An evening's work, London, Henry, Rena, Leti, open
开云体育"So, you think their honest wishes are more impressive than the ones they profess in public, Leticia?" Henry curiously wondered. "I doubt even that. They have a bit more avarice, and sexual perversions to make the wildest of monkeys blush, but that is about it. Their desires are generally just as petty as those of their constituents. Even if they are or need to pretend to be religious freaks. To have more attention from their wittle boring parents, and spouses, and mistresses, and whores. And especially their followers. To be the men of the manor in every respect. To surpass some Jones bloke in how they dress,?or the size of their?carriage.
?
There used to be statesmen in our quarters. Men who wanted to ravage India and plunder Africa, not out of some ridiculous greed but for the glory of our country and perhaps human kind at large. Large designs is what I am about. If I were in charge, I would want the greater desires?to be allowed. For? very few worthy men to?have their will done. To?be able to fight and overcome, to conquer. Desires like mine, for?humans as they used to be, they cannot be accomplished in society. Civilization cannot afford to express its true need. Perhaps it needs to restrain itself. To make sure its desires are so small that they cannot threaten the fabric of society. That is why I would never dream of reducing myself to being voted for. It would be equivalent to joining the?practiced deception game. Above all?I value the brutal honesty, of the kind even your savage nature can approve." Jekyll happily concluded. This?topic of Leticia's proclivities being still too novel to get old.
?
"No, they certainly don't. Their horizons are too limited by what they know, or worse yet, by what they can imagine. I want...greatness. I know I can have it, somehow. I can force it back, from the oblivion of the past into which it sank. And only a few mortals can accompany the likes of?me onto such a journey. Not even because of how perilous it is, which is undeniably true, but because of the multiple self restraints that are as unnatural as religion and the course of human civilization. The path generally trodden is from better to worse and I would want to reverse it. The law of the jungle is the only one to allow clarity in life and?is the one law I can abide by," Jekyll spoke, realizing his excitement made his voice carry over others and quieting it down, just a bit, not at all minding the bizarre looks of the people the three of them passed.
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"Well, you do know,?those cooking needs of yours, they would make you the best chef in charge. But that is not what I have been talking about, I suppose. You should work for me. I will not raise an eye brow when I see you engaging in your favorite passtimes, you know the physical ones that you crave so often. I would be the perfect employer and am the source of all the fun around you as we discussed. So think about it. If you reject me, being ferociously stubborn, as I?have observed you to be, I would recommend you for the senior chef. What say you," Jekyll wondered curiously, alternating between serious and jovial tones. ??
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Previous messages in the thread:
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Leti's gaze fascinated on Henry with avid fascination as he spoke about politics.
?
"But if'in they said they was all out for themselves, all honest like they'd never get the vote. Not from their own and not from them what doesn't like that honest self interest," she pointed out.
?
"But I'd like to know, Dr. 'Enry, what would you do if you was in politics? I mean what would you want?"
Leti's eyes were eager and curious. She looked forward to hearing the answer if he would honestly share it.
?
"You seem honest and I like that. I always wondered what people like you thought," she said, half to herself. "But I have a feelin' most higher society gentleman don't think like you, do they?"
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?
Rena watched quietly. She wasn't nearly as avid with interest as Leti, but she was following their talk.
?
Her gaze eventually searched the room for the man even as she listened to the other two talking.
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"What promotion,"Leti asked Henry skeptically.
She didn't see how he could get her promoted here and there? wasn'tanything better to do here anyway.
?
?
"A very good practice that, not to believe them. Oh, I suppose I believe one thing underlying?everything they say. They do want to change something. Only to improve the lives, or the moral fabric of society,, whatever that even means, but their own life style. It doesn't seem to me like the least of Her Majesty's Ministers either come or go impoverished. In truth, I don't mind the self interest itself, I mind it being hidden behind pretty words?and other standards of behavior imposed as a result on...well?I would say society, but you know," Henry spoke vehemently noticing himself being all fired about and about to slip. To let the thin veneer of artificial civilization slide off him like an overused bed sheet.???
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"Everywhere else? Don't be ridiculous," the good doctor chastised, able to force his jovial tone back out. "Fun is always there wherever I am. I grace your establishment with my presence, that means you are having all the fun you need working there. Although perhaps you should be promoted. A woman of your appetites needs more. Perhaps I shall arrange, after I address that pertinent matter," Henry spoke with?a frown, trying to figure out where was that dolt hiding who mistreated his new friend. ? ? |
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?
"Do you want to plunder India and Africa," Leti
asked, a bit dazed.
?
No one ever talked to her like this before,
certainly not a Gentleman like Dr. Henry. But then again was he a gentleman? No
but? not in the way others weren't. And she didn't know how to explain it
no better than that. His sort she'd never seen before. She didn't mind it and he
made her feel safe someone. She liked the way he spoke as though she were a part
of things...of some inner circle. And Rena too. Including her even if it was
only because the man they were seeking had done...whatever it was that she just
couldn't remember!
?
Then again Rena had said she'd tell her about the
clothing thing so perhaps they would've eventually let her into their secretive
circle anyway. She was afraid of feeling important only to be cast back out into
drudgery and normality. Afraid of wanting to be a part of something only to be
rejected. Afraid of being stupid. But for now she'd enjoy it while she
could.
?
?
"Well I suppose their private desires ain't no
better for all that," she agreed when Henry spoke of what the men in office were
really like.
?
His talk of society restricting things was oddly
thrilling and made her think. She found herself nodding. "I can see that.
Yeah."
?
She decided to ignore his jabs of her being
cannibalism and lesbian, he was just being annoying and he knew that wasn't
true. "I can't cook hardly at all," she said, trying not to thrill with hope at
his offer of a job.
?
"But I would train hard if you is really needin' a
medical assistant or somethin' I would try hard and study whatever you gave me,
I promise..."
?
She blushed dropping her gaze. "But you was
probably only kiddin' and havin' me on. It's alright."
?
?
"You will have your greatness," Rena told Jekyll
squeezing his hand. "I promise it works out fine."
?
She wanted to ad that he was better than anyone and
needed no one...except her of course but they were in public and she had to be
careful what was said aloud especially in these times. She gave Leti a
sympathetic look but remained silent. She would offer her work as a lady's maid
if she had indeed misunderstood Henry but if not, the girl's brains were likely
better used toward the medical if she truly had an interest. She didn't think
Henry had an assistant already but again would wait for him to confirm as that
was his thing.
?
I'm friends with the monster that's under my
bed. I get along with the voices inside of my head. |
开云体育"Only the good places there," Henry admitted after a moment of hesitation. "Hindustan has the fighting pits of Mahasena, the temple of Kali's assassins. Africa has...lions and tigers. How intriguing, how rewarding, how challenging it would be to plunder the best defended strongholds, to compete against and overcome the strongest wrestlers. Yes, I could see a real man going on an adventure of debauchery there.??I think?those countries we mock for their arrested development are the ones that have it right in part. They have somewhat preserved the old ways, where the strongest always gravitates to the top and cannot be swayed from his path by the feeble human heart.
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Or perhaps they are somewhere in between the true state of freedom and that of?self restraint?They seek to be like us, because we are the height of civilization, and civilization is to be desired, according to popular belief. They are wrong of course, but they are probably willing to be instructed as to the right way. It would only take one strong man to show them the way. A man like me, perhaps.?If I were to set to myself the task?of elevating fellow humans. Alas, it is too much effort. I shall seek to elevate myself alone and those dear to me and leave the politics, good or bad, to the buffoons and hyenas who could benefit from it.
?
But let us talk about matters of accommodations and convenience. Rest assured, I shall not expect you to cook. Even my hardy stomach shall not survive your ideas of proper meat. I appreciate your peculiar nutritionals needs, but am not going to share them. No, I have a different idea in mind. You will need some training, but in due time, you shall be hurting people with me like there's no tomorrow. I am talking about medical assistance of course," Hyde concluded with a friendly wink.
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"I will have my greatness yes, no matter who has to move out of my carriage's way," Henry easily agreed and then realized they may have been speaking about two different things. "In what way do you anticipate my greatness to arrive though," he wondered, overall satisfied that Rena could see his bright future as well as he himself could. ???
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Leti wasn't so sure that his interests for India
and Africa were achievable, but if anyone could and survive it? it would be
him, she'd bet.
?
"Well your greatness...is ongoing I suppose. It
began with the success of?your potion, and concluded with me, and now we
carry on together," Rena said, keeping her explanation quiet enough that it only
carried to the ears of Henry and Leti were she listening carefully.
?
"India and Africa you have visited many a time in
the manner in which you speak, most recently with me," she said, giving his hand
a reassuring squeeze.
?
"Somehow you can subdue a tiger. I must admit to
being concerned and frightened at first butt in your company I never come to
harm."
?
She'd trusted him so gone in spite of her fears.
The thought made her smile.
?
"I'll be the best worker," Leti promised, ignoring
the?comment about food for the doctor only said such things to rile her
up.
?
"I'll study. If I can borrow some books I'll start
tonight. I will take real good care of them, Dr. 'Enry. I promise. And I'll read
em and make notes and bring em right back."
Leti's words pored out excitedly, her gaze Ernest.
Her eagerness to move up in the world and to learn and to try if given a chance
was more than evident and Rena smiled at? her.
?
"There 'e is,' Leti said,
suddenly?distracted,?gesturing to the gaunt man, now seated at a
corner table, gaze trained on the room...and seemingly on them.
I'm friends with the monster that's under my
bed. I get along with the voices inside of my head. |
开云体育"Well, it certainly makes sense. The tigers, being predators, cannot afford to be dull and thus can recognize a potency superior for them. I am so glad to hear such proper changes are going to take place in my life. That is all it is about," Henry Hyde solemnly nodded.
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"Of course you will be. With your interest at dispatching people, learning various recipes and the properties of knives, you are already well advanced above the norm," Henry happily chuckled. Getting serious again, as Leticia had finally located the culprit, allowing him the ample opportunity to vent his frustration.
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"Young fellow, you have some explaining to do. Have you considered yourself superior to my friend here, and her dispensable. You better account really well for yourself. I am not the dueling type," Henry quietly demanded of the gaunt man, not wishing to make a scene for Leti's benefit, unless he had to, of course.?Something about him seemed vaguely familiar but the man occasionally introducing himself as Jekyll could not remember talking to him. Perhaps it was merely?the matter of seeing him in this establishment once or twice. "What have you done to my friend and what plans have you had for her later on. You better spill it, Mister," Henry's voice menacingly spit, less caring about who heard what than only moments before. ???
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"Young man,"Oliver smiled, pleased and mildly
amused. Leaning forward to regard his visitors, he placed an arm casually on the
table before him at which he currently sat alone.
?
"I have nothing in mind for your friend and had I
harmed her she would not be looking so well this night."
?
Leti frowned at him, determined to get to the
bottom of this, whatever it was.
?
"You hurt my wrist, left marks n it and I can't
remember nothin' about whatever conversation we had nor even walkin' away from
you, but there I was next thing I knew across the room carryin' a tray o drinks
to another table like nothin' had happened. Gave me a fright, that did and it
ain't like me at all," she concluded firmly.
?
"We aren't stupid, and we aren't going away so
you'd better spill," Rena chimed in, moving up to stand at Henry's other side,
hand still in his.
?
?
?
Oliver regarded them for several silent moments,
then chuckled.
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"Were I to tell you, you would not believe me...or
is it that I would have to kill you," he asked quietly.
?
"I will say this much, though. Rest assured that it
wasn't about you. It had nothing to do with you. My concern was my own, for my
own personal business. I saw you gaping at me and simply wished to know why. I
cared nothing about your affairs and that remains the same this
night."
?
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"Then why don't I remember that conversation," Leti
demanded and Oliver's smile grew.
?
"And that leads us to the bits you won't believe or
that I'd have to kill you over."
?
?
I'm friends with the monster that's under my
bed. I get along with the voices inside of my head. |
开云体育"If she is looking good at all, it is only because she has to sit on a very specialized diet," Henry grumpily objected. "And you need to be good to her, because she is no stranger to killing people either. Who could blame her really, with customers like that, who take more than they can handle," Hyde accused. He realized his words may apply to him as well, but he only took his due, and he was a superior being at any rate. Not anything a common mortal could relate to. And most importantly, she has become his charge, so common rules, rights or privileges no longer applied to her as far as he was concerned. She was elevated to the status of somebody better who deserved more, and whom he was going to get more, starting with more satisfaction at present.
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"Believing is my strong suit. Just today I have accepted a series of very unlikely events as truth because I trust the person who spoke them. The only question is, can we trust you and your words. If we can, and you prove yourself to the three of us, believing you would no longer be a concern. And how would you go about killing people, anyway? Leticia here at least has a set of knives with her, and you don't appear to be armed. What, are you one of those wrestlers or boxers or pugilists? I have contended with the best of them, I'll have you know, and look here, still very much alive.
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No, no, piquing our curiosity with intriguing words and delightfully vague threats is pointless. You will have to tell us the truth of course. It can be in a less public place, I suppose,?if you are so concerned. As I am not worried about any threats of yours, I will gladly follow you out to a place of your choosing until my curiosity and Leticia's here is fully satisfied. What is your name again, I can't keep on calling young chap again," Henry casually wondered, a part of him fully aware that one name he might be concerned about upon hearing it, and would take stronger measures to protect the party if he heard it. ??????
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There the big gentleman went calling him young
again. If Oliver wasn't careful he'd be flattered. Hi face shifted expressions
from skeptical to confused to amused to doubtful then back to amused as Henry
spoke.
?
Leti opened her mouth a few times to protest, but
realizing that if this man was dangerous she didn't want to profess that she
wasn't, shut it again each time.
?
Rena felt herself warming with pleasure when Henry
spoke of believing her. She had proof but still. He believed her... She was
safe. He'd not toss her out on the street or worse...he believed her so perhaps
they could sort this out and figure out how in the hell time travel was suddenly
possible. As soon as they handled this one.
?
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"I see no reason to tell you my personal business.
It has nothing to do with you, and I got what i needed yesterday evening, that
being that you were not looking at me for any reason truly relating to myself or
my business. I apologize if that will make you go away," he told
Leti.
?
"I did intend to hurt your wrist. Do you want
payment for the offense? Will that make you go away?"
?
Returning his gaze to Henry he added,"And it's
Oliver. Though I hardly see how it matters."
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Leti shook her head.
?
"I don't want no payment. But these people here are
havin' some trouble you may not beliee either and I don't see how we can be
knowin' you're no part of it with the odd way you someow made me
forget."
?
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Rena gave the bar maid a smile, liking the way she
spoke up so well for herself and for them too.
?
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"So you're saying that whatever trouble you're
having is as strange as you forgetting our conversation," Oliver asked, tone
incredulous as well as doubtful.
?
?
"Maybe," Leti said slowly, refusing to give more
than that.
?
?
And then it hit Oliver. "Impressive that you
noticed something was amiss at all. You truly shouldn't have," he told the red
head who merely frowned implacably?at him.
?
"Fine," he told Henry after a long pause in which
he considered, weighing his need for secrecy against his curiosity. When one
lived as long as he did, something new was more than thrilling.
?
"We will exchange difficult to believe information.
That is my final offer. I won't tell my secrets without some of yours in return.
And if I am impressed you can watch me kill someone," he added to Henry with a
slight twist of his lips.
?
Leti struggled not to recoil slightly and failed
but remained silent.
?
"though not here," Oliver added
firmly.
?
"We go some private, your place or mine in entirely
up to you."
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I'm friends with the monster that's under my
bed. I get along with the voices inside of my head. |
开云体育"Of course Leticia is impressive. Why else would I accept her into my circle," Henry happily confirmed, as if he himself made her this, especially savage, way. Oliver's offer rather mollified him.?Naturally, if it?were him, some things, like grim and brutal satisfaction, could be more important than any amount of?apologies or pounds. But perhaps Leticia could not afford to be so demanding, when a public scandal would threaten her position as much as that of the young fellow.
?
And yet, when she refused, he could not take umbrage with her decision. She truly was as savage as he'd suspected and needed more, and she cared for her friends' trouble, two of the best attributes no money could buy anywhere in London.
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"Why would I care about you killing anyone? Never mind, on second thought, it could be entertaining. Make sure it isn't me you're trying to kill though. Young people like yourself always think much of their youth. They believe themselves to be capable, invulnerable even, and?risk more than they should. I was like that myself, so I would expect nothing else from you. In fact, I still am that way and am up to any challenge,?To prove it to you, let us reconvene at your place. My poor butler already had?enough surprises this day, I would not wish to inconvenience him again, What'd ya mean, if you're impressed by me, by the way. Of course you are impressed by me. It is humanly impossible not to be impressed by a great one like myself. So let us assume this part of the bargain is already accomplished and move on to the exchange of secrets," Henry confidently stated, with considerable amusement. ??
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Oliver laughed, a rare thing for him.
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"I honestly haven't seen anything impressive yet,"
he told Henry, rising with a fluid grace that believed the fact he didn't look
at all well, Leti noted as she fund herself edging a step closer to
Henry.
?
The idea of going to this one's house made her feel
unsettled for some reason she could not quite explain?because she?did
believe?Henry would keep her safe.
?
"Let us be off then," Oliver said, nodding toward
the door.
?
"We shall have to find a cab, as you will not wish
to walk all the way to my home. It is on the edge of London, not in the heart of
the city."
?
As they moved through the Black Bess, Leti's boss
called,"Where you goin' Leticia? Get yourself back in time for your
shift."
?
He'd never seen her come in to socialize. Pausing
she flicked her brother's friend, the owner of the Black Bess, an apologetic
look.
?
"Sorry, Al. I won't be workin' here anymore. I have
a new job with the doctor. And now he's gettin' married he'll be needin' more
'elp with his patients."
?
She smiled and waved at the shocked expression of
her boss as they departed.
?
?
It took a few annoying minutes to find a cab.
Oliver had no general need of such and taking company with slow mortals annoyed
him. This had better be worth his time, he silently grumbled to himself. Once n
the cab he settled back with an annoyed sigh. This bloody ride would take nearly
an hour...Actually it took over an hour.
?
?
Leti felt her unease grow as they rode, and she
wondered aloud how they would get back to town. Oliver sighed
again.
?
"I'll pay the driver to wait outside and take you
back into town," he said and she relaxed a little. She wished they'd known how
far Oliver lived, then Doctor Henry would've just decided to bother his servants
again instead of riding for so bloody long.
?
?
Rena sat beside Henry with her hand in his, trying
not to think about Caligari or her concerns because it would do no good. Instead
she chose to focus on Oliver, wondering what he could have of interest for them
and hoping it could possibly be useful.
?
?
When he gave the driver the last bit of
instructions they drew up in front of an old and somewhat rundown manor house,
but it was quaint and elegant for all that if not in the best of repairs. Oliver
met the man's eyes when he told him to wait in a rather intense way that Leti
found strange. It made Rena frown though she wasn't quite sure why. It just
felt....like something she should maybe recognize.
?
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Once inside, Oliver moved quickly about lighting
candles. There was no electric lighting. Leti found herself wondering why as the
man was obviously well off with a house likely bursting with
antiques.
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"It looks real old," she said,
admiringly.
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"1300s," Oliver replied. "Some items were in the
family even sense the 1200s before my day."
?
Leti's eyes widened.
?
"Before your day? Of course they' be before your
day."
?
Oliver chuckled, turning to Henry. "Hardly. You
kept calling me young man and I do appreciate it ut the truth is I am far older
than you."
?
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I'm friends with the monster that's under my
bed. I get along with the voices inside of my head. |
开云体育"You have seen all three of us. That means you have witnessed impressive incarnate. Of course we wouldn't walk. I have some arrangements with a few Hansomes. You know how it is, a gentleman never tells his?secrets, so nothing can be more prudent than covering them up. I have scratched a few hands here and there, so if you need your covert operations to stay covert, while you're with me, I can arrange for that...Err, well done Leticia. A neat break is all it takes. Onward and upward to a better future, and lots of cooking bodies," Henry interrupted himself with the simple pleasure of acknowledging his friend's progress.
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Seeing how Oliver, summoned a cab that was no affiliated with him and his connections, Henry merely shrugged, beginning to feel expansive about the whole adventure. "Oh yes? You are older than me because....you are in fact your house? No that can't be it. It would be too intriguing. Are you, a portrait in the house, hanging since it was built? I am not giving up yet, I have more guesses to go, I think, Unless you just want to tell me?" Henry smugly suggested, as if he scored yet another victory in front of his lady.
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Leti ignored most of the doctor's odd and annoying
suggestions about her nonexistent cannibalism because he was only trying to
annoy her so she couldn't allow him to succeed. At least not fully. She did
smile, pleased with his encouragement when it came to quitting her job. IT was
still hard to believe he was actually going to let her work for
him.
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"I'll study hard," she promised. "I'll be at your
place early in the morning sharp and I'll get some books if you'll let me borrow
em.I'll be real careful with them I promise," she said, tone eager and
sincere.
?
She knew she'd have long hours studying when not
working for him but she would do it. She wanted to be worth having
around.
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Oliver studied Henry with a smile of amusement on
his face as he silently weighed his options. How to tell them what he
was.
?
"So I assume I'm going first," he
said.
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"Very well. I am a vampire."
?
Before they could object he was across the room in
a flash, far vaster than the human eye could track then back at Henry's side. He
lifted the larger man easily and tossed him into the hair before placing him on
his feet. He then misted, became a bat, flew around Henry's head and then misted
once again before becoming himself in the flesh.
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Leti gaped, one hand flying to her
mouth.
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"Now you gonna try an eat us," she asked in horror
and he chuckled, shaking his head.
?
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"I've already eaten tonight, thanks. And I'm hoping
you shall be more interesting alive. Now it's your turn," he told
Henry.
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"Vampires can't be real," Leti said shaking her
head in negation.
?
Then again Rena said the same of time travel
but...And yet still... She stared at Oliver wordlessly.
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"My family is aware of vampires. Some are their
friends. More my parents and my uncle, but yeah they are real," Rena told Henry
and Leti.
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"You are aware...Now that is a surprise but at
least not the thing you have to tell me or none of you would've been surprised,"
Oliver said.
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"But is that how you made me forget what you said
to me,"Leti asked and Oliver nodded.
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"You drank my blood?"
?
He shook his head. "Merely made eye contact and
made a suggestion," he assured.
?
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I'm friends with the monster that's under my
bed. I get along with the voices inside of my head. |
开云体育"No kidding, " Henry exclaimed when he witnessed the transformation. "How interesting. Bats can be occasionally most adorable, but yours is about as ugly as your human persona, no offense. How on Earth did you manage??to become such an ugly bat," Henry marveled. "I honestly did not think vampires could do that. It seems so unscientific," he complained.
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"Alright, so you made a suggestion. But what makes our Leti likely to accept it? As you have seen, she is most taciturn when she wishes to be, she even denies her favorite hobbies?and other things besides that I won't mention until we know?you better," Hyde smirked. "But truly, why is it that your suggestion is so effective? And what is it about the blood that makes you stronger anyway? I bet I could drink blood all day long and would never get the benefits. Were you born this way? Did you have to perform dark rituals on a moonlit night, pray to your Lord Satan? How does it all work," the good doctor wondered, convinced most of all by Rena's confirmation that it was all real.?
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Ishamael Moridin
Hugin