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Post by Julian on Feb 10, 2009 16:15:34 GMT -5
*With childlike hesitation, Julian started forward, eyes unblinking as he readied himself for whatever was to come. But there was only the quiet basement, the soft shuffle of dirt beneath them. He looked at the floor, then to Erik.*
"I...I don't understand." *There were supposed to be answers here. There had to be.*
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Post by Erik on Feb 10, 2009 16:58:40 GMT -5
Erik thought it was a little much to ask, that the universe unfold its secrets to just anyone. But Julian was not just anyone; nor was he. "Perhaps it is not that simple," he said. But Julian was usually so sure of himself. At least in this sort of thing.
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Post by Julian on Feb 10, 2009 17:10:21 GMT -5
"But...it has to be here." *Julian insisted. There was no other explanation, not when it was something he was so sure of. He took another few steps. But there. There was a sound. Something... He frowned, looking quickly to his belly that had started to tingle.*
"I do not..." *He looked up to Erik, frantic for that one moment before he vanished. The silver chain plopped unceremoniously to the dirt where he'd been standing.*
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Post by Erik on Feb 10, 2009 17:21:02 GMT -5
Erik cried out in surprise and dismay, darting instantly for the chain and scooping it from the ground. It slithered through his fingers but he closed his hand around it, his insides feeling scooped out and in a sense, they had been.
"Julian?" he cried, for there was always a chance but he didn't think he could have stopped himself.
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Post by Julian on Feb 10, 2009 17:38:17 GMT -5
*But Julian did not answer. For a moment there was only stillness. But then a cold gust blew through the windowless room and a strong invisible force struck Erik hard in the chest.*
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Post by Erik on Feb 10, 2009 17:45:33 GMT -5
Erik swayed back, losing his footing and then catching himself. The chain bit into his palm.
"Answer me!" he demanded of the air. "If you know what happened, make it known to Erik!"
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Post by Julian on Feb 11, 2009 9:02:42 GMT -5
*The cold stayed, a heavy presence about Erik. There was a shimmer, something like heat distortion, but in a massive shape, undulating but never taking true form. Then there was a voice, or something like a collection of voices. But they seemed to intrude in Erik's mind, causing no echo in the rooms walls.*
Ours! *It hissed.* Always ours. But think human. Ours first. Must remember.
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Post by Erik on Feb 11, 2009 10:59:09 GMT -5
"Mine," Erik growled, both audibly and in his mind. "Julian is mine, whatever else he is!"
His fists clenched at his sides, his yellow eyes flashing in the dim light of the cellar.
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Post by Julian on Feb 11, 2009 11:24:40 GMT -5
OURS!
*The chorus bellowed, Erik shoved harder by the unseen force.*
Of Erik. By Erik. But ours. Of us. You know. You know.
*The shimmer shifted, seeming to melt in and out of being.*
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Post by Erik on Feb 11, 2009 14:00:30 GMT -5
Erik reached towards the ephemeral shape, his hands encountering nothing.
"What does that mean?" he demanded. "Erik wants him back, whole. That is not negotiable!"
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Post by Julian on Feb 11, 2009 14:49:49 GMT -5
No nego-sshee-ation. *The voices hissed sharply.* Is as is. Will be back when we are understood.
*The shimmer slowed, anchoring to one point in front and a bit off from Erik.*
We need. He will serve.
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Post by Erik on Feb 11, 2009 14:59:47 GMT -5
Erik bristled.
"When who understands? When Erik does, or Julian? Who are you, to take him at will? He is needed here!"
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Post by Julian on Feb 11, 2009 15:32:53 GMT -5
*Without further comment or warning, the strange shape dissipated. A moment later, Julian manifested, naked and tossed hard to the ground, seemingly unconscious. The chain had vanished from Erik's hand, safely secured around Julian's throat.*
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Post by Erik on Feb 11, 2009 15:35:44 GMT -5
Julian had barely hit the ground when Erik made it to his side, touching him as if to reassure himself. His heart skipped as it started beating faster, as if time had slowed for a moment and was now snapping back into place.
"Julian," he called, cradling the body to him.
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Post by Julian on Feb 11, 2009 15:50:50 GMT -5
*Julian's eye fluttered for a moment under their lids before slowly opening. Confusion plastered his features as it took some time for his eyes to adjust once more.*
"Mother?" *He breathed, as if his hope was too delicate a thing to offer.*
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