realityshifted | Chloe Saunders 001

Entry tags:

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.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[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.]

[He smiles gently at her.]

Nor you with me.

[There's absolutely nothing chiding about his tone, he's merely pointing out that they likely both have good reasons not to be entirely forthcoming with strangers.]

I am not a spirit in the way I assume you mean: the deceased spirit of a once living human. Nor am I a demon. Quite the opposite, actually.

[Still not entirely coming out and saying it, but by now, he imagines Chloe can figure it out for herself.]

[True enough.]

[She smiles then, at his look and his gentle manner. Then her eyebrows lift. So he was an angel. Wow. Wow.]

So...what would you particularly think about necromancers? [Failed attempt at nonchalance? Chloe? Never.]

[He blinks, at bit taken aback. Although he's perfectly aware there are more types of 'supernaturals' than he's come across in his own world present on the Plane, necromancer was not something he would have placed her as.

Well. The type of necromancy in his world, anyway.]

That would depend entirely on what you meant by necromancer. It has always been a dark practice in my world, performed by humans who sought power over the dead that they could never truly achieve, no matter how many different gruesome methods they attempted.

[He has several books on necromancy, actually, and he can't imagine Chloe performing any of the actions depicted in them]

[Chloe sits, waiting somewhat tensed for his answer, because suddenly she needs his approval--acknowledgment that what she did wasn't purely something of horror. Suddenly she had a feeling what he was talking about was much darker than what she was referring to. Or so she hoped.]

I-I've n-never! [She stops, takes a breath, and tries again, calmer this time.] In my world, there c-can by dark necromancers, but I think it is different than in your world. Necromancers see spirits--ghosts who remain on earth before they...pass on, I guess. It can be quite helpful, talking to spirits who help to better a supernatural cause, or to solve some h-horrible mystery.

I suppose it can be a pretty dark ability, however. [Suddenly she winces.] E-especially when your power attracts the wrong kind of attention.

Edited 2011-07-22 06:41 (UTC)

[It hadn't at all been his intention to upset her (unless, of course, she had been doing such things, and then it's possible it would have been, in order to convince her to stop).

Her explanation intrigues him, though, and he leans forward a bit. He also pushes a mug of cocoa towards her in the process. (Which, incidentally, is still the perfect temperature, because Aziraphale expects it to be.)]

You can communicate with spirits? That - sounds closer to the prophets and the psychics of my world.

[Though hopefully, the young girl's abilities didn't come along with the tendency to go slightly mad from knowledge that humans weren't supposed to have.]

Attracting the wrong kind of attention is unfortunate, but it certainly doesn't make your abilities dark, dear girl. Your actions and your intentions are the real measure.

[He frowns slightly.] When you say 'attracts the wrong kind of attention'....is it demons, you're referring to?

[She couldn't believe she had told him all that--that she was considering telling him more and trusting him with the information.]

I am definitely not psychic, or a prophet. I see spirits and ghosts--communicate with them. They ask for favors. Sometimes they...aren't very pleasant.

[She accepts the cocoa with a hesitant smile and thanks, wondering if she should stop talking lest all her secrets were revealed. After all, what if he was lying, and he wasn't a sorcerer? Then again, he truly didn't seem to know what she was.]

Not only that...I-I can do other things too, without really trying. That's why I attract the wrong kind of attention. Yes, demons among them, but right now I an in hiding with close friends. We're running from Sorcerers who...don't have our best interests at heart.

No, I can imagine they wouldn't be. They are still human, after all, and humanity's limitless capacity to be genuinely good is only offset by its equal ability to be truly evil.

[No, not at all like the necromancy of Aziraphale's world, though he can imagine with those 'other things' are. He can't say he's entirely comfortable with the idea of having control over the dead, but he's certainly not going to hold something that she does unintentionally against her. Her world works differently than his, after all. If he's honest, he must admit he's quite curious.]

Ah.

[Uncertain of her own abilities, attracting attention without even wanting to? Yes, Aziraphale knows someone a bit like her. Though clearly, this girl has no where near the power that Adam has. Er. Had. In any case, there are some similarities.]

I suppose it will only be of a minor consolation to assure you that it is unlikely that those who seek you will be able to access the Plane. Few on the Plane will seek to harm you, dear girl, and those that do will not find themselves uncontested.

No human can be truly good or truly evil. Though I do know some who seem pretty close.

If they can't access the Plane, then I believe that is best for not only me, but all of us. All of our worlds. [Then she paused, sending a questioning look his way at that last bit.]

Uncontested?

I suppose that depends on what your definition of truly good and evil is. After all, technically demons are truly evil and angels are truly good, yet I've encountered a number of humans that are more evil than a demon could ever hope to be, or more good than any angel.

[And that's entirely leaving out the complication that is Crowley and himself. Good, evil, they're just words, really.]

Yes, it most likely is. I imagine most of us here have a number of people that they should not like to see here, for the good of many.

[At her last question, he smiles slightly, taking a sip from his own mug of cocoa.]

Ah. Yes. I wouldn't be very good at my job if I didn't seek to stop those with evil intentions, would I?

[Not to mention he's quite fond of humans in general, and he's hardly going to allow anyone to harm the young girl if he can help it.]

I can see that. In my world there are quite a few half demons of all different kinds, and all different degrees of goodness or evil. One of my good friends is a telekinetic half demon. [Better to leave it at that rather than explain Liz was now a dead poltergierst.] She is the nicest and sweetest girl I think I've ever met.

[Chloe nods at that. At least she wasn't the only one, she supposed. Then she grinned--nearly laughed at his words.] Your job? Sounds like you would constantly be working overtime. [She doesn't quite know what to think about this. Derek being protective was one thing, but someone she just met? Then again...if he was an angel...]

Half-demons?

[He blinks at that, then gives a quiet, disbelieving chuckle at her description of the girl.]

It seems demons in your world are vastly different from mine. There is only one I know of whom I would ever care to associate with, and I would hardly call him 'nice' or 'sweet.' Well. Perhaps on the rare occasion, but certainly not to his face.

[Especially not after Crowley had thrown such a fit over being called 'adorable.']

My job is twenty four hours a day, seven days a week, I'm afraid.

[Well. Not including the times he occasionally did Crowley's job. But since those times were balanced out by Crowley doing his job, they didn't count.]

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject