realityshifted | Chloe Saunders 001

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darkest powers (d1) chloe saunders

Chloe Saunders 001

Th-this… c-can’t be happening… [Chloe stumbles slightly, eyes wide as she stares up at the stars above her head—the surrounding area of the plane that looks as though it should be something out of a sci-fi movie. First the nightmare—which she was used to, though not to this caliber—then the shop keeper, that Sault woman, finding herself here. Her throat constricted.]

D-Derek?! [If he was anywhere nearby, he’d hear her, right?] Simon? Tori? A-Aunt Lauren?

Oh, no. No, no, no. [Panic seized in her chest. Her stomach twisted into knots. She would not panic. This had to be the St. Cloud Cabal’s doing: Sorcerer magic. She wouldn’t let them get to her.]

Okay, you found me. [She didn’t stutter. Good.] .] I know who you are, so you don’t need to pull this. The bad guys always go for the seemingly helpless girl, right? Where are the others? Where is my Aunt Lauren? Wh-where are Simon and Derek and Tori?

[Then she remembered. Derek. Werewolf. Expendable. She might be expendable.] I-I promise to c-cooperate so long as you don’t harm any of the others! [Did that sound too desperate? She didn’t care. If this was as bad as she assumed it was, she wasn’t taking any chances on the safety of her friends and family.

[She took a step forward. Then another. ‘Welcome to The Machine?’ What was this, more experimentation? She shuddered, lungs seizing in her chest.]

You can’t do this… [The words were whispered, horror in her tone. Then a fist clenched, and she glared at the general landscape. They wouldn’t win. They could never win. Alright, she was captured. Now it looked like she needed to find the others—and get answers. With a stride full of purpose, she stepped forward, anger lashing her tone as she warned whoever was behind this.]

You picked the wrong heroine to mess with, Sorcerer. [Damned if the others weren’t looking for her right now.]

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Astral Plane? [Yep. Definitely sounded like something from a sci-fi. She could picture the trailer already.]

So is this some kind of worm hole, or loop in realities? [It was all so mind-boggling. Where was Derek when she needed him. He would at least reassure her and tell her if such a thing was possible. Then again, once upon a time, Chloe would have never believed werewolves and sorcerers and necromancers existed, either.

So this is something supernatural. A bridge between worlds? [And she could go home. Hopefully tell the others about this place and see what they had to say. She'd tell Derek and Simon first. Kit and Aunt Lauren wouldn't let them explore this Astral Plane if they weren't sure of what it was.]

Er.

[She loses him a bit at 'worm hole,' but he catches back up at 'bridge between worlds,' and brightens, smiling at her.]

Something like that, yes. We're not entirely certain why we can access this place with others can't, but many can do so. It's even possible to take people from another reality along with you when you go back to your own.

[Chloe pauses, considering this.]

So I could bring you to my own world, even if you aren't from there? [Goosebumps traversed her skin. Why did that not sound like a good idea? Suddenly Chloe's eyes narrow, and she is reminded of the demon she released at the compound--their reality--their wish for her to grow strong most likely for their benefit and some not-quite-benevolent purpose. It would be very like them to do all this--trick her into letting one go home with her. Possibly possess her.]

You don't happen to have many demons who can access this plane, do you? [The powers demons would have might prove catastrophic.]

If you wished to, yes. Though as curious as I am about other realities, I don't recommend attempting it now. This is your first time here, after all.

[Not to mention she seems rather uncomfortable with the entire idea, and he can't say he blames her. This is quite a bit to take in.

Her second question gives him a bit of a pause. She seems more afraid of the possibility than looking for any particular demon, but she's so far the first person to specifically bring them up. When he replies, his tone is carefully neutral.]

Very few that I'm aware of. You've encountered demons before?

What do you mean by that? This is my first time here. Is there something different about the first time you travel here in comparison to later travel?

[She notices his pause, and in that pause and hesitance Chloe realizes the answer to her question even before he answers it. At least he tells the truth. Still, a few is a lot better than she had expected, and Chloe relaxes seconds before tensing up again at his question. Well damn. She really walked into that one, didn't she? Still, he must be a supernatural to be here, and know demons exist.

[Chloe relaxes.]

I have. [Straight and to the point.]

Oh, no. Merely that it sometimes seems to be a little more difficult the first time you attempt it. You get back to your own world merely by thinking it, after all.

Also, this is rather a lot for anyone to come to terms with, without adding the complication of bringing a stranger whom you're not entirely certain you should be trusting back home with you.

[He may be an angel, but he's not an idiot.

After she brings up demons, he waits, watching her closely until she gives her answer. It isn't much of an answer at all, really, and it tells him nothing of why she'd brought them up.]

I see. Is there any specific reason you have to be concerned over whether or not they have access to the Plane? [He pauses briefly to wrinkle his nose.] Other than the fact that they are demons, of course, and aside from the rare and notable exception are generally not the sort of type one wishes to encounter anywhere.

It sounds complicated. [Like most things were.]

[Chloe opened her mouth to respond to his question about demons, but then he continued, and suddenly she wasn't sure anymore about what she should or aught to say. She shrugs, instead, striving for nonchalance even as her heart began to gradually pick up speed.]

No. No real reason. [She was going to leave it at that, but decided she better explain further to avoid any suspicion. She didn't want many knowing about the Demon who seemed to have such a great interest in her, and she doubted many would take kindly to the fact that she released a captive demon.]

I was just worried about the general balance of things. The power one could have leaping from one world to the next. It's... kind of a scary thought.

It is, a bit, but you do get used to it.

[He doesn't entirely believe her, of course. There's obviously more behind her question than the reasons she'd put forth, but she clearly doesn't wish to discuss it. And as she's certainly not a denizen of Hell here to hunt Crowley down (unless she's exceedingly good at hiding it), Aziraphale's not going to pry.]

Ah. Yes. It's probably best if you refrain from taking anyone to your reality unless you are certain of their motivations. But so far, I've not met anyone who isn't merely an accidental traveler to this place, same as you and I, and no one who was excessively eager to accompany me to my own reality for no given reason.

Not to worry, dear girl. Hell's influences here seem to be minimal. It's rather something I count on.

[As far as Aziraphale has seen, in any case.]

[Why did that sound like the story her life had taken this past year? She smiled, then a thought struck home and a quizzical expression crossed her face.]

What about sorcerer Cabals? Do you know of any here? [She couldn't help it. She had to ask, to be sure. Relatively sure.]

Are we from the same world, or different ones? H-how many worlds are there? How many travelers?

[Her smile encourages him, and he returns it with one of his own. He shakes his head at her question.]

I don't believe so.

We do seem to be from different worlds. Not many in mine are particularly aware that demons actually exist, and I've never encountered a, er. 'Sorcerer Cabal' in my world. There's - quite a few worlds. I'm not certain how many, as I don't believe I've met everyone who comes here. Some of the worlds are very different, and some can be nearly identical.

[Chloe's sigh of relief was immense in response to that. She would still be wary, but... it was good to hear.] Good. If you hear anything about them, stay away. They're never up to any good. [That was her two cents, anyway.]

[Listening to his explanation, Chloe yearned for Derek's input concerning all this. She wanted to bring him her now. But maybe it would be good if she had more information she could give him.]

So do you come from another version of Earth? Someplace else entirely?

[Aziraphale makes a noncommittal murmur at her words. If these 'cabals' truly are up to no good and Aziraphale ever runs into one of them here, he can't promise he'll stay away.

He is an angel, after all, it would be somewhat remiss of him.]

Yes, my world is a version of Earth.

[Whether or not he's particularly from it is another thing entirely, but that's not something he's going to mention.

He pauses, then smiles brightly at her.]

I will, of course, answer any questions you may have about this place or my own world, and I do admit to being a bit curious as to yours. Would you like some tea, or cocoa? Such conversations are often very suited to a nice, hot beverage.

[Or a beverage of the more alcoholic variety, but Aziraphale's hardly going to encourage this young girl to do such a thing.]

[Does she trust this new fellow she just met? The opportunity to learn more about this place, however, and how to get home--she needs to get as much information as she can. Better from this stranger here than a mean spirited poltergeist, right?]

Hot cocoa? [The thought of the sweet beverage had a slight smile spreading across her lips as it was, and suddenly she was reminded of Derek.]

Hot cocoa it is, then!

[Her agreement gets another bright smile.]

The kitchen's just over here, dear girl.

[It occurs to him as he starts towards it that he doesn't know her name, nor as he introduced himself.]

My name is Ezra Fell. My apologies, for not making an introduction sooner.

[It's not exactly his real name, but it's close enough, and somewhat easier to pronounce, so he's gone back to using it.]

[There was a kitchen on an astral plane? Odd, but why not? She followed him, looking around curiously while still paying attention to his words.]

Chloe Saunders. It's nice to meet you, despite the oddity of this place. How long does it take to get used to being here?

An absolute pleasure to meet you as well. Those were my sentiments entirely when I first arrived.

[There's a kettle waiting on the stove when they arrived in the kitchen, and he pulls a pair of mugs out of the cupboard, as well as a box of gourmet cocoa mix that may or may not have previously been in there. At least he remembers the mix, this time.

He doesn't, however, remember to actually fill the kettle with water before he turns on the stove, though there's quite obviously water in it.]

It depends on the person, I believe. Some more so than others. It is a bit easier if you're already used to things such as the ethereal, magic, or advanced technology. Less surprising that something like this could even exist, I suppose. And I was fortunate enough to find someone very familiar to me who had already been here for some time.

[Chloe laughs lightly at his words--she can't help it--and she finds the action cathartic. Finally she is able to relax.]

I take it you are used to the ethereal, then? You seem to have quite a bit of knowledge about it.

That...is pretty nice, having someone familiar to be here before you. How did this person take to being here before you arrived?

[Her laughter brightens him considerably. He's been hoping to help set her more at ease, and now it seems he's been somewhat successful. He smiles at her, and it doesn't slip even when she asks him about the ethereal.]

Er, yes. It's something of my job, actually. I've quite a number of books on the subjects.

[His smile turns notably fond as he answers her last question.]

Quite well, really. But our circumstances were perhaps a bit complicated. We're not entirely from the same reality, just ones that are very close. And in any case, the Plane also comes with a fully equipped bar.

[The kettle whistles, signifying that the water has boiled - much earlier than it technically should have, but that's not important. Aziraphale pulls the kettle off the stove and pours the water into the mugs, over the cocoa mix in them.]

Your job? What is your job? It involves the supernatural? [Should she be wary? Chloe certainly hoped not!]

Whomever this person is, I can tell you two are close. I'm glad you found each other, even if your realities were a bit different. [Suddenly Chloe is quirking an eyebrow, feeling a tiny bit awkward at his insinuated words. Apparently this was a very loving relationship indeed, for Chloe had no idea why he would suddenly bring up the bar.]

I see. [Or, she thought she did. Then Chloe jumped at the high pitched whistle coming from the kettle.] Wow. The electricity here must work really well. [Fastest boiling kettle she had ever seen. Unless the water was previously warmed?]

Oh, not especially, no. I wouldn't generally call it the 'supernatural,' in any case. I own a bookstore, you see. My collection is quite extensive.

[Is that some pride there? Well, yes. Just a bit. He's also completely ignoring the fact that it's technically only his cover.

Aziraphale's smile is still fond when Chloe says she's glad they found each other, but he blinks slightly at the quirked eyebrow. A quirked eyebrow that implies she is speculating something that she isn't mentioning. Aziraphale frowns, then - ah. Yes, he supposes he hadn't fully explained the comment about the bar.]

Ah. It's my understanding that Crowley mostly occupied himself with the bar here before I came along. [Not that he still didn't, considering his room was right next store.] And, er. Thank you. I'm quite glad, as well.

[She did see, considering Aziraphale still couldn't keep the vague fondness out of his tone. He looked a bit sheepish at her comment about the electricity, though.]

Does it usually not work that well?

[She blinks at this. For some weird reason she pictured him to be more like Andrew, fighting for some supernatural cause or other, rather than owning a bookstore. Still--suddenly it seemed to make sense, and she could see his love and passion for books alight in his expression.]

What are your favorite kinds of books? Is it a bookstore for normal humans, then? You don't happen to have any amazing screen writes you could bring here sometime, do you? [The chance to see such a thing, from another world or reality--Chloe could hardly sit still at the prospect.]

Crowley. [Then suddenly Chloe realized she misunderstood--but that look is in his eyes and expression again, and she can't help but feel this man felt for this Crowley person something quite similar to how she felt for Derek. Still, no need to make the man feel awkward on their first meeting!] Was he very lonely until you got here? Was he excited you could visit this astral place as well? How different were your realities, having come from different worlds yet having known each other?

[How horrible would it be for her to come across another version of Derek, and have him behave completely different towards her because their realities were not the same? Chloe paled, stomach suddenly tying itself in knots. She had best get home, and talk to Derek soon. Hopefully he could come with her and help her figure this place out.]

It usually takes the water longer to boil, yes. [Now Chloe was confused all over again, and was looking at him rather strangely again.] You aren't a sorcerer, right? You aren't casting a spell to make the water heat faster? [Best to just get such secrecy out of the way, right?]

Oh, all sorts of kinds. Bibles, books of prophecy, and Oscar Wilde first editions are quite on the top of the list. It's a bookstore for anyone who chooses to come in during opening hours.

[Which are few and far between, but he leaves that out. Is he delighted at her showing an interest in his books? Yes. Yes he is.]

As a matter of fact, I do. I would be more than happy to bring some here for us to look over, if you'd like.

[Just think of the discussions they could have.

But then his demeanor changes just a bit as the conversation moves from books to the differences between his world and Crowley's. There's something sad about his eyes, and it may be apparent that the conversation is a bit - difficult for him. His voice is soft when he speaks.]

Yes. Yes, I suppose he was. Our worlds were - quite similar, really, up until a certain point in time. Then it seems as though his went one way, and mine went another.

[And neither of the outcomes had been terribly good, although, of course, Crowley's had gone so much more horribly. Then he smiles slightly as he remembers her other question. He supposes it could be considered excitement, as Crowley's first response had been to kiss him.]

Excited is one term for it. I was quite excited to see him. No matter the differences, he's still him.

Ah. I wasn't aware. [He didn't usually pay attention to that sort of thing, as it wasn't something he generally had to be terribly concerned about.] Heavens, no! I'm certainly no sorcerer. I'm just as human as you, I imagine.

[Is that a cop-out? Yes it is. He's quite aware that it's distinctly unlikely that she's entirely human (their conversation topics, for one, and she has an usual aura about her, for another), so he's certain he's not lying, but neither is he being entirely forthcoming.]

[It sounded like a pretty normal bookstore to Chloe. She didn't miss that 'us' part he added, either.]

You like screen writes? [She had to admit she was somewhat surprised.] I would love to get my hands on anything you could bring by.

[Then, when he was talking about how his world varied from Crowley's Chloe couldn't help but feel worry and sympathy for this new fellow.] I'm glad you both have such a strong connection. It sounds like you've been through quite the reunion.

[Then his last words brought up all kinds of red flags. The fact he knew of demons, and seemed perfectly fine with supernatural things...] So you are human, but supernatural too? [She tried for nonchalance, knowing full well she was taking a gamble.]

I enjoy the written word, no matter what form that may take.

[There are exceptions, of course, including much of what has recently been published, but those can still be enjoyable in different ways.

And yes. The 'us.' That was because, while he is looking forward to a lovely discussion with her, no matter how much he may like this young girl, he's certainly not about to let any of his collection out of his sight.]

You're most kind, dear girl.

[It's somewhat rare to meet someone who seems so genuinely pleased at another's happiness, particularly a stranger. Aziraphale smiles warmly at her, but it turns a bit sheepish at her question.]

Er. Not entirely the way I would put it. And I do prefer the term 'ethereal being,' to 'supernatural.' Supernatural isn't quite as bad as the occult, I suppose, but it has much less of a lovely ring to it.

[Then he pauses, vaguely worried he's insulted her, as it's clearly the word she's used to using.]

Not, of course, that supernatural is wrong. Our worlds do appear to be somewhat different, so how am I to know what the proper terminology is?

[Smiling in return, Chloe relaxes at his mannerisms, more intrigued with who he was than what he was, though his terminology caused to to pause. Ethereal being? Last Chloe checked, that word held a completely different meaning to it than a supernatural being did. He knew of demons, but not supernaturals?]

I have the feeling you aren't being completely forthcoming. Ethereal being? That's a bit different from a supernatural. In my world it is, anyway. You know of demons, but are you a demon? Or some form of...angel, then? You aren't a spirit, are you? Your hand hasn't pass through anything yet, anyway...

[Did angels truly exist? They must, if demons did.]

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