Thread: Dresses and Derangement (Shikokudarkstar & Charlie_Death)

Thorben had reached a level of happiness he never knew was possible, if it truly was happiness he felt. He didn't know what else to call what Arabella done to him. His mind was often preoccupied with when would be the next he could see her, his heart had some palpitations and it was just... strange. For someone used to feeling nothing but anger and apathy, it was bizarre. He began to anticipate their chaperoned meetings. Going out on a stroll didn't warrant such supervision as it was open in the public and was the only time he got to spend with her alone, enjoying the sunlight. He felt like a real suitor at that point, rather than someone who is talking to someone he fancies. However with as happy as she makes him, it can only push back his needs for so long. Always after he left her, his demons would crawl out of whatever hole they hid in while in her presence. They demanded he get back to his work, that he still needs to maim and murder. Financially he was fine, no one warranted his blade. He had even let the gentleman from a few weeks prior off the hook, seeing that he still suffered greatly from the bruises delivered by Thomas. He would have to send him a letter of approval for his fighting skills. As the urge continued to grow, Thorben began strolling the streets once more. He had noticed that there were fewer prostitutes out and about lately, possibly out of fear of meeting their ends at the hands of the Ripper. He couldn't know that there was another trying to clean the filth in a more humane way. On this night he had plans to free himself of his demons. He had his apron tucked away in an alley not too far, blades safely tucked side his jacket, second pair of gloves and an ache to kill. All that he missed was his victim. A hackney dropped off a lady not too far from him and he didn't pay her much attention, at least not until he noticed who it was. Forgetting about the hunt, he rushed to her gently taking her hand and resting a supportive arm across her back. He was far too close to be appropriate but the woman was injured! Now was a time when the idiosyncrasies of polite society can be overlooked. Miss Lamb! What happened? Has someone accosted you? Thorben was genuinely concerned for her health and wellbeing. However, seeing her in such a state with even her face bruised. For once, he had to agree with the voices that spoke up in the back of his mind. Tonight was not a night to slay some diseased whore, but a night to hunt and slay someone much more vile than a disease spreader. As you wish, my lady, Thorben responded when he was asked not to discuss the matter of her injuries. Keeping to his gentlemanly nature, he continued to support her the rest of the way to her home and took his time with the stairs. He had imagined that he would one day be able to hold her close enough in his arms, but not this way. Her perfume was mixed with that of her assaulter. The more he helped her up the stairs the more his blood boiled. He wanted to remain by her side but respected both her wishes and that of John. I wish you a speedy recovery. He gave a short bow to Arabella and a harsh look at John that said that he better protect her or else. Once the door was shut behind him, he nearly broke out into a run down the stairs. he had to keep himself calm, not draw attention, no matter how much he wanted to end the man's life. First matters was first, Thorben had to retrieve his hidden apron. folding it tight, he was able to hide it in his coat giving him the appearance that he put on a little extra weight, but not enough to grab suspicion. He flagged down a hackney, paying him handsomely to take him to every ball in the area, waiting until he was to be sent off. The first two he had no such luck in finding the man that had injured Arabella. As his sole interest outside of murder, he knew she was accompanying someone at a ball within the area, but could not recall the exact location. By the time they reached the third, and much larger ball, his luck changed. He overheard some women discussing an 'incident' where a young lady had left with some injuries. After a few inquiries he was positive it was Arabella Lamb that was injured. He sent the hackney off and began to skulk about the shadows until he caught sight of the man. He was the only one with a woman who looked like she didn't want to be here, hiding a bruise under her gloved hand. Being a master of charm, Thorben picked up two glasses of champagne and walked over, a smile that looked so genuine that it could have fooled anyone. He handed a glass to his mark the moment he finished the one in his hand already. Can't let this party end so soon. Thorben chuckled before leaning close enough. Let's go where we can discuss things that are impolite in the company of women. I noticed quite the lovely bird flutter on by towards the back. Thorben gave the man a wink and with those words, or perhaps it was already his drunkenness, he seemed to have convinced the man to follow him. They joked and laughed as they made their way towards an exit to the grounds. Wait here, I will see if she is still alone. Thorben rushed around the corner, having left his barely touched glass in the hand of the man that had injured his Arabella. He knew this area well, both above and below. He found one of the entrances to the newly built sewers. They may have been constructed when he was very young, but were a godsend in some of his work. He pried open one of the access holes and made his way back, ignoring the odor that filled the air. With a smile and wave he brought the guy over who began to grow suspicious as they were heading further from the party. when the odor of the sewer entrance hit him, the man spun around only to be met by Thorben giving him a harsh shove into the entrance. Thorben followed, closing it off behind him and watched the man sputter and vomit at the smell of the sewage. The only light was that that flowed from the gas lamps above the entrance. Slipping into the apron to get as little blood on him, although his pants are ruined from the sewage, Thorben walked around the man, eyes already adjusting to the darkness. He had spent considerable time learning these tunnels in his youth and often used them if he felt that he was going to be cornered. In fact, he purposely bought a house right by a sewer entrance for just such an occasion. It may not have been the most elegant of choices but it was practical. Once his eyes adjusted, he pulled the man to his feet and slammed his head into the brick walls. He pulled his head back and twisted his arm so he could speak in his ear. You made the mistake of harming a refined lady this night. And not just any lady, but my lady. He threw him on the ground and pulled out his blade, sinking it into the man's kidney when he tried to get back to his feet. He covered his mouth when he howled in pain and continued to stab him from behind. Grasping him by the throat he pulled him to his feet and slammed him into the wall beneath their only source of light. W-Who are you? The man coughed, blood spraying onto his lips. He looked Thorben up and down noticing the apron he wore. You're... That's right. Say it. Say my name. Thorben grinned wide. He has been in the papers for awhile, the only description that they could find was that an apron had been involved. He did miss that apron he failed to retrieve, but he learned his lesson. But since then he wasn't the Whitechapel Murderer but then became Leather Apron. However with more recent papers he was known as... Jack the Ripper... The man muttered more out of fear, realizing just who it was he was talking to. Thorben threw his hand up in the air as if expecting a symphony to announce his correctness. Correct! And you made the fatal mistake of touching my woman. He plunged his blade into the man's heart, watching the light in his eyes fade in the dim light. Once he was dead he was left with the clean up. he didn't want this man to be discovered as one of his victims. No, he had to be separate. He was going to be famous if the papers kept going on the way they did, and this wretch wasn't going to piggy back on that fame. He cut off his head and threw it into an alley way before dragging the rest of the body through the sewers towards the Thane where he dumped the body. It will forever be a mystery where his body was, but his death had to be known. By the time he was finished cleaning up, the sun was beginning to rise so Thorben rushed home and began to thoroughly clean himself and his clothing. No one would ever touch Arabella again.