fine, thank you. It's good to see you too.”
”Frankly she was in a rush!” Leon laughed, patting her shoulder. Layla made a shy-looking face. She was eager, wasn't she?
The group of five were able to continue on, strolling down the laneway toward an edge-plot that seemed relatively fresh compared to some of the others. The stones making up the outer design were clean, and the large metal door still shined like it had just been made. Leon took point, pushing them open gently and removing his shoes at the door: A practice that the others followed as well, clearly in an effort to keep the floors as clean as possible.
They were shimmering black marble, with cracks of purple and flecks of white that trailed to great pillars of dark grey stone. Bronze rings wrapped around the base of each, holding up the otherwise fairly small room.
Abudding the rear wall, the black stone floor seemed to naturally climb up the wall as if it were some kind of dead tree stump covered over in a thin facade. Atop this slab, a gentle, shimmering surface cascaded from the sides, curling down toward the floor in a wisp-like fashion; its purpose clearly to suspend the perfectly preserved, beautifully dressed and immaculately tended corpse of Alizée Altieri.
The same shimmer climbed up over her, encasing her entirely within it’s space that it somehow carved around it. Presumably, she would stay like this for as long as the spell was active; however long that would be, not even Leon knew.
But there were small cabinets, located beneath a small shrine to the right side of the room. They had candles, pillows on which people could kneel, incense… Everything one could need to commune with and mourn before the interred Saint of the Temple.
Saint Alizée of the Void.
”Please don’t touch the Chronoveil. Disruptions are very dangerous for the outside force.”
It was informative, not expectant. Truly, she didn’t want anyone losing limbs.
”I’ll give you both a second to get comfortable, my Dears. Then, we’ll get you Adjoined.” Hari smiled.
Leon and Lena both took pillows while Hari began setting up the shrine with the ritual “requirements”, being expectations as to what incense was burned and what candles would be used.
Layla too took a couple pillows, one for herself, one for Alizée. She found herself mesmerized by how they had Alizée Altieri kept. She seemed like a doll, the porcelain ones you collect, with her eyes closed. All she had to do was open them, that was how perfect she looked. As if she would rise and smile once more.
But as Layla turned to offer a pillow to Alizée, she froze, taken a bit aback. Alizée's eyes were voidless pits, staring yawningly as she beheld herself. Floating closer, creeping dangerously near the veil, so she could peer down at the sleeping Saint.
To anyone watching, white lights would flicker in from the edges of her chains. White matter was slowly building itself up, before it solidified in one or two new links on each chain. Another drop of water in the bucket. Another layer of understanding, woven into her being.
She was frozen in the air there, before the white lights faded, and red glowing pupils returned to her mask's sockets.
Her gnarled hand reached up, as if to touch her body, before she remembered, and rapidly retracted it. Instead, her eyes memorized every inch of her former shell's face, tracing with her eyes where her hands could not.
Alizée blinked, remembering herself, and turned to Layla. Staring at the pillow, then at the girl, then at those gathered. Then back to herself.
”It's me…”
Soon enough, Alizée and Layla knelt on pillows, Alizée dimming some of her levitation so her knees touched the satin. Layla watched the girls set up the ritual with interest, remembering back to her first prayer. Instinctively, Layla reached out to grab Alizée's hand. Alizée looked down, and her eyes did that little crinkle.
Both were ready.
Ms. Hari seemed masterful at the art of putting together a fully lit shrine. The way she ran a candle across the top of a few dozen others; wax never fell from the first onto the dark wood of the shrine. She held her hands high above her head, muttering things in Latin that were so esoteric one could mistake them for mad babblings. Lena, having taken a seat next to Layla, saw the latter take a hold on Alizée's hand.
Ever-tactful, Lena did the same to Layla's free hand. She slipped down, snagging the dainty pale thing with hands that were far rougher than expected.
Leon had re-settled behind them, closer to the door. It wasn't so much he thought they may try to escape, so much as he was meant to symbolically “Have Layla's back.”. She would be able to hear his droning hums following along with Hari's increasing tempo…
Then the noise stopped. Hari turned slowly, the last candle in her hand. Lena guided Layla's free hand upward, and there was a painfully slow transfer of the burning candle from Hari's hands into Layla's hands.
”Layla Hyacinthus… Your life is the candle which you cling to, and the ever-burning flame atop is the soul with which you are born into this world.”
Holding the candle, it was heavy. Heavier than a normal candle stick…
As it burned, wax never fell down it's neck, a gentle wisp of smoke curling from the top in a pinkish-purple haze.
Layla gently released Alizée's hand to hold the candle. It was indeed heavy. But she could see it. Her body was the wax, and her soul was the flame. Two separate entities, united together for one cause: her life.
Feelings stirred within her as she watched the flame, her voice mute, soothed into silence by the chanting that had started the ritual.
Alizée stared with interest, her head tilting curiously at the flame. It was a unique object, one she hadn't seen before. Having looked at them before, her first guess wouldn't have been that they produced light on one end. Fascinating.
This ritual was more for Layla, and Alizée was happy to witness it, fully immersed in the mysterious atmosphere.
Like before, the first time Layla had met Lena, the world around her began to fade away. While she may not have felt any kind of ominous threat, Alizée’s instincts would almost certainly find this to be a sensation of dread. From over Lena’s figure, two massive golden eyes shimmered into existence as spheres of metal which spun in place. From the dark, a sensation like something both of them would recognize. A whiff of the Void.
Two huge metal gauntlets, their accents shimmering in the low light with pure gold, scuttled upon their fingertips into the frame, flanking Hari on either side. The eyes hovered from Lena up into the air above the fiery red-haired woman, and her face became grim in return. But she did not speak.
”Alizée Vul… Always shall your eyes be upon the Candle. Its Flame shall burn bright in your gaze, shielded by you and kept safe within your grasp.” that same grumbling, growling voice… Lena’s Apparition Partner: The Warden Aufseher.
The gauntlets slowly closed the distance on Hari, sliding together from below until they cupped her within them…
Then they snapped shut. When they opened, it wasn’t Hari. It was Leon, transformed into a bestial form whose arms struggled to separate the gauntlets. Claws raked and slipped, giving way to the gauntlet smashing into his body.
”And this is the curse of Disharmony! The internal struggle, which is inescapable should you begin to find that this union is not what you’ve come for… But this is a commitment! You both have been given a unique second chance at your lives, and the Temple of Charming and Graceful Individuals will not abide.”
Hari stepped through the illusion entirely, ripping the image of Alizée’s body back into place and returning the room to what it was.
Everyone was still sitting on their cushions… And Hari was still standing before the temporal coffin.
”Our goal, dear Sisters, is to guide and assist in the process of a harmonious union…”
”Because once it’s done? There’s no going back for us. The penalty for Severance is death. For both parties, you see… I live with this, Brother Leon lives with this, and in our inner circle, dozens of others live with this. It is a fact of life for us.”
Lena’s voice was empathetic, even a touch warm. Loving. As if she were happy to say something like that.
”This is your last chance to choose. It’s a big decision, so the three of us have been asked to provide you with any guidance as you may require it. If, however, you have no questions, concerns or shred of doubt about your eternal union? Then I encourage you, Layla, to hand your candle to your new Guardian Angel, and invite Saint Alizée into your entire being; that the burden of one’s Candle may be enlightened by the strength of Another.”
Grimness was painted deep across both Layla and Alizée's faces. Each for different, yet similar reasons. Layla immediately thought of the Void Heart. If she went through with this, she would be giving up on ever being adjoined to the Void Heart entirely.
Could she really go through with that? To turn her back on the one apparition that had made her feel safe?
Alizée's thoughts wandered as well. Though she could not adjoin to Void Heart as she once had in her past life, it almost felt… like she was concluding her search, here and now.
No, that couldn't be the case. She wouldn't allow it.
Being adjoined with Layla for an eternity, that should scare her. Shouldn't it? But as Alizée sat there, smelling the sweet musk of Vul that perfumed Lalya’s hair, she realized there wasn't anyone else she would have preferred to be adjoined with. They already shared something that powerfully connected them. This would be good for her. This would be good for Layla.
Alizée looked down at Layla, finding the girl wracked with worry, but unable to voice it. Alizée suddenly had the strong desire to know those thoughts. To know those worries. So she could put an end to them.
A gnarled hand slipped around to drape Layla's shoulders. The Warden’s words were etched into her mind. This was a commitment, an opportunity. And for her, a chance to learn more about the Void Heart, more about Layla, for more connections, more power.
“Shh…” Alizée mumbled, slowly rocking Layla.
Layla trembled where she knelt, the flame shivering. “I want to be adjoined to him.”
Alizée's red eyes crinkled in understanding. “You can. But, Layla, I don't remember much, but I do remember he had a certain way with his words, actions. You're like a flower, easy to break. I fear he may hurt you.
“Can you love him from afar?”
Layla was silent. Alizée leaned her head down so she could see Layla's gaze, pointedly looking at the ground.
“You don't think I can satisfy your needs as your voidling?”
Layla's mouth hung open, opening and closing for words, but they wouldn't come.
Alizée continued. “You doubt I can protect you? Or… do you, in fact, crave to be beaten by him on his bad days?”
Layla glanced up reproachfully. “I do not! …He just… He's Void.”
Alizée nodded. “I know. I haven't given up on him, and neither should you. We will see him again one day, and you'll be able to sit with him all you like. I would never interfere with that. I won't stop you.”
As Alizée spoke, the tension in Layla's face visibly reduced. Eventually, Layla took a steadying breath as her hands stabilized. She looked up at Alizée with a stoic gaze, and gently passed the candle to Alizée.
“I give you full invitation to my body, and my soul, Alizée.”
Alizée took the candle, before clasping Layla's hand with her free one. “I accept.”
Gently, Alizée guided Layla into her arms, Layla's head resting on her chest where they knelt.
“Close your eyes, Layla.”
Layla did as she was told.
It was a natural thing, an inclination all voidlings had, especially in the Shimmer. The desire, and the know-how for adjoining. It was as simple as tying two threads together.
And, as Alizée held Layla close, their soul chains began to physically appear. Hovering in the air, rippling on invisible, turbulent waves. Until, slowly, the chains began to coalesce, and links evaporated and condensed, forming a new link that joined the two.
And then it was done. The soul chains disappeared, one by one. And, shiny and new on Layla's wrists and ankles, were iron cuffs with a few scant chains.
Alizée patted Layla's head, speaking telepathically. ”You can open your eyes now, Layla.”
Layla's eyes slowly opened, and she regarded Alizée with awe. ”Your presence… It's so warm.”
Before Layla looked down at her wrists, holding up one to examine. “Oh wow…” She breathed.
Layla's eyes turned to the Crones, to Leon, and she smiled shyly.
All three of them heard her talking about Void Heart. Only one didn't have a fake smile of excitement after… But all three appeared genuinely thrilled and excited. Truthfully, Leon was. He still found it a better position for Layla to be in than actually running about to chase the bastard. He hoped there would be enough “eventually” that they'd find a solution.
For now, it was all about the duo. About Layla and Alizée.
Lena slid around and forward, hugging Layla tightly.
”Day of days… To be forever with a true Sister… A Saint of our divine Canon… I'm a little jealous!”
As she pulled away, Layla would be able to see a small shape on Lena's shoulder. It was, surprisingly, the Warden. Its two ghastly eyes and disembodied hands came together to form an odd, spider-like shape roughly the size of Layla's palm.
Lena's hand reached up to it, letting it crawl down and around her.
”I pray that both of you maintain such a healthy and happy sisterhood… I would hate to see our Saint take a back-seat.”
Hari, hearing this implication, cleared her throat.
”Let's not concern ourselves with that, Big Sister.”
”Agreed… How're you both feeling? Up for some breakfast?”
While Layla giggled, nodding furiously to the Warden and Lena, Alizée was staring at Layla, her eyes a blank slate. She was deep in Layla's recent memories, especially the ones from last night…
Alizée's eyes narrowed. ”We need to talk later.”
Layla sweated slightly, keeping her smile up for appearances. ”R-right.”
Before she spoke aloud. ”I feel great! And breakfast sounds lovely!”
From then on, the day was full of celebration. Layla was the celebrity of the day among members of the Temple of Charming and Graceful Individuals. People she’d never known greeted her with faces bright like the radiant sun. They greeted her, told stories of Alizée and their fondness of her. Thanks, praise, well-wishes and gifts: And all the while both Leon and Lena were at their side. Not once did either of them leave until the end, when Lena took it upon herself to cart the various trinkets and new possessions of Layla’s back to her room.
Layla was all smiles, her fatigue eased by the kind faces. Alizée, despite holding some reservations, managed to loosen up, and enjoy the celebrations. In particular, she listened keenly to the stories of her, some powerful enough to add links to her chains.
It was late by then, or at least late enough that the sun had gone down below the wooded horizon. What was left came when Leon reminded her of an event happening in the city. Most Aberrations lived off of the lands reserved by the Temple, and thus gathered in one of the communal halls owned and operated by their benefactors. More accessible than having to drive all the way out to the hills behind St. Portwell, as the highway system only had so many routes out.
Though, neither got much of a say. Someone did bring Layla her purse before they left, and Leon bundled her up in a nice new coat he managed to get for her. The fur was warm, gentle against her skin, and the pockets were nice and deep for her to slip her arms into at any time. Layla thanked Leon profusely, not remembering the last time she had been given a gift. The car ride was peaceful as well, only passing a few cars on their highway trip into the city proper. This side of the city had less business traffic, and mostly gave way to suburban housing developments and various works of infrastructure that ended in full apartment buildings.
Six story brick units surrounded a large parking lot courtyard with a gate keeping the inside in and the outside out. The entryway doors to several of the buildings were open; children played around a half-grass and half-concrete playground consisting of a few different small structures and a half-court with a single hoop. Some teens and young adults hung out perched on car hoods and stood around them otherwise. Leon seemed to lighten up a little bit as they pulled in.
Some people approached the car as Leon pulled into the parking space.
”Alright, Ladies… The person who runs this place is named Tamara. She’s a sweet old woman, and… Well, you used to stay here Alizeè. You’d come around the Campus, stay a night, but… This is where your apartment was. It’s empty now, but people here know you. Some weren’t so fond, either. So, be ready and willing with open minds.”
Alizée's glowing eyes widened a bit. ”Not fond, eh? The heck did I do…?”
Layla piped up, raising a finger. ”As I remember, you and the Void Heart were hunting a lot near the end of the old coven days… Might have something to do with that.”
”Hunting?
”Like, eating human essence.”
An awkward pause.
”...Oh.”
Smiling, Leon opened the door on his side to greetings and cheers. Someone else, an older teen seemingly, slipped their hand into the lever of Layla’s door, popping it open from the outside and holding it for her.
”Oh me, oh my… Ladies of the hour! Come on!”
He was certainly effeminate, small in stature and dressed ambiguously in all black. Surely, he belonged with the goth crowd hanging about near the cars.
But he hugged Layla as soon as she managed to get out of the car. Layla blinked, before returning the hug, getting more and more used to the affection getting incorporated into her life now. And Alizeè got an even more emphatic welcoming as several of the others made their way in to meet them. It didn’t take long before the two would find themselves surrounded, especially as the children came to realize who the Apparition was. The younger ones seemingly played along despite not actually being able to see their beloved “Anty Ali”, directing their focus on Layla as the trend of pure white hair translated well enough. Layla stared at all the faces, feeling a little overwhelmed, but it certainly was a warm welcome.
The two would be able to feel Leon’s hand on Layla’s shoulder, keeping her close and flanked in order to protect her in some fashion. He was having something of his own conversation, talking with some of the others who clustered nearby. But his voice cut the crowd not long after.
”Alright everyone, come on! Quit crowding, quit crowding. Alizeè, Layla: This is Tamara’s Enclave.”
There was a wave of cheers from the crowd, and a raspy woman’s voice piped up from the far back in return.
”Y’all out here screamin’ let me through damn you! Let me on, c’mon!”
The woman strode through the slowly parting crowd on the back of some kind of… Turtle? Tortoise? It lumbered about on stoney legs, its neck craning from a shell adorned with all manner of ornament and trinket. Beads, flags, strings of coins; whatever could be hung from the infrequent and thickly-rooted spines that covered it.
Tamara herself had a dark complexion, hair short to her head and thick, dark glasses on even at this time of the night. She looked comfortable, legs crossed in sweatpants and back resting against the large custom chair strapped to the tortoise.
She couldn’t have weighed more than seventy pounds… She was tiny. Ancient. Decrepit.
”Alizeè, Goddammit! Get down here and lemmie look at you…” she spoke rather conspiratorially… The tortoise’s neck craned upward to squint at Layla.
Alizée's eyes blinked, a little taken aback with the forcefulness behind this tiny women. Not wishing to be rude, Alizée did as she was told, floating forward a bit and leaning down enough so she was pretty much eye level with the small woman.
Layla felt the turtle stare at her, and felt a little nervous. Didn't turtles bite? This was no normal turtle, of course, but she was careful with her fingers anyway, hiding them behind her back as she pursed her lips at the turtle.
Alizée, on the other hand, felt the old woman stare at her, through her, until-
”You still owe me a month’s rent!” she finally barked. This was clearly some kind of joke, as the entire crowd including Leon broke into uproarious laughter. It was, unfortunately, completely lost on Alizée, having no idea what this ‘rent’ was. She could only tilt her head and crinkle her eyes with politeness. Tamara smiled a thin, dry smile. Her arms outstretched.
”Come here, Sweetheart… We missed you, didn’t we? And without that loud-mouth jerk!” she chided, one hand waving at Layla.
”You too, Precious… God, look at the two of you: Albino peas in an Albino pod… Well… Blue eyes on one.” she laughed.
In the next moment, the three of them were connected in a warm hug, the smile light on Layla, and warmth in Alizée's eyes. Alizée was a little confused, though, not sure who the loud-mouth could be.
“Void.”
”Oh.”
Alizée could only smile at their new-found connection, finding herself more and more elated. Layla felt the subtle shift in emotion, and buried her head in Alizée's shoulder briefly, before they leaned back, opting to hold the old lady's weathered hands.
Alizée's eyes scanned the crowd, before she spoke, warmth colouring her distorted voice. ”I feel a bit ashamed; you all know me so well, but I haven't the faintest clue who you all are. You'll have to forgive me for my slowness; but I am truly happy to be here.”
Alizée looked down at Layla, and one red eye squinted into a wink. ”We're happy to be here.”
Layla nodded, taking up the cue from Alizée. ”I'm terrible with names, but I'll do my best. It's a pleasure to meet you all,” Her eyes flitted to Tamara. “And you especially, Grandma… May I call you Grandma?”
Tamara laughed aloud, tilting her head back and holding her stomach slightly. It was one, single long laugh that tapered off into little giggles which she did her best to speak through.
”O-oh, Layla, you can… You can call me whatever you like- My Lord! I wish everyone else thought I was that young.”
The group laughed, and Leon spoke up from Layla’s side..
”I’d call her Dead, but she just keeps going!”
The parking lot turned into a practical riot from the laughter. There was a moment where it seemed like it may not stop, but Grandma Tamara playfully leaned in among it. People took it as a sign to head toward the main area, laughter still filling the air as they turned and began to walk.
”You know… I was born before regular folk kept calendars in their homes. Only reason I know how old I am is ‘cus my friend here loves to keep up with the math.”
Her aged hand slowly crept out to stroke the tortoise’s head. Her torso craned just as the creature’s neck would, hunting for a leaf of lettuce.
”Eight-hundred and thirty three…”
She grinned, and the insides of her mouth and gums were pitch black. Like looking into the maw of a black hole… But she had a full, clean and healthy set of pearly white teeth. It only contrasted more against the ominous background.
Alizée and Layla both had surprised expressions. So Grandma Tamara was long-lived. Layla had guessed she was old, but not that old.
”I’ll let you guess where I’m from, Baby. C’mon.” she laughed. The elderly tortoise, slow in its ponderous nature but used to building up a pace, managed to bring himself up to walking speed fairly quickly.
The first part of the early evening was relatively uneventful, slowly but surely getting Layla used to the people around. Some of the other Elders, not nearly as old as Tamara, welcomed Layla in with open arms and offered her the apartment in case she ever wanted to get away from the Temple. Layla was shy at first, but was eventually buttered up enough that she accepted graciously. At some point, Leon stopped and slipped his phone from his pocket, stepping away from Layla and leaving the two of them to fend for themselves.
And then there was another woman there. Staring. She had chocolate hair, green eyes and a smile that tears dripped down the corners of. She was crying. Moving forward toward Layla, she bowed herself.
”H-hey, A-l-Alizeé… Miss Layla…”
Letting her torso come back up, her smile remained despite the moisture.
”Irina… I k-know you don’t remember. It’s okay. It’s for the best, probably. I wanted to introduce myself again. I figured maybe we could do it all over again…”
Her hand extended to Layla, and a separated phantom-like hand, bedecked with wristlets of precious metals reached out to Alizeé. A gaunt, feminine face and shoulder contracted from Irina’s shoulder. Statuesque, it didn’t speak.
Alizée and Layla moved like a mirror, both hands extending out to grab the ones offered to them.
“She's crying…”
“Comfort her. It helps build the connection.”
Layla smiled empathetically, seeing the tears in Irina's eyes.
“Of course we can do it all over again. Why are you crying, Irina?” Layla said softly, patting her hand.
“It's not becoming of your beautiful face.”
”Leon's gone.”
“Errands?”
“Fair enough. Try to remember these names, any one of them could become a link in your chain.”
Layla's eyes glanced down to the cuff gleaming on the hand that still held Irina's, pensive, curious. Intrigued.“Right, right…”
Irina looked somewhat brighter after Layla and Alizée's lukewarm reception. Layla wasn't exactly the person she was here for, but it became more clear in her head as she thought… She had to be. Ali was dead… A ghost attached to this girl. This Layla…
”I'm just… Very happy to have a second chance. Alizée was a great person, and… I was dreadfully short-sighted in my decision. I ruined our friendship. And I'd like to do better without the same judgment I held in my heart.” she managed to crack a smile.
The Apparition, stone face unblinking as it stared at Alizée, seemed to do something like take a deep breath. Subtly, slow like a glacier, a smile formed at the corners of her mouth.
”Death parts people from their spirits. The separation. It's not every day you get the chance to see someone come back, right? So, I figure God wants us to reconcile. Wants to give me the chance to do better… I cried and cried at your funeral, Ali. And I've been in your shrine every day since at some point or another. I… Selfishly feel like my prayers maybe helped you find your way back.”
Realization dawned behind Alizée's eyes. She stared at the apparition, before looking carefully at Irina. Quietly, she disentangled her gnarled hand from the apparition, ghosted forward a bit, and gently wrapped Irina up in a hug.
[color=916BB4]”I'm sorry. That must have really eaten you up. It's your lucky day, I remember nothing. I harbor no ill will. And I would love to be your friend again, Irina. Did I have a nickname I gave you? What's your favorite memory of us?”
Layla only watched silently, fascination in her eyes. ”So this is how you go about making connections…”
”All you have to do is care.”
Leon arrived shortly thereafter, in the midst of Irina explaining their friendship to Alizée. Seeing Layla wrapped up as a spectator, he too watched silently as the game of catch-up played out before him. But Irina was just as excited to bring Layla and Alizée into a wider group. A softer kind of people, the kind of people who loved Alizée deeply, and maybe… Just maybe… Would’ve also been the kind of people that Void Heart would’ve loved to toy with.
He was acutely aware of the possibility unfolding in front of him… But Irina had truly mourned Alizée’s passing. He’d seen her, watched, admired her dedication. The argument they’d pushed one another away over was never about them… And he felt like Irina had finally recognized that. That she too was charmed by Vul. That their entire group had been charmed, and now they huddled around a new flame.
He only hoped there wouldn’t be more custodial disputes.
Leon loomed as he approached, listening to the young woman’s club chatter on as Layla was introduced, and Alizée reintroduced, to a collective of half a dozen similar girls. Different hair, different shapes and sizes and colors, but all seemed… Meek. Almost awkward, like the most mouse-coded book club one could imagine.
Irina, her Apparition called Boudica; then Mazie and The Playful Thing. Wendy and Morbord. Annalise and Writhe. Tanya and Accretion. Nora and High Priest Loboldo. Vanessa and Ouraksh.
They formally introduced themselves as “The Silent Sisters.”, a group of self-described activists pushing for greater autonomy for Aberrants within the Temple’s societal structure. Mostly through the spreading of literature and small scale gatherings like the very one they attended.
”And of course, we mostly have Mr. Leon to thank. As the acting Bridge, he’s been a tremendous help to our cause when it comes to Adjoined rights in particular!” Annalise, probably the most energetic of them, explained with admiration as a hand pointed Leon out.
”It’s easy for people to discount it… But he saved a lot of people by Adjoining. Foregoing his Adepthood, removing himself from the Lux Currents. It was a sacrifice, and he’s been a part of us ever since.” Vanessa added, monotone as her sullen eyes would suggest.
Alizée gave Leon a look, feeling a drop of understanding added to her bucket.
”But… Alizée? You helped us a great deal as well! Just as much, maybe! During your time with Lord Vul, the closeness between himself and Her Most Graceful proved to be a powerful force for change! We’ve… We had our disagreements in the past. But, I have always admired your strength and courage in the face of adversity!”
Alizée's eyes softened. ”...Lord Vul, eh?”
Quietly, another link materialized on her chains.
”We all have. And we’re happy to welcome you both immediately, if you believe you wish to…” Wendy’s voice was more like two voices, giving it a rather dark and sinister undertone despite there most likely not being any wayward intention.
Leon cleared his throat, patting Layla’s shoulder gently.
”I would encourage it… I haven’t met a more united front in my life. Like the boards of a ship hull. Uh, Y’know-”
”We get it, Mr. Leon…”
The group laughed, but ultimately sincere gazes, and potential expectations, fell back upon Layla.
Layla gazed up at the expectant group of eyes, before glancing to Leon, then Alizée. Alizée's eyes crinkled, and she nodded.
Layla nodded back, and smiled at her new friends. “I would be honored to join you. Alizée and I both.”
Alizée's head tilted curiously. “You say you advocate for rights. What rights are those? How would they be infringed?”
Like a thirsty sponge, eager to soak up knowledge. Layla could only watch, seeing how at ease Alizée appeared. Like she was made to be here.
”Well, some of us come to the Temple of Charming and Graceful Individuals as Aberrants. Others?”
”Others take the Oath of Aberration. Mostly One-Eye Opens who can’t manage to Kindle themselves. We’ve all grown up here: I think we all hoped and dreamed we’d have more of a say as we grew up, but that’s not how things have gone.”
”Mind you, Layla… I would never have brought you into such a thing if I didn’t think big changes were coming.” Leon was quick to add from behind, clearing his throat.
”Right… It all starts with Aberration. You can’t become magic on your own? You either have your mind wiped and end up homeless somewhere in California, or you petition for some kind of Apparition to be brought in, and you take an oath. That you’ll-” Mazie’s voice was smooth, like butter on silk, but it was easy to tell the thought alone got her angry.
”-She knows, Mazie… They took it today.”
The group seemed to get a little quiet, but Vanessa’s sleepy monotone continued.
”The book says if you can’t stay together, you die. They’re not lying. So you do whatever it takes to stay with your Apparition. And if the Apparition doesn’t want to be there, they have to get creative. Sedatives, suppressants, hypnotherapy… The list goes on.”
Both Alizée and Layla winced at that.
”Which reminds me, Girls… When Eddy and our new friend Trisha get here, Ed’s gonna need some love. I guess while they were driving over, Serenity-”
”Oh God, are they okay!?” Wendy looked shocked, her voice traveling up as many octaves as possible.
”As okay as they can be. Trisha’s a bit of a firebrand, so I’m just hoping she’s gonna be alright when they get here.”
”Is this new girl driving them now?” Vanessa questioned.
”Uh, no… No, I told Trisha to uh…”
There was a moment of bristling. Layla and Alizée would both clearly feel the tension mounting in the moment.
”Leon!?-” Mazie started up, a finger rising to point at Leon, who worriedly put his hands in the air.
”I don’t know if she can drive a manual, you know Ed’s car!”
”-And you didn’t even think to check!? What the fuck Leon!?”
Vanessa’s hand, full of different colored rings and gems, wrapped around Layla and held her a little closer.
”It’s a shame sometimes his mind is still like an Adept’s. No other solution but to drug us.”
”Listen, I made a decision… I thought it’d be the easiest way to put a new guest at ease…”
”At ease!? Do you think Ed’s gonna be at ease when she wakes up and finds this new girl standing over her with a syringe of Formula Four!?”
And just like that, the group of girls was a pack of sharks taking pieces of Leon’s hide. But what they’d already said more than likely left an impression upon the sponge-like young woman.
Layla gave the hand holding her a squeeze, feeling all different types of nauseous. Was getting drugged a common Temple practice? Alizée, red eyes going wide, finally slapped the mask of her forehead and shook her head.
”I don't see that turning out alright at all… From all the times I've seen Layla drugged, it's had dire consequences.
“But it's already been done, hasn't it? How shall we welcome them?”
”Like fucking idiots! We welcome them like we don’t fucking know, and like Leon didn’t just tell us that!” Tanya finally piped up, tears welling in her eyes.
”Aw, Jesus Christ…”
”We’ll definitely need him.” Vanessa replied to Leon, shaking her head solemnly.
”Tawny’s right… If she thinks we knew, she’ll think we consulted.” Nora’s soft voice cracked gently from the back of the group.
”Yeah, great. We look awesome girls, super effective. This is really a great stride toward those rights we were just talking about.” Mazie growled.
”Mazie… Listen, girls… It's tempting, but… But, we’ve gotta be the ones to make things right, don’t we!?” Irina seemed like she was in a great deal of conflict about the situation. It was clear on her face.
”Fuck no! Fuck, fucking… Fuck no! Absolutely not, this is Leon’s problem. If Ed wants to make it a big deal and run off to her fucking-”
Tanya and Leon locked eyes for a long moment. A long, tense moment.
”I’ll deal with what comes… We all know none of you had anything to do with it.” Leon, deflated, tried to reason with the situation and offer some sort of consolation.
”Will you? I’d say you’re on thin ice, Leon. Here we were praising you? Now you give this back to us? It’s tiring.” Nora’s quiet but convicted voice spoke truth to power always.
The giant man looked fairly sad. Not annoyed, not pressed: Sad. Like a beloved pet passed away. He shook his head and in one motion, his body turned away from them.
”Just make it fucking right, Dude! Jesus, is it so fucking hard to not hurt people you claim to love?”
He didn’t fight back.
”Enough, Mayz… Point made.”
”I’ll break my fucking point off in his a-”
Vanessa’s hand swept out, knocking Mazie’s chest about.
”Calm your tits, Sis.”
Mazie’s hands squeezed together rapidly, and she took several long and deep breaths before shaking her head. By then, Leon had walked off again, leaving Layla and Alizée alone with their new old friends. An awkward enough situation if everyone wasn’t steaming mad about something that the two of them only had a vague clue about.
“I'm desperately trying to keep up with this conversation, but…” Layla's gaze was drawn to Alizée.
”Ignore it. If they want our input, they'll fill us in more.”
But Vanessa seemed to be a steamship in the fog, calm and peaceful. A beacon of lights.
”Now, come on Layla. Lets get you two caught up, since others need to cool down.”
Over a rough half an hour, the Sisterhood managed to take a collective chill-pill and explain a bit more about their positions. About how Temple Culture, through its connection to an older Heretical Christian sect, was built and predicated upon the usage and exploitation of Apparitions. About how Adjoined were often little more than manual laborers, mundane secondaries, or otherwise simple holding pens for Apparitions deemed “of use” by the Crone of Judgement.
That Crone, of course, being Harietta Von Voletta. The very same woman who had joined the duo to master the ceremony she’d participated in. The person who administered the Oath. It was then explained that the situation which had caused the uproar directly involved a member of what they called “The Most Graceful Family”.
”So Ed, Etiennette L’matise? She’s part of a Polycule… With Harietta, and-”
”And her cousin… Mia Richoux. Leon’s baby sister.”
”She’s our age… Pfff, Baby.”
”Whatever, they’re cousins is the point. It’s weird.”
”Ugh, nobody cares how you feel about the setup, Nora. It’s the setup of the power dynamic that’s more creepy.”
It was getting progressively clearer that they were just as much a sewing circle as an activist’s group. The tea was hot and dark here…
”The idea that Eti- Eddy… Ed. Gets special treatment. We… We kind of pushed the matter. She’s well known, the three of them, as addicts. Junkies, and Ed uses her Apparition-”
”-Stop. Not that shit. The point is that she causes trouble for a lot of people by accident, and if any of us did it, we’d be sedated immediately. But for two years, she was allowed to escape it. Because Hari and Mia are both Adepts embedded in the power structure that oppresses us and shelters them.”
”So six months ago, after we made a big deal of it at a meeting, Leon waited for the first complaint… And he immediately spiked Ed with a suppressant. The bad stuff. Formula Two… Ed was in the hospital for a month as it passed through her system, and she hasn’t been right ever since.”
”Not not right, but definitely a lot more cautious. Which was kind of our goal? We want equal treatment, and we want them to know that we’re not cattle. We see what goes on. It’s… To hurt them.”
A collective shrug rose from the group.
”But a one time thing. The point was made… She is one of us, after all, it’s not like we want her to suffer infinitely.”
”But if we can force someone like Leon’s hand? There’s hope for us. Hope that we can make changes one step at a time.”
Layla's eyes were wide like saucers. “Leon really did that? He was like, a hero.”
Alizée had a gnarled finger on her chin, chains twitching as she thought. Anyone could see the tenseness in her glowing eyes as she scoped in on Layla.
Was she really safe here?
Layla, immediately feeling the intensity of Alizée's emotions, had to bite down on whatever she was saying, breathe, and give Alizée's hand a squeeze.
“They've been good to us. Trust Leon.”
“They use medicine that induces sleep and who knows what else as punishment.”
“We have to behave well so they'll give back Void.”
“I… I have doubts on that.”
A moment of silence, Layla's eyes staring fixedly on the ground. Before she cleared her throat, and addressed the girls around her with a mixture of empathy and passion.
“I think you're all very brave to be doing what you're doing. I guess I never realized there would be such favoritism at play.”
Layla pursed her lips, before she thumped her chest with a closed fist. “If there's anything I can do to help your movement, and make more moments like that happen, tell me. I have a lot to live up to, after all.”
Layla was shyly looking up at Alizée as she trailed off. Her predecessor. Alizée glanced down, a bit surprised, but her expression softened out.
“Hey, I don't remember squat. You're your own person, Layla.”
Before Alizée looked over at the girls surrounding them. “Put your faith in Leon, he knows what he's doing. We'll pick up the slack if there's any.”
”Oh, we have Faith, Sisters… But, we do need to keep reminding the ignorant until the habits finally change.”
But as Irina said this, it appeared their time was up. The half-hour between the start of the gossip and the end was enough that now a new commotion filled the front of the hall.
”Leon Richoux… Private place. NOW.”
The entire table of girls practically stood up to crane their necks… So they could see. Ed, and the newcomer whom Layla would vaguely remember from a time long past: Trisha Vanburen, ex-Sycamite. In a flash, they had Leon in a side room with the door slammed. Tanya quickly broke from the table, her physical form evaporating in an instant. She was gone with the wind, presumably to eavesdrop as best she could.
”Holy fuck, was she awake!? Like, Ed Lamb? Up?” Mazie’s eyes were wide with shock.
”Then the stranger didn’t stick her… She just came here? She knows how to drive a stick, I mean, that’s kinda cool.” Vanessa’s head slowly nodded, giggling.
”Is- Oh, yeah! Walt! Walt and Felicia… They were probably waiting for a nightmare…” Irina gossipped, pointing subtly for Layla and Alizée to follow her fingers.
Two of the goth people from the parking lot, the ones hanging out by the crazy cars… A fairly soft looking young man in subtle makeup, and a punked up woman covered in chains and zippers. The two of them made eye contact with the group and sneered slightly, as if to ward them off.
Irina’s voice reacted thoughtlessly, yelping gently as she realized she was being counter-spied, and spinning her head as if she’d never been looking in the first place.
”Oh my God, Felicia Newark just fucking locked eyes with me…”
”She’s pretty cute…” Wendy looked a little dream-lost.
”She’s gonna think we told Leon to do it!” Irina snapped, whispering across the table.
”Nothing. Fucking. Happened. We’ve determined this, Reen…” Nora growled.
Tanya reappeared in a cloud of black fog, a wide smirk on her face as she slipped right back into her seat.
”Oh my God they’re ripping his asshole out.” she reported to the table.
At once, the seven of them all threw up their half-clenched fists into the symbol of devil horns, clashing their hands together to meet one another in a clear group cheer.
Irina was once more peppy with the news, immediately turning to Layla.
”Celebrate with the girls? The horns are up Sis!”
She threw the devil horns up for Layla to meet with her own.
Layla blinked for a moment, before she smirked, and her fingers slid into place, matching Irina's with a slight bump. “Here's to more where that came from!”
Alizée, however, hadn't let slip the sneer she spotted from the girl, Felicia, and the young man. Her red eyes slitted, and light glinted off the teeth of her mask. She floated in place, turning slightly to face them, placed a gnarled hand to her mask, and…
Pulled it up halfway, exposing an unnatural black abyss where a face should have been. A hint of the Void, enough to shake the senses and drive fear deep into maddening depths.
And she glared. Hard.
Before the mask slipped back on, and Alizée turned back to the group like nothing happened. Though it wasn't hard to mistake the smugness dripping off her.
If the glare had some kind of effect on the woman, she didn’t stick around long enough to let Alizée see it. The door which Leon had been brought behind opened back up soon enough, and by that time, Tamara and the same group of “Elders” had slowly made a gathering about the area. The girls about the table quietly settled into a still observation, waiting to see what came next. Though, Mazie did tap up at Alizée and throw up her horns as a show of admiration.
It was showtime…