Covens and Proxies

44

Soon, the mansion comes into view. Toby is leaning next to the front doors, standing up when he sees the two of you. He meets you halfway up the steps.

"You guys sur-ure took your time." He remarks, wrapping his arm around you.

You nod. "Sorry. Cody had something like an episode." You glance at him, silently begging him to cover for you.

He hesitates, nodding. "She helped a lot."

Toby relaxes, smiling. "She does that. Com-come on. He's waiting." He guides you through the bottom floor, to a far corner you'd never found on your own. Hesitating at the door, he stops you. "I can't go i-n with you." He mutters, brushing a thumb over your cheek and along your jaw. "You'll be ok?"

You put on a smile and nod, taking his hand and kissing his cheek. "I'll be fine. Go do your job. I'll be here when you get back."

He pauses before nodding, slipping back down the hall. You're alone in front of the doors, take a deep breath and go inside.

He's standing in front of one of his shelves, reorganizing a small number of books, only glancing at you when the doors shut. "Oh good. I'm pleased we could speak in private."

"I'm sorry?"

He seems to smile. "I was worried Tobias might not let go of you."

You have to fight down your pride and anger. "He understands his place very well."

He chuckles. "And yet..." He pauses, looking over a book cover, "And yet he went directly against orders to keep you alive. In fact, it's my understanding he's gone out of his way to do so." He looks at you. For a creature without eyes, he's got the coldest start you've ever known. "Why is that?"

You don't say anything, not having the answer yourself. He nods, putting the book back on the shelf and sitting at his desk, beckoning you closer.

"You did an impressive deed the other day. The first in a very long time to catch me off guard. You would've killed me, had my men not intercepted." He states, looking at you so intently you can't stop your fingers from twitching.

"You told me to try to curse you. I knew I couldn't use the same power I did for others. I didn't mean to actually hurt you, though."

He laughs. "Ah, such youth, such ignorance, such innocence." He almost mutters to himself. "Every kill is intentional, girl. You are yet to face your bloodlust."

You grit your teeth. "I. Will not be. A murderer." You growl, clenching your fists so hard your nails begin to dig into your skin. "I will heal and protect, but I will not kill unless someone's life is in danger."

He nods. "Toby and Tim informed me you'd react this way." He extends his hands, almost shrugging. "Very well. You will work with Dr. Smile and Nurse Ann to heal our wounded. You will be permitted to erect your shields whenever or wherever you see fit. After a year, we will reevaluate your skills. We shall see if this suits you best." You hesitate, waiting for more, before nodding and turning to walk out.

"But if you attempt to take another unnecessary life, I will make you one of my killers," he calls through the closing door.

You stop in the hall, drowning in your thoughts. Slowly, you move yourself down the halls. You're not paying attention, almost running someone over. You mutter an apology, scrambling around them.

"Hey." It's jeff.

Inwardly, you groan and beg the universe to make you invisible because now is not the time. Still, you turn to look at the smug, scarred bastard. But he doesn't look so smug. He looks pissed.

"What the fuck did you do to me, bitch?" He growls, coming closer with his knife gleaming.

"What do you mean, Woods?" You mutter, too tired and confused to concentrate on anything.

"You made me forget. What the fuck was that about?!" He grabs your collar, slamming you into the wall, the knife levelled at your heart.

You grab both of his wrists. "Please leave me alone right now. I have a headache." You're voice is soft, your skull seeming to collapse in on your brain.

He chuckles. "I don't really give a fuck. Explain shit. Now." The tip of his knife digs into your jacket, your shirt, almost to your skin.

"I was tired of you being an asshole. So I did the best thing I could without killing you. That way you and Toby could a have your normal relationship back and you'd never known I existed." You explain, grip tightening on his wrists as the knife is steadily pushes into your chest, slowly.

"Why? Was I too much for you? Was I not enough?"

Cold tingles in your fingertips. "No. I never asked for you. You forced yourself on me, emotionally and physically. I was tired of it, and I finally had the strength to stop it."

He growls, his knife digging deep enough to cause blood, a small trickle makes you wince. "You asked me, bitch! You started it!" He roars in your face, his eyes getting wet and slightly red.

You shake your head, your brain about to explode. "No. You took my words out of context."

"Shut up!" He spits, "You're pathetic, crawling here just to get back at me! Is that what it is!? You and Toby love twisting the knife, don't you?!"

Your hands are chilled, his skin is burning. "No, Jeff. That's not true. Please let go of me. I need to go to bed."

He growls, pulling you from the wall, retracting his knife and slamming you back into it. Your head hits it hard, causing your ears to ring and black spots to dance. You're crying from the splitting headache. Jeff's burned face is inches from yours, his knife repositioned in your gut.

"Go to hell, whore." He growls, shoving deep into your stomach.

You gasp, feeling your flesh being shredded as he twists his knife. You watch your blood seep out of you, staining his sleeve. With his other hand, he makes you look at him. He's smirking in triumph, and yet he's crying.

His cheeks are flushed, his eyes red. You'd managed to maintain your grip on his free hand, his skins starting to sweat and flush. His eyes fog, the steady heat of a fever causing him to collapse. You let him drop, relying on the wall to stay upright as the world spins.

You grab the knife, pulling it free and letting it fall. Slowly, you let yourself slide to the floor, leaving a trail of blood along the wall. As you look around, you realise your head was hurting because your wound was bleeding again. You can't comprehend the pain anymore, leaving you in a euphoric mist.

The memory of Toby's smile makes you get up, the memory that there are people relying on you and you shouldn't sit like that and let your blood drain away.

You have no idea where Dr. Smile's office is, but you remember how to get to the lounge and foyer. You don't find anyone in the halls, which makes walking harder while pressing a hand to your gut. You silently thank the powers that be for making the lounge doors swinging, pushing your way through. Clockwork, Lulu, Rouge and Kate are in the far back. Laughing Jack is with Candypop and a man you hadn't met yet.

Your legs buckle, too tired to keep yourself moving. The thump of your body draws all of their attentions, Candypop and Rouge coming to your aid. Their mouths move, but you can't hear over the ringing. They lift your body, shouting to the others to help.

You smile as your body seems to become weightless, your surroundings changing with a veil of smoke. You're laid on a hospital bed, a man with a mask of a smile and shaggy black hair leans over you, flashing lights in your eyes before strapping a mask over your face. A deep inhale brings a fresh wave of euphoria, the sweet scent coaxing you into unconsciousness.

It's peaceful in the abyss.