A Nighttime Newcomer

A dead silence had settled into Bethnal Green,
the thumping of barflies and gentlemen alike who had enjoyed more wine than
they could handle finally dying down far past the dead of midnight. The
Society's doorsteps were known to be flooded frequently by the steps of angry
mobbers, but in a time as undisturbed as this, it would seem unreasonable that
anything could break through the eerie peace that had settled upon the area.

*Thump. Thump thump.* A hard, rapid pounding against wood.

Scratch that.

The only one on the streets now was a man
amounting to a wiry-muscled 5'11 form, as he stood with an impatient scowl at
the doors of the building. He shivered faintly, his arms wrapped tight around
each other as he waited for his knocks to be identified. Clutched tight in his
hand was a small card, and just behind his feet two half-heartedly packed
luggage trunks. His breath left a stain upon the icy night air as his gaze
remained fixed onto his feet.

*Thump thump.* He knocked again, with more force. His
scowl deepened.

**Hyde without**
a Jekyll:**\*Not-Allison had lost**
track of time reading old medical text books in her room, when she heard a
knocking coming from the door. With a yawn, she stood up and staggered down the
halls until she reached a window on the main floor. She peered out the window
to see who was at the door.\*

**Decipherer:**  A scrawny
man stands upon the empty street, all clothing covered by a plain overcoat. He
looks, quite honestly, exhausted, if you can see past the heavy glower he's
wearing. He casts a hesitant glance back to his luggage behind him.

**Hyde without**
a Jekyll:**\* *He doesn't seem dangerous...* she**
thinks to her self and approaches the door. Opening it just a crack she peaks
through it at the man.\* Hello?

**Decipherer:**  Elias
tilts his head with a stare that seems an even mix of impatience and curiosity
as he stares through the small gap. "Hello there."
He pulls the card from his coat with a flat expression, holding it out to
Not-Allison. "I was invited. Might I enter?"

**Hyde without**
a Jekyll:**\*She snatches the card out of his hand and then closes**
the door without a word. After a few minutes the sound of many locks
disengaging can be heard and the door swings open.\*

**Decipherer:**  Elias
flinches at the action and moves away slightly from the doorway. He waits
impatiently on the steps with a frown, arms crossed on his chest.

**Hyde without**
a Jekyll:**\*A small girl stands in the doorway and glares at Elias.\***
How did you get our card?

**Decipherer:**  Elias
tenses up slightly, his scowl reappearing. "It was given to me by... Uh,
Doctor... I..." His eyes widen as his voice trails, and his face screws up
in thought as he tries to recall a title. "I don't remember their
name."

**Hyde without**
a Jekyll:**\*Her eyes narrow.\* You better remember it quick.**
**Decipherer:**  Elias groans as his mind tries hard to remember the name
he was given. "I'm... Oh, this is silly."
He turns to face his bags with a soft huff, a disappointed frown taking form.
"I am very sorry I wasted your time."

**Hyde without**
a Jekyll:**\*She rolls her eyes and her body stiffens.\* You and me**
both. Now let me help you carry our bags to the corner and off of our door
step. \*She begins to walk over to one his bags.\*

**Decipherer:**  "I
can handle them quite fine, thank you."
His bitter tone is amplified by his rigid movements as he swiftly lifts both
trunks himself.

**Hyde without**
a Jekyll:**\*She approaches the man with only a foot of space between**
them and sarcastically says\* Sure you can. Just like how you'll probably
remember the name of the street your residents is on.

**Decipherer:**  Elias
grits his teeth as the space between them grows dangerously smaller. He quickly
turns away from her and heads for the street, saying nothing except a few spare
mutterings to himself.

**Hyde without**
a Jekyll:**\*With surprising speed the girl snatches one of the bags**
from his hand and bolts back inside the building, throwing the dead bolts in
place.\*

**Decipherer:**  Elias
blinks, a gasp escaping his lips as he turns just in time to see the door slam
shut and his dreams get crushed. He bangs on the doors, "Hey! That's my --
give me my stuff!"

**Hyde without**
a Jekyll:**You can have it back when you tell me why you're really**
here!! \*She shouts through the door. The girl then sits down back to the door
and begins going through the contents of the bag looking for anything that may
give insight to this stranger.\*

**Decipherer:**  "There's
nothing more to tell! Please, miss, those things are i--..." His voice
dies off and he glances towards his remaining trunk, relief flooding his
expression.
The bag Not-Allison received is mostly full of clothes, but tucked near the
bottom -- nearly stashed -- is a leatherbound book. A journal...?

**Hyde without**
a Jekyll:**I don't believe you until you can give me the name of the**
person who gave you our card!! \*She carefully lifts up the journal and starts
looking through it.\*
**Decipherer:**  "I don't know! They... I don't know, miss, but
please!"
The journal doesn't appear to have any suspicious writings in it, actually. They
detail that the man -- described as Greece-born, and the only name given is
Elias -- has left his home. It also mentions details of astrochemistry, but it
provides no real facts about him.
The most recent entry references the card, in fact, but it too gives no name:
'... and it was earlier in the week I was stopped by a strange sir, his
garments more elegant than what I am familiar with. He took note of my work; he
has passed me a card that details in almost heavenly light a refuge for
scientists such as myself.
It exudes the ideals of a fresh start -- by the end of this week, I will have
looked into it.'

**Hyde without**
a Jekyll:**Describe him to me!!**
\*She yells through the door. The girl puts down the journal and turns the bag
inside out looking for hidden pouches and other small clues to where he might
have met this "strange sir".\*

**Decipherer:**  Luckily
for Elias, and unfortunately for Not-Allison, nothing of the sort would turn
up.
Elias' voice carries past the door. "He was very short! Greying but dark
hair, brown eyes."
**Hyde**
without a Jekyll:**Was he sort of tense? ...What was he studying? \*She**
peered at him from the window. *He's either talking about Hen or Hastie.* She
thought.\*

**Decipherer:**  Elias
seems completely unaware he's being observed, appearing quite fretful as he
tries to remember. "Oh -- well, no! The man exuded confidence, really. His
studies were something to do with geography, I think?"

**Hyde without**
a Jekyll:'*\**Geography?*, Not-Allison thought,*I don't
know anyone who studies Geography! ...Then again I don't know what Dr. Lanyon
studies. *\* Was he tall and dressed very formally and had a thick,*
posh, English accent?

**Decipherer:**  Elias
scowls, huffing and crossing his arms on his chest. "He was dressed
formally, but his accent was different. And no-- I already said he was
short!"

**Hyde without**
a Jekyll:'*hm... \**This man doesn't seem to be dangerous but it
would be best if we kept an eye on him. Easiest way to watch him is if he was
in the society. What's that old saying? Keep your friends close and your
enemy's closer. Yeah. ... If he betrays us then Hela and I could always have
another bonding experience...*She smiled at this thought and began to*
repack the bag.\* Where are your residents?

**Decipherer:**  "As
if I would give my address to the lady that stole my things?" Elias smirks
in his ever-cocky way, but it soon disappears with a scowl in it's place.

**Hyde without**
a Jekyll:**A trade then, I get your address and you get your things.**
\*A small thud comes from a near by window and the bag is scene being pressed
against the glass.\*
(Question: was there anything embarrassing in his journal?)

**Decipherer:**  Elias
huffs, glaring at the window. "That's unfair."
**Hyde**
without a Jekyll:**If you don't want to take the deal then I'll be more than**
happy to burn it or let the lodgers use what's in here for their experiments!
\*The bag wiggles a bit to taunt Elias.\*

**Decipherer:**  He straightens
up at this, growling. "I'm -- I can't take you!"

**Hyde without**
a Jekyll:**Do we have a deal?**

**Decipherer:**  "I
can't, you don't understand!"

**Hyde without**
a Jekyll:**What don't I understand?!**

**Decipherer:**  He scrubs
at his eyes with his hands furiously, "I can't go home!"
Realizing his words, he clamps a hand over his mouth, paranoia swarming his
thoughts.

**Hyde without**
a Jekyll:**\*The girl peered out the window and lowered the bag.\* Are**
you crying? And what do you mean by you can't go home?

**Decipherer:**  He snaps
loudly as he looks towards the window, no sign of tears on his face, "I'm
not crying!"
He pauses to breathe himself into calmness, inhaling and exhaling gently.
"I just want my bag. I just want to leave!"

**Hyde without**
a Jekyll:**If that's what you wanted then why did you even come**
here? \*The girl disappears from the window and the locks behind the Society
doors disengage.\*

**Decipherer:**  He whirls
around to face her with a deep and piercing glare. "It's none of your
business!"

**Hyde without**
a Jekyll:**\*The door remains closed but unlocked and the girl can't**
be seen in the window.\*

**Decipherer:**  Elias
growls at the absence of the girl before slowly opening the door and peeking
around for the bag. His cheeks burn a rosy color.

**Hyde without**
a Jekyll:**\*The lights of the society are mostly turned off but a**
soft purple glow from the Leviathan above illuminates the room in a eerie
purple color. About 15 feet from the door sits his bag.\*

**Decipherer:**  Elias
ignores the eerie light cast upon him and quickly darts inside and picks up the
case, immediately moving to exit.

**Hyde without**
a Jekyll:**\*The door closes and the girl stands in front of it, arms**
crossed.\* Leaving so soon?
**Decipherer:**  He visibly stiffens up and his hands open, the trunk
dropping to the floor with a hollow thud. "Can't you just let me
/leave?"/

**Hyde without**
a Jekyll:**\*She smiled.\* But you wanted in so badly?**
**Decipherer:**  "I did, but not if people like /you/ who can't take
no for an answer bug me all the damn time!"

**Hyde without**
a Jekyll:**\*Her face grows serious.\* I would take you seriously if**
you gave me a proper answer for once.

**Decipherer:**  "I
shouldn't have to answer to you!" He crosses his arms.

**Hyde without**
a Jekyll:**You do if you want to live here Mr. I-can't-go-home \*she**
pulls the journal out from her satchel and flips it open\* or is it Mr.
I-have-an-apartment?

**Decipherer:**  He
sputters and cringes as he's presented with his own lies. "Give that back,
that's -- that's /my/ property!"

**Hyde without**
a Jekyll:'*No! \*she snaps the book shut\* You're on*our
property*and I want to know why!*

**Decipherer:**  Elias rubs
the bridge of his nose with an annoyed growl. "What is your problem?! I
just want to -- to go!"

**Hyde without**
a Jekyll:**\*She's growing visibly angry at Elias's inconsistencies**
and him not answering her questions.\*
You come here but you want to leave. You have no home but you own an apartment.
You were invited to the Society but you don't know by whom. *I'm getting*
real sick of contradicting tongue...maybe I should cut it out of your empty
head!

**Decipherer:**  Elias
cringes as he gets threatened, and he rubs his eyes.. "S-- So maybe I lied
in my journal! What's it to you?!" He puffs out his cheeks in a huff, a
very intense glare on his face. "Why do you care so much? I do not want to
be here anymore!"
**Hyde**
without a Jekyll:**\*The girl slowly began to walk towards Elias. Stalking**
her prey and growled\* What's it to me? You come here demanding to enter, you
lie, you deceive, and then you try and flee. Recently one of my so called
"friends" *betrayed* me, and I would *like* to
make sure that doesn't happen again. I would *like* to protect
what little I have in this place from those who wish to harm it.
I will ask you once more and you better give me an answer.
\*The girls hair seemed darker than when you first met her...but that could just
be a trick of the light.\*
*Why are you here?*

**Decipherer:**  Elias
begins backing away carefully, his eyes wide and fearful. His glower remains
firm on his expression, though, and his voice raises. "The only one who
demanded anything was you!"
His eyes briefly moved to her hair and he looked at it questioningly, but he
gave a small shake of his head. "Just let me go, and..."
His voice drifts and he begins to walk in an almost sideways manner,
gravitating towards one of the walls.
**Hyde**
without a Jekyll:**I can't let you do that...not until you've answered our**
questions. \*She continues to walk towards Elias making sure she's in between
him and the door at all times. \*
**Decipherer:**  Elias' eyes dart around rapidly, mentally cataloging all
of the ways out of the foyer. As he puts himself nearer to the wall, he ensures
there are various decor items around; one item, specifically, and when he
secures its location, he locks eyes with Ali again. "Our?"

**Hyde without**
a Jekyll:**\*She chuckles at his observation and continues to close**
the gap. She's now about 5 feet away.\* It's been...a long week...

**Decipherer:**  Elias
let's out a weak, nervous chuckle as he continues to glance around. "Aw,
come on, I thought you didn't like avoiding questions.."

**Hyde without**
a Jekyll:**\*She smiled at this.\* You'll learn all about it during**
your time with us.
\*Distance is now 4 feet.\*

**Decipherer:**  Elias
slides along the wall away from her, his hands clasped over each other in a
strange, unfamiliar gesture. "There's that p-plural again, ahah! You doing
alright, miss?"
**Hyde**
without a Jekyll:**\*Her smile turns to a frown and she growls.\* No I'm**
not *alright*. But you'll understand our suffering soon enough, you
and her both. \*Her hair was much darker and wilder now. She reached into her
satchel and pulled out a folded handkerchief soaked in...something...most
likely chloroform. Three feet away.\*
**Decipherer:**  Elias, who had been inching towards some elegant pottery
display, swings his arm to the side to reach for one. As soon as his hand wraps
around the neck of the vase, he brings his arm flying back, sending the glass
crashing into the side of Allison's head.
**Hyde**
without a Jekyll:**\*The vase shatters against her head sending glass flying**
everywhere cutting up Elias's hands and clothes. It stings him. The girl's body
crashes to the floor blood pooling around her head like a halo.\*

**Decipherer:**  Elias
flinches draws a sharp breath, grasping his hand and staring at Ali as she
falls onto the floor. As blood begins to pool around her head, his face grows
pale and sickened. He quickly takes her limp form into his arms and looks
around with a panicked expression. He begins to call with a broken voice,
"Someone please help me, there was an -- " He gulps, his voice
dropping to a dull whisper. "Oh god, oh god, please, uh, please don't be
dead. I'll tell you everything, I -- I swear I'll tell you everything."
His voice continues to cry out across the foyer.
**Hyde**
without a Jekyll:**\*The girl's hand that was still holding the chloroform**
soaked rag twitches and her torso begins to shake not from a seizures but from
something else...
A giggle drifts up between her lips and grows louder until she's it's
practically hysterical. Elias looks down at the girl in his arms and swears
this isn't the same girl who answered the door. Her hair is almost completely
brown, wild and stained a glistening crimson. Her face is different too. Though
blood had covered face he could tell the edges were sharper, deadlier. A her
lips parted into a smile as she laughed, revealing blood stained teeth.
The girls miss matched eyes snapped open.\*
*My turn.*
*\*In a flash, the rag was pressed against his nose and mouth with surprising*
force.\*
**Decipherer:**  Elias' lips part to question, "Wha--", but he
gasps softly as her eyes open.
As the chloroform rag presses down against his face, his protesting cries are
muffled. They grow duller and softer until his eyes eventually flutter shut and
he slumps down, releasing the girl from his arms and thudding against the ground.
**Hyde**
without a Jekyll:**\*The both slammed into the floor with solid thuds.**
Not-Allison sat up, touch the side of her head where Elias had hit her, and
then examined her hand. Red.\* That ba$tard got me good.
\*She sighed and stood up, looking at her victim. It would be easy to drag off
his body and then...play with him for the rest of the night...but what about
the card...what if he really was invited here. She didn't need the attention,
especially after what she did to Catt. The girl really liked the Society and
didn't want to leave it.
A new thought struck her..."What about Hela?" Hela would *love* to
have another play date together and she would get the blame for Elias!
Not-Allison scampered down the halls to Hela's prison. As she peered around the
corner she spied Jasper standing guard. Always watching. She sighed. How was
she going to get Elias past Jasper? She didn't want Jasper asking question. She
liked Jasper and wanted Jasper to like her. She ran back to Elias's body.
The whole scene was a bloody mess...literately. She would need to clean it up.
If she couldn't play with Elias on her own or with Hela, what could she do?
Another idea strikes her and she runs outside to drag in his trunk.  Not-Allison was fairly able to carry the
trunk inside though it's awkward size did make things a bit difficult. She
tried to open it but was frustrated when she discovered the pad lock.
Gathering up his items she placed them away from her pile of blood, although
some from her open wound still dripped on them. She then walked back to Elias's
body and gently nudged it with her foot.\*
You really are a strange one. \*She mumbled under her breath. The girl then
started to clean up the pool of blood using towels and canteens of water she
kept in her bag. Occasionally she would smear some of it on Elias's snoring
body.\*

**Decipherer:**  Elias,
y'know, chills out on the floor

**Hyde without**
a Jekyll:**\*After the blood is cleaned up (and Elias is bloodied**
too), she begins to carry his things down to the basement and quietly places
them outside Catt and Sozo's door. Once the trunk and bag are down there she
comes back for Elias.
After another quick dose of chloroform she begins the long hike of dragging his
body to the basement.
*Sozo will smell my blood and wake up, then he'll wake Catt up and they'll*
find my gift. *She smiles at this thought as the round the bend to*
Catt's room. When they arrive she gently props up Elias to a sitting position
against the trunk and carefully pins a note to his shirt using an old hat pin
from her satchel.
She would love to stick around but getting caught was always an issue...besides
Catt would understand what it all meant anyways and that was good enough for
now.
Looking over her handy work, the girl stole off into the night to lick her
wounds and prepare for tomorrows grueling day.\*
**Catt**
Hatter:**\*Sozo stirred at the smell of blood. Normally he would be**
on edge, but with Nex coming and going at all hours covered in any number of
strangers' blood he'd gotten used to it. Sitting up he glanced at Catt, it was
her turn to have the bed and considering her behaviour, she needed it. She
wouldn't tell him why he had found her all messed up inside her hatt, which
only made him worry. Who on earth knew how to do *all those* torture
methods and how had Catt run into them?
He let her sleep.
He got up and opened the door. *Why on earth?*
*An unconscious man slumped against a trunk covered in stuff. Sozo*
sniffed, the strange man reeked of Not-Allison and chloroform.\*
Ugh. \*He didn't want to deal with this right now. Sighing grumpily,
he picked up the man and carried him to the Society's infirmary. It was only as
he was laying the stranger on a bed did he notice the note pinned to his shirt.
He picked it up and read it, sticking the old hat pin through his collar.\*

**Decipherer:**  Elias does little
stirring as he is taken to the infirmary, laying out cold upon the bed that is
likely now also stained with the red on his clothing.

**Hyde without**
a Jekyll:**\*It read as follows:**
For Catt:
This amateur need to be taught in the ways of lying and betrayal.

**Catt**
Hatter:**\*Sozo read the note, his brow furrowed in confusion. Just**
what had she gotten herself into? Was she taking lessons from someone other
than Mz. Hyde for something other than combat? Did she get herself roped into
an espionage circle? What? He would have to ask her in the morning.
He could tell that aside from some minor nicks on his hand, the stranger was
fine. He bandaged his hand and after dragging his trunks up to the infirmary,
Sozo went back to bed.\*

### Before continuing it is highly recommend that you read Elias's other Introduction Stories.

With a groggy start, Elias wakes up in the
morning, presently in the infirmary. The man rolls over with an exhausted yawn,
but as he takes in his surroundings, he sits up. His eyes are wide and his gaze
fixed onto his bandaged hands.

**Dr. Jekyll II ( Mother Hen ):** ( The first thing he sees is a tall
well made man standing by his bed. His voice is soothing- a consistent lyrical
hum. )
Good morning young man.

**Decipherer:**  He sits up with a small gasp, his eyes wide and alarmed.
As soon as he recalls the events of the night before, though, he relaxes,
though he doesn't seem capable of looking the man in the eyes. He swings his
legs over the side of the bed and mutters, "Hello."

**Dr. Jekyll II ( Mother Hen ):**  ( The doctor smiles at his new
patient, his own warm brown eyes studying him carefully. ) That's quite a nasty
beating you took last night. Those shards almost nicked your deep ulnar branch
there. (His voice softens, sweetens. ) How are you feeling?

**Decipherer:**  Elias pauses to examine his bandaged hands again, curling
and uncurling his hands with a deep frown. "I'm fine."
A thought occurs to him, and he looks towards the man with visible alarm.
"What time is it?"

**Dr. Jekyll II ( Mother Hen ):**  ( His smile thins slightly, sensing
the distress. ) It's a little past eleven. ( He adds jokingly. ) Not to worry!
You haven't missed breakfast...yet.

**Decipherer:** Elias seems hardly eased, and he sets his lips in a
small scowl. "Right."

**Dr. Jekyll II ( Mother Hen ):**  ( His smile fades, a concerned frown
taking its place.) ...Right...
Well, if that will be all, I'll come back to test your vitals and you can be on
your way. (He turns to exit the room. )

**Decipherer:**  He stiffens, apologetic emotions begging to be spoken in
his mind, but before he allows himself to say anything of the sort, he shakes
his head and faces his hands again with a bitter expression. "Of course.
Thanks."

**Dr. Jekyll II ( Mother Hen ):**  ( Getting the strong feeling that he
wanted to be alone, the doctor exits the room and returns to his office. )

**Ms Elaina Hyde:** \*Elaina was sitting by his bed. She came as soon as she
heard he was there\* hey, you're awake! What happened, are you okay? \*the teen
who looked like a child had a concerned look in her green eyes. There were bags
under them. She looked like she was exhausted but still energetic. Probably
from chocolate\*

**Decipherer:**  Elias raises an eyebrow at the excited teen, his head
tilting. "Why I'm receiving so many visitors is beyond me. I'm *fine*."

**Ms Elaina Hyde:**  You're a friend now! I'm worried.

**Decipherer:**  He sighs and shows his hands exaggeratedly (( though he
carefully keeps the palms of his hands out of sight and only shows the top )),
rolling his eyes with a warm smirk. "I am okay -- really."

**Ms Elaina Hyde:**  Alright... Why are you here? What happened?
**Decipherer:**  "I may have... angered the wrong
person." He chuckles weakly.

**Ms Elaina Hyde:**  Who? Hela? Sarashina?

**Decipherer:**  "She didn't give a name."
Elias made a note to avoid a Hela and a Sarashina.

**Ms Elaina Hyde:**  Well... Okay? Hm...

**Decipherer:**  "What?"

**Ms Elaina Hyde:**  What did she look like?

**Decipherer:**  "Her hair was in a ponytail, erm -- she had
differently colored eyes?"

**Ms Elaina Hyde:**  Ohh... Allison? Why would she...?

**Decipherer:**  Elias huffs softly, shrugging his shoulders. "Hell
if I knew."

**Ms Elaina Hyde:**  That's so weird...

**Decipherer:**  "Maybe." He scowls and crosses his arms in a
child-like way.

**Ms Elaina Hyde:**  I'm sorry...

**Decipherer:**  "Wasn't your fault. Some people are born
crazy."

**Ms Elaina Hyde:**  She's not crazy! She's probably stressed! She doesn't
even know, like, who she is...

**Decipherer:**  "Er, what?"

**Ms Elaina Hyde:**  ... Nothing...

**Decipherer:**  Elias' brow furrows. "If there is a reason for her
actions, then I'd like to hear it."

**Ms Elaina Hyde:**  I don't know... I don't know anything, don't ask me...

**Decipherer:**  Elias scowls again as he's denied a real answer.
"What -- oh, *fine."*

**Ms Elaina Hyde:**  I don't know! I don't know anything. I'm stupid...

**Decipherer:**  Elias' eyes widen at the familiar statement,
and guilt seems to smack him in the face. "Don't say that."

**Ms Elaina Hyde:**  Why not? It's true...

**Decipherer:**  He snaps in a slightly louder voice, *"It's*
not!"

**Ms Elaina Hyde:**  \*winces and looks away, her arms crossed\*

**Decipherer:**  He adds, softer than before, "... You're not stupid,
miss. Please."

**Ms Elaina Hyde:**  \*looks away, sighing\*

**Decipherer:**  "What is it?"

**Ms Elaina Hyde:**  Nothing.

**Decipherer:**  Elias tilts his head -- what is that on his face,
concern? -- and sighs. "I don't bite, contrary to popular belief."

**Ms Elaina Hyde:**  \*giggles softly\* yeah?

**Decipherer:**  "Yeah." For a very brief moment, Elias seems,
if nothing else, sympathetic. "What's on your mind?"

**Ms Elaina Hyde:**  I'm just... Kind of useless.

**Decipherer:**  "... Oh." Elias frowns. "What makes you
think that?"

**Ms Elaina Hyde:**  I can't do anything...

**Decipherer:**  "That's ridiculous."

**Ms Elaina Hyde:**  It's not.

**Decipherer:**  "Yes, it is. Tell me, why are you here at the
Society?"

**Ms Elaina Hyde:**  My g- best friend... She's been spending a long time
here.

**Decipherer:**  "So you're here for her? Is that not providing a
sense of comfort to her? Seems like something to me."

**Ms Elaina Hyde:**  She was fine without me.

**Decipherer:**  "... Alright," he pauses and grumbles something
under his breath irritatably. "You have friends here, correct?"

**Ms Elaina Hyde:**  Yeah... But most of them think I'm annoying..,

**Decipherer:**  Elias raises an eyebrow. "I don't. I doubt your best
friend does."

**Ms Elaina Hyde:**  \*chuckles coldly\* I bet she thinks I'm awful. She just
feels bad for me...

**Decipherer:**  Elias sighs, looking towards Elaina with a strange
sympathy. He pauses to consider how to word it properly, before saying with
hesitance, "Those kinds of thoughts will get you nowhere. Perhaps it's
correct that you can't be sure what people think of you, but you can't let it
effect you." He pauses, a smirk flickering across his face briefly.
"If there are people who think you're truly annoying, why surround
yourself with them? I'd think you would rather be in the company of people who
enjoy you."

**Ms Elaina Hyde:**  Well- Because-... Because they're so cool... People like
them... I want to be like them...

**Decipherer:**  Elias snickers. "That won't do much for you in the
long run."

**Ms Elaina Hyde:**  huh...?

**Decipherer:**  "Why would you want to be anyone that wasn't you?
Everyone leads a different life, and everyone can provide a unique experience
to someone else." He pauses, sighing and looking Elaina dead in the face.
Elias continues, "Spending the entirety of it acting as if you're someone
else is both a waste and a sin. No one was able to know you. We don't need two
of one person, we really don't. If you really want to be someone different,
don't do it for anyone else but yourself."

**Ms Elaina Hyde:**  \*looks down, sighing\* but.. nobody really likes me...

**Decipherer:**  "If nothing else, I like you. And I'd much rather
learn about you, rather than you attempting to be someone else."

**Ms Elaina Hyde:**  ... Oh

**Decipherer:**  Elias chuckles, tilting his head. "Oh? 's that
all?"

**Ms Elaina Hyde:**  I don't know what else to say..

**RBDECEPTICON17:** -Rose was strolling through the building, wondering
where the newcomer was, checking in every room as quickly as possible, being
careful not to get caught by any of the other lodgers, though it wasn't an easy
task-
Hmm, I wonder where Elias went off to? -She thinks to herself-

-Rose continued on for quite some time...until she
came to the infirmary. She gulped, took a deep breath, and then opened the
door, peaking her head through to look around the room-
Elias? Elias are you in here? -She asked curiously and innocently-

**Decipherer:**  Elias' gaze snaps upwards and towards the door and he
seems to raise himself slightly higher than before, but his tension drains when
he sees the visitor. "Oh. Rose."

**RBDECEPTICON17:**  -But Rose seemed to brighten quite a bit, though inside
she was curious as to why he was in the infirmary...what had happened?-
Hi Elias. How are you feeling? -She asked sweetly-

**Decipherer:**  "I'm fine. A bit tired, perhaps, but..."
He chuckled to himself, even though he knew Rose wouldn't understand. His gaze
returns to his bandaged hands.

**RBDECEPTICON17:**  -And as the man's gaze went to his hands, so did the
blonde gaze go to his hands, her eyes widening at the sight, stepping over to
him to get a closer look-
What happened, Elias? Did you piss one of the other lodgers off?
-She asked curiously-

**Decipherer:**  "Naturally."
Elias quickly places his hands out of Rose's sight, but from what she might
have been able to catch, there was seemingly pre-existing damage there --
faintly healed scarring and burns lying on his wrists and fingers.

**RBDECEPTICON17:**  Who did you tick off, Elias? Cause that looks really
painful.
-She asked curiously as she tried to stare at them-

**Decipherer:**  "It was just some glass nicks."
He follows up with a mumble about chloroform.
**RBDECEPTICON17:**  -Rose sighed, knowing that a lot of
the lodgers had quite crazy abilites, and hoped that she herself would not fall
prey to their abilities aswell-
It doesn't look like something like that would create such damage. Lying around
here isn't the best option. -The blonde explained-

**Decipherer:**  Elias sighs softly, straightening his back and folding
his hands. "Nothing severe happened. The only damage I've got here would
be that my hands were nicked by glass."
He wiggles his fingers to demonstrate. "See? Just fine."

**RBDECEPTICON17:**  -Rose pouted and then sighed. She could tell that
something else had happened to the man, that he had probably pissed one of the
stronger lodgers off...but she wouldn't waste her time trying to get it out of
him, if he didn't want to say-
Alright Elias, but have you been able to talk to the boss?
-She asked curiously-

**Decipherer:**  "Er... There have been numerous people to come by
here. Which one would he be?"

**RBDECEPTICON17:**  Taller than me. He's really friendly and handsome. The
usual things to describe a gentleman like him. -Rose joked with a smile on her
lips-

**Decipherer:**  "... Hen, was that his name?"

**RBDECEPTICON17:**  Yeah, he's helped me before in the past.
-She responded while the memory of what had happened came back to her,
shivering slightly at said memory-

**Decipherer:**  "He was tending to me this morning." Elias
recalls the memory with a small shrug. "He is kind, I suppose."

**RBDECEPTICON17:**  He is very kind. -She repeated happily with a smile back
on her face-

**Decipherer:**  He nods in agreement, though in an almost absent manner,
his thoughts elsewhere.

**RBDECEPTICON17:**  -Rose stared at his face intently, trying to figure out
whathe was thinking about...though she unfortunately wasn't a mind reader-
What are you thinking about Elias? If i'm alright to ask.

**Decipherer:**  "Nothing of importance." He looks towards her
with a fraction of a smile.

**RBDECEPTICON17:**  Hmm...okay!
-She says with a wide smile before wrapping her arms around the man, though
she's careful not to cause him anymore pain-
Hope you feel better soon. -She mutters-

**Decipherer:**  Elias tenses up and nearly flinches in response to the
hug, but he soon relaxes, patting her arm. "Thanks."

**RBDECEPTICON17:**  -She pulled away after a moment, giggling happily before
she finally exited the room, feeling a lot less worried over the man-

**Decipherer:**  Elias made all efforts to ignore the delighted hammering
in his chest.

**Miss Jekyll and Miss Hyde:** Nex walked in with a bandaged arm,
chest, and leg. "Bloody body guard." She mumbled not noticing Elias.
"Oh hey, i was looking for you. Heard about your night and tough
luck." She said cocking her head.

**Decipherer:**  Elias looks up from his balled fists, his shoulders
tensed; he wasn't anticipating anyone. His stare locks onto his white knuckles
once more as he mumbles, "Hello to you as well."

**Miss Jekyll and Miss Hyde:**  "Look, Dreamer wanted me to say
for her, she's sorry that happened. Although you are a shady young man i must
admit it was a little overkill." Nex said sighing.

**Decipherer:**  Elias snorts and looks up at her with an exhausted
half-smirk. "All of you really think I'm some shady criminal, don't
you?"

**Miss Jekyll and Miss Hyde:**  "Me and Dreamer but don't worry
i'm not a saint, my injuries are a testament to that." Nex said.

**Decipherer:**  Elias doesn't respond.

**Miss Jekyll and Miss Hyde:**  "Look, Elias right? I'm just
trying to say you need to be careful, there are a punch of crazy folks gathered
in to one place and all it takes is one little thing to set them off." Nex
said taking a step forward. "So tread carefully."

**Decipherer:**  Elias looks towards her with narrowed eyes, almost as if
studying her intent. He simply shakes his head, mumbling a "thanks"
somewhere in between.

**Miss Jekyll and Miss Hyde:**  "You should be thankful, i'm one
of the few you don't want to make enemies with. Because, unlike the others with
the exception of a few i'm the only one who is willing to kill and fight first
no matter the opponent." Nex said with a sly grin. "I pick fights
with people twice my size and more skilled than me and come out
victorious." She smiled at him and then sighed.

**Decipherer:**  "Comforting."
He sits on the edge of the bed with a small frown.

**Miss Jekyll and Miss Hyde:**  "Yes that should be, now look i
wish you luck but i gotta run before my nurse catches me out of my room"
Nex said leaving with Dreamer entering.

**Decipherer:**  Elias watches her exit, and Dreamer enter. "Had to
see me for yourself?"

**Miss Jekyll and Miss Hyde:**  "Hmm? No looking for Nex to give
her something but she was just here and i don't want to be around for when her
nurse yells at her." Dreamer said absentmindedly. "I have a lot of
things on my mind"

**Decipherer:**  He snickers ill-humoredly, rolling his eyes. "Of
course."

**Miss Jekyll and Miss Hyde:**  "Sorry i have a lot going on
right now and you necessarily didn't leave a good first impression."
Dreamer said shrugging. "I'm just glad your not dead. Whoever did this to
you i'm going to go Nex on them and drop kick them out a window."

**Decipherer:**  "As I'm learning."
He sighs, shifting his gaze again to look upon Dreamer.

**Miss Jekyll and Miss Hyde:**  "But enough of that now. What
matters is that you are here no matter if how you got here is a lie. And if you
wondering how i know is because of this." Dreamer said holding up her
dimensional portal key. "I can use this to also travel back in time, just
change a decimal." She said a shifty smile on her face. "But anywho,
i'm glad your alright and i hope Dr. Hen hasn't tied Nex to the bed."

**Decipherer:**  Elias stands with a pale face. "You... *what?"*
***Miss Jekyll and Miss Hyde:**  "I saw what you did, you stole*
the card and came in on a claimed invitation." Dreamer said. "Don't
worry your secret is safe with me"
**Decipherer:**  Something in those words seems to give
Elias some small amount of relaxation, and he sighs. "Oh -- right. Thank
you."

**Miss Jekyll and Miss Hyde:**  "Besides gotta keep things
interesting around here which it will be soon." Dreamer said sighing.

**Decipherer:**  "How do you mean?"

**Miss Jekyll and Miss Hyde:**  "Can't say." Dreamer
replied.

**Decipherer:**  "You're no fun."

**Miss Jekyll and Miss Hyde:**  "But you'll see before
long." Dreamer said.

**Decipherer:**  Elias frowns, his hands wringing slightly.
"Right."

**Miss Jekyll and Miss Hyde:**  Dreamer nodded smiling.

**Decipherer:**  Elias mumbles something under his breath before
remembering that Dreamer was still there, and he raises an eyebrow
questioningly. "Why so pleasant?"

**Miss Jekyll and Miss Hyde:**  "Hmm? What do you mean?"
Dreamer asked.

**Decipherer:**  "... Eh, never mind. Unimportant."

**Miss Jekyll and Miss Hyde:**  "OOKKAAAYY" Dreamer said.

**Decipherer:**  He looks towards her questioningly, but finds himself
saying nothing.

**Miss Jekyll and Miss Hyde:**  Dreamer watched him.

**Decipherer:**  Elias takes no note of this as he'd averted his gaze soon
after, absorbed in his thoughts.

**Miss Jekyll and Miss Hyde:**  Dreamer seemed to pace as if
anxiously.

**Decipherer:**  "Why are you doing that. The pacing."

**Miss Jekyll and Miss Hyde:**  "Hmm? Oh nothing just
anxious" Dremaer responded looking over her shoulder.

**Decipherer:**  "Why?"

**Miss Jekyll and Miss Hyde:**  "its nothing really" dreamer
said.

**Decipherer:**  His frown deepens. "Fine."

**Miss Jekyll and Miss Hyde:**  Dreamer smiles at him. "I should
be going"

**Decipherer:**  He nods, mumbling some form of response and turning to
face the other wall.

**Hyde without a Jekyll:** \*After many visitors come and visit Elias, welcoming him to
the Society, there's a small knock at the infirmary door. He almost misses it
as to how quiet and timid it is.\*

**Decipherer:**  Elias frowns, glancing around at his being alone in the
infirmary.
"... Come in?"

**Hyde without a Jekyll:**  \*The door slowly opens and a vase of flowers appears
behind it. Behind the flowers is a small girl, the same one who opened the
door.\* ...Hi? ...I-I can come back later if you need me to...

**Decipherer:**  Elias quickly averts his eyes, his scowl deepening.
"What did you need so badly that you had to come to *me?*"
**Hyde without a Jekyll:**  \*Shame filled her face.\* I-I'm
sorry...
**Decipherer:**  Elias' head quickly swivels to face
hers, his expression full of anger and disdain. "For what, the chloroform
or the ruined clothing?"

**Hyde without a Jekyll:**  \*She looks at the floor ashamed of what she
did.\*...everything...I'm sorry about everything...

**Decipherer:**  Elias seems to examine her face for any trace of sarcasm.
"... Then why did you do it?"

**Hyde without a Jekyll:**  \*She seems completely sincere though her blue eye seems
to glint with rage briefly.\* ...I-I... \*Her blue eye begins to tear up but she
wipes them away with her sleeve.\* ...The last couple days have been bad...

**Decipherer:**  Elias frowns and almost methodically avoids her gaze.
"How so?"

**Hyde without a Jekyll:**  \*The girl sniffs.\* A-A friend--she was a f-friend now
s-she's a bad person--b-betrayed me...\*She hugs the vase of flowers
tightly.\*...S-stay away from Catt...for your own s-safety...ok?

**Decipherer:**  Elias looks concerned until he remembers that he's Elias
and isn't entitled to feelings. He rubs his neck with a thoughtful expression.
"That's... unfortunate. I'm sorry."

**Hyde without a Jekyll:**  I...I just don't want you to get hurt...a-again... \*She
placed the flowers on a near by table and rushes out of the room tears in her
eye.\*

**Decipherer:**  Elias tenses up, growing even guiltier by the second, but
he doesn't follow.

**Tairais:** As often happened, he had little idea of where he was, or what
time it was. When he last recalled being aware of his surroundings, he had
been...
Where **had** he been?
A quick inventory of his person (Leg, both arms, minus an eye, no hat or cane,
monocle on, hair tied back, leather instead of silk gloves, cloth mask instead
of a scarf, oil and copper shavings all over, smelling very strongly of ozone,
smoke, and.. gunpowder?) led him to believe it was his workshop that he had
been in last.
Which was now nowhere to be seen. And he really was missing his scarf, which
irked him more than anything, really. If someone saw him-
That was enough of that particular train of thought. First things first:
getting his bearings. He turned to face the nearest door, sighed to dispel the
tension building in his throat, and nudged it open...
Only to see Elias, whom he remembered just speaking to recently. Belatedly, he
realized that perhaps he should have knocked.
"A-ah, cazzo, I d-did n-not mean t-to-" It was at this moment as he
began to wring his hands that he noticed the bandages on Elias', and paused,
debating on whether or not to inquire about his health. His worried nature won
out in the end, however, and he plowed forward. "-A-are you, uh, well? I-I
m-mean, obviously y-you are... n-not, i-if your hands are bandaged, b-but.."
Richard huffed an embarrassed and forlorn sigh. "I-I.. Am not h-having
t-the b-best of l-luck. I w-will just..." He gestured over his shoulder
with his thumb and began to shuffle back the way he came.

**Decipherer:** Elias had spent entire minutes in his own mind,
thinking about the night before; perhaps if he'd merely asked for entry, he
wouldn't be in the infirmary --
The door was opened, and his attention snaps to the visitor. A smirk twitched
across his lips, and Elias watches Richard with a mildly interested expression
that quickly turns into concern as he shies off and begins to exit.
"Wait!"
Soon after he says this, though, he shakes his head. "It's really alright.
I appreciate the company, actually -- I mean, well, there were - ..." He
clears his throat with a soft huff. "... perhaps I should stop."
He laughs weakly and sits upright, finally deciding to answer Richard's
question. "I am fine, thank you. I just got into a bit of... trouble, last
night."

**Tairais:**  Richard turned back towards Elias and crossed his arms.
As he leaned against the doorway, the pit of anxiousness in his stomach only
slightly dissipated as he flashed a quick smile. "I c-can t-tell. D-do I
need to be w-worried? A-and is t-there anything I can d-do to help, o-other
than provide m-my 'charming' c-company f-for a while?"
He tried not to dwell too long on Elias' kind words. Tried and failed, however
much he knew there was a (fairly high) chance he was reading too much into
them. It was warming, knowing that he could brighten something besides an
electric light.

**Decipherer:**  Elias offers a warm smirk, his hands fidgeting at his
sides. "It was just a minor incident involving some glass, really."
He waves a bandaged hand. "I'm unsure little more can be done than simply
hoping it heals well."
**Tairais:**  Richard could guess there was more to
it than that, really, but who was he to judge? So instead, he chuckled. "I
s-suppose my charming c-company will have to do, t-then. T-this is much
p-preferable to wandering t-the halls f-for hours t-trying to find m-my room,
at any r-rate."
A flicker of a frown passed over his face as he thought of the exposed parts of
his arms, and of the fact the mark on his back could clearly be seen, but
quickly shoved the thoughts to the side, lest he find himself panicking again.
He'd just stay against the door.

**Decipherer:**  Elias is in a plain dress shirt, different from his
clothing hours before - and placed carelessly under the bed are his former
clothings, stained in various places with blood.
He tilts his head with a small flicker of a smile passing his face. "Why,
I'm flattered you think so."

**Tairais:**  Richard remains adamant in not saying anything once he
notices the bloodstained clothes on the floor, instead, he bowed at the waist
in a half-joking, half-warm gesture that offered a glimpse of metal plating
framing a phoenix on his back. "O-of course. Y-you know, y-you are one of
t-the few people I f-find easy to talk t-to." He frowned slightly, his
good eye sparkling green and gold with the mirth of an inside joke. "I-it
is h-hard not to find c-comfort in that o-over architecture t-that seems t-to
have been built to confuse m-me." He shrugged, as if to emphasize his
point.

**Decipherer:**  Elias makes a barely successful effort to not look
towards the metal upon Richard's back, and instead smirks at him in a more
genuine manner. "I'm honored -- though, I wouldn't say I'm much in the way
of amazing companionship..."
He shrugs in the wake of his own self-depreciating humor.

**Tairais:**  Richard snorted. "M-most, including myself, would
s-say the s-same about me. H-how amusing." He paused for a heartbeat,
trying to find an amusing way to finish the sentence, eventually settling on,
"T-though that m-may have to d-do with my.. accidental a-arson, more
t-than anything."
**Decipherer:**  He looks amused by his words until
Richard breaks the pause; Elias' head snaps up, all traces of his former humor
vanished, his face gone a stark white. His voice trembles, *"What?"*

**Tairais:**  In hindsight, Richard realized he probably could have
chosen better phrasing. He quickly held up his hands in as placing a gesture as
he could manage while they were shaking through a combination of nerves and
still-to-be-fixed wiring.
"A-as I s-said, it was an accident!" He sighed. This was not a memory
he wanted to revisit any time soon, and yet, here he was. "F-for
clarification, I w-was assisting a f-friend w-with chemical r-research. It
happened to t-rake place during a t-thunderstorm- which, for the r-record, I
told her w-was a f-foolish idea, but s-she and her associates w-were
d-d-determined."
Here, he paused to take a breath, determined not to let his emotions get the
better of him this time.
"T-the a-aforementioned chemicals w-were q-quite f-flammable w-when
combined i-incorrectly.. A b-bolt of lightning s-struck nearby, a-and in the
excited c-chaos t-two of t-the younger researchers c-caused, o-one of them
bumped the t-table I was u-using as I w-was t-trying to work. A-as I l-looked
over my s-shoulder t-to s-scold them.. w-well." The fire danced behind his
eyes as he spoke, and the smoke wrapped it's cloying hands around his throat,
causing him to cough to try and clear it, to no avail "T-the flames leapt
f-from b-beaker t-to t-the floor, t-to the c-ceiling and walls a-and..."
He trailed off, screams of terror and the roaring of thunder filled his ears
and for a terrifying moment, he was elsewhere in time.
*"Damn it, Richard! Look at this! Years of research, goin' up in*
smoke!"

"E-Emily, w-what a-are you-"

"Someone has to fix this! We were so close- Gah! You idiot!"

*The groan of a building, the screeching of collapsing wood and the howling*
cacophony of those left behind. It was all his fault.
He snapped back to reality, the breath leaving him in a rush. He blinked back
tears in the corner of his eye and forced a smile to creep in the corner
instead. "N-needless to say, t-the paperwork was extensive."
Gods, his words sounded thin even to his own ears.
**Decipherer:**  Elias' trembling hands meet one
another as he digs his thinb deep into his hands, not letting on the instant
regret and pain felt in the small cuts. His face slowly regains its color and
he laughs softly, his mind struggling to fight off memories.
"I apologize, I didn't mean to alarm you! I just have a negative... um,
association with fire."
**Tairais:**  "Q-quite the same, really. It's
all right, and I apologize for u-unnerving you, as well. W-we c-can avoid t-the
topic in the f-future." He paused, the niggling feeling of having
forgotten something poking in his mind. Annoyingly enough, as soon as he
realized this, he forgot whatever he was in the process of remembering.
He let out an exasperated sigh after a few moments of thought. "W-well, at
least I k-know it is not Gerard. Bet kas?" He muttered, before returning
his gaze to Elias. "Atsiprašymai, my m-mind is w-wandering, and I find
myself struggling t-to find t-the t-thread of conversation as a result."
Not to mention, he was now reluctant to speak or leave for fear of upsetting
Elias further.

**Decipherer:**  Elias scrubs at his eyes with a weary chuckle, his smile
thinning into a small smirk. He crosses his arms with a tiny sigh,
straightening himself out again and finally looking back towards Richard.
"It's not to be worried about."
He pauses to find some positive note from their previous discussion, and says,
"If nothing else, perhaps we have an... improved understanding of the
other, yes?"

**Tairais:**  Richard chuckled, not entirely sure what he found
amusing, but chuckled all the same.
"Certamente, f-for which I am g-grateful. I w-would hate to h-have to go
back to only t-alking to a semi-sentient t-teakettle."
Not that said teakettle wasn't delightful company, but it did have a tendency
to raise eyebrows and cause questions, and he was trying to avoid those this
time around.

**Decipherer:**  Elias' lips turn up in a smirk again, and he seats
himself on the bed once more. "What's the story behind that, by the
way?"

**Tairais:**  Richard's eyes crinkled with a smile again as he
remembered as much he could. "I am.. n-not entirely c-certain, actually.
T-the most I c-can recall, I was p-perhaps t-twelve years of age, and
d-dreadfully lonely. I cannot recall w-where my f-father was at t-the time,
b-but I h-had been left in the c-care of my older b-brother, w-who did n-not
care overly much f-for me, a-and had t-to run the h-house w-while my father
w-was gone. I h-had the s-same t-troubles with sleep I h-have now, o-only with
less wandering and m-more tinkering."
He chuckled softly, the noise rumbling in his chest as he stifled a yawn.
"At any r-rate, I r-remember wandering down the hall and h-hiding in the
library a-and reading a c-collection of fairy-tales. T-the next t-time I w-was
aware of m-my surroundings, a t-teakettle, a mirror, s-some wire, a-and a
collection of h-household items w-were in v-various states of d-dismemberment
around me!"
Richard covered his mouth and huffed out a few short bursts of laughter before
glancing up again. "T-then I looked up, and m-my brother w-was mad as
c-could ever be, b-because he k-knew our father would be*furious* w-when
he f-found out. A-as he b-began to c-chide me, t-the teakettle w-whistled
a-angrily, all on its own!" He began giggling in earnest now, the beet-red
face of his brother fresh in his mind as if it had happened but a few minutes
ago. "T-to this day, I s-still do n-not know how Gerard w-was engineered,
a-and I am loathe t-to take h-him apart!"
He sighed contentedly, eyes still crinkled at the corners. "He i-is a good
friend, the t-teakettle. A b-bit.. unorthodox, b-but beggars may n-not be
c-choosers, yes?"

**Decipherer:**  Elias snickers warmly, raising an eyebrow with a grin
displayed. "That sounds absolutely delightful, though I'm not sure how you
create a sentient object on *accident!"* He lets out a
small giggle and leans against the wall from the bed. "So you had a
brother, then?"

**Tairais:**  Richard shrugged, eyes gleaming happily. "I am n-not
s-sure either! It is w-wonderful!"
This time around, he managed to avoid the new wave of unpleasant memories that
come with the all too true 'had.' His smile flickered for half a second at most
before he continued. "Y-yes, Benediktas, or B-Benedict, if h-he were
inclined to a-anglicize it. M-much more t-the politically and, ah, s-socially
inclined. W-we did became quite c-close in l-later years, b-before I l-left
home, though. We f-fell out of c-contact w-when he t-traveled to S-Spain f-for
a business m-meeting of s-some sort, and w-was invited to w-work with.. some..
person of great r-repute. I know n-not who, t-truth be told."
He chuckled wryly, holding his hands in a 'what can you do?' sort of pose
before he crossed them over his chest again and sighed fondly. "W-we never
took m-much interest in e-each other's p-pastimes. He w-was not
s-scientifically or m-musically inclined and, w-well." He shrugged and
huffed a laugh again, this time much more exaggerated and joking, "Y-you
h-have seen my s-social ability first h-hand, so I d-do not t-think you need an
explanation!"

**Decipherer:**  Elias gives a full-on grin, an interestingly rare
display. He pauses as a thought occurs, and he asks, "Musically
inclined?"

**Tairais:**  Richard startled slightly, as if he had forgotten what he
said already, before smiling sheepishly, almost shyly. "I.. a-am known
t-to play the v-violin." He then muttered under his breath, almost as an
afterthought, "Or s-sing, t-though I am n-not sure how well,
exactly..."

**Decipherer:**  Elias tilts his head thoughtfully, a small smirk forming
on his face. "I don't suppose you'd be willing to show me one of these
talents, would you?"

**Tairais:**  Blushing was something he very rarely did: he could count
on one hand the number of times he had done so in the last five years of his
life. Regardless, he could practically feel the heat rising off his face and
ears as they flushed. "Er, n-now?" Oh, what he wouldn't have given to
be the more confident version of himself in that moment, though once again a
cold voice in the back of his mind snarled. 'What does it even matter? You will
end up alone regardless.'

**Decipherer:**  The corners of Elias' mouth turn into a concerned frown,
but a familiar smirk soon takes its place. "Only if you're comfortable,
friend."

**Tairais:**  His heart clenched when he saw the hint of concern in
Elias' expression. "It is q-quite all right. A-allow me a f-few minutes
t-to r-retrieve my violin, t-then I w-will think of something to p-play."
With another quick smile, he darted out of the room, legs carrying him on
autopilot towards his room, as if his thoughts had to be elsewhere in order to
find his way with ease.
They were, for the record. As he moved about his room to gather his now and
instrunent, as well as throw on the navy greatcoat he seldom wore, his skin
prickled like the ghosts of the past were gazing down on him in irritation.
Well, they were ghosts after all. He could ignore them if he chose. And he did,
he mused as he began making his way back some fifteen minutes later.
**Decipherer:**  Elias eyes him with even greater worry
than before, but he doesn't speak and instead just nods.
**Tairais:**  Richard took a few deep breaths to
calm his jittery nerves as he stood outside the door, facial expression
flickering through several emotions in the span of a few seconds.
Nervousness, reluctance, bitter remembrance, determination, resignation.
Eventually he settled on the peaceful facade of a performer, checking his bow's
tightness one more time before knocking to re-announce his presence.
He stepped inside after a moment's pause, holding up the violin as if to
explain why he was gone, though he knew it was redundant.
"D-do you h-have a particular c-composition you w-would like to h-hear, or
s-shall I pick one?" He moved from his prior position standing at the door
to one a few feet away from Elias, taking care not to venture far into the
man's personal space, then glanced up with an expectant gaze, trying not to
drum his fingers against the violin and failing slightly, his thumb tapping out
the beat of one of his favorite melodies.

**Decipherer:**  A very tiny smile graces Elias' features and he shrugs,
trying to hide the eagerness for his return that had been in his eyes mere
moments before. "Whatever you'd like is fine."

**Tairais:**  Richard smiled, despite the fact his heart felt like it
was trying to frantically claw its way into his throat. "All r-right,
then." Closing his eyes, he stood for a moment, drawing upon a mask of
calm as the illusion of solitude took hold. For a moment, he seemed as if he
would never move again. Then, with all the jarring grace of a statue coming to
life, he placed his bow to the strings and began to play. Though he did not
move with the dramatic swoops of a professional performer, he moved and swayed
slightly, as if a breeze were carrying a leaf against the current of the music.
There was no more emotion save for the melody of the music.
**Decipherer:**  Elias watches the movements of the bow
for a while, but eventually closes his eyes simply to enjoy the sound.

**Tairais:**  Eventually, as with all things, the music came to an end,
despite his best efforts. With it came the feeling of having lost some integral
part of himself, leaving him weary but content.
Reluctantly, he let his arms fall to his side and opened his eyes. Like a
mallet to the chest, the reality of the situation hit him, and he immediately
started to shrink in on himself, ears flaming bright red as he glanced quickly
around the room

**Decipherer:** Elias doesn't realize at first that the
music has ended at all, his thoughts beyond elsewhere, but he, too, opens his
eyes eventually. He smirks warmly at Richard. "That was beautiful."

**Tairais:**  As he felt his the rest of his face match the temperature
of his ears, Richard realized he could no longer count the few times he had
blushed on one hand. He was only a little irritated with Elias for that, and
more irritated at himself than anything.
Flashing a small smile despite his still-fluttering nerves, nerves, he gingerly
leaned his bow and violin against the wall and satdown on the floor nearby. He
flinched slightly as his one good knee popped, then laughed. The fact it was
popping meant it was still somewhat healthy, and he wouldn't lose all his limbs
just quite yet.
"T-thank you," He said quietly. "It h-has been.. q-quite a
w-while s-since I p-played for a s-single p-person." His expression turned
reflective and puzzled as he stared at Elias. It was not his intention to make
the man uncomfortable, but for a moment it would likely seem that he was
staring into him, rather than at him. For the space of a couple heartbeats, his
normally sparkling eyes turned cold and calculating, as if Elias were some
grand puzzle to solve.
Technically, he was, Richard thought. In the space of those heartbeats, he had
to remind himself that Elias was no clockwork machination, and that he couldn't
just take him apart to find what made him tick. That would only end in grief,
he realized, no matter how safe it could make him feel now.
It was.. unsettling. Regardless, he switched back to his normal smile, the one
seen more in his eyes than anything else. He chuckled as a thought occurred to
him. "W-what of y-you, t-then? D-do y-you have s-some h-hidden talent to
e-entertain t-the m-masses with?"

**Decipherer:**  Elias watches Richard's odd stare with one of his own,
the thought occurring that he might have used violin to get a grasp on his
prosthetic limbs. As badly as he'd wanted to ask why the man had such a
tendency to avoid discussing what had happened, Elias knew it was rude. He knew
that he hadn't had this many friends since he was very young, and for the first
time in a while, he valued them.
Elias chuckles softly at him. "Aside from my looks?" He gestures to
his face and laughs at himself, seemingly out of self-deprecating humor.
"Joking, naturally. Not one that I can think of, no."
**Tairais:**  Richard chuckled and shrugged.
"A-ah, well. P-perhaps if y-you like, I c-could teach y-you the violin,
once I r-repair m-my arms. W-while I have little d-doubt you c-could charm an
entire r-room, I h-have found m-music is s-something all could wish t-to
know."
He paused for a moment, as if realizing something, then huffed out a small
laugh. "Y-you k-know, I h-have been s-saying 'r-repair my arms' f-for
y-years, now, and it s-still s-sounds strange t-to me. Amusing, certamente,
b-but strange." He held up his hands and stared at them, only to put them
down when his vision flickered and he saw mangled skin and bone.
The past was always too close, and he had be running so damn far.
He sighed and stretched languidly, like a cat, and huffed when the tell-tale
crackle of his spine re-aligning was just loud enough to hear in the quiet
room. His mind darted back to Elias' strange hand gesture, and while he was
curious, he too was rather determined to keep the few friends he now had.
**Decipherer:**  Even thought Richard's words make him
question why he required prosthetics even more so than before, respect gained
control rather than impulse, and Elias remained quiet. Instead, he snickers and
flashes a brief but warm grin. "Perhaps that's just natural. I wouldn't
think upon it too much."
Elias straightens up and his expression returns to the seemingly-arrogant smirk
he always wears. "I may have to take you up on those violin lessons."

**Tairais:**  Richard grins and laughs quietly. "Y-you seem to
underestimate h-how much t-time I spend t-thinking; H-however, I w-will d-defer
to your b-better judgement, so l-long as you trust m-mine when it comes t-to
the violin l-lessons."
Hadn't he told his brother something similar, all those years ago? It seemed
familiar. His eyes darted back and forth across the room and memories alike. It
wasn't as disconcerting as it should have been. When was the last time he had
slept or eaten? He didn't know.
Nothing new, then. He frowned and fiddled with the hem of his greatcoat, noting
a decrease in the his falsified ability to touch. All to be expected. Gods, he
really was falling apart now, but he didn't want to have to go though the whole
process of remaking and reattaching himself. That was almost as painful as the
experiences that gave him them in the first place. The sound of a gunshot rang
in his ears but it was wrong, too distorted and too far away. Besides, it
wasn't like Elias would shoot him.
Probably, at least.

**Decipherer:**  Elias just chuckles softly, folding his hands in an
absent movement. "That I will do."

**Tairais:**  Richard answered with a chuckle of his own, but now it
and the gunshot have switched places. Inhaling sharply, he found another memory
playing out in front of him, Elias (hopefully) unwillingly playing the
antagonist. He fell as still as a statue again, save for his eyes, which were
now darting around the room rapidly, as if looking for an escape.
He was running, ducking between side streets and alleyways. He could hear the
distant voices of friend and friend-turned-foe alike. There was arguing, the
sound of an ambush, the sounds of a sacrifice. What if he died for certain this
time? No matter, there was no time. He needed to hide, needed to run, needed to
go home and evacu-
*Thud.*
*He wasn't moving, why wasn't he moving? He needed to! All the color in his*
skin left him and he began to panic, though it would not show in anything but
his color and his eyes: He couldn't feel anything but his eyes.
*"Sveiki, Richardas! Mano Dieve. Look at your mess!"*
... "N-no!"

*Gods, but he felt ill remembering. He knew better than to try and stop it,*
though. That would just make it worse. At least he could still see Elias
through the facade, even if he couldn't do anything to reassure him that this
was fine and normal while being anything but.
**Decipherer:**  Elias eventually looks back towards
Richard, but his smirk vanishes from his face as he eyes him with concern. His
mind scrambled with the need to help calm him, but he found himself stiff.
"Richard?"
Hesitantly, he moves from his seat on the bed, but when he stands, he remains
unsure of what to do.

**Tairais:**  There were two people calling out to him, and his gaze
flickered over to them both. The outline between the two warped and shifted:
sometimes it was Elias, sometimes..
*"Richardas?~ Look at me, mano numylėtinis. Look at me and remember you*
and Jack could have avoided all of this. Tegul ilsisi ramybėje, poor
Jack."

*He stared up at the one who looked down on him, face flickering between a*
gleeful grin and a worried look. Grief and guilt tore a pit in his stomach, and
he reached out, as if asking for help up, with a beseeching look, words like
cotton in his mouth.
"Kodėl, Elise? Kodėl, Elias?" His native-born Lithuanian was hoarse
and low with emotion, though the tone itself was melodic. "He did
n-nothing, *kodėl*...?" He didn't notice he had spoke aloud until
after the fact.
One remained standing in concern, the other bent down and he watched as her
face morphed from gleeful smile to venomous snarl.
*"Because he meant to you what my reputation and family meant to*
me."

Well. He had no answer to that. It had been a long time coming, his failure. He
had been happy far too long, it was only right. Neither of them could forget,
and so he didn't. He knew what would come after, for both of them. He would
survive- but at what cost?

*At least she was easy to fool.*

**Decipherer:**  Elias' eyes dart around, weighed down with uncertainty
and fear. Eventually, he saw his extended hand, and he took it carefully and
gingerly, trying to help Richard up. His accent was more evident, his voice
thick with emotion and a faint stutter as he spoke, "Richard, I'm not sure
what -- w-what do you need? It's fine, you're safe, uh..."

**Tairais:**  Richard stood slowly and backed away from Elias once he
was standing, shuddering slightly as any energy he had left quickly began to
dissipate. He would much rather not remember what came next, and fortunately
was at the point where letting go of the memory was painless enough, though
he'd need to be careful to avoid any further incidents for a while.
He then suddenly and painfully became aware of what had just happened, and his
heart leaped into his throat as it thudded in his chest. This was.. not good,
not good at all. How much more did he have to lose?
He turned away from Elias so that Elias couldn't see his stricken expression
and forced a chuckle. "I.. I am f-fine. M-my.. m-my a-apologies, I w-was..
l-lost, m-might.. be t-the -b-best.. w-word f-for it." He paused, gripping
his hands to hide how badly they were shaking now- none of which could be
attributed to faulty wiring this time. "I.. e-er.. y-you h-have m-my
g-gratitude."
He could not find the words to express the helpfulness of a grounding touch,
nor of a quiet place to come back to. He most likely never would. He opened and
closed his mouth a few times, as if he were going to say something, but fell
short every time.
He sighed, hanging his head slightly. There was a shadow of a laugh, and he
tilted his head. Words did not come easily in times like these.

**Decipherer:**  Elias can't help the dismay that flickers across his face
as Richard backs away from him, but he doesn't have the heart or time to dwell
on it. He begins to say something, but quickly falls short of words as he sees
his trembling. Tentatively, he takes a step forward. "Richard, are you...
what was that, if I may ask? Please know you don't have my judgement."
**Tairais:**  He was not about to shed a tear from
some strange mixture of mortification, not in the slightest. There was simply
an abundance of dust in the air, and as such it was difficult to breathe, which
caused his eyes to water. That was all.
Dust or no dust, he still had to clear his throat several times before he was
able to speak, tone clipped in the manner of one who was trying to remain
detached from an emotional conversation while on the verge of locking
themselves away in an empty room so that no one could see their tears. Which
was fairly accurate in and of itself.
"A-at t-times w-when I f-forget t-to eat o-or sleep f-for.. extensive
p-periods of t-time, it i-is easier t-to r-remember t-the past t-than t-think
of the p-present or f-future." He paused in order to allow his tongue some
time to untie itself from the knots it seemed to have twisted into. ".. I
w-will.. my m-mind finds itself divided in t-two parts, the l-larger of w-which
is fully c-convinced I am t-truly in-t that m-moment, while the s-smaller
p-part of me r-reminds itself of t-the truth. I-it.. is a c-common occurrence
t-to f-find m-myself p-playing the p-part like an actor u-upon a s-stage"
His stomach and heart seemed intent on being as far apart as possible, the
former sinking with a nauseating feeling, the latter remaining flighty in his
throat. He was a mess, an utter disgrace, why was he still talking?
"T-they are n-not kind m-memories, usually, and as such l-leave me.. quite
drained. It is usually the sensation of s-something against m-my arms or
h-hands that b-breaks m-me out of t-the trance-like s-state. H-hence
the..." He trailed off and waved one of his hands in the general direction
of Elias, then sighed again. "I d-do apologize f-for worrying y-you s-so.
It w-will not happen again."
His voice had steadily dropped towards a whisper to the point where, by the end
of his statement, he was barely talking at all. He wrapped the flaps of his
coat around him, trying to stave off the chill that was creeping its way up his
neck without regard to the layers of clothing he was wearing.
Why did he talk?

**Decipherer:**  Elias offers a reassuring, albeit small, smile, the
concern on his face drowned out with relief. "Don't apologize, please --
I'm simply relieved that you are okay."

**Tairais:**  Richard turned and smiled, though it was a small, ill
looking thing of its own. "Y-yes.. well. 'Okay' is a r-relative t-term.
Certamente, I am better than I w-was, but..."
He blinked in surprise. There were black spots in his vision, and as he looked,
he felt himself away slightly. He sighed and shifted to lean against the wall
as nonchalantly as he could.
"R-regardless, i-it is not something I like t-to m-make a h-habit
of."

**Decipherer:**  Elias doesn't notice the movement while absorbed deep
into his thoughts, and he sighs softly. "How long has it been, then, since
you've slept? Eaten?"

**Tairais:**  Richard hummed thoughtfully and let out a breathy
chuckle. "I s-slept l-last night. As f-for eating... " He shrugged
sheepishly. "I have g-gotten lost in my t-thoughts enough recently to only
be c-certain of the t-tea we s-shared when we first met. H-however, before
that.. Perhaps l-lunch and breakfast the d-day prior? I must admit, I do not
f-feel particularly hungry."
That was, in fact, a lie, and his stomach was more than happy to chime in with
a growl. Richard rolled his eyes and muttered, "Y-yes, thank y-you."
He frowned and pinched the bridge of his nose with one hand, then gestured to
the door with the other. "I b-believe I s-should take t-that as my c-cue
to go... find.. You are w-welcome to j-join me, but I s-should eat."
He shivered slightly and hugged his coat closer to him, awaiting a response. It
was times like these he felt entirely too old and far too young at the same
time.

**Decipherer:**  He nods quickly, considering the offer for a moment
before looking towards Richard. "I'd like to, yes."
**Tairais:**  Nodding, Richard stood shakily,
retrieved his instrument, then began to walk to the kitchen, humming softly.

## Obtained From

A Nighttime Newcomer

A Nighttime Newcomer Part 2