June 17, 2008

Airplanes are not as great as they seem. It was cramped, stuffy and boring. And I could not drink, my ID only says eighteen. Plus, Ryan was very ill the whole time, which was unpleasant. After most of the day, we arrived in Marseilles, which really is not as nice as the travel brochures make it out to be. The hotel is quite horrible. But I am sure I have been in worse places, so I will live.

Jacques is our liaison here. He is, well, I cannot really think of anything to say about him, except he is a bit of an ass. He has been mildly helpful, however, in providing us with a couple of Interpol badges we put to use tonight.

After resting most of the day, we went to the museum. Tori, Sora and Fain had the badges, while the rest of us assumed the roles of civilian consultants. They still have the museum closed off, but we were able to get in with little problems. The place was still a mess. Three displays had been destroyed, including the one which had held the crystal. Colt and Fain checked the roof where the burglar had come in from. Tori went to watch the security footage, which did not tell him very much.

I tried talking to the curators and investigators, but they were assholes and unwilling to cooperate. As I was searching the room, however, I found something very interesting. In the center of the room sat what was labeled as a sacrificial altar. It said sacrifices were made, and whoever did the sacrifice could control whatever was summoned. There was a dirt trail leading from the bowl of the altar to the middle of the room. The collar and chain was also there, but it was in an unbroken case. I had been hoping to be able to deal with it while I was there, but it looks like it will have to wait.

We were eventually left alone in the room, and at a bit of an impasse. I started thinking whatever had been called from the altar could be called again. I thought it might be able to tell us more about what happened. And as is my habit I acted without really thinking. I cut myself and let the blood drip onto the bowl. Nothing happened at first, but after Sora worked a bit of his magic, the bowl began to shimmer. What I called was not sentient, nor able to be controlled. It was... Well it was really gross. We had to put it down, since I believe it was trying to eat us.

I tried using my powers to hold it, but they did not seem to work very well. I think I may need more control. I am so close to really being able to use the things I can do. And I feel on the verge of discovering more. I just need to focus! Sora also acted without thinking; he broke a case holding weapons so we could use them. Doing so alerted the local police to a theft in the museum. I would have tried to talk our way out of it, but the others ran so I had to follow.

I am a little worried. There were way too many witnesses, and our presence was caught on several security cameras. The others do not seem to realize this could end badly if we are caught. It would not be very hard, especially since my looks are very unique. And if anyone sees my image who knows what they are looking at... But I forget sometimes I am pretty much working with children. They could not understand.

June 18, 2008

I find myself getting more reckless recently, and though today's actions have proved positive, my luck cannot last much longer. We have the third crystal. But we may be loosing an ally to get it, which could prove disastrous in the future. We learned early this afternoon one of our suspects for the museum robbery is Fil's father. We decided to speak with him to see what he knew, and headed to the Caspian Villa. However, while Fil was there, her father was not. This is where things got dangerous. Tori decided we should search his study. If we had not learned what we did from doing so, I would really regret it.

Caspian is, as I had suspected, a very interesting man. His whole study is littered with traps. Tori set one off that nearly lit his desk on fire! I found a hidden compartment in a fireplace full of oddities. There was a crystal ball with the whereabouts of his wife, among other things. It was also set with traps. After negotiating the desk for an hour, Tori was able to get the information we needed. Mr. Caspian had written a check out to a woman who met the description of the thief, and was meeting her in a cafe this afternoon. We left for the cafe.

We arrived just minutes before Lola; the woman we suspected was the thief. We stayed back and watched their short exchange and I noticed something. She had markings on her legs similar to the markings Sora has. I knew then she had the crystal inside her.
She left Caspian, and I prodded Colt into going after her. He said something I did not hear, and she started to run. We started to chase, but not before Caspian saw, and recognized me. We really have a lot of explaining to do!

She eventually ended up on top of one of the buildings, where Tori followed her up. He chased her to the next rooftop, where she was about to jump, but something strange happened. The crystal in her leg shot out of it, causing her to fall. Luckily, Colt was able to catch her, and Tori grabbed the crystal before it was lost. However, before he climbed down, Tori saw a figure in a trench coat hovering over a building not too far away. None of us can make much sense of it, but I have a feeling it had something to do with what happened to Lola.

We took her to the Council Police headquarters, and put her in the empty weapon locker. After questioning her for a short time, I came to the conclusion that she knew nothing and could do little harm to our search, and we let her go. She wanted to keep the crystal for herself anyway, so even if she does get to the others before we do, I do not think it will be any worse than Sora having them.

So, now there are only two crystals left out there. We will go to the Caspian Villa tomorrow to explain what happened. I hope he does not insist on us giving him the crystal, because we will tell him no. But he does deserve to know why we broke into his study, so we will at least do that.

Also, Colt believes one of the ooze things we fought at the museum got away into the sewer. He wants to search for it, and put it down before it causes any problems. The crystals are more important; however this is something we should take care of before we leave Marseilles. So we may also be taking care of that in the morning.

Being out of Boston is not at all like I had hoped. I feel incredibly vulnerable, and unsteady. It may just be the situation; we do not know who the enemies are out here. In truth, I guess we do not know who the enemies are at all. Even Shale as an enemy is questionable. I do not even know if we are important enough for him to notice. We are not really power players in anything really. And maybe that is what is important to him. I wish I knew.

I have been trying to keep my mind as busy as possible. It seems as though whenever I have a spare moment, I keep thinking about him. I cannot control my thoughts at all, I keep thinking about... I cannot even write it down, it makes it too real. I cannot get involved, it could be too dangerous. It could destroy everything I have struggled to be. But I still find myself wanting... Damn it, I want him. I should not deny it or try to hide from my feelings, dangerous though they may be. There is just something irresistible about that kind of power... The kind of man you do not say no to. Something irresistibly hot. But while I should own my own desires, this is not one I can pursue. If he remembers anything... it could be too dangerous. However, if he were to come to me, I do not think I could deny him. Danger or no, I fear I would give in.

June 19, 2008

Last night, since Sora was asleep when we got back to the hotel, I held the crystal s I rested. I woke to a cramp in my hand, and a room full of Tas mist. I had absorbed the crystal as I lay lost in thought. I had thought before only Sora or others like him could absorb the crystal, or command it to do so, but I was wrong. When I asked Sora to help me fix it, it shot out of my palm, leaving a scar; a lot like what happened to Lola. Another for my collection, I suppose.

We went into the sewer under the museum, but it turned out to be disastrous, and a complete waste of time. Colt had no proof, and thought the thing went into the sewer on a hunch. But we only wasted two or three hours, and I learned something about security cameras. This would be to look for them wherever we go.

We decided to wash up before we went to see Caspian, and as we were at the hotel. Lola showed up. She was in a complete panic, apparently her identity had disappeared. Probably because Caspian believed she sill had the crystal. She insisted we give her the crystal to give back to Caspian. When we refused, she insisted on going with us to his villa. We could not really refuse without trouble, so along she came.

It almost went very badly. I was expecting trouble, but not as much as we nearly got. Caspian did not react very well to what we initially had to say; which was we had the crystal and were not going to let anyone else have it. Plus, I do not think Colt understood that we were not there to pick a fight, we were there to share information and apologize for nearly burning down his study. He really needs to start listening, and not always try to solve our problems with violence. I should have another talk with him, things worked out really well after our last one.

We were finally able to work the conversation around to Tas and the use of the crystals. I offered to get Tas stored to give to him. Caspian warmed up to this idea, and asked if we wanted to see what he would do with it. We agreed and he opened up a portal in the sphere that Fil had told me about. I was worried at first, hoping that it was not a portal back to Shaddovar. I will not go back! But it turned out to be room like the one back at home. He made it based off of what we had shown him there. He asked Sora to step into the center, and began his magic.

The circle and the glyphs in the center began to shift and spin around Sora. Then one of the crystals burst out of him and he screamed. We did not know what the spell was; nor whether or not stopping it would hurt Sora worse. But Colt, of course, tried shooting Caspian! I admire his conviction, but sometimes he needs to stop and think! The others also tried to stop Caspian, but he had some kind of force field around him. When the spell was over, Sora was safe and had only a few scars to show for his trouble. And Caspian had a room attuned, which was all he had wanted the crystal for. He gave them back to Sora, and now I believe we have a solid ally outside the Council Police. He seemed quite pleased. We talked briefly about where we might learn more about the last two crystals, and left.

We are on the train to Paris now, to talk to a Professor of Archeology that works at the University. Caspian seems to think he would be a decent lead to the next crystal.
Colt told us an interesting thing. Apparently, the military has found some way to get to the other world. Colt was sent there during his training. This is quite interesting, though I am unsure what it means for me. I hope nothing. The very last thing I need is to find an enemy in the U.S. military. I trust Colt and his father; I do hope this trust is not misplaced.

June 20, 2008

We were going to go to the Louvre this morning. It really did seem like a brilliant idea, since we could not get an appointment with the professor. I was quite excited, I really do like art. Plus, I want to see things... things that mean something. It is part of the reason I want to travel a lot one day. We are traveling now, so I wanted to go to the Louvre before we left Paris. But I should have figured somehow a dampener would get put on my plans. I swear, I cannot go anywhere without trouble.

As we were leaving the hotel, I was hit by some kind of dart. I had enough time to think, "What the hell?", before I passed out. I was hit by a tranquilizer. A tranquilizer! That's a first; I am used to being attacked with things that could kill me! I am lucky that Colt is smart when it comes to fights. I do not know how we would have gotten out without him. They carried me out of the hotel, and even managed to find the Council Police in Paris all by themselves! I was quite impressed. I woke at the police station, where they filled me in on what happened, and their plan. Sora mentioned instead of risk getting attacked again when we went to visit the professor, we ought to have him brought to us! We were at a police station, after all. So we had him arrested.

Naturally he was quite surprised when he arrived; I really do not blame him. But once we explained to him what we were doing, and why we needed him, he grew quite excited. He was interested in both mine and Sora's markings, and I think he almost came at the sight of one of the crystals. He mentioned he had seen markings like Sora's on a dig at Old Carthage. So, we have found our next destination. Tunisia.

We will be going a long as research assistants, and maybe we will find another crystal. I am really looking forward to it. Plus we will be going through Cairo on our way there, which is a place I have been very interested, since it is where the Church decided I was born. I know it was not, but it is still the place where I am officially a citizen. Speaking of the Church, I received a note today from some mystery person. It told me to "Please go home", and was signed not with a name, but a Catholic rose. I called Maggie, but she did not seem to know where it had come from. She told me the only Catholic groups that use parchment instead of letter head would have no interest in me, and I had better hope to keep it that way.

They are still following me, however. There is a man who keeps appearing wherever we go, whom Sora claims is watching me. I asked Maggie about this, and she said of course someone is following me. I suppose I do not mind so much. They will only see me doing what I would tell them I am doing anyway. I have no reason to lie to Maggie, and I hope she understands this. It does not benefit me in anyway to be deceitful towards the Church; it is actually beneficial to never lie to her. So far as I can tell anyway.

We also learned that the Caspian Villa in Marseilles has been bombed. I am not too worried, because we know Fil told us she left for Boston yesterday evening, but it is still quite troublesome. Did that happen because of us? I hope not, but I fear... We seem to go places and bad things happen.

I called Vince today to see what is going on in Boston. Apparently the Lagoon has been closed for days, and the Silver Lining is the new hot club. Vince told me they throw great parties, I told him I remember. It seems as though Shale is taking over quite a bit of the city or at least demanding tribute from many of the underground organizations. I will have to continue contact with Vince, to see what happens. I am insanely curious. I am quite happy to be traveling so much, but a part of me needs to be back in Boston so I can see and participate in developments there. I feel as though I am missing important things, even as I participate in other important things. I guess we shall see what happens. Hopefully the city will not go to hell without me there.

June 22, 2008

I just got back from one of the most insane nights I can remember. Yesterday, we spent the day exploring Paris. I got to see the Louvre, which was amazing. I am planning on going back sometime after high school is over. It was a nice, peaceful day. I even got to take pictures of the view from the Eiffel Tower, which was spectacular, though a bit bright. Of all things, I wish the sunlight did not hurt my eyes so much.

I heard rumor while I was out of a dance club not too far from the police station. So I decided to check it out. No one wanted to go with me which suited me just fine. And now I have lived through the night it suits me even better. So at sundown I went, honestly, now I do not even remember the name of the place! At first it was a little boring. I had a couple beers, but otherwise it was nothing spectacular. After about two hours I had decided on going to another place the bar tender had mentioned, and I saw her as I was leaving. She had long hair, like a black silk curtain. Her eyes were so light a brown they were almost gold, and her skin was like dark honey. She was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen; it has me poetic! I was stopped dead in my tracks, and could not leave until I talked to her.

Her name was Delkash, and she was an exile from Iran. She had this fascinating way of looking at me right away, like she had a secret she wanted to share. I was helpless, I really was. She asked me if I wanted to leave with her, and I would have been a fool to deny her. So we went to another club, where she bought me several drinks, and we made out a lot. She was amazing! I could have kissed her forever.

Sometime after midnight, she asked me to come back to her place, and I could not refuse. She took me to the Hookah Bar she ran with her brother, and we went to the upper story of the building, where she lived. It was there I found out she also ran an opium den in her home. We had incredible sex, and then she offered me a pipe. I almost refused, but decided I might as well try it once. I felt an amazing sense of euphoria right away. It was just like after sex; I have never felt so calm and at peace with myself. We lay on her bed for hours wearing only her sheets, smoking opium. I wish I could feel that way everyday. No more memories, no more confusion and fear. Just peace. That is all I want. Peace.
I fell asleep sometime before dawn, and slept without dreaming. I have not slept without night mares in almost a year. Her brother woke me sometime around nine o'clock, and gave me money for a taxi. But she was gone. It was almost like a dream, I am unsure if it was real or not. Truthfully, I do not mind either way. She gave me a gift that I will be forever grateful for. A night of true peace.

Sora was very angry when I got back to the Station. I told him the truth of where I had gone, or very near to it. He was not satisfied, but I do not care. He is not my mother; it is none of his business what I do with my time. I get the job done, and that is all that matters. I wish he would stop this possessive, jealous, childish bullshit. I care about him a great deal, but there is a limit to my patience. He needs to just decide what he wants, and tell me. I will not wait forever.

June 25, 2008

I am sitting on the deck of a ship, traveling from Cairo to Tunis. We left Cairo this morning, after getting supplies and picking up diggers. I was very glad we got to spend at least one day in Cairo, though I would have loved to stay. It was quite beautiful, and getting to see the ruins of the pyramids was an experience I will never forget. It was like looking into eternity. There were also several great open air markets I got to explore, and I have heard there are more in Tunis. I picked up some great clothes, and if I were into jewelry, I would have spent even more money.

The Mediterranean is so lovely. I have experienced a very peaceful couple of days; I really do think traveling is what I want to do for the next several years after high school. Maybe the Council Police would be willing to send me. I am certain I could think of some reason they might want to finance my traveling.

I have been quite lucky; the Captain has a wonderful selection of liquor. And he was more than willing to give me a couple of bottles. He's also a very good lay, for being around forty. Not a bad looking gentleman; Italian, I think. Or Greek, I cannot tell. Tori would be able to, but no one knows I fucked him, and I prefer to keep it that way. Sora would only sulk, and I am in too good a mood to put up with it.

I am looking forward to Tunis, in fact, I am quite optimistic about this whole adventure. It does feel very mysterious and adventurous, which is exactly what I needed. At home, I would only be sulky about what I knew was happening to my city I cannot stop. Out here, I can get some perspective. Maybe Shale can have Boston. With the Mediterranean this wonderful, I can hardly be bothered to care.

June 27, 2008

Today started perfect. We arrived in Tunis last night, a little too late to get anything done. But this morning we were free to do what we wanted while the professor arranged transportation to the dig. I decided I wanted to wander around the open air market, and the others decided to join me. For the first few hours it was wonderful. I was really enjoying myself. If we ever do find peace again, I really would like to travel. There is so much in this world to see and to do. I am young; I have much time to do everything I would like to, and more! But first, there are some things we need to take care of.

I have done something horrible... It was an accident! I did not mean for it to happen. I am so glad Sora did not see. I think only Tori saw, and I think he will keep it quiet. I killed a man today. I killed him with my mind. I only meant for it to hurt! I did not think it would kill him. It terrifies me I can do that. I knew I had potential to do incredible things, but I did not think of killing.

He had a tattoo on his back of a Catholic Rose, the same as the one on the parchment. I do not know who these men are, but they are not giving up on catching us, or killing us. And what I have done will only make it worse. They saw what I did, and it scared them. They ran for now, but we will see them again, and next time they will try harder.
I am afraid. Afraid of what I can do, and what it means for me and my friends. Things will not be easier, not for a very long time. I thought things were getting better. I hate this.