*'Sanctuary' for Us *

[YoungLisa]

Roger de Blythe

Using the scalpel at 45 degree angles de Blythe cut into the flesh. He saw Isis concentrating on telepathy and he just whispered “You’re doing fine. Now I’m going to need some help” as he spoke he nodded to Mel “I’ll need the fish gut to tie with and the gold braid for sealing.” Looking at Isis he said “This will only be short term but it will save your leg and more important your life. Helen and I will have to operate again once this is over. Now … please … hold on.”

As he spoke he cut through the descending artery and held it closed with his hand. Motioning to Mel he used the fish gut to tie the flow and the braid to hold it in place. Next he severed the transverse artery and did the same. Seeing Isis was in incredible pain he tried to sooth her by saying “One more procedure and I’ve saved your leg. Hold in there.”

Gently but firmly de Blythe brought both lengths together before overlapping them. Painstakingly he re-opened the ends before binding them together. Next he made a temporary stitch in the skin. Turning to Mel he said “Now help me lift.” Together they released Isis from her entrapment and de Blythe said “This is only part of it. Please continue to send out telepathy to Lyda and reassure her. Mel and I will go searching for her.”

 

[Asa]

Isis

She did all she could to choke down the more animalistic growl at the pain understanding Imogean had no idea about abnormals. Her eyes locking on Declan Worth and Imogean as she continued to try to contact Helen mentally as well as Lyda. She was not sure she could get to Lyda's mind it seemed sheer chaos once she thought she had made contact.

Adam Worth

He smiled to Imogean and watched the others whispering to her.

Care to help your dear old da off this gurney my girl? We really need to get out of here... I have people waiting for me.

Declan

The mental reserve Isis was showing was little more than amazing all things considered... He could barely imagine how she was pulling it off seeing the battle in her eyes from time to time with the darkness the Feline and the human sides. He pulled himself over and did all he could to keep her focus so she could hopefully better contact Helen and Lyda at least if not any of the others.

Kate

With the help of the serpent creature she was doing what she could to carefully move debris and coordinate rescue teams as a small band of creatures from the Wildlands had arrived to return the favor from the removal of the abandoned Cabal lab. With flyers pointing out places where they could see deeper into the building or see other abnormals trapped near the surface of the debris.

 

[slippedhalo]

Helen Magnus closed her eyes for a moment as John Druitt tested for good footholds on the next wall which angled in such a way they hoped it would lead them out. She caught a flash of feline growl but it was not something she heard with her ears, she heard it inside her head. Opening her eyes wide in surprise she caught herself looking straight into the dark blue orbs of a former lover.

''What is it?'' John asked, leaning over her, closer than she liked but she let it go since she was distracted. Tentatively, she closed her eyes once more and reached out with her mind.

''Sis?...Isis?'' she called out with her mind, wondering if what she was sensing was the telepathic bond between them opening up once again.

______________________________________________________________________


Jenny stood and faced the batshit crazy Victorian chick who now wielded an axe, palms open, she took a slow step forward as she tried to explain. "Please, we don't have time for long explanations. I'm not really Helen Magnus but it's all ok...She's alive too. I'm sort of like a copy of her, you know? Science has made such great strides since your time...I mean, Iris, I don't know if you realize it at all, hun, but you've leapt forward into the future. This is 2011. Actually, it's New Year's Eve. Tomorrow will be 2012! You must realize that many things are possible in this day and age which would be inconceivable to people from the time you're from." This speech sounded insane even to er own ears and yet it was true. She hoped this Iris-chick would calm down and put the axe away. ''Please, we need to get out of here. To do that we should be working together.'' Jenny explained.

__________________________________________________________________________



It was slow moving for the trio with the newborn to get out of the remains of the med-lab. They managed to get up to a different pocket, a half destroyed part of the Sanctuary which housed creatures that had luminescent qualities living inside the habitat. Giant, semi intelligent fireflies. But, the fact that they now flew all over the corridor the small group traversed and their glow allowed for some small visibility in the darkness Tesla, Zimmerman and Ashley Magnus realized the creatures were no longer confined to their habitat.

Looking around they wondered how many other abnormal species were now roaming free thanks to this earthquake. What would happen if the dangerous ones were on the loose?
Swallowing a torrent of swears Tesla tucked his sleeping infant a little closer to his body feeling too vulnerable when he wanted to be strong and protect his young. For once Ashley wasn't arguing with him. Their shared glace held the same dread. They may have to fight their way out to protect the baby. ''This day keeps getting worse.'' complained Nikola as he trudged onward and upward toward what he thought he detected as the sound of voices speaking through another wall.

 

[Asa]

Isis

She could hear Helen in her mind once more.

Where... can't find Lyda... Helen... find her.

She calmed considerably once she made contact with Helen. A little better control over the beast she nodded to Declan.

Helen is alive... I can sense sister.

Can't get through to Lyda. Too much chaos.

Declan

He nodded to Isis.

Keep talking to Helen Isis. I am sure she can help find Lyda. Its all going to be alright.

He sat there near Isis though keeping an eye on Worth and the others just in case.

 

[YoungLisa]

Roger de Blythe

Moving gently through the rubble de Blythe searched for any sign that Lyda was still conscious and alive. Moving slowly he thought he heard voices, possibly Tesla but he tried to blank his mind from anything but Lyda. As another small after shock threatened to bring even more destruction falling on their heads he returned to where Isis was. “OK, my priority is with the living.” He said grimly. “I’m going to get you out of here first then when I know you are all safe I’ll return for Lyda. But first Isis, you may not believe this but I am bound to do all I can to save your life” Motioning to Mel and Imogen he said “Help me get Isis, Worth and Declan to safety”.

Iris

“Have you taken leave of your senses?” Iris asked Jenny tightening her grip on the axe. “First you tell me you are not Helen now you tell me it’s New Year’s Eve two thousand and eleven? I fear some sharp object has damaged your mind. Please Helen, please don’t tease. You are in grave danger if John gets here. He’s already attacked me, next he’ll go after you.”

The second aftershock sent dust and glass crashing down as Iris was pushed into Jenny. Seeing a huge shaft of glass hurtling towards Jenny she pushed her out of the way before jumping clear herself. “Helen … Please …” At this point the penny dropped as Iris noticed Jenny’s right thigh exposed to the elements by the first quake. “You aren’t Helen … You can’t be. Helen has a scar on her thigh from when she fell from a carriage we were playing in. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO HER?” She stood tall holding the axe above her head “I mean it. I will do anything for Helen. I’ll even kill you. NOW TELL ME!”

Ashley Magnus

“Sshh!” Ashley called for silence “I thought I heard Mum!” As she spoke another shock struck and for a moment the glass plugging her wound shifted causing blood to leak again. Seeing Tesla making to turn back she said “Please Nikola, don’t risk her life” she pointed to her baby. Just then she noticed the flow had stopped again and nodded “It’s ok. For now!” Then her sarcasm took over “By the way Nikola “HAPPY NEW YEAR!”

 

[Asa]

Isis

Her eyes locked with De Blythe unsure if she trusted that he truly looked. Snarling faintly she spoke low and cold.

Lyda's mind is chaos for now... so life is still there. Helen per... ~Pain snarl~haps is better suited to find her.

Isis was feeling a bit weaker than she would ever let on instinct screamed to shift forms and heal but with Imogean there she knew she could not.

Declan

He watched Isis carefully he knew the look in her eyes and quietly commented to De Blythe.

If she were not so badly injured her shifting would be a way to get out of her and find the others... but in this condition we can't let her shift... any ideas?

Adam Worth

Once he was free from the gurney he realized that he was completely unable use his usual way to remove himself from a situation meaning the little creature who helps with the gate was at least unconscious at worst dead. Which meant he and Imogean were trapped with the others... not good.

Isis

Looking between Declan and De Blythe.

There is one thing I can do that would bring others like Henry and myself here to our aid... IF there are any in the region but with the primal nature of it shifting is a given even briefly for all three of us Henry Lyda and myself.

Lyda

She felt her mothers mind trying to touch hers and she felt her Grandfather trying to touch her mind. Between all of that and Henry and Will talking on the crackly radios it was becoming too much. Reaching to take the radio from Henry she spoke in that slow focused but distant hollow voice.

Will... Mother appears to need assistance... I can complete Dr Abbyn's test for me and Henry will accompany me... Find mother... We are not to have aid on Abbyn's tests... I know I am no longer with her but this situation is like being there I will deal with this you find Isis... my mother.

Her mind was clearly trying to maintain a hold on reality and the training given to a young girl by a sadistic psychopath long ago. A strange level of survival instinct though claustrophobia was clearly the catalyst.

Kate

She was called over as some of the creatures had found a "Room" within the debris and some of the smaller lighter abnormals were slowly climbing down to begin searching from that point to any point deeper. One of the creatures could smell blood already but could not tell if it was pure human or "human based abnormal" but they would go and find its source.

 

[slippedhalo]

Tesla chuckled at Ashley's sarcastic remark, "Oh yeah, Happy New Year to you. I'd love a glass of champagne..." He sighed, "It would've been so much nicer if that tremor had trapped us in the wine cellar, dammit."

At this Will had to laugh, "I can't say I disagree, Tesla. I could use a drink about now.'' He pointed to a faint bar on his phone, "Shhh...I think I hear something..."

Tesla put the phone to his ear, "Hello! Anyone out there? Call 911, there's people trapped beneath The Sanctuary!" he yelled.

__________________________________________________________________________

Henry tried his phone again and thought he heard the voice of Will through the static, "Will! Dude! I need you to help us out here, man..." but the sound died out through interference and then he thought he heard Tesla telling him to call 911, "Yeah, No shit, dude! We're a little busy trying not to die here but as soon as we can climb out from this pile of Victorian death trap we'll get right on that 911 call for ya." he said sarcastically, not even sure if his reply got through before the signal was lost once again. He swore every ephitet in the book at the faulty piece of equipment in his hands while the others in his chamber tried their own means of communication. It appeared Isis was getting through telepathically to Helen Magnus. ''Tell Magnus I almost got a cell phone signal...I'm working on it. It seems like Will and Tesla are doing the same thing. It's good. It means they're alive and if they're alive the baby and Ashley should be ok too...I hope.'' Henry said.

__________________________________________________________________________

Helen whispered to Druitt, ''I think...Isis is trying to speak to me...telepathically. I think she's asking me about Lyda.''

''Lyda? The girl? We haven't seen her.'' John said in frustration. ''Come on, keep climbing, dear.''

Helen worked carefully to climb the best she could with only one good arm and her concentration diverted. "I'm trying to tell her to find the kids." she explained through clenched teeth.

They made their way over the next ledge and just missed being showered with shattering glass as part of a wall fell down near their heads. Coughing and sputtering, the pair made it up onto a new level, face to face with a ghost from their past swinging an axe at Helen's clone, Jenny, jamming it in the wall just beside her.

Jenny looked down with wide, frightened eyes and yells, "Helen, this crazy bitch thinks I've done something to harm you. Please set her straight before she chops me to pieces!"

John had been helping Helen to her feet and turned to see the confused and angry face he thought he'd buried with the monster that ate away at his soul so long ago..."Oh...Dear Lord!" he breathed.

Helen Magnus could hardly believe her eyes. She patted Jenny on the shoulder supportively, letting her clone cower behind her as she blinked back tears and stood face to face with her best friend and childhood companion, "Iris! How! What?...Oh God, Iris, that maniac went and did it, didn't he?...deBlythe, he brought you back from the dead!?"

Jenny stood back and nodded, a smug 'I told you so' expression on her face.

 

[Asa]

Will

He stopped thinking he heard something.

Nikola... that piece of wall there... Someone is on the other side of it... Get Ashley out of here I will try to see if I can help whoever is there...

He carefully moved over to the wrecked piece of wall and called out.

HELLO! WHO IS THERE? I WILL TRY TO HELP YOU.

Glancing back to Tesla and Ashley

GET THE BABY TO SAFETY and THATS AN ORDER!

A Brazen move on his part but someone had to take charge in this instant.

Lyda

She had begun once more testing the walls of their "prison" and had found a wall that seemed to be "loose tooth" in its position with no signs of anything that would come crashing down if it was moved. She began clawing and leaping against it carefully to slowly get it to move in case her judgement was wrong. Then she could hear Will yelling ... Glancing back to Henry and the radio she raised a brow but went back to what she was doing not registering that Will was on the other side of the wall debris that blocked her in this trap.

Isis

Hearing Helen's words Isis growled...

She may be trapped too I will try to reach her again Lyda's mind is too chaotic.

Isis focused doing all she can to maintain that calm.

Helen... I can't go after them... Leg... injured... Here with Declan De Blythe... Worth... Melevan and if you can believe it Imogean... Worth's daughter. Doing all I can to remain human right now. Who is with you?

Isis blinked looking off to one side and saw someone that could not be there as she whispered then blacked out.

James...

 

[YoungLisa]

Iris

Helen Magnus could hardly believe her eyes. She patted Jenny on the shoulder supportively, letting her clone cower behind her as she blinked back tears and stood face to face with her best friend and childhood companion, "Iris! How! What?...Oh God, Iris, that maniac went and did it, didn't he?...de Blythe, he brought you back from the dead!?"

Jenny stood back and nodded, a smug 'I told you so' expression on her face.

“O MY GOODNESS!” Iris lowered the axe and took a deep breath while shaking her head “Helen? … Helen? What … How can de … whatever you called him, how could de what’s his name? … How can he bring me back from the dead? I didn’t die, I thought I was going to when John attacked me but suddenly I found myself here … with … with … THAT!” She pointed to Jenny “Someone trying to pretend to be you.” She hesitated “Then … everything shook, I’m … I’m dreaming aren’t I?”

Then she saw Druitt and raised the axe again. Seeing Helen’s injured arm she made get between her and the man saw as nothing more than a monster. “It’s ok Helen” she said “I’ll protect you. I don’t know what he’s done to you but” she directed her words to Druitt “IT ENDS NOW!” Motioning to Jenny she said “And I don’t know what you are but I’ll protect you too. Now go.” She raised the axe about to strike a blow in defence of her friend.


Roger de Blythe


Hearing Isis say Lyda was still alive de Blythe nodded “Then if she is alive I’ll find her.” Sensing she didn’t trust him he said carefully “You and I have had our differences in the past. And we might be on opposite sides again. But I once lost a child and I swore I would do everything in my power to prevent anyone else ever going through that pain.”



Ashley Magnus


Staying as quiet as she could Ashley offered a little prayer that someone would somehow manage to make contact with the outside world. Her mind flew back to when the Cabal had used her as a weapon. Suddenly she remembered her ability to read use telepathy and she tried to tune to her mother but all she sensed was a vision of a Victorian woman threatening Druitt with an axe. Believing she wasn’t communicating she sighed and gave up.

 

[Asa]

Lyda

Her leaping at the loose wall became a little more firm in her landings as the wall moved a little. She dug her nails in balancing there she sniffed at the faint inrush of air.

Henry there is someone here... perhaps this is the path we are to take. Please Inform Will we have found people and I will attempt to get to them.

Her tone was almost a business like robotic as she went back to leaping at the loose piece of wall and clawing at it not realizing it was in fact Will on the other side.

 

[slippedhalo]

Henry looked up at the hole in the wall, "Whoa!" was all he could manage before he whooped triumphantly, "HELLO? HELLO? YEAH, I HOPE YOU CAN GET EMERGENCY TEAMS HERE TO THE SANCTUARY. WE'VE GOT A BUILDING IN RUINS AND ALL KINDS OF INJURIES HERE, NOT TO MENTION SOMEWHERE THERE'S A NEWBORN AND A WOMAN WHO JUST GAVE BIRTH IN ALL THIS...UM, EXCERCISE EXTREME CAUTION TOO, DUDES, WE MAY HAVE SOME STRANGE STUFF ON THE LOOSE AS A RESULT OF THE QUAKES...PLEASE ASK QUESTIONS BEFORE SHOOTING. WE'RE UH, A RESEARCH FACILITY...EVERY LIFE HERE IS PRECIOUS TO THE BOSS..." the signal broke off again but Henry felt certain he got the message out in time. "Whew! Alright. I've earned myself a big pizza with everything and a sixpack of something good."

__________________________________________________________________________

Jenny jumped in front of Druitt but he hissed and shoved her behind him again. "You want to kill me, girl? Yeah, well, get in line. Everybody's wanted to kill me at one point or another, even me. Take your best shot. I'm sure you'll be doing us all a favor!" he shouted sarcastically.

Helen yelled over her shoulder, Shut up, John. You're not helping!"

Jenny spoke up, "Iris, please. He's not the same man you used to know. He's different now. He feels remorse for what he's done. I've seen it in his eyes...he hates himself for it." pleaded Jenny, hanging onto Druitt who she was grateful didn't push her away again but instead looked down at her with a mixture of sadness and awe. "Yes, John. I've seen it. I know you hate that monster inside you. I know there's parts of you who are better than that, trying to be the better man. I see it. That's the man I love."

He gasped and held back something. Jenny wished she could read his mind.

Helen shook her head and took gentle but firm hold of the axe in Iris's grip. "Iris, things are so much more complicated now than they used to be. It's been over a century, come and gone, he's done evil things in his past. True. I will forever hate him for those things, yes absolutely."

Out of the corner of her eye she saw the shot of pain hearing those words spoken from Helen caused John but she couldn't fret over his hearing her truth at this time.
''But...Iris, he's also done some very good things. He's helped The Sanctuary, me, friends of mine, saved us from harm many times. He's trying to be a good father as well. Our daughter, Ashley...she just had a baby, just today. He should get a chance to see his grandchild. Please, Iris, there's time to explain more and time for you to tell him off properly later. He didn't hurt my arm, the fall from this earthquake dislocated the bone from the shoulder socket. He helped me to pop it back into place. He's been helping me climb out of here. He could have left me to die but never did. He...he loves me and would not hurt me willingly.''
Now her words pained Jenny. Helen sighed. There was no way to win. This odd set of relationships was an emotional field of landmines. "Put the axe down, Iris. Join us in getting out of this mess and we'll catch up afterward. Alright?"

__________________________________________________________________________

Tesla bristled at William's yelling at him but got over it soon when he saw a hole torn through the wall. He looked through it and saw Lyda's face peering through it. ''Ah, hello there. Aren't you a sight for sore eyes! Lyda, my dear. Any ideas on a good route out of this hellhole?''

 

[YoungLisa]

Iris


Iris tried to understand what was being said and was moved by the word ‘grandchild’ but needed convincing. “You say he’s reformed, and that he has helped you. But he tried to kill me just a while ago. In fact … what year did you say we are in? Nearly 2012?” Magnus nodded “But … it’s 1888, and … and … did you say you have a daughter?” Magnus nodded again just as the building shook again. Realising the gravity of the situation Iris lowered the axe and said “Something is wrong … but …” Looking at Druitt she shook her head “… but only a fool fights in a burning building. I’ll call a truce. For now!” She handed the axe to Helen and waited to see how they could get out of the building.

 

[Asa]

Lyda

It appears to be yet another of Dr Abbyn's tests Nikola so yes I will find a way out I have to... None of us need be electrocuted if I find the right path.

Her eyes were still James but there was something distant and hollow about them as she spoke to him.

Mother is around as well. Stand back please...

With that she removed her face from looking through the hole made and continued leaping against the section of wall to knock it down only now with full on intent her feet slamming into it as the wall creaked and began to fall.

Will

He looked to Tesla hearing Lyda and her strange tone in her voice.

NIkola ~Will whispered ~ According to Henry She had a claustrophobic episode and then seemed to go into a regression from the sounds of it combining both past and present as a defense. We will have to be careful once she has the wall down. She may actually be our best bet out of here with whatever sadistic training this Dr Abbyn put her through that she things she is trapped in again.

Isis

Helen falling silent and Lyda's mind being too distracted Isis tried one more angle.

Little cub... Are you okay?

Waiting for an answer she looked to De Blythe again.

No one is loosing anyone There is something I can do but its a risk... I could go ahead and "call the hunt" and get any more HEPS and Shifters in the area to come to our aid. It will rip apart all the owrk you just did on my leg as I will briefly shift as will Lyda and Henry... its a call to the primal to the animal side for aid.

Kate

Kate saw rescue crews start barreling down the road towards Sanctuary and the rest of them and did what she could to get the less human creatures out of sight as best she could and down into the bvarious holes to find the rest of them and stay hidden.

After rescue crews arrived one of them tried to get Kate to go get checked out only to find a gun in his young face and a very pissed off young woman snarling.

The closest thing I have to a family is in there and I will NOT risk any of you people doing anything to any of them even by accident. DR Magnus can help me stitch up my forehead once we get them out of there... GOT IT Now go do your job and leave me alone to do mine.

Random creature

A tiny feathery almost squirrel looking little creature scurried around listening for voices and catching the scent of rage and blood it scurried into the area with Magnus Druitt Jenny and Iris. It recognised Druitt from the Wildlands and his help out there and scurried over to him leaping its way up to his shoulder as it sat there staring at the others. Known for their ability to knock out any threat to themselves with their breath weapon defense they also understand human language but can not speak. The little creature tapped on Druitts cheek as if to tell him it was there to help.

 

[slippedhalo]

Tesla looked from Will to Lyda and nodded his understanding that they were dealing with someone quite unstable at the moment. Little Nikole made a tiny gurgling sound and he checked on her. Ick, baby spit-up...His suit was already filthy so he couldn't be too upset, really. He loosened his necktie and wiped the spot of regurgitation away from her chin and his shirt. "Sometimes I have to admit, much as I love this little mite, baby's are kind of disgusting." he said softly to himself. With a sigh he made sure she was secure in her sling and watched her drifting back off to sleep again. He ignored Ashley's eye-roll and said, "I smell something different in the air currents. I think our firefly-like friends found an exit. We should follow them."

He looked through the narrow passageway where he saw the residual glow of the last ones out. "If we make this space big enough to crawl through we can get out.'' He looked back at Ashley's medical gurney and shrugged, "We'll have to leave you behind but it won't be for long. I'll go ahead with the baby, I'll take Lyda with me, maybe. William, you should stay here with her, monitor her vitals."

 

[slippedhalo]

John nearly batted the thing away but sensed intelligence. He let it sit on his shoulder as they watched the interplay between Iris and Helen. All breathed a sigh of relief when they saw Iris give the axe to Helen, who handed it off to Jenny.

Jenny took the axe to the nearest patch of ceiling she could reach, standing atop what had once been expensive antique furniture to get to it. "Let's lay waste to this space and get the hell out!" she announced as they climbed up yet another level hoping eventually to climb out of the dangerous labyrinth which was the crumbling structure of the old Victorian building.

 

[YoungLisa]

Iris

“What is … that?” Iris said when the strange creature attached itself to John before smiling “Awww it’s frightened.” She looked up as Jenny climbed to try to attack the ceiling “There’s a crack to your left that might collapse on us all if you hit it too hard. I don’t fancy being buried with him” she said snarling at John.

Ashley Magnus

Ashley breathed a sigh of relief when Tesla said he would leave her “At last” she sighed “I’ve begged you to put our baby first” and as she turned to Will she said “Please, you don’t HAVE to stay. I’m sure even if I die Roger will find a way to bring me back. Help Nikola and Lyda with the baby.”

As she spoke she heard words deep within her ‘Little Cub’. She raised her hand “I can sense … Isis … Isis is alive. Let me try to get … Lyda … Lyda, your Mum is reaching out … let me try to answer .”

Ashley took a deep breath and tried to communicate “Isis … Isis … Lyda … Lyda is safe … alive and with us. Tesla is bringing her out to safety.”

Roger de Blythe

Looking at Isis de Blythe said “I told you the work I did on your leg was only temporary, Helen and I will have to fix it properly later. So anything you have to do to get out of here do it. I won’t let you die!”

 

[Asa]

Creature

The little creature quickly moved to Jenny trying to stop her from attacking the dangerous spot. Trying to point out the path it took to get into this area. Chattering and looking to Druitt the only being it recognized.

Isis

Hearing Ashley answer Isis smiled.

Little cub... knows where Lyda is... Little cub alive...

She looked to De Blythe nodded then telling Ashley mentally to warn Lyda that she might shift briefly as well as Henry if anyone can find him. Calling the Hunt to get us help.

With that passed along Isis Began to roar. Her form shifting slowly starting with head and neck moving slowly down the body the sickening crackle of bone and as her legs began to change and the roar changing as the pain began to overtake her for a moment. A distinct pitch and depth to the roar designed to summon to the Animal side the beast spirit in HEPs and any other shifters and animals.

Will

He moved to get the gurney out of the way having kept an eye on the piece of wall making sure it would not hit her nor the rest of them when it fell. He nodded to Tesla then looked to Ashley.

I will wait here with you... Nikola with Lyda's help will get the baby out of here to safety. If you are in contact with Isis try to figure out where she is and who is with her. I hate to say this but your Aunt is far less than stable and now this... She will need a calming factor... thats you right now...

Lyda

With one last pounce against the piece of wall it fell with a cloud of dust as Lyda sat crouched on the wall looking to Ashley Will and Nikola.

Mother is going to do wha...

With that a Roar overtook Lyda her form shifting slowly almost rippling through her just as quickly as she shifted she was again human her clothes a tad shredded as she sat there.

That was... strange.

Will whipped his head around hearing the first roar possibly from Isis and then various roars that seemed to answer including Lyda and Henry... Henry... With the wall down he could see Henry faintly lit by the functioning cellphone.

Henry are you alright...

 

[slippedhalo]

Henry called back to Will through the dust filling the hole which was much better as separation than the wall itself had been because dust can be more easily moved. "Yeah, I'm ok...Isis is a bit, uh, unstable-ish, Lyda too..." He shook his head, "I got a message through to the emergency dispatcher out there somewhere in New City. It cut off again but I know I got through."

Tesla swore in Serbian, "That was supposed to be MY job, Heinrich...Well, I guess now my job is just to get my new employer and my baby out of here. Good luck, gentlemen. I'll be back with help." He then set off in the direction the firefly creatures had gone, Lyda crawled behind him, her own personal battle with herself going on but he tried not to interfere except to whisper tersely, "Lyda, I like you a lot. But, if you do anything which could harm my offspring we're going to have a serious issue, you and I, get me?"

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jenny watched the weird little creature trying to tell John something. "What is it?" she asked impatiently.

Druitt shrugged, helping Helen to a position she could climb upon using one good arm. He was stared black death at by Iris for even daring touch Helen so he shrugged again, "Fine, Iris. Then, you help her." he said softly before calling up to Jenny, "Dearest, just be careful. I think it's urging caution. That spot there could collapse the whole ceiling if we're not careful. I'd love to help but I suspect Iris would tear my bollocks off and choke me with them if she saw me take the axe."

 

[Asa]

Lyda

She had caught the scent of the baby but kept moving it was odd that a baby would be in the test but Abbyn was always upping the risks before she died.

The infant is just another angle to Dr Abbyn's test Nikola... the presence of the infant does not change the outcome now do you want me to get us out of here or not? If so then get out of my way.

Will

Clearly Henry though whatever that roar is you realize it looks like you at least shifted some too?

He watched Lyda and Nikola continue on before looking back to Ashley.

Now that we are near more medical equipment lets see if we can get you a little more stabilized.

Using his phone like a flashlight he began quickly moving about trying to find everything he would need. Psychology and psychoanalyzing being more his forte he had learned some standard medical from Magnus... Helen... He hoped she was alright. Worry for her briefly playing through his eyes as he searched trying to keep his back to Ashley and Henry till he could get his mind back to the task at hand. Henry was appearing fairly strong in comparison to his prior times of worrying about Isis when she was in the same room with him... how did he do it?

Creature

Nodding yes to Druitts words it tried to pull on Jennys pants leg towards the path it used to get into the room just a few feet from where she thought they could get out. It wanted to show them a safer path but with all the stress and anger in the enclosure it would knock them all out and go get help on its own if it had to.

 

[YoungLisa]

Iris

With Druitt’s words echoing round the area the Victorian lady said “You have no respect for the company you are in have you? Such language in front of a lady like Dr Magnus is despicable.” Then taking a deep breath and nearly choking on the dust in the air she sighed “But don’t worry, I won’t do that to you. Harm my friend and I’ll find something far more painful!”

Roger de Blythe

Sensing a breakthrough de Blythe tried to hold Isis to prevent her rupturing her blood vessels. “I suggest you take this slowly. Bleed too much and too fast and I might not be able to save you.” As he spoke he sensed the smell of new blood. “I think Tesla is approaching with the baby. It’s far too dangerous.” Turning to Mel he said “Use all your strength to keep Isis from harming herself by her transformation. I’ve got to help with the baby.”

Standing upright he carefully moved plaster and beams from the floor and moved towards where he sensed Tesla to be. “Nikola” he shouted “don’t bring the baby through this area. It’s unstable. You and I will just regenerate new limbs and organs. The baby won’t. Stay where you are and I’ll come to you.”

As he spoke there was another tremor followed by a rumble deep below. Walls collapsed, glass shattered and there was a sudden smell of gas. Looking round de Blythe said slowly “This whole place is going to blow. Even Tesla and I with our charged particle molecules probably wouldn’t survive that”. Turning he said to Isis “I need your full animalisation and your anger to help me break through to save the baby. We might not survive ourselves but it’s the only way. Will you fight alongside me in what might be our final act?”

Not waiting for a reply he bit into his wrist and held the wound to Isis’ mouth “I know you find me disgusting but this isn’t for you or for me. Drink! It will put a temporary seal on your blood supply and give you the strength to help me save not only the baby but Lyda as well!”

 

[Asa]

Isis

Little cubs baby... a snarl fell from her lips as Isis pulled away from all of them fully shifted she stood there grabbing a beam and with another roar forcing it up standing there her form fully shifted to the human beast her leg bleeding but her mind was not willing to take notice but the abnormal blood did seem to be trying to stitch it shut slowly. Roaring at all of them the feline creature standing there ordered them all to move now. Mind not caring that there was now a terrified young Imogean standing there staring at her trying to hide behind her father.

Declan

Oh Hell... Help me to her I will try to help her De Blythe I am for now attempting to trust you that you will come back for those trapped... get Imogean and Worth out of here but place him with Big guy so he can not escape.

 

[DalekRasputin]

Big Guy was waiting outside the damaged area waiting for the chance to help in any way he could. After the last tremor there was a danger of an explosion highlighted when he saw a rubber neck watching the scene unfolding and about to light a cigarette. In an instant the ape man picked him up with one hand while the cigarette and lighter fell to the ground. Putting the man down Big Guy picked them up and threw them into the distance. Not sure if he was hallucinating or not the sight seer collapsed in confused hysteria.

The dust moved again as de Blythe emerged with Worth and Imogen. After asking Big guy to guard the bound fugitive de Blythe mentioned something about having lives to save and went back into the ruins.

"Imogen Worth I presume" said Big Guy as he motioned to her to come with him and her father to an old reinforced bomb shelter now used for storage.

 

[YoungLisa]

Roger de Blythe

“This building is so unstable, it could collapse at any moment killing everyone except Mel and me” de Blythe motioned to the transformed Isis. “And that includes you”. He called Mel to him and said to her “It all depends on us now. We have to help Isis and her metamorphs as best as we can. Lives depend on it.”

Hearing Isis snarl de Blythe assumed his professional role “I repeat, as a doctor not as a vampire, when this is over you will need surgery on that leg or you will lose it. That’s a professional opinion.” Looking at her he sighed “I’ve never liked you, you’ve never liked me. But I cannot bring myself to hate you. And I’m glad we’re for once on the same side.”

As he spoke there was yet another tremor sending walls crashing. A huge block of concrete came crashing down hurtling straight for Isis. For the second time it needed lightening reflexes to move her. Using all his speed and might de Blythe leaped to push her out of the way just in time to stop her from being crushed. As he did the wall opened and he saw the wounded Magnus through the hole. “You’re a sight for sore eyes” he said as he realised that there was probably less than half an hour to get everyone out. Looking at Isis he said “We need your gang now Old Girl!”

 

[Asa]

Kate

When first one then two more roars echoed through the wreckage she jumped a little then seeing the change not only in a few people from the wildlands but one of the rescue people she stared working harder to help move stuff. Finally finding a fairly large "room" she climbed in much to Big guy's arguing that she stay with the others.

MAGNUS... WILL... DECLAN... ISIS... CAN ANYONE HEAR ME?

Declan

He could hear Kate or he thought he could.

KATE?

He stayed there monitoring Isis leg doing what he could to help offer support as needed.

Isis

Hearing Kate she roared once more then she could hear the roars in response from outside of the debris... Help was there the hunt was called now it was time to hope that all who answered were human friendly.

Will

Hearing all the roars did not really set well with him except for Lyda and Henry those two he knew were sane for the most part. There was some question from some of Henry's technical creations but it all worked out.

Wait was that more light...

Guys Over here

 

[slippedhalo]

Nikola Tesla:

They were coming down, rescuers, and as much as he knew he should Nikola could not hand over his baby to anyone else. He would get out with her on his own. He climbed up, one handed, into the light of a sun setting and moon about to make an appearance, twilight was upon them. As others were fished out of the wreckage he looked across the wreckage of what was once the proud, tall, Sanctuary building and saw Helen Magnus being carried to safety. Ambulances stood by for the wounded. He watched as they also put Ashley into the same vehicle, lying beside her mother who was pushing aside any offers of people attempting to get her to do more than sit at the edge of a stretcher as she presided over her daughter and took in the full scope of Ashley's wounds. Helen looked up briefly and Tesla locked eyes with her. A nod of understanding ensued. It was a polite thanks for taking care of her daughter and grandchild but it was not the look of love he ever craved.

He remembered craving affection, the feeling of not being loved as much as he needed. It had started so young.
...He had been just five years old when it had happened.
Danilo had died.

There'd been the long weeks thereafter. When young Nikola had been dependent upon the pity of Angelina and Milka to take care of his needs and answer his many questions, sometimes with the harsh impatience of frightened children, since they were. Milka was the oldest child now and she was only eleven.

Mama had been difficult to reach. She was there. She was functioning, waking early, dressing and bathing the children and sending them off to school, cooking, cleaning, doing all the necessary things to keep the household running...but she was gone. Her mind, somewhere else, someplace painful.

The baby took all of her focus now. Little cherubic Maricia got the lionshare of of the family attention and affection for a while, as if taking extra good care of the little one would erase the blight of pain caused by the accidental death of their eldest.

Nikola had cried over the death but the tears were selfish ones. He'd wanted Danilo back not so much because of an actual missing him personally but more because of how much the family had changed in his absence. And, being the only boy was also a new and frightening fact to face for the five year old. His father was not the role model he'd attached himself to. A man of faith, and an older, more philisophically-minded spirit, he'd not yet found a good connection with the studious, inquisitive, strangely apt little investigator of the workings of the universe he'd created. Little Nikola was like an alien being to the man. He loved him but they had already begun to take very different views on how to approach living and here the child was just barely school aged.

Nikola had felt isolated and forlorn during the adjustment period after the accident. He also had trouble with learning to ride when all he could think about was the image of the crack in his brother's skull where it had hit the ground, cracking open like a dropped melon, mushy, wetness peeking out unnaturally as he heard the panicked voiced shouting and screaming all around him.

Angelina had been calling for their father and mother in a shrill, terrified voice he'd never thought her capable of. ''He's fallen, he's fallen, someone put it right! Make him well again!'' she said over and over even when it had become abundantly clear, even to the five year old little brother, that there was no way to repair anything.

Danilo was gone the moment he'd fallen off the horse...And now, as if it had only been a bad dream he had to force himself to shake off, his older sisters picked him up and placed him in the saddle, telling him in imitations of adult stern tones to pick up his chin, not lock his legs too much, quicken the pace, work with the horse and not fight it...Not fight it!?! But, a horse killed my big brother! Horses mean death, don't they? he thought incredulously, but too afraid to dissent too much ( Big sister's knew how to punish little boys in ways even parents couldn't always prevent and he had the bruises to remind himself of that. ) lest he be pinched or smacked again by a quick, over-eager, hand not much bigger than his own...So, he learned to ride and hoped eventually, maybe one day, mama would come back to her usual, smiling self again. That she'd welcome him into her arms and hold him like she used to, singing him old songs or reciting epic poems the illiterate woman was so proud of having memorized. He'd loved those times in her arms. It had felt safe, warm, the seat of love. Danilo died and something in mama grew colder and more distant.

The few times Nikola had attempted to come to her for comforting she'd shoved him away (gently, but it still had stung) and told him he had to learn to be more strong, he was no longer a baby and she would not let him pretend to be because it would be better for him to learn independence. Independence. Tesla took it to heart but he hated that. He'd wanted his mother then but she had turned from him and it made him learn to resent little Maricia despite knowing it wasn't her fault at all.
A family full of people he couldn't understand...or who never understood him...the only person who seemed to try to understand was now dead.
At five years old Nikola Tesla had learned he had only himself to depend upon.

...Holding his daughter in his arms he now wondered how he could teach her to be strong and independent without repeating her father's mistakes and becoming isolated and alone either. He looked down into her face and saw a mixture of Helen's, little Maricia's, his mother's, Ashley's, and his own features mirrored there as she slept soundly. Another female in his life who might learn to hate him despite whatever attempts he made to prevent it. Helen's rejection of him felt like his mother shoving him away when he was five. Every woman he loved seemed to love him less than he wished...

This little girl would adore him, for a while...He decided he'd protect her from all harm, including his own demons, if he could. But, how could he ensure she'd love him for real and not just because he was her family and she should? How would he ever...could he ever use one person's affections to wipe away the pain of rejection from others? Would he ever get what he needed from anyone or was he truly just on his own in this world?