Disclaimer: I don't own Dark City, I don't own Schreber *Sniffle*, I don't own Murdoch... I do own Trinity however :-D you can use her (Why I have no idea) But please email me or leave a review saying so so I can see how and what you do with her :-D
To My WONDERFUL, BEAUTIFUL, SPLINDERFUS Reviewers:
Abra2: Thank you sososososo much for your kind words :-D I try to make all My Mary's unmarry like..Actually, I slightly base each of them off a different personality of Mine ^-^' heh. ANYHOW! Thank you sososo much :-D
pirategurl85: Thank you soooo much :-D Sadly, I don't know how to go about separating the paragraphs correctly. I'm used to the way it is in books and whatnot so I'm used to that and I'm afraid I'd be a klutz at it the other way...Yeah, I suck, I know..Thanks though!
Matrix Refugee: As to all of you, HANNAD! (It's Elvish for Thank you :-D). Yeah, it was the lack of Dark City fics that inspired me to write this...Plus a very unhealthy love for poor Dr. Schreber :-D ^_^ And they STOLE the tape? OMG!!! What idiot would do that? I got My copy brand new for 9 bucks, surely they coulda spared that! Have you tried looking for it at your library? Try going to the library's site, do a search for it. Usually Librarys carry movies like that :-D
Lea of Mirkwood: Thank you sosososososo much. I'm amazed such a talented writer such as yourself would comment on something I write while listening to Evanescence :-) I emailed you twice in the past few days but you seem to be busy. I didn't wanna keep ya all waiting for the next update so I posted it..SORRY! Reply soon so you can beta the next chappie!
A/N And Warnings: OK kids, theres just the ever SLIGHT hinting of Schreber getting wise with his right hand but thats all! Theres also a smallll bit of gore. Sorry that this chappie sucks, I couldn't seem to stop typing and it's also long. Long and suckie....For all the Murdoch fans in the house, HE MAKES A APPEARANCE! Break out the confetti! :-D ON TO THE FIC!
ENJOY!
Darkness.....A cold breeze blows his hair across his eyes as he limps down a dark alleyway. He has no idea where he is or why he's here, but he can feel a shiver of dread crawl slowly up his back.
A whisper.
Quickly as he can he turns around, his eyes small, searching for the voice that issued it. He finds nothing. Where is he? Why is this place so foreign yet so oddly familiar? Taking in a deep breath as though to gather his courage he begins down the alleyway again. On either side of him is a plane brick wall, the cold blue moonlight glowing off of the brick and the black asphalt street. Behind him he could see nothing but the ally stretching out, as the same in front of him. How had he got here?
"Help me". Faint, oh so very faint but still hearable. The voice that issued the whispered plea was pathetic, weak, tortured...And female.
"Whose - there?" He calls out into the silent night. Above him he sees nothing but the blue moon, mockingly smiling down upon him. Faintly he could feel the hairs on the back of his neck rise.
"Daniel". Fainter than the last. Yet nowhere is there anyone to be seen. Schreber winches as he realizes theres only one who says his name so fully as that with so much passion.
"Help...me"
"Trinity?" He asks out into the night, the dangerous silence being his only reply. His hands clinch. He wasn't here alone. On he walks, his footfalls echoing off the close set walls, his breath turning into a cloud of steam in front of his face. Where is he?
"Doctor", This voice was different and it made him jump as he recognized who it was, "Doctor, you have been very disobedient, yes". The strangers. How could this be? He watched as they had all died.
"Punished you will be."
"Leave--Leave me - alone!!!" He cries out, more courage in his voice than he had ever dared inject. Silence...Berating, but not his own.....
"As you wish doctor" The voice replies, but Schreber winches again as he notices the sadistic undertone to it, "But someone must take your place, yes". A whip crack, a scream...A female scream. A scream so full of pain and anguish and despair it's enough to stop his already weak heart. It wouldn't die, even after the voice that issued it stopped. The walls kept echoing it, back and forth, over and over, always so loudly into his head.
Ahead a small glowing light appears, dark blue so that it almost blends into the blackness around it, but it can still be seen. Schreber manages to push himself from the right wall which he's leaned against for support and again begins to walk towards it. Quicker than he thought, or would want, he's to the source. A single lamp which is hung on a hook that was fastened into one of the walls. Inside it blue fire burns brightly and under it...
"Oh - God, Trinity!" Schreber exclaims, his eyes grown wide. Trinity lays on a table, on her stomach, her arms limp and hanging down either side of the wooden surface, body as limp as her arms. The back of her shirt nothing but shreds and Schreber draws in a sharp breath as he sees blood slowly trickle from lash marks against the pail skin of her back. Blood runs down her arms and drips onto the asphalt, a small pool of red color against the black-blue surface. Slowly, carefully, Schreber walks to the poor girl and turns her face to the side so he can see it. His breath catches in his throat as he sees several bad gashes go across the pretty flesh and blood dripping onto the table. Her lips had been sliced across by what appeared to be a hot knife as the black gashes was sealed. Her cheeks sliced upon by the same hot knife, three several cauterized streaks running across them, and then there had been a cold knife, one that had not closed the wound behind it, with a jagged edge that had ruined where the other knife had not. Her eyes was shut but Schreber could hear her breathing, lightly, weakly, jaggedly, but to him it sounded as the voice of an angel.
"You brought this to her, yes" Said the same cold voice as before as a pail man in a black trench coat and hat steps from the shadows. Schreber yelps as though he had been cut himself and backed towards the wall a few steps.
"We told you that we needed another to take your place. And we have one, now".
"Leave her - alone" Schreber hissed. The Stranger simply grins, cocking his head to the side. The pail figure walks to the tortured girl on the table and lays his gloved hand on her back and presses down hard. Trinity whimpers in her sleep, her face contorting.
"Such a pretty thing, yes....Such a shame you have broke her" The dead figure says, running his hand down her slashed back, smearing the blood across it. Schreber stands there, right side of his top lip in a snarl, wishing to god he could do something for her. Confused by his words at first. Broke her. How could he have broke her? But slowly, painfully, he guesses what the Stranger meant.
"If you hadn't been so weak and pathetic she wouldn't have came to you. She would be happy now, yes, with a memory. She would not be in this mess, with these woes, and you would not need to lie to her....Lie to her to tell her that all her memories are lies, yes. Tell her it was your fault in the beginning yes. This is your fault"
"I'm trying to - help her" Schreber replies weakly. The same, worthless tone he had always spoke to the Strangers with. The Stranger looked at him with a blank face then another slow, sadistic grin spread across his dead lips.
"I think I should save you both the pain..." From his robes the Stranger pulls a long, jagged edged knife, the cold metal glowing in the cold moonlight. Schreber's eyes grow and he tries to jump towards the figure but finds himself latched to the ground. He couldn't move...The Stranger had tuned him there.
"Trinity!" He screams as the Stranger lowers the knife to her figure. She winches as another gash is made across her already slashed back. Then slowly her eyelids flutter and her pail green eyes open. Amid all the pain and blood on her body and face, her eyes are the same. The same fire burns in their pail green depths and -- a new emotion that had been growing the past few weeks. A emotion nether of them knew anything of yet was reflected in both of their eyes.
"Daniel" She whispers faintly, raising a blood covered hand to cup his face as the cruel blade slid around her neck. The caress...Warm, affectionate, despite all the blood on her palm. Her skin was warm, it always was, and her eyes burned with passion, locked with his own, her lips slightly parted.
"Daniel".
Quickly the blade tears through the flesh of her neck and blood pours from her throat but her hand never left his cheek....
"TRINITY!" Schreber screamed as he shot up in bed, looking frantically into the pre-morning blackness. His blond hair was plastered to his forehead, his sheets soaking wet with cold (oh so very cold) sweat. His breath came raggedly as his eyes darted around him. Slowly he realized he was in his own bed, in the little apartment like building that joined his office. A sigh of relief escaped Schreber's lips as he ran a shaking hand through his wet hair, outside the gentle (soothing?) rumble of thunder in the distance.
"Just a - dream" He spoke aloud, the sound of his own voice comforting him. Shaking, he rose out of the bed, wrapping the sheet around himself and walked through his office and into the bathroom. He almost wished he had of left the light off as his eyes slammed shut, some pain flashing through his head at the sudden brightness. Slowly he adjusted to the bathroom light and walked to the sink, the bed sheet draped around him like a toga or robe. He looked at himself in the mirror. Blond haired man with a not-half-bad complexion, middle thirties (Could be younger, he didn't know) with greenblue eyes...One of which the lid was mangled. He may have been handsome if it wasn't for that...Had he been handsome? He didn't know, nor did he care. He ran some water into the little seashell designed sink and washed his face. Although his sweat had been cold, he was rather warm. It was summer after all and the nights was always dreadfully hot. Slowly the cold droplets of water ran down his face, chin and his cream colored chest, finally disappearing under the sheet. It felt nice..And real. Reality, so much different from dreams and so much kinder (At the moment anyway).
How many times has this been now? Three? One actual dream, two nightmares he remembered as he placed a dripping wet hand to the back of his neck, a water drop rolling down his spine. Honestly, if his conscious didn't leave him alone, he'd probably need a Therapist himself! But even as he thought this the harshness of the dream faded, the smell of the blood, the hissing voice of the Stranger (The warmth of her hand) faded. Perhaps this was helped by the fact that he focused his mind on the one true, so tender sweet dream he had had. Usually he would scold himself, shake his head and go read a book, all the while telling himself that all this woman was to him was a patient. But given he had just woke up from such a horrid dream, and that the summer night air mingled with the scent of the rain was getting to him, he allowed himself to focus on it as more droplets made their way down the bed sheet, one of which rolling across a flat nipple causing him to arch his back in response. He then turned the faucet off and made his way back to bed, fixing the sheet loosely around his waist. Outside the rain stopped, leaving a sweet scent in the night air and a warm breeze blew in through the open window. He laid there, left arm curled around his head as a second pillow, eyes closed and a small smile spread across his lips.
"Trinity" He whispered as his right hand slid beneath the sheet.
A moan..Then another...Then a loud thump and Trinity rolled out of bed, hitting the floor. She woke up rather quickly, moreso from the realization that she had made a noise than her nose colliding with the hard wood floor.
"Whose there?!" Came the shout from downstairs. Quickly she slipped out the window onto the roof then jumped down behind the house and scrambled down the ally. Yes, she had snuck into a house with a abandoned bedroom in it and spent the night...She had no money to sleep any other way and a 4th night on the cold street was not an option. She was going to have to pickpocket soon. Oh, Schreber held such respect for her he had once told her, and here she was, running away from a house she had broke into and deciding to steal...Oh what a disappointment. Not only to him but to herself. It wasn't like she didn't want a job but it seemed no one wanted to hirer her...Then she had seen her own record. 2 counts of manslaughter (Self defense), 7 counts of breaking and entering, 10 counts of grand-theft auto and suspicions of murder. With a record like that, not even a prison would hirer her...Figuratively speaking of cores.
Sighing she jumped onto a trash can and up onto a iron pipe that stuck out from the side of the wall. She was still in her own thoughts as she flipped onto another pipe some ways in front of her, spun around on it two times then jumped onto the roof top. It was a pretty day, just enough white clouds in the sky, sun shining merrily down onto the city, a cool breeze blowing her loose gray hair behind her shoulder. She had recovered some more memories, thanks to Dr. Schreber, and now she could do a vast amount of gymnastics and her agility seemed to have jumped a few notches. Which came in handy with her lifestyle.
She had dreamt about him last night, this was the second time. Why was she having dreams about him? It didn't make sense....Nether did the mounting tension in her stomach whenever he looked her in the eye. She cursed at herself as she jumped to another rooftop, chilling her emotions. This was not right. It wasn't right to feel this way about a -- a--
"Shrink!" She finished out loud, now pacing, "Yes, I know he's intelligent, friendly, caring, kind and handsome but -- This is WRONG!".
'Why?' asked a little voice inside her head, 'Why is it so wrong to have feelings for a man who is helping you, who is all the things you would ever consider to be good? Why?'. Because...She didn't understand it and she didn't like what she didn't understand. She didn't understand why her heart rate increased when she heard his voice, she didn't understand why her temperature rose when he looked at her, and most of all, she didn't understand why her stomach did cartwheels when he touched her hand. Two Months had passed sense their trip to Shell Beach where she had found her old home in a remote part, abandoned and ran down, spray paint all along the walls, all the furniture gone. Just....Empty. Just as empty as she had been...Wasn't she still empty? She didn't know.
Main Square clock began chiming. It was 9am. Wrestling with her thoughts she jumped over a few more closely placed rooftops then leapt down onto a fireescape and walked out of the ally, turned the corner and walked straight to the little cafe where she could get some coffee in her and calm her thoughts.
"Daniel" She whispered to herself without actually knowing it.
Two O'clock in the afternoon. Trinity was expected in a hour. She'd probably be early as always. He had come to expect that from her. Slowly Schreber rose from his seat and placed a file in the filing cabinet. Sighing he limped to the window and looked out onto the busy, bustling, happy city, in the distance seagulls playing happily could be heard. He seemed to live his entire life in this office...Hell, he DID life his life in this office. Every sense the Strangers had been defeated he had no reason to leave his office. His little bedroom was ajunctioned to the office, along with a very small kitchen that consisted of a sink, a fridge and a microwave. Yes, every now and then he'd leave to get groceries (frozen diners) but aside from that, he really never had to go anywhere. Either his patients came to the office or he made phone sessions for those in prison. He was a pathetic little man in his opinion and he was very sure all his patients shared the same view...Except for Trinity.
She was the only one who had ever truly smiled at him even if it was only a rare occasion. She didn't regard him strangely when he spoke and she didn't insult him when she didn't think he could hear her. He was very thankful for her actually. It pained him that he had to lie to her and build hopes in her only to crash them down. How would she react when she found out that everything she had struggled to remember was a lie? He had found himself asking this question over and over, each time a image of what would happen. It was the same every time. She would look a him, a confused smile spread on her lips and ask him if he was joking. When she saw how serious he appeared she'd say he was crazy, he inside wishing he was, it would take the pain away slightly. He'd tell her again, with more detail than any lie or joke could be weaved with and she'd glare at him, struggling to keep her emotions in check but failing. Tears would build in her eyes and her lip would tremble just before she slapped him..Or hit him...Both perhaps, she was so unpredictable...He had made her that way. She then would yell at him, ask him why and not waiting for an answer she'd storm out of the office and never see him again. She'd ignore him if she saw him on the street...She'd be shattered. He'd be shattered into more pieces than she, however. He'd be more pathetic, more lonely than before she had first walked into his office. He'd be forever lost in musing over her, forever confused by the boiling emotions inside him he tried to chill but never could quite conquer...Didn't want to conquer.
Schreber shook himself, disparate to get rid of the angry, screaming voice inside his head he was sure Trinity would use once he told her. He had work to do and he needed his head clear. Looking towards the clock he was somewhat shocked that it was already two twenty. How long had he stood here? Long enough to get a cramp in his bad leg. Perfect.
Groaning he limped to a chair and seated himself down, stretching his leg out a little. He didn't need to think about this just before a session with her, it would only distract him. He didn't need that. He was beginning to ease the idea of what the city used to be onto her and he needed to concentrate fully on what he was doing unless he messed up.
A knock on the door. Schreber jumped. It was only Two Twenty-four, Trinity was known for being early but not THIS early. And here he was, with his emotions still out of the can.
"Come in" He called, raising out of the chair. The door opened and instead of the graceful gray haired woman he was expecting in walked a tall man with a nice tan, curly black hair with blue eyes. Schreber's face lit up slightly at seeing his - friend? Was Murdoch a friend? Well, he guessed so after thinking of all the times he had called Schreber his friend.
"Hello Daniel" Murdoch said, a smile on his lips as he extended his hand. Schreber smiled back and shook the taller man's hand.
"Mr. - Murdoch, what a unexpected - surprise" Schreber said. Murdoch shook his head and sighed.
"For the billionth time, call me John".
"Sorry. John. What - brings you here?" Schreber asked, walking to the table with the liquor flasks.
"Oh, I was just in the neighborhood and thought I'd see how My old friend was doing. After all you did help in saving the city" He added, accepting the scotch Schreber handed him.
"Nonsense" Schreber said, waving his hand in a dismissive manor as he limped to his chair. Murdoch laughed as he sat down in one of the chairs meant for visitors in front of Schreber's desk and lounging out a little. He looked around the office, smile still on his lips.
"You've changed a few things around here sense the last time I was here. Although, that had been right after I had remolded the city. Hows businesses?". Schreber couldn't help but grin. Murdoch was so forward and, in a way, charming.
"By that I - take it you mean My - practice. I have a few - patients, enough, some are quite - interesting" He said, unable to stop another grin as he spoke the last word.
Murdoch's smile grew.
"Interesting eh'? Do tell. Any patients who dream they shit trout?" Murdoch asked, trying to restrain himself from chuckling. Schreber laughed at the joke, amazed how - filled it had sounded from a few months ago.
"No, unfortunately - not. I have however taken on a - case who - sees ghosts" Schreber replied, trying to avoid the mention of Trinity. For now at the moment however. He didn't know how to approach her, seeing as her and Murdoch was so alike. They chatted for a while when a knock came at the door. Schreber looked at the clock. Two fifty-three. Yep, early, right on time for her.
"Expecting company?"
"Ah, yes a - patient of - mine" Schreber replied, "Come in". The door opened and in walked Trinity. Her face was as calm and composed as ever, her trademark belt wrapped around her leg, attaching to her jeans beltloop, this time a shirt that resembled the one he had once loaned her tied at her stomach, the lower sector of her abs showing. Murdoch rose from his seat, a smile on his face.
"Miss Butler, this - is Mr. John - Murdoch, a former patient of - mine. John, Trinity Butler, another - interesting patient" Schreber introduced the two. Trinity regarded Murdoch for a few seconds then took his extended hand.
"Pleasure" The two spoke at the same time. Trinity released Murdoch's hand then looked at Schreber.
"Did I interrupt something? I could come back latter"
"Nonsense" Murdoch said, waving his free hand, "I was simply checking on a friend of mine. He seems to be doing quite well for himself" He said, turning his head and winking at Schreber who had no idea what the meaning behind the wink was.
"I'm afraid I do need to be going though".
"Don't leave on My account" Trinity said, a small smirk on her lips which was the normal equivalent of a smile for her.
"No, I was about to leave anyway". With that, Murdoch finished his drink and sat the glass down on the table, "Take care of yourselves".
"You as - well, Mur--John"
"Have a nice day". Murdoch smiled at the two fairwells and left.
"Interesting gentleman" Trinity spoke a few seconds after then looked Schreber in the eyes, " How are you today?". Again, Schreber felt a pang inside him of the unknown feeling, it sparked whenever she was kind to him. Which was offten. He quickly silenced it and answered that he was fine.
"Something - to drink?" He asked. Trinity shook her head.
"No but thank you very much" A pause as she looked out the window, Something was in her eyes...Guilt perhaps? But why would she feel any guilt?
"Actually, I was wondering if I could take you somewhere".
To My WONDERFUL, BEAUTIFUL, SPLINDERFUS Reviewers:
Abra2: Thank you sososososo much for your kind words :-D I try to make all My Mary's unmarry like..Actually, I slightly base each of them off a different personality of Mine ^-^' heh. ANYHOW! Thank you sososo much :-D
pirategurl85: Thank you soooo much :-D Sadly, I don't know how to go about separating the paragraphs correctly. I'm used to the way it is in books and whatnot so I'm used to that and I'm afraid I'd be a klutz at it the other way...Yeah, I suck, I know..Thanks though!
Matrix Refugee: As to all of you, HANNAD! (It's Elvish for Thank you :-D). Yeah, it was the lack of Dark City fics that inspired me to write this...Plus a very unhealthy love for poor Dr. Schreber :-D ^_^ And they STOLE the tape? OMG!!! What idiot would do that? I got My copy brand new for 9 bucks, surely they coulda spared that! Have you tried looking for it at your library? Try going to the library's site, do a search for it. Usually Librarys carry movies like that :-D
Lea of Mirkwood: Thank you sosososososo much. I'm amazed such a talented writer such as yourself would comment on something I write while listening to Evanescence :-) I emailed you twice in the past few days but you seem to be busy. I didn't wanna keep ya all waiting for the next update so I posted it..SORRY! Reply soon so you can beta the next chappie!
A/N And Warnings: OK kids, theres just the ever SLIGHT hinting of Schreber getting wise with his right hand but thats all! Theres also a smallll bit of gore. Sorry that this chappie sucks, I couldn't seem to stop typing and it's also long. Long and suckie....For all the Murdoch fans in the house, HE MAKES A APPEARANCE! Break out the confetti! :-D ON TO THE FIC!
ENJOY!
Darkness.....A cold breeze blows his hair across his eyes as he limps down a dark alleyway. He has no idea where he is or why he's here, but he can feel a shiver of dread crawl slowly up his back.
A whisper.
Quickly as he can he turns around, his eyes small, searching for the voice that issued it. He finds nothing. Where is he? Why is this place so foreign yet so oddly familiar? Taking in a deep breath as though to gather his courage he begins down the alleyway again. On either side of him is a plane brick wall, the cold blue moonlight glowing off of the brick and the black asphalt street. Behind him he could see nothing but the ally stretching out, as the same in front of him. How had he got here?
"Help me". Faint, oh so very faint but still hearable. The voice that issued the whispered plea was pathetic, weak, tortured...And female.
"Whose - there?" He calls out into the silent night. Above him he sees nothing but the blue moon, mockingly smiling down upon him. Faintly he could feel the hairs on the back of his neck rise.
"Daniel". Fainter than the last. Yet nowhere is there anyone to be seen. Schreber winches as he realizes theres only one who says his name so fully as that with so much passion.
"Help...me"
"Trinity?" He asks out into the night, the dangerous silence being his only reply. His hands clinch. He wasn't here alone. On he walks, his footfalls echoing off the close set walls, his breath turning into a cloud of steam in front of his face. Where is he?
"Doctor", This voice was different and it made him jump as he recognized who it was, "Doctor, you have been very disobedient, yes". The strangers. How could this be? He watched as they had all died.
"Punished you will be."
"Leave--Leave me - alone!!!" He cries out, more courage in his voice than he had ever dared inject. Silence...Berating, but not his own.....
"As you wish doctor" The voice replies, but Schreber winches again as he notices the sadistic undertone to it, "But someone must take your place, yes". A whip crack, a scream...A female scream. A scream so full of pain and anguish and despair it's enough to stop his already weak heart. It wouldn't die, even after the voice that issued it stopped. The walls kept echoing it, back and forth, over and over, always so loudly into his head.
Ahead a small glowing light appears, dark blue so that it almost blends into the blackness around it, but it can still be seen. Schreber manages to push himself from the right wall which he's leaned against for support and again begins to walk towards it. Quicker than he thought, or would want, he's to the source. A single lamp which is hung on a hook that was fastened into one of the walls. Inside it blue fire burns brightly and under it...
"Oh - God, Trinity!" Schreber exclaims, his eyes grown wide. Trinity lays on a table, on her stomach, her arms limp and hanging down either side of the wooden surface, body as limp as her arms. The back of her shirt nothing but shreds and Schreber draws in a sharp breath as he sees blood slowly trickle from lash marks against the pail skin of her back. Blood runs down her arms and drips onto the asphalt, a small pool of red color against the black-blue surface. Slowly, carefully, Schreber walks to the poor girl and turns her face to the side so he can see it. His breath catches in his throat as he sees several bad gashes go across the pretty flesh and blood dripping onto the table. Her lips had been sliced across by what appeared to be a hot knife as the black gashes was sealed. Her cheeks sliced upon by the same hot knife, three several cauterized streaks running across them, and then there had been a cold knife, one that had not closed the wound behind it, with a jagged edge that had ruined where the other knife had not. Her eyes was shut but Schreber could hear her breathing, lightly, weakly, jaggedly, but to him it sounded as the voice of an angel.
"You brought this to her, yes" Said the same cold voice as before as a pail man in a black trench coat and hat steps from the shadows. Schreber yelps as though he had been cut himself and backed towards the wall a few steps.
"We told you that we needed another to take your place. And we have one, now".
"Leave her - alone" Schreber hissed. The Stranger simply grins, cocking his head to the side. The pail figure walks to the tortured girl on the table and lays his gloved hand on her back and presses down hard. Trinity whimpers in her sleep, her face contorting.
"Such a pretty thing, yes....Such a shame you have broke her" The dead figure says, running his hand down her slashed back, smearing the blood across it. Schreber stands there, right side of his top lip in a snarl, wishing to god he could do something for her. Confused by his words at first. Broke her. How could he have broke her? But slowly, painfully, he guesses what the Stranger meant.
"If you hadn't been so weak and pathetic she wouldn't have came to you. She would be happy now, yes, with a memory. She would not be in this mess, with these woes, and you would not need to lie to her....Lie to her to tell her that all her memories are lies, yes. Tell her it was your fault in the beginning yes. This is your fault"
"I'm trying to - help her" Schreber replies weakly. The same, worthless tone he had always spoke to the Strangers with. The Stranger looked at him with a blank face then another slow, sadistic grin spread across his dead lips.
"I think I should save you both the pain..." From his robes the Stranger pulls a long, jagged edged knife, the cold metal glowing in the cold moonlight. Schreber's eyes grow and he tries to jump towards the figure but finds himself latched to the ground. He couldn't move...The Stranger had tuned him there.
"Trinity!" He screams as the Stranger lowers the knife to her figure. She winches as another gash is made across her already slashed back. Then slowly her eyelids flutter and her pail green eyes open. Amid all the pain and blood on her body and face, her eyes are the same. The same fire burns in their pail green depths and -- a new emotion that had been growing the past few weeks. A emotion nether of them knew anything of yet was reflected in both of their eyes.
"Daniel" She whispers faintly, raising a blood covered hand to cup his face as the cruel blade slid around her neck. The caress...Warm, affectionate, despite all the blood on her palm. Her skin was warm, it always was, and her eyes burned with passion, locked with his own, her lips slightly parted.
"Daniel".
Quickly the blade tears through the flesh of her neck and blood pours from her throat but her hand never left his cheek....
"TRINITY!" Schreber screamed as he shot up in bed, looking frantically into the pre-morning blackness. His blond hair was plastered to his forehead, his sheets soaking wet with cold (oh so very cold) sweat. His breath came raggedly as his eyes darted around him. Slowly he realized he was in his own bed, in the little apartment like building that joined his office. A sigh of relief escaped Schreber's lips as he ran a shaking hand through his wet hair, outside the gentle (soothing?) rumble of thunder in the distance.
"Just a - dream" He spoke aloud, the sound of his own voice comforting him. Shaking, he rose out of the bed, wrapping the sheet around himself and walked through his office and into the bathroom. He almost wished he had of left the light off as his eyes slammed shut, some pain flashing through his head at the sudden brightness. Slowly he adjusted to the bathroom light and walked to the sink, the bed sheet draped around him like a toga or robe. He looked at himself in the mirror. Blond haired man with a not-half-bad complexion, middle thirties (Could be younger, he didn't know) with greenblue eyes...One of which the lid was mangled. He may have been handsome if it wasn't for that...Had he been handsome? He didn't know, nor did he care. He ran some water into the little seashell designed sink and washed his face. Although his sweat had been cold, he was rather warm. It was summer after all and the nights was always dreadfully hot. Slowly the cold droplets of water ran down his face, chin and his cream colored chest, finally disappearing under the sheet. It felt nice..And real. Reality, so much different from dreams and so much kinder (At the moment anyway).
How many times has this been now? Three? One actual dream, two nightmares he remembered as he placed a dripping wet hand to the back of his neck, a water drop rolling down his spine. Honestly, if his conscious didn't leave him alone, he'd probably need a Therapist himself! But even as he thought this the harshness of the dream faded, the smell of the blood, the hissing voice of the Stranger (The warmth of her hand) faded. Perhaps this was helped by the fact that he focused his mind on the one true, so tender sweet dream he had had. Usually he would scold himself, shake his head and go read a book, all the while telling himself that all this woman was to him was a patient. But given he had just woke up from such a horrid dream, and that the summer night air mingled with the scent of the rain was getting to him, he allowed himself to focus on it as more droplets made their way down the bed sheet, one of which rolling across a flat nipple causing him to arch his back in response. He then turned the faucet off and made his way back to bed, fixing the sheet loosely around his waist. Outside the rain stopped, leaving a sweet scent in the night air and a warm breeze blew in through the open window. He laid there, left arm curled around his head as a second pillow, eyes closed and a small smile spread across his lips.
"Trinity" He whispered as his right hand slid beneath the sheet.
A moan..Then another...Then a loud thump and Trinity rolled out of bed, hitting the floor. She woke up rather quickly, moreso from the realization that she had made a noise than her nose colliding with the hard wood floor.
"Whose there?!" Came the shout from downstairs. Quickly she slipped out the window onto the roof then jumped down behind the house and scrambled down the ally. Yes, she had snuck into a house with a abandoned bedroom in it and spent the night...She had no money to sleep any other way and a 4th night on the cold street was not an option. She was going to have to pickpocket soon. Oh, Schreber held such respect for her he had once told her, and here she was, running away from a house she had broke into and deciding to steal...Oh what a disappointment. Not only to him but to herself. It wasn't like she didn't want a job but it seemed no one wanted to hirer her...Then she had seen her own record. 2 counts of manslaughter (Self defense), 7 counts of breaking and entering, 10 counts of grand-theft auto and suspicions of murder. With a record like that, not even a prison would hirer her...Figuratively speaking of cores.
Sighing she jumped onto a trash can and up onto a iron pipe that stuck out from the side of the wall. She was still in her own thoughts as she flipped onto another pipe some ways in front of her, spun around on it two times then jumped onto the roof top. It was a pretty day, just enough white clouds in the sky, sun shining merrily down onto the city, a cool breeze blowing her loose gray hair behind her shoulder. She had recovered some more memories, thanks to Dr. Schreber, and now she could do a vast amount of gymnastics and her agility seemed to have jumped a few notches. Which came in handy with her lifestyle.
She had dreamt about him last night, this was the second time. Why was she having dreams about him? It didn't make sense....Nether did the mounting tension in her stomach whenever he looked her in the eye. She cursed at herself as she jumped to another rooftop, chilling her emotions. This was not right. It wasn't right to feel this way about a -- a--
"Shrink!" She finished out loud, now pacing, "Yes, I know he's intelligent, friendly, caring, kind and handsome but -- This is WRONG!".
'Why?' asked a little voice inside her head, 'Why is it so wrong to have feelings for a man who is helping you, who is all the things you would ever consider to be good? Why?'. Because...She didn't understand it and she didn't like what she didn't understand. She didn't understand why her heart rate increased when she heard his voice, she didn't understand why her temperature rose when he looked at her, and most of all, she didn't understand why her stomach did cartwheels when he touched her hand. Two Months had passed sense their trip to Shell Beach where she had found her old home in a remote part, abandoned and ran down, spray paint all along the walls, all the furniture gone. Just....Empty. Just as empty as she had been...Wasn't she still empty? She didn't know.
Main Square clock began chiming. It was 9am. Wrestling with her thoughts she jumped over a few more closely placed rooftops then leapt down onto a fireescape and walked out of the ally, turned the corner and walked straight to the little cafe where she could get some coffee in her and calm her thoughts.
"Daniel" She whispered to herself without actually knowing it.
Two O'clock in the afternoon. Trinity was expected in a hour. She'd probably be early as always. He had come to expect that from her. Slowly Schreber rose from his seat and placed a file in the filing cabinet. Sighing he limped to the window and looked out onto the busy, bustling, happy city, in the distance seagulls playing happily could be heard. He seemed to live his entire life in this office...Hell, he DID life his life in this office. Every sense the Strangers had been defeated he had no reason to leave his office. His little bedroom was ajunctioned to the office, along with a very small kitchen that consisted of a sink, a fridge and a microwave. Yes, every now and then he'd leave to get groceries (frozen diners) but aside from that, he really never had to go anywhere. Either his patients came to the office or he made phone sessions for those in prison. He was a pathetic little man in his opinion and he was very sure all his patients shared the same view...Except for Trinity.
She was the only one who had ever truly smiled at him even if it was only a rare occasion. She didn't regard him strangely when he spoke and she didn't insult him when she didn't think he could hear her. He was very thankful for her actually. It pained him that he had to lie to her and build hopes in her only to crash them down. How would she react when she found out that everything she had struggled to remember was a lie? He had found himself asking this question over and over, each time a image of what would happen. It was the same every time. She would look a him, a confused smile spread on her lips and ask him if he was joking. When she saw how serious he appeared she'd say he was crazy, he inside wishing he was, it would take the pain away slightly. He'd tell her again, with more detail than any lie or joke could be weaved with and she'd glare at him, struggling to keep her emotions in check but failing. Tears would build in her eyes and her lip would tremble just before she slapped him..Or hit him...Both perhaps, she was so unpredictable...He had made her that way. She then would yell at him, ask him why and not waiting for an answer she'd storm out of the office and never see him again. She'd ignore him if she saw him on the street...She'd be shattered. He'd be shattered into more pieces than she, however. He'd be more pathetic, more lonely than before she had first walked into his office. He'd be forever lost in musing over her, forever confused by the boiling emotions inside him he tried to chill but never could quite conquer...Didn't want to conquer.
Schreber shook himself, disparate to get rid of the angry, screaming voice inside his head he was sure Trinity would use once he told her. He had work to do and he needed his head clear. Looking towards the clock he was somewhat shocked that it was already two twenty. How long had he stood here? Long enough to get a cramp in his bad leg. Perfect.
Groaning he limped to a chair and seated himself down, stretching his leg out a little. He didn't need to think about this just before a session with her, it would only distract him. He didn't need that. He was beginning to ease the idea of what the city used to be onto her and he needed to concentrate fully on what he was doing unless he messed up.
A knock on the door. Schreber jumped. It was only Two Twenty-four, Trinity was known for being early but not THIS early. And here he was, with his emotions still out of the can.
"Come in" He called, raising out of the chair. The door opened and instead of the graceful gray haired woman he was expecting in walked a tall man with a nice tan, curly black hair with blue eyes. Schreber's face lit up slightly at seeing his - friend? Was Murdoch a friend? Well, he guessed so after thinking of all the times he had called Schreber his friend.
"Hello Daniel" Murdoch said, a smile on his lips as he extended his hand. Schreber smiled back and shook the taller man's hand.
"Mr. - Murdoch, what a unexpected - surprise" Schreber said. Murdoch shook his head and sighed.
"For the billionth time, call me John".
"Sorry. John. What - brings you here?" Schreber asked, walking to the table with the liquor flasks.
"Oh, I was just in the neighborhood and thought I'd see how My old friend was doing. After all you did help in saving the city" He added, accepting the scotch Schreber handed him.
"Nonsense" Schreber said, waving his hand in a dismissive manor as he limped to his chair. Murdoch laughed as he sat down in one of the chairs meant for visitors in front of Schreber's desk and lounging out a little. He looked around the office, smile still on his lips.
"You've changed a few things around here sense the last time I was here. Although, that had been right after I had remolded the city. Hows businesses?". Schreber couldn't help but grin. Murdoch was so forward and, in a way, charming.
"By that I - take it you mean My - practice. I have a few - patients, enough, some are quite - interesting" He said, unable to stop another grin as he spoke the last word.
Murdoch's smile grew.
"Interesting eh'? Do tell. Any patients who dream they shit trout?" Murdoch asked, trying to restrain himself from chuckling. Schreber laughed at the joke, amazed how - filled it had sounded from a few months ago.
"No, unfortunately - not. I have however taken on a - case who - sees ghosts" Schreber replied, trying to avoid the mention of Trinity. For now at the moment however. He didn't know how to approach her, seeing as her and Murdoch was so alike. They chatted for a while when a knock came at the door. Schreber looked at the clock. Two fifty-three. Yep, early, right on time for her.
"Expecting company?"
"Ah, yes a - patient of - mine" Schreber replied, "Come in". The door opened and in walked Trinity. Her face was as calm and composed as ever, her trademark belt wrapped around her leg, attaching to her jeans beltloop, this time a shirt that resembled the one he had once loaned her tied at her stomach, the lower sector of her abs showing. Murdoch rose from his seat, a smile on his face.
"Miss Butler, this - is Mr. John - Murdoch, a former patient of - mine. John, Trinity Butler, another - interesting patient" Schreber introduced the two. Trinity regarded Murdoch for a few seconds then took his extended hand.
"Pleasure" The two spoke at the same time. Trinity released Murdoch's hand then looked at Schreber.
"Did I interrupt something? I could come back latter"
"Nonsense" Murdoch said, waving his free hand, "I was simply checking on a friend of mine. He seems to be doing quite well for himself" He said, turning his head and winking at Schreber who had no idea what the meaning behind the wink was.
"I'm afraid I do need to be going though".
"Don't leave on My account" Trinity said, a small smirk on her lips which was the normal equivalent of a smile for her.
"No, I was about to leave anyway". With that, Murdoch finished his drink and sat the glass down on the table, "Take care of yourselves".
"You as - well, Mur--John"
"Have a nice day". Murdoch smiled at the two fairwells and left.
"Interesting gentleman" Trinity spoke a few seconds after then looked Schreber in the eyes, " How are you today?". Again, Schreber felt a pang inside him of the unknown feeling, it sparked whenever she was kind to him. Which was offten. He quickly silenced it and answered that he was fine.
"Something - to drink?" He asked. Trinity shook her head.
"No but thank you very much" A pause as she looked out the window, Something was in her eyes...Guilt perhaps? But why would she feel any guilt?
"Actually, I was wondering if I could take you somewhere".