Watchers - IC [Closed]

[Faal Lot Himdah]

Merlin

So cold..... So... Peaceful... And calm. A calm that I have never felt, a calm that I never thought I could ever feel... It's... Nice.... Merlin thought as he fell through a dark abyss, seemingly endless, I guess my time in this world is up... 12,000 that's a good age to go at... When I hit the ground, my life will be over....

The bliss that he had felt disappeared, Void will be free.... I can't protect Charlotte.... Why couldn't I fight? My magic would have easily won against that deadbeat... If it responded to my call... Why didn't it work?

"Oh... I can answer that my little toy..." an unrecognized sadistic voice said as Merlin felt a shadowy hand grasp him tightly, "I had to interrupt your connection with that old geezer. So that I can play with you...."

"Who are you? What are you? What did you do to Void?" Merlin asked as he attempted to escape the shadowy hands. Only to see a large number of eyes appear all around him.

"Oh, silly Merlin... I believe you know what I am... I believe you have read tales of what am I... And you know what I am capable of." the voice said as a single evil, sadistic smile appeared in front of him,"As for Void... I have separated you two partially... Just enough to keep you alive for a short while, while taking away your power... Making you helpless in the physical world... And in your own mind..."

"No.... No.... No...." Merlin said as he realized what it was.

"You have it.... Oh, and you know what... Charlotte's dead... And before you try to argue, that was an illusion.... You failed. You broke your promise. Charlotte's in a pool of her own blood... Violated by that man"

Merlin's face drained as he was pulled into the mouth, and fell into the depths of his own mind. I... failed... again...

[The GAmeTopians]

From the shadows of the room voices called to Charlotte.
Murderer...
Murderer...
And, slowly, if she paid attention, she might be able to see a few pairs of eyes.
Blinking.

[Charlia]

From the shadows of the room voices called to Charlotte.
Murderer...
Murderer...
And, slowly, if she paid attention, she might be able to see a few pairs of eyes.
Blinking.

The voices woke her from her exhausted slumber, and she sat upright in shock, holding Merlin's body protectively.

"No," she insisted, half-wondering if her mind had simply snapped. "No... I was only defending myself... I'm not..."

Oh, aren't you?

You could have just flown away, but no. You decided to kill instead.

I'd say that makes you a murderer.

And let's not forget the corpse in your arms right now... He didn't die on his own, now, did he?

We both know it was your fault.

Murderer!

"...it's not true."

[MEGA ULTRA DESTRUCTO LORD TOPIA]

Merlin

Merlin suddenly opened his eyes and kissed Charlotte. It was a fair length, not to long, but not to short. Once he was done he went back to resting.

"It's not your fault. I will have died protecting you. Heaven will no longer hunt you, and the only human that can cause you harm is gone. Demons won't dare try and touch you. You are free." Merlin smiled, "So... How about you let me die?"

He didn't give her time to respond before he stopped breathing.

Kiri faltered, a piece of meat inches away from her mouth. She dropped the food and her hand went to her heart. gripping her chest, she grimaced.

What is this?

She slipped off her chair and fell to the floor. Time seemed to slow, the whole world around her spun. Lifting her hand into the air she stared into space.

Something's happening... Something bad, really bad

She clutched at her chest as she broke into a coughing fit, she suddenly felt weak, something was up. Stabs of pain shot through her heart.

Why?

Her hand went limp as she fell into a deep sleep.

[Saleon]

Merlin

Merlin suddenly opened his eyes and kissed Charlotte. It was a fair length, not to long, but not to short. Once he was done he went back to resting.

"It's not your fault. I will have died protecting you. Heaven will no longer hunt you, and the only human that can cause you harm is gone. Demons won't dare try and touch you. You are free." Merlin smiled, "So... How about you let me die?"

He didn't give her time to respond before he stopped breathing.

Kiri faltered, a piece of meat inches away from her mouth. She dropped the food and her hand went to her heart. gripping her chest, she grimaced.

What is this?

She slipped off her chair and fell to the floor. Time seemed to slow, the whole world around her spun. Lifting her hand into the air she stared into space.

Something's happening... Something bad, really bad

She clutched at her chest as she broke into a coughing fit, she suddenly felt weak, something was up. Stabs of pain shot through her heart.

Why?

Her hand went limp as she fell into a deep sleep.

Alicia felt a disturbed aura begin to disperse; one of an ancient who has fallen. A silence covered her thoughts. That silence that could only be felt as a powerful magic rushes the earth. Death. That was not the only of her concerns. As the lights flickered in her mind, when she felt this force finally finish rushing over, she saw Kiri begin to pang in assumed agony. Even Alicia, who had to watch a pandering teenager with issues being watched converse, knew this was no norm.

She dropped her silverware immediately and rush to Kiri. The girl was fazed by something so unknown. The food sloshed to the ground as Alicia burst from the table and above it. Darkened silence began to erupt within Kiri. The girl began to fluster downward. "Kiri!" Alicia shouted as she grasped the underside of Kiri, holding her upward. Alicia looked at Kiri as Alicia's tears erupted. Soon enough Alicia laid Kiri head upon her legs as her face crept over in shock.

It was only after Alicia caught Kiri that the silverware and food even hit the floor. She tried, fruitlessly, to awaken Kiri. From a soft nudge to a violent slap side to side. She could only cause her corpse-like body to move in a jerking fashion. That wasn't Kiri moving, that was her hand. It was frustrating.

Kiri couldn't rest for a second before causing an eruption of noise. Alicia could feel Kiri's life within her body; no solace, though, as Kiri didn't seem to act alive. It was as if a curse thrust into her body, as if something rejected Kiri, as if Kiri had been trapped in her body like a prison. She could only assume it had to do with the numerous runes which crawled across Kiri's body.

"Everton!" she shouted, "Get Quartz, or whomever, here! Now! I don't care if he's secluded himself in his workshop. Bring him here!"

[Faal Lot Himdah]

A Voice

A voice spoke, not in the open, but in the head of a certain person who had passed out. Kiri would be hearing the voice of Void.

"Finally. Someone. You know how long I was trying to reach someone." Void said, "Anyways, Kiri right? Listen carefully, I don't have much time. You have felt it, Merlin's... Well, dead. I need you to gather everyone who knew Merlin. He needs a good ol' funeral. I'll try and tell Charlotte, but, in case I can't... I expect you to gather everyone and prepare a funeral for Mer. Make sure the coffin is hazelnut."

[Luminesa]

Kiri faltered, a piece of meat inches away from her mouth. She dropped the food and her hand went to her heart. gripping her chest, she grimaced.

What is this?

She slipped off her chair and fell to the floor. Time seemed to slow, the whole world around her spun. Lifting her hand into the air she stared into space.

Something's happening... Something bad, really bad

She clutched at her chest as she broke into a coughing fit, she suddenly felt weak, something was up. Stabs of pain shot through her heart.

Why?

Her hand went limp as she fell into a deep sleep.

Alicia felt a disturbed aura begin to disperse; one of an ancient who has fallen. A silence covered her thoughts. That silence that could only be felt as a powerful magic rushes the earth. Death. That was not the only of her concerns. As the lights flickered in her mind, when she felt this force finally finish rushing over, she saw Kiri begin to pang in assumed agony. Even Alicia, who had to watch a pandering teenager with issues being watched converse, knew this was no norm.

She dropped her silverware immediately and rush to Kiri. The girl was fazed by something so unknown. The food sloshed to the ground as Alicia burst from the table and above it. Darkened silence began to erupt within Kiri. The girl began to fluster downward. "Kiri!" Alicia shouted as she grasped the underside of Kiri, holding her upward. Alicia looked at Kiri as Alicia's tears erupted. Soon enough Alicia laid Kiri head upon her legs as her face crept over in shock.

It was only after Alicia caught Kiri that the silverware and food even hit the floor. She tried, fruitlessly, to awaken Kiri. From a soft nudge to a violent slap side to side. She could only cause her corpse-like body to move in a jerking fashion. That wasn't Kiri moving, that was her hand. It was frustrating.

Kiri couldn't rest for a second before causing an eruption of noise. Alicia could feel Kiri's life within her body; no solace, though, as Kiri didn't seem to act alive. It was as if a curse thrust into her body, as if something rejected Kiri, as if Kiri had been trapped in her body like a prison. She could only assume it had to do with the numerous runes which crawled across Kiri's body.

"Everton!" she shouted, "Get Quartz, or whomever, here! Now! I don't care if he's secluded himself in his workshop. Bring him here!"

Ichiru crouched next to her, disturbed by Kiri's sudden collapse. "Alicia, what has happened?" he asked, watching her carefully. At first he thought she was seizing, but then he saw the runes on her legs.

No...the runes...has something tampered with them?...But what? he thought. He put a hand over his mouth, as he watched in horror as Kiri's body jerked around in Alicia's arms. As Alicia called for Everton to go grab Quartz, Ichiru took Kiri's hand in his, trying somehow to soothe her.

[Sindrya]

Alicia felt a disturbed aura begin to disperse; one of an ancient who has fallen. A silence covered her thoughts. That silence that could only be felt as a powerful magic rushes the earth. Death. That was not the only of her concerns. As the lights flickered in her mind, when she felt this force finally finish rushing over, she saw Kiri begin to pang in assumed agony. Even Alicia, who had to watch a pandering teenager with issues being watched converse, knew this was no norm.

She dropped her silverware immediately and rush to Kiri. The girl was fazed by something so unknown. The food sloshed to the ground as Alicia burst from the table and above it. Darkened silence began to erupt within Kiri. The girl began to fluster downward. "Kiri!" Alicia shouted as she grasped the underside of Kiri, holding her upward. Alicia looked at Kiri as Alicia's tears erupted. Soon enough Alicia laid Kiri head upon her legs as her face crept over in shock.

It was only after Alicia caught Kiri that the silverware and food even hit the floor. She tried, fruitlessly, to awaken Kiri. From a soft nudge to a violent slap side to side. She could only cause her corpse-like body to move in a jerking fashion. That wasn't Kiri moving, that was her hand. It was frustrating.

Kiri couldn't rest for a second before causing an eruption of noise. Alicia could feel Kiri's life within her body; no solace, though, as Kiri didn't seem to act alive. It was as if a curse thrust into her body, as if something rejected Kiri, as if Kiri had been trapped in her body like a prison. She could only assume it had to do with the numerous runes which crawled across Kiri's body.

"Everton!" she shouted, "Get Quartz, or whomever, here! Now! I don't care if he's secluded himself in his workshop. Bring him here!"

Ichiru crouched next to her, disturbed by Kiri's sudden collapse. "Alicia, what has happened?" he asked, watching her carefully. At first he thought she was seizing, but then he saw the runes on her legs.

No...the runes...has something tampered with them?...But what? he thought. He put a hand over his mouth, as he watched in horror as Kiri's body jerked around in Alicia's arms. As Alicia called for Everton to go grab Quartz, Ichiru took Kiri's hand in his, trying somehow to soothe her.

"Oh dear", Walter exclaimed as soon as he saw Kiri faltered. Everyone in the immediate vicinity seemed to panic, so he saw no reason for him to be panic, too. Instead, he examined the small Watcher apprentice's body. The runes... did they do it to her?

I remember I catch some bits about how Quartz Ernst saved her from an orphanage in Russia..

Wait a minute. This couldn't be..

His face grew darker as a sudden realization hit him.

"Quartz Ernst, you crazy bastard...", he spat through gritted teeth. I know I've been at odds with Ernst since forever, but this just took it to a whole new level.

Quickly, he scribbled a rune in the air. The rune glowed green in the air, before Walter sent it flying towards Masaiah's body with a flair.

"That was a Resist rune.", he said. "Whatever those runes on her body is doing, the Resist rune will slow it.. but only for so long." He looked back towards Everton. "We need Ernst to actually stop these runes."

[True Refuge]

...

...

...

...

Everton was the first to bolt towards his crumpling apprentice, before any of them had a chance to reach for her. Panic seized him, and he didn't even try to hide it as he shrugged off his suit jacket, leaving it messily strewn along the wooden floor.
"Kiri, what's wrong? Kiri! Come on!"
He held a few fingers to her wrist and felt the pulse, same as always. "Hell," he muttered. Before the others could react, he had already drawn his Cane, activated a teleportation circle and disappeared. Alicia's shouting went ignored, he was oblivious to everything around him.

---

Everton materialized in the workshop, where he looked around frantically for the old runesmith. "Quartz! Holy shit, come on! Kiri's in a fucking coma!" he yelled his lungs out, hoping that his partner would magically appear as he always did.

Deeper within the workshop, Quartz Ernst sat sleeping peacefully in the tranquillity of the Garden, enjoying the lack of commotion, before the tree shook violently, branches oscillating and leaves flying, some falling and Makkathran's voice boomed, filling the garden with its dulled worry.

Quartz Ernst!, it boomed as the roots turned in the ground, shocking the old man awake. Everton Tallow has returned. He calls for you.

Quartz grumbled as he climbed into a standing position. "What is it, Makkathran? Why is it worth interrupting my rest?"

Kiri Masaiah is in a coma. He does not appear to know what has caused it... The usually warm voice was tinged with fear and worry, the most emotional it could really get. Hurry, Quartz Ernst... I fear for her...

This sent Quartz spiralling into action, running through the doors and swinging on a coat while sprinting through the aviary. The doors of the Garden hadn't even closed when he reached the main workshop, and he locked eyes with Everton as the great metal vault clanged shut. As soon as he arrived, Everton jumped back through the circle in a burst of light. Quartz’s face hardened into something stony and cold, and he clicked his fingers angrily. A powerful teleportation circle opened up, runes pulsing with a blinding sheen. He walked slowly into the centre of the runes, and a great sigil enveloped the turning spell, swallowing Quartz and taking him through some other space, taking him away.

---

Everton was the first to return. It had only been a matter of seconds since he had left the HQ, and his fear had not faded at all. “Quartz is coming,” he wheezed, “He’s coming.” He leaned against the kitchen top and watched the sleeping figure of Kiri. Sloppy and panicked incantations cast in the heat of the moment had cost him his energy. It was unlikely that he would be able to help.
A great loud fizzing noise appeared from behind him, inside what could be called the living room. Runes drew themselves in strokes of pure gold, wrapping around the furniture, moving them as the circle slowly appeared on the ground. The chairs and tables moved in a clatter, leaving a clear space where the strokes of the spell interconnected. Concentric rings rotated steadily, gaining speed. Lashes of lightning struck out at the walls, striking the runes that had appeared, leaving charring on the fabric that lay underneath them, accompanied by claps of thunder, sending shockwaves of energy through the HQ. A powerful teleportation, constructed from years of research and painstaking efforts into the perfect runes, some he had bought, some stolen, and some invented deep within the bowels of his workshop, his efforts culminated in this very moment. The very first public appearance of the Rune Master Quartz Ernst in years, he was appearing now and then. The circle’s rings locked, sliding together into carefully scribed positions, and a final wave of blinding light went out, causing Everton to cover his eyes, flowing through the HQ. Flinches rushed through those who witnessed the spell.

Quartz walked through the HQ’s living room, donned in a black trench coat. A small white rose sat in his lapel, watching, remembering. His eyes were sunken, a heavy frown embodied on his forehead. He walked straight past Alicia, and shoved past Walter, and grabbed Everton’s arm. With his other hand, he moused over an inscription of runes, and energy flowed from him into the tired Watcher’s body. The teleportation had cost him little, for it was engineered for efficiency. Everton sighed in relief as the fatigue washed away, but Quartz did not stay holding him for long, instead opting for gliding towards the crumpled young girl, her cheerfulness now at rest. He glanced at Ichiru, holding his young apprentice’s hand, and he wrapped his grip around the back of his shirt. With a strong pull, Ichiru fell backwards onto the floor in a heap, and Kiri’s hand fell to the ground.

The runesmith crouched down, and pulled up her skirt without embarrassment. His hand flew over her thighs, and the thousands of golden runes reappeared, but without their golden sheen. Walter’s green Resist rune superimposed itself over his work, impairing its effects. He turned to the Watcher, his expression morphing into one of fury. “You blundering idiot, Nathanial!” he shouted, “There isn’t anything wrong with these runes, all you’ve done is remove her ability to walk once she gets up! I have to fucking waste time removing your naïveté from my work before I can find out what’s happened to her! Jesus FUCKING Christ!” Fingers rapidly moved, tracing dozens of runes in rapid succession, barely half a second between each activation. Erase, Undo, Remove, Cleanse, each of them imposed themselves over Walter’s rune, and it disappeared in an instant. Dozens more were traced. Everton stared in shock at the runesmith’s work. It had been years since he had attempted something on this scale, in fact the last time Quartz had done something like this was when he had originally saved Kiri from her physical disability. He listened to Kiri’s breathing and examined almost every rune, glancing over each one as they slowly reactivated underneath a flow from his fingertips. He cursed as runes fizzled and died, their purpose unsuitable for the cause.

All while Quartz conducted his assessment of the collapsed girl, the little white rose watched. It did not move, it did not speak, it did not react. But it listened. The great creature, the creator of the teleportation, it watched. It had taught him much in the same manner he had given to it and it was pleased to see Quartz once again helping others. It had been a while since he had been out, after all.
The magic continued to fly, moved from checking the runes to healing. The desperate old man tried every avenue of the art, from the most vague of Heal to the specific rune sequences that healed even the most fine of injuries. None of them changed her condition. His dancing fingers stopped their ballet, and he stood up and turned to the four others that had watched him. His voice was level and calm, but a great cold and logic lay behind his words.

“Kiri is not injured. She was connected to some source of magic, in this city somewhere, which has cut off. I know little more apart from that she is weak and in a delicate position. I cannot move her, for undergoing a teleportation spell now… I’m not sure what it would do. The best that we can do to help her is to wait for her recovery. She will wake up in time.”
To Everton, he spoke quietly, “Thank you for finding me, Everton. Without you, I would not have known, and these bundles of idiocy would probably have worsened the situation.”
Everton smiled weakly in reply. "Anything for Kiri..."

[Sindrya]

The runesmith crouched down, and pulled up her skirt without embarrassment. His hand flew over her thighs, and the thousands of golden runes reappeared, but without their golden sheen. Walter’s green Resist rune superimposed itself over his work, impairing its ability to work. He turned to the Watcher, his expression morphing into one of fury. “You blundering idiot, Nathanial!” he shouted, “There isn’t anything wrong with these runes, all you’ve done is remove her ability to walk once she gets up! I have to fucking waste time removing your naïveté from my work before I can find out what’s happened to her! Jesus FUCKING Christ!” Fingers rapidly moved, tracing dozens of runes in rapid succession, barely half a second between each activation. Erase, Undo, Remove, Cleanse, each of them imposed themselves over Walter’s rune, and it disappeared in an instant. Dozens more were traced. Everton stared in shock at the runesmith’s work. It had been years since he had attempted something on this scale, in fact the last time Quartz had done something like this was when he had originally saved Kiri from her physical disability. He listened to Kiri’s breathing and examined almost every rune, glancing over each one as they slowly reactivated underneath a flow from his fingertips. He cursed as runes fizzled and died, their purpose unsuitable for the cause.

"Well, I wouldn't know that, Ernst.", Walter snapped and bit back at him. "For all I know, these runes could be a proof that you're up to no good with this girl."

His animosity towards Ernst resurfaced. It had been a long time since he went face to face with the runesmith. The one he kept stealing blueprints from. He never trusted Ernst. His high-and-mighty and better-than-thou behavior never suited well with him. He's just like Seren. Albeit Ernst was less manageable, and he lacked a cute face anyway.

He glanced down at the still-unconscious form of the Watcher apprentice. At least the girl is saved, he thought relievedly. But there's something off when he pulled up the young girl's skirt. He didn't even look away the slightest.

I can't simply miss the chance to tease him, now, can I?, he grinned inwardly.

"And my, Ernst. Have you no shame? Pulling up a young girl's skirt?"

[Luminesa]

...

...

...

...

Everton was the first to bolt towards his crumpling apprentice, before any of them had a chance to reach for her. Panic seized him, and he didn't even try to hide it as he shrugged off his suit jacket, leaving it messily strewn along the wooden floor.
"Kiri, what's wrong? Kiri! Come on!"
He held a few fingers to her wrist and felt the pulse, same as always. "Hell," he muttered. Before the others could react, he had already drawn his Cane, activated a teleportation circle and disappeared. Alicia's shouting went ignored, he was oblivious to everything around him.

---

Everton materialized in the workshop, where he looked around frantically for the old runesmith. "Quartz! Holy shit, come on! Kiri's in a fucking coma!" he yelled his lungs out, hoping that his partner would magically appear as he always did.

Deeper within the workshop, Quartz Ernst sat sleeping peacefully in the tranquillity of the Garden, enjoying the lack of commotion, before the tree shook violently, branches oscillating and leaves flying, some falling and Makkathran's voice boomed, filling the garden with its dulled worry.

Quartz Ernst!, it boomed as the roots turned in the ground, shocking the old man awake. Everton Tallow has returned. He calls for you.

Quartz grumbled as he climbed into a standing position. "What is it, Makkathran? Why is it worth interrupting my rest?"

Kiri Masaiah is in a coma. He does not appear to know what has caused it... The usually warm voice was tinged with fear and worry, the most emotional it could really get. Hurry, Quartz Ernst... I fear for Kiri Masaiah...

This sent Quartz spiralling into action, running through the doors and swinging on a coat while sprinting through the aviary. The doors of the Garden hadn't even closed when he reached the main workshop, and he locked eyes with Everton as the great metal vault clanged shut. As soon as he arrived, Everton jumped back through the circle in a burst of light. Quartz’s face hardened into something stony and cold, and he clicked his fingers angrily. A powerful teleportation circle opened up, runes pulsing with a blinding sheen. He walked slowly into the centre of the runes, and a great sigil enveloped the turning spell, swallowing Quartz and taking him through some other space, taking him away.

---

Everton was the first to return. It had only been a matter of seconds since he had left the HQ, and his fear had not faded at all. “Quartz is coming,” he wheezed, “He’s coming.” He leaned against the kitchen top and watched the sleeping figure of Kiri. Sloppy and panicked incantations cast in the heat of the moment had cost him his energy. It was unlikely that he would be able to help.
A great loud fizzing noise appeared from behind him, inside what could be called the living room. Runes drew themselves in strokes of pure gold, wrapping around the furniture, moving them as the circle slowly appeared on the ground. The chairs and tables moved in a clatter, leaving a clear space where the strokes of the spell interconnected. Concentric rings rotated steadily, gaining speed. Lashes of lightning struck out at the walls, striking the runes that had appeared, leaving charring on the fabric that lay underneath them, accompanied by claps of thunder, sending shockwaves of energy through the HQ. A powerful teleportation, constructed from years of research and painstaking efforts into the perfect runes, some he had bought, some stolen, and some invented deep within the bowels of his workshop, his efforts culminated in this very moment. The very first public appearance of the Rune Master Quartz Ernst in years, he was appearing now and then. The circle’s rings locked, sliding together into carefully scribed positions, and a final wave of blinding light went out, causing Everton to cover his eyes, flowing through the HQ. Flinches rushed through those who witnessed the spell.

Quartz walked through the HQ’s living room, donned in a black trench coat. A small white rose sat in his lapel, watching, remembering. His eyes were sunken, a heavy frown embodied on his forehead. He walked straight past Alicia, and shoved past Walter, and grabbed Everton’s arm. With his other hand, he moused over an inscription of runes, and energy flowed from him into the tired Watcher’s body. The teleportation had cost him little, for it was engineered for efficiency. Everton sighed in relief as the fatigue washed away, but Quartz did not stay holding him for long, instead opting for gliding towards the crumpled young girl, her cheerfulness now at rest. He glanced at Ichiru, holding his young apprentice’s hand, and he wrapped his grip around the back of his shirt. With a strong pull, Ichiru fell backwards onto the floor in a heap, and Kiri’s hand fell to the ground.

The runesmith crouched down, and pulled up her skirt without embarrassment. His hand flew over her thighs, and the thousands of golden runes reappeared, but without their golden sheen. Walter’s green Resist rune superimposed itself over his work, impairing its ability to work. He turned to the Watcher, his expression morphing into one of fury. “You blundering idiot, Nathanial!” he shouted, “There isn’t anything wrong with these runes, all you’ve done is remove her ability to walk once she gets up! I have to fucking waste time removing your naïveté from my work before I can find out what’s happened to her! Jesus FUCKING Christ!” Fingers rapidly moved, tracing dozens of runes in rapid succession, barely half a second between each activation. Erase, Undo, Remove, Cleanse, each of them imposed themselves over Walter’s rune, and it disappeared in an instant. Dozens more were traced. Everton stared in shock at the runesmith’s work. It had been years since he had attempted something on this scale, in fact the last time Quartz had done something like this was when he had originally saved Kiri from her physical disability. He listened to Kiri’s breathing and examined almost every rune, glancing over each one as they slowly reactivated underneath a flow from his fingertips. He cursed as runes fizzled and died, their purpose unsuitable for the cause.

All while Quartz conducted his assessment of the collapsed girl, the little white rose watched. It did not move, it did not speak, it did not react. But it listened. The great creature, the creator of the teleportation, it watched. It had taught him much in the same manner he had given to it and it was pleased to see Quartz once again helping others. It had been a while since he had been out, after all.
The magic continued to fly, moved from checking the runes to healing. The desperate old man tried every avenue of the art, from the most vague of Heal to the specific rune sequences that healed even the most fine of injuries. None of them changed her condition. His dancing fingers stopped their ballet, and he stood up and turned to the four others that had watched him. His voice was level and calm, but a great cold and logic lay behind his words.

“Kiri is not injured. She was connected to some source of magic, in this city somewhere, which has cut off. I know little more apart from that she is weak and in a delicate position. I cannot move her, for undergoing a teleportation spell now… I’m not sure what it would do. The best that we can do to help her is to wait for her recovery. She will wake up in time.”
To Everton, he spoke quietly, “Thank you for finding me, Everton. Without you, I would not have known, and these bundles of idiocy would probably have worsened the situation.”
Everton smiled weakly in reply.
After all of this, Kiri still laid asleep.

Ichiru covered his eyes slightly, as Quartz appeared. He was a bit shocked when Quartz threw him away from Kiri, but after Quartz threw him off, he got up just fine. He cringed as he saw Quartz reach up her skirt to fix the runes.

She is...connected to someone else in the city? he thought, worriedly.

He then looked toward Quartz. "I am...sorry if I got in your way. I am Hashimoto Ichiru, another Supernatural. I was merely worried for Kiri, but I did not know what I could do for her..." he introduced himself, meekly. "...You said she is connected to something in the city...Perhaps...we can search for the source of the magic?" He knew the risk that would come from him going out into the city at night, but as long as people were with him, he figured that if anything did attack them, at least he would have assistance.

Hearing Walter's words toward Quartz, however, he also added quietly, "...I agree with him, that was rather suspect...why did you feel the need to do that, when you could have simply touched her leg below the skirt?"

[True Refuge]

...

Quartz's gaze fixated on the rather inappropriately cheeky Watcher, and his mouth turned downwards into a scowl. "I'm not in the mood for bickering today, but I have to stoop to your level so that you'll understand. How about you just fuck off, Walter? I'm sure even such a wannabe amateur runesmith that relies mostly on other's work like yourself would understand why I had to pull up my apprentice's skirt. When I applied the runes, the level of deformity was so great that to keep the magic together, I had to cast a linking rune that can only be used by touching its location, and I could only do that on the place the thing I'm trying to fix is. While that's not normally a problem, when I have to check the validity of each rune I have to activate the Rune in case the magic falls apart." His face was red and voice increasingly sounded like an old grandfather reprimanding the naughty grandchild. "Christ, the stupidity around here is unbelievable. You think I'm seriously aroused by the sight of my apprentice in a coma? How about you come crying to me when you let someone die because you were too scared by the prospect of stepping outside your boundaries. After all, you can't seem to step outside this petty feud you keep trying to strike with me."

Of course, Quartz didn't have too much evidence that Walter had ever stolen from him, but there was always that snarling suspicion that he had, along with a rampant dislike for the man. Young and impetuous, like Everton, but without any of his likable qualities. Before he could continue ranting onwards about the terrible attitude of Walter's, Everton clamped a strong hold over his shoulder. "I think that's enough, Quartz. Walter's certainly learnt his lesson." He raised his voice slightly, putting force behind the words, "I'm sure they'll understand that it's been a while since you've met Walter, or really came out at all. In that case..." Turning to Walter, he grinned. "I have to tell you to shut up as well, and how inappropriate and irritating your tit-for-tat bullshit is when Kiri just collapsed in front of you ."

Quartz grumbled and pushed off the hand. Everton didn't put up too much of a resistance as the grumpy runesmith calmed his anger, and then clapped his hands together. "Fine then, Everton," he said, turning to his partner. "If you feel that my manner is unsuitable for this, I'll heed that advice," he muttered before focusing on Ichiru. "I hope that explains the problem enough for you, Hashimoto."

Everton jumped back in with a crisp piece of advice. "What if this collapse is linked to that whole golden light and Excalibur business? Perhaps we should check with Merlin about this..."

[Sindrya]

...

Quartz's gaze fixated on the rather inappropriately cheeky Watcher, and his mouth turned downwards into a scowl. "I'm not in the mood for bickering today, but I have to stoop to your level so that you'll understand. How about you just fuck off, Walter? I'm sure even such a wannabe amateur runesmith that relies mostly on other's work like yourself would understand why I had to pull up my apprentice's skirt. When I applied the runes, the level of deformity was so great that to keep the magic together, I had to cast a linking rune that can only be used by touching its location, and I could only do that on the place the thing I'm trying to fix is. While that's not normally a problem, when I have to check the validity of each rune I have to activate the Rune in case the magic falls apart." His face was red and voice increasingly sounded like an old grandfather reprimanding the naughty grandchild. "Christ, the stupidity around here is unbelievable. You think I'm seriously aroused by the sight of my apprentice in a coma? How about you come crying to me when you let someone die because you were too scared by the prospect of stepping outside your boundaries. After all, you can't seem to step outside this petty feud you keep trying to strike with me."

Of course, Quartz didn't have too much evidence that Walter had ever stolen from him, but there was always that snarling suspicion that he had, along with a rampant dislike for the man. Young and impetuous, like Everton, but without any of his likable qualities. Before he could continue ranting onwards about the terrible attitude of Walter's, Everton clamped a strong hold over his shoulder. "I think that's enough, Quartz. Walter's certainly learnt his lesson." He raised his voice slightly, putting force behind the words, "I'm sure they'll understand that it's been a while since you've met Walter, or really came out at all. In that case..." Turning to Walter, he grinned. "I have to tell you to shut up as well, and how inappropriate and irritating your tit-for-tat bullshit is when Kiri just collapsed in front of you ."

Quartz grumbled and pushed off the hand. Everton didn't put up too much of a resistance as the grumpy runesmith calmed his anger, and then clapped his hands together. "Fine then, Everton," he said, turning to his partner. "If you feel that my manner is unsuitable for this, I'll heed that advice," he muttered before focusing on Ichiru. "I hope that explains the problem enough for you, Hashimoto."

Everton jumped back in with a crisp piece of advice. "What if this collapse is linked to that whole golden light and Excalibur business? Perhaps we should check with Merlin about this..."

Walter narrowed his eyes at Ernst's sharp words. Before he had the chance to lash out, Tallow butted in and also told him to "can it". He discerned that both of them blamed his spontaneous decision to use his Resist rune against the runes on Masaiah's body as something "interfering" instead of helping.

"Fine, then!", he yelled. He turned tail and stormed off, towards the library. "If anything ever happened, don't even hope that I will be the first person to help, because I won't!"

As soon as he reached the library, he slammed shut the door leading to the room, before quickly scribbled a red-glowed Seal rune on the door, effectively locking himself inside. He strengthened the rune with a blue Fortify rune. Silently fuming, he plopped down on one of the chairs in the library.

"I tried to help, and this is what I get?", he mumbled angrily. "It's not my fault that I cast that Resist rune without looking at the runes scribbled on.. that place."

He rubbed and pinched the bridge of his nose. This isn't like me. Walter Nathaniel Usher would've never do this. He'd just stand there, taking in every comment about him, positive or negative, and kept his stupid smiling facade.

He sighed.

I need to read something.

[Luminesa]

...

Quartz's gaze fixated on the rather inappropriately cheeky Watcher, and his mouth turned downwards into a scowl. "I'm not in the mood for bickering today, but I have to stoop to your level so that you'll understand. How about you just fuck off, Walter? I'm sure even such a wannabe amateur runesmith that relies mostly on other's work like yourself would understand why I had to pull up my apprentice's skirt. When I applied the runes, the level of deformity was so great that to keep the magic together, I had to cast a linking rune that can only be used by touching its location, and I could only do that on the place the thing I'm trying to fix is. While that's not normally a problem, when I have to check the validity of each rune I have to activate the Rune in case the magic falls apart." His face was red and voice increasingly sounded like an old grandfather reprimanding the naughty grandchild. "Christ, the stupidity around here is unbelievable. You think I'm seriously aroused by the sight of my apprentice in a coma? How about you come crying to me when you let someone die because you were too scared by the prospect of stepping outside your boundaries. After all, you can't seem to step outside this petty feud you keep trying to strike with me."

Of course, Quartz didn't have too much evidence that Walter had ever stolen from him, but there was always that snarling suspicion that he had, along with a rampant dislike for the man. Young and impetuous, like Everton, but without any of his likable qualities. Before he could continue ranting onwards about the terrible attitude of Walter's, Everton clamped a strong hold over his shoulder. "I think that's enough, Quartz. Walter's certainly learnt his lesson." He raised his voice slightly, putting force behind the words, "I'm sure they'll understand that it's been a while since you've met Walter, or really came out at all. In that case..." Turning to Walter, he grinned. "I have to tell you to shut up as well, and how inappropriate and irritating your tit-for-tat bullshit is when Kiri just collapsed in front of you ."

Quartz grumbled and pushed off the hand. Everton didn't put up too much of a resistance as the grumpy runesmith calmed his anger, and then clapped his hands together. "Fine then, Everton," he said, turning to his partner. "If you feel that my manner is unsuitable for this, I'll heed that advice," he muttered before focusing on Ichiru. "I hope that explains the problem enough for you, Hashimoto."

Everton jumped back in with a crisp piece of advice. "What if this collapse is linked to that whole golden light and Excalibur business? Perhaps we should check with Merlin about this..."

Ichiru watched as Walter stormed-off in anger. Stuck in the middle between the two Watchers' feud was not exactly fun, or comfortable, and he simply sighed as the drama ended. Then he turned to Everton and nodded to him. "Yes, forgive me if I seemed...overly concerned. I am not as knowledgeable about magic as I would like to be. So anyway, where would Merlin be around this time?" he asked, wanting to help the situation somehow.

[True Refuge]

Everton gave Walter a look of disdain as he marched off, resisting the urge to offer a biting and witty remark in return to his whining. It was the way Kiri would act when she didn't get her way... It was strange to see a full Watcher act like a child, nonetheless in front of the other half of the feud. He didn't really understand or care too much about why the two seemed to despise each other, yet he was forced to defuse the situation. As per usual, Quartz didn't have the best social skills.

Ichiru watched as Walter stormed-off in anger. Stuck in the middle between the two Watchers' feud was not exactly fun, or comfortable, and he simply sighed as the drama ended. Then he turned to Everton and nodded to him. "Yes, forgive me if I seemed...overly concerned. I am not as knowledgeable about magic as I would like to be. So anyway, where would Merlin be around this time?" he asked, wanting to help the situation somehow.

As Ichiru spoke, Everton lifted Kiri off the ground and carried her to one of the couches in the room Quartz arrived him, laying her to rest until she woke up. Better than a hard and cold wooden floor. After completing this task, he looked back towards the kitchen. Before he could respond, Quartz butted in with an answer. "Don't worry," he muttered, "The only way to be knowledgeable about magic is to lock yourself in your house for several years and read old tomes."

Everton rolled his eyes and returned to the kitchen. "Unfortunately, runesmithing is an intolerant craft in that sort of thing, but no one apart from the runesmiths know that, so they seem to get a lot of flak. As for where Merlin would be... Didn't that Immortal or Liai person something take them away? I have no idea where they are..."

[Nova Seren]

Michel woke up, having fallen asleep in the plate of whale meats. Blushing furiously, he wiped off his face, hoping that none of the Watchers had noticed. He stood from the table and walked to the next room to search for Walter.

[Luminesa]

Everton gave Walter a look of disdain as he marched off, resisting the urge to offer a biting and witty remark in return to his whining. It was the way Kiri would act when she didn't get her way... It was strange to see a full Watcher act like a child, nonetheless in front of the other half of the feud. He didn't really understand or care too much about why the two seemed to despise each other, yet he was forced to defuse the situation. As per usual, Quartz didn't have the best social skills.

Ichiru watched as Walter stormed-off in anger. Stuck in the middle between the two Watchers' feud was not exactly fun, or comfortable, and he simply sighed as the drama ended. Then he turned to Everton and nodded to him. "Yes, forgive me if I seemed...overly concerned. I am not as knowledgeable about magic as I would like to be. So anyway, where would Merlin be around this time?" he asked, wanting to help the situation somehow.

As Ichiru spoke, Everton lifted Kiri off the ground and carried her to one of the couches in the room Quartz arrived him, laying her to rest until she woke up. Better than a hard and cold wooden floor. After completing this task, he looked back towards the kitchen. Before he could respond, Quartz butted in with an answer. "Don't worry," he muttered, "The only way to be knowledgeable about magic is to lock yourself in your house for several years and read old tomes."

Everton rolled his eyes and returned to the kitchen. "Unfortunately, runesmithing is an intolerant craft in that sort of thing, but no one apart from the runesmiths know that, so they seem to get a lot of flak. As for where Merlin would be... Didn't that Immortal or Liai person something take them away? I have no idea where they are..."

"I do believe Liai took Matthew and Seren away, but I do not know about Merlin...Perhaps I can go ask Walter...but thank you," Ichiru answered Everton and Quartz. He then left them to go with Michel to look for Walter. He didn't like to see him that angry, and he wanted to know what was going on with the other side of the feud. Plus, if Walter knew anything about Merlin, perhaps they could organize a rescue mission to go find him.

If he is out in the city...he must be found quickly. This is the time of night when demons get restless... he thought, grimly.

[True Refuge]

"I do believe Liai took Matthew and Seren away, but I do not know about Merlin...Perhaps I can go ask Walter...but thank you," Ichiru answered Everton and Quartz. He then left them to go with Michel to look for Walter. He didn't like to see him that angry, and he wanted to know what was going on with the other side of the feud. Plus, if Walter knew anything about Merlin, perhaps they could organize a rescue mission to go find him.

If he is out in the city...he must be found quickly. This is the time of night when demons get restless... he thought, grimly.

Everton smiled as a memory came to light, accompanied by a shiver. "Ah, wait, I remember," he said, his eyes looking at some obscure point, "After Charlotte's explosion or whatever it was, she and Merlin were teleported away... Looked a bit quick, maybe a short-distance sort of thing? Quartz?"

"I wasn't there," the old man said in frustration.

"Sorry, excuse me. The teleportation had them enveloped in shadow, no runes from my point of view at least."

"Yes, that's short-distance. They'll be somewhere in this city, Lumia isn't it?" Before someone could confirm this, he started to walk back towards the still flashing circle in the edited living room. "That, I suppose, concludes my involvement in this matter." He continued as he moved away, the trench coat swirling around his legs. "If you need me I'll be at-"

Everton seemed to move instantly, appearing in front of the runesmith, his happy grin still on his face. "Oh, Quartz, you're not going just yet. You desperately need to help out the Watchers for once, after all. Think of how happy Matthew would be when he discovers that you're out and about again, helping us all out!"

Quartz scowled again. It seemed there wasn't happiness to be hand anywhere within his body, not for the last twenty years at least. "Please that disgusting weak-willed leader of ours? If I want to please him, it'll be when I let him requisition one of my works without paying." He tried to brush past Everton, only to be met with another firm hand on his shoulder.

"For Kiri, Quartz, if nothing else.” At this the hard expression softened somewhat.
“That seems to be my reasons for everything lately, doesn’t it… Fine, I’ll continue helping in this investigation, but I’d prefer not to be involved in more bickering like what’s sent poor Walter off.”
“Good, good.” Everton left Quartz to whatever he wished to do in further tracking where the magic cutoff orginated from, and smiled at Ichiru. “Ichiru, do you mind calming down Walter? I’d say that Quartz and I have truly pissed him off, you’re needed to get him to retreat from his makeshift fortress.”

Quartz extracted a small but somewhat thick hardcover book from some pocket deep within his coat, entitled, in gold leaf, Runes & Sigils for Experienced Users. Underneath the title, in same font, was written By members of the Ernst lineage. As he moused through the pages, looking for particular runes to use, he said to Everton without looking up, “Pick up your jacket, Everton, your suit looks disgraceful without one.”
Everton responded by grumbling and picked up his jacket. “Always had a keen eye, haven’t you?”

[Luminesa]

"I do believe Liai took Matthew and Seren away, but I do not know about Merlin...Perhaps I can go ask Walter...but thank you," Ichiru answered Everton and Quartz. He then left them to go with Michel to look for Walter. He didn't like to see him that angry, and he wanted to know what was going on with the other side of the feud. Plus, if Walter knew anything about Merlin, perhaps they could organize a rescue mission to go find him.

If he is out in the city...he must be found quickly. This is the time of night when demons get restless... he thought, grimly.

Everton smiled as a memory came to light, accompanied by a shiver. "Ah, wait, I remember," he said, his eyes looking at some obscure point, "After Charlotte's explosion or whatever it was, she and Merlin were teleported away... Looked a bit quick, maybe a short-distance sort of thing? Quartz?"

"I wasn't there," the old man said in frustration.

"Sorry, excuse me. The teleportation had them enveloped in shadow, no runes from my point of view at least."

"Yes, that's short-distance. They'll be somewhere in this city, Lumia isn't it?" Before someone could confirm this, he started to walk back towards the still flashing circle in the edited living room. "That, I suppose, concludes my involvement in this matter." He continued as he moved away, the trench coat swirling around his legs. "If you need me I'll be at-"

Everton seemed to move instantly, appearing in front of the runesmith, his happy grin still on his face. "Oh, Quartz, you're not going just yet. You desperately need to help out the Watchers for once, after all. Think of how happy Matthew would be when he discovers that you're out and about again, helping us all out!"

Quartz scowled again. It seemed there wasn't happiness to be hand anywhere within his body, not for the last twenty years at least. "Please that disgusting weak-willed leader of ours? If I want to please him, it'll be when I let him requisition one of my works without paying." He tried to brush past Everton, only to be met with another firm hand on his shoulder.

"For Kiri, Quartz, if nothing else.” At this the hard expression softened somewhat.
“That seems to be my reasons for everything lately, doesn’t it… Fine, I’ll continue helping in this investigation, but I’d prefer not to be involved in more bickering like what’s sent poor Walter off.”
“Good, good.” Everton left Quartz to whatever he wished to do in further tracking where the magic cutoff orginated from, and smiled at Ichiru. “Ichiru, do you mind calming down Walter? I’d say that Quartz and I have truly pissed him off, you’re needed to get him to retreat from his makeshift fortress.”

Quartz extracted a small but somewhat thick hardcover book from some pocket deep within his coat, entitled, in gold leaf, Runes & Sigils for Experienced Users. Underneath the title, in same font, was written By members of the Ernst lineage. As he moused through the pages, looking for particular runes to use, he said to Everton without looking up, “Pick up your jacket, Everton, your suit looks disgraceful without one.”
Everton responded by grumbling and picked up his jacket. “Always had a keen eye, haven’t you?”

Ichiru listened to them talk, and then he nodded. "Yes. I will go do that. Hopefully then we can actually work together as a team, and then we can go find Merlin," he replied. He then continued heading for the library.

[New Antonalia]

Carter Winnsby
125 Shaftsbury Ave.
London, England
"Everyone has their breaking point." Carter thought as took a quick break to smoke. He watched the smoke drift through the London air as he took another puff. On the outside, he looked as if nothing was wrong at all and everything was going well for him, but inside, he was in turmoil. His recent scare had him fretting about every little noise he heard, every trick of the eye, and he was almost at the point of offing himself again and letting the hell hounds tear his soul and scatter him into oblivion. But he knew that wasn't an option and he searched vainly for something to ease his troubled mind. On top of that, work had been more or less hellish itself as the bank had recently had to downsize, putting more work on the remaining employees. And to Carter, he'd been given the lion's share. "Everyone has their breaking point, but I'm not at mine yet." He assured himself as he snuffed out his cigarette and went back into his office. He immediately sat back down and continued auditing several other estates but the one that kept popping up was the one belonging to Alister Crowley, the dead watcher. "Why won't this thing just die already. It's been months and it's not like anything else is going to turn up." He thought as he moved it into the pile which he dubbed "dead but not buried".

[MEGA ULTRA DESTRUCTO LORD TOPIA]

A Voice

A voice spoke, not in the open, but in the head of a certain person who had passed out. Kiri would be hearing the voice of Void.

"Finally. Someone. You know how long I was trying to reach someone." Void said, "Anyways, Kiri right? Listen carefully, I don't have much time. You have felt it, Merlin's... Well, dead. I need you to gather everyone who knew Merlin. He needs a good ol' funeral. I'll try and tell Charlotte, but, in case I can't... I expect you to gather everyone and prepare a funeral for Mer. Make sure the coffin is hazelnut."

"Merlin... He's dead?"

Meadows of green stretched from her feet, spreading, unfurling, revealing an image of luscious expanses of grass.
Kiri watched as the bright green darkened, the trees encasing the landscape faded as the sun began to set on the horizon. The world around her shifted and changed. beautiful colors died away leaving the landscape barren of life. The ground trembled ominously, the earth itself shook in fear. The rumbling of the ground soon became a roar. And upon the arrival of the roar she heard them. The shouts and cries of thousands of men. An army stood before her. flooding in from all sides of her vision. Kiri's wide eyes took in everything that was occurring before her. Where was she? She turned her back to the army and attempted to run. As she stepped away someone slipped their hand into hers. She faltered. The grip was strong yet gentle. Familiar was the best way to describe it. She turned around to face the person who stopped her. Silver hair simmered in the wind, blue eyes stared deep into her own. Mer-"Wake up!"

Kiri jolted awake in a flash, the world tilted around her. A slice of pain wound its way across her legs. She screamed in agony as she fell off the couch in the dark room.

"Where am I?" She whispered to herself.

She reached down and tried to feel for her legs. Pain once again shot its way across them. Realizing that it she couldn't move Kiri curled into a ball and hugged herself tightly.

What was that voice. But it said that Merlin was...

The little girl lay on the cold floor of the dark room, tears streaming freely from her eyes.

[True Refuge]

"Merlin... He's dead?"

Meadows of green stretched from her feet, spreading, unfurling, revealing an image of luscious expanses of grass.
Kiri watched as the bright green darkened, the trees encasing the landscape faded as the sun began to set on the horizon. The world around her shifted and changed. beautiful colors died away leaving the landscape barren of life. The ground trembled ominously, the earth itself shook in fear. The rumbling of the ground soon became a roar. And upon the arrival of the roar she heard them. The shouts and cries of thousands of men. An army stood before her. flooding in from all sides of her vision. Kiri's wide eyes took in everything that was occurring before her. Where was she? She turned her back to the army and attempted to run. As she stepped away someone slipped their hand into hers. She faltered. The grip was strong yet gentle. Familiar was the best way to describe it. She turned around to face the person who stopped her. Silver hair simmered in the wind, blue eyes stared deep into her own. Mer-"Wake up!"

Kiri jolted awake in a flash, the world tilted around her. A slice of pain wound its way across her legs. She screamed in agony as she fell off the couch in the dark room.

"Where am I?" She whispered to herself.

She reached down and tried to feel for her legs. Pain once again shot its way across them. Realizing that it she couldn't move Kiri curled into a ball and hugged herself tightly.

What was that voice. But it said that Merlin was...

The little girl lay on the cold floor of the dark room, tears streaming freely from her eyes.

The loud thump quickly drew the attention of both Everton and Quartz, who quickly turned around to find the little Watcher-girl in the fetal position, sobbing to herself. They glanced at each other, their gazes all-telling, and they crouched down. Both thankfully and unfortunately, the fall had been somewhat loud enough on the hard wooden floor to attract the others, saving the task from either of the two Watchers who found themselves with the problem of helping Kiri.

Everton was the first to reach out, placing his hand gently on his crying apprentice's head, and the other on her shaking shoulder. He spoke softly and soothingly, trying to console her from whatever had befallen the young girl. "It's alright, Kiri," he whispered, and ruffled Kiri's hair. "Jesus... you're a bit upset." He looked at Quartz, who had already gone to check the sigils on the girl's legs after her painful convulsion. Quartz had already placed painkiller runes on her skin, hopefully doing something useful.

The old runsemith gave Everton a look of worry, and placed Kiri's hand in his, offering a little reassuring squeeze. "Psychological trauma, I think. Whatever she's magically connected with must have done something... You're better at these things than I am, Everton, damnit."

Everton ignored most of what he said, instead focusing on the crumpled form. Quartz sighed and began an attempt to coax her out of her position. "There's nothing wrong, Kiri," he muttered as the sobs continued, a horrendous noise. "I came out of my workshop for you," he laughed, "Years of seclusion, all interrupted by you. Imagine how powerful that makes you, Kiri. You broke a hermit's recluse..." Quartz lifted the rose out of its place, took off his trench coat, revealing a pure black suit similar to Everton's, and he laid it around her.

For this occasion, the little rose now sitting in Quartz's hand drooped slightly, its two leaves falling to its side as the commotion ensured. A rare moment of emotion for it, one that broke through its wall of impassiveness. How desperately it wanted to help, but couldn't. It could not hep the weak one that laid on the cold harsh floor. It could do so little...

[Faal Lot Himdah]

From the shadows of the room voices called to Charlotte.
Murderer...
Murderer...
And, slowly, if she paid attention, she might be able to see a few pairs of eyes.
Blinking.

The voices woke her from her exhausted slumber, and she sat upright in shock, holding Merlin's body protectively.

"No," she insisted, half-wondering if her mind had simply snapped. "No... I was only defending myself... I'm not..."

Oh, aren't you?

You could have just flown away, but no. You decided to kill instead.

I'd say that makes you a murderer.

And let's not forget the corpse in your arms right now... He didn't die on his own, now, did he?

We both know it was your fault.

Murderer!

"...it's not true."

A certain voice

"Well, you seem to have a strong dark voice in your head, how much could harm could one more do, eh Charlotte." Void said in Charlotte's head, "Don't listen to them. For one thing, there is something called self-defence, and you used that instead of flying away like a little bird, good on you. I can respect that. And another thing, Mer is dead in a sense. It's hard to explain, but know this. You are in no way responsible for his current state. Now, if you don't mind, I am going to make myself at home for the time being. Well, until Kiri gets the funeral ready. You know, you should help her. Make sure the coffin is hazelnut."

[Charlia]

The voices woke her from her exhausted slumber, and she sat upright in shock, holding Merlin's body protectively.

"No," she insisted, half-wondering if her mind had simply snapped. "No... I was only defending myself... I'm not..."

Oh, aren't you?

You could have just flown away, but no. You decided to kill instead.

I'd say that makes you a murderer.

And let's not forget the corpse in your arms right now... He didn't die on his own, now, did he?

We both know it was your fault.

Murderer!

"...it's not true."

A certain voice

"Well, you seem to have a strong dark voice in your head, how much could harm could one more do, eh Charlotte." Void said in Charlotte's head, "Don't listen to them. For one thing, there is something called self-defence, and you used that instead of flying away like a little bird, good on you. I can respect that. And another thing, Mer is dead in a sense. It's hard to explain, but know this. You are in no way responsible for his current state. Now, if you don't mind, I am going to make myself at home for the time being. Well, until Kiri gets the funeral ready. You know, you should help her. Make sure the coffin is hazelnut."

...Okay...

Dead 'in a sense'? If he's only dead in a sense, why do we need a funeral? Come to think of it, why are you deciding to take up residence in my head instead of just destroying the world or whatever? I thought Merlin was the only thing stopping you. Now that he's... well, gone... why aren't you unleashing the dogs of war?

...And why hazelnut?

Oh, great. Another one. So we're going to break her even further? I can respect that. Enjoy it, even. I wasn't sure if she could get any more broken than she is now.

Shut up.

Oh, don't be such a child. What are you going to do about it? Are you going to kill me, too? You know the only way to do that is to kill yourself, and you also know that you can't do that. You'll never learn, will you? There is nothing you can do.

...Why do I still have to deal with you? You're dead.

Maybe so... but I still own you. We both know that. And now that your precious Merlin is dead, thanks to your pathetic, broken tendencies, you are alone.

Enough of this.

She stood up slowly, still holding Merlin's body, and began to make her way back to the Watcher headquarters.

Enjoy the funeral, sweetheart. I wonder what they'll think of you when they find out what you caused...?

If Void says it wasn't my fault, I'd be willing to bet that the Watchers wouldn't. I'd say 'no offense, Void', but I doubt you'd take any. In my experience, the darker someone is, the more pride they take in their darkness.

[Faal Lot Himdah]

Void

"Ah, Chralotte, stop, I'm blushing." Void said, "And will you just shut your devil damned pie hole. If I had interest in breaking her, I sure wouldn't want an assistant. And you know it is possible to kill beings of the mind, I've seen it before. After Mer tricked me, and imprisoned my soul in his, he had a voice much like mister second rate here ravage his mind. He eventually killed that voice, and has only from that point had to deal with me. So mister second rate, would you kindly shut the fuck up. Thank you."

"Now, I should probably answer your questions. You deserve to know. Then again, so does the Watcher crew. Mer is dead, sort of... There isn't exactly a simple word to describe his current state. His heart isn't beating, so he is by all medical and scientific definitions dead. I'll explain more during his funeral, I promise on my lack of honour."