Jekyll and Hyde: Duality

An unexpected visitor

Prelude

Robert carefully placed a bottle of the green potion in his bag. He picked up the monocane sprayer and shook it, checking if enough was in it. It felt comfortably heavy in his grip and the thought that he still had six more glass bottles full of liquid monocane in his laboratory lightened his mood.

A few days had passed and Robert had kept experimenting with his grandfather's old potions but had not become any smarter. Maybe it was because the lab had such a dim light that it was hard to see things. If Robert could separate the substances that made these potions, it would be much easier.

Garson had already criticized him for working with the stuff. After all, he now had enough monocane to keep Hyde at bay for weeks at a time. Still, Robert's curiousity had gotten the better of him. He was thrilled by the idea of learning more about the potion and its workings. And maybe if he could not find them, someone else could.

Robert placed the sprayer in his pocket. Turning around, he faced himself in the mirror. A young man with green eyes, dark, curly hair and a smooth, nice face. Robert carefully fastened his tie and turned his sleeves inside out. Comfortable with the result, he took his bag when steps came down the stairs.

"Where are you going, Robert?" Ravi jumped down the last few steps. He was wearing a simple pullover and a trouser. His brown eyes sparkled with curiosity. Robert explained: "I go and visit Lily." His brother lifted a brow. "Are you sure this is wise? I mean, she works for MIO. You said it yourself. Can you trust her?"

Robert admitted: "I do not know whom I can trust anymore, Ravi. However I know that I need the help of another scientist. Lily has studied biochemistry so I guess that she is my best shot." You still love her, snarled Hyde inside of him, How can you love her? She is a traitor. Robert lowered his gaze. She differs from Bulstrode. And that is good enough for me.

Robert softly patted Ravi's shoulder. "Do not worry", he responded, "I will be careful." Placing his hat on his head, he walked towards the door. Smiling back at his little brother, he said: "I see you later, Ravi."

~Jekyll & Hyde~

The house in which Lily lived was white and large. It laid in a street with similar houses, all in a fancy and elegant style. An avenue of oak trees. Their leaves rustled in the wind. Robert cautiously strolled across the street towards Lily's house. As usual he had the feeling of being watched. Either MIO or Tenebrae. Probably MIO. Angrily dismissing the prickling nervousity in his neck, Robert rang the doorbell.

Lily opened the door and greeted him in the same blue velvet dress in which he had first met her. Her raven black hair was tied up and her cheeks had just the right tint of pink. Crimson red lips pulled into a smile, revealed her clean teeth. Robert still felt a shadow of his former love for Lily, but the reveal that she worked with MIO all the time had destroyed most of it.

"Robert!", called Lily in surprise, "I did not expect you to be here. But please, come in." Her surprise was not faked. Just like the joy in her eyes. She really seemed to be happy to see him. Robert felt a sharp sting of shame and pity in him as he entered the house.

Lily closed the door. "I did not thought I would see you again", she admitted and folded her hands, "Not after you-know-what." She dropped her head and sighted. Robert responded: "I hope you do not mind that I withdraw my proposal." "Not at all." He suspired in relief. "Then I can set my mind at rest", Robert said, "But we still can be friends, can't we?"

"Of course we can." Lily softly took his hand and guided him to the small living room. "However you understand that I will keep doing my job. Now no longer as a real spy but as a messenger." Robert sighted. Of course. He could not ask from Lily to stop what she was paid to do. It only reminded him that he had to be more careful and aware around her.