As it turns out, Fate had a very funny way of playing with circumstances and bending them around to fit the situation: not like I believed in such a thing, all things considered. Through the wind, rain and grape-sized hail, I decided to curl my arms around the lightning rod next to me and try to sleep enough to be able to deal with the next day in this Hellish 'family': only for me to realize that that wasn't going to be an easy thing to come by. In the middle of trying to drown out the sounds of the storm and avoid getting blown over, my ears picked up a different sound: one that was quite familiar…and not at all welcome.
'You've got to be fucking kidding me!' I mentally raged, not even physically acknowledging the repetitive 'tick' and 'scrape' of talons on stone: despite being fully aware of their approach from behind. Despite the distraction being a great way to burn off some steam and provide me with a believable scapegoat for the mess in the room I had been given: I wasn't prepared for the physical appearance of the creature that decided sneaking up on me was a smart idea. While nowhere near as big or horrific as the creatures I was used to seeing: a quadrupedal Lycan with more humanoid features than was appropriate certainly wasn't one of the things I was expecting to try and jump me in the middle of the night. It was on the larger side: nearly the size of a horse and twice as lithe, it leapt from the other side of the slanted roof with a deep, hungry roar and claws outstretched: showing the hand-like forelimbs, humanoid face with glowing silver eyes and bear-trap jaws filled with jagged, bloodstained teeth.
Ducking just in time, the Lycan flew over my head and crashed into the tower across from me, stunning itself long enough for me to get a better look at it as it stalked in front of me like a prowling panther. 'Christ, you're ugly.' I thought in disgust, scowling at the thing as I stood up and wordlessly accepted the unspoken challenge: deciding to forgo my earlier assessment on Miranda's blatant idea to push me into showing what I can do, if only enough to show that I was positively done with the bullshit and decided a warning of my own was in order. With another roar, the Lycan lined me up to charge me again, oblivious to me slipping into a sideways fighting stance: hiding my right arm from its immediate view and commanded the Biomass to consume the appearance of my human limb, and change it into something new. However, unlike the last few times, I decided against using my Claws for this overgrown mutt: instead, I decided to introduce it to a more primal fighting style, one that wouldn't change the physical appearance much: but would reward the beast with a brutal punishment that it would not be walking away from.
"Well…clearly, you're either a special kind of stupid: or you really don't give a shit about what Heisenberg said. Fine by me, just know that what he said: was for your protection, not mine." I stated, brandishing the hardened, solid-black Biomass that covered my limb and gave it a heavily muscular appearance. Unlike my other transformations, this one was not Eldritch in nature: which made the darkened Biomass serve as the perfect camouflage in the dark, and was much easier to keep interested eyes from actually taking notes on the physical representation of my abilities. Flexing my hand, I sidestepped the beast as it charged again without much of a care: feeling a 'smirk' stretch across my hidden face as I took in the 'Musclemass' that this ability was named for. Though I had the arm of muscular, hardened Biomass, it was my hand that captured my attention: instead of five fingers, only my thumb and two fingers remained and had taken the form of long, nimble talons that were much stronger than they appeared.
Paying no attention to the wind as it harshly blew my coattails and wings in the brutal gusts, I pulled my lips back away from my teeth in a sadistic grin as the Lycan roared angrily and charged again: sprinting over the clay roof tiles with ease, drool shimmering over its jagged teeth with an inhuman hunger in its reflective gaze. However, the beast was already mid-leap when I decided to move: which meant that it was completely defenseless against me as I quickly took advantage of such a wide opening. Snatching its hind leg in a bone-crushing grip, I paid no attention to the pained 'yelp' as I used its forward momentum to twist myself around: dragging the creature along and threw it back into the tower with a loud 'smash', hearing the spine 'snap' on a corner in nearly the same fashion it had initially stunned itself on just minutes before.
Before it could attempt to stand, I bounded after it and delivered a brutal right-hook to its jaw: shattering the teeth on contact and rendered the left side of its jaw completely useless. Jumping backwards to avoid a swipe from its finger-like claws, I grabbed its wrist and used the enhanced strength of this ability to repeatedly lift the Lycan over my head and smash the beast into the roof with multiple, thunderous 'crashes' in a vicious display of power and barely-restrained frustration: smashing organs and crushing bones with each swing, before finally delivering a solid staff-kick to its chest: sending the 'yowling' thing flying across the roof and slamming to a sudden stop against the wrought-iron railing. With a menacing 'hiss', I stalked towards the Lycan in an unhurried pace: who finally recognized the threat I posed and the beating it received as 'danger' and was trying in vain to scurry away on shattered legs.
With a nasty grin, I held the struggling beast by the neck with my left arm, and gripped each of its worthless limbs with my right in turn: swiftly digging my talons into the shredded flesh and tore each one from its body with savage abandon, the virus practically 'singing' with delight as I indulged in the nature it was created for. "It's a shame, you know: that you had to be the one I took my true feelings out on. Pity that you're so…breakable: were you built of stronger shit, we could've kept going until the very fibers of your simple, little mind shattered and left you as little more than a drooling slug that has no idea what to even do with itself. Its okay though, you'll do just fine serving yourself as a warning to my darling 'Mother' of what I'm capable of…of what's heading her way. The time for games, is over: now its time to play rough." I snarled, paying no attention to the pitiful cries that still made their way out of the Lycan's broken maw: the wind and rain making its blood and visceral literally run in rivers off the edge of the roof and collected in puddles on the muddied ground below.
Deciding to put the annoying thing out of its misery, I snatched the top jaw and bottom jaw in separate hands before making eye-contact with the terrified Lycan just seconds before I savagely tore them apart in separate directions. Dropping the lower jaw, tongue and throat hide onto the blood-soaked roof: I turned both hands' attention to what remained of its head, twisting its neck in a disturbing 'snap' and ending its sorry existence. However, it wouldn't be a 'message' if it wasn't making a statement: so, with that notion in mind, I gripped the shaggy hair on top of its head and forcefully shoved downwards: removing what little that kept the creature's head in place and forced the entire skull into the beast's chest cavity. With a rumbling 'growl', I sank the Musclemass' talons into the creature's ribcage and pulled: shredding through the twisted flesh and shattered bones as the entire chest was torn from its body in a bloody mess of fur, skin, bone and bloody entrails: exposing the terror-stricken eyes and top jaw of the beast, showing the suffery and terror it went through before it was killed…before it was allowed to die.
With a final bout of adding 'insult-to-injury': I sent a silent command to the Biomass, ordering it to crawl down my leg and up the walls of the tower: connecting itself to the hanging chandelier and ripping it down with enough force to actually rip the bricks from the ceiling that the chain had been attached to. Removing the chandelier, I gripped the metal hook that once held it and shoved it through the mauled Lycan's back: sending the point through the surface of the beast's forehead and in clear sight of whoever found it in the morning. Giving the corpse a solid 'kick', I sent it rolling up and over the railing: dropping heavily to the ground until the chain went taut as it pulled hard against its anchor to the tower: leaving the corpse to dangle in plain sight above the doorway that led to the Main Hall. 'There. Should be clear as fucking day.' I thought, tipping my hood down in satisfaction as the Biomass around my arm retreated and returned my arm to its usual appearance.
Thankful the storm was still raging at full strength: I didn't have to wait long before all evidence of the confrontation was washed away, leaving me without a single speck of filth that could give away just how such a death befell the Lycan that decided to try and make a meal of me. And while I wasn't ashamed of being coated in the aftermath of my fights: I learned early on that in keeping others guessing, without any evidence, it tended to terrify them more than being literally coated in the losers' bits and pieces. 'Good. Let Miranda see that: let her see what's in her future.' I thought, paying the scene no further attention as I trudged back up the roof at a leisurely pace and made myself comfortable under the roof of the tower and decided to return to my nap: whatever was going to happen next will be dealt with in the morning, and I would be lying if I said I wasn't excited to see the looks on their faces once they found my little message.
Like clockwork, I stirred from my sleep the same time I always did during the few times I was lucky enough to get enough rest to put my tired, overstimulated mind at ease. However, this time: it wasn't the rising sun or the call of birds that rose me from my few hours' worth of rest: but a shrill, bloodcurdling scream. "Right on schedule." I mused to myself, rising from my crouched position and taking in the overcast sky and panicking crows that had bolted in all directions as they fled from the loud, unexpected noise. Also like clockwork, the first scream was joined by a second, then a third: rising in pitch as the scent of fear permeated the air as my little 'present' was discovered. Resisting the urge to peek as the familiar, heavy footfalls of Alcina approached as she was undoubtedly drawn to the ear-piercing noise the maids were making with reckless abandon. "What is the meaning of this-SHIRA! Come here, NOW!" I heard, clear as day: the amount of shocked rage that was apparent in her voice, making a wiry smile stretch across my face as I adjusted my hood and made my way to the edge of the roof.
Feeling particularly ornery, I gripped the railing and vaulted over it without a care in the world: landing with a solid 'thud' on the only spot on the doorstep that was not covered in rancid mud, blood and guts from the new ornament hanging above the door. "You yelled?" I questioned casually, not at all put off by the sickened and horrified maids or the infuriated Infected that they cowered behind. "Do you think yourself gasconading, Sister?" she hissed, glaring murderously at me as the Lycan's corpse continued to swing harmlessly only a few feet away from the brim of her hat. 'Interesting how she knows it was me.' I thought, feeling strangely amused by the fact that she immediately came to the correct conclusion about who was responsible, instead of worrying about the repercussions if Miranda found out: which she doubtlessly would, one way or another.
"It was hiding under my bed: thought it was smart to try and attack me while I was trying to sleep. Naturally, I disagreed. Or is your umbrage still directed at me: despite this? Or was I mistaken about the course of action for unwelcome intruders?" I challenged, lying through my fanged teeth: which sharpened her glare into something positively venomous, before she shifted her gaze to the corpse, clearly struggling with herself as she regarded the mauled beast and its crystal-clear message with an ugly sneer: before ultimately deciding against whatever it was that she was planning to say. "And to think, I thought such barbarism below you: clearly, you share Donna and Angie's psychotomimetic tendencies instead of holding true to the proper mannerisms I had originally hoped you would have. Truly disappointing." she simpered, staring down at me as if in me showing a taste of my virus' malicious and predatory nature: I had betrayed her trust somehow, and was giving me the cold shoulder because of it.
"And what would you have done, Alcina: if this vile thing were in your room instead? Don't take my actions to be preposterous, when I'm sure you would have done far worse if that were the case: if anything, I did you a favor…wouldn't want to sully such a fine dress while tending to such things, now would you?" I deadpanned, using her own words against her in a callous wordplay that would most definitely force her to change her perspective instead of running to Miranda with all the latest gossip that I could see her positively vibrating with. "Hrmph. Your point has been made, and is quite valid, I will admit: cleaning blood from such fine silks is a nearly-impossible task. How perceptive of you, to be so considerate as to tend to the filth: but the question remains, how did this vile vermin come to lurk beneath your bed, I wonder?" she questioned, a strange tilt to her voice starting to seep through: as if she were questioning a small child and trying to coax the truth from it instead of a lie.
"If you're asking if I had anything to do with it, don't. For one thing, I was in the presence of you and the girls all day: so, whoever let it in: sure as hell wasn't me." I stated, paying no attention at the fearful 'gasp' from one of the maids as if she couldn't believe I had the gall to speak to their 'Mistress' in such a manner: not like I honestly gave a shit to begin with. "Indeed. And its because of this notion, that I have an inclination as to who possibly did: in which case the horrid Man-Thing is sure to hear quite the grandiloquent call from Mother Miranda, once I inform her of this inexcusable transgression. In the meantime, Sister: feel free to indulge yourself in some breakfast while I tend to the report and I'll meet you in the Drawing Room to begin your lessons she has instructed I give you before long. If you'll excuse me: as much as I loathe such a horrid thought to come to fruition, it seems as if I have little choice in the matter: but its time our Brother started taking responsibility." she instructed, spitting the word like a noxious poison as she gestured to the hanging corpse with unrestrained disgust: cueing the maids to quickly usher me inside and shut the door against the rancid, grotesque sight from view with a solid, echoing 'slam'.
'Oh shit, that…was not my intention.' I thought, feeling a tad bit sheepish for unknowingly throwing Heisenberg under the bus: which would undoubtedly lead to another viscous fight between the two of them, one that I was positive that I would be dragged in the middle of…lucky me. Watching her duck through the oak door and slamming it shut with more force than necessary, I glanced at the maids out of the corner of my eye and frowned beneath my hood as they all flinched back and tried to distance themselves from me: as if they believed they were next to be mauled. "Easy. I don't go out of my way to make targets out of innocent bystanders: all of you are safe from me." I explained, taking in two sighs of relief while the third was obviously trying not to faint. "Thank you, Duchess: for being so merciful!" the youngest of the three cried, looking close to tears as the others quickly shushed her before shoving her through the door after Alcina: each giving me a grateful curtsy before they took their leave.
'Of all ways to be treated, respectfully is definitely a new one. Don't think I'll ever get used to that.' I thought, taking the time to dust the soft, black Biomass that served as a pair of 'socks' free of dirt before walking through the same door and made my way to the Dining Hall: pleasantly surprised to find myself alone to enjoy some peace and quiet for at least a few minutes before the daughters swarmed in from whatever crevice they were hiding in and made their way in here to join me. Snatching an apple out of one of the well-stocked fruit baskets on the table and absentmindedly took a bite out of it as I turned my attention to the scenery out the window. Paying no mind to the juicy, red fruit giving way between my teeth with a muted 'crunch', I was glad for the sound of natural silence: if not for the sinister undertones and dark promises of nefarious torment under the disguise of comfort.
In this rare moment of isolation, I watched my vision blur as I fell into a daze: drawn into thoughts and memories that I couldn't help but be reminded of, and not in ways that were preferrable. 'I wonder…how would you react to seeing a place like this? Lose your shit? Flirt with the daughters? Do everything in your power to drive them up the wall?' I thought, feeling a bittersweet 'smirk' stretch across my face at the last one: if only to entertain the mental image of the look on Alcina's face. As quick as the memory came: it was gone, replaced with a feeling of emptiness that had nothing to do with my stomach. Baring my teeth, I gave my head a harsh 'swat' and discarded my apple core: determined to toss the thoughts away like the garbage they were and focus instead on the current issue at hand.
Appetite gone, I ignored the shifting Cadou against the bare skin of my neck and shoved open the double oak doors: making my way through the Great Hall and past the mahogany staircase and in the direction of the Drawing Room: only to stop short as my sensitive ears caught the sound of Alcina's voice from somewhere deep in the Castle, and she was NOT pleased. "Let me elucidate you, One. Last. Time: I know this is your doing, as does Mother Miranda, and as much as I loathe the very prospect of you coating my property in your filth: our grandiloquent Sister made quite the repulsive display of it in my vestibule!" I heard her borderline 'snarl', leaving no question in my mind who she was talking to: though it was a damn shame that I couldn't hear Heisenberg's half of the conversation, until her exact words registered in my noisy mind.
"Excuse me?" I questioned aloud, raising an eyebrow in offense: clamping my jaws shut to avoid retorting to that and potentially embarrassing myself, as that particular statement applied to her much better than me, especially in this instance. 'And you're the older Sister…how?' I wondered, appalled that this Infected: this nine-foot-tall woman: was throwing a temper tantrum and complaining to another 'Sibling' instead of taking care of her own problems. "I've heard enough of your excuses! You will rid Castle Dimitrescu of your mess and keep your vermin OUT of my Castle grounds or Mother Miranda will have your head for your blatant adamancy to allow your 'failures' to patrol as they wish!" she spat, making my ears perk up at her interesting word choice. 'Is that how the Lycans are created? Failed experiments with the Cadou?' I wondered, mentally spitting the word with all the hate I could manage as I glanced downwards at the parasite curled and hidden beneath the collar of my body suit and out of immediate sight of curious onlookers.
"Shira is bound to her lessons with me: and even if she weren't, its unbecoming of one such as her to clean up the rubbish! Least of all, yours! I will not tell you twice, Heisenberg: get here NOW and remove the rancid remains of your Hound, before Mother Miranda makes you wish you did!" she snarled, slamming down the phone she yelled in with a sharp, metallic 'clang': cuing me to keep moving and hurry to the Drawing Room, especially before any eyes caught me eavesdropping and made my ringing ears actually bleed from the nagging.
Following the familiar path through the room with the angels and through the oak door to the right: I picked up the pace as Alcina's angry 'stomping' quickly made their way down the stairs and were rapidly catching up. Slipping through the door and taking a seat on the couch, I inhaled a deep breath and steeled my nerves: forcing myself to keep my mouth shut and endure whatever bullshit Miranda demanded of Alcina to 'pass on' to me with as much patience as I could possibly give, which honestly wasn't much at this point. Playing the game, I straightened myself and rested my gloves in my lap: playing the part of 'perfect obedience' as soon as the Infected in question ducked through the doorway. "Apologies for my contemporary tardiness, Sister: the prior engagement went on for far longer than I anticipated…or desired." she said shortly, taking her seat in a single, smooth motion that hinted at her anger at having Heisenberg come over to clean up my mess…which I honestly pitied the man for.
"So, these…lessons of yours: how many do I have to endure, and what do they entail, exactly?" I questioned, keeping the conversation short and straight to the point: which hopefully Alcina took as a legitimate question and an inquiry for her own feelings about the situation we were both stuck in against our will. "With your adept intelligence and eagerness to appease Mother Miranda? Only one, should we find ourselves lucky. As for what precisely they entail? Mother Miranda has governed this ramshackle Village with an iron hand for centuries. And it is with her command and wisdom that she has magnanimously granted us a position amongst her in both station and ability: which she has also granted you as well, Sister. And in return: we govern our own provinces as we see fit, and perform a simple service to appease her." she explained, oblivious to the harsh frown that appeared on my face as she turned her attention to Gloria: who shyly knocked on the door and entered with a tray of fresh 'tea' and biscuits.
Withholding a 'growl', I waved the maid away: having no interest in consuming anything made from humans, not breaking hidden eye contact with Alcina as she glanced over and met my eyes with a devious gleam in her icy blue ones. "And that 'service' is?" I questioned again, not liking how she purposefully kept that bit of information from me: delighting in forcing me to physically ask her the questions that should've been answered with the first explanation of the obvious demand for servitude: in exchange for whatever the hell abilities the Cadou apparently gave each of them. "Despite having each of us, Mother Miranda has longed for the thing she desires most: and its through the Cadou, that she can reclaim it again. However, it can only be performed through meticulous implementation: with the precision of the most skilled of surgeons and placed within the chest cavity, within the confines of a Mortal's ribcage. Not my most…gratifying task: but Mother Miranda's wishes must be obeyed without question or complaint, and I have produced the least number of failures out of all our Siblings: consider yourself fortunate that she has chosen me to teach you. You just might have a better chance to produce something passible of your own through my instruction." she said, practically oozing arrogance and pride: as if the experiments she performed were some kind of grand achievement worth boasting about.
"The failures turn into Lycans? Then what does she see as 'successful'?" I asked, feeling my virus tense as she narrowed her eyes at me with a borderline sinister 'smirk' stretching across her red-painted lips. "Astute as ever, then again: the answer is quite obvious in that regard, only: there aren't just Lycans skulking about. As for what passes as success: you'll come to know, in time: but if you must know, something that is not a hideous deformity or disgusting corpse. Should you procure such a result: Mother Miranda must be informed at once, this I cannot stress enough: she does not tolerate tardiness in such matters, they are of the upmost importance to her." she stressed, pausing just long enough to take a sip from her cup as I processed the information: hating it more and more with each passing second. "And where would I…procure them from, exactly? I can't imagine the Villagers remaining here if you all are wandering the streets: preying on them like hungry wolves in the night." I said, wanting to stab myself in the ears to avoid listening to anymore of this Cultist bullshit: if the virus wouldn't immediately repair the damage and render my attempts useless.
"Don't be so uncouth, Sister: there are many ways to accumulate them, the methods are your free will to choose from, as long as they're discrete in the eyes of the Mortals. There are plenty of wayward Outsiders that would be easy prey for one such as you: but no need to excogitate it now, Dear. You have plenty of time to decide your methods: especially when you shamefully share an abode with such wretched scoundrels that will doubtlessly attempt to desecrate such delicate matters. However, I must instruct you that Mother Miranda expects the results and highly-detailed notes of each of four individual tests per month. Fortunately for you, she has generously granted you enough time to orient yourself amongst us and your new station before the results are expected of you. Have I been clear enough for you, Sister?" she questioned, and while her tone remained the same: I couldn't help but feel as if she were talking down to me, as if I were stupid and beneath her.
'You have no idea how lucky you are that you haven't been physically hostile towards me.' I quietly seethed, before swallowing down a very long list of expletives that I desperately wanted to spit like venom: if only to see her reaction to how I truly felt about my new…objective, instead of the response that would end this horrendous excuse for a 'conversation' the fastest. "Clear enough." I stated, which caused a pleased expression to form on her face: despite the negative tone in my voice that suggested the complete opposite to anyone listening close enough to pick up on it. "Excellent! Then you should need no further instruction, however: I regret to have to inform you that you will be inhabiting the 'Beneviento Estate' from tomorrow morning until Donna and Angie bid you farewell. It's a shame, truly: despite your unencumbered mannerisms, it was quite refreshing to indulge in proper conversation for once: despite your origins as an Outsider." she explained, sounding genuinely remorseful at having to reveal such information: and despite my very brief interactions with the two in question, my patience was already ready to snap: and I haven't even left the Castle yet.
"Oh…great." I drawled, before shifting my gaze to Alcina: not meaning to let that comment slip, but was surprised to watch her face twist into a physical manifestation of how I felt about that particular detail. "Indeed, and it is here that I pity you, Sister: to have to put up with such pestilential individuals, especially those of such maniacal nature. However, Mother Miranda has fortunately forbade any ill to befall you: should you remain faithful to her and mindful of your standing with us. Unfortunately, they do enjoy…contrivances: so, do try to mind yourself. If would be most unfortunate if this were the last time we spoke: for it is quite refreshing to indulge in civilized conversation, despite your little…escapade this morning. Now, as eventful as this first and only lesson was: I have more pressing matters to attend to: as I'm sure you've expected, given the contents of this lesson. So, you're dismissed from my company for now: feel free to engage my daughters until dinner, same as before: they've grown quite fond of you, and would positively savor the chance to bid you farewell. After all, it may very well be their last chance." she said, the mischief returning full-force: as if she knew something about Donna and Angie I didn't, making me hate the very idea of paying them a visit that lasted longer than five minutes even more.
"Say what?!" I snapped, the undertones of her statement not lost on me: infuriating me even further as I jumped to my feet, fully intending to tell her exactly where she and her daughters could shove it: especially when she left the inclination that my next destination would be my last, out in the open with no further explanation. Instead of answering, she ruthlessly shoved me out the door with a secretive laugh, taking great pleasure in my reaction and decided to let me stew in it without any sort of mercy. Straightening out my hood and coattails with a low, rumbling 'snarl', I huffed an annoyed puff of air through my nose before completely ignoring her suggestion in favor of a few more hours of well-desired solitude.
'Going to need all the peace and quiet I can get at this point.' I thought, sneaking around maids and other staff-members and slipped through the Dining Room and back out into the courtyard: immediately taking in lungfuls of the fresh, crisp air and was grateful at how effective the Fall breeze was in cooling me off and curbing my aggressive attitude: at least for the moment. Not even caring that my boots were still absent and had yet to be returned: I took off towards the gazebo in a jog before bending my knees and launching myself onto the wrought-iron roof: only to use that momentum to push myself backwards and leap even higher, giving myself the perfect height to grab the iron railing and vault myself onto the roof again.
Unbothered by the rough, terracotta tiles beneath my feet, I leisurely made my way up the slants and narrow walkways as I took in the unimpeded view of the mountains and expansive forested landscape as I searched for the ideal spot to rest and take in the peaceful surroundings at my leisure for the 'quite possibly' the last time in a long while: if Miranda had anything to say about it. Perching on the edge of the roof, I leaned back against the rough brick of the tower and opted to lounge and enjoy the view and chilly breeze as it blew through me: bringing scents of all kinds from faraway places, places I wished I could go.
'If not for you.' I mentally snarled, wanting to rip the Cadou from around my neck and burn it: as soon as I figured out how to remove it without Miranda jumping down my throat. I technically could take…percussive measures, but that would most definitely make the bitch positively giddy and would never let me out of her sight again: not until she added everything and anything that I had stashed away written down in whatever fucked-up grimoire that she'd constructed for her experiments over the years. Knowing I would lose the advantage of surprise and my Ace if I even hinted at that, I mentally decided to save that particular detail as an absolute last resort: and with very good reason.
Rubbing the bridge of my nose, I was glad my virus picked up on the oncoming migraine and quickly took care of it with ease: ridding me of the bothersome 'throbbing' behind my eyeballs just in time for my ears to pick up the 'scraping' of boots on loose gravel. "Oh shit. Here we go." I mused to myself, glancing downward and watched as a tense and very volatile Heisenberg stomped his way up the walkway with all the pent-up rage of a colony of Japanese Hornets trapped in a jar that was being shaken…repeatedly. 'I'd ask who lit a fire under your ass, but that would be a stupid question.' I thought, taking notice of the lack of a cigar in his mouth, and the unnecessarily-tight grip on his hammer. It was almost funny, how the man's body language suddenly went from 'two-seconds from turning humans into nails' to a literal representation of 'oh shit'.
While I couldn't see his face from my position, the sound of his boots scraping the loose stones and branches from last night's storm as he came to a sudden stop told me all I needed to know: he'd found the Lycan. "Goddamn, Red." I heard him mutter with a low whistle, as if he wasn't sure whether to be impressed or intimidated. "At least someone sees it for what it is." I called, causing the man's neck to 'crack' from the whiplash he probably gave himself as he whirled around to face me: allowing me to see the frown on his face as he spotted my lounging form on the roof without a care in the world. "Should I be flattered, or offended that something of mine was subjected to…that?" he questioned, lazily gesturing to the corpse: as if he couldn't care less about the state it was in, but seemed to be genuinely curious of what my answer would be, regardless.
"That depends. Did you send it, or did she?" I questioned, not even having to mention the name: we both knew very well who I was talking about. "Fuck no, I didn't send it! Like I told the Super-Sized Bitch: I couldn't give a shit less about her egotistical bullshit or her damned Castle! Only reason why I even bothered to show up at all, was because I wanted to see what pissed her off so badly that she had to fucking call me! Now that I see why, I'm honestly shocked she didn't shred you, kid!" he shouted, even though the question was legitimate: I could understand why he was pissed and didn't blame him one bit, I've been in that position too. "Well then, I guess it's a good thing that I'm not pissed at you for it: all things considered. And she couldn't shred me even if she tried: trust me when I tell you that. She actually seems to like me, which is a very weird feeling that I'm not sure I want." I said, cueing a raised eyebrow and a second glance at the Lycan: taking a much closer look at it this time, before switching that hidden look back to me with a new, critical expression on what parts of his face that I could see.
"Explains why you're still alive, they like to play with their food: its fucking sick. Now that I actually see what she bitched at me for: I can see why she hasn't tried anything. And as satisfying at watching the bitch lose her shit with her dress in a knot is: watch your ass, or Miranda will get curious. If she isn't already." he warned, losing some of his prideful swagger at the mention of the Crow: and based on what Alcina told me, I didn't have to ask why that was. "And if she were smart, she'd see the warning for what it is and fuck off: keep trying to push me and test me, and you'll learn very quickly how intolerant of that shit I am! She wants me to 'play house'? Fine. Keep it up, and I will show the family how I play: and I play rough, you can count on that." I snarled, not directing my growing anger at him: considering he's yet to actually threaten me, but from the scrutinizing glare that burned from behind his glasses, I knew my point was made.
"Don't get cocky, Red. There's shit going on that you don't know shit about, and that arrogance will get real old, real quick: don't bite off more than you can chew or it will bite you in the ass." he growled back, and while I knew that I sounded arrogant and cocky to him: he didn't know that I was literally made for this. "Its not being cocky if it's a legitimate warning, Heisenberg. The shit I've been through: has made me into something that I'm not positive any of you know how to handle…not with all the black bars and red tape. Let's just say that my very existence has pissed a LOT of people off, and none of them are still around." I replied, keeping the details out: but leaving the response ominous enough to hopefully make the other Infected think twice about trying anything: especially when I didn't particularly favor having to get nasty with those that honestly didn't deserve it.
"That so? Then I suggest you keep that shit to yourself for as long as you can: and if you're actually not full of shit, and you manage to survive whatever bullshit Miranda has in store for you: come by the Factory, then we'll talk." he said, considering me for a second before turning his attention back to the Lycan: making my eyes widen in surprise as the chain that bound it suddenly came alive with a lazy flick of the man's wrist, sending the corpse dropping to the ground with a dull 'plop'. 'Metal. The man controls metal!' I thought, watching with fascination as the chain wrapped around the corpse like a snake: binding its stumpy limbs and other loose bits like a mummy, preventing any further messes as it reformed itself into a half-assed body-bag.
Noticing my stare, I scowled at the man as he glanced back over his shoulder with a smug grin full of teeth: taking full advantage of taking me by surprise and taunting me for not being able to figure it out sooner. "Asshole." I grumbled, gritting my teeth as he laughed: enjoying my 'pouting' as he levitated the messy remains above the ground for easy transport to god-knows-where, not like the lazy Infected could perform the task any easier than what he was currently doing. "Enjoy the show, Red?" he taunted, making me send him a flat look as I forced myself to refrain from childishly throwing the closest roof tile at his head: which seemed to amuse him even more. "Figures you would do your damndest to get on my nerves: what, did Alcina tell you she was sending me to Donna's next as she threw her tantrum: just so you could add to the family-wide torment I've been subjected to?" I deadpanned, intending it to be an offhanded, morbid joke: until I saw the look on Heisenberg's face: and sudden lack of aggravating, playful jabs. In fact, the sudden lack of sound in general, save for the slight metallic shifting of the floating chain was the only sound to be heard at all: which was definitely not doing my tense and shot nerves any favors.
"'Psycho Doll', huh? Then I take it the bitch didn't tell you what she does? Of course, she fucking didn't. Listen Red, I would watch where you're heading, if I were you. Donna loves psychologically fucking up those that head her way: makes you see shit with her flowers, and those who go to see her, don't come back: not sane, at least." he warned, a strange darkness to his tone and I knew from that alone that he wasn't joking, or exaggerating. 'Well…that's just perfect…in that case...' I noted, glancing down at the serious Infected with gritted teeth: and not because of the sudden chill that blasted me in the face with the oncoming breeze. "Good to know. In that case, I have a counter-warning for you to pass onto her if you see her before me. If she gets any ideas, and I mean ANY ideas: and there's a very good chance that she won't be able to regret it later. Up until now, I've been incredibly patient with you all: and as with anyone, there's lines you do not cross. Should anyone continue to push that patience, and I will make any punishment Miranda can come up with look like a fucking paradise. And if what you're telling me about Donna and Angie's antics are true: then my stay with them will be a real nightmare." I stated, not even sure why I bothered to continue to warn them when they clearly didn't give a shit, but regardless of how past conversations have gone, I still didn't sense any hostility from him: not directed at me, at least.
And that was an itchy, annoying fact that continued to crawl around in my brain like a rabid centipede, for I didn't have a single clue that I could think of that would make me an exception to him and his antics: we weren't friends, and were weren't allies: just two individuals that were artificially forced to become something beyond normal human capabilities that were existing in the same space at the same time. Despite my uncharacteristic show of continued mercy, I wasn't worried about any potential eavesdroppers: my advanced senses reported that the only living thing for miles around was the man standing below me, and the residents of the Castle weren't anywhere close enough to even hear the rattling windows, much less any form of conversation. "I'll take your word for it, Red. Just remember what I said, and I won't have to show up to save your ass if you end up doing something stupid. So, make sure you survive: would be a damn shame to have you die before I found a use for you." he said, smirk and swagger returning as he turned on his heel and sauntered back the way he came with the Lycan's corpse in tow.
Watching him go, that itch in my brain made way for a second: in the form of a question that has been stuck in the forefront of my mind ever since he followed me to the Stronghold the other day. "Why are you helping me?" I called, causing him to pause in his step: showing his back to me just long enough to make me think he was thinking very hard about the answer, until he looked over his shoulder with that same, mischievous smile that was just as secretive as it was annoying. "You're interesting. And you don't take anyone's bullshit: not often we get an Outsider with a spine. Good luck, Red! Try not to die!" he called back with a lazy raise of his hand in a half-assed attempt at a wave. Glaring at him as he left, I crossed my arms over my chest with an aggravated 'huff': feeling the start of another migraine start to form, only to disappear again as quickly as I had noticed it.
'The first of many.' I noted, having a sneaking suspicion that this wasn't the first time I was going to get such a headache during my stay in this horrendous prison that was under the disguise of a quaint little Village hidden deep in the mountains of Romania. If that were the case, it'll only be a matter of time before my tolerance ran out and someone ended up on the wrong side of my fist and very likely sent through a wall…or three. With that in mind, no words could describe how much I longed for my time with each of the 'Lords' to hurry up and end: at least by that point, I would finally be able to retreat back to the Stronghold for some semblance of peace. "At least Urias keeps to himself." I muttered, heaving a heavy 'sigh' and forced myself to relax: content to take in the view and natural sounds of the mountain range under the cool shade of the overcast sky for as long as I could. However, I knew that sooner or later they would come looking for me: which would bring one tiny moment of solitude to an end and replace it with a whole new version of hell…one I hoped that Donna was smart enough to leave me out of, for her sake.