Case File 2017.07.23
ALEX DEWITT & CROWLEY
At one point on the walk back the voice that'd spoken up to render Alex aid in both Tijuana and Colorado responded to his 'alone' statement. Having been blind until just recently he'd been worried that the voice was just in his head and a byproduct of being rendered sightless by Mab. A bit of relief washed over him at the realization that this voice was a ghost and inquired as to what his name was or if he'd have to give him one. The spirit responded his name was Crowley and accepted the thanks that Alex had offered to the air prior, not certain if the source of that voice was close by or not.
Apparently this spectral entity had been one that'd raised Liam 'once upon a time' years ago...teaching him everything he knew for a while. Observing that for some reason his former student had taken on Alex and maybe for the reason of helping to keep him alive. The spirit had requested to let Liam figure out whom Alex was talking to over time instead of just outright telling him. It was still up to Alex to make that choice but amends he won't lie if Liam asks him directly. He thanked Crowley again for the help, and managed to avoid including any wording to endebt himself to the spirit...a lesson he'd learned after his dealing with Mab. Though in his defense he didn't know it was Mab at the time when he'd expressed such thanks and stated he owed her for her help from being captured by Formor back in Chicago.
The spirit must have caught the hesitation and adjustment to Alex's words as Crowley commented on the fact that apparently the boy could learn after all. Crowley didn't have issues with the amendment of being honest to Liam should his old student ask Alex who he was talking to for any reason. Though probably by that point it would be figured out and more or less asked as a confirmation. The ghost stated Liam was a good boy and that he and Alex were a lot alike-- supernatural fathers and less than reputable mothers both walking two worlds and so forth. Liam didn't want to see Alex die and without some guidance, that was more than likely to happen.
Talking with Crowley gave Alex a bit more insight to the man that had taken over the role of teacher for him. He felt a bit of that frustration melt away and stated he'd try not to fight with Liam too much. Then another question popped into mind, to ask the spirit about any insight into women...particularly Delilah. He'd never had such feelings before..but knowing what she was-- he cares about her but wasn't sure if that was due to something real or something about her abilities. Was he enthralled by that aspect...there had been something before that night in Vegas when all that became known.
In general, everyone was on their own when it came to women. However the ghost confirmed that Delilah was one of the White Court and while it wasn't locked in yet, that Hunger would likely kill him even though she wouldn't mean to do so. It seemed Delilah liked him well enough. Being on the receiving end wouldn't be so bad to Alex, given that it'd feel like having the best high ever. Though in Delilah's case not feeding that Hunger would be like taking in air after feeling like one had just moments before were drowning-- fighting it would eventually lead to a point where she could grasp and draw in whatever she could...likely from Alex. It might seem like a one sided battle, but he couldn't help but ask if it was completely stupid to want to take the chance.
He wasn't fully expecting an answer to that, so turned the line of questioning to Liam, asking Crowley how to better deal with him without feeling like lashing out at the man all the time. The ghost still answered his question regarding if it was stupid or not, but then added that humans tend to do that and not demons. So if he hung onto that little bit of stupid without getting killed, he'd remain human. Alex would still have the potential or making The Choice...but if Delilah made a mistake, she wouldn't... In regards to his other question regarding Liam, Crowley admits that came a bit from him...and Alex's new teacher had the Power to back things with or without magic. The two of them would probably drive each other off a cliff given the chance with their temperment.
Alex found it amusing and couldn't deny that he often had thoughts of trying to push Liam's buttons just because...and he didn't handle authority well. Yet the way Crowley had stated The Choice a bit particularly brought a different question to mind to ask the spirit. Crowley points out that he's not Alex's teacher and it's not really his place to fill that role in part. Knowledge is power but without the wisdom to go with it...it was deadly. He does state that The Choice is what every scion or changeling has, those that are only half mortal have it, and they remain in their prime until they choose...consciously or unconsciously one side or the other. Everyone eventually chooses.
That left him with a bit to contemplate on for the moment. Alex stated for Crowley to only answer what he was comfortable with, but admits it was because the spirit had mentioned it which had gotten his attention in the first place. His mind was working out exactly what the ghost had just told him. So long as he didn't choose to be one he'd have those perks and remain in his prime...his lifespan measured differently due to the mixed herritage. It was perhaps the only good news to come from learning about his blood lineage in the first place. Crowley reminded that Alex would only remain in his prime until he made The Choice...and then he'd age like a mortal...or not, depending on how he decided when that time came. The perks were complicated and just knowing now about The Choice would increase that chance of actually making a decision. However it's likely those perks had kept him alive since if Alex were a normal mortal, Delilah would have drained them dry and killed them outright.
Crowley cautioned that the more Alex leaned on that other aspect of his heritage for it's perks would give it strength, it'd give it more pull at him to make him eventually choose. It wasn't Alex versus the demon, the demon was half of the young man as he was half of it for the time being. Alex leaves it at that for now, stating he'd play dumb if it came up as to why he might know about something like that. He was curious as to what the spirit himself was when alive, asking Crowley about that if he didn't mind telling him. Apparently of time he'd managed to keep more manners in mind when dealing with the non-mundane aspects of the world. He was beginning to like the old spirit as a friend and wanted to know more.
Crowley stated that depending on who one asked, he was a Wizard, a Warden or a Warlock. During his time he was the King of Queensbury, a boxer of a century and a half ago. He'd taught Liam how to box as well as how to use the sword too. Alex admits that he feels both Rhea and Liam are worried he'd turn into a Warlock...and he couldn't fully dismiss it after what he'd begun to learn. He'd rather be labeled a Sorcerer if anything seeing as he didn't care much for the other titles. He was enjoying the chat with the old ghost, he didn't feel like he'd had a simple 'just friends' conversation since Lucas had left the Castle.
The old ghost confirmed that Liam had reason to be afraid of Alex becoming a Warlock. He didn't state the specifics, but just that Alex didn't understand the half of it right now. It wouldn't be just for the tragedy of a bright lad going to the dark side but because of the responsibility it'd put on Liam's shoulders and what it would require him to do. What he'd had been called to do when Crowley died. He added to Alex that being labeled a Sorcerer wasn't any better a term either and the White Council wouldn't stand for that either-- no one gets to be a free agent. Especially now with the ongoing War against the Reds well underway. Crowley corrected Alex's slip of the tongue in calling him Queen of Queensbury instead of King...adding he'd had more one hit knock outs back in his day. He did favor Kinetomancy after all.
Alex admitted he didn't know a lot about the Council but of what he did know...he felt it should be torn down and replace with something better. The treatment of practitioners wasn't right among other things. He apologized for his mix up at calling Crowley a Queen rather than a King, he was tired and he'd not fully recovered from the Vegas incident with Delilah which had nearly killed him. Plus he'd just pushed a lot of energy into the Circle he'd made for Liam, genuinely trying to protect the man.
Crowley had been able to do quite a bit with that talent of his...run faster, jump higher, taking the 'oomph' out of a speeding buggy or even punching through a brick wall. Only the arts of Necromancy came at a close second to his skills. Though that's what had gotten him on the wrong side of the Council. He didn't mention that last part to Alex, but he did state that everyone had an inclination for something. While some were a one trick pony, others were a Jack-of-All-Trades to their skills. With the potential of centuries to practice, the ghost stated Alex might get in a few different specialties.
For what Alex knew, he'd had more of a knack for Pyromancy...since he'd been using it before he was twelve. It was always crude and explosive rather than anything, but he felt he had more problems when starting to train it than not. Rhea had been trying to work at teaching him some on Terramancy but he never felt comfortable with anything outside of fire. Though the idea of Vulcanomancy sounded interesting to him. Finishing up the last of his cigarette that he'd lit during the start of this conversation, Alex thanked the old ghost once more. For the help, the answers, and the conversation. Alex had a lot to think about and wondered now if he'd be a little different if found earlier as a child before everything that had happened to him growing up... He'd relied on that extra power even not knowing where it came from but he didn't want to be a demon either. He did have one other question he wanted to ask, if Crowley would answer, that being what resulted in him being labeled as a Warlock.
The most that Crowely stated was a blanket statement of unscrupulous liaisons with even more unscrupulous fellows with the caution for Alex to choose his friends wisely. A moral to a different story for another time. He adds to tread carefully on the topic of Ol' Crowley's journey from shady to shade around Liam...it wasn't the best days for him and something that he carries still. That was the first time Liam was sent to swing the sword...and while not the last it left its mark nonetheless. The old ghost then shoo'd Alex off so as not to look too out of place sitting on the side of the road talking to himself at what others can't see.
DELILAH TURNER & RHEA WALSH
The two had manged to run across a Cracker Barrel in the way of food for dinner tonight. It wasn't fast food thankfully...just country style cooking. Also a particular type of food Rhea hadn't consumed perhaps since leaving her hometown in Savannah. During their walk up towards the resturarunt Delilah continued their conversation stating concern about the current dynamic between herself and Alex. She was drawn to him and he was drawn to her just the same, but she couldn't rule out if it was that Hunger or thrall ability of hers was responsible or if there was something else between them.
Rhea could understand how that would be complicated. Even with her own past flickering experience with Monty, due to circumstances of an odder nature to bring it about in the first place, it still left linger memories. She asked if Delilah had knowingly used that ability around him since that night in Vegas that had almost taken Alex's life. The question wasn't asked to catch her at anything, but a concern of if the young woman could tell if or when something was happening at all. Delilah wasn't even sure if she could try, but it did feel like she was holding something back. The best that she understood is those of the White Court are 'on' all the time with that ability and she could turn it up but hasn't-- she also felt like she's starving all the time and food wouldn't help. It was a different Hunger that wanted to be fed and looking at Alex...knowing he could make that stop. Though the end result wouldn't do him good.
Currently it seemed there was a sense to it that she was aware of but didn't seem to be controled. Rhea was certain there was a way...every ability had some manner to control or guide its use without it using the individual. It just wasn't easy. She had to ask Delilah if she was concerned about losing control and if she were aware of that other aspect being more active or passive for her. Delilah emphasized that she didn't want to hurt Alex...and if she ended up killing someone then it would be worse... She could tell what was going on and like she could control it before blacking out and suddenly finding herself too close to Alex. She asked Rhea if she suspected it could be something she could control or turn on and off if she trained.
Rhea took a moment to consider the question before giving an affirming nod. Though she added it wouldn't be easily done and if it's worth doing at all, it never is easy. She asked Delilah if she notices when that black out feeling just about takes hold, figuring it might be a key to learning how to control this ability. Delilah admits she doesn't, stating one moment she's okay and then the next she finds herself not resisting. There had been a few close calls with the main on in Tijuana being by chance interrupted with the Reds attacking the RV. That made Rhea ponder if it had to be direct skin contact and she asked as much...perhaps a more mundane method could be used as a buffer.
Contemplating any kind of solution to help Delilah still brought that memory of what'd happened between her and Monty in the Castle study a long while back. That tension and draw to him...and finally losing it when he'd pulled her in to kiss her-- she'd felt stupid but also noted that he'd had his attention more directly focused on her that time. She wasn't constantly trying to stalk him or make excuses to be anywhere near him, in fact Rhea had taken more effort to reduce the chances of running into Monty after that incident. She hadn't been satisfied until having a brief face-to-face meeting about another matter entirely before piecing together that memory as being influcenced by his ability. Not that the cramped quarters of the RV interior would allow a lot of space for Alex and Delilah to keep too much distance in the first place, so they had to figure out something.
It was at this point Delilah stated that she didn't know but she could try to turn it up...but not with him, with Rhea. As a Warden she'd have better defenses and could smack her...or something...just not cut her head off... Her voice dropped in tone as they finally closed the walking distance to the restuarant and were about to enter. Given the particular conversation wasn't one she cared for anyone to overhear. Rhea admits it's dangerous regardless even while agreeing Alex would be less likely to put up a defense, also lowering her voice as they entered the Craker Barrel. Delilah had given Rhea a bit of a look, having caught the Warden's expression and rarely thought much about offending them for saying anything to point out their scary reputation. Rhea hadn't corrected her on that known impression surrounding Wardens, but it was frustrating all the same and Delilah had caught it...most Wardens prefered to be thought of in that way. Why Rhea would feel differently was a mystery.
After a moment she amends they could test out the idea, if Rhea were willing and looking over to the ladies room inside the resturaunt. It was late enough that it would be as discreet a place as any right now. This was one of those potential ideas that could be both a learning experience that could go well...or horribly wrong. On one hand, Delilah was geuninely asking for help...and on the other hand this could go unexpectedly wrong. After a moment she quietly stated agreement at 'a nudge' and looked over the to-go menu to place an order before heading towards the bathroom. If Delilah didn't follow in after, at least she'd have a moment to splash some refreshing cold water on her face.
It wasn't long before Delilah followed in after her, checking to make sure the room was clear as to avoid any collateral damage with this experiment. She admits after a moment of checking the room she wasn't certain what to do...turning her back to Rhea and trying to start that way, thinking it'd provide more chance for Rhea to react if anything happened. Provided if she'd notice there was trouble to react to in the first place. Several long moments would go by, making it seem nothing was going to happen in the cool room...yet that room had been quite warm earlier, already pushing the limits of the AC in this heat. It might have seemed like nothing was happening as the seconds ticked by before slipping away all together as that subtle seductive power slipped around Rhea like a cool silk sheet on a hot night. A brief moment passed before Delilah lifted her gaze to focus a pair of smoldering eyes growing a trace more silvery in color onto Rhea.
She hadn't thought much of it, other than a glance to confirm Delilah was the other presence in the room after noticing she was no longer alone by the sink. She'd let Delilah double check the room and do what she thought would work best to start this little experiment of theirs and her control over her ability. It was a long moment in silence before she considered speaking out to just call this off for now and they'd try something else later-- yet she held still. The room had felt cooler now, but it hadn't prior...had it... It was the least of her concerns as a gentle pressure rested over her shoulders with a bit of weight...not uncomfortable but still curious all the same. She glanced over to Delilah, a mixed feeling of confusion at wanting to move close to her side and not entirely noticing one foot already making a step forward before hesitating.
Delilah seemed to be distantly aware of her actions, not sure when she'd moved to close the distance between Rhea and herself...lightly entwining her fingers with one hand with hers, a gentle electric sensation at the touch. Taking her other free hand to lift Rhea's chin up towards her gently to make the barest of contact with their lips before something screamed out inside her and she pulled back. That 'come hither' power slid away as she Delilah turned away from Rhea and apologized. She'd managed to pull back but that Hunger was awake and stirring again from such a brief contact.
Rhea was left just as dazed, aware and yet not reacting to bar Delilah's approach or touch. The feelings left with her was difficult to put into words. There was a longing to be the attention and focus of another like this...a chill of mixed pleasure and fear ran down her spine at the reminder of a similar incident between herself and Monty came to mind. She breathlessly got out the words observing that Delilah had stopped before asking is she was okay.
Delilah was calming down from the flood of sensations herself as she answered and asked the same question back to Rhea in turn. She didn't face the Warden, she hadn't been sure how to increase that volume of influence at first during this experiment...and it just dialed up to eleven once she did manage to figure it out-- she didn't want to take the chance at facing her right now. She asked if it would be okay for her to head back without Rhea...nervous to be close to the Warden and potentially doing anything that would hurt the young woman. The brief taste without taking anything had stirred the Hunger and she wasn't certain if she could keep her resolve firm to prevent any issues. Not that she wanted to hurt Rhea, or incur the wrath of the Council if harm did come to her.
Rhea nodded silently to answer the first question regarding if she was okay or not-- still collecting her own thoughts, wary at how much impact Delilah's ability had affected her despite knowing what they were about to try. It had packed a punch and would take a bit more to counter aware or unaware of such influence. Something good to know and keep in mind in case of a future incident with Monty...short of just not being around in the first place. She'd didn't have much of a voice yet but managed to confirm she was okay with Delilah going ahead back to the motel ahead of her.
The distance would do them both some good at letting them recover and collect their individual thoughts regarding what had just occurred. That lingering feeling stuck with her still as she watched Delilah leave...and she turned back towards the sink to wash her face from the flush to her skin that came about for other reasons now than the weather. The 'good idea, bad idea' which might have gone horribly wrong had Delilah not pulled back when she did...had gained some information-- she did have some control. Though in the clouded haze of thoughts she wondered why she thought this would be a practical way to test the idea in the first place.
THE MOTEL
Once that spirit had left, Alex found himself once again left to his own thoughts. He would have to wait for the girls before he could get inside and settled for the night. Delilah would eventually show up, eyes focusing on Alex with her steps quickening as if ready to pounce. Though she'd managed to redirect herself towards the door while mentioning that Rhea was bringing back food and might need a hand before locking herself in the bathroom for the coldest shower possible. Glad for the fact the room this night had two doubles, she didn't say anything about what had happened or the thoughts racing through her mind. Maybe it was pure luck that had stopped her, but she did have some measure of control if she could turn up that influence. Regardless, she hadn't been able to really hide that something had happened even though she'd remained silent.
Rhea had waited for several moments before leaving the ladies room-- not trying to time anything specifically but to allow a reasonable space of time. It's not like the mundane side would have noticed anything out of the ordinary. It was common knowledge that women went to the restroom in pairs or groups and it'd probably be assumed a touch up of make-up or something. She'd lost track of time a bit in that restroom since placing her order and going back to claim it along with whatever Delilah had ordered for herself and Alex.
Alex brightened at Delilah's approach but couldn't help but notice was that something was wrong as she'd hurried to mention the note regarding that night's dinner and all but making a beeline for the shower. He'd go to meet up with Rhea halfway back with the food to help her, noticing that even the Warden was shaken. He'd eat outside in silence before taking a shower and sleeping for the night. Nightmares would keep him up this evening without the company of Delilah close by and prompting him to get up and buy a pack of smokes before spending the rest of the night under the stars. Something you couldn't see too much in the city with all the light pollution.
