The First Fork In The Road of Life

[Señor Sunday Friday]

Eithne looked gratefully towards Shiro, "I don't think it would be wise at all for me to jump, let alone carrying someone with me." she looked towards Shiro, "How are you going to get us down? You don't exactly look like you could carry a person..." She looked towards Cowl, "We should get him to the infirmary..." Eithne kind of figured the infirmary was getting tired of seeing Eithne and Cowl showing up so much, but the truth of the matter was that Eithne had no clue what was wrong with Cowl and the fact fact that Shiro was probably able to help wasn't considered. (>.> <.<)

[[.karasu.]]

((Nice icon =3))

A small grin tugged at the kitsune's muzzle. He was ninety-five percent sure he could get them all down safely. "Give me a moment," he said before closing his eyes. He dove deep into his mind, searching for the strongest, and warmest part of his fire. After a moment of nothing, he found it. The fox's pelt began to sparkle and glow before the entire thing burst into white flames. As usual, this fire gave off no heat or pain, simply a magical feel. Shiro also appeared to be about thirty percent larger. "Odd, I know, but it'll be safe. I'm strong this way." he said, referring to how he planned to get them down. The fox crouched down, flaming ear flicking toward his back. Two people would be just about his limit, he supposed, not much to worry about. But of course, Eithne may utterly refuse the idea; he wouldn't hold it against her.

((lol))

[Señor Sunday Friday]

Eithne looked doubtfully towards Shiro, but said nothing as she sat upon his back, holding Cowl in her arms, it was probably best that she said nothing, lest she damage her vocal chords beyond any possible healing and she'd be mute. Being quiet was just fine for Eithne, but she liked being able to speak if need be. Her red eyes looked to the ground below, half wondering if the landing would hurt or not... it was very possible that she or Cowl could get injured if the landing wasn't soft enough.

[[.karasu.]]

Shiro's flaming eyes focused on the ground below as he stepped carefully toward the edge, finding a center of balance he could work with. He glanced back at Eithne. "Just don't move too much, if you can help it." Concentrating as much as he possibly could on the task at hand, Shiro pushed off of the ledge. He didn't fall straight down, as is what should've happened. The flames around Shiro's paws strengthened and grew slightly and the fox began maneuvering as though walking quickly down a large spiral staircase. The fox couldn't fly, but with his fire and magic, he could alter his descent. But, this did require immense focus, especially with the added weight, and at some point Shiro could've sworn they were all going to fall. Whenever he felt something off, one of the seven tails would weave around and gently tap Eithne, as though keeping her balanced and it would make the 'ride' much smoother for her.

Then came the landing, when Shiro's focus would be most important. As the ground approached at its unnaturally slow pace- though not as slow as the fox would've liked- he stopped his roundabout movements and went in a direct, slanting line toward the ground; like a plane to a runway. When close enough, the kitsune reached down and pushed against the ground, rising up slightly before settling down. Most of the fire immediately dispersed, though not all, and Shiro crouched once more to make it easier for Eithne to stand. "Are you both okay?"

[Señor Sunday Friday]

"I don't know what's wrong with Cowl... he's unresponsive in case you haven't noticed, and I'll have to find a teacher to heal my throat and vocal chords... then I must feed before I collapse." Eithne got up from Shiro's back, still holding Cowl in her arms, though the struggle was apparent due to how her legs were shaking and blood continued to come forth from the wound on her neck that refused to heal, and obviously her vocal chords were affected as well, her voice was continually getting more quiet and more of a rhasp, she was going to be mute if she continued talking.

Meanwhile, confined to space of mind... 'Shiro! Shiro please help! Something's wrong! Something... I don't know why... but whoever it is that's speaking to you... whoever it is that's holding Cowl- it's not me! I can't control my own body- Thanks to the loss of Estrik's blood I can't reach out to anyone either!' Eithne's thoughts unable to be telepathically sent to anyone, she could only hope that some asshole out there didn't listen to her when she said how much she wanted people out of her mind. She had to hope that perhaps Estrik would listen in, someone had to realize she wasn't keeping her mind closed, she needed someone to come... because whatever was going to happen, it wasn't going to be good, she was sure of it.

[Man of Many Murders]

Cowl looked at the two doors. He thought that perhaps one of them led him out of his mind and into the current time. This was such a weird place. A throne room? Why the hell was there a throne room in Cowl’s head. Cowl turned to Bartimaeus. “What do you want? Why am I here?” Bartimaeus took a seat in the chair. He was a bit small and had to lift himself up due to the fact that the chair was enormous. “You are here because I needed to speak to you. You may leave when ever you wish... But you might want to listen to what I have to say.” He said oddly. And looked towards the two doors behind the chair. Cowl looked back at the boy. He would stay for the moment. “Who are you?” Cowl spoke in a normal tone. Perhaps he could learn something from this. Like why the hell Cowl was in his own head. And why this thing could hear him.

Julius appeared behind Eithne his gun pointed to her head. The safety was off and his finger was ready to pull the trigger. He spoke his eyes emotionless and purple in color. “You are not Eithne. I can read her mind. And she says she is not you.” Julius said not even looking towards Shiro. Now why was Julius here you might ask. For the very reason that he had sensed Alysdair moments ago. Why had he not attacked. Well that was for Julius to now.

[Señor Sunday Friday]

"Well, Julius... Alysdair has told me quite a bit about you..." Eithne smirked, "But do you really want to kill her?" She asked, she made no movement for the weapon, and no hostile movement as she placed Cowl on the ground. "Do you really want to? I mean... who knows... Alysdair might lose all interest in such a place as this if everything falls apart... and then he'll move on and you'll lose your chance, wouldn't you?" besides, if they were controlling Eithne, there'd have to be a reason, right? Wouldn't it be more wise to figure out why? And figure out who it is that was able to control people like this. Everything was unravveling like a game, perhaps a game with too many players.

[Man of Many Murders]

Bartimaeus answered Cowl’s question. “I am Bartimaeus. And you are my host. I may be what ever you want me to be. What ever form.” Bartimaeus suddenly shifted form from a small teen boy to a naked woman. Cowl of course stared in awe. Hey he was a guy after all. But of course Eithne would kill him if she found out. “But... What is it that you want? Why did you choose me?” Bartimaeus shifted form yet again to what he was before. “I didn’t choose you. Your master did. And then his children gave me life yet again. But I need you... Just as you need me. I am here to offer you wisdom. I have been alive for quite some time and no so much. I could give you access to power beyond your wildest dreams.” Cowl stared at him in disbelief. Not disbelief that this thing did not have power. Disbelief that it could be that easy to gain that kind of power.

Julius smirked. “I wouldn’t care if she lived or died. But this boy cared about her and I will not let her get harmed.” Julius continued to point the gun to her head. He had to think of a way to get her out of this. How to separate who ever this was from the real Eithne. “Where is Alysdair? Why does he not come out and face me?” Julius demanded more then asked. He brought his other gun out. This one with blessed pistols. Unlike his other gun these weren’t silver. If he fired these it would not kill her but paralyze her for a short time. At least it would paralyze Eithne’s body.

[Señor Sunday Friday]

"Wouldn't you perhaps like to train a bit before you even try to face me, Julius? Because I'd have to say I've been following you a while and I'm not impressed yet." The tone in Eithne's damaged voice changed and she smiled darkly towards Julius. Obviously whoever was controlling Eithne passed the control to another being, and one could only guess who it was, due to the dialogue. "Not impressed yet... though in time you might have a chance." there was a soft chuckle, her hand reaching for the weapon on her back, "Perhaps you'd like to try...?"

[Man of Many Murders]

Bartimaeus let out a chuckle. ”I do not expect you to believe me. But the fact of the matter is it is true. I have the power to grant it to you.” Bartimaeus gave another creepy smile to Cowl. Cowl was getting really tired of this kid. He just wanted to get out of here so he could be with Eithne. “Can I leave now?” Cowl asked. Bartimeaus sighed. ”yes you may go. But remember my offer. It always stands. And if you ever need information let me know as well. I’m merely a thought away.” As he said this everything began to shift as Cowl’s eyes opened.

Julius lowered the silver gun. He hated to admit it but who ever this was, she was right. But one thing was for sure. Julius couldn’t let her stay in this body. So he acted firing his gun with the blessed bullets. As it fired from the gun into her head it would paralyze Eithne. By doing this Julius hoped that who ever this was would leave the body. As he fired the gun he spoke. “Your right. I am not ready to fight you. But I can not let you take control of this girl’s body.”

[Señor Sunday Friday]

"Paralyzing the body by injuring the brain? I'm sorry but I'm not of the girl's mind." It was odd as the words came because whoever it was had full control of Eithne, the words effortlessly coming from her lips. "And your guesses as to who exactly I am would never be so far from the truth. Palimov has been so kind as to let me tap into his powers in the slightest. I'm ever grateful for the chance to talk to you. Please Julius... show me that expression, show me that sad little face you wore when your family died, oh how I miss it." Eithne's expression was one of mocking, she paused expression contorting as she seemed to be remembering, "It's been so long, hasn't it?" It was apparent that it was no woman who was controlling Eithne, but it was a man, a vampire, actually. Alysdair.

Life could be a bitch at times, couldn't it?

[Man of Many Murders]

Julius listened to what words escaped Eithne's lips. He had no clue exactly who it was up until that small added fact that escaped Eithne's lips. Julius' eyes grew with fury as he realized that Alysdair was controlling this girl's body. As soon as his voice echoed from her lips Julius' appearance changed. He went from a normal human color skin to pure white in color. His eyes went from purple to a bright glowing red. His fangs grew longer and sharpened along with his hands which turned into claws. Julius' couldn't of guessed that the very person who was controlling Eithne was Alysdair. Just from the voice all of the powers in his grasp were activated. His most dangerous of powers were still locked away by the pendent around his neck. Julius had to fight every will in him to tear Eithne's body into shreds. "Why..." He spoke in such a small but angry tone. "Why do you torment me?!" He shouted as he lunged forward towards Eithne.

Cowl on the otherhand had just awoken and was very confused. He had no idea what was going on and all he could see was Eithne talking to Julius. And apparently someone was controlling Eithne. But things went from bad to worse when Julius found out who was controlling her. Cowl was still on the ground and for some reason he felt very tired and wounded. He couldn't move which was weird.

[[.karasu.]]

Shiro had been wondering about how he could heal Eithne- he had the power, he just rarely used it- when Julius appeared. The kitsune just about lunged for the man with the gun, but stopped when his ears picked up what he was saying. Stepping back to be out of the way, the fox listened and watched the scene intently. His ears fell back against his head and crimson eyes widened sharply when it became very clear that this person... this being was not Eithne. All Shiro could do was look on in astonishment. Was this why her emotions were so jumbled earlier? The fox shook his head as ridding himself of an insect before he noticed Cowl stirring just the slightest. Quickly and quietly, he approached the Necromancer's side and crouched near him. "Cowl, can you hear me? Are you alright?" The kitsune's crimson eyes darted from Cowl's wounded figure, to Eithne and Julius, and then back again. Whatever was going on, Shiro didn't think it was going to end well.

[Señor Sunday Friday]

"Don't be so single-minded, it's not all about you." It was odd how it was Eithne's voice but still distinctively Alysdairs, the speech patterns perfectly matching those of the vampire. Eithne seemed utterly calm in outward appearance, making it seem almost impossible that her mind was in such turmoil and panic at the moment. Words weren't even being made, it was just waves of fear, anger, and intense sadness rolling through her thoughts.

"There are plans put into action involving many more beings that are really worth more time than an insolent traitor like you." The words still remained calm, obviously they were in reference to the penalty for killing another vampire- death.

[Man of Many Murders]

Julius was enraged even more by Alysdair's words. How dare he call Julius a tratior. He was the one who at the first site of his creation left Julius for his own to scared at the time to handle the vampire he had created. So if anyone was a tratior it was Alysdair. Julius was this way because of Alysdair. And any vampire that treated people like Julius was treated deserved to die. So if he was a tratior for that then he was a proud one. Julius stood continuly staring at Alysdair. He wanted to attack. To rip Eithne's throat out. But the sad reality was it would acomplish nothing. After all Alysdair was mearly posessing Eithne at the moment. "Why don't you go to your real body so we can fight. Or do you always need others to protect yourself, because your to weak to do anything by yourself."

Cowl looked over at Shiro. he had not even seen that the Kitsune was there with that until the moment he approched Cowl. But Cowl was glad that at least someone was paying attention to him. "I can't move." Cowl responded in seriousness. His legs weren't responding to what he wanted them to do. As if he were paralyzed or something. Cowl had no idea what caused it but one thing for sure was that this was not normal.