Society of Broken Minds

1

Jekyll led Jasper down the luxurious halls of the society, introducing him to each of the strange inhabitants within. Slowly, Jasper lost his shy edge and began to enjoy himself, as Jekyll gave off a comforting presence. The building was filled to the brim with strange and colorful characters, and Jasper was assured he fit right in.

The tour eventually led to a door tucked in a dimly lit back hallway one the first floor. This time, instead of opening the door right up, Jekyll knocked softly, and waited.

"Come in."

Jekyll eased the door open and led Jasper inside. The room beyond the door was brightly lit and the walls were lined with canvases and scraps of paper. The images hanging on the walls ranged from bright and colorful paintings to dark and messy sketches. At the center of the room sat a figure with dark red hair pulled back in a ponytail, with his back to them, facing an easel. At first, Jasper assumed he was simply sitting in a strange armchair, but when he turned to face them, Jasper realized it was a wheelchair.

He looked Jasper over with a pair of gray-green eyes behind round glasses, then his eyes turned to Jekyll.
"Why do you have a werewolf with you?"

Jasper was taken aback by the statement, and turned his head to make sure he wasn't still showing a tail. How had this young man guessed the truth so easily?
"How did you-?"

"I heard you talking about a wolfsbane potion through the vents. I hear a lot that way."

He wheeled himself closer and Jasper stuck his hand out to shake, but the man ignored it. Jekyll saw the look on Jasper's face.
"Pardon Dr. Finch, he is a bit uncomfortable with physical contact. He's our leading genius on the human mind."

"Most people just call me Finch or Fin. Not doctor. Now," he turned back to the empty canvas, "I have work to do, and Rachel is coming with my tea."

Just as he said it, in rushed Rachel, now far less bloody than when Jasper first met her, holding a tray with a teapot and a single cup on it.