Evangeline takes hunters on a field trip to Egypt and runs in to Professor Stevens an ‘old friend’. He accidentally opens up a cursed tomb that should have stayed sealed.
Team Leader Jay had the map upside down, and not able to read a word of it! “You’re going to need a guide, I can’t even read this thing!”
One of the hunters looking at the map, scratches his head. “No, I’m pretty sure we’re here and we gotta go there.” He points. “See? I think that word means bathroom.”
The other hunter, on the other side of Evangeline, shakes his head. “You got it wrong. You don’t know how to read this … whatever language this is.” He smacks the ‘bathroom’ hunter on the head. “Bathroom, my ass.”
Nobody wanted to follow Evangeline on one of her wanderings! That always ended with monsters and Gabriel pissed off! So it was Jay that grumbled “I’ll be back.” stomping off to fetch them a guide!
“Man, I hope he has better luck getting a guide than he did getting a date for that Valentine’s ball last year,” one of the hunters say.
After a few moments Jay returned looking mighty pleased with himself! At his side was a very short man, slightly balding, with big thick glasses and carrying all sorts of maps and equiptment. “I found a guide. This is Professor Stevens from the local institute. Better than those shady looking dudes hanging out outside.”
“Uh … We’re going to leave Evangeline with him?” one of the hunters whispered. He didn’t look like he’d be able to tackle the type of trouble Evangeline often attracted!
Professor Stevens looked completely insulted! “My good sir, I am a professional archeologist and adventurer! And happened to be well associated with Ms. Clark! Er, if she remembers me!”
Someone in the back passes his buddy a $5 bill. He’d bet his friend that Jay wouldn’t come back with a legitimate guide for Evangeline.
Stevie, er, Professor Stevens adjusted his giant glasses. “I did, I did. But the call of the land is too strong for a man like me. I discovered a new tomb, Ms. Clark! It’s proving to be the find of the century! If you were wanting a tour, I’d be elated to show you my dig. It even comes with it’s own curse!”
Jay HEARD that and promptly snatches the fiver for himself. Since they are worried about Evangeline’s saftey, THEY could accompany her!
The guy who was about to grab that $5 looked shocked! “Hey! Give that back!”
Professor Stevens gave an embarrassed cough! “Yes, harumph. Well, that was an explainable incidence! Would you and your… ah… Goodness me, who are these people and this small wee child, Ms Clark!”
“M-mommy!” That’s when Professor Stevens dropped his maps and items, looking shocked, amazed and even a bit disappointed! “Ms. Clark, when did you get married! I had no idea! This is quite the surprise!”
The hunters either nodded and waved at the professor.
Professor Stevens was momentarily blinded by the flash bouncing off his glasses! But in no time he had his items in his hands again. “Well, well, well, I have to say congradulations, but I had hoped you would have married me one day! That is too bad, too bad. I’d like to meet the man that helped spawn such a… protective daughter!”
Jay held back a snort and a laugh! If the man wanted to live, he’d prolly not want to meet Gabriel and mention he wanted to marry Evangeline!
Right, right! The dig! Yes, come with me, ladies! I will show you an ancient find with the most extraordinary artifacts! There isn’t another tomb like it in all of Egypt!” Bustling off with excitement, Professor Stevens quickly managed to get them some camels for transportation, and at Jay’s urging left the Hunters with a location map ‘just in case’. He didn’t get why, but he was thrilled to escort for this trip!
Stevens laughed real loud! “Of course, curses are simply myth and legend! If there were truely a curse on every tomb opened, why all of Egypt would be swimming in plagues and beasts! No, no, I assure you. The tombs are quite safe!”
..Glare, goodness is that the girl’s father? I say, Ms. Clark, tell me about this man you married! Are you even still Ms. Clark? I was hoping we would get married, you know! Now I’m going to be a lonely old man!”
“Poppycock! Too late, indeed! He sounds charming nonetheless, to have won such adoration. I am sure he is quite the gentleman!” With desert all around them in every direction, just ahead was a huge dune with some structure seeming to peek out. There was stone and wood, and it must have been the Professor’s dig! “There we are! Right up ahead, there!”
“This particular tomb is suggesting the holdings of a King! Yet, the dating on the artifacts are much older than any of our previous findings! It is a mystery!” Stuffing his maps away, Stevens pulled out a battery powered lantern, a good long stick, and a small satchel with some of his tools. “Let me show you inside.” He helped guide Evangeline through the entrance, and kept a close eye on what Meri was looking after!
“Thousands and thousands of years! The markings and language on the walls don’t even seem to match any of the ancient Egyptian. Unfortunetly, before we could get a good look at the bottom tombs, there were a few accidents with the workers. All is safe now, of course, but you know how the locals are about curses!” Stevens led them down a narrow corridor. They were passing many empty chambers, and some filled with ancient crates, pottery and other items!
“We did, we did! Sadly, none of them were of this King some of the writings depict, but they must have been quite important individuals for the way they were preserved. The ones that laid them to rest here, most certainly did not want those bodies removed or disturbed!” They had to be deep underground by now, where the tomb finally opened up to a large chamber. There were three solid stone sarcophagus in the center of the room and each had deep and detailed carvings etched in to them.
Professor Stevens just shook his head at Evangeline’s question! “No, no, we haven’t opened the three sarcophagus yet. There was a problem with the men! Oh, but isn’t it a grand place? Here, Ms. Meri take some pictures of this wall!”
“Why, that would be the smell of decay! Several centuries worth I would say! We’re hoping the mummies are still intact within the tombs here!”
“Now Mrs. Clark, there’s no reason to be afraid of mummies. All that curse business is just hocus pocus to scare off fine fellows like myself!” He adjusted his glasses before stopping by the center sarcaphagus. “See? Not a thing to worry about!” He knocked on the top of it!
KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK. The professor’s knocking recieved a reply… from the inside of the sarcophagus!
Stevens jumped back! “My word! There is someone in there! One of those workers must be attempting a prank!” Stevens moved back to the big stone coffin, digging one of his tools out of his bag. He was trying to pry the thing open!
As the stone lid was being pushed one of the walls near the door started shifting! It was closing up fast!
“Now, I know it was a bit chaotic, but there is no reason to start getting supersticious.” He was so busy trying to pry the lid, he couldn’t even hear the door sliding shut! Finally the lid came off with a loud CRASH! “By golly, just look at that thing! As fresh as the day it was burried, no doubt!”
When the lid came down with a crash, so did the door! The entire chamber was sealed! Inside the sarcophagus was a body, wrapped up nice and neat… and looking like it had just been put in there yesterday! …it was even breathing!
“It’s amazing! The preservation is quite astounding! But there’s. Hrrm. It must be deformed, the teeth are quite long.” Professor Stevens was now leaning over the coffin, trying to get a closer look as he flicked one of the teeth!
Just as he flicked, the arms of the mummy swung up to grab the man by the throat! It’s mouth was opening up wide to reveal abnormally long vampire fangs!
The first mummy was crawling out of his coffin with Stevens in his clutches… and now the second sarcophagus’ lid was sliding off. Another fresh looking hand, this one with long claws was peeking out through the opening!
The first vampire let go of Stevens all right! Stevens was throw to the other side of the room so hard, that it knocked the lid off the third sarcophagus! Another mummy, long scary teeth, huge claws… and this one’s eyes were uncovered. Black as night, and he was hungry!
The two mummy vampires that were well out of their coffins hoooowwled such an ear piercing sound that sand from the ceiling was shaken down! The lid from the second one finally crashed over. The vampire inside leaping out to grab Evangeline! The other two were recovering quickly, lashing out with claws at the light-flashing devil!
There was no answer from the professor, only the growling of vampires! Now all three vampires were out of their coffins, and three fresh delicious meals for them to eat! But with the little girl hiding and the professor out cold on the floor, all three were converging on the fighting human with the most sweet smelling blood!
Gabriel: *Gabriel was suddenly standing between Evangeline and the three vampires! He had both guns out and each was aimed at a vampire. He shot two vampires point blank range in the forehead and he did the same to the third.*
It looked like the gunfire had popped their heads right off! But there’s was a sickening crack when the heads lifted back up in the right spot. And they were nasty mad! …Moreso at the sight of Gabriel! Claws grew even longer as all three let out another piercing shriek! They seperated so fast it was a blur, even as they jumped at Gabriel!
Gabriel: *His guns were gone in an instant and then he was jumping out of the way, rolling and landing in a crouched position, his sword in hand. He dashed forward to slice one of the vampires in two.*
“What is… that noise!” Now Professor Stevens was climbing up to his feet, just in time to see three mummy’s jumping after.. “How in the devil did he get in here!” He rubbed at his throat where he nearly had the life squeezed out of him. “None of you are supposed to be in here!”
Those vampires were FAST! The one had moved back so quickly, the only thing sliced was part of his wrappings, leaving a patch of pale white skin showing through! It was diving for Gabriel again, but another was now behind Meri, snatching up the devil by the back of her shirt and baring large fangs!
Gabriel: *The vampire landed on Gabriel but as they rolled, Gabriel kicked out and sent it flying! Then he pulled his gun out and was shooting at the airbourne vampire!*
BLAM! BLAM! BLAM! The airborne vampire jerked with every shot and went crashing to the floor. But it didn’t take more than seconds for the second to take his place, leaping on to Gabriel from behind! The Vampire with Meri didn’t even flinch as he turned to grab Evangeline and fling her against the sealed door! He opened his mouth wide to take a bite out of the devil!
Gabriel: *Gabriel pulled his arm back and began elbowing the vampire on his back repeatedly in the ribs. The vampire refused to let go. He pulled out his knife and threw it at the vampire holding Meri. The knife went right through its mouth and lodged itself deep in its throat! His claws grew and then he reached behind to dig them into the vampire’s neck, deeper … deeper!*
“Now see here! That is no way to treat a lady and child!” Stevens didn’t have a clue what was going on, but there was honor at stake here! He fumbled in to his sack where he pulled out a small pistol! But then there was knives and bloody throats and… he fainted!
CRACK! A knife going right through the vampire’s throat made a horrible sound! He dropped Meri as he stumbled backwards to pull the thing out. The one attached to Gabriel was gurling just as bad with claws lodged in to his neck…But he too had claws! With both hands he was trying to stab them right through Gabriel’s back!
Gabriel: *Gabriel, with a firm hold in the vampire, was trying to throw that vampire off of his back! He pulled and pulled, ignoring the pain as the vampire’s claws found their mark in his back!*
The vampire hissed with glee even after he was finally pulled off of Gabriel! Removing his claws, he started swinging wildly to try and catch him by the throat! He was more elated to see that his two mummy friends were also still alive! The one shot full of holes shambling to help with Gabriel, while the one with a knife still stuck in it’s neck was crawling across the floor and latching on to Evangeline’s leg!
Gabriel: *His eyes narrowed. He was not going down like this and he was not going to see Evangeline and Vlamerias slaughtered in front of him. He closed his eyes and stood still. And waited. That’s when he felt it, that low hum of power, the soft vibrations that were running through, between, these walls. Then something caught his attention. It PULSED. … He needed to find the source of the pulsing. He ran his hand over the wall behind him. The part of the wall he touched sunk in and then there was the sound of stone sliding against stone. A compartment had opened somewhere! Gabriel moved to the center sarcophagus and reached down …*
Deep in the center of the sarcophagus, almost burried by layers of dust and cloth there was an oddly shaped horn! One that those vampires didn’t seem to like him finding! The two jumped at Gabriel at once! The third was over Evangeline and had pried the fighting devil out of her arms to hold up in the air while he pinned the human to take a bite!
Gabriel: *He knew he’d found it–the item that was PULSING–the moment his fingers had brushed the cloth! He grabbed the horn just as the two jumped on him and blew on it before he realized what he was doing! It sounded like a wolf’s howl or a wail, it was hard to tell the difference but it was so strong it shook the walls! The horn dissolved into white mist that disappeared into Gabriel’s nostrils. His eyes flashed red, his fangs grew and then his eyes were dark gray and the fangs were gone.*
The shadows around the room shifted, began to take form and shape. There had to be about a dozen of them, red eyes, bristling black “fur”. They looked like wolves but they were larger, they certainly looked meaner.
All three of the mummy vampires had frozen still at the sound of the horn! Each head slowly turned, tilting to see the dozens of wolves that had appeared. Meri was dropped and Evangeline released as the vampire had returned to it’s feet. All three were skulking backwards looming towards the sealed door!
Professor Stevens sat up slowly again, hearing the horn alarm. Nor scratching his head with his pistol. “…How did these damned wolves get in here! Bollocks!”
Gabriel: *Gabriel stood.* You should have remained asleep for the rest of eternity. Feel the weight of my judgement oblivion.
The wolves pounced as one on the three vampires. Their teeth and claws were sharp and they showed no mercy as they swarmed on the trio!
There was a loud cojoined scream as each of the vampires were pounced, having their fleshed ripped from their bones by the teeth and claws of the wolves! After several moments of eerie wailing, there wasn’t even a scrap of flesh of the trio left when the wolves were through!
… Once the deed was done, the wolves sunk backwards and disappeared into the shadows as if they had never been there.
Once silence fell to the tomb again, Stevens returned to his feet, dusting off his clothes. …and then pointing the gun at Gabriel! “See here! Now explain yourself! I won’t allow the terrorizing of women and children! Mrs. Clark, little Meri are you all right?”
Gabriel: *He was ready to drop to his knees but he reached out and clutched the edge of the sarcophagus. He didn’t seem to hear Stevens either! He shut his eyes. He had just … done something. But he was still Gabriel. Still himself.*
Stevens looked completely startled! “THIS is your husband? This… gunslinging, monster slaying… man! I was expecting someone more.. more… shorter!” He blinked twice at the little girl wagging a finger at him. “Here, here. It’s all right now, child. We’re all safe and sound, not a scratch!”
Vlamerias: *Meri knew that tone well! She skipped over to the Professor and took his hand!* Come on, Professor! Let’s go outside for awhile! *Before he could protest, she was beginning to drag him out!* -Gabriel
“What! No see here. I do intend to be introduced properly! Wait just a minute, now you listen-!” Boy, that little girl had herself one tight grip! Professor Stevens was a bit huffy, but he followed her out the door anyway. “Now small one, I needed to speak with your mother!”
Vlamerias: Don’t worry! You can speak with her after she talks with my [i]Glaër[/i]! They shouldn’t be too long! And she’s a lot safer with him than with anyone else in existence! -Gabriel
To make Meri’s point, the door sealed shut behind them! It seemed that the Professor would, indeed, have to wait! -Gabriel
Stevens grumbled at the closed chamber door and then looked down at the wee girl as if he had no idea what to do with her! Children were strange creatures! “Harrumph! Well then, child what do we do? Should I take you on a tour of this fascinating place or would you like to hear how I met your mother!”
Vlamerias: OOhhh! How about both! I love stories and I want to take more pictures! *She pulled out her camera which, despite what had happened only moments ago, still looked to be in working condition!* -Gabriel
“Well, well! Come this way!” Professor Stevens took Meri to a chamber loaded with crates and ancient artifacts. “Takes this room for example, quite extraordinary. You see, I was a handsome young boy working on my thesis as a volunteer at a dig much like this. Your mother, well, she has this strange tenacity for showing up out of the blue and grumbling at me about curses!”
Vlamerias: *Meri looked around the chamber and snapped pictures while she listened! SNAPSNAPSNAP! She giggled at the picture of her Mommy scolding the Professor!* Have you ever listened to her? -Gabriel
Professor Stevens had to stop and seriously think about it! “Why… yes, of course I have! Mind you, I don’t believe a word of all this curse nonsense. There is logical explinations for these things, but there was this one evening she asked me not to visit the tomb at night, so of course I would not turn down a lady wishing me to stay the evening!” He was quite pleased about that moment, but then he remembered she was married now and was disappointed all over again! “Bollocks! Not to be rude, but I say, that father of yours doesn’t seem her type!”
Vlamerias: *She blinked up at him, once, then twice! He was a funny human so she would humor him!* So … what is her type? -Gabriel
Stevens cleared his throat, puffing up his chest. “A distinguished gentleman for sure. Well versed in history and knowledge. Perhaps not the most handsome man, but makes up for it with wit! A bookish fellow. Not a tall shadowy fellow slinging guns and dressed like a reaper. Say- What does your father DO?”
Vlamerias: *At that question, Meri grinned wide!* Oohh, look a picture of someone! *She skipped over to the wall and snapped a picture of it!* -Gabriel
“See, a prime example of shadey characters!” He pointed at the drawing. “These no doubt depicts quite the wicked fellow. Black is a notorious color for bad omens!” Stevens leaned down to whisper far too loud, “Is he a grave robber? You don’t suppose she came to warn me about her husband coming to rob my tombs and slice the throat of his competition, eh?”
Vlamerias: … Actually, according to Miss Caroline, my Glaër only wears black because he has no fashion sense whatsoever and because he likes the color a lot. She also said there are lots of um … misconceptions about black and about how only superstitious people get caught up in it. -Gabriel
“Clearly your teacher does not have a degree in Cultural History, like myself! For centuries civilizations have associate black and darkness with the coming of doom! Hundreds of years can’t be wrong, you see.”
Vlamerias: *He was a silly human!* So … why aren’t you married already, Professor?
“I had thought I would marry a pretty gentle natured Jewelry Maker once my college career had completed, but now it seems my hopes and dreams for a romance has been burried along with the great Egyptian Kings of old!” He did heave a huge sigh, but it passed just as quickly. “I suppose my work is my mistress, child. There isn’t much room for women when you’re excavating tombs.”
Vlamerias: Um, I guess not. So … why did you start excavating this place?
“I have been looking for the tombs of the great kings of Egypt. Thus particular tomb I stumbled across quite by accident, but it has been an incredible find! …Up until nearly being strangled I can do without that.”
Vlamerias: That’s kind of what you get for opening a tomb of vampires!
Vlamerias: Glaër! Mommy! *Meri smiled and waved!*
Professor Stevens was going to defend himself from the girl, but Mrs. Clark and her very unhappy looking husband had arrived! “Mrs. Clark, your daughter is a delight. Have you and Mr. Clark worked out… your… How DID the man get in there, I insist to know!”
“A promise I took with the upmost respect! Why, for years I’ve done excvations without accident. Clearly this is just one of those off coincidence.” He was completely convinced. Stevens also wasn’t going to let this question go! “Still, that door was seal shut wasn’t it, what sort of man are you, Mr. Clark? That was impressive to say the least.”
Vlamerias: *Meri’s eyes went wide and she tilted her head at the Professor now upside down!*
Vlamerias: He was really nice to us, Glaër! And … he really does love Mommy!
Vlamerias: *She tugs on Evangeline’s sleeve!* Mommy! We have to get you back to those white coats in Oracle. *She points to Evangeline scratching her itch.*
Vlamerias: *Meri blinked once, then twice when Mommy caught her hand! Why didn’t she want Glaër to see? With her free hand, she lifted her camera and took a picture of Mommy! SNAP!*
Vlamerias: I’ll stay with you, Mommy! *She told her and stayed right by her side, holding her hand and taking pictures with her free one!*
The Oracle Doctor that had stepped in the room to chat about bloodwork and results was blinded by a camera flash! He stood there dumbfounded for a moment like a deer in headlights! …he might of been having flashbacks of bad training moments!
The Doctor ahemed, giving that camera weilding devil child a look before he said he needed to have a word with Gabriel first!
Vlamerias: *Meri gave the doctor a wide smile and giggled! Didn’t she look so cute it was easy to forget why you were mad at her in the first place?*
…Darn cute little girls, even cranky old Docs like himself had a weakness for them! Nevertheless, he motioned a finger for Gabriel to step out in to the hall with him!
Vlamerias: Here, Mommy! Let me tell you a story! *She hopped onto the bed next to Evangeline and cleared her throat! Ahem!* A long time ago, there was a demon who fell in love with a vampire … Or she thought it was love …
No one ever wanted to tell Gabriel news concerning Evangeline. At least when it was Gabriel unconscious in bed you didn’t worry about Evangeline trying to shoot you! “The scratch itself is not bad. A minor cut at best. …but… it should have stopped bleeding by now. There are traces of poison or venom, strange stuff. Never seen it before. It is not allowing the blood to clot.” There must have been more, but he was hesitant to say it!
Vlamerias: Um … I don’t think so. The story says it was love but Father says humans are fickle about love and no one really knows what love is, anyways. And then he told me that everyone had different definitions of love so there’s really no way to know for sure.
Vlamerias: *Meri gave a wide grin.* Oh, right. *Ahem!* So … The demon fell in love with a vampire and they had been really lonely until they met each other. Well … Actually the vampire had an important position with other vampires and the demon was well-known ’cause she was strong. So they weren’t really lonely to begin with.
“A bandage might slow the bleeding and her blood will regenerate enough so that loss will not be noticable, but it will continue to bleed. Worse yet, should she recieve other wounds or even a simple bruise, those will also continue bleeding. She could very well bleed dry in minutes.” With the situation, such a poison would be useful for vampires wanting to feed easier! The doctor thought it was extraordinary, if not terrible!
Vlamerias: Okay. So the two of them fell in love and were lonely and stuff but they couldn’t be together. Vampires weren’t allowed to be with non-vampire-creatures and the demon was the familiar of a really powerful vampire no one ever messed with! Um … Not unless you had a death wish or, I guess in a vampire’s case, oblivion wish? Father says vampires aren’t certain if there’s an afterlife for them or not which might explain why they’re so wild and stuff.
“There IS medication for such conditions, but with her penchant for falling off ladders and getting bitten-” Er, he realized that might have been insensitive and changed his tone! “…No it is not contagious. I am fairly certain it is from direct contact from those claws. Because it is a poison, creating an anti-venom is perfectly feasible. …we just… aren’t sure how. We have never seen such a thing before.”
Vlamerias: Usually a familiar can ask the person they bonded with to release them and the person would give their consent. But the vampire the demon was bonded to didn’t like sharing and according to the story, he was a bit on the selfish side. So the demon decided she would take the ultimate risk and force the vampire to release her by unsouping him!
“As long as she does not sustain any more injuries and takes the medication, she will be just fine until an anti-venom is created, I assure you. …but quicker is better.” The doctor was fairly sure they wouldn’t be able to strap Evangeline to a bed and keep her still for however long it took for Gabriel to find a sample!
Vlamerias: *Meri nodded quickly. She was getting caught up in the story, too!* Yes, yes it was! But she was real good at acting and stuff and hiding things. She told her vampire guy about her plan but he wasn’t so sure about it! But the demon was really confident that she was way stronger than her master!
Vlamerias: Ooh … She caught him unawares one night! At least she thought she caught him unawares! And she attacked him! She thought she had everything figured out but then she discovered she’d been betrayed! By her own vampire lover! She was so distraught! She fought back with everything she had but her master knew her better than she’d thought and beat her! Then he punished her!
Vlamerias: Umm … *Meri was silent for a bit.* I think she was trapped in a magic scroll that disappeared a long time ago somewhere in the human world. Not a lot of demons know where the magic scroll is but I think a few of the older devils know.
Vlamerias: I think it was a little of love and a lot of that something else! For the demon and for the vampire!
Vlamerias: *Meri was about to reply when who should show up!* Hello, Glaër!
Vlamerias: *Vlamerias blinked once, then twice, then looked around the apartment! Something serious was going on here!*
Vlamerias: I can bring him, Mommy! *She rubbed her hands together really fast!* Um, I just need your help again! *She paused.* Oh! But will Glaër like me bringing him here to the apartment?
Vlamerias: *She nodded in agreement! Yes, Mommy’s safety came first! Glaër always said so!* Okay, Mommy! Give me your hands and think about Stevie then!
Vlamerias: *She shut her eyes and focused really hard! She was really clenching her teeth when she finally heard … snoring! She opened one eye, and then another! Stevie was asleep on the floor between her and Mommy!* Yay! It worked! It worked it worked it worked!
Snooring away, Professor Stevens had no idea he was anywhere other than his own delightful bed! He was even cuddling his bag!
Vlamerias: *She was leaning over him! She’d never seen a human so friendly with his belongings!* Um, Mommy, does Stevie miss his mommy?
Vlamerias: Yes, Mommy! *She skipped away to start the tea! After she got the kettle beginning to boil, she was skipping all over the kitchen to get out tea cups and the sugar and some cream and some cakes!*
SnoooreCOUGHCOUGH Huwaah? Professor Stevens sat up with a confused snort, blinking wearily at his surroundings. “By George. This is not the hotel!”
“You have a home in Egypt?” Stevens got up off the floor with some help from Evangeline, admiring the… simplicity of the place! “Mrs. Clark, I do believe you’re bleeding? That was a rather close call in that tomb back there. Here, here let me find some bandages in my bag. Where IS that husband of yours? I swore I saw him just a moment ago.”
Vlamerias: *Meri was humming to herself while she set everything up! She’d seen Mommy do it countless times already and she’d told her how!*
“Why of course! Never have a met a more amiable lady. Here, sit down and I’ll tend to that.” Professor Stevens had out a small first aid kit and ushered Evangeline in to a kitchen chair. “Your husband is a very fascinating man. How DID he get in that tomb whilst the doors were sealed?”
Vlamerias: The tea is ready, Mommy! *She exclaimed when the kettle started whistling! She scooted a stool over to the stove to boost her up so she could switch the heat off.*
Professor Stevens replaced her bandage with a nice fresh new one. Then he was wagging a finger at her to stay put while he stepped in to the kitchen to help that adorable little girl! “I admit, that was extraordinary circumstance. But curses? Too often people blame curses for their own errors of misjudgement! I refuse to live in fear!”
Vlamerias: Thank you! *Meri said when the Professor took the kettle off of the stove and began pouring it into the cups!* What kind of tea would you like, Stevie? Mommy has lemon, earl grey, peppermint and orange!
Professor Stevens answered Earl Grey before he started coughing and turning red! The woman had him there! “Now see here. I might have been a bit excited to see the contents. Find of the century after all!”
Vlamerias: Okie dokie! *She slipped the earl gray tea bag into one cup and turned to Mommy!* Mommy, what flavor would you like?
Giving the child a plate of cakes to carry, Professor Stevens brought over the tray of tea and cups. What a find display the little girl made! Proper English Tea! “…I believe I understand what you mean now, Mrs. Clark.” Stevens sat down, looking a bit put out with himself. “This is my life’s work, I don’t believe I can stop doing it all together. These creatures do present a problem for conducting historical research…”
Vlamerias: *Meri made very sure that she carried those cakes nice and steady! She placed them on the table and patted the Professor on the arm when he put the tea and cups down.* It’s okay, Stevie.
The shadows behind Gabriel lengthened, began to take form.
Professor Stevens took a sip of tea, and what tea it was!, while he nodded his head. “Perhaps… perhaps I should. If at least for your sake. I do believe I would have felt regrettably bad if something had happened to your or your daughter. I do apologize! I’d like to make amends to you and your husband. When will the man be returning home?”
“I will not be able to find it … I will fail Evangeline … I will fail the only woman I have ever loved … No! No, I have not. I did not put her in danger. He did. It was the Professor …”
Vlamerias: *Meri took a piece of cake and nibbled on it!* Hmm!
“I’m fighting so hard to keep in control … But why. It’s so much easier if I stop fighting. If I do what I know must be done, such as punish the human who put her in danger …”
“Good man! Wew you my wife, why I’d gut any fellow that let harm come to you!” …that’s when Stevens swallowed! He supposed, there was a chance Mrs. Clark’s husband might do just that. He saw what he did to those mummies!
Behind the Professor, a shadow lengthened and took form! A black wolf-like creature with glowing red eyes! It approached the Professor slowly!
Professor Stevens had no idea what Mrs. Clark was talking about! Did she mean him? “What now? What is it? Is there something-” He turned to look behind him. Good gravy, there was a shadowy wolfbeast! And here he thought mummies were the worst of things! “Stand back, ladies! I will handle this wolf!”
Vlamerias: *Meri was turning to say hi to–Her eyes grew wide But she stayed where she was!* Eep! *She gulped!* Mommy … I don’t think he’s … well.
The shadow crouched down and looked ready to pounce but didn’t move! It was difficult to say whether it was staying still for Evangeline or just to play with them.
The shadow wolf seemed to tense up as Evangeline approached but its eyes moved from her to Stevens. It didn’t seem very … convinced.
Stevens was a bit shocked, but this time he was doing as he was told! “This beast is from your husband? Curious thing!” …he gulped pretty loud! She did say her husband was talented… and very mad! “You know… Perhaps I should apologize to the man in person!”
The wolf-beast looked beyond Evangeline to Stevie and its eyes glowed a brighter red! Its gaze met Stevie’s and the Professor suddenly felt more tired than he could ever remember feeling! A nap sounded just perfect right about now!
He wasn’t going to fall asleep and fail Mrs. Clark again! No he was… he was…. he was tilting off his chair and now snoozing on the floor!
The wolf suddenly sunk into the floor! The shadow moved across the room and took shape behind Stevie! Then it was grabbing him by the collar of his shirt and dragging him into the darkness!
Caroline: *It was so nice to get an afternoon without Dark or Alistair. Then plan was to have a bit of tea, then go out for the evening and have a little fun. But here came the wee familiar, a very complicated and confusing story, and…. one heavy sigh from Caroline.* …In -Egypt- with shadow wolves…? Are you sure?
Caroline: Then there is something wrong. *Caroline was muttering under her breath. Mostly about Gabriel being a very dense man with no common logic for such a ‘hero’, then she was pulling a pin out of her pocket and pricking her finger. She was summoning Dark.* Will you be able to take us to Gabriel, Vlamerias?
Dark: *Dark was having a really nic e nap so when he lifted his head and found himself lying on one of the cafeteria tables–he was not a happy vampire!* Crap, what is it now, Caroline? *He sat up and yawned.* You said I could take the day off. Not unless you and that bastard thought up more sadistic ways to punish me.
Dark: Fetch him? And who the hell is this Stevie guy? Man, I can’t even leave you guys for a day or two before shit starts happening. *He swung his legs off of the table and jumped off.*
Caroline: *Caroline didn’t even look symapthetic to be ruining Dark’s afternoon!* I need you to help me. As a favor for Evangeline. That won’t be a problem, I hope?
Dark: *He blinked, then scowled. This is what he got for showing he had a soft spot for Evangeline. Everytime shit happened, all Caroline had to do was tell him how it related to Evangeline and he was stuck. He huffed.* Fine. But only ’cause it’s for Evangeline and I can always catch up on my rest later.
Caroline: Yes, let us go bag Evangeline’s husband before he murders that stupid Professor. *A wide grin as she dropped her hands in to her pockets… Preparation to pull out one of her spells, just in case Gabriel was in a dangerous state of mind!*
Dark: *He was rolling up his sleeves.* Let’s get this over with.
Caroline: Dark goes in first. It should allow him to step inside. *That’s what she was counting on anyway. Caroline gave him a nudge to start moving. There weren’t many places in the world that gave off off auras like this one did.* Vlamerias, it’s best for you to stay out of sight and take that Professor the moment there is a chance. The rest Dark and I will handle.
Dark: Gee, thanks. *He muttered as he led the way. It figured Caroline would find a reason to thrust him in first.*
Dark: *Dark really didn’t like the feel of this place. It was giving him goosebumps and there was that feeling of being watched. But as he approached the entrance nothing happened and then he strode inside and there was still nothing. He saw a few sarcophagi but they were empty and no sign of Gabriel.* I think he might be further down or something.
Caroline: *Careful wasn’t what she had in mind. Caroline considered herself Gabriel’s friend, even if he did not realize. And friends did not let other friends neglect their wives, no matter how deviently powerful they might be. If she had to, she’d hit him in the face and then hide behind Dark. It was an evil, but funny thought.* Keep going, then. I suspect he’s looking for something here, otherwise he would have just gone to strangle the Professor personally.
Dark: *He rolled his eyes but huffed and continued. There was a doorway open at the back and it led down a flight of steps. No source of light until they reached the bottom and then there was a long narrow corridor lined with torches.* This feels like something out of an Indiana Jones movie.
Caroline: You’re watching too much television, Dark. *There were markings on the walls. Old script and pictures. Strange how some of them looked vaguely familiar to Dark. The language, though, was too old for her to make out. It wasn’t even Egyptian.* I’d love to know what that Professor was digging up down here. I don’t think we know the entire story.
Before Dark could take another step forward, the shadows along the walls shifted. They were not alone! But instead of the shadow wolf-beasts, mummies dressed in rags rose from the darkness on the ground! Servants by the look of them forced to guard the tomb for all eternity!
Caroline: *Shadow mummies? Caroline readjusted the sort of spells she would have to use, clamping one of her hands on the back of Dark’s shirt to keep him nearby. She didn’t intend to use him as a shield – not literally – but it was easier to cast offensive spells when the target didn’t see them coming.* Looks like he opened up something pretty nasty. …are these from the tomb or Gabriel?
Vlamerias: *Meri bit her lip and looked from one mummy to another!* Um … um … I … I can’t tell! I think they’re from the tomb but they have [i]Glaër[/i]’s aura signature but … different, too.
Dark: Shadow mummies or not. I intend on slicing through them and giving that bastard a piece of my mind! *He tensed, ready for a battle! He was going to drag that asshole kicking and screaming back to Evangeline if he had to.*
Caroline: *This was like Mother all over again! Evangeline could have picked a better man to love!* Only one sure way to know. ….[i]GABRIEL[/i]. Your wife sent us!
Caroline: *This was like Mother all over again! Evangeline could have picked a better man to love!* Only one sure way to know. ….GABRIEL. Your wife sent us!
Gabriel: *Caroline’s shout echoed down the corridor and through the darkness until it reached the lone figure kneeling in the middle of a room. He lifted his head, the gold gaze darkening to gray.* … Caroline. Evangeline. *The shadow mummies were beginning to advance but suddenly they stopped and parted, leaving an open space right down the middle of the corridor.*
Caroline: *She warily watched the mummies part way for them. That was a good sign. Caroline nudged Dark to move forward before the things changed their mind!*
Dark: … Guess that answers your question. *He muttered. then she was pushing him forward and he started walking, glancing from side to side. Those shadow mummies were awfully still now, eyeless holes staring back at him. They got to the end without incident.*
Caroline: *Once they stopped, she was looking carefully around to be aware. She signalled Vlamerias behind her back to get to her task!* Gabriel, your wife would like to know why you’re still here. Stealing humans. Making her worry.
Gabriel: *Gabriel was standing, his back to them.* I did not mean to make her worry. But there are things best kept secret from her. I told her he had to be punished. He had no idea what he unleashed, what he may have set into motion.
Caroline: Vlamerias tells me that Evangeline had already worked it out with the human. *Caroline stepped out from behind Dark so she could ease herself around to the other side of the tomb. No sight of the Professor yet, and if they didn’t bring him back in one piece, Evangeline might cry. That would be unpleasant.*
Gabriel: …. There is poison coursing through her blood. It will not clot. It will continue to bleed. The doctors have never seen such a poison before. To heal Evangeline, they need a sample of the poison but I slaughtered the vampires without mercy. I have not found another sample since.
Caroline: Ah. …I see. *That pretty much explained the entire thing. …If they found the Professor alive, he would be one lucky bastard. It also meant Gabriel was likely hanging on a thread of sanity! He didn’t seem to handle these situations well!* Is bringing the Professor here going to heal Evangeline? *She asked carefully… keeping an eye on Vlamerias! *
Gabriel: His being here is justice, Caroline. I am here in the hopes of healing Evangeline. *There was a bitter smirk.*
Caroline: Will justice heal Evangeline? I am under the impression that she nearly came here herself to fetch that Professor. She might still do it if we don’t return. *Caroline nudged Dark. If Gabriel would continue to speak with her, than Dark could help Vlamerias find that Professor. It may be easier for him to see through Gabriel’s spells. ….If he at had the sense to pick up her hinting!*
Dark: *Dark looked at Caroline and finally got the hint! He scowled! He hated bailing stupid humans out of trouble! He moved closer to Meri and took her hand.*
Gabriel: Her Professor will be fine as long as I find that poison. I lose Evangeline. He will beg to lose his life.
Caroline: Then we should be looking for that poison instead of speaking, shouldn’t we. What are we looking for? *He sounded so calm. Even his aura felt calm. At least from this outward perspective. Anyone would think he knew exactly what he was saying and doing. …But Evangeline didn’t feel the same way, or they would not be here now!* There are a lot of chambers in this place.
Dark: *Dark was looking around. He had a feeling the Professor wasn’t here, although that asshole could have hidden him anywhere. He cocked his head out of the room and began leading Vlamerias out. They’d search elsewhere for the human.*
Gabriel: *Gabriel walked away from Caroline to the wall and raised a gloved hand, brushing his fingers over the symbols. He had seen things while wandering this place, bits and pieces, flashes of things that could have been memory, imagination, or the influence of this tomb.* … A bowl, fashioned into a pair of fanged harpies, facing away from each other. A bowl carved of stone, black stone. The tears of a fallen angel when heaven and earth were torn asunder.
There were many chambers in the tombs. And all of them had the pictures and writings on the wall. Some even contained old rotting away crates, clay jars, and interesting knick-knacks. This must have been the first time anyone has been inside the tomb since the time it was sealed! -Caroline
Vlamerias: *Meri looked up at Dark but then followed. She looked around at everything, began to search everywhere.* Dark … Do you think the Professor is alright? *It almost felt wrong to talk out loud here, as if she would disturb someone. But she just had to know.*
Dark: *He had to think about that.* Um … I think he’s … alive. But I don’t know about alright … *He had to admit.* I mean, Gabriel probably scared the hell out of him and everything. *He quickly added, realizing how Meri would take it. He patted her on the head.* Let’s just concentrate on finding him.
Gabriel: *He looked down and took his glove off. There was the binding mark and the wedding ring.* … Indeed. *The shadows still shifted around him. He put the glove back on, walked out of the room to go looking in another chamber.*
Vlamerias: *She smiled and nodded.* Right. *As they continued looking, she squeezed his hand and made him stop.* Um … What about Mommy? Do you think Mommy will be okay too?
Dark: Sure, she will. Look how many people she’s got– *Dark suddenly broke off. A sudden image struck him. One he didn’t understand himself but it was so powerful, he dropped to his knees and cried out loud enough to alert Caroline and Gabriel! His eyes rolled back and then he began to convulse!*
Vlamerias: *Meri kneeled down beside him!* Oh no! Glaër! Lady Caroline! Come quick! It’s Dark! Dark, please stop!
Gabriel: *Gabriel stood on the other side of Dark.* … He has to leave. *He cut his palm and cast a spell before touching a finger to Dark’s forehead. Dark’s body tensed and then suddenly relaxed. He was unconscious but at least he had stopped convulsing. The shadows shifted and a shadow wolf-beast walked toward them dragging an unconscious Professor after it.* Vlamerias, take the Professor back to Evangeline and take Dark with you. And tlel her what you know about her condition.
Gabriel: *tell
Amazingly enough, the Professor was sound asleep and unscathed!
Evangeline: *Evangeline had been curled up in a chair, twirling a piece of yarn around her fingers!* Meri! Thank goodness… Is he- …What is the matter with Dark? *She moved to check on him! The Professor seemed unarmed, and that was a relief! But if Gabriel and Caroline were still gone…* -Caroline
Gabriel: This is an old place with many memories. *He replied, standing.* And I still have a bowl to find. *He began searching the room. The wolf-beast disappeared into the darkness.*
Vlamerias: Um … We were walking through the rooms trying to find the Professor when he suddenly stopped and began jerking around! I had to call [i]Glaër[/i] and Lady Caroline but I think he’s just asleep now!
Evangeline: *Chewing on her bottom lip, she was not sure how she felt about Caroline being alone with Gabriel. She always brought up things she didn’t want to bother Gabriel about, and he was stressed enough as it is!* We better get him to a bed or sofa until Gabriel comes home. Will he be back soon? -Caroline
Evangeline: *That certainly explained why the blasted thing wouldn’t stop bleeding! …of course now she was really mad at him! If he would have told her, she could reassure him! Instead he cuts himself from her where she can’t give him any comfort while he’s looking!* I see. Lets put these two somewhere comfortable while I decide how mad I will be at Gabriel. -Caroline
Gabriel: *He began searching. Not even those shadow beasts knew where the bowl was or they would have brought it to him by now. It would be logical for the bowl to have been in the sarcophagi but it hadn’t been. Perhaps the bowl was hidden by some spell or warded off.*
Evangeline: Lets put Stevie on the Sofa and we’ll give Dark a bed! Then you and I can have some cake! -Caroline
Evangeline: *Her condition! Evangeline couldn’t help but smile!* Then we will let you do the cutting and I will sit still. -Caroline
Evangeline: *Evangeline was now imagining Meri doing some very crazy things with a simple kitchen knife! She was unsure if this was amusing or simply dangerous!* …Perhaps some ice cream might be a safer endeavor, and I won’t have to hide myself in the bathroom? -Caroline
Gabriel: *Gabriel searched for secret passageways or hidden doors of some sort. Anything that might open a small cache if not a room to hide something so important. A black bowl of obsidian. That must have been considered more important than the things he’d come across so far so it must be in a place all its own.*
Evangeline: That would be delicious, yes! *Evangeline slid in to a chair at the kitchen table, so Meri could fetch things and not worry about her. …In the meantime, she was trying to reach out against Gabriel, even for a small hint of him! She should be there with him!* -Caroline
Gabriel: Obsidian. Hidden by wards. *When Caroline mentioned the ‘right words’, he hesitated but necessity won out. They needed the bowl. This was for Evangeline. He recited the words, using the same language as the one on the walls around them.*
The marble gave a dim glow before it completely blinked out. It turned black, sucking up all of the light around it that it almost looked like a black hole in the middle of space. At first it didn’t move but it shifted quickly, circling around Gabriel several times before seeming indecisive on where it was going. -Caroline
Evangeline: Just one will be fine. *She was resting her chin in her hand again, getting a bit lost in concentration. How long would he keep her away? She hadn’t gotten persistent yet, but she was wanting to..!* -Caroline
Gabriel: *Gabriel’s thoughts were elsewhere! He could feel Evangeline prodding at him, could feel her worry.* … Evangeline.
Rolling in on itself, the blacked out marble got the picture. Darting back and forth, first it started at the ceiling, then it scooted along the walls as quick as it could be. Seeming to sniff something, it suddenly darted down one of the tomb corridors and right through a sealed wall! -Caroline
Evangeline: *Finally! She wanted to shake him and maybe scold him, but she didn’t have the heart to! Don’t fear so deeply? I promised I would be here forever. She blinked, nodded her head at Meri’s question almost not catching it at all!* -Caroline
Vlamerias: *Meri made Evangeline’s ice cream with cookie bits, then made a BIG bowl of ice cream and cookie chunks for her!*
Gabriel: Yes, you did. But there are countless things that seek to do otherwise. *Caroline was at the sealed wall. He walked up to it only to turn around and start walking away from it. He was looking for something … He found it on the floor in the center of the corridor. He pressed his hand against it and the tile sunk in. The sealed door opened!*
Evangeline: *Evangeline had a napkin and was folding it while she thought. It doesn’t matter. I promised. You will let me stay with you, until you come home?* -Caroline
The door opened up to show a new chamber. It was narrow and dark. And sloped downwards very deep! The air was frosty cold, and strange for the desert! -Caroline
As the corridor stretched down and the air became colder, the walls and ceiling came closer together. When they finally met, only leaving room to barely crouch through, there was a small door with sigil. Something familiar and yet never seen before. -Caroline
Evangeline: *Once Meri was sitting at the table and there was ice cream, she took at bite! It was simple and meaningless, but wonderfully sweet. A feeling of normalcy she shared with him to ease his worries! It would make YOU feel better if you did. Admittedly, herself too. But she was more worried about him than anything else.* -Caroline
The blackend marble popped out from the sigil only to pop back in again. The spell at work still beckoning for him to follow. Meanwhile, the wards at work did not like the intrusion. Shadows were rising up at the beginning of the corridor blocking off the means to get out! -Caroline
It glowed bright red in the darkness, lighting up hidden symbols on the sigil that were not carved in to the door. Lines and pieces that looked so similar to his binding marks! Inside, it wasn’t large enough to be a room of chamber, just a crawl space. The black marble orb was now hovering above something wrapped in a well preserved wolf fur. But as the door slid open, the shadows at the other end of the corridor were rushing forward! They were like a vacuuming of wind trying to shove the intruders towards the tiny chamber and trap them inside! -Caroline
The door was trying to close, but the wards were so strong it was competeting against it! Along with the strong wind now came an ear piercing wailing! A shriek much like the one the three vampire mummies had made! -Caroline
Vlamerias: *Meri was enjoying her ice cream with its cookie chunks!* Mommy, are you okay? You’re really quiet. -Gabriel
Vlamerias: * She reached over to pat Evangeline’s hand.* It’s okay, Mommy! I’ll go check on Dark and the Professor! *She hopped off the chair and skipped into the living room to check on the Professor first!* -Gabriel
Like the spell cast on the marble, the transport spell also was confused! There seemed to be two different factors working against each other with the same voice! It almost seemed like the spell didn’t work at all when WHOOOSH! Both Gabriel and Caroline dropped in to… the middle of the Atlantic Ocean! A midway point between New York and Egypt! …and it seemed the spell didn’t take them there alone. That wailing wind was there also, kicking up waves and a storm!
Caroline: *Landing in the ocean was the last thing SHE was expecting! But Caroline still had a grip on her ribbon, which meant she still had Gabriel on a leash! She tried casting her own spell again. …No luck! Something wasn’t letting her move them anywhere!* What did you DO in that tomb?!
Caroline: Great! That’s Great! *That was BAD! Here one couldn’t imagine Gabriel being any stronger than he always was! But unless she wanted to drown, she’d have to think about that later! She couldn’t transport them out, but she could still cast other spells! Caroline cracked at least three of her marbles, summoning up a smallish but at least decent sized boat to get them out of the water!* Nothing I do will let me do it TO you or WITH you. That is some ward!
The wailing shadow that seemed to hover high above them, was relentless! They had what it guarded, and it clearly wouldn’t stop until they were dead! Ocean waves were kicking up even higher, threatening to take the boat down to the sea floor before they could even get in it. And to capsize it to pieces even after they did!
Vlamerias: *After making sure the Professor was alright, she skipped into Mommy’s room to check on Dark! He was still asleep but at least he could finally take his nap!* They’re alright and still asleep, Mommy! *She said as she skipped back into the kitchen.*
Caroline: …and then tell your wife I left you in the middle of the ocean? *The vial disappeared in to her jacket, and she cut loose her ribbons. Unlike Dark, Gabriel was a grown man and could handle his own affairs. …most of the time.* Do not. Do [i]not[/i] do anything that will make that woman cry. *Caroline pulled her pin, pricked her finger and recited her spell. Without the added presence of Gabriel, she poofed! Gone! Leaving him alone in the middle of the ocean while she returned to Oracle on a very important mission.*
Caroline: …and then tell your wife I left you in the middle of the ocean? *The vial disappeared in to her jacket, and she cut loose her ribbons. Unlike Dark, Gabriel was a grown man and could handle his own affairs. …most of the time.* Do not. Do not do anything that will make that woman cry. *Caroline pulled her pin, pricked her finger and recited her spell. Without the added presence of Gabriel, she poofed! Gone! Leaving him alone in the middle of the ocean while she returned to Oracle on a very important mission.*
Vlamerias: Dark said he was trying to take a nap when Caroline summoned him. Do you want to take a nap, too, Mommy? Or you could tell me a story, if you want to stay up!
Vlamerias: Um … Oohh! Tell me the story about how and Glaër met! Pretty pretty please! I love listening to it!
Dark: *Meanwhile Dark opened his eyes and looked around! Where the hell was he? And what the hell had happened? He held his head which was still throbbing. He remembered going to Egypt, hunting down Gabriel and looking for that Professor of Evangeline’s … but after that, it was a blank. Kind of like when he’d woken up and met Caroline.*
Vlamerias: *As Mommy told the story, Meri began cleaning up! First she put all the dishes into the sink and wiped the table down with the special wipes Evangeline had shown her. The ones that killed bacteria and stuff! They couldn’t let people get sick eating infected food!*
Caroline: *Dropping off a vial to the Oracle doctor was easy work. Waiting around and looking intimidating was also easy work. But after a bit, the doctors had her leave. ‘Can’t decipher a cure with someone hovering’ they said. Shooed away, Caroline transported herself to Evangeline’s apartment. At least she can keep an eye on the Seer.*
Vlamerias: *She turned and waved!* Hello, Warrior Lady! Would you like some tea? I can make you some! Then you can share some good news with Mommy! *Because her Mommy needed it!*
Caroline: No tea, but thank you. Gabriel will return in a few moments, he only has to take care of something first. The doctors are handling what you need, so for the love of all that’s holy, stop making that expression.
Dark: *Dark got to the doorway and followed the voices to the living room and the kitchen.* Good. Everyone’s here. Hey, can I have some ice cream?
Vlamerias: I’ll get you ice cream, Dark! Mommy says it’s a hostess’ duty to take care of her guests! *She whipped out a bowl, an ice cream scooper, and the ice cream!* Mommy, Stevie is waking up!
Dark: It’s about time. I was beginning to think we’d dragged his butt back for nothing. *He sat down at the table.*
Caroline: *Caroline rest a hand on Dark’s head… she was snooping! Didn’t quite trust what Gabriel was up to when it concerned Dark.* How do you feel? Beyond surley and unreasonable?
Professor Stevens was yaaaaaaawning and stetching. Blinking wearily at his surroundings. What a strange dream. He needed to get more rest!
Dark: Would you cut that out? *He muttered, trying to wave her hand away. He had a feeling he knew what she was doing!* … I’m fine, okay. I just blacked out. That’s all I remember after taking Meri with me.
Vlamerias: *She served up Dark’s ice cream and then skipped over to the Professor!* Hello, Stevie! How are you? Did you enjoy your nap?
Professor Stevens scratched his head. “Why… I do believe I did! Haven’t been that rested since my college days on those day-after all night benders!”
Dark: *He blinked and looked up at Caroline.* … Uh, thank you. *He said slowly, not because he didn’t mean to show gratitude but because he never felt comfortable about it.* Yeah, I did.
Dark: *about showing
Vlamerias: *Meri smiled brightly!* Yay! I’m glad. Would you like something to eat? You must be famished now.
Caroline: I’m glad you slept well. I spent a lovely afternoon with Gabriel wishing you were there. *Caroline didn’t care how that sounded! It was truth whether she was teasing or not! She just replaced that hand on his head… if he didn’t remember ANY thing, then there was just limitless things Gabriel had hidden concerning that tomb!*
“Why yes! I could eat the entire buffet at Old Edmond’s!” The professor rose to his feet to follow Meri. “Guests! How delightful! Ah, I see your husband is back! How did your work go, Mr. Clark?”
Dark: *He gave her a sideways glance, or tried to anyways with her hand on his head. He really didn’t remember anything after finding Gabriel and taking Vlamerias to look for the human. He’d just blacked out, that’s all. It was probably the lack of sleep and all that training that asshole and Caroline had put him through.*
Vlamerias: *She giggled and skipped over to the fridge!* No turkey, though! Mommy says turkey makes you sleepy!
Dark: *He blinked. His SON?! He was about to say something but then he shut it.* … Hi.
“Son and teacher?” Professor Stevens adjusted his glasses. First to give a hard stare at Dark and then to take a look at Caroline. “I say! You look just like your father! What family genes! How old are you, boy? 14? ….Mrs. Clark! How in the devil’s name did you have a son this old and not tell me?!”
Caroline: ….*That is when Caroline started lauging and couldn’t seem to stop!*
Dark: *Dark looked about ready to attack something! He started eating his ice cream instead.*
Stevens was quite flabberghasted! He had to sit himself down to think! “My word, I do believe you are right! These curses are dangerous.” He learned to whisper at Evangeline, once again far too loudly. “That name, though… Mrs. Clark, I boy should have a more proper name than Dark. Is it a nickname?”
Vlamerias: *Meri made the Professor a hot bowl of mac and cheese with a mayo, lettuce, and tomato ham sandwich and a cup of chocolate milk!*
Caroline: *Caroline had almost stopped laughing, but the professor’s question had her snickering again. She was forced to step away and get some of that tea after all!*
Dark: *He was ready to launch himself across the table and give the human a good beating!*
Dark: *Ice cream! Focus on the ice cream! … He finally shot a glare at the Professor!* Don’t you have a plane to catch back to Egypt or something?
“Why, thank you little miss! This is a fine dinner for one made by such a small girl!” Professor Stevens was indeed famished, and happily ate! But he was also pretty interesting in Dark now! “A plane? I dare say I do, but getting to spend the evening with your mother is always such a pleasure. Why, had things gone differently, I might have been your father!”
Caroline: *And now Caroline was choking on her tea. THAT was going to get the good professor in trouble!*
Vlamerias: *She giggled!* Silly Professor!
Dark: *He finished his ice cream and then he stood. At this rate, he’d much rather be in Egypt, hunting down that asshole then getting stuck tolerating this idiot.*
“Silent like the old man too, I see. Say, what is his private tutor for? Is he learning the family business?” He said ‘family business’ like it was some sort of super secret organization. …as far as he was concerned, it was!
Dark: *Dark looked at Meri.* I think this guy’s watched too many movies.
Vlamerias: *Meri looked back at Dark and giggled.* I think so! But he’s funny!
Dark: I’m out of here. *He turned and started stalking out. Any longer and Evangeline would be angry at him for assaulting a ‘guest’!*
Caroline: …I wouldn’t walk out of this apartment when your mother needs the company, Dark. *At least she had stilled her laughing and said it was a straight face and an even tone.* Why don’t you show the professor what you can do instead of leaving. *That might let Dark get a little bit out of his system, and teach this halwit of a professor to be more wary!*
Stevens looked very interested! “Yes, what CAN the boy do? I suppose having a psychic mother and a …. Mrs. Clark what IS with your husband, I don’t believe you have told me yet!”
Dark: *He stopped and smirked. Now they were talking.* What I can do, huh. Get a taste of this. *His fangs grew and he bit his tongue. Then he lifted a hand to conjure a fireball and launched it at the Professor! … It suddenly disappeared before it hit the man but it had been so close, his eyebrows were probably singed! The fireball reappeared in Dark’s hand and he tossed it up and down. Ordinarily, magic was forbidden here but Gabriel hadn’t placed absolute wards so in his absence, a select few could cast spells just in case of an emergency.*
Vlamerias: *She smiled and clapped!* Yay! That was incredible control!
There was a loud GWAAARGH from the Professor as he lift up his arms and a leg to shield himself… but he came out in one piece. “That IS amazing, boy! Why I near felt the very blood in my veins start to boil! Have you ever tried conjuring up rabbits or foxes?” Now the professor was getting up trying to poke at Dark’s fireball.
Dark: *Dark sighed and made the fireball disappear.* Look. Evangeline married a vampire. And I’m pretty sure you realize he’s not the type of guy to take lightly.
Dark: It beats all of this trying to hide some stuff and tell him others. He’s going to get himself killed. I just hope Evangeline isn’t around when he does.
Vlamerias: *Vlamerias patted Evangeline on the arm.*
“Vampire!” Stevens looked a little shocked. Confused… and then in total disbelief. “Impossible! Why, even with these creatures real, how does a vampire keep a human wife and not eat her?” He stopped to look at Evangeline. “…you are still human, aren’t you, Mrs. Clark?” He hadn’t thought she may not be! She could be a vampire bride!
Caroline: *Caroline had a cup of tea in hand, and with the other she chucked a bread roll at Dark’s head. One would think he understood the need to keep his mouth shut, with Evangeline claiming him as her son and all!*
Vlamerias: Don’t worry, Stevie! Mommy is well taken care of! Glaër takes care of her and he even made her this great place to live in! She has lots of friends and she’s going to make sure you’re safe when you go look at tombs and stuff!
Dark: *Dark caught the bread roll and shot Caroline a sidways glance. Humans were always trying to hide things from each other and then they wondered why everything got confused when their lies ended up biting them in the ass!*
“Now see here, woman! I am not some shmuck that would turn his back to a dear friend because she married a vampire! What you marry is your own business!” Professor Stevens was a bit offended! He thought of himself as a great man! “I will keep your secret to the grave as well as consider my actions more carefully. For the sake of your children, most assuredly!”
“Good Grief, lets not have threats, Mrs. Clark. By the life of me, do you children know what this woman does when she gets angry? Tickles to Death! You might think it’s all in fun, but it can severely asphyxiate a man!”
Vlamerias: *Meri giggled! Stevie was fun to have around! Mommy would be really sad if something bad happened to him! She hoped Ms Grey would send someone with Stevie to keep him safe!*
“Near to death! For such a tiny lady, she has an inhuman ability to cling and sit on someone! I had never cried so much in my life! For what? Reading a scroll! I read a scroll, we were trapped in a room and she tried to kill me!” Professor Stevens was obviously teasing now, just by the way he would take a peek to make sure it was working!
Caroline: M’lady you look tired. Would you like me and Dark to escort your friend somewhere dark and uninhabited so you might get some rest?
Dark: I’ve got a few places in mind I can drop his ass at.
Dark: *Dark was about to say something about her only wanting to keep him around because of his resemblance to Gabriel but he shut his mouth and realized friends didn’t kick their friends when they’re down. Evangeline was down and he wanted to help her out.* Eh, sure. Shouldn’t be too long before he hauls his butt back here anyways.
Vlamerias: We could put on a fashion show for Mommy! Or Dark can tell her stories!
Caroline: *Caroline moved behind Professor Stevens and rest a hand on his shoulder.* Come along, Professor. We will have a glass of Pinot Blanc and fateer at Arabica. *With a wicked grin, she and the Professor were gone in a blink!*
Dark: Well, I’ve got tons of stories. Or a hug. I could give you a hug, too, Evangeline. *She looked like she needed a hug, too.*
Dark: *Eww! A date! That was … very awkward! He hugged her back and smirked.* Kind of pointless to lecture you about him. I think I’m okay. I mean, I feel fine. ‘Course, it doesn’t help that Caroline keeps checking on me as if she’s expecting me to sprout a couple of heads and a tail.
Dark: *Dark found himself on the sofa and was silent for a moment.* … I really don’t remember. I was walking with Meri, looking for the Professor and then I blacked out. What about you, Meri? Did you see anything?
Vlamerias: I’ve seen lots of things! *She exclaimed as she joined Mommy and Dark!* I’ve seen camels and sand and mummies and clay jars and this weird stuff Mommy called sarcophagi!
Vlamerias: It’s okay, Dark! Mommy! You weren’t feeling well but Glaër sent me home with you and gave the Professor back!
Vlamerias: Glaër! You’re back! *She skipped over to fling her arms over him and her Mommy!*
Dark: *Dark watched them hug and then he was stepping forward and put a hand on Meri’s shoulder.* Come on, Meri. I can tell you more stories while we go out and get a burger or something.
Vlamerias: *Meri was about to protest but then she looked at her Glaër and her Mommy! They did need some time alone!* Okay! We’ll be back soon! *And then they were gone!*