Mullen Institute, Dublin

9 May, 2011

14:12—Natalie's Perspective

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The mother cleaned up earlier, and dressed in fresh casualwear for the day. After last night's battle, her former outfit is damaged.

She won't be wearing it again anytime soon.

To pass the time, Natalie visits Dr. Lyte's laboratory; a place she lent a hand in making some decades ago in the past.

So many precious memories. Just being here fills her heart with joy.

She happens by the inactive S. I. A., and her mind is taken on a trip into the distant past.

Dr. Lyte's pride and joy. I haven't used this thing in years.

Looks like she made a few changes: The interior is clearer, more spacious. I can also tell she added in a few holographic apparatuses.

The power of a lady's heart; a thing of beauty, through and through.

"Good afternoon, Mother." Her attention is grasped by none other than the doctor herself, entering the laboratory to commence training preparations.

"*Dr. Lyte*. It's so good to see you."

The old friends share a warm hug for a few moments.

"How are your wounds, Mother?"

Nothing ever changes.

Dr. Lyte worries about everyone, especially her loved ones. You'd think an old girl like her would learn to trust others a little more than that.

"Vampires have a natural healing factor. All I needed was a little rest."

"Oh. Then forgive my rustiness, Mother. It's been awhile since I left the lab." Dr. Lyte releases her old friend, and approaches S. I. A.

Natalie's is drawn to the machine's modifications.

"You've *really* spruced this girl up, haven't you?"

"Of course, Mother. She's not perfect, no machine ever is. But S. I. A. has bred some of Infinity's best agents in her 20+ years of service.

Mr. Bennett and Mr. Crowley will be part of the mold soon, but, like all new-bloomers, they have to start with the basics. Their training course should take no more than a month, and until they reach a level where they can implement their existences beyond 50%, I've a little trinket for them."

Always full of surprises. I wonder what she's hiding from me *this* time.

Well, it won't hurt to ask.

"So, what kind of 'trinket' are we talking about here?" Dr. Lyte is pleased to receive Natalie's intrigue.

In response, the doctor leaves S. I. A. in standby mode, and approaches a small containment cylinder on a mount to the northeast.

Natalie follows her, curious to know what Dr. Lyte is up to. Her curiosity is graciously rewarded: Dr. Lyte has created a set of technological wristbands fitting of the new-bloomers, Dawnavan and Stuart.

Natalie's eyes widen with fascination, much to Dr. Lyte's pleasure.

"I call them Romancers: Existential limiters created specifically for new-bloomers; adjusted to one's initial sync rate, of course.

I spent a few hours this morning tuning these babies. Too high or too low, and you'd be in for a hurting. But that shouldn't be a problem now."

I've seen these before: Theodore wore one when he started field training about a century or so ago.

So, Stu and Dawny will be using these, huh.

This should prove interesting. But no time for idle thoughts.

"I wish I could stay and monitor their training, but I have to return to HQ. Also, it would've been nice spend more time with you.

Paddy feels the same way no doubt.

Still, we're counting on you, Dr. Lyte… Stu and Dawny are precious to us. I have no doubt in my mind, they'll grow more with you."

Natalie says this with a depth of respect for the doctor; a confession of their bond, one Dr. Lyte is deeply touched by.

"Thank you, Mother. I'll do all that I can for them."

I can trust her; she's the best person for them to be with. If they stay with us, Stu and Dawny will be in danger. It's too risky for them right now.

Leaving them behind… I *hate* doing that, but it's something I must do. I'm needed in Rutherford; it's where I belong.

"See you around, Dr. Lyte. I must be off."

"Be safe, Mother."

"You do the same, old friend." Natalie departs in confidence, unsuspecting of the dangers that await her party in the near future.

Mullen Institute, Dublin

9 May, 2011

14:18—Mycenae's Perspective

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All is quiet in the confinement ward. Among hundreds contained there, Prince Mycenae is being held in CB-591.

The prince has been free of Theodore's diamonds for hours now. At the moment, he's resting in his bed, humming a catchy tune. His hands are behind his head, his legs are crossed, and his right foot jiggles to the beat.

"~...I got my baby on my mind, ba-da-ba, ba…~"

Nothing like a little mood music to pass the time away.

Breakfast was solid, baby. Cat's gonna get fat, but that's alright. Mu, shushu.

"~...I smell cheap cologne…~" A gorgon's nose never fails: Mycenae actually smells cologne, and it's circulating through his cell entrance.

A knock comes from the door.

"Hey, gorgon. It's me."

The irony of it all: Theodore has come to see him. "How are you in there?"

"I'm fine, Teddy. Been in better places though."

"You've got the best cell in the ward. Be grateful, alright."

"Hey, Teddy, come *on*. Don't tease a cat. That's not cool, baby."

"—then perhaps I should refrain from telling you something: About the lessening of your sentence." Mycenae is hit heavily by this; to hear that his sentence is being lessened is great news. Even after doing what he did, the radicals are showing him favor.

I can't believe this. A cat like *me* being given a pass card?

Groovy, baby! But…

"What're you cookin', Teddy?"

"—I'm going to have you enrolled in Infinity's protection program. But at the same time, I need you out there; you're strong, your majesty. Really strong." To be recognized by someone he exercised lethal force against: Mycenae's unsure what to think about this.

He doesn't know whether to be flattered or nervous; grateful or cautious.

Also, to be enrolled in a protection program, and to be told that he's needed because of his strength… "I'm not strong, Teddy; I'm weak.

And why would you want to 'protect' me? I kidnapped your friends and made an attempt on your life...sort of."

"Your vibes weren't malevolent, your majesty. You weren't trying to kill anyone, and you didn't… You fought because you don't want the church to hurt someone you love. There's nothing 'weak' about that.

Your majesty, please, let me help you.

I…was just like you once: I felt caught up in my own self-doubt. I had so much against me, and I thought…that if I just disappeared…everyone would be fine."

Why is he telling me this? It's not like him.

But maybe…he really *did* feel me because… That's me. That's how I feel inside.

…Teddy…are you *really* trying to help me, cool cat?

The gorgon leaves his bed and approaches the entrance, moved by Theodore's kindness.

When he arrives, Mycenae places his hand on the door, and exchanges a secret about his existence: He, too, can track things via a connection with the earth.

He knew beforehand; how all existences with earth attributes can detect entities using the planet itself. To this end, a nightwalker *created from* the earth has an edge over one such as himself. Theodore…he didn't have to do it, but…

Thank you, Teddy.

You're doing all that you can for me. Anything I can do to help, I'll do it.

You've been really sweet on a cat, and that means a lot. Thanks for giving me those offers… I'll take them.

And if you need my help on the field, I'm in; all the way, cool cat.

Theodore receives Mycenae's feelings. To this end, he feels the need to ask… So, tell me. You ever thought about getting a new wagen?

I saw the one you had before we left Wonderland; needs a little tuning. No, scratch that—the old bug has about had it.

Mycenae laughs wholesomely for the first time.

Theodore's implying that he's thinking about getting him a new ride. It's true, Mycenae's Volkswagen isn't in the best shape of its life. So, one could call it "a personal favor" from a once-upon-a-time enemy.

But still, it's strange: How quickly they're becoming close.

This is too good to be true. Teddy treating me like this…

"I'll take it, but don't hurt my baby; she's been with me for years.

A new ride won't kill me though. It's about time I give my baby a rest. We've been everywhere together… I'm sure going to miss her."

Theodore nods, realizing Mycenae's acceptance.

"Your majesty—"

"Call me 'Cyn,' all my friends do." That statement is abrupt on Mycenae's behalf, but it's for a good purpose: Theodore's being too formal.

"—right, Cyn. Nice nickname.

But above all else, I'm asking you to be committed. We can't help you or your girlfriend if you pull anything dirty. So, don't trust any clerics; they'll only serve in hindering your progression.

…Cyn, please. Say you're one of us now."

I have always been one of them, since the very beginning. I just didn't know how to tell them because…if I did, they would have killed her.

I'm not even sure if Salvia's still alive anymore. It's like the connection I have with her has been cut in half.

Whatever comes of this, I hope she'll be alright… With or without me.

"—I'm one of you, Teddy. Now, you have somewhere you need to be."

"Right, I do. And thank you...for not killing them."

"I could never live with myself if I did.

I may be a gorgon, but I have a human's heart… Those two, all of you, Salvia—I'll do it, if we can all live peacefully afterwards."

"We can, Cyn, and we will.

I have to go now. May God be with you." Theodore leaves to join his traveling party, having established closure with Mycenae.

The gorgon returns to his bed, lays down and continues his mood music.

I don't have to run anymore; never again. But so much more is at stake now.

Salvia, I'll get you back.

For now, I have to cooperate with these people. It's a great move though, the best I've made in years. And perhaps…after all is said and done…

Mycenae puts his fears and doubts to rest. For now, he must retain hope in the face of uncertainty.

Hope is what got him this far. It took years, but something good might actually come out of developing a relationship with Infinity.

As he is now, this is the best place for him.

Time goes by, and the only thing he can sing about…is his beloved and everyone affected by the church. With the world on his mind, he continues to believe.

"~...Come on, baby, let me take you on a ride; we'll have a real good time.

Smell the flowers, take in the magic; I know it'll make ya' feel fine.~"

:O:

:O: The BLOOD Saga: Night :O:

:O: