Chapter 27
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27: Mortality
Warnings: dead sims, non-explicit nudity (boy nipples though O_o), adult situations, coarse/mature language, lots of pics, conversations
Once in a while there are accidents. And unfortunately those accidents sometimes takes the lives of those too young.
Otherwise healthy, physically able sims who could have contributed much to their little world if the powers that be didn't see it fit to end their normal lives.
However, it didn't necessarily mean that they had completely met their purposes. In fact, these sims were ideal. Strong. Intact...
Not many know that for some, death isn't always final.
The incantation wasn't necessarily difficult on paper. But it required an abundance of resources and it wasn't a very pleasant experience.
Clara was a little tired of smelling like ash and brimstone after each summoning. She was bored of her neighbours banging on her doors demanding for her to keep the noise down. In retrospect, her tiny condo may not have made the most ideal witch's haven. Even if it did have it's own underground secret chamber.
Every creature was unique. In a way, it was like artwork. Bringing them back to something that could resemble "life".
Though she never got used to the stench. And the constant moaning and wailing. She never expected the undead to be this whiny.
She couldn't stand back and admire her work for too long. She had to bind them to her immediately.
But she still wasn't accustomed to how fast they could be.
She hated when they touched her. She could take a dozen baths and still couldn't get the stink of rot off of her. But it was a work hazard.
And as fun as this was, it was work.
A job she hoped would have a very generous payout when she was done.
After the binding, she immediately teleported the creature to where it needed to be. Hopefully it will find the others. Hopefully, it won't cause too much havok before she could send her orders.
Clara grasped for air as if she had just sprinted a marathon. The summoning not only required resources, it was also physically and mentally draining.
She collapsed to the cold concrete floor, fighting to stay conscious, coughing and wheezing.
It was unfair that this should take so much from her. That she had to be this weak while all that idiot young witch, the one they labelled the Heir, was given the potential for more power than she'd know what to do with... If she even cared to use it at all.
For now, Clara rested. It would be a while until she could create more, but what she had for the moment was all she needed. She knew all too well that this would have been far easier if Wesley still served her. But her vampire was no where to be found. He could be dead for all she knew.
It didn't matter anyway. He had broken the pact once and for all and she was sick of dealing with it.
Wesley dragged himself out of the coffin, breathing deeply stale air that smelled like sour dirt. There was a little pain across his chest, sore muscles fighting against the expansion of his lungs. It was a normal sensation for one who had not breathed in days.
It took a moment for him to determine where he was. Vampires could see well in the dark, but not in the complete absence of light. Knowing this, his host had left a candle burning, anticipating his awakening.
She made no sound across the stone floor, but Wesley knew she was here.
Sibyll: How do you feel, love?
Wesley: Sore. But I'm alive.
Sibyll: And that surprises you?
Wesley: Did you hurt Willow?
Sibyll smiled.
Wesley: Countess...
Sibyll: Your little witch friend is safe. A tad wiser, but she's well and good.
Wesley: How long have I been asleep for?
Sibyll: A few days, love. I expected you to be awake much later than this. That spell very nearly killed you.
Wesley: I've survived it before.
Though it was because of Clara's protective magics that he survived. The first time he encountered that particular spell still hurt him greatly.
Sibyll: I do not think you'll survive it another time, Wesley. Is she really worth dying for?
Wesley: I didn't expect to be dying for anyone that night.
Wesley: What did you tell her?
Sibyll: I told her what she needed to know. That the Coven has great interest in her.
Wesley: They've been trying to take her since she was a child.
Sibyll: But she had to come to them willingly. And I suppose failing that they tried to educate her instead. Goodness, I can't imagine how much this tests their patience.
Sibyll: I worried for you, Wesley. When you came to me, you were near death.
Wesley raised his head slightly as she lowered herself down to him. Her lips moved closer to his.
Sibyll: Though not quite as close as you'd wish?
Wesley: Sibyll...
Sibyll: I know of Clara's pact, my love.
Wesley drew a deep breath.
Sibyll: How could you, Wesley? I give you life and you go to her to give you back mortality?
Sibyll: A dark witch of all people... one of those that have sought to destroy our kind. How many of us have died because of them? If you wanted death, I would have given it to you rather than let her...why would you do this...?
"Because I never chose to be this way." he said softly against her cold skin. "I'll never be like you, Sibyll."
The bed was small, and the window was drafty. But tonight, Willow never felt more comfortable, and never more warm. She had never felt anything like she did this moment just by being in his arms.
She fell asleep to the sound of his gentle snoring and his heartbeat against her skin. She woke with his arms around her, holding her close.
No, it wasn't a dream, she thought with a smile. He was still there, still deeply asleep and from the look on his face, fairly pleased with himself.
And he should be.
There were so many words going through Willow's mind to describe the night before. She was a biology major, so she knew in the most clinical terms what she should be expecting.
Willow: Be careful, it's not like I've done this before...
Gabriel: What... really?
Willow: How many guys do you think I've been with?
Gabriel: I dunno... I guess I never gave it all that much thought.
Gabriel: Great. Perfect time for performance anxiety.
Willow: What? Do you need to stop...?
Gabriel: It's okay... over it now. Where were we..?
He was a little over-enthusiastic, though she couldn't really blame him in this situation. And despite the initial awkwardness, overcoming her shyness and some discomfort, they were soon able to find their rhythm. Everything that happened afterwards was beautiful.
No text book could describe exactly just how beautiful this was.
She didn't want to get up, but she had an exam to get to. She knew Gabriel was a late sleeper, so she didn't want to disturb him. She wasn't exactly sure what the exact protocol was in this sort of situation, but she couldn't worry about it too much either. She threw on her pyjamas and hurried to the shower.
She felt happy. If only everything could be as simple as this. She didn't want to think about anything else... or anyone else.
She threw herself across her bed for a moment, thinking again of the night before. She didn't know if she felt any different... anymore mature, or anymore of a woman. She just hoped it wasn't a mistake.
Willow had been in her little reverie too long. She suddenly realized what time it was, pulled on her clothes and ran out the door.
She heard the loud knocking against the old doors just as she got to the bottom of the stairs.
Willow: Hello?
Melody: Hi. Are you Willow Marlen?
Willow had no idea who the younger girl was and why she'd be looking for her. She stepped back, a little defensively.
Willow: What can I help you with?
Melody: Are you Willow or not?
Willow: Who wants to know?
Melody: Ugh. Whatever. Listen, my mother would like to speak to you.
Willow: Your mother?
Melody: Yeah. I know it's kinda weird.
Willow looked over and noticed the older woman standing on the sidewalk in front of the house, looking at her calmly.
Willow: I'm sorry... I have an exam I need to get to right now, I don't really have time... wait a minute. Why is she standing over there? Why doesn't she come ask me herself?
Melody: I don't know. Something about the place being "charmed against all other magical entities".
Willow: What?
She hadn't expected to hear that.
Melody: Pssht. There's a spell on your mansion that keeps other witches from coming in. God, why am I explaining this to you?
Willow looked at the girl who was talking so nonchalantly about witchcraft, and then back at her mother, who was now glowing brightly even against the winter backdrop. She didn't realize that she was holding in her breath.
Willow: I... kinda do have to get to my exam. Tell her I'd like to meet her afterwards though.
Jasmine paused for a minute, unable to help looking over. Adrian had just come up from the gym just as she was getting ready to head to class. He stopped and looked over at her, too. It was a brief connection and she was the first to break it.
He watched, unable to think of what to say as she plugged in her ear buds.
She had every intention of ignoring him. He guessed he should have expected that.
Aside from that first glance, she did nothing to acknowledge him before she ran out the dorm into the snow.
Willow felt a lot better about visiting the library during the day. Everything seemed normal around here. Students were still milling around. None seemed any wiser to what had happened only a few days before. The old building kept it's secrets fairly well.
Willow was still a little apprehensive about coming here though. Not just because of what had happened earlier, but who she was about to meet now. Her exam went well, and she didn't have anything else to worry about for the rest of the day. But she still couldn't feel relaxed.
Wanda: Why hello, Willow Marlen. It's good to finally be able to meet you.
Willow: Uh... same I guess.
Wanda: I guess my daughter told you. My name is Wanda Tinker. I'm a Officer of the Circle of the Nine.
Willow: Circle of the Nine... what does that mean anyway?
Wanda: I'm not sure to be honest. Something about the original founders of our little coven. But all that is lost in myth and history now.
Willow: It's a little weird. This whole thing is. I never thought of witches in the way of being organized.
Wanda: We've been around forever, Willow. How else would we be?
Willow: I guess you're here about Miss Cordial... Samantha.
Wanda: Right. Samantha.
Willow: Is she alright?
Wanda: Her pride is a little hurt. But she'll get over that.
Willow: I knew her sister... Kimberly. She was my mentor.
Wanda: Yes, I know of her. She's the one that probably put the charm on your dorm. Though that is a bit of overkill, if you ask me.
Willow: I was going to ask you about that. I didn't even know.
Wanda: Well, some people are just overprotective. And maybe Kimberly had a reason to be. But I'll keep my mouth shut about her for now because I doubt you'd enjoy anything I had to say about her.
Willow: She wasn't a member of the Circle...?
Wanda: No, Willow. She was part of the Coven. I suspect you at least know who they are.
Willow: I... do now.
Willow tried to keep calm, remembering everything that Sibyll had told her about the Circle and the Coven. And how anything that the Coven had taken interest in couldn't be good for everyone else. She didn't know what to think about Wanda telling her that her Miss Cordial was part of them.
Willow: You have to excuse me, Mrs. Tinker. All this is a bit of a shock for me.
It was an understatement.
Wanda: I'm not here to hurt you. Samantha wasn't there to hurt you either.
Willow: No, but she tried to kill my friend.
Wanda: You do understand that your "friend" was responsible for the death of Kimberly Cordial.
Willow: I don't know. I don't really know what's going on. But he said he was...
Wanda: Oathbound. I see you know what that means.
Willow: Could it mean he's innocent?
Wanda: Maybe. That's why we need to find him and talk to him.
Willow: Talk? Or try to kill him again?
Wanda: I don't intend to hurt him Willow. But we do need to see him and find out the truth. Wouldn't you want that?
Willow: I do. But I don't necessarily want to see him hurt.
Wanda: There's a great many things you're going to need to understand, child.
Willow: And that's the thing... I don't get a lot of the things that's going on. Miss Cordial.. Kimberly left me with an old book and everything I know I've gotten out of there.
Wanda: Well, that's one thing we're happy to help you with, Willow. Lord only knows we can use a good new recruit.
Willow: There aren't many of you are there?
Wanda: Not many of us in the Circle, no.
Wanda: We used to get our strength from passing down our magical legacies throughout the generations. But there aren't many natural witches being born anymore. And learned witchcraft takes time.
Willow: Your daughter's not a witch? Why don't you recruit her?
Wanda: Melody? Well, she's a bright young lady. But she's never been all that interested in the family business.
Wanda: Think about what I just said. The Circle can help you train, possibly better than Kimberly did.
Willow: I don't know. Not if you guys intend to hurt Wesley. But I don't know about that too. I just can't imagine Wesley being directly responsible for killing her. But then again, I haven't seen him since that night.
Wanda: He is alive though.
Willow paused for a moment before she nodded.
Wanda: Willow. I'm going to ask you something that might be difficult. But listen carefully. You're dealing with something that is quite frankly over your head. There are very dangerous elements surrounding this entire case and it would be best if you came under our protection. But I do need you to talk to your friend if you can. If he did what he did under a magical oath, there are things we can do to help him. But most of all, we just have to know why and who he is working for.
Wanda: I have no love lost for Kimberly to be honest. But I can't have vampires running around willy nilly all over the city killing the rest of our people. Do you understand?
Wanda's voice was gentle, but there was a commanding sternness about the way she spoke.
Willow: Yeah, I understand.
Wanda: I can't let you think about it too long.
There was a lapse of silence between the two women. Willow wished she had ordered a cup of tea or something to mask how uncomfortable she was feeling right now. She looked over to the barista and noticed Cecilia Baird there.
Wanda: A friend of yours?
Willow: No. Not really.
Wanda: Well she looks like she could really use one. She's practically dead on her feet.
Willow: She's been seeing ghosts. She asked me to help her with that.
She didn't know why she felt the need to let Wanda know that. It was something to talk about other than herself or Wesley.
Wanda: I'm not surprised.
Willow: You aren't?
Wanda: No I'm not. Some people... well, put it this way. They're closer to the dead than the rest of us.
Wanda: I can see quite clearly that girl is one of them. You should help her, even if she isn't a friend. It's good for the soul.
Willow: How do you know that about her? You haven't even met her?
Wanda: Well, after a while, you sort of just get better at learning how to read people, hon. You'll catch it in time.
Wanda: I'm going to get going, but it was nice finally meeting you, Miss Marlen. One sec. Let me give you something that can help you reach me...
Willow: A talisman?
Wanda: Uh... no. My business card. Call me anytime, Willow. But don't dawdle.
Adrian: Hey. Didn't expect to see you here.
Jasmine: What'd you think? That I'd sit in my room all winter and be all emo about it?
Adrian: Well you've been pretty good at avoiding me.
Jasmine: Did we have anything to talk about?
Adrian: Listen... I'll look for a new place.
Jasmine: Why would you do that?
Adrian: I just thought... well with everything going on, our situation might be a little... I don't know...
Jasmine: Do whatever you want. But not on account of me.
Adrian: I just didn't want to make things uncomfortable for you. That's all.
Jasmine: Oh please. I'm not going to turn your life over just because you jostled mine. Get over yourself, Adrian, you're just another boy.
He couldn't help but grin, though he didn't know why.
Adrian: Jasmine, hang on...
Jasmine: You don't have to walk with me.
Adrian: You're going my way anyway.
Jasmine: You don't know that.
Willow didn't know why she was here. The Tri-Var mansion wasn't far from her dorm and she walked by it every day. But as it got dark, she found herself hesitating in front of it this time, thinking about seeing Cecilia that day and what Wanda told her.
If this was one of Cecilia's pranks...
If Wanda hadn't had said what she did about Cecilia, Willow doubted she'd be here knocking at their door. She was nervous. She didn't know what to expect. These were the type of people that had laughed at her her entire life and she wasn't in the mood for it tonight.
Cecilia opened the door, her eyes wide with surprise.
Cecilia: Willow. Hi. Come in.
Cecilia brought her to their common room and handed her the photo album right away. She was surprisingly talkative and friendly for someone who had only been distant if not outright mean to her all their lives.
Cecilia: Her name is Brittany. Brittany Upsnott and she used to be Tri-Var. I think she died right before my Aunt Jessie pledged. I've been trying to find as much information about her as I could.
Cecilia: The thing is, I found her obituary and some memorial type of articles in old papers and yearbooks. But nothing mentioned how she actually died.
Willow: Hmm. That's kinda weird. I'm sure it's on record somewhere.
Cecilia: I know. I just hadn't had time to dig that deep yet.
Willow: It's really hard to see... but I think that's the Landgrabb Society emblem on the blazer she's wearing in this last picture.
Cecilia went a little tense when she heard the name.
Cecilia: The who?
Willow: The secret society?
Cecilia: There's a society I don't know about?
Willow: That's why it's a "secret".
Cecilia: Well... whatever. Do you think that's important?
Willow: I don't know, Cecilia. To be honest, I don't even know what I'm doing here or how I can help you.
Cecilia: I guess it's helpful that someone's actually listening to me for once.
Willow closed the photo album and sighed. Cecilia did look honest, and a little sad right now.
Willow: Well, let's go up to the attic you were talking about.
Cecilia: Right now?
Willow: Yes. See if there's anything up there that the ghost might think is important.
Cecilia: Okay, I guess.
Cecilia lead her to the ladder in the closet leading up to the attic. Willow peered upwards cautiously. It was dark up there. Even she was beginning to feel a little nervous.
What are you worried about, you're a witch. Willow told herself. She's dealt with zombies, vampires and other witches at this point, she could deal with things that go bump in the night.
Willow: I guess I'll go first.
Cecilia: Be careful, Willow.
Willow: I'm sure there's nothing up there to worry about.
Cecilia watched as she climbed into the attic.
The seconds just seemed to be getting longer. She could hear Willow's footsteps up there, but they seemed to be fading as she walked further away from the hatch.
Cecilia: Willow?
There was no answer.
Cecilia: Willow???
What was she doing up there? The quiet was driving her insane. It didn't take that long to just look around and come back down. Finally, Willow's muffled voice hollered down.
Willow: Come on up.
Cecilia climbed up the ladder and through the hatch. It took a minute to adjust to the lack of light up here. A window let in light from the street outside, dimly outlining piles of old boxes, suitcases and junk leftover by previous sorority sisters. But nothing looked out of the ordinary.
Cecilia wasn't tall, but her head nearly grazed the ceiling. The space was far too small to turn into another real floor. It was only really good for storage here.
Willow: There's nothing up here, Cecilia. Well... except for whatever's in these boxes. It's too dark to look through them all right now.
Cecilia: She said she wanted to open up the third floor.
Willow: Well it looks pretty open to me.
Cecilia: I don't get it. I don't understand what she wants?
Willow: We can go through all this another time. When we have light, maybe.
Cecilia wasn't sure what to expect, but she didn't think that she'd be this disappointed. They headed back down the ladder into the closet and resignedly, Cecilia watched as Willow began to leave.
Her breath caught tightly in her throat as they walked through the closet door into the hallway.
Cecilia's eyes transfixed on the ghost standing in its uniform at the end of the hall, simply staring back quietly at her.
Cecilia: Willow... she's here.
Willow took a few steps forward, slowly and cautiously.
She turned around back towards Cecilia.
Willow: Cecilia... I don't see anything.
"I don't see anything". Cecilia felt like she had just been slapped.
Cecilia: She's right behind you, Willow. Can't you see her???
Willow: There's nothing there.
Cecilia: You seriously have to be blind to not see her. She's right fucking there, Willow. Turn around and look! I'm not crazy!!!
Willow: I didn't say you were... but I don't see anything, Cecilia.
Cecilia: Don't you bullshit me, Willow. Just leave if you're not going to help me.
Willow narrowed her eyes. How did she expect that things would end up like this?
Willow: Alright.
She hurried down the stairs, grabbed her coat and headed back outside. Maybe Cecilia did see something, but Willow didn't appreciate being yelled at. She really didn't need this.
Cecilia watched her go, too angry to break down and cry right now. She had hoped that Willow could help her. She had hoped anyone could help her. But it was useless. She wasn't willing to believe that this was all in her head. What she saw... everything she experienced was real.
It had to be.
"You better apologize to her. She's the closest you'll ever get to anyone believing you. Even if you are completely insane."
Cecilia: Go to hell, Brittany.
Forcing down her pride, she ran outside into the snow.
Cecilia: Willow... Look... I'm sorry.
Willow: I was only trying to help you. Now I just want to go home. You're not the only one with problems.
Cecilia: I know, and I'm sorry I was a bitch. But she really was up there. I'm not seeing things. I know I can't be.
Cecilia: For the past week or two she's been haunting the house. Me, maybe, I don't know. But I can't sleep. I can't do my schoolwork. And no one will believe me.
Cecilia: Not even Jasmine believes me. My own fucking sister won't believe me.
Cecilia: What am I supposed to do?
Willow: Fine. Just calm down. And get your coat.
Cecilia: Where are we going?
Willow: This goes against my better judgement Cecilia. It seriously does. But if you want information about Brittany, then the only place I could think of to start would probably be the Secret Society.
Cecilia: Tonight?
Willow: Why not? I just don't know how to get there. But I think Gabriel does though.
They walked in silence for the most part down the empty streets. Everyone else was staying in, avoiding the cold. Jasmine didn't let the cold affect her. She was too busy trying to keep herself from outright yelling at Adrian, asking him why he had to walk home with her as if everything was just normal.
Adrian: You're going to have to say something to me at a point.
Jasmine: I don't have anything to say, Adrian.
Jasmine: Look. This entire thing is just embarassing enough for me, it's not helping that you have to hang around and rub it in.
Adrian: It's not like that...
Jasmine: What is it with you? Do you really need to be Mr. Popularity all the time that you can't stand to have one person not completely adore you?
Adrian: I don't think that's fair...
Jasmine shushed him suddenly.
Jasmine: Wait... do you hear something?
She yelled and ducked just as she saw the trash can flying at them. Adrian dodged quickly, the can narrowly missing him.
Adrian: What the...?
They both whirled around as soon as they heard the dragging of feet against the icy asphalt. Blood drained completely from Jasmine's face as she saw what was approaching them.
Jasmine: Oh hell no.
next » [ Chapter 28: The Mission ]
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Notes:
* red headed undead type guy is Harper Fox created by telectroscope for "The Person Below Me Challenge" on Pixel_trade many moons ago. Finally got around to using him :D
* and yes, moar zombies to come!
* speaking of, the Casting Call is still open. I'm ambitious. I like hordes. Some of you guys will most likely see your sims in the next chapter. :D
* as a refresher for why Wesley makes the decisions he does, go all the way back to Chapter 1.
* the romance writing is still killing me. But Willow and Gabe have wanted to woohoo for ages, I figure I'd finally let them. O_o
* thank you always for reading and for your support. As always, criticism is more than welcome here. :D