Setting
Aldric's cell, from the inside out, is a concrete block, with the only openings being a wall of Silver-Titanium Alloy-bars, with titanium hinges and locks to keep the door in place to prevent escape. The rebar supporting the concrete is silver. This concrete box is on top of a platform, separated from the rest of the facility by a twenty-foot gap. This gap is traversed by a Silver Bridge which is able to both retract and lift itself away from the edge to prevent Aldric from grabbing it as it pulls away as he did last time. Both security doors have been upgraded to blast-door strength materials. The outer door (the first door if entering his cell) requires a Thumb-Print verification and a passcode to unlock. The Second door requires a thumbprint, passcode, and retinal scan to open. The space between is a ten foot corridor, monitored 24/7 for any signs of Aldric's DNA, and must be deactivated if he is to be let outside of his cell, lest the numerous guns fire and therefore inject him with the sedative that will forcefully put him in his human form by boiling his blood literally.
As for what's in Aldric's cell, a simple bed-frame bolted to the walls and floor with built in soft mattress and pillow/blanket, a chair, and a simple table for eating. Along with a toilet and sink for sanitation.
The poor man was bored.
Sitting up as he heard the clock Toll 11:00 AM, he leaned back against the wall and stared across the gap at the raised silver bridge, and behind it, the newly put in blast-doors to ensure he couldn't get out. He wanted out, but he wanted out in a more civil way. It was stuffy in his cell now; and being outside in the garden, where he could smell fresh air and feel the sun on his skin, would be a welcome change; and provide some time to clean and sanitize his cell and the air within if Alice deemed it necessary.
He was quiet, however, listening to the sounds of the Asylum outside of his cell, and though while muffled, he could make them out. He could make out the pacing of other inmates. He could hear the clocks ticking across the asylum, he could hear the rattling of pills and of bars, and the clinking of glasses or metal on metal. He could smell the sweat of the other inmates and the workers. He could smell the food that was being prepared for lunch, and he could even smell the perfume that someone was wearing. He wasn't sure who, but then, perfume was meant to hide scents.
Tilting his head back, he decided to test the waters, letting out a loud, yet gentle howl, similar to those heard on moon-lit nights in yellow-stone. A singular, deep howl not of pain, or triumph, or rage, but of reaching out, and seeing who would respond. It was a howl that meant "I am here, is there anyone else here, too?" He held this howl for a good ten seconds before stopping, listening to the sound of his bestial voice echo throughout the corridors of the asylum like an eerie, lonely ghost. His hand went to his stomach as it gurgled quietly; he was hungry.... He'd request an extra portion of meat today if they would listen. If they gave him meat instead of half-stale veggies and boxed milk like everyone else.
Life was hard, boxed up in a silver cage with nothing to do. One's mind began to wander. What questions would they ask him today? What would they offer in return for his answers? Would they feed him at all? Did they know he was still here? Who was that little girl calling out for her dogs? Was she a little girl? How old was Alice, really? How old was he? What was age? What was time? These mindless questions mused around in his head as he yawned quietly and flopped to the side to nap.
Life was boring.
She waited patiently and now she was tired of waiting. What kind of place wouldn't reward you for your good? She thought. She turned around and pressed her back against the door before sliding down and sitting. She began to sing,
And I guess I'm old
Open your eyes
I'll keep mine closed
I prefer standing
And you take your seat
I'll be wide awake
And you'll be asleep
And you'll fall down a hole
That's the one place we both know
You take me with you if you could, but I wouldn't go
I guess that sometimes we both lose our minds
To find a better road."
She sang loud enough to hope that the pupper next door would hear her, if they were still there.
Song Poison by All American Rejects
One couldn't blame him for trying to communicate what with how bored he was, and how long he'd been a lone since his outburst. He wanted to interact with someone, anyone it didn't matter. His howl was slow, about twenty seconds of continuous howling, sounding as real as it got from a Wolf of his age. A lone wolf in a forest of concrete, brick, wood, and metal. Wanting nothing more than to leave and be free once again.
After he was done howling he'd pause for a moment, letting the young girl process that he was still there. He would clear his throat and speak loudly, his voice echoing a little quieter than his howl. "You have a lovely voice, child....Please...sing some more."
But that all came to a hard stop when she heard a man's voice coming from where the pupper's howl had once come from. Her nails started to sharpen along with her teeth, "No, no, no... She whispered. Taking deep breaths she calmed herself down. She had to get better if she wanted to see her puppers again. "Down, down, down.. She whispered to herself till her nails and teeth were back to normal. Sitting back in the normal position she smoothed out her dress. "Anything for my sweet, pupper. She rang to him before she began to finish the song.
You can be so sure
You'll be the poison
You'll be the cure
I'm alone on the journey
I'm alive none the less
And when you do your very worst
Mmmmm it feels the best
And you'll fall down a hole
That's the one place we both know
You take me with you if you could, but I wouldn't go
I guess sometimes we both lose our minds
To find a better road
And you'll fall down a hole
That's the one place in this world that we both know
You take me with you if you could
But if you could I'd lose everything
Can't you see the faces melting as the sun rains from their eyes
Who are you to keep your head with the hearts that you hang behind
Look at yourself, look in the mirror, don't you see a lie?
That you tell yourself again a thousand times
And the truth that makes us laugh will make you cry
You wanna die? No?
So you fall down a hole
That's the one place where we both know
You take me with you if you could, but I wouldn't go
Because sometimes we both lose our minds
To find a better road."
Song Poison by All American Rejects
"What is your name, child? Or what may I call you?" he asked. His voice had a very slight accent, a sort of mix of Germanic and Celtic. Depending on the word, he rolled his R's, or replaced an S sound with a SCH sound instead, but again, it was very slight, hard to distinguish from the other accents he was exposed to and likely picked up over his two thousand years of life.
His age was strange; and while there was no official written documentation nor proof of his being that age, there was physical evidence: His bone structure. Despite being much taller than most humans at that time period, he still had a distinctly Germanic Skull and stature bearing a resemblance of how he was raised all those years ago. His eyes held wisdom some one who looked as old as he did shouldn't have, and even on good days, he rarely spoke if he didn't need to. He was a highly patient man, able to wait silently for hours or even days for something if he needed to without complaint. He was also stern, very stern; he had earned his place in many societies he'd been a part of where he hadn't committed crimes, and still acted as such.
He narrowed his eyes, waiting for an answer from the child in the next cell. He repeated his question, his voice, while stern, calm, and non-provocative. "Your name, Child. What is it?"
It kept repeating her her mind over and over again until her nails and teeth got sharp. Then the a stern and calming male voice from the pupper next door came through asking her name. "S-Scarlette, my name is Scarlette, aka Little Red Riding Hood. You can call me Scar though... if you would like. What about you, pupper? What name do you have? Her voice was soft and she tried talking as loud as she could, given her state at the moment.
Her head was down, her hair like a curtain. She had her red hood up and her tiny hands shook as she played with the strings that tied the cape together.
Little red Riding Hood? Interesting, he'd heard a similar legend while he travelled through Germany....months after he'd..turned someone into a werewolf by biting them. "Little Red Riding Hood....I know that name.... I believe one of my....enemies, tried to eat you, no?" he asked softly, sensing this would be a sensitive subject for her. Hopefully the microphones and cameras he was sure were in the Cell-Block were recording...he could be a therapist himself when he got out! He shook his head; no time for silly fantasies.
"The man who tried to hurt you....did he prefer to look like a wolf?" he asked gently, inching closer to the silver bars so his voice could be heard a little more clearly through the may security measures of his cell.
He had decided to bring up him and she tensed. She didn't like talking about what happened that night. Scarlette didn't talk about it with the therapists, she never felt comfortable with it. So talking to a male of all people about a situation that still haunted her today was a tad bit crazy. She picked at the end of her dress and softly said, "Eat is an understatement, Aldric The First." She tried to be funny, something she hadn't done in some time. There were many questions asked that night and the nights that followed the death of her attacker and the men she preyed on. Disgusting. Dirty. Men.
Scarlette rolled her eyes and looked off to the side the voice was coming from. "At first he preferred to try and look like my grandmother, then he a wolf... then a man... then a wolf when I... well when I killed him." She answered him, smirking at the end. She saw the flash of fear in the man's eyes when her puppers ripped him... when she gave the final blow. After all, that night before she didn't really want to be a woman just yet.
"You are an interesting one, Scarlette. And much older than you sound if you are truly Red Riding Hood...", he paused, stroking his chin in thought. "When the...incident occurred... did you ever return to the house? I did. Perhaps a few days after it happened I was there...I was hunting the Wolf who attacked you and your grandmother....I made a mistake with him...I had to right what I had done wrong, and kill him myself....but you...you did it for me." he paused again, letting his words sink in and letting her process this information quietly.
"You have my thanks for doing my job for me...sort of." he chuckled again. "You...have a fondness for Wolves...dogs...whatever, despite the fact that the man who attacked you was a werewolf...like me....I'm curious as to why." he asked her with a slight raise in tone to his voice, one that implied he was sincere in his curiosity.
Honestly, she was wasn't expecting a thank you or even why she was interested in wolves. She thought about it, letting the silence sit between them. Her nails dragged against her legs as she thought. "People get older, Aldric. That tends to happen especially when they are forced to. Well, I did return to the house... though... more so because something was telling me to. It is sad when a little girl can find a grown man before a first wolf man can, but you are very very welcome." She got silent again before answering the last part. How could she explain it if she herself couldn't. "I don't know fully... what I do know is that the wolves that helped me were nice... and what that man was... he was a monster. And I... well... I somewhat turn into something similar... but it is only when I get this feeling that takes over... like... I can taste iron in my mouth when I see men. My lungs feel like they are closing... I get so angry... anyway. Since I am force to take this medicine I don't get to see my puppers anymore. I feel a sense of loneliness now." She decided talking anymore about it will bring up the darkest part and she wasn't ready for it, not now.
"Perhaps then you can work on...not killing men, if you wish to see me; the only dog in the building." he said calmly. He began to step away from the cell bars. "Seeing someone who isn't here to try and fix what is too far broken to be fixed would be nice.... It was nice to...meet you, Scarlette. Perhaps we'll actually see each other soon." he said to her before turning his back on the cell bars, and headed to his bed, easing himself into it and closing his eyes. Naps were good...they were most of what he did now, besides eat what scraps they gave him. At least, he felt they were scraps. Half-stale, not even warm, rarely any meat. Disgusting Prison food, it was. That's what it came down to. He was in a prison, and they served disgusting prison food.
Perhaps if he tried to eat an orderly they'd bring him fresher meat cooked to his specifications....he always did prefer Beef to Human Flesh. Lamb was nice too, when he could fight off the Guard Dogs by himself... Pork was alright, Chicken was fine, Turkey, was too dry for his tastes. Salmon was a delicacy he often had to fight bears for. He never cared for bears; much to noisy and stubborn; unwilling to share. Buffalo was also decent...but when he heard their numbers became low he stopped eating them over a hundred years ago. What good was a taste for food if that food hardly existed.... Either way; as his stomach growled he sighed, and closed his eyes for a dreamless nap.
And if it meant meeting Aldric in peaceful terms, then so be it
It had been three days since the conversation and Vitas had finished with Jack for the day after making the deal. She now needed to see how Aldric and Scarlette were progressing, and according to the orderly, Alrdic wasnt eating, so Vitas had subtly changed his assigned diet to salmon and lamb Sauteed just enough for good flavor, though Vitas herself hated lamb, when its the only thing on the table for the first 14 oyears of ones life, you tend to get tired of it
Stepping into Scarlettes cell Vitas noticed how she seemed calmer, and wasnt writing on the walls as much. "You have made good progress child. Come, I think there is someone you want to meet yes ?" She meant Aldric. He too had made good progress thanks to his chats with Scarlette. Vitas held her hand up towards the door, as if allowing Scarlette to proceed her to Aldrics cell door
The good news was, Scarlette was getting to see her Pupper
The good news was, Aldric was gonna wake up to a really good meal for once too
She scrambled up and followed Vitas to the next cell over. You know he is a male, Scarlette. You can do this. You did it in your cell. Just breathe slowly. Think back to the conversation you two had. It was nice. He is nice. He is not the monster that attacked you. He is a good guy. She had to repeat that to herself as they walked to the cell. Scarlette notice the plate of food and wondered if it was to distract him while she met Aldric. If maybe he couldn't be near people. And then the thoughts started to creep into her head. If he has to be distracted from her seeing him, is he really a good person. Plus he had to have done something wrong if he is in here. She could feel the change coming. No, no, no.
Then she saw him. Her nails and teeth became sharp, but she leaned down and rested one of her hands on her knee and held the other one up, "I... got... this..." She managed to say. He isn't the monster. He is a good man. He talked to me and he is funny. She thought over and over as she breathed. It took only a minute for her hands and teeth to turn normal and she looked up at Vitas, tears in her eyes, and a big smile. "I can control it."
He turned towards them, huffing in greeting, his cheeks puffing out as he did so, a low, non-threatening growl echoing from his throat. His nostrils flared, however, and he caught the scent of the fresh meat that Vitas had snuck into his diet. It was cooked, too, rare, but cooked. He took up the fork and knife he was given, not sharp enough to cause damage, but then he was strong enough that it didn't matter. Poking at the meat to verify that it was real, Aldric would at first be hesitant, but then would quickly cut it up into large, but manageable chunks, and scarf it and the rest of the meal down quickly but neatly, not making a mess.
Aldric's eyes moved to look at the women before him as he finished, leaning back against the wall. "To what do I owe the pleasure?" he asked with a calm, almost monotone voice.
Of course getting such approval took some doing, yet it was worth it. Getting Aldric further in progression could not only get him outside, but to her home, with Jack Winters. Scarlette was a different story however. Vitas had seen how she could react to men on different levels, but Scar liked Aldric it seemed, so perhaps she could be of help as well for Vitas personal gain ? She needed Aldric to help find Spikes original body, and Jack for the power of the shadow creature he hunted to properly use a spirit to rezz another soul.
Turning to scarlet she said simply "This, is Aldric, Aldric, this is Scarlette, during your time of speaking to each other through the walls and bars unable to see the other. now is the best time. Feel free to hug. I wont stop you" Vitas said stepping a good healthy step back from the two. Bits of glass floating around her hands as she picked up Aldrics information to note down the progressiion there Ahh perfect.
Sometimes it took the right amount of movement, or just the ebb and flow of life to get things properly rolling. In Vitas case, the right kind of food did wonders. Vitas wanted Aldric in good health, if not best possible health in order to begin the hunt good and proper. She felt on the fringes of her power something observing, but she ignored it. Being a Sourcerer was enough without having people and things eavesdropping.
Finally Vitas asked simply "How was the meal ?"
She looked up at Vitas when it was made clear that they should hug. He might not like hugs. Or maybe you want to hug him but are making me do it. If that is the case, you shouldn't live through someone else's eyes. Her attention went back to Aldric. I heard it was because were were good. Good puppers always deserve a treat! She smiled took a couple steps forward, thought about it, took one step back, and looked up at him before placing her hand out to shake his. Scarlette was feeling a little bit on the brave side since she knew she could control her shifts.
He let go of her hand and looked to Vitas. "The meal was fine; small, but fine. Rare is too cold; somewhere between medium rare and medium....therein lies the perfect meat." he said; not that she'd answer his desires with what he wanted, but hey, a guy could hope. He tilted his head too either side, cracking his neck, a soft, passive growl escaping his throat. His eyes narrowed and he looked to Vitas; it seemed that he was a bit un-trusting of her; or that a portion of his secondary personality was present since he was called a "Pupper" instead of a man.
He did hate that; it was still marked in his file. But for now, it seemed he was under control.
Scarlette thought about her mother, who was probably at home cooking dinner for herself or maybe a friend. She didn't know much of what her mother did now and days since Scarlette never got letters from her. Now she tried to count to ten, she didn't like this man. I can smell the difference in him than what this man was when we talked. He is not the kind pupper. He is not different. He is like the others... the others... all like the others. He is a monster... A MONSTER! A DEMON MONSTER. KILL. SLAUGHTER HI- The voices echoed in her mind, getting louder and louder.
NO! She shouted at herself. Her nails, that she didn't notice got sharp, were going down. Her teeth, which she hadn't notice, were also going down. She glared at the man before her before speaking. I think I want to go back to my room now, Vitas. She said in a gravely voice.
That left Vitas alone with Aldric. calm amber eyes watched Aldric closely and as soon as the sound of footsteps were gone she spoke. "Dont give me that look, Aldric. You and I both know we can only trust each other to get what we want" She was lying, but her emotions had been destroyed or tossed aside when her heart was broken as a teenager by the only man she ever loved.
The world cracked and shifted, shattering like glass as they suddenly shifted into the Mirror Dimenesion. The world swirled around them in a kalaediscope of color and items and broken scenery.
"What you want isi freedom. What I want, is your help, In return. You get your freedom." It was a stretch sure but Vitas needed Aldric to help her find where Spike was buried. A portal opened and a torn piece of cloth, blue and dark forest green in color, yet heavy with a womans scent upon it along with decay was easily caught by his overly sensitive nose.
Vitas held the cloth in her hand, Aldric could have sworn he saw a tear streak from her eye at a memory. But it didnt matter. Vitas smiled then thinly "Help me find the woman who once wore the dress this satin is from. And I will ensure your freedom from this place. I can take you to my home, your progression here is good enough for such thing." the floor shifted as walls formed of dark oak as if they were in a study.
"I knew you were Magical... but a Sourceress!?" he growled, his muscles tensing up as his voice raised.
When she spoke of a bargain, and brought out the cloth, he crossed his arms. "So you want to use me like a hound? Do I look like a god damned Hound to you?" he snarled at her, keeping his distance. His cheeks puffed out as he exhaled, not wanting to smell what she was offering him. He looked around him and narrowed his eyes.
"And what if I don't want to cooperate like the dog you're treating me like?" He growled, his eyes now fully enveloped in Amber, his canines beginning to Lengthen. First, she brought in that child, who was convinced he was nothing more than a dog, now she asks him to pinpoint a scene like he wasn't a man at all!? Insulting! He would have her blood by the end of the next moment.
"Because I am speaking to the Man who possesses traits unlike any other. I have what you want, your freedom, you have what I want. Your traits, your extramartial senses." Vitas finally retorted answering both questions at once. Her amber eyes simply blinked as his own eyes turned into sheer amber.
Vitas sighed, she figured as much but had no real idea how Aldric would react, she needed his help. Raising her other hand she launched something at him, a spell. It reversed the effects of his transformation, yet retained the amber color of his eyes. "Help me, and I can set you free of your torment." She growled simply. Eldritch energy forming in her hands as the torn satin that belonged to her beloved friend disappeared into her clothing. "Or.... I can lock you within the body of a beast" She gave him a hard look "It is your choice"
Aldric felt his transformation stop, but he didn't react; he was never going to change fully.... not again. Not so soon after the last incident. His fists tightened, his knuckles cracking from the pressure as his Amber eyes took in Vitas' form, spotting the Eldritch Energy in her hands. Predictable; always count on a witch to fall back on her magic. She had him against many corners here; physically in the cell outside of the mirror dimension, and also metaphorically with his choices and the consequences of those choices.
After a few tense moments, Aldric looked away from her, and held out his hand, the veins visible on his forearm from his heightened blood pressure and adrenaline; he was ready to fight at a moment's notice. After the sliver of fabric was handed to him, he looked at it, his nostrils flaring as he inhaled the scent; he wasn't going to put it up to his face; the smell was strong enough here. After a few more seconds he tossed the shred of fabric back to Vitas.
"You're looking for a woman who died in her mid to late twenties or early thirties... died a while ago, buried in some... Chinese burial crypt surrounded by Pine. That's all I got." he said, crossing his arms over his broad chest. "Now get me out of this damn realm."
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