Something Wicked This Way Comes (closed for Perplexia)

[Perplexia]

"I don't want this to sound like i'm being a smart ass, but i do appreciate your guidance. Unfortunately i don't know any witches that can train me, so i'm kinda just going with the flow. Could today's encounter with the bear and demon monster have triggered them? Ya know open the gateway so to speak. I really have no idea what i'm talking about just throwing random thoughts out there."

Leading Desmond down to the kitchen, it was as neat and clean as Myka's bedroom. Pulling out some ingredient's she began to cut chicken tenders into strips. We are having Cowboy chicken casserole tonight with Hawaiian rolls. It only took her about ten minutes or so to prep the meal and she began cooking the pieces of chicken. Once they were done, she mixed everything together and put it in a casserole dish and covered it with cheese and stuck it in the oven. "Shouldn't be more then a half hour tops."

"How did you become a hunter?" she asked casually as she pulled out two plates and utensils.

 

[The Jeffinator]

"It's possible," Desmond replied to her question about the bear. "A witch's powers can certainly first manifest in times of great stress or grief, but that usually happens around puberty. The fact that your abilities didn't fully manifest until adulthood suggests they were somehow sealed, perhaps intentionally. Your mother clearly is not capable of doing this, but is there anyone else you think it could be? An aunt or grandmother, perhaps? It was actually quite common back in the day for witches to cast a Bloodline Seal to protect their families from the Templars."

He followed Myka around the kitchen as she cooked, helping where he could to show his gratitude. When the conversation moved to his profession, he grinned. "I certainly enjoy the end result, but it was not a pleasant experience to get to this point. You see, a Hunter starts out as a normal human, but we are heavily experimented on and mutated into the perfect killing machines. For centuries, our primary focus was hunting monsters that would pose a danger to people. But by the time I became one, we had also taken on the responsibility of investigating misuse of magic."

He helped her set the table as he continued. "It was your aura that actually brought me to the area. I had sensed it rising and falling over the last few days, and thought it was a monster roaming the woods. I was quite surprised to find a beautiful young woman instead." He grinned.

 

[Perplexia]

Myka thought about it for a few moments as her nails tapped the counter top. My grandmother always seemed to speak in riddles. I wish i had listened more to what she said. The only thing i really remember is her saying "listen to the voices"."

The timer went off on the stove taking her away from her thoughts. She opened the oven and with a potholder removed the casserole dish. Placing it on a hot pad, she turned off the oven and closed its door.

"That sounds horrible" she responded to his talk of how he became a hunter. "Were you chosen or did you volunteer for this?" she questioned with concern.

"well thank you for the compliment, and for saving me from that 'bear'. I don't know how I got the light from my hands in the first place, and i'm not sure I would have been able to do it again."

Dipping into the casserole with a spatula, she placed a large piece of it on his plate. "Dig in I hope you like it." she advised as she dished up her own and took a seat next to him. "When we're done, there's quite a few boxes of my grandmothers in the basement. We can go through and see if we find anything of significance."

Opening up the rolls she handed him a couple to go with his meal. "There's more then enough if you're still hungry". she advised inviting him to eat more than what she served.

 

[The Jeffinator]

"To be honest, it was forced on me at first," Desmond admitted. "I was born on a Polynesian island in the South Pacific, raised to be part of a warrior clan. When European sailors first cursed our shores in 1734, they were so impressed with our physical aptitude that they enslaved us and sold us to Saint Revan's Citadel. This fort was home to a number of scientists, alchemists, and inventors, and was under the strict thumbs of the Templars."

He continued as he began putting food onto his plate. "I spent about a decade in that miserable place, suffering from unspeakable horrors all in the name of scientific advancement. Eventually, however, Saint Revan's descendants liberated us from the Citadel, and we recreated the Hunters as a non-religious organization."

He was soon chowing down. "This is delicious, thank you!" he said happily as he stuffed his face. After the meal, he helped her clean up and then suggested they head to the basement to look through her grandmother's boxes like she had requested.

 

[Perplexia]

"So you were alive in 1734? Are you immortal? I'm sorry you had to go through all of that. But I am glad that I met you."

Dinner was good, and she was glad when he said it was delicious.

"You're welcome, and thanks for helping me cook it, and clean up."

With the kitchen clean she led him toward the basement. Getting up on her tiptoes she reached on top of the door sill and got the hidden key and unlocked the padlock and then returned it back to its hiding place.

"I keep it locked so she doesn't open it and stumble down the steps when i'm not home." Turning on the light they headed down the creaky steps. The basement, like her room and kitchen was organized and clean.

"Alright, grandmas things are stored over here." she said pointing to the large area that was designated. "I didn't really get a chance to look through anything. I had movers just pack up everything and bring it. All the boxes should be labeled clothes, kitchen, books, papers etc. Is there a particular place you think we should start?"

 

[The Jeffinator]

"I don't know if I'd call myself immortal," Desmond replied. "It's just that my tattoos were made with a special ink that absorbs excess Mana and promotes rapid healing. This ability has its limits, however, and can be completely drained of power if overused. It's not something automatic -- I have to intentionally trigger the healing with a focused thought. If the tattoos are depleted of absorbed Mana or I suffer any kind of head trauma that makes me incapable of consciously triggering the healing factor, I can die like any other man. However, there is a small window of time in which my body can be preserved and another Hunter can revive me, but they'd have to be pretty close geographically to make that a feasible option. They would need to get to me within a day or two -- our Code forbids reviving any Hunter who has been down for more than forty-eight hours due to the separation of the Nythra Soul from the Life Anchor. Performing a resurrection after that can significantly increase the risk of psychological instability and madness."

He then shrugged. "Sorry if that's a lot of information. As to your other question, yes I was thirty years old when they took me in 1734. I know it's a lot to take in." After they entered the basement, Desmond began looking around. "If your grandmother was a witch, she probably imprinted part of her aura on a family heirloom of significance -- maybe one of these boxes will have jewelry? We should start there and search for any rings and amulets."

 

[Perplexia]

Myka listened intently as he talked about the hunters regeneration process. "it is a bit much to process. But I think i grasp the basics of it. I'm sorry that you had to be taken against and experimented on. But I'm glad that you are here. I'm sure there are tons of pieces you could fill in that the history books left out"

"Lets see, the jewelry would be in the bedroom boxes. Okay top of dresser and vanity boxes." She pulled down two rather heavy boxes. Pushing one in his direction. Pulling an old necklace her grandmother wore often. "is this it?" https://i.pinimg.com/originals/9c/3d/04/9c3d04d32bff85c1949790f7e268a94d.jpg

 

[The Jeffinator]

"Hmmm," Desmond walked over to take a closer look at the green amulet Myka had pulled out. "I do sense a very faint aura coming from this, likely suppressed to avoid detection by the Templars. What about your voices? Do they tell you anything while you are holding it? If your grandmother had the same level of clairvoyance, it's possible she might have foreseen this future and embedded some kind of message for you."

 

[Perplexia]

She placed the necklace around her neck and held it against her skin. Closing her eyes she inhaled deeply. "nochdaidh (reveal)" she said out loud. "look for the book with an eye that knows all. Look for the ring that shines with the moon, trust the voices, trust him, he will find and guide you. let her go." A tear ran down Myka's face as she opened her eyes.

Her voice was a bit shaken as took a deep breath and said "The books are there, if you want to look for it, i'll go through and try to find the ring." It had been a while since she had heard her grandmothers voice. "I think i know what ring she was referring to, she called it her Luna ring."

 

[The Jeffinator]

"Are you okay?" Desmond asked as he noticed a tear. He placed a hand gently on Myka's shoulder to reassure her and then began looking through the boxes she had pointed at. "A book with an eye that knows all... There are a lot of books here, but none that seem to... wait a second..." He held up an old bible that had a strange feel to it. "Myka, this bible has a very faint aura around it. Perhaps it is cloaked by a veil. Try revealing it's true nature like you did with the amulet."

He handed her the book and watched as she chanted the same Gaelic word she had before -- nochdaidh. They both stared in wonder as the book suddenly began to glow a bright violet light, crackling with electric sparks and releasing a loud moaning sound, almost as if an old woman in horrible agony. They watched as the cover shifted, taking the form of wrinkled flesh. A blank white eye opened, blood trickling out as the screams intensified. "Quick, set it down on the table!" Desmond urged as the book began to shake violently. And then it suddenly stopped.

https://i.imgur.com/tcupCwh.jpg

They both stood there in silence for a moment, then Desmond turned to Myka. "This is definitely an ancient grimoire, a book of spells and family secrets. This eye is likely the one mentioned in your grandmother's message, but it seems to have had its power ripped away. It's possible this is an added layer of protection just in case the Templars ever got their hands on it. Your grandmother might have foreseen multiple futures and wanted to prepare for any possibility."

He gently reached over and opened the book. "There is a single sentence repeated over and over again on every page. 'Sùilean nan dragain trì leatha le falt pinc is gorm.' Which is 'Eyes of the dragons three by her with hair of pink and blue.' Which likely means your grandmother hid something resembling three dragon eyes that may be the keys to unlocking this grimoire. Or it may be three individual items. Whatever the answer is, she clearly knew what colors your hair would be dyed, but wanted to be vague just in case the Templars ever did get the book. Hmmm..."

Desmond thought for a moment. "We may be able to find answers with a old friend of mine. She's been around even longer than me and runs an occult library in Dubrovnik, a city in southern Croatia. I'll send her a secure email explaining the situation, but we will probably need to physically bring her the grimoire to get any real guidance. Once you find that Luna ring, that may also give us a clue. However, regardless of where these three dragon eyes are, we can't leave until we deal with the issue of that bear and whoever or whatever revived it."

 

[Perplexia]

Myka was quiet for a moment as she located the moon ring https://img.grouponcdn.com/deal/BZzyRPLBwUnY2zDUjRmUbC9X3U6/BZ-1000x600/v1/c700x420.jpgand placed it on her finger. Closing her eyes as she stroked the stone a smile came over her as she began to hum. "I don't think we'll need to contact your friend." she said softly. Grandma was very clever and seemingly educated me without me knowing it.

"The three dragons are from a lullaby she would sing to me, and later had me learn it and sing with her. Ignore my singing voice but it goes something like this:

In a villiage made of ice
Thor's pet dragon was so nice
Named him Hrathjölnir to install fear
The blue dragon was always near.
his mighty roar crumbled one of three
had a brother in a Thailand monastery
called him Vajira Lao he was so green.
never did he cause one to scream.
had a sister was so red
called her Sadiya al-Ghawl keeper of the dead.
She roams the deserts still this day
dreaming of the unification ray
together as one the stars will shine
one two three thy will be mine.

I always thought it was a bit quirky but it oviously makes a bit of sense now.

 

[The Jeffinator]

"Hmmmm..." Desmond thought for a moment after listening to Myka's lullaby. "Hrathjölnir. Vajira Lao. Sadiya al-Ghawl. These names seem familiar, but it's still pretty vague... So we need to look for a village of ice, which could be anywhere... You mentioned Thor's pet, so that could mean somewhere in the Nordic countries... A monastery in Thailand at least gives us a better location for the green dragon, but it's still a large area to search... And a red dragon roaming a desert could be anywhere from Northern Africa to the Middle East to inland Australia..."

He paced for a moment while thinking. "I think we may need to go to Dubrovnik after all. Having names and general locations is going to help us narrow down the search a lot, but we need to pinpoint where we are going with greater accuracy. Rhaliana's Library has an entire section on dragons, so having a look at those books should help get us on the right path. I was fine sending her an email before when it was vague, but now that it would include actual dragon names... I just feel like now it's too much information to put in an email, even if it was secure. The Templars are only a shadow of their former selves, but they do still exist, and your grandmother went to all this work to keep this grimoire secure... I feel like we shouldn't take any shortcuts here. Once we deal with the bear situation, I'll let Rhaliana know we are coming, but let's wait to discuss the specifics until we are physically there."

 

[Perplexia]

"well she wasn't likely to just hand it to us" she said with a laugh.
"So what do we do about the bear?" Myka shivered a bit at the thought of having to face the creature again. Though this time she did have Desmond. So it wasn't as scary.
Looking at her watch she realized they'd been down here for a few hours. "I don't know about you but a hot shower, some wine, and a light supper sound perfect."

 

[The Jeffinator]

"I could definitely go for wine and dinner," Desmond replied with a grin. They each took turns using the shower before they ate, though he had to barricade the bathroom door to prevent Miss Jones from coming in to seduce him while he was wet and naked. After their meal, the hunter helped Myka do the dishes and clean up the kitchen as they conversed. Soon they were back up in her room, after Desmond had gone out to his jeep to fetch his sleeping bag and pillows. He made himself comfortable on the floor across the room from her bed, and before long both were snoozing away.

Around three in the morning, they were both suddenly awakened by a loud crashing sound from downstairs, an otherworldly roar, and the panicked screams of Miss Jones. Desmond jumped up and grabbed his twin daggers, running out of the bedroom shirtless and barefoot, wearing only the pair of jeans he had slept in. He barreled down the stairs into the living room to see a giant hole in the front wall of the cottage and the bear from earlier standing erect on two legs over the cowering mother as debris from its entrance littered the floor.

"Get away from her!" the hunter yelled, jumping at the monster. He stabbed his daggers into its chest while he yelled to Myka, "Quick, get her upstairs!" The beast roared as he repeatedly cut into its flesh, but it's endurance had been greatly enhanced by whatever had revived it. The previous fatal wound from earlier in the day had been completely healed, and the monster seemed stronger than ever.

"Fuck!" Desmond yelled out in pain as the bear managed to shake him free and slam him onto the floor, cracking the wooden planks beneath him. The hunters eyes lit up to a brighter golden yellow as he called upon more of his power, throwing a foot up in a kick with enough force to send the monster sliding back a few feet. He then jumped back up, gripped his daggers firmer, and dove at his adversary again.

At the last second, the hunter dropped down and slipped between the bear's legs, spinning around in sort of a breakdance fashion and plunging his blades upwards directly into its rectum. He then spun around again to sweep the monster's legs, causing it to fall face-down on the floor. With his daggers still impaled in its behind, he quickly drew them along its body, slicing the backside open all the way up the spine. He then began stabbing the spinal cord repeatedly to sever the nerves controlling motor function, and the creature finally lay there motionless after one final shriek into the night.

"I need to make sure this thing can't come back again," Desmond growled, continuing to mutilate the bear's body. He began dismembering it, and finished off by cutting off its head and smashing the skull. He was preparing to dispose of it when suddenly he felt a dark aura surge to life somewhere nearby. "Shit!"

He began looking around frantically for the source of this new power, but it was hiding its exact location expertly. Then suddenly, a cloud of black mist came rushing out of the forest and into the cottage, surrounding Desmond. He found it hard to breathe, and was flung across the room by an invisible force. The mist began pooling around the pieces of the dead bear, and they began clumping together, rearranging into a new form.

The monster stood back to its feet, and let out a roar more terrifying and demonic than before, and it turned its now glowing-white eyes towards Myka by the stairwell.

https://i.imgur.com/h6fTAtj.jpg

Desmond then dove back at the beast, grabbing his daggers once more. But this time, they were completely ineffective -- the monster's flesh moved and shifted as if it was both a solid and a liquid. The creature then reached up with it's clawed-hand and impaled the hunter through the back, causing him to scream out in pain. It pulled him off and held him up, allowing Myka to see three claws sticking out through Desmond's chest.

The monster then moved the hunter to its mouth bit down hard, sinking its fangs into his shoulder like it had in their first encounter. Desmond tried frantically to kick and punch the creature, but its flesh just kept moving and shifting to lessen his blows.

"Fuck!" the hunter yelled out as the beast clamped its jaw down harder and nearly ripped his arm off. The bite had the added effect of rapidly draining his stored Mana, causing him to become weak and lightheaded, his vision blurry. He had three claws impaling him from the back through his chest, he had massive fangs digging into his shoulder, and was about to lose consciousness. "Myka... I'm... sorry..."

 

[Perplexia]

Myka woke with a start. "What is it?" She watched Desmond run from the room with daggers and she followed quickly just in time to see him flying through the air and landing on the demon bear with his daggers. "Quick, get her upstairs!" he yelled to her. Quickly rushing down the rest of the stairs she grabbed her mother by the hand and dragged her hysterical ass up the stairs pushing her toward her room. She ran back down the stairs watching in horror as Desmond sliced and diced the bear with precision.

She let out a sigh of relief when he said "I need to make sure this thing can't come back again," and watched him dismember the bear. "Shit!" he growled and her pulse quickened from the tone and looked back to him as he seemed to be searching for something on high alert. Then the mist arrived surrounding him and then tossing him across the room. The bear pieces began to seep together into some kind of hideous beast. It let out a loud roar and stared at her with it's creepy white eyes. Her eyes switched and she could now see it's aura and red eyes. She could see a black heart that seemed to be dormant.

Desmond attacked it with a fiery fury. But this beast was different, it shifted its skin to make the blades ineffective. Desmond cried out as it impaled his back with its claws and bit down on his shoulder with a fierceness she thought she heard his bones crack.

He was growing weaker and said "Myka... I'm... sorry...". The anger, fear and rage came boiling through her blood with a fierceness staring at the beast in the eyes she held up her hands and cried out "NO" Her hands blasted the white light energy that it had before to the beast. But this time it was stronger and felt different. It had streaks of red flowing through it. https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/8937a0b1-49af-4ca6-8a20-fc9141cfffa7/d77q9ha-4bbe17a5-d734-4296-9cd0-67e724f01709.png/v1/fill/w_1024,h_749,q_80,strp/magic_blast_by_konsumo_d77q9ha-fullview.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOiIsImlzcyI6InVybjphcHA6Iiwib2JqIjpbW3siaGVpZ2h0IjoiPD03NDkiLCJwYXRoIjoiXC9mXC84OTM3YTBiMS00OWFmLTRjYTYtOGEyMC1mYzkxNDFjZmZmYTdcL2Q3N3E5aGEtNGJiZTE3YTUtZDczNC00Mjk2LTljZDAtNjdlNzI0ZjAxNzA5LnBuZyIsIndpZHRoIjoiPD0xMDI0In1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmltYWdlLm9wZXJhdGlvbnMiXX0.kq1HrewNRvS6jZbbvIuf-EgVwgd53lYXrYett8KO08w

It released it's hold on Desmond dropping his almost limp bleeding body to the floor. The sight of his dismay caused a new feeling to come through. Her blast became more red and the intensity increased.

As her hands were close together she began to pull them apart causing the beam to separate. It was like a laser the way that it began to tear into the beast and pull it apart. Her eyes changed and a force of wind began to surround her as she started to levitate.

"Tha mi gad chasg gu na geataichean as doimhne ann an ifrinn far am bi na deamhain as lugha a ’biathadh air d’ fheòil. Tha mi gad mhallachadh a dh ’ainmich thu agus a’ cur rianadair san fheòil aca. Tha mi a ’gairm air mo shinnsirean airson an cumhachd. Thoir dhomh e mar a tha mi a ’sireadh ceartas (I banish you to the deepest gates of hell where the lesser demons shall feast upon your flesh. I curse thee who called you and place a tracker in their flesh. I call upon my ancestors for their power. Bestow it upon me as I seek justice.)"
The wind around her increased and a sudden larger burst came from her causing the beast to explode and disappear into thin air. She floated down to where Desmond lay she hovered her hands over him. "Tha mi a ’gairm air neart mo shinnsirean airson cumhachd slànachaidh.(I call upon the strength of my ancestors for the power of healing. )" A blue light came from her hands over Desmond. She had tapped into her own mana and was giving it to him. So he could heal. Myka had already used so much in banishing the demon, but she still gave all she could before she fell to the floor and passed out.

 

[The Jeffinator]

Desmond was nearly unconscious, but through squinted eyes he could see something bright white and red. He suddenly felt Myka's aura explode to life, a raw power surging from within her, the likes of which he hadn't witnessed in over a century. She was truly amazing. He dropped to the ground and stared up in awe as she unleashed on the monster. Her chants touched his ears with an ethereal echo as his mind faded to black and he neared the edge of death...

And then he felt... warmth. Light. Life. A fiery passion. His eyes snapped open and he was back, just in time to see Myka drop to the floor, completely spent. His own strength restored and his body healed, Desmond picked up his young savior in his arms and carried her up to her bed, setting her down. She was in a deep slumber, but would be fine. He then checked on Miss Jones, who had fainted on the other side of the room. He did his best to make them both comfortable, sitting by the bedroom door with his daggers ready just in case anything new came.

Myka really is something else... he thought to himself as he watched her sleep, smiling. The memory is kind of fuzzy, but I think I remember hearing her cast a tracking spell on whoever summoned the black mist... Remarkable. Once she wakes in the morning, she should be able to sense the location of the summoner's aura...

The rest of the night was uneventful, and eventually Desmond nodded off with his back against the wall as he sat on the floor by the door. When he heard Myka begin to stir he immediately jumped to his feet and ran over to her. She opened her eyes and sat up confused for a moment, and then the memory of what had happened came rushing back to her.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, pressing a hand gently to her forehead as his eyes gazed into hers. "Thank you for saving me. You are amazing, Myka. Truly remarkable."

After giving her a chance to catch her bearings, he went down into what was left of the kitchen and brought her up some tea. Miss Jones was still passed out on Desmond's sleeping bag, where he had set her up.

"If I heard correctly, you placed a tracker on whoever was controlling that mist?" he asked after she was more alert. "Do you sense an aura? If this person is aware that they are being tracked, they may have fled the area. What do you feel?"

 

[Perplexia]

"How are you feeling?" he asked, pressing a hand gently to her forehead as his eyes gazed into hers. "Thank you for saving me. You are amazing, Myka. Truly remarkable."

She wrapped her arms around his chest tightly as the rush of everything came back and her body trembled. Her mind was still getting used to all this magic stuff, and the horror of last night racked her mind. It hadn't been a dream, she had actually exploded and evaporated a beast in their living room and had given Desmond her mana keeping him from deaths door. It was still fuzzy but she felt like she may have even levitated. "I'm shaken, and a bit weak, but you're okay? Her hands started going over his body looking for any wounds that weren't healed.

His body was warm under her touch. She liked the feel of his muscles and resisted her temptation to trace over his tattoos. "I'm so happy you're okay." She let out a sigh and laid back against her pillows once again leaving her hand touching his thigh as if to ensure he was still real. It helped to calm her a bit. Eventually he got up and went down stairs to bring her back some tea.

Sitting up with his help they propped the pillows behind her so she could sit. "If I heard correctly, you placed a tracker on whoever was controlling that mist?" he asked after she was more alert. "Do you sense an aura? If this person is aware that they are being tracked, they may have fled the area. What do you feel?"

She looked over to her desk where a small globe sat. "would you grab that globe for me?" Once he brought it back she took off her necklace dangling it from her finger tips she spoke softly but audible "
lasadh slighe an tè a tha mi a ’sireadh, air a leantainn fo chraiceann olc, mallaichte leam. (light the path of the one i seek, tracked beneath skin of evil, cursed by me.)" A small light came from the necklace showing the path the one they sought was taking. Even an 'x' appeared showing their current thought of destination.

The necklace dropped from her fingers and she closed her eyes her hand resting lightly on top of his. A few minutes passed and she opened her eyes looking over to her mother who still slumbered. "She will be in hysterics, I think the best form of action for her safety is to have her committed to an asylum today. It will force her to get sober, and they'll treat her voices with meds. She is beyond saving and teaching." Another tear slid down her face. "I know we just met, and what i'm about to ask may seem absurd. But when I touch you, a wave of calmness and strength comes over me. Would you mind staying by my side as I rest?"

 

[The Jeffinator]

Desmond immediately smiled as Myka wrapped her arms around his chest, her warmth comforting him immensely. After bringing her the tea and helping her prop herself up with pillows behind her back, he checked on Soshi and then retrieved the globe as requested, watching her work her magic. The light and the X showed them that their adversary was currently moving through the forest towards Downtown Portland.

"So it looks like they are on foot, heading towards the city..." Desmond said as Myka closed her eyes to recover. "So whoever they are, they aren't driving a vehicle or anything. According to this path, they are avoiding the major highways, and have probably been walking through the forest since the encounter last night. If they know we are tracking them, they may be hoping we'll follow so they can lead us into a trap. I say we take this time to rest and recover and then decide what course of action we should pursue."

They silently pondered it for a bit, then Myka looked over to her sleeping mother. "She will be in hysterics, I think the best form of action for her safety is to have her committed to an asylum today. It will force her to get sober, and they'll treat her voices with meds. She is beyond saving and teaching." He just nodded and held her hand as a tear slid down her face. She then looked up and gazed into his eyes. "I know we just met, and what I'm about to ask may seem absurd. But when I touch you, a wave of calmness and strength comes over me. Would you mind staying by my side as I rest?"

He just smiled and nodded, sliding up into a laying position next to her, allowing her to rest her head against his bare chest as he wrapped a large arm around her. He gently caressed her shoulder with his fingertips and bent over to softly kiss her forehead, almost subconsciously. He felt more complete with her than he ever had in his long life, and he couldn't imagine going even another day without her by his side. In their short time together -- barely a day -- he had grown to absolutely adore the cute little minx. He suspected she felt the same about him, and smiled as they both drifted back off to sleep.

 

[Perplexia]

"So it looks like they are on foot, heading towards the city..." Desmond said as Myka closed her eyes to recover. "So whoever they are, they aren't driving a vehicle or anything. According to this path, they are avoiding the major highways, and have probably been walking through the forest since the encounter last night. If they know we are tracking them, they may be hoping we'll follow so they can lead us into a trap. I say we take this time to rest and recover and then decide what course of action we should pursue." "I agree" she said softly after they pondered and before she told him her plan of admitting her mother to the asylum.

As he nodded in agreement to staying by her side a soft smile crossed her lips. When he laid next to her and she placed her head on his chest it felt like home. As he stroked her shoulder, her fingers ran light circles on his chest and quickly found sleep once more.

When she awoke mid morning her arm was wrapped over his chest and her leg was draped over his. For the first time in a long time she felt a sense of peace and calmness. It was quickly diminished when her mother woke and started screaming. With much regret she untangled herself from Desmond and rushed to her mothers side. "It's okay mama, just a bad dream." Placing her hand on her forehead out of pure instinct she said "socair (calm)" and her mother repeated "just a bad dream" and laid back down and closed her eyes.

Without looking back to Desmond, who she knew would have been woken by the ruckus, she said "I'll look up the information to the asylum and make us something to eat. Is there anything you're craving?" Her voice reflected that she was drained of emotion and just going through the basic steps that need to be taken. Getting up she went to her computer and did the search. Picking up her cell she called and set up for them to come in a few hours later and admit her mother.

 

[The Jeffinator]

Desmond watched as Myka tended to her mother, nodding as she started searching online for nearby mental hospitals. He helped her cook their lunch and clean up as best they could in a half-shattered cottage, after which they began packing Miss Jones's essentials into his jeep.

"After we drop her off, we can head to Portland. We can take Soshi with us as well. Is there anything we need to take care of here before we leave?" He watched her sad eyes glide over the destroyed home, coming up behind her and wrapping an arm around her, pulling her back against his chest. "I know this can't be easy, Myka. You've both been through so much in such a short amount of time. I think you're making the right decision with your mother. She'll get the help she needs and we can come back and check on her any time you want."

 

[Perplexia]

"After we drop her off, we can head to Portland. We can take Soshi with us as well. Is there anything we need to take care of here before we leave?"

"Nothing I can't take care of from the road. I can't say I'm eager to face this person or whatever it is that is responsible. We should probably grab the book and anything else that you think might have an aura about it. Since my tracking worked with the necklace and globe we should grab those too."

His arms were such a relief and the calmness of his grip quickly soothed her anxiety.
"I know this can't be easy, Myka. You've both been through so much in such a short amount of time. I think you're making the right decision with your mother. She'll get the help she needs and we can come back and check on her any time you want."

She smiled softly turning in his arms and wrapping hers around him and laid her head on his chest. "I know you're right, I just wish I had time to decompress. But time is of the essence, and we should probably get on the road before she wakes up." Reluctantly she left his arms and headed back in the house to grab the few items she thought of, and pack a bag for her and Soshi.

Myka watched him pick up her mother with gentle ease and take her to the jeep as she took the bags. With one last look at the house she got in the passengers seat with Soshi, and her mother in the back seat with the bags. "I'm ready" she said softly putting her seat belt on.

 

[The Jeffinator]

"Nothing I can't take care of from the road. I can't say I'm eager to face this person or whatever it is that is responsible. We should probably grab the book and anything else that you think might have an aura about it. Since my tracking worked with the necklace and globe we should grab those too."

"Yeah, that's probably a good idea," Desmond agreed. "I know it may seem scary to face this summoner or necromancer or whatever they are, but I'll be by your side the entire time. We'll take care of each other. Prop each other up."

Soon they had Miss Jones and everything they needed in the jeep, and they drove away as the shattered cottage grew smaller in the distance. The hospital Myka had found was in Oceanside, the next town over. It was a nice facility with a great view of the Oregon Coast. Miss Jones had awakened during the admission process, and was once again hysterical. She quickly devolved into a delusional fit as she was now feeling withdrawals from drugs and alcohol and had to be restrained.

"She'll be okay," he said gently, pulling Myka into a tight embrace and kissing the top of her head. "She's in good hands."

They repeatedly thanked the staff at the hospital, sorted out all the final paperwork, and despite Myka's insistence that he needn't pay for anything, Desmond put one of his credit cards on file to fund Miss Jones's treatment for the rest of the year. "It's really okay -- it's the least I can do. You'll be able to focus more on the journey ahead knowing that your mother is taken care of."

After leaving the hospital, they stopped for an early dinner on a cafe patio along the beach, looking out over the crashing waves and the grey sky as a chilly wind rolled in. One of the plus sides of being in the Pacific Northwest during Winter was that it rarely snowed or got unbearably cold. It was often grey and wet and chilly, with the more extreme weather usually only occurring in the higher elevations. Desmond was wearing the same outfit he had from the day before, and despite his bare arms being exposed, he felt perfectly comfortable. There was, of course, the added bonus of his stored Mana regulating his bodyheat.

After they were done eating, they got back on the road. "Feel free to put on some music, the radio has a satellite connection. Though most of the stations I have saved are hard rock or power metal, so if that's not your jam you may want to peruse around a bit."

 

[Perplexia]

"She'll be okay," he said gently, pulling Myka into a tight embrace and kissing the top of her head. "She's in good hands."

Myka smiled softly and hugged him tightly. "We both are"

She found out quickly that Desmond could be quite stubborn. Despite how much she debated with him over his covering her mothers hospital stay he still insisted he do so.

"It's really okay -- it's the least I can do. You'll be able to focus more on the journey ahead knowing that your mother is taken care of."

"my guess is they will eventually convince her the bear beast was in her head" As they sat outside enjoying the solitude of the ocean and ate their meals, she fed Soshi at the same time. "It really is beautiful out here. I'd love to live on an island and fall asleep to the waves, and wake up to them each day."

"Feel free to put on some music, the radio has a satellite connection. Though most of the stations I have saved are hard rock or power metal, so if that's not your jam you may want to peruse around a bit." "I think i'd rather just enjoy the silence if you don't mind. The voices have been rather dormant other than Soshi's million and one questions about where we're going, and how she can't wait till she can eat real food." she let out a light laugh and stroked the kitten.

"I probably haven't said it enough, but thank you for rescuing me in the woods, and your care with my mother. She'll more then likely be in there for a long long time."

 

[The Jeffinator]

"I think i'd rather just enjoy the silence if you don't mind. The voices have been rather dormant other than Soshi's million and one questions about where we're going, and how she can't wait till she can eat real food." she let out a light laugh and stroked the kitten.

"I probably haven't said it enough, but thank you for rescuing me in the woods, and your care with my mother. She'll more then likely be in there for a long long time."
__________________

Desmond smiled as she laughed at Soshi, reaching over with one hand to pet the fuzzy princess as he drove. He then slid his fingers towards Myka's and intertwined them with hers. "I'm glad I was there. I'll stand by your side through all of this, until you don't need me anymore." His hand squeezed her gently, reassuringly.

As they got closer to Portland, they parked at a rest stop to use the restroom and check again for their target. Desmond watched Myka as she placed the globe in her lap while they sat in the jeep and repeated her tracking spell. As before, the path was made clear.

"So it seems our summoner is still in the city. In the northern downtown area...."

The continued on into Portland, eventually finding themselves in front of an old temple. "Whoever they are, they're in that building. Before we go in -- are your voices saying anything?"

https://i.imgur.com/CNCbs5s.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/AwrtKjb.jpg

 

[Perplexia]

"I'm glad I was there. I'll stand by your side through all of this, until you don't need me anymore." His hand squeezed her gently, reassuringly.

She loved the feel of his hand gripping hers. Of course she loved him touching her in general. But he was a gentle giant that she was quite comfortable with.

"So it seems our summoner is still in the city. In the northern downtown area...." "It seems our little summoner feels mighty safe in crowded areas. Hopefully where ever he is he's alone. Other wise it might be a little difficult to .. what are we going to do w/ him?"

"Whoever they are, they're in that building. Before we go in -- are your voices saying anything?" "They say side door, basement, minion. I guess that means he's working for someone else? So we'll need to keep him alive long enough to tell us who hired him?"