One Last Wish

Helen
Jekyll:'''
 
*Hela walked through
the less traveled pathways of the Society, her eyes sharp with resolution as
she made her way to Catts room. Slipping out of her usual containment had been
easy, with her months of practice growing closer to a year. The hard part was
always not getting caught afterwards.
Today, she carried no weapons, knowing they'd be taken if she was caught. She
wouldn't be needing them anyways... They'd only cause her target to be more
wary, less likely to help... She needed them to trust her, if possible, and she
couldn't scare them.
The thought made her smile to herself. Like Catt had ever let fear stop her. It
was part of what made her so infuriating.
Her smile didn't fade for awhile, finally slipping away as she knocked on Catts
door.* Catt, it's me, I... I need your help... *She sighed, lowering her hand.
She had never thought she would've said those words...*
Catt Hatter:
  *Catt had been out carolling with a
group that had passed by her during one of her performances and invited her
along. The houses they sang at were really nice, and they had gotten everything
from Christmas cookies to spare coins, and at one place they had all gotten
scarves! 
She was munching on one of the seasonal treats as she walked down the stairs to
her room. But as she rounded the corner, she stopped dead in her tracks. The
sight of Hela knocking on her door shattered the seasonal mood like falling
through the ice that covered the pond in the park. 
Cold fear flooded her chest as she rewatched the scene from so many months ago.
Hela, the room, the gun, handing over her hatt, crying to her friend, and a
crack as the bullet was sent, remorseless and hot, into her skull. The next
thing she had known was waking up in the infirmary months later, apparently
having just had the bullet removed after months of refusing the operation.*
Hela... *The rosiness of her cheeks from the cold paled as the blood drained
from her face. She felt the back of her neck tingle as the scene before her
threatened to go dark.*
Helen Jekyll:
  *Hela cocked her head to the side at
the sound of her name, her movements slow as she turned to face the speaker.
Her eyes brightened with hope when it was Catt waiting there, not some lodger
ready to turn her in.*
Hello, Catt. I thought you'd be in your room... *Her eyes shifted to the door
then returned to Catt.* 
I guess I underestimated the amount of time you spend away from it.
*Even from a glance, Catts fear was visibile to her, testing her will power as
she resisted the desire to attempt to strike her down. She couldn't scare her
away, not this time, so she kept her tone calm and quiet, allowing a small
smile to brighten her face as she spoke which began to slip away as her tone
became more somber.*
I know I'm not the person you want to be around this time of year, when
everyone is getting together with friends and family... and I know you must
hate me for what I've done... for what I did for you... But I need your help
with something that's very important to me and I'm afraid that you're the only
one I can trust with it. No one else will really care like you do.
*Her icy eyes were gazing into Catts, hopeful as they searched for any sign
that the fear was fading.*
Catt Hatter:
  *Catt's vision remained darkened, and
she could feel her heart pounding against her ice-flooded ribcage as Hela
spoke.
I don't hate you. Maybe I should, but I don't. she thought. I
shouldn't even be this scared. It's not that big of a deal, I survived. I'm
fine. So there's no reason for me to be afraid of you. I'm just being stupid.
You deserve a happy Christmas too.''
Trying to steady her breathing, she reached a shaky, gloved hand into the
satchel which hung on her hip. The one Alice had made. In the cascade of
memories, emotions and thoughts, her face was left to it's wide-eyed look.*
I-I don't usually stay in there long, *She slowly pulled something small, flat
and white, from the satchel and held it out to Hela.*
C-cookie?
Helen Jekyll:
  *Hela's gaze slid down to the cookie,
chewing on her lip as she fought back another wave of emotion, this time
distrust. Hesitating a moment longer, she let out a soft sigh and held out her
hand.* Sure, why not...? I've never tried one like that before. *She smiled
faintly, an attempt to replicate Helen.* Would you like to give it to me or
should I come to you? I know I'm not exactly the most trustworthy person you've
met...
Catt Hatter:
  L-let's meet halfway. It's only fair.
*Catt really hoped her legs wouldn't betray her and start running away, or
collapse. She took slow, careful steps, keeping the hand with the shortbread
cookie out in front of her.
The nightmares are worse than what happened, the nightmares are worse. The
nightmares are worse.*''
Helen Jekyll:
  Alright, then. I can do that... *Her
steps were leisurely, every muscle relaxed as she approached Catt at a slightly
faster pace.* If it's any comfort, I am unarmed... I left every single weapon I
had back in my room... *She shrugged, the movement sluggish, more contentious
than ever of her own body as she began to reach for the cookie.* Figured I
wouldn't be needing them, since I was coming straight here.
Catt Hatter:
  I'm, glad you feel that safe around me.
*Catt did her best to hold her hand steady as Hela took the tree-shaped sample
of seasonal confectionary. What would happen next? What if she didn't
like the cookie? What if I accidentally offended her with my comment? Oh no. Thoughts
swirled around her mind like so many windswept snowflakes, making her dizzy.*
Helen Jekyll:
  *Hela seemed to pause
for a moment at her words before she grabbed the cookie, her expression
darkening as she examined it.* You've never seemed like the violent type... The
only thing I have to fear is somehow owing you something back. *As if to prove
this point, she took a bite of the little tree, pushing memories of nightmares
to the back of her mind. She had more important things to do. The cookie turned
out to have a very pleasant taste, helping dispel her feelings of unease.*
It's good, nice and sweet. I haven't had something like this in awhile.
Catt Hatter:
  *Catt breathed again.
She hadn't noticed that she'd stopped.*
That's good. I have some more if you'd like? *She said, reaching for the
satchel again.*
Helen Jekyll:
  No, no, I'm fine...!
*Hela was quick to respond, taking a deep breath to try and release the
impatience that was beginning to build.* I need your help with something
important, remember...? I'd love to stay and eat cookies all day, but people
will be looking for me soon...
Catt Hatter:
  How? Do you get
visitors often? *She shook her head, that was the wrong subject again. Hela
needed her help. What with though, was anyone's guess.* Sorry, wrong subject
again.
Helen Jekyll:
  *Another deep
breath.* It's alright... Just try and stay focused, if you can... *She gave
Catts door a quick glance.* Is there any possibility we could take this
somewhere more private? To answer your question, there are a few people I know
that stop by pretty regularly so there's a good chance they've already noticed
I'm gone...
Catt Hatter:
  Ah, okay. After you.
*She said, gesturing towards her door. Fear tugged at her limbs and swam around
her head, reminding her of the last time she had been alone in a room with
Hela. At the same time, she desperately wanted to believe in her friend.
However she couldn't stop her insides from quaking.*
Helen Jekyll:
  *She strode casually
to the door, her eyes flicking back to Catt before she turned he knob, stepping
inside. Helen was wise enough not to speak. While advice from her kinder half
could prove useful, the mere thought of listening to anything she had to say
made her blood boil.*
If you don't calm down, Catt, you're going to be useless to me... I can't have
you passing out. I really am trying to be as... not me as I can be but you're
still wound tighter than a coiled spring and half the time you're barely
breathing...
Catt Hatter:
  *The room was small
and narrow with only a curtain on the back wall, a bed in the corner, and an
armoire on the right. There was barely enough room to walk between the bed and
closet.*
S-sorry. I'm trying not to, but my body's not listening. *Catt said meekly,
still hesitating in the doorway.*
Helen Jekyll:
  If it's really so
difficult for you to manage with me here, I... would be willing to allow Helen
to explain my wishes instead, but I'd rather it not come to that... *She let
out a long sigh, turning to face Catt and sitting just before the curtain,
hugging her knees to her chest. Her hand went to her pocket, pulling out a vial
filled with a green, almost glowing substance, which she examined mindlessly.*
Catt Hatter:
  N-no no! No need to
do that! I'm fine! Really! *She exclaimed, darting across the room to grasp the
hand with the vial in it.* You don't have to go hurting yourself just because
I'm a coward!
*The door clicked shut behind her.*
Helen Jekyll:
  *Hela jerked back, caught off guard by
her sudden touch, nearly falling back into whatever was behind the curtain. She
felt a growl build in her throat once the shock began to wear off, carefully
moving to pull her own hand away from Catts as their eyes locked.* Please do us
both a favor and don't touch me...
Catt Hatter:
  *Catt's gaze was worried and apologetic
as she backed out of Hela's personal space. She knew better than that!*
S-sorry. I just don't want to see you in pain.
Helen Jekyll:
  I wasn't about to drink it right then
and there... *Hela debated standing then decided against it, slipping the vial
back into her pocket along with the remains of her cookie as she realized how
little time she might have. Catt was wearing her paitence thin.*
Try not to be so impulsive... I know I'm asking a lot...
Catt Hatter:  Helen
Jekyll: • 5 months ago
I'm sorry. *She sat down across from
Hela.* What was it you needed my help with?
Helen Jekyll:
  *Hela closed her eyes, sighing softly.
After all that, she wasn't so sure if this was a good idea.* I... have a
wish... One thing that I want more than anything else in the world... more than
my freedom, something I'd trade my life for, right here and now...
Catt Hatter:
  *Don't ask for my Hatt, I can do
anything but that. Catt pleaded silently.*
What?
Helen Jekyll:
  I want to be remembered... forever...
for as long as we humans continue to exist... all the way back to my own time
and beyond... *She bowed her head, tugging at the rim of her shirt.* And... I want
to be remembered for who I am, not for what I've done...
Catt Hatter:
  *Catt's mind ran through the enormity
of Hela's request. All the humans in this universe, in all the timelines,
across the multiverse, all the people who had the capacity to
remember things. It was all to much and her thoughts turned into the sound of a
heart rate monitor flatlining. After a moment, with her head slowly tilting to
the side, she said* Have you, considered writing an autobiography?
Helen Jekyll:
  *Her head snapped up, eyes narrowed,
searching Catt's face.* Is that supposed to be a joke...? Because I'm not in
the mood, Hatter... *She flushed slightly with anger and gripped her shirt with
both hands, almost regretting her choice of leaving her knife in her room.*
Catt Hatter:
  No, I-I;m serious. *She said,
frantically waving her hands.* If you wrote out your story, the way you wanted
it to be told, then it would be much easier to spread it around! We could put
it in libraries all over time, and if we got translators, it could even go to
every country!
Helen Jekyll:
  I've already thought about that. There
are several major flaws with it. *She held up a pointer finger, raising her
other digets as she spoke, her movements agitated.* One, I can't write. Two, no
one is going to want to read about me. Three, no one is going to publish the
book continuously when the old books began to crumble from age. Four, I don't
know, people aren't going to remember some monster they read about in book! Not
really! I'll just be another story, it won't mean anything!
*Her hands shook and she felt her breathing go kind of funny. Catt couldn't
help her... wouldn't help her.*
Catt Hatter:
  One, I can help with that, two, you'd
be amazed what captures people's attention. Third, I can make sure it stays in
publication, and eventually gets turned into audio and digital books. Fourth
and finally, all stories have meaning. Until I moved here and
met them, Jekyll and Hyde were just characters in a book.
*She let her declarations hang in the air between them, awaiting Hela's
response.*
(That would be
interesting, she'd probably apologize profusely and try to find a way to stop
the dreams. [Her methods would work on Hela, just not on herself.]
How is it a shame? It's what he likes to do.)
Helen Jekyll:
  *A long silence followed Catt's
response, Hela's mind whirling with conflicting thoughts.* Y... You can only
travel back in time... right? How do you expect to live even
close to the amount of years that it would take for you to reach those time
periods? *She had grabbed ahold of the first coherent thought that formed,
lowering her hands as she stammered.*
Catt Hatter:
  Well, it's been almost five years since
I woke up, and uh... *she hesitated,* my hair hasn't grown, like at all.
Helen Jekyll:
  You're basing something as impossible as
that on your hair not growing? *She sighed heavily, closing
her eyes.* You know what, never mind... I'll try and write something... It's
better than nothing and I didn't except to get what I wanted anyways...
Catt Hatter:
  *Says the person
who shot me. Catt thought.*
You were hoping though, and sometimes that's all that's needed to make the
impossible happen. Isn't that part of why the Society exists?
Helen Jekyll:
  *Her eyes were stormy
when she opened them again, steadily raising to meet Catts once more.* I
wouldn't know, I'm not a part of the Society. I'm just a danger to everyone,
a... menace, if you will. *She wrapped her hands around the cool glass tube
that held the serum and pulled it out once more, lowering her gaze to watch the
chemical inside.* I don't belong here.
Catt Hatter:
  *Catt had an
overwhelming urge to wrap her arms around Hela and tell her how much she
mattered, but she had seen the fear in Hela's eyes when she grabbed the vial.
Plus she had been asked not to touch her.
She stopped her hand halfway to Hela's knee.*
Y-you do belong here. *She stammered, unsure how to convince her.* If not here,
where else could you be? We care about you! Please, put that away...
Helen Jekyll:
  *Hela let out a
quiet, warning growl, her gaze flickering down to Catts hand then back to her
face once she figured she was safe.* I could be in my own home. I could travel
the world. I could live alone in a forest, far from people. *Her lips curled as
she fiddled with the vial, fingering the stopper.* They all don't care about
me, you're possibly the only one... Everyone only cares about Helen.
  Catt
Hatter:'''
    That's a very lonely
way to think of things. *Catt murmured.* I'm sure they would care about you if
you gave them a chance. It's rather difficult to see the person past a knife
they're swinging at you.
Helen Jekyll:
  I don't want or need
them to care for me, Catt. I'm not like Helen, who needs people to
compliment her for being good and kind. *She spoke sharply, nearly glaring at
the girl.* I was simply showing I didn't want to be messed with and if they
made the mistake of doing so, there would be consequences. Is it really so
difficult to understand? *She returned her attention to the vial and began to
tug the stopper off.*
Catt Hatter:
  It isn't, *Catt
watched as her hands worked at freeing the stopper.* But I don't think your
method was the best. What are you doing? *Worry elevated the pitch of her
voice. She really didn't want to see her in pain. Pain she was sure that vial
would cause.*
Helen Jekyll:
  *Hela ceased her
attempts at opening the vial and smiled at Catt, a genuine, amused smile. She
would've laughed, had Catt not been the object of her nightmares. Though it was
wonderful to see the demon she feared be afraid for once.* I'm going to check
and see if this is still fresh enough to use. It loses it's kick if you don't
use it fast enough. *Her response came smoothly, a spark coming into her eyes.*
What do you think I'm doing, Catt?
Catt Hatter:
  I, I thought you
might drink it. *she said softly, still concerned.* I don't want to see you in
pain.
Helen Jekyll:
  Oh, no. That's very
sweet of you, but... *She wrenched off the plug in one swift movement and the
smile twisted to something more dark, the spark in her eyes dancing.* I'm not
going to drink it. It's for you, Catt...
Catt Hatter:
  *Catt blinked, too
stunned for thought.* What?
Helen Jekyll:
  I brought the serum
because I wanted you to have it. As a... token of my thanks and... *She tilted
her head, raising the vial and wafting the fumes towards herself, wrinkling her
nose at the smell. The twisted smile had faded, her expression returning to the
same amused face she had before as she corked the vial.* ...trust, I suppose...
Though know that if you use this on anyone but me, Helen is going to kill
you...
Catt Hatter:
  For me, to... keep?
*Catt asked confused.* You trust me that much?
Helen Jekyll:
  *Hela shrugged and
held out the small test tube.* If there's anything I've learned from my time
around you, it's that you're full of impossibilities and that you're the only
one I can trust... Don't prove me wrong, okay?
Catt Hatter:
  *Catt hesitantly held
out her hand to receive the vial.* I'm honoured.
Helen Jekyll:
  Just don't do
anything stupid... *Hela placed it in her hand, being careful not to let her
own skin brush Catts, tensing until she could jerk her arm away.* Right, well,
I believe that's everything... Oh, and in case you do want to use that... it
"expires" in a month or two so make sure it's still that same color
green before you try drugging my food or I might die of poisoning.
Catt Hatter:
  I wouldn't do that to
you. *Catt answered, making note to store the vial in Alice's old satchel.* If
anything, I'd prefer to be more direct. But I still wouldn't because it would
hurt you.
Helen Jekyll:
  *Hela relaxes now
that Catt was a somewhat safer distance away again, smirking.* Are you worried
about physical or emotional pain? 'Cause the transformations are practically
painless now... You start to go numb to it after awhile.
Catt Hatter:
  Oh. I still would
rather not trick you into changing. *Catt slipped the vial into her jacket
pocket.*
Helen Jekyll:
  It wouldn't be a
trick, simply a surprise~ Helen couldn't stay out long anyways, even with the
serum coursing through her veins. *Her eyes twinkled with excitement.* Besides,
who knows? Maybe one day you'll use it on her.
Catt Hatter:
  No. *Catt's voice was
deeper than usual. Even if it was only one syllable, it was still a shock to
hear. She glared at the ground determinedly.* Not on her, and not on you
without your full knowledge and permission.
Helen Jekyll:
                     *Hela shivered and
squeezed her eyes shut as the spark in them died, sucking in a quick
breath. Catt never got angry, never at her, never really. There was
nothing to fear, she wasn't angry at her. She let out the breath
slowly, mentally cursing as it shook more than she wanted it to.* You're too
serious, Catt...
Catt Hatter:
  Ah! *Her head shot up
and Hela saw that Catt's expression had changed from steely determination, to a
mix of shock and fear.*
I-I;m so sorry! I didn't mean to! I just... *she trailed off, wrapping her arms
around herself. She felt sick. How could she do that to her friend? She had
promised, never again.*
Helen Jekyll:
  You're sorry for saying you won't drug
the doctor and I? *She managed to give her a puzzled look, frowning as her eyes
opened to stare at Catt. She looks genuinely sorry... How
strange. Hela thought, amusement bringing another smile to her face.*
That's a funny thing to apologize for. I'm sure I can forgive you for a crime
as horrendous as that one.
Catt Hatter:
  I didn't meant to speak so harshly, but
thanks anyway. *Catt relaxed a bit, but kept her arms around her. She leaned
her head against the battered armoire as the pulse in her stomach faded.*
Helen Jekyll:
    Oh please, that was nothing. Helen has
been harsher before and that girl couldn't be mean if she tried... *Hela
chuckled, feeling more puzzled than before as she realized she couldn't tell if
she was saying that for Catts benefit or her own. The uncertainty irked her.*
You... don't feel bad about that, do you?
Catt Hatter:
  I do. *She nodded softly, closing her
eyes.* It only takes a few loose pebbles to start an avalanche after all.
Helen Jekyll:
  *She rolled her eyes
and let out a sigh, crossing her arms.* Well, if you don't stop moping,
I'll give you something to feel sorry about... You're being
ridiculous...
Catt Hatter:
  *Catt flinched.*
S-sorry. I know I am. *She sat up.*
Helen Jekyll:
  Seriously though,
you've done worse... much worse. *Hela muttered and looked away.*
Catt Hatter:
  I, I did? *Catt asked
worriedly.* When? What did I do?
Helen Jekyll:
  *Hela sighed again,
heavier than before with the weight of the truth.* You... survived the
impossible... you won't leave me alone... I don't know... I guess it just got
to me. I've been having nightmares every night.
Catt Hatter:
  I, *Feelings of
empathy and guilt washed over her mind and into her expression.* I'm so sorry.
Please, is there anything I can do to help? I did some research on stopping
nightmares a while back.
Helen Jekyll:
  I don't know, is there?
*Her tone was accusing and with piercing eyes, she stared at the face that
haunted her every night. She could almost see her flesh melting away, revealing
the bone and blood and the wound...* You haven't even heard what happens in it,
yet...
Catt Hatter:
  I'd be more than
happy to listen, if you wanted to talk about it with me. *Catt felt as if Hela
was using her eyes to press against the scar on her forehead left by the
surgeries. Despite the fact that her bangs covered it almost completely.*
Helen Jekyll:
  *She chuckled despite
herself.* I don't know about happy... At least not after I'm done. *She torn
her gaze from the spot and began to reach for where she usually kept her knife,
frowning as she silently struggled with what to do with her hands.* It's not
very pretty.
Catt Hatter:
  *Catt nodded.*
Nightmares rarely are.* She said gravely.*
== Obtained From ==
Christmas RP page!