A Particular Visitor (Part 4)

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A Particular Visitor (Part 4)

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Dr. H. Griffin

Dr. H. Griffin

@DrHGriffin 2 years ago

It'll never end! And so our weekly recap:

In the alleyway, Ariadne has had enough, and takes Griffin whilst Mz. Hyde and Kito are distracted by Malemi's arrival, after he received a telegram from Lewis. Meeting the rest of the Lodgers outside the backdoor, she takes them to travel to the residence of her mentor Hobbimer. Ariadne also finds out where Lewis is from Molony's book. Near Hobbimer's, Ariadne sends a telegram to the Tontine Hotel to inform Lewis on the events that have happened in his absence.

Back in the alleyway, Malemi decides to help Kito sniff out the kidnapped lodgers, and leaves them, not giving his real name. He eventually finds the carriage out of blind luck, though he doesn't interact with it... yet.

In Glasgow, Lewis and Griffin talk over the plan to defeat or at least defend against Moriarty; with some eavesdropping from the other two.

Keep calm and carry on!

Warning: one piece of a thread contains some pretty violent stuff, so read at your discretion! Thank you!

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Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago • edited

Talbot's leg was searing with the pain. He had kept quiet though, especially when two people had passed him, and then some strange sort of cat demon had came by. Talbot knew that the Society had some mad people, but he was not expecting a demon to talk with them. Maybe they're some sort of occult, he thought humorously.

Talbot had wielded a metal pipe and had tried to lever the bear trap to release him, but it was too strong. One of his leg bones were broken, and was gushing blood by the minute. He'd die here, that he knew. Talbot felt incredibly weary. Talbot was so weary that he'd failed to notice something moving in the shadows as the evening drew in.

((Tairais))

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Tairais  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Charricthran fixed the feathered trim around his neck and straightened his cuffs before walking out, looking every part a suave, charming devil. He didn't bother fixing the illusion around his eyes, nor the sharp edges of his grin.

Judging by the smell of the blood in the air, it wouldn't matter too terribly much anyways.

Information. That's what he needed. As luck would have it, there was one unfortunate soul in front of him that might be able to provide it.

He crossed to the front of the figure and put on a sympathetic and not-quite-but-almost menacing smile. Despite only being five feet and six inches tall, he seemed to loom, shadows folding upon shadows and casting his presence upwards.

And still, he smiled.

"You've met with a terrible fate, haven't you?"

Perhaps he could help, perhaps not. It depended on how long the man could talk, and how willing he was to be useful.

There was no room for mercy in his soul. Not with Lewis wounded, Richard forced from recovery too soon, and Catt and many of his other friends fearful for their lives.

He would not kill, for the sake of leaving no evidence that he couldn't immediately dispose of. He was still far too stretched at the edges to drag anyone else into The Other for a good while yet.

He'd do it if he had to, but he'd rather not have to.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Tairais • 2 years ago

Talbot jumped at the voice, and quickly looked around. This wasn't his day. Yanking the rusty pipe from the jaws of the trap, Talbot readied for whomever it was and whatever they may do.

When he was employed by Moriarty, he had thought that the criminal leanings were quite beneficial. Talbot had never gotten his hands dirty in anyway, and had never witnessed any of the accidents that Moriarty had put in place for those that Talbot identified as a nuisance. But Moriarty had abandoned him, had left him to die in agony, and frankly was as loyal as nothing.

At last, he noticed the figure in front of him. It was human, thankfully, and not the... thing that had passed him earlier. And even though that this man looked human, there was something strangely off about him. For a start, his skin was incredibly pale, almost olive in colour. His eyes were red, which was perhaps the most striking thing about him; and the outline of his entire body seemed to shimmer at the edges, like a mirage.

"Who... who are you?" Talbot responded. He was tempted to swing the pipe at the figure, but he somehow knew that it wouldn't do anything to it.

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Tairais  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"I'm called Charricthran, kid. Ain't my name, but it's what I'm called. I take it you've been left behind, hm? Rather nasty of that Moriarty fellow to leave his men behind. Nasty, but understandable."

"Now, see, I'm nasty, but understandin' comes first. So how's about you help me understand this Moriarty character as best you can help, and I'll see if I can't help ya out in one way or another in return. I'm a man of many talents, after all."

Well, the kid-child was conscious for the time being. He almost felt sorry for him. Bear traps were nasty, nasty things. Short of runnin' the kid to Lewis or Alano (the latter of which he didn't know the location of, so he was a moot point), he didn't know how to mend wounds.

Merely how to tear them open, for the most part.

Add that to the list of things he needed to learn. He'd gone fourteen thousand years and change without knowing any medical care beyond stitching his own wounds shut back when he still had a proper body. A knowledge of human anatomy and how it worked and ticked would be useful in a number of senses..

But he digressed.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Tairais • 2 years ago

Charricthran? What sort of name is that? Talbot thought. He didn't lower the pipe a centimeter.

"I'm not telling you anything." Talbot defiantly told him. "If I did, this bear trap and you would be the least of my worries. Moriarty would do things to me that would make your... er... insides shudder."

It was a poor excuse, but his tone was the more believable aspect. Talbot was frankly desperate to get out of the trap, go to a hospital and likely have it amputated due to infection than suffer the wrath of this... thing.

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Tairais  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"Well, frankly, he can't do anythin' if I snap your neck, an' he can't do anythin' if I secret ya away to a medical friend o' mine with the snap of my fingers, so either way, he ain't doin' shite."

He didn't blink the entire time he spoke, merely let his unsettling appearance do his work.

"If it helps any, I'm rather certain I'm more of a terror than this Moriarty sort. I've had fifteen thousand years or so to practice, y'see?"

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Dr. H. Griffin  Tairais • 2 years ago

"I'm not just talking about me." Talbot replied. "You really think you'll lot will win against him? Huh? He goes after everyone associated with you. Your wife, your family, your kids; your lawyer. Anyone that knows anything that he doesn't want to know suffers. He knows I have a sickly mother and if I let anything slip... You can do whatever you want to me, but for her sake I'm keeping my mouth shut."

It was a white lie, he didn't have a sickly mother, but Moriarty would ensure something would happen to Talbot in some way.

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Tairais  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"No family or loved ta speak of, frankly. The whole 'being immortal and a right prick' schtick kinda kills that. An' if she's sickly an' been that way for oh-so-long, she's probably better off dead."

He paused, tilting his head in an eerie, bird-like fashion. Though there was precious little light in the alleyway anymore, his eyes glimmered like jagged gemstones.

"Or I could do the job for him and deny the pair o' ya any sorta comfort. Really, kid. Ya ain't got much in the way o' bettin' chips here, an' I'm trying ta be merciful for memory's sake. You're a footnote ta Moriarty, and you're gonna be a footnote ta me and your mother if ya don't persuade me rightly. Anythin' goes, far as I'm concerned."

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Dr. H. Griffin  Tairais • 2 years ago • edited

Of course the creature was right. Moriarty had ultimately betrayed him, had left him to bleed out, had given up five years of employment in a single action. This creature had certainly a better offer than lying down and waiting for severe blood loss to occur.

"What do you want to know?" Talbot asked it quietly.

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Tairais  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Charricthran's grin turned positively feral, stretching across his face far past the limits of what could be considered normal.

There were a lot of very, very sharp teeth in that mouth.

Despite its jagged edges, the gesture was softer than before. More relieved.

As it turned out, he hadn't wanted to kill the kid too terribly much. This Moriarty prick was screwin' everyone six ways sideways from Sunday.

"Smart lad. Anythin' ya can give me would be much appreciated. Movements, motivations, future plans, safehouses people o' interest. The works. An' I suppose it goes without sayin' if I find out you've lied or whatnot, or ya try to somehow hoof it an' clock me over the head with that pipe when I getcha out, I'm not gonna be pleased, but I digress. We can certainly be civil, yes? If it helps ya any further, it'll be me followin' up these leads. I'm not exactly easy ta see, so there'll be no reason for Moriarty ta suspect ya."

Quietly, internally, Charricthran spoke across the reaches of The Other, laying the groundwork for his half of the bargain.

"Bringin' a friend 'round your way, Weirmrith. He's probably gonna lose a leg, but I promised a friend ta patch him up in exchange for information."

He could feel the sigil on his chest tugging gently at his dead heart, readying itself for a bargain. Gently, he pushed it away. He wouldn't ask for a name so long as the kid kept straight.

see more

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Dr. H. Griffin  Tairais • 2 years ago • edited

"He never told me where the targets are held. I only deal with finances and profiles. Moriarty just wants order through chaos. He doesn't want to rule the world or anything like that; just to control the city and others if necessary. He's killed various gang bosses and taken over their enterprises; and controls the Venom brothels around the city. He has eyes from the police and gangs, ears from the brothels, and fingers from his underlings. He's never told me what he intends to do with the research he has, but I can guess: he intends to exert so much chaos on the street, that he'll be the only one to remedy it. Airships for surveillance, werewolves for terror, invisibility for spying and whatever Dr. Jekyll's research was."

Talbot lowered the pipe. No point using it now, is there?

"He doesn't have safe-houses, because he's never needed them. The professor has the police under his thumb, and those who intend to kill him either are dealt with by his men or by corrupt policemen. He controls the Home Secretary with regular threats of his son, and blackmails those who seek to expose him. His finances come from those threats as well, regularly.

As to where he is, I know that he is going to a park nearby, he likes to feed pigeons. He'll be there now, if not just leaving. He'll have security with him; he never does anything alone."

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Tairais  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago • edited

Charricthran nodded, digesting the information as rapidly and thoroughly as he could manage under the circumstance. Once everything was filed away for later use, he pried open the bear trap with barely more than a flicker of strength.

Once that was done and he was holding Talbot's weight on his shoulder, he swept the kid off his feet into a bridal carry, minding his injured leg and elevating it slightly so it wouldn't bleed out as quickly.

"Hang tight to the pain for a handful of seconds, if you would. And ah... don't listen to any whisperin' ya hear. 'Tis best for both o' us that way."

Without waiting for him to respond, he shrouded them both in shadow and took the handful of watercolor steps necessary to bleed through into Glasgow. Equally as quickly, he found Lewis and handed Talbot off, along with the rough information he'd gained.

With a rapid farewell, he turned on his heel and melted into the shadows with a puff of static electricity and rippling smoke.

He had a date with a criminal mastermind.

Back on the rooftops of London, he leaped into the form of a raven, calling a few of his helpers to disguise him as a member of a flock.

With his bird's-eye view (he stifled a snicker at his own pun, thoroughly amused), and a rough idea of what he was looking for, he was all set to start tailing the bugger that thought he could get away with tearing apart the home of so many souls.

Blasted would-be-godlike-egomaniacs. You get rid of a handful, more show up to fill the space. They were as charming as cockroaches in that regard, and about as durable.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Tairais • 2 years ago

Moriarty sat on the bench in Hyde Park, the paper bag chock full of crumbs resting on his lap. Reaching into his pocket, he took out a small leather-bound notebook, and began writing into it. Another ten minutes or so, and he'd travel to the warehouse to greet his guests.

The pigeons flocked around him eagerly, biting up the scattered breadcrumbs. They reminded Moriarty of the Society, oddly enough.

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Tairais  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

After a quick bit of searching, Charricthran manged to spot Moriarty at his bench. He sent the rest of the ravens on their way with a cheerful caw, which caused the rest of them to return his farewell in varying volumes over the course of the next five minutes as they flew west to roost.

With them on their way, he fell into the shadow of a nearby tree's leaves, fully intending to follow Moriarty for the foreseeable future.

He sent a whisper to Lewis carried on the formless vowels of the autumn breezes as they made their way through him and across The Other.

"Got eyes on Moriarty. Stand by for updates an' all that jazz."

With all the discipline of a hunter, he waited and he watched, unseen eyes shimmering from just on the other side of the darkness, somewhat like a one-way mirror.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Tairais • 2 years ago

At the sound of an unkindness of ravens, Moriarty looked up as they flew away. Odd.

He flicked a great deal many pages backward through his notes, finding a page marked "VENOM". Moriarty smiled. Such a shame, such a shame. He tore it out, ripped it into tiny pieces, and fed them to the pigeons. They wouldn't know what it was.

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Tairais  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

He caught the whispers of secrets on the wind, being fed to the birds.

'Venom'

Odd. Lady Venom? He'd run it by Lewis. In the meantime, notes, secrets, movements. His sort of currency, the very things for which he was a patron.

He slid closer, hitching a ride along the shadows of blades of grass, of falling feathers, of street lamps and benches, and ultimately, a pigeon pecking at paper a near distance from Moriarty.

The closer he could get, the better.

Besides. Wasn't as if Moriarty could do anything to him or hold him very long. He'd have to be the luckiest damn mortal alive to know that handful of specifics.

Specifics he pushed to the farthest corners of his mind, as they brought up more memories than he was willing to deal with at the present moment.

Watching, watching, calculating. The next move, the next move.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Tairais • 2 years ago

Next, he went back a few pages, coming on a page marked "HAWLEY GRIFFIN". Again smiling in that same wry way, Moriarty tore it out and fed it to the pigeons.

And then another, "ANDREW TALBOT", "EDWARD PRENDICK", "LUTWIDGE COIN" and "SANDERSON ATLAS". All fed to the birds.

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Tairais  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Loose ends. He was tying up loose ends.

Interestin'.

As each whisper was ferried to him courtesy of the laughing breezes, he stored them in their own little corner of The Other, to be easily accessed and relayed.

If Lewis so chose, the path to that particular mesa would be free of grass, free of danger to those who could walk his realm. He had his doubts that Catt or Richard would be of the mind to do so at the moment, however.

Curiouser and curiouser.

Little silver flashes of grins, knives and bullets teased and pulled at him, like the teeth of a bear trap- ah. That made sense.

What was the reason for shedding extra weight now, he wondered?

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Dr. H. Griffin  Tairais • 2 years ago

Moriarty pocketed his book, emptied the entire bag onto the ground (by which all of the pigeons vigorously flocked to) and walked along the pathway out.

I wonder if that Inspector has managed to arrest them all. Doubt it. He's one of the immovables.

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Tairais  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

It was as Moriarty walked away that Charricthran oh-so-carefully slipped into the man's own shadow, quickly falling into the unfamiliar-soon-familiar idiosyncrasies of his gait.

Where to, my oil-feathered friend?

There was precious little room for thought, so attuned was he to his surroundings. Room for instinct, yes. Room to record information, yes. Precious little room to connect the dots, save for the spaces between them.

All in due time. He could analyze better with a clearer picture.

And on they went.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Tairais • 2 years ago

Moriarty hailed a cab and directed the driver to East London, specifically on the South Side of the Thames.

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Tairais  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Charricthran watched the buildings and cobblestones rattle by, coasting off the speed of the carriage racing on.

A warehouse, perhaps? Made sense for an evil villain of Moriarty's like.

For a split second, deja vu tugged at his limbs with a smirk on its face. Gone quick as it came, he focused on getting ready to move with Moriarty's shadow again.

Jumping between dynamic objects and making it look natural as possible was always particularly tricky.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Tairais • 2 years ago

Moriarty flicked through his notebook again, scribbling away in code on certain pages, and blotting out words on others. He looked up for one moment, and saw out the carriage window one of his men, Pomeroy, walking by. He was supposed to be in the warehouse where the targets would be kept.

Moriarty knocked on the carriage top with his cane, and the driver stopped the horses. Moriarty quickly got out of the carriage, the driver looking back.

"Something the matter, sir?" the driver asked, but Moriarty wasn't listening to him. "Sir?!"

Pomeroy, a thin yet knife-handy scrounger who one of his underlings had employed and had only met in passing, was luckily a slow walker and Moriarty slammed him against the street building wall.

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Tairais  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

It was easier to stay in the shadow of a nearby window, rather than trying to flawlessly meld with Moriarty's shadow in the state he was in.

His mental map of Moriarty evolved to accommodate this new encounter, and then his thoughts fell silent, preparing to notate, record, stow away.

Watch 'em run, see what they're running from, see what they're running to. A game as simple and complex as chess, with much more to lose.

He watched. He'd not interfere unless cards changed hands for one reason or another.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Tairais • 2 years ago

"What in God's name do you think you're doing, Pomeroy?" Moriarty whispered angrily at the scrounger; he could tell from the off that he was drunk. Pomeroy was at first weary-eyed and unfocused, but eventually he came to notice who was holding him against the wall.

"Oh, Mr. Moriarty, sir!" Pomeroy blurted. "I know 'ow 'is looks, but s'alright (hiccup), they're all there, in the-"

Moriarty clasped a hand on Pomeroy's mouth. "Stop speaking so loud, you imbecile. Was there any trouble?"

"Oh, yeah... tha' hollow guy... er wassus name? Chess?"

"Cheshire?"

"Yeah, tha' guy. He put up a fight, but we managed to get him to calm down... If you know what I mean... Aheheheh (burp)..."

Moriarty turned away disgustedly. "Right, all right; you've done a good job, Pomeroy. Come with me a minute."

He led the drunken Pomeroy into a nearby alleyway that cut through the buildings.

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Tairais  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Given Moriarty's record with other people and alleyways, he didn't think this was going to end well for Pomeroy.

Perhaps he'd be proven wrong, perhaps not. Coins flipping, falling, changing hands.

He kept to the shadows of the rooftops, stretching and melding sideways, in the reaching fingertips of shingles and gutters.

He kept still, and he kept watch, ever-curious, ever intrigued, the words no more than the barest impressions of sensation against the backdrop of London.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Tairais • 2 years ago

Moriarty thrusted Pomeroy against the cold brick wall, his cane knocking Pomeroy on his forehead.

"Before I do this, I need to know: have you told anyone about where they are, you drunken idiot?" Moriarty asked him.

Pomeroy shook his head quite happily, oblivious that his fate had already been sealed. Moriarty reached into his jacket pocket, and stabbed Pomeroy in the neck. The scrounger at first widened his eyes in shock; but couldn't scream as he watched blood spray from his neck.

Moriarty yanked the knife out, with Pomeroy dropping to the floor, more awake and desperately clinging to his bleeding neck. Moriarty cleaned the knife with his handkerchief, looking disdainfully at the dying scrounger.

"That's the last time I leave employment with my workers." Moriarty spoke as he stepped over Pomeroy, stamping him in the face with his heel.

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Tairais  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Oh dear. How terribly messy. And rude of Moriarty to use the dead as a stepping-stone, but he digressed.

He almost snickered at the call he'd made. Almost. As it was, perhaps the breeze had picked up a tad, perhaps it hadn't. Who knew?

He fell into step inside Moriarty's shadow, sparing a half second of sympathy for the daft idiot they'd left behind. Some people really just had no sense of self-preservation. A man of Moriarty's presence? You didn't f\*ck about with that unless you were particularly brave or particularly stupid.

That man seemed to have been the latter.

And onward, ever onward he followed in the shadow of a man who had committed countless atrocious on this day alone. He could almost admire the sheer amount of chaos were it not for the cold rage crackling just out of reach.

He didn't enjoy people tangling his strings, puppet or heart.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Tairais • 2 years ago

Moriarty deftly picked up a large sack and toppled it onto Pomeroy's body. Even if it was reported to the police no one would care. Exiting the alleyway, Moriarty went back to the carriage, the driver slightly confused at what was happening.

"Sir, who was that man?" the driver asked, both curious and wary.

"Ten shillings and we'll pretend the man didn't exist." Moriarty answered, handing the driver a handful of coins. "Now, change of plans, we're not going to the Thames, we're going to Waterloo Station."

The driver nodded discreetly and whipped the reins.

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Tairais  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

A train? What for, where to?

The wheel was turning again, spitting out dice and chance.

He rode with the horses' shadows this time, trotting along, rolling along the stones.

What for, where to, called the wind.

He didn't yet have answers. There was hoping, though.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Tairais • 2 years ago

After trundling along in the carriage, Moriarty paid the driver the exact amount due and hopped out into Waterloo Station. Whilst waiting in the queue for the ticket office, he checked his notebook again, finding the page marked "JEKYLL". It was blank. In pencil, he wrote a small question mark in the centre.

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Tairais  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Eyes in the carriage, eyes everywhere. The familiar sound of graphite on paper, the uneven edges of soundless words.

The mark suited Jekyll. A man even he knew little of.

They walked to the ticket station, and all the while, he funneled information away, somewhere safer. This way, even if he was found out, there was bugger all anyone could do about it.

Not that there was much to do anyways, because what could affect a shadow? What could affect the wind? What could affect the clouds and all the electricity hovering within them?

While those things were few and far between, they were still enough for caution.

What for, where to? Who was he meeting? What was the next move?

Question marks upon question marks, scribbled in the pages of a notebook that didn't exist.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Tairais • 2 years ago

Moriarty eventually reached the front of the ticket office and asked for a First Class ticket to Oxford. His university. His home. London had clouded his vision, smoke and smog; he needed a clear head for the days to come. The targets would be safe; at least from those that sought to take them from him, what he had demanded and yet they refused.

Even if they relented, if they succumbed, submitted; the Society would still pay. They had inconvenienced him, just as Lady Venom, Griffin, and Hobbimer had; and they had all paid. It was the only philosophy in his life: if you are clever enough to bring destruction upon me, rest assured that I shall do as much to you.

He thought of her.

Her.

Her, who had puzzled him and confounded him. Who had given him cause to admire, an emotion he had never experienced in a person. She would come to odds with him; that would be expected, but then where was the fun in the game without an opponent?

Moriarty sat at the platform, and waited for his train to come. It wasn't clairvoyancy, perhaps it was just paranoia, but he felt as if someone was watching him.

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Tairais  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Oxford. Home. University.

A location, but not what he needed.

Her, her. A person, but not one he knew. Faces of the dead, the inconvenienced, the dying, the cast aside. He knew none of them, but kept all of them, even as they buzzed and scratched at the inside of his head.

Useless for the time. Perhaps not later, but for the time-

An opponent at the chessboard. Admiration. Her.

No answers, but more questions that might lead to some.

Should he stay or should he go?

Stay, for a while. If for no other reason than he needed to recuperate after hauling Talbot across a country and a half.

He couldn't afford to lose his awareness, though. Not when someone else's awareness had teeth.

Had to avoid getting caught on them, see.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Tairais • 2 years ago

"Excusez-moi monsieur? Êtes-vous Professeur James Moriarty?" a voice jabbed to the right of Moriarty. He looked at an elderly man with a book under his arm: The Dynamics of an Asteroid, the lecture book he had written a few years ago to academical acclaim.

"Oui, monsieur." Moriarty returned, smiling.

"Pouvez-vous signer mon livre?" the Frenchman asked, outstretching the book.

"Mon plaisir." Moriarty replied, taking the book and scribbling his signature inside. He handed it back to the gentleman.

"Merci, Professeur." the Frenchman returned, and walked away, staring at the book in his hands as if it were gold. Moriarty smiled.

Des choses simples.

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Tairais  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

A professor of some renown then. Autographs. What next, kissing babies?

... He desperately hoped not. He didn't even have the ability to gag at that moment.

At any rate, there were loose threads upon loose threads. Dare he stay to see if any tied?

A little longer. Everything was frayed at the edges still- he needed to stitch himself together. Damn his occasionally bleeding heart for wanting to fulfill his word to Talbot.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Tairais • 2 years ago

After ten minutes or so, the train rolled into the platform. Moriarty took his individual compartment in First Class, and began the journey to Oxford. His term of absence was questioned by the university, but he decided against the typical buy-off that had often worked during times of stress and inconvenience during his time in London. He just explained that he needed an overdue holiday.

He went through his notebook again on the journey out of London, but had committed to reading the newspapers. Moriarty wondered on the headline tomorrow; perhaps the Society shall be mentioned? He marveled at the prospect.

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Tairais  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Charricthran laid back on the floor of Moriarty's shadow, settling himself in for the long haul.

He didn't quite close his eyes, that would be absolutely foolish of him. Regardless, it was a near thing. Now that he was properly integrated into this man's brand of darkness, it would be much easier to shadow him.

Puns. An eternal form of entertainment. Especially when there was bugger all to do.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Tairais • 2 years ago

After an hour and a half on the train, Moriarty saw the station of Oxford roll in. Glad to be home, glad to be away. Although his return was unexpected, he thought it best to arrive before what happened in London reached the city. Don't want suspicion.

It was getting late however, and it was pointless to go to the university. He'd go home.

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Tairais  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

After an hour and a half of mentally playing solitaire with himself and losing three of those games.. somehow, Charricthran saw more than felt the train slow.

It occurred to him that the home-places of their enemy in this... battle? war? were actually useful tidbits of information. 'Course, the buildings and places in question were going to be guarded in some way if the guy was any sort of smart (unless he really was just that big of an egomaniac, and dear gods, he hoped he wasn't), so it might not be useful for a fair bit, but he digressed.

Onward crept the companion darkness, ever present and ever silent at the footsteps of all things.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Tairais • 2 years ago

Moriarty swept through the streets as the night rolled in, the street lamps flickering in the dark. He tipped hats to those that recognised him, and tossed coins to beggars. Keeping up appearances.

He hailed a cab on the edge of the city, and luckily the driver knew who Moriarty was and where he lived. Moriarty sat back in the seat and waited to get home.

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Tairais  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Charricthran kept an eye on those they passed, marking down more memorable faces on the off chance he'd have time to double back and ask them about the man himself.

Another cab, another road. Which way to run, what way to go?

The night called to him, promising fun and intrigue, were he willing to go reach for it. He squared his shoulders and kept firm inside Moriarty's shadow, ever determined to know.

Besides, it wasn't as if he had a whole lot else he could do. Not quite having a physical form really put a limit on the number of helpful tasks he could accomplish, especially with so many people about. Better and best to stick to his strengths.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Tairais • 2 years ago

At nearly midnight, the carriage rolled into Asquith Park, a manor house near Oxford. Moriarty had anonymously purchased it after an auction, and thought it was respectable enough to be his haven between days at the university. Of course it was a facade. He didn't actually live there.

In his view, Moriarty never particularly had a home. He never stayed in one particular place for more than four hours or so, and Buscot Park was simply to provide the illusion of a wealthy scientist living in isolation. Moriarty hopped up the steps, greeted by his equally elderly manservant, Higgins.

"A pleasant journey, I trust, sir?" Higgins inquired in his monotonous voice.

"Tolerable. Have tea sent to my office, Higgins." Moriarty replied as he entered the front door. The maids were lined up to the side, one of them rubbing her eyes at the lateness of his arrival. "Any mail delivered to me?"

"Yes, sir, from five from the university and two from London." Higgins answered behind him. "They are waiting in your office, per your preference."

"Thank you, Higgins. Now, the rest of you should have an early night, I'll be up early in the morning." Moriarty told the chambermaids.

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Tairais  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Charricthran managed to make note of the manor's location shortly before being whisked inside.

The later mention of mail had him intrigued; Perhaps if he were quick, he could catch a glimpse of the letters' contents over Moriarty's shoulder. Anything and everything would be useful at this conjecture. Well, most anything. Shopping lists tended to be useless unless they were in code or for bomb-making materials.

That happened more often that he would have thought the universe capable of.

But he digressed. His night was just beginning.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Tairais • 2 years ago

Moriarty strutted up to his room, changed into more comfortable attire, and checked his post. The university letters were mostly fan mail and notices of events happening; whilst the first London letter was from an acquaintance at the city university.

However, the second letter from London was marked with a dash at the bottom left hand corner, an indication that it was from his less academic endeavors.

Tearing it carefully open, he read it thoroughly. It was written by one of the men stationed at the warehouse, telling Moriarty that they arrived safely without any notable incident. They simply were awaiting instructions. Moriarty, reading it only once, tossed it into the lit fireplace.

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Tairais  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Charricthran stifled a slew of curses, the likes of which would've made a nun burst into flames.

Right. Damage control, rather than prevention.

He didn't get a chance to see if there was a return address on the letter, but he did inform Lewis of the development in his typical silent way.

Without incident meant everyone involved was likely unharmed. That was good.

For a moment he entertained the notion that the passengers had escaped and forced one of the men at the warehouse to write and send a false note. While a nice thought, the universe was typically too fond of being an absolute arse to give him that.

Nothing to do but wait and hope something useful came from it all.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Tairais • 2 years ago

Moriarty began to write another letter. It described how he would travel there tomorrow to meet his "guests" and to see what they had in store for him. He requested ten more men from the "Underground" branch to be stationed there.

Folding it and stuffing the letter in an envelope, he added two dashes to the bottom left hand corner. He didn't write an address. Moriarty stood up, and rung the servant bell.

After a short interval, Higgins waltzed through the door.

"Yes, sir?"

"Get a courier to deliver this," Moriarty told him, handing him the letter. "To the Velvet Chair brothel in Soho, to a man called John Perren. Repeat that."

"Courier to deliver letter to the Velvet Chair brothel in Soho, John Perren." Higgins outlined.

"Good." Moriarty replied. "Make sure that the courier is competent enough not to be followed by anyone."

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Tairais  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Information copied, suspended on the ghostly after-images of sight, sent skittering, sliding sideways across The Other to the place walked by few.

Impressions of thought, his mind whirling at speeds unknown by minds not formless, leaping between intuitions. He was bleeding at the edges.

Branches of organization, a tree with Moriarty at the heart-roots, communication by the wind and symbols carved in skies of parchment. The Velvet Chair in a place his mind attached to semi-friendly eyes.

Something was peculiar about that.

He could send a raven to follow... No, best not. Too much focus, spread too thin, too soon.

Damn.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Tairais • 2 years ago

Higgins nodded and went out of the door. Moriarty collapsed in his bed and snuffed out the bedside candle. It had been such a long day. Whatever would happen, he hoped it would happen without delay.

Moriarty reflected on Griffin, lying there in the alleyway, likely dead by now. His bleeding body turned visible, left to be discovered weeks later by passing people. The thought pleased him. Then he remembered Talbot.

Talbot. The man who had such knowledge of his work; his secrets. And he left him there; to die, yes... But what if someone found him?

"Idiot!" Moriarty suddenly shouted, and flung the sheets in anger.

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Tairais  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

It was a testament to several thousand years of honing restraint and control that Charricthran managed to keep from cackling extremely loudly.

It wasn't hard to race back in time to remember loose ends tied and untied-- Talbot. Finances and the like were a veritable gold mine as far as espionage went.

One stroke of luck in an utter pile of shite day. Hopefully Lewis was taking care of the kid.

The move was Moriarty's, now. The tables turned, the board shifted.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Tairais • 2 years ago

Moriarty stayed awake for at least two hours after that. He didn't do anything; he just sat there, staring into space. He was thinking. Thinking about what to do. Who to do what to, and how to do it.

Only when necessary did he blink, or look to locate the source of a creak in the dark. Peculiar would be an apt word.

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Tairais  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

In that time of silence, Charricthran took more care than usual to be still, letting Moriarty's breaths shape his shadow of its own accord.

After all, one of the perks of being as formless as he was at that moment was the fact he could occupy as much or as little space as he wanted.

He took his half of the shadow in the middle, just to be on the safe side. No loose ends that Moriarty himself wasn't already making and leaving.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Tairais • 2 years ago

A slight bump in the night from downstairs. A creak of the woodwork from upstairs. A crack in the fire in the room. Moriarty finally stopped thinking. For some reason, whatever reason at all, he felt as if something was in the room with him. It wasn't the irrational fear of the dark; the absence of light and its vacuum of sight. It was a mere feeling.

He straightened up in the bed, and leaned forward.

"Is someone there?"

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Tairais  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

No one else was there. Hard to be 'else' when you were in another's shape.

Charricthran ignored Moriarty's curiosity for the sake of playing another round of mental solitaire. Moriarty, for all his might, intimidation, and intelligence, appeared to be as human as they came. Thus far in this universe, he'd met exactly one person with the ability to perceive his exact location and presence like this, and it was on that man's behalf that Charricthran was tailing Moriarty at any rate.

He never was particularly good at solitaire. That was more Keldra's pursuit. Blackjack and poker, on the other hand...

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Tairais • 2 years ago

((Dr. H. Griffin ))

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Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

((MillieGriffin The continuation of your Griffin's talk with Weir.))

MillieGriffin

"I... I know that's not your name," he said, putting his fingers to his temple, exasperated at his own mistake, "just a slip of the tongue."

He started to slump into his chair a little as he tried to explain, "I understand you're not trusting me after what the other one's done, and I still don't trust you either, obviously. All that I've been keeping to myself is just... a lot I can't divulge into without having to explain some personal things about my past, that you might be able to use against me, I've already had that happen to me before."

Jekyll1886

"I...can understand your reticence," said Weir after a moment. "I've been burned, too, I confess. Know that if you don't want me prying into your past, I won't--so long as it has no bearing on this business with Moriarty. If it does, though...how can we move forward, if I'm in the dark? I've told you my plan, and asked for your input. You quite rightly suggested improvements to it. What if I've suggestions or information that could help with yours?

"Additionally," he continued, "if loyalty is an issue, know that I'm loyal to Millie, at least. Surely that's something we both have in common. She saved my life when Hawley--Moriarty's man--would have ended it. I owe her a debt I'll not soon forget. If something were to happen to you, it would hurt her. For that reason--quite aside from the fact that you and I have a mutual enemy--I wouldn't seek to harm you. Just as, I would hope, you'd not seek to harm me or mine.

"We're both of us long-lived now. I'd much rather have you for a friend, or at least a reliable acquaintance, than an eternal enemy. Don't you think?"

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MillieGriffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Griffin was silent as he thought over Weir's words, he weighed the risks and benefits of telling Weir in his mind. Then he let out a sigh, it seemed that letting Weir in would be more beneficial... for now.

"Alright," He relented, "But only for the sake of getting rid of Moriarty and the traitor."

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Jekyll1886  MillieGriffin • 2 years ago

"Very well," replied Lewis with a nod. "Let us make a clean breast of it."

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Jekyll1886  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

((MillieGriffin ))

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MillieGriffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Meanwhile outside of the room; Millie, despite her uncle's threats, had still been listening in on them from outside of the room. Helen was right there with her though she couldn't hear the conversation nearly as well as Millie so the beast child kept her posted, with extremely vague updates on the situation. She didn't know or trust her that well and knew that she hated her uncle so it would be best not to say too much.

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Jekyll1886  MillieGriffin • 2 years ago • edited

One of the hotel staff appeared around the bend in the hall, envelope in hand.

"Pardon," he said to Helen and Millie, "but is Dr. Weir about? Telegram for him."

"Excellent," Lewis remarked to Griffin, as their discussion came to a close.

He heard the noise outside.

"If you'll excuse me."

He rose and went to the door.

"I'm here, Wallace," he said, opening it a crack.

"Telegram, doctor."

Wallace handed it over.

"Very good," replied Weir with a nod.

Wallace nodded in return, and went his way.

Lewis opened the telegram and silently read its contents:

SAFE WITH MOST LODGERS AND MENTOR STOP GRIFFIN FOUND SHOT BY MORIARTY STOP KEEPING HIM FOR INFORMATION STOP MZ HYDE KILLED POLICE END -A.J.I RADCLIFFE

His blood ran cold.

He paled as shock shook every thought from his brain.

Then his mind roared back to life and a welter of them collided in quick succession.

Outwardly, he looked more...intense, his brow furrowed and his breathing rapid.

He set his jaw.

"This is not good."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Helen stepped forward, standing close beside as she gently touched a hand to his back.

"How bad is it?" She asked, her gaze filled with concern and seeming to further ask 'How can I fix it?'.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"Somehow--I don't know how; I've been assiduously careful!--Ariadne Radcliffe knows I'm here. And Griffin--Hawley--is with her, shot by Moriarty."

Under his breath, he muttered:

"If she had any sense in her head, she'd have snapped his traitorous neck and put him out of everyone's misery."

He ushered everyone into Millie and her uncle's room, and shut the door.

"In addition," he said at a more normal volume, "the telegram says Mz. Hyde's killed police. In self-defense, no doubt, but it's a black mark upon the Society all the same.

"The one piece of good news is that Radcliffe says she has some of the lodgers with her, in a safe place.

"The problem is, if she can find me--find us--I've no doubt it's only a matter of time until Moriarty does."

He looked to Millie's uncle.

"We shall have to move with all possible haste. To that end...there's someone we need to speak with, Griffin."

A conspiratorial smile.

"I think you may just enjoy it."

He turned to Helen and Millie.

"We're moving camp. Between the broken window and Radcliffe's resourcefulness, this place is no longer secure enough. I'll round up Jekyll and Lanyon."

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MillieGriffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

"Now wait," Griffin said before anyone else could do anything else, "How did whoever this is know where to send this telegram in the first place? For all we know, they're going to find the next place we move to if we don't figure out how this..." he looked over Weir's shoulder to get a better look at the paper, "Radcliffe could locate us."

Millie turned to Griffin rubbing her temples, so much information was happening so fast she barely knew how to react at everything at once, "Griffin, we don't know that's the... !" realization struck her as a memory flashed in her mind, "Caliban..." she uttered softly, "The man with all those tattoos that tell the future! Molony!! He must have predicted that we'd come here and told Dr. Radcliffe, they're probably together!" she exclaimed to everyone.

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Helen Jekyll  MillieGriffin • 2 years ago • edited

Her forehead creased deeply.

"How could we possibly combat someone who can tell the future?" She asked, giving Lewis a worried glance, "Every move we make will already be known before we even make it."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"Tell the future?" echoed Lewis.

He'd heard of crystal balls. Tarot cards. Runes. He'd tolerated the idea of someone being able to take a guess at what lay in store, given the shifting energies and changeable nature of events involved.

But tattoos? The future literally written in permanent ink, immutable, unalterable, uncaring? No effect, no agency, no...chance?

No difference. No purpose. No meaning.

Fate's fool.

He stilled.

Wobbled on his feet.

Leaned against the wall, and Helen.

Swallowed audibly, stifling tears of sorrow and rage.

Fate.

Puppets.

Narrators.

At once, it was clear. The nonsensical events, the hidden hand, the reason for all the tragedy.

His eyes snapped open as he took in a breath.

Sod. Them. ALL.

"Very well then," he said, an edge beneath the particular politesse of his words. "We shall do what we must.

"Millie--please guard Jekyll and Lanyon.

"Helen--there are lodgers who escaped in Bryson's balloon, including Alice and Richard. The lot of them should land in the yard with the broken crates in an hour or two. Please keep an eye out and receive them when they arrive. Make sure they're fed and put up in rooms. Also see that the balloon is safely stored away.

"Griffin--please make your arrangements.

"I'll go make mine."

Under his breath, he half-growled:

"This has gone entirely too far."

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MillieGriffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Griffin gave an affirmative nod and went off to do his business, mentally swearing to himself about Molony. Millie on the other hand still seemed to be lost in thought then a smirk started to form on her face and she went over to Weir.

"Lewis, could I tell you something real quick?"

She pulled him down and whispered in his ear for a moment then backed away not sure too how this information would make him feel. She then went on to do her part.

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Jekyll1886  MillieGriffin • 2 years ago • edited

He blinked, taking in the information.

Then, Millie was gone.

We shall see... he thought to himself.

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Jekyll1886  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

((Helen Jekyll ))

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Helen had braced herself to hold up Lewis, still embracing him, though she took care to ignore whatever Millie had said.

The less she knew about everything, the better.

"Stay safe, okay?" She requested gently as she released him, "And stay well, as best you're able, be it in mind or body."

A faint, ghost of a smile.

"And when all this is done, a trip to Kibble Palace might have to be added to the schedule."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Thank you, Helen," returned Lewis, his expression softening.

A chuckle as he hugged her back.

"It might just."

With that, it was time to go.

His expression hardened as he left her presence, his thoughts returning to the tasks at hand.

No rest for the wicked...

He made a telephone call--the Tontine was grand enough to have such a device--to a particular acquaintance.

Then he gathered supplies, sent more missives, and, finally, went elsewhere in Glasgow. Another secure location.

He entered the room where one of his medically skilled compatriots had seen to Talbot earlier.

Weir locked the door behind him and pocketed the key.

"Mr. Talbot, I presume?"

((Dr. H. Griffin ))

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Talbot had at first thrown up when he was moved to Glasgow in mere seconds. 400 miles has gone a long way, and he was not used to it. The doctor, or at least someone well-versed in medicine and anatomy, had seen to his leg. It wasn't amputated at least, but he'd have to walk with a brace for the rest of his life. He thought it was amusing how a single action could affect one's life.

Talbot fidgeted at the sight of this new face. Likely a Society member, no doubt. Green eyes, wavy hair. At least it wasn't that... thing that brought him here.

"Yes." Talbot flatly replied.

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago • edited

"Dr. Weir," Lewis introduced himself

"Dr. Niddry's shift has ended; I've come to check on you."

He examined Talbot's leg, then nodded to himself.

Good work, that. I was afraid we might have to amputate.

"How are you feeling, Mr. Talbot? Do you need more pain medicine?"

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Piss off." Talbot insulted, wincing at the slightest movement. It just wasn't his day at all.

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"I'll take that as a 'yes'," remarked Lewis, taking the comment in stride.

He removed and readied a syringe from the doctor's bag he'd brought with him.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Talbot slightly stiffened at the sight of the injection. He never liked them, but from the promise of pain removal, Talbot would take it. He waved for Weir to do it.

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Lewis used rubbing alcohol to disinfect the injection site, then deftly pierced the skin and administered the drug. This done, he pressed sterile cotton to the area until the bleeding had stopped.

Within Talbot's body, a pleasantly warm feeling emanated from the spot through the rest of his system. It washed away the pain even as it relaxed him.

Weir put away the syringe.

"Better?" he asked.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"Apart from being stuck in a bear trap for hours, interrogated by some other-worldly demonic creature, moved from London to Glasgow in a matter of seconds by the aforementioned other-worldly demonic creature and never walking properly again for the rest of my life?" Talbot elaborated, rather elegantly. "At least I'm alive. Which I'm thankful for."

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"Ay," concurred Lewis.

"Moriarty's run roughshod over us all today. You worst of all," he had to admit.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Talbot nodded, but said little more on that matter. He had trusted Moriarty with his life, as Moriarty had trusted him. Though of course it wasn't equal. His faith in the person he considered a friend and him a confidant to that friend, had been completely destroyed today.

"Just do what you came here for." Talbot stated.

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Weir nodded.

"I need to know everything you know about Moriarty, his affairs, his plans, and his end goals," stated Lewis, his tone somewhere between neutral and sympathetic.

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

Talbot hesitated for a moment. He didn't know this man, had never met him, and only knew his name in passing from the report.

"Before... I do what you ask," Talbot explained. "I want assurance of protection. Not just from Moriarty, but from... your lot."

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"My lot," assured Lewis, "will do as I request of them. You're perfectly safe here. Even the likes Moriarty can't touch you so long as you're under my protection."

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Talbot snickered.

"The likes of Moriarty? Knowing him, he will kill any of those who betray him. And those under your protection haven't exactly been well-off, have they? Like the people that Moriarty asked for, or the entire Society of Arcane Sciences?"

"Hawley Griffin managed to get those people and you did nothing against him. Nothing. Do you honestly think I should feel safe with you protecting me? But. You're the only one willing to stop one party from attacking me, so..."

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"Those under my direct protection are perfectly fine, actually," stated Lewis with a pleasant smile. "Not a scratch on them; no one in jail. Everyone in safe locations.

"That does not include the majority of the Society. I'm a...consultant for it only. Not really my affair.

"As for Hawley...he'll be...dealt with in due time. Have no fear.

"Now...Mr. Talbot. Please do stop stalling."

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Reached in his pocket, taking out a cigarette case. He lit the end and smoked. It was only a few moments after did he speak.

"Professor James Arthur Moriarty. Age 59. Lecturer of mathematics at the Oxford University. Wrote The Dynamics of an Asteroid during his tenure. Also a consultant criminal and the most formidable criminal mind in Europe, according to him. I know that he likes to eat at the Savoy on Saturdays, and that his favourite wine is Riesling."

"What I don't know is where he lives. He tends to move around a lot, never staying in one place for more than a few hours or so. His plans are to subtly control the city of London in its affairs and to protect criminals from indictment. In that regard he has taken over gangs, brothels, any sink of depravity that was nested in London. But it wasn't enough, he wanted to control it from the wings; to influence those that were on the throne, not be the figurehead visible. He needed to find a way."

"His interest in the Society grew from a colleague of his, Professor Edward Prendick, a cryptographer. He had translated something that had shocked him greatly, and told Moriarty about the man who asked him to translate it. Hawley Griffin."

Another smoke.

"Prendick wouldn't say what it was, only giving hints to Moriarty; telling him of "powerful horrors" and "potions of despair". A friend would have been concerned, but Moriarty saw potential. He had Prendick tortured but the fellow professor wouldn't budge. Moriarty had him "disappear", as he put it."

"The only link was Hawley Griffin. So, Moriarty had his men tail Dr. Griffin for a while, eventually coming across the Society of Arcane Sciences. Whilst I considered it a madhouse... oh sorry... Moriarty was intrigued. He sent in two of his men; a cat burglar called Sanderson Atlas, and a conman called Lutwidge Coin. They each gained information regarding it; explaining that there were experiments and grand research that could aid in his plans."

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"It can be rather maddening, at times," put in Lewis, in regard to the Society.

"Do you know what his plans are, and how the Society's science might aid them?"

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"He plans to use London as a capital for his operations. Shipments of weapons, drugs, fake documents, country secrets, you name it. For a plan like that, something more out-of-the-box is required. Moriarty planned to utilise pieces of scientific research that were unique for the Society: Griffin's invisibility, Jasper Kaylock's wolfs-bane potion, Nicholas Bryson's airship and Dr. Henry Jekyll's research. Moriarty never told me what it was, though he figured it out."

"With those secrets at his disposal, he could rule London easily. Invisible spies and assassins. Werewolves to prowl the streets at night. Airships that could surveil the city from above. And whatever Jekyll's research is, I don't know what he'd use it for."

"That's everything I know, Dr. Weir."

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"Thank you, Mr. Talbot," returned Lewis with a nod. "You've made the right choice."

He picked up his doctor's bag and prepared to leave.

"I'm afraid I must go now, but another physician will be standing by, should you need anything. Mrs. Montgomery should be in to bring you tea and sandwiches shortly."

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Dr. H. Griffin  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

"What's your plan, Weir?" Talbot asked, almost mockingly. "What are you thinking?"

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Jekyll1886  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"A great many things," he replied.

"Good day, Mr. Talbot."

With that, he left, locking the door behind him.

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Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

((So I believe the turn order is Mz.Hyde then Miss-Dreamerkat then The Fox then Dr. H. Griffin . I've reposted the last two entries. Mz. Hyde is next.))

The Fox

It turns out that following the scent trail wasn't very hard, especially the moment the various other scent trails joined its course, a new one appearing with each street passed.

Honestly, it was a matter of luck that Malemi happened on the carriage the way he did. He had been so focus following their scents that he almost didn't notice it coming down the street, dark and grim like a funeral procession.

Immediately he pulled back, sinking into the shadows and sliding away from view. Malemi darted down the building into an alley, hoping that the others were nearby.

Dr. H. Griffin

((It's just one carriage that the kidnapped people were in.))

The group walked inside the narrow hall, up the narrow stairs and finally reaching a corridor with two doors on either side. The Lodgers who held Griffin were very tempted to just drag him up the stairs. The woman pushed past them and knocked on the right-side door, opening it a tad.

"Professor Hobbimer, there are some people who know Miss. Radcliffe, sir." the woman told someone inside. "They wish to stay here until she arrives, sir."

"Very well," a voice, an elderly voice replied. "Show them in, Mrs. Booth."

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Jekyll1886  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

((Mz.Hyde ))

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Mz.Hyde Mod  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

\*Mz.Hyde, riding on Kito, followed Malemi and hid in a safe place.\*

Ok, now what?

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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 2 years ago

((Miss-Dreamerkat ))

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Miss-Dreamerkat  Mz.Hyde • 2 years ago

Kito changed in to human form once they were in the alley. "This complicates things."

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Miss-Dreamerkat • 2 years ago

((The Fox ))

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The Fox  Miss-Dreamerkat • 2 years ago

" We better make a plan quick cause they won't stay here forever. "

Malemi didn't bother hiding his anxious tone.

" I think the driver has a gun but that's all I see. For all we know, he could have something else on him. Whatever we choose to do, we best be careful around him. "

( Dr. H. Griffin )

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Dr. H. Griffin  The Fox • 2 years ago

Ariadne ran toward the street, turning the corner and rushing up from the door. She knocked loudly on Hobbimer's door. As she feared, it was Booth who replied.

"Booth." Ariadne greeted, with an expression that was clearly annoyance.

"Radcliffe." Booth replied quietly, equally annoyed. Ariadne couldn't remember the precise reason for their feud, likely because Booth preferred having Hobbimer alone with her.

"Are my friends inside?"

"Yes. What's happened, if I may ask?"

"Nothing to concern yourself with, now please just-"

"Ariadne?" an elderly voice spoke from behind Booth. With a frown to Ariadne, Booth moved out of the way. The voice belonged to Professor Charles Hobbimer, wheelchair-bound but delightfully cheerful. "Ariadne!"

"Hi, Charlie." Ariadne replied, and rushed to hug him.

((Mz.Hyde Miss-Dreamerkat))

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Mz.Hyde Mod  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

All I need is an opening and I can take him out.

\*She loads her sword with a green thread, acid.\*

Permanently.

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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 2 years ago

((Miss-Dreamerkat ))

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Miss-Dreamerkat  Mz.Hyde • 2 years ago

Kito looked at Malemi, "horses can be spooked even by a presence or from a distance. If we are able to scars the animals or enjoy the animal that would give you a clear shot." He looked back at Mz.Hyde.

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Miss-Dreamerkat • 2 years ago

((The Fox ))

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Jekyll1886  Miss-Dreamerkat • 2 years ago

((The Fox ))

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The Fox  Miss-Dreamerkat • 2 years ago

" I can do more than spook them. "

He stretched his back and arms with a choir of soft pops.

" From there, you two storm the scene and all hell breaks loose? "

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The Fox  The Fox • 2 years ago

( Dr. H. Griffin )

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Mz.Hyde Mod  The Fox • 2 years ago

Sounds like a plan to me! Take out the horses, storm in, get the good guys out and kill everyone in our way. Got it.

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Jekyll1886  Mz.Hyde • 2 years ago

((Miss-Dreamerkat ))

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Miss-Dreamerkat  Mz.Hyde • 2 years ago

"Sounds good," Kito said smiling and giving a thumbs up.

(Sorry for not being on so much! School has been keeping me busy.)

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The Fox  Miss-Dreamerkat • 2 years ago • edited

( No worries! )

( Edited. )

" Well then, let's not waste any time... "

Malemi went to dive back into the shadows but stopped midway. He turned back to the others. His face looked as though he tasted something foul

" Wait, they're stopping. "

He watched as the carriage slowed and a new scene unfolded. The lodgers stepping out, the driver being taken by a invisible force...no person. Malemi's fur stiffened when he heard the voice of Cheshire echo out.

He behind the driver...some other man coming and shooting the driver...Cheshire knocked unconscious...

The lodgers were lead inside, Cheshire and the driver dragged inside alongside them.

Malemi sat there, frozen with shock. It wasn't what happened, it wasn't the number of guns, it was Cheshire.

The Little Thief.

He wasn't conscious of it, but he was growling up a storm and his claws were curling into his palms. It was a few beats before he shook his head, clearing up his sudden mood.

Turning to the others, Malemi struggled to find his words.

" I-i-i...I THINK we should wait...Maybe they have a plan or something. I-i don't know. "

( Dr. H. Griffin )

see more

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Dr. H. Griffin  The Fox • 2 years ago • edited

((Hate to burst everyone's bubble, but I do want the carriage to make it there. Me and RB have planned something there already, and it requires them being there... I know it's pretty annoying, but RB and me are fine with our characters being taken. Part of the story.))

((Mz.Hyde Miss-Dreamerkat ))

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The Fox  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

( Well then what should we do? I figured the attack on the carriage was still happening? Unless you want the carriage to already be at the hide out. Otherwise I can edit. )

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Dr. H. Griffin  The Fox • 2 years ago

((Well, I don't know. I'd prefer it if the carriage was untouched until it has reached the warehouse, but seeing as me and RB have already made their arrival there... Perhaps just follow it, but don't engage with it. When it gets to the warehouse there are men with guns there.))

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The Fox  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

( Alright, so I caught up on the rp as a whole. So are Anna, Matthew, Bryson, and Jasper still supposed to escape? If so, are they still going to meet up with Mz. Hyde, Kito and Malemi? )

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Dr. H. Griffin  The Fox • 2 years ago

((See Hangouts, Fox!))

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Dr. H. Griffin  The Fox • 2 years ago

Ariadne smiled reassuringly at Hobbimer, who smiled exhaustively back. He had always listened to her, no matter her trouble or his. She needed him to listen now.

"Alright, Ariadne." Hobbimer replied. "Mrs. Booth, set up temporary beds for these people."

"But, sir-"

"Please, Mrs. Booth."

The housekeeper nodded and went to the linen cupboard. Ariadne noticed Molony talking with the other lodgers, and was thinking of telling him who Hobbimer was, but she knew that he knew already.

"It'll be hard for me to move about the flat with over twenty people lying on the floor." Hobbimer said with a gesture to his wheelchair. He wheeled over to the kitchen. "A word please, Ariadne."

((Mz.Hyde Miss-Dreamerkat))

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Dr. H. Griffin  The Fox • 2 years ago

Hobbimer relented slightly and faced Ariadne properly. He looked worried, but she knew that the truth would make it worse. Ariadne had often made it her prerogative to never lie to her mentor, her only friend during childhood.

"What's happening, Ariadne?" Hobbimer asked of her. "Who are these people?"

"They're from the Society of Arcane Sciences, Charlie. They'll need to stay here for a while, if that's alright." Ariadne told him, knowing that Booth was shaking her head to Hobbimer. Ignorant woman. "It's a dire situation. The Society... there was an accident there."

"Well, of course they can stay here." Hobbimer replied, garnering a few small cheers from the Lodgers. "Any friend of Ariadne's is a friend of mine. How long for? We can't room... ten... twenty... twenty eight people here Ariadne."

"I know, but it's important we do." Ariadne replied, leaning closer to him. "Please, Charlie. It'll only be for a week or so."

((Mz.Hyde Miss-Dreamerkat ))

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The Traveller • 2 years ago

\* "Oh, okay..." She said, her voice creaking slightly at the idea of meeting more new people.

Sozo put his hand on her shoulder.

"I got your back."

"Thanks..." she murmured.

( The taller of the pair pokes his head out. )

This is all very touching, let's discuss it inside.

Allons-y!.

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Dr. de Lezo  The Traveller • 2 years ago • edited

They don't bite, I promise

( The corners of his mouth twist upward at the pun. He ducks and sets foot inside the box )

Catt Hatter

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Catt Hatter  Dr. de Lezo • 2 years ago

"They'd better not, 'cuz I'd bite back." Sozo grumbled, earning a chuckle from Catt.

"He would too." She agreed, both still inside the Hatt.

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Jekyll1886  Catt Hatter • 2 years ago

((Dr. de Lezo ))

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Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

The driver reigned in the two horses pulling the carriage, coming to a stop in front of the warehouse. It was disused, as was most of Moriarty's bases. Situated on the south bank of the Thames, the Jones and Lombard Factory was now a crumbling ruin. A crumbling ruin that had fifteen or so men inside, waiting for the targets.

Cheshire felt the carriage surge to a halt, and immediately began to take off his clothes. It was dark and so nobody could see him, or anyone. He stuffed the clothes behind Bryson.

"Keep them hidden, we can't let the driver see them, or the game's up." Cheshire told him.

((RBDECEPTICON17))

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RBDECEPTICON17  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

By that point, both Rose and Jamie were awake, the younger sexologist now fully informed about Cheshire's little plan.

Both of them hoped to whatever deity would listen, that the plan would work.

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Dr. H. Griffin  RBDECEPTICON17 • 2 years ago

The driver hopped down from the carriage, pulled out his revolver from the seat compartment, and instead of going toward the carriage door he went to the warehouse. The driver knocked on it.

A few moments later, it opened, revealing a stern-faced man.

"They 'ere?" the stern-faced man asked.

"Yes. Bring them out." the driver told him, before going back to the carriage. As soon as he reached it, five other men emerged from the warehouse. They were carrying pistols. "Anything happens, you shoot inside."

His last sentence was purposefully loud.

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RBDECEPTICON17  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Rose whimpered and pressed herself against Jamie, the loud words of the driver frightening the poor blonde, while Jamie wrapped her arms protectively around her scared crush.

"It's okay, Rose. You're safe with me." Jamie softly whispered to Rose, though the brunette could only hope that she could keep Rose safe in a situation like that.

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Dr. H. Griffin  RBDECEPTICON17 • 2 years ago

Cheshire's mind slowed. If he were to lunge at the driver, several men would shoot and kill him. But the driver may be bluffing. He didn't know what to do. But then he did suddenly.

"All of you get out first," Cheshire explained. "Keep together in a group. I'll try to get them one by one."

Anna tightened on his arm, her arms around Matthew. "Be careful, Jonathan."

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RBDECEPTICON17  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"Don't you dare go dying on us, Cheshire." Jamie softly uttered to the invisible man, before her and Rose stood up and ready themselves for the plan ahead.

"Be careful, Cheshire." The blonde quietly and softly muttered to the man.

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Dr. H. Griffin  RBDECEPTICON17 • 2 years ago

Cheshire nodded. The door suddenly opened wide, spreading afternoon light on their faces.

"Get out." the driver told them. Everyone save for Cheshire stumbled out. The sixth other men raised their pistols slightly. "Right, get insi... Hang on, where's the seventh?"

Cheshire lifted the driver's gun from his grip, and pointed it to the driver's head. The six men raised their guns in shock.

"Drop your weapons, now!" Cheshire shouted. "Or I'll kill him."

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RBDECEPTICON17  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Rose stayed close to Jamie, who in turn, kept her scared crush close to her chest.

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Dr. H. Griffin  RBDECEPTICON17 • 2 years ago

Anna tucked Matthew to her side, out of the way of the men with the guns. Pointed in the vicinity of her husband.

"Do as he says!" the driver yelled at them. They didn't lower their guns. "Do as he says, you blithering idiots, he'll kill me!"

The stern-faced man looked at him distastefully. Cheshire moved behind the driver, in case they would try to shoot the side of him.

"You really think we'll spare the life of a carriage driver in exchange for you lot buggering off?" the stern-faced man told Cheshire. "You're even stupider than I thought."

With that, the stern-faced man advanced and shot the driver straight in the head.

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RBDECEPTICON17  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

The blonde sexologist screamed in terror, at the sound of the loud gunshot, as she hastily wrapped her arms around Jamie's midsection, her back turned to everyone as she hid her face in her crush's chest.

Jamie quickly wrapped her arms around Rose, holding her close, while the shorter of the two women trembled in the taller woman's arms.

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Dr. H. Griffin  RBDECEPTICON17 • 2 years ago

The blood from the driver's shot splattered over Cheshire's face, showing him. Before he could react, he was punched in the face by the stern-faced man and fell to the floor. Cheshire attempted to use the pistol, but was kicked in the face and was unconscious.

Anna stepped forward but was stopped by Bryson. Matthew whimpered from the gunshot, clutching his ears. The stern-faced man poked the driver's corpse with his foot, then Cheshire's body.

"Get the corpse and this freak inside." the stern-faced man told the other five. Two of them began dragging the pair inside the warehouse. One other began moving the horses from the carriage. "Right, you Society lot. Inside."

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RBDECEPTICON17  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

The brunette sexologist said nothing, and after gently grabbing Rose's hand, guided the poor blonde into the warehouse, the shorter woman's form shaking as they walked into the large and eerie warehouse.

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Dr. H. Griffin  RBDECEPTICON17 • 2 years ago

The stern-faced man followed, the pistol raised to the young Kaylock's back. Inside, the warehouse stretched in a large room with a low ceiling. Opposite from the door were two rooms, likely offices, and an assortment of chairs, sheets and food.

"Make yourself at home." the stern-faced man told them. "You'll be here for a while."

The two men dragging the driver and Cheshire walked into view, visibly exhausted.

"Where's my husband?" Anna piped up, desparate.

"In the room on the right, you can drag that freak in here." the man who dragged Cheshire replied. The stern-faced man looked to him.

"Write to the boss, say that nothing bad has happened and we await instructions." he told the other criminal.

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RBDECEPTICON17  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

The brunette sexologist guided Rose over to the food, sitting down in one of the assortment of chairs, while the blonde was sitting in Jamie's lap.

"Do you want something to eat, Rose? Eating will make you feel better." Jamie softly cooed down to the other sexologist, who looked up into her crush's gorgeous ruby eyes, her emerald eyes filled with scared tears as she gave a small nod as her only answer.

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Dr. H. Griffin  RBDECEPTICON17 • 2 years ago

Anna wandered off to the other room, Matthew in hand, and found Cheshire next to the body of the driver. She didn't move him. Anna knelt down, and stroked Cheshire's blood-stained invisible face.

"When are we going home, Mummy?" Matthew asked, as if this were some sort of trip.

"Not just yet, darling." Anna replied, tears down her face. She didn't know when they'd go home, let alone the Society. "But soon."

"Touching." the stern-faced man spoke from the doorway. "Get him in the other room, will ya? We don't want him being dumped in the river with that idiot."

Jasper and Bryson, meanwhile were sitting on the chairs and conversing. Means of escape, survival, little else.

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RBDECEPTICON17  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Jamie grabbed one of the tins, the brunette noticing that all of the tins had already been opened, and dipped one of her fingers into the food.

No forks and no knives to use, so it was all she could do, if she wanted to feed Rose.

"Open your mouth for me, Rose." The older woman softly cooed to the teary eyed blonde, who after a moment, opened her mouth for Jamie, before the brunette slowly and gently pressed her food covered finger into Rose's mouth.

Rose then closed her mouth around her crush's finger, quietly licking it and sucking it, as her eyes fluttered closed, a few tears rolling down her face as she happily ate from Jamie's finger.

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Dr. H. Griffin  RBDECEPTICON17 • 2 years ago

Anna unhappily dragged her husband into the warehouse's main room, next to Jamie and Rose. She looked at the stern-faced man, who was staring at the invisible thief.

"How long are we going to be here?" she asked of him.

"Days. Weeks. Months. I dunno. Boss never told me. As long as you take to give your stuff over to 'im." the stern-faced man replied. "But that's not your concern, is it lovely?"

He reached for her face, but she slapped his hand angrily. The stern-faced man smiled.

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RBDECEPTICON17  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"How about you leave us alone for a bit. We already get the picture." Jamie gritted out towards the stern-faced man, as she once again inserted her food covered finger into Rose's cute mouth, the blonde humming happily as she ate.

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Dr. H. Griffin  RBDECEPTICON17 • 2 years ago • edited

The stern-faced man mimicked Rose's humming mockingly, and moved forward. Roughly, he grabbed Rose's hair and dragged her away toward the left-side room opposite. The men behind him, watching from the sidelines, pulled out their guns for any trouble.

((Tough themes ahead, read at your discretion.))

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RBDECEPTICON17  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"Let go of me!! Help!! Jamie help me!! Please!! Help me!!" Rose cried out, tears once again coming to her eyes, as her form was dragged away into a room, before the door was slammed shut behind the poor blonde.

"Rose! I'm coming!" Jamie shouted, as she hastily got out of the chair, yet when she attempted to run after the basterd and save her poor crush, the remaining mens' guns were quickly pointed at her, stopping the brunette in her tracks.

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Dr. H. Griffin  RBDECEPTICON17 • 2 years ago

Anna jumped up, keeping Matthew down; as did Bryson and Jasper. One of the men with pistols stepped forward to Jamie.

"Maybe you should keep your trap shut." he told her, before kicking her knee and sending her to the floor. He grabbed her hair and pressed the revolver to her temple. "But first, let's have a listen to the guest entertainment. Shall we?"

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RBDECEPTICON17  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Jamie growled at the pistol wielding man, as she was forced to listen, listen to sweet and innocent Rose's cries and screams of agony as she pleaded and begged for help and mercy, as the stern-faced b\*sterd brutally beat her up.

Tears rolled down the brunette's face, as her heart ached within her chest.

"Stop it...stop it...stop it you f\*cking b\*sterd! Leave her alone! Rose has done nothing wrong! She doesn't deserve this! Stop it!" Jamie shouted, angered and pained.

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Dr. H. Griffin  RBDECEPTICON17 • 2 years ago

The man holding her laughed. "Oh, ha ha! That's what we like to hear, don't we fellas! Go on, do it some more!"

Anna walked further, but heard over the wailing a click of a pistol. She couldn't go any further.

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RBDECEPTICON17  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"You f\*cking b\*sterds! Let her go! Let her go! She's innocent, d\*mnit!" Jamie shouted, tears streaming down her face.

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Dr. H. Griffin  RBDECEPTICON17 • 2 years ago

"We know." the man explained. "We just don't care!"

The criminals laughed. Laughed. At this.

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RBDECEPTICON17  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

But a moment later...Rose went silent within the room.

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Dr. H. Griffin  RBDECEPTICON17 • 2 years ago

The stern-faced man emerged from the room. He wiped his nose and wiped the blood from his knuckles. He smiled at Jamie.

"She's got spirit." the stern-faced man told her. He nodded to the other man, who lowered the pistol. "All yours."

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RBDECEPTICON17  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Jamie didn't say a word back in retort, and with a cry of her crush's name, the brunette dashed over and into the room...and her eyes widened in pure horror and heartache, at the sight before her.

Lying upon the floor, bloodied, beaten and weakly crying, was Rose, her body in pure agony as she laid there, unable to move a muscle.

She looked up at Jamie, her beautiful face now stained by her own blood and tears, as she locked eyes with Jamie.

"J-Jamie...h-help me...i-it hurts..." She weakly sobbed upto the horrified brunette.

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Dr. H. Griffin  RBDECEPTICON17 • 2 years ago

"You're monsters." Anna told them. "Absolute monsters."

"Exactly," the stern-faced man replied. "Or we wouldn't be doing this. Now shut up and eat. It'll be long days from now on."

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RBDECEPTICON17  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"Rose...oh god...i'm so sorry." The brunette muttered, as she stepped closer to Rose, before dropping to her knees beside the poor blonde's beaten and bloodied form.

Her heart was aching profusely in her chest, as she stared down at Rose, tears streaming down both their faces.

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Dr. H. Griffin  RBDECEPTICON17 • 2 years ago

"Watch the outside." the stern-faced man told the others. They each went through the door and outside. "And the inside."

The door slammed shut, and a clunk signaled a lock had been placed.

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RBDECEPTICON17  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

Jamie didn't care, not about the lock or any of the other hostages in the warehouse...all she cared about was Rose.

"J-Jamie...are we...g-going to...b-be okay?" The poor blonde shakily and weakly asked.

"Of course, Rose. Someone will find us, I know it, and then we'll get you to a hospital. I promise." Jamie lovingly reassured, as she gently grabbed her crush's right hand, and then held it between her own hands.

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Dr. H. Griffin  RBDECEPTICON17 • 2 years ago

Anna looked inside the room, as Jamie caressed Rose. Looking back to Cheshire, she should make sure that he is alright. This day was just getting worse and worse. Why did this have to happen to her?

But getting back there, Cheshire wasn't there.

"Darling?" Anna called out.

"Right here, Anna." Cheshire replied next to her. The blood stain had faded from his invisible face, and he was completely unseen. She took one of the sheets and wrapped it around him. "We should probably get some sleep."

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RBDECEPTICON17  Dr. H. Griffin • 2 years ago

"J-Jamie...p-please stay...w-with me." The poor blonde shakily pleaded, as she slowly brought her remaining hand, that was stained crimson with her own blood, upto the other woman's face, weakly carressing Jamie's cheek.

The brunette didn't even think twice about it, and quickly nodded.

"Of course i'll stay with you, Rose. I promise that i'll stay with you." Jamie softly cooed down to her poor crush, before she quietly laid down next to Rose, the older sexologist lying upon her side, while Rose gave her a small and grateful smile.

"T-Thank you...J-Jamie."

"You're welcome, Rose. Sleep well, and i'll be here when you wake up, okay?"

"O-Okay...s-sleep well...J-Jamie...a-and sweet dreams."

And after those words were shared between the two women, they drifted off to sleep next to one another, both intent on staying as close to one another at all times. Jamie would make sure, that no one ever hurt her beloved Rose /ever/ again, and that those who had made Rose suffer...would pay with their lives.

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Hyde without a Jekyll • 2 years ago

A small circle could be seen drifting in and out of the clouds against the noonday sun in Glasglow. The ball bobbed and weaved its way along the air currents until dropping out of the gray atmosphere.

Richard, Alice, and the remaining lodgers had finally arrived at Glasgow after four hours. Char had directed Richard on where Lewis and his band of survivors were hiding away but not where to land--a problem they currently faced.

“Are you sure this is the right spot?” Alice asked leaning out over the side of the basket and staring at the building speckled ground below, “I don’t think there’s anywhere to land.”

A few lodgers were manning the balloon, attempting to keep it from drifting away on a breeze while others scoured the ground for a safe spot to descend upon.

((Tairais ))

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Tairais  Hyde without a Jekyll • 2 years ago

“I b-believe t-there is a s-space at t-the back of t-the building-- Look t-there!” From his position at the ‘controls’ of Bryson’s contraption, Richard could see a large warehouse-like space, detrius of a sort littering the ground. While certainly not the easiest landing spot, it was their only option in relative safety.

“H-hold t-tight everyone, I-I intend t-to land u-us as s-smoothly as p-possible. G-given my m-minimal experience with this contraption, t-that m-might f-fall anywhere b-between ‘very’ and ‘n-not at all’ s-smooth.”

With that, he had his somewhat-merry band of Lodgers assist him in dimming the flame in the furnace while he stood at the rudder, making fine adjustments to their course as they hovered over the Tontine Hotel. At times, it seemed as if the balloon would careen into the side of a building due to a stray breeze, but with the help of all present, they managed to land behind the hotel with no accident larger than the jarring ‘thud’ of the basket landing on the ground perhaps a titch more forceful than was graceful.

He waited until the ship was safely brought to a standstill and the furnace out completely before allowing people to disembark.

With a sigh of relief, he took Alice’s hand and squeezed it once, leaning against the basket to catch his breath.

He still wasn’t quite recovered from The Incident-- his lungs didn’t quite work the way they needed to. The thought that they might never do so again was more worrying than not.

Details for another time. They needed to find Lewis and regroup.

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Tairais • 2 years ago • edited

Alice helped Richard out of the basket, he looked the worse for wear.

“You should get some food,” Her stomach growled in agreement having missed breakfast.

“We should all get some food.” She giggled embarrassed.

The lodgers murmured in agreement as the last of flying a balloon had left them all peckish.

“Do you think it will be okay to leave the balloon here? Or should someone guard it?” She looked up at the frail man.

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Helen Jekyll  Hyde without a Jekyll • 2 years ago

Just then, Helen stepped into the back lot with a tray ladened with miniature sandwiches, the door to the hotel open behind her.

“Good afternoon, everyone. I know today has been rough, so I’ll do my very best to keep this brief.”

She smiled warmly, making eye contact with each of them in turn.

“My name is Helen Jekyll, as some of you may know, and I’ll be showing all of you to your rooms here in the hotel, along with ensuring each of you is fed.”

“As of now, the kitchen is still working on preparing food for you all, but I do have these little snacks here to hopefully tide you over until a more satisfying meal is ready.”

She lifted the tray slightly, a hint of blush touching her cheeks.

“So, how about you all grab some sandwiches and I’ll show you inside?”

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Tairais  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago

Richard waited until those who were desperately hungry got their share of sandwiches before acquiring one of his own. While he had little to no appetite to speak of, and he had, in fact, gone much longer without food before, he knew it was in his best interests to have some form of material strength, rather than relying on his mental fortitude and control to force his body to power through.

His stomach growled its fierce displeasure at the thought of eating anything more solid than soup. He internally growled his frustration back, paused, and then realized he was being quite childish.

He was very tired.

Perhaps the hotel had something less trying on his stomach. He would ask about that later-- If he was correct in his assumptions, he'd desperately need that extra fuel.

He paused and glanced at Helen, a soft smile glowing in the corner of his one good eye.

"M-many t-thanks, Miss Helen." He respectfully inclined his head, then stepped back and out of the way of the group.

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Tairais • 2 years ago

There was a murmur of pleasant responses through the lodgers. Gratitude, hungry complaints, and a few sighs of relief.

The sandwiches quickly disappeared as the lodgers scarfed the down, quickly relaxing in the pleasant environment and a familiar face.

Alice was pleased to see Helen but even more pleased to see the foodstuffs she held. After the brief mobbing of Helen's horderves, Alice returned to Richard three sandwiches squished in her hands.

"Here!" She shoved one of the comestibles into his hands before turning back to Helen, "Where do we put the balloon?" she asked between bites.

((Helen Jekyll ))

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Helen Jekyll  Hyde without a Jekyll • 2 years ago

“It’s my pleasure,” returned Helen with a nod of her own, smiling softly.

“The balloon can remain here,” She answered Alice, glancing towards the vechile and tucking the empty tray under her arm, “I’m sure we can find something to hide it under.”

She raised her voice and turned to the rest of the group. “This way, everyone. I’m sure you all could use some rest.”

For the next half hour, Helen assigned each Lodger a room and coordinated with the hotel staff, ensuring everyone would have something to eat and a place to sleep before retiring to her room for a brief break.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

By the time Lewis had taken care of other arrangements, the balloonist lodgers had arrived and settled in at the Tontine Hotel. Once he'd taken stock of who was where, and regrouped with Helen and Millie, he took it upon himself to have a telegram delivered to the address Ariadne had provided in her own.

The telegram stated:

MANY THANKS RADCLIFFE STOP SOME LODGERS SAFE HERE STOP WHO IS WITH YOU STOP IS ANYONE ARRESTED STOP STAY SAFE END

This done, Weir rejoined the party at the Tontine.

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

The newly arrived lodgers were quite pleased with the accommodations. Many promptly took baths, passed out on beds, or ravenously attacked the meal served. The balloon was stored and Alice still carried the scavenged research. After the grueling trip through the aether everyone was extremely pleased to finally take a breath.

After stuffing herself silly, Alice wandered the halls looking for Richard or anyone who could affirmatively tell her what had happened in the Society this morning.

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Jekyll1886  Hyde without a Jekyll • 2 years ago • edited

"Oh. Hello, Alice," greeted Lewis. He looked relieved to see her.

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Her eyes narrowed.

Her hope had been answered. She did run into someone. It was just the worst possible choice of people.

"Doctor."

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Jekyll1886  Hyde without a Jekyll • 2 years ago

"Have I done something wrong?" he asked, a little taken aback.

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

If anyone else had been in the hallway this time Alice would have immediately used them for a change in subject. However this wasn't the case.

"What happened at the Society?" She asked avoiding his question. Might as well get some useful information out of him for once. Hopefully this conversation would go better than their conversation in the kitchen about Oliver.

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Jekyll1886  Hyde without a Jekyll • 2 years ago

"If I tell you, will you tell me why you always seem so unhappy to see me?"

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Her stomach dropped slightly and she scowled at him. Alice did not like this. Alice did not like him.

"I'll just ask somebody else!" The girl declared defiantly.

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Jekyll1886  Hyde without a Jekyll • 2 years ago

He sighed in annoyance.

"Christ, it was worth a try."

Forgive me for putting you up here and feeding you, and for breathing, while we're at it...

"Professor James Moriarty had the police attack us," he stated bluntly.

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Hyde without a Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Alice scrunched her nose at his first statement. What did he mean by that?!

However at his second sentence her mannerisms changed to that of confusion.

"Professor who?" Her brow furrowed, "And why would he do that?"

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Jekyll1886  Hyde without a Jekyll • 2 years ago

Lewis sighed.

"A man--Professor James Moriarty--came to the door this morning, asking to see whoever was in charge. That was Mz. Hyde. He point-blank demanded research from the lodgers, and when Mz. Hyde refused, he used whatever connections he has to have the police storm the Society. We got out as many as we could, but it all happened so quickly..."

He shook his head, his gaze drifting as the morning's trauma finally began to sink in.

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

Richard chose the moment Lewis' pause ran over a handful of seconds to actually round the corner of the hallway he had been ''wandering'' down, rather than listen behind it.

He moved to stand next to Lewis, and after a moment's hesitation, put a gentle hand on his shoulder.

Sotto voce, he said, "If there is anything I can do to assist you, you need only ask. It would be the least I could do for you, now."

With that, he flashed a friendly smile towards Alice, then began to walk past the pair. The second sandwich she had given him was still in his hand, half-eaten, but slowly getting whittled down as time passed.

His stomach was grumpy, but unable to deny it had been hungry.

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Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago • edited

By the time Lewis had taken care of other arrangements, the balloonist lodgers had arrived and settled in at the Tontine Hotel. Once he'd taken stock of who was where, and regrouped with Helen and Millie, he took it upon himself to have a telegram delivered to the address Ariadne had provided in her own.

The telegram stated:

MANY THANKS RADCLIFFE STOP SOME LODGERS SAFE HERE STOP WHO IS WITH YOU STOP IS ANYONE ARRESTED STOP STAY SAFE END

This done, Weir rejoined the party at the Tontine.

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Jekyll1886  Jekyll1886 • 2 years ago

((Dr. H. Griffin ))

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