Melissa Hanning

[melissathetherapist]

Intro post!

Hey! I'm Melissa Hanning from the Psyche cabin. I figured I should make a blog since everyone on @willows-pjo-ocs made one.

Age: 17

Pronouns: she/her

Sexuality: aro/ace

Godly parent: Psyche

Powers: I am more sensitive to peoples emotions than others, I can look into someone's psyche kinda and see how their feeling. Although I cannot see super clear memories, I can get a sense for what thing in someone's past made them that way. I can temporarily alleviate someone's mental pain so to speak. In general, I am very emotionally mature and am the responsible one. (seriously you guys, me and @overlyprotectiveheadcounselor are the only ones who think things through)

I am also @glykera unofficial therapist

@ren-has-wings is my sibling!

Ooc under the cut

Hiii! I'm the moderator for @willows-pjo-ocs

My main is @gaygirldoodles

I also run

@kiaradaughterofselene

@southerndaughterofeos

@glykera

@overlyprotectiveheadcounselor

@amaiahunterofartemis

@selene-goddess-of-the-moon

After this and moving one open starter I should finally be done!

i barely got any sleep last night i stayed up until 3am

anyways

#willow speaks ◇ is for ooc stuff

#willows pjo ocs ♡ and #overworked daughter of psyche are for in character stuff

backstory stufff

I do not know when she arrived at caml but I do know that she only stays for the summer. Although she is very much a people person, sometimes being the voice of reason or being a therapist to traumatized demigods like the rest of her siblings is exhausting. Sometimes she'll cope with that by letting herself be reckless and not have to worry about things. Other times she'll just lay in her cabin for a while to soak in the quiet, or rather, what little quiet there is at camp. One day after Leo managed to basically undo the reprogramming Glykera had done to her, he went to Melissa to try and see if she would be able to help Glykera despite her being an automaton (see the oc bellow this one). She wasn't able to use her powers as well to help Glykera since she is an automaton, she was able to help her deal with these new emotions and find better coping skills.

yippee

face claim

tag list

@the-gods-abandoned-us

@arisdaughter

@mache-of-greece

@kaiaalwayswins

@unhinged-waterlilly

@yourlocalfallenstar @son-of-the-moonlight @luci-likes-dinoss @elixs-mythology-corner @bast-the-best26 @emdabitchass @if-chaos-was-a-boy @luck-is-crucial @love-lightning-forethought @the-prince-telemachus @pink-koi-lovejoy @fire-boy-official

Edit (10/27/25): Gods I have to start updating my intro posts more

Am I gonna do it? No

[melissathetherapist]

Aftermath

(Nightmares, losing control of your body, descriptions of violence, and gore)

The thing pretending to be Edan disappeared when she hugged him, seeping into her body. Her head wouldn't budge when she willed it to turn to look around. Instead, a cold voice sounded in her head. "Stupid girl. Easy to grab."

Her tendons stretched and stretched until they snapped with a loud pop. Her throat begged her to scream, to let out some of her pain with the sound, to beg for help. No matter how much she willed it, it was as if some other consciousness forced her out of the driver's seat.

When she thought it couldn't get any worse, her legs bent backward, and she was forced onto all fours. "Humans don't run fast enough," it complained as it changed her muscles around her ankles and feet to its preferences.

She could vaguely hear someone's voice from beyond her door. Addison? Or was it someone else? Finally! Someone who could help! But what if the thing that took over her body sought to hurt this person? No sooner was the door nudged open to reveal Addison did her body leap forward, pouncing on her friend. She could hardly register the terror on her face before she was forced to tear out her throat with her teeth. The taste of her blood and flesh was sickening. The gurgle coming from Addison's throat as she tried to cry out before her eyes went blank made her want to hurl herself off of a cliff.

Her body sprinted out of the cabin and headed straight for the archery range. A little boy, no more than three years old, was not nearly fast enough to run away from her. When she bit into his throat, he didn't last as long as Addison.

She felt a heavy foot pressing into her back, and her body thrashed wildly in protest. Of course, it was Mr. D. She wasn't sure if anyone else could hold down this demon. She could see his mouth moving out of the corner of her eye, but that voice wasn't his. It was far too high and soft for Mr. D. "Wake up!" the voice yelled. "Come on, wake up!"

She woke up with a gasp. The first thing she saw when her eyes adjusted was Addison, her hands placed firmly on her shoulders. "Thank the gods," her friend sighed. "You kept on twitching and whimpering in your sleep. Are you okay?"

Melissa's hand slowly hovered to her friend's neck. No blood. No injuries. The only thing different was that her hair was done into two French braids on either side of her head. She looked exhausted. Had she been watching her this whole time? "You're okay," she breathed.

"Yes. I'm okay. You still haven't answered my question, though."

She swallowed hard to moisten her throat. "Just a nightmare. We all have them."

"Must have been one hell of a nightmare." She gave her a look of suspicion.

"You bet."

@the-lord-enchanter (doesn't have to be a starter just and update)

[the-lord-enchanter]

Edan decided to come check on Melissa before he wound down for bed. His sleep schedule isn't the best. So sue him, he's an enchanter. He felt much better now than he did when he left the infirmary earlier.

"Hello, Melissa. Hello..." He hesitated. He didn't remember the other one's name. "Other girl."

[melissathetherapist]

Melissa waved sheepishly. There was a part of her that was scared this was another demon. Would Addison be able to react quickly enough if she was possessed again since she was so tired? Images of blood and torn flesh flashed through her mind, and she closed her eyes tight, willing them to go away.

"Addison," the blonde girl told him her name. "Edan, right?"

[the-lord-enchanter]

"Yep, that's my name." Edan put a necklace with a small pink crystal that glowed slightly in Melissa's hand. "Demon repellent."

He felt really bad that Melissa had to go through that. But he didn't mention to her that he knows the demon that did it.

[melissathetherapist]

"Thanks..." She clasped it onto her neck. It was a nice color, and very kind of him after all this. "It would be horrible if that happened again before I was supposed to see one of the younger camper. They don't have nearly as good reflexes as she does." She nodded to Addison.

[the-lord-enchanter]

"Mhm. They can really suck when they get somewhere with a big populous. They can jump between people, too. Most don't, just because, well... why would they? They already spent a bunch of energy making this human perfectly fast." He hesitates. Did Melissa even want to learn about demons right now? Or was she too traumatized?

"I can be quiet about it, if you'd like."

[melissathetherapist]

She shuddered, thinking of what it did to deform her body. "No, you're fine. This is valuable information in case a demon comes again. I really hope it doesn't happen..."

The color slowly started to return to her face, but her hands were still cold and clammy. So what if she wasn't supposed to use her legs? Couldn't she grab a pair of crutches or something else and head back to her office so she could work again?

"Don't even think about it," Addison warned.

"I didn't even say anything!"

[the-lord-enchanter]

He smiled. That was funny to him. It reminded him of Sepah when he is sick. Sepah will always try to get up to do something, so Edan had to give him a book. Like giving a baby a pacifier, it would soothe him enough to not get out of bed every two seconds.

"You should take a few days off to rest and get your mind straight."

He wasn't stupid. He could figure what they were talking about. She was planning to get up, or perhaps even go back to working.

[melissathetherapist]

"But my work is important! What about those building plans?" she complained.

"I can go grab the blueprints from your room and bring them here. You are gonna rest like Will said you should."

"My mind is already fine, thank you very much. Fine enough to go back."

The thought of idleness brought her a deep sense of dread, accompanied by the dread of what might happen if she had to take a sudden leave like this. Maybe she was being paranoid. Missing one day wasn't going to hurt anyone she saw too badly, right? She couldn't exactly talk about her worries when almost everyone she knew was a client or knew a client. The only people she could think of were perhaps Addison, her father, and her stepmother. Only she hardly got to see her parents with how busy she always was.

[the-lord-enchanter]

Edan summoned a coloring book and a pack of colored pencils and placed it on Melissa's lap. That usually got Sepah to stop trying to escape when he wasn't meant to. Sepah would probably hate roller coasters.

[melissathetherapist]

"Thank you? I'm sorry, but this isn't going to change my mind. I need to go back."

Addison sighed, standing up. "Could you make sure she doesn't try anything? I'll go get the blueprints from her office."

[the-lord-enchanter]

"I'll be here." He looked at Melissa. "Coloring books are very soothing. You could use that to pass the time until she gets back with the blueprints." Blueprints of what, he wasn't sure. He assumed that she was finally getting around to building a therapy building separate from her living cabin.

[melissathetherapist]

"I suppose. Maybe I should take the same advice I give everyone else." She started flipping through the coloring book. "I just want to be doing something meaningful." She stopped herself. She couldn't complain about a lack of time to him. It wasn't appropriate.

[the-lord-enchanter]

"Isn't your own mental health meaningful as well?" He asked. He was curious what page she would choose, and how she would color it. At least until the other girl got back, her name is Addison, he would stay.

[melissathetherapist]

"I mean, yeah." She smiled sheepishly. "That's why I wanna go back. I feel best when I'm helping people. It's always been what I'm best at. I suppose having more time to talk over the blueprints will help more in the long run."

She stopped on a page with a butterfly on it. Psyche was often associated with butterflies. That was probably why her father always liked them so much. She could remember going to the zoo and walking through the butterfly enclosure with all its flowers and looking in awe whenever one landed on her. They usually liked her more than anyone else she knew. Gods, she missed her dad. She should really go back home for a while. She blinked a few times to rid the mist from her eyes and started coloring. She moved the pencil in small circle motions to avoid obvious lines or empty spots.

[the-lord-enchanter]

"If you have to work while you're in pain and unable to get up to move on your own, that can't be good for you. Besides, won't the patients get worried about you?"

He watched her color the butterfly. She was sort of like a butterfly. Fragile, but also determined.

[melissathetherapist]

She paused, then sighed. "At least I wouldn't be focused on the pain? But you're right. I can't think of anyone who would want me to go back right now besides myself. Glykera would park herself in the cabin and insist on getting everything for me until I got better. Little Liam would give me his best sad face just to convince me. My dad would definitely not let it slide if he knew," she chuckled. Still, she couldn't help but feel anxious. She wouldn't say that, though. She was sure it would get better. Every real therapist had a therapist of their own, and with this new building, she might actually be able to have that.

[the-lord-enchanter]

He was pretty sure therapists weren't supposed to talk about their other clients. But he wouldn't fault her for that. She was trying her best. She was being the best she could for these people, with very little training.

"Yeah. This should help keep your mind off things, though." He tapped the coloring book.

[melissathetherapist]

"Definitely." She switched to a brown colored pencil just as Addison started walking back into the infirmary. "I think I might take a little vacation after the building, and everything else is situated."

"What did you do to her?" she asked jokingly as she sat down, blueprints in arm. "Your desk is a mess, Mel."

[the-lord-enchanter]

Edan caught his tongue between his teeth as he smiled. "Being an enchanter makes you the most convincing." He didn't actually manipulate her mind, though he could if he wanted to. He just chose not to. Well, actually, Melissa has mind powers, doesn't she? She could probably resist if he were to ever try. Anyway. Now he wanted to help.

"You should make the lights not... the fluorescent ones. In the new building." The bright white lights and the constant humming was annoying. And some people had sensory issues. Not him, of course - he's thinking about the other patients.

[melissathetherapist]

"Oh, yes, definitely. Big lights are very stressful," she agreed.

"We were thinking about investing in a bunch of lamps instead. Honestly, I think the hardest part of this whole project is gonna be all the electrical stuff, but we'll have the Hephaestus kids figure that out."

Addison set the blueprints down on Melissa's map and pointed at it. "Do you think this is gonna be enough rooms?"

"It'll probably be fine. It's not like we're getting a huge number of counselors from New Rome."

[the-lord-enchanter]

"It's supposed to be one room per counselor. For... HIPAA reasons. Or something." That was just something he had picked up along the way. He wasn't involved in those types of decisions. When did HIPAA even start?

"Yeah. You just don't want to put too much electric stuff on one circuit, that's how you make the breaker pop." When had he learned that? He didn't know. Electricity was still relatively new. "You should get normal candles instead of wax melters. Save it where you can in case you need to plug in something else that's more important." He would imagine a charger for a phone or laptop, but demigods don't seem to use them much. They'd probably have something electric, though.

"Like a flashlight charger. That's important to have on hand."

[melissathetherapist]

"Yeah, I think this will do. I don't know anything about electrical stuff, so you're on your own there. We should use this little area to keep snacks and stuff," she pointed to a section on the right of the entrance opposite of where the waiting room would be.

"Totally not because you want extra chips."

"I'm sure everyone will like it!"

[the-lord-enchanter]

He didn't really know how to help much else. He supposed he could just give them money. That would probably help. Even if they are building the cabin themselves, they'd need to purchase the wood somewhere. Or even if they're cutting down the trees themselves, they'd need to purchase an axe somewhere.

"US dollars? Or drachma?"

[melissathetherapist]

"We use US dollars to purchase most supplies and drachma for Greek stuff like Hermes Express or Iris Messages. We get most of our money from selling strawberries to the mortals."

[the-lord-enchanter]

"Mm." He summoned some money, counted out 20 bills, and gave them all to Melissa. They were all 100 dollar bills. "There. That should help."

[melissathetherapist]

She gaped at him, looking at the money, at him, and back at the money. "Are you sure this is okay? This is a lot of money!"

Addison let out a low whistle when she saw the money. This wasn't something she would have predicted in a million years.

[the-lord-enchanter]

"You'd be surprised what I can get away with thanks to loopholes in French law." He puts the money in her hands. "I don't know how much building things cost. But that should help, probably."

[melissathetherapist]

"Oh, my gods! Thank you so much!" She thought about opening her arms for a hug, but she quickly decided against it. That was how this all started, after all.

"This'll help a lot! Thanks!"

[the-lord-enchanter]

"No problem. Well, I'm gonna go check on Charlotte and then go to bed, if all is well here." He looks at Allison, then Melissa. As if making sure they're both okay with him leaving.

[melissathetherapist]

"Of course. Safe travels!"

"Safe travels," Addison echoed. She looked down at the money with a grin, already devising a plan about where exactly it would all be spent.

[melissathetherapist]

Aftermath

(Nightmares, losing control of your body, descriptions of violence, and gore)

The thing pretending to be Edan disappeared when she hugged him, seeping into her body. Her head wouldn't budge when she willed it to turn to look around. Instead, a cold voice sounded in her head. "Stupid girl. Easy to grab."

Her tendons stretched and stretched until they snapped with a loud pop. Her throat begged her to scream, to let out some of her pain with the sound, to beg for help. No matter how much she willed it, it was as if some other consciousness forced her out of the driver's seat.

When she thought it couldn't get any worse, her legs bent backward, and she was forced onto all fours. "Humans don't run fast enough," it complained as it changed her muscles around her ankles and feet to its preferences.

She could vaguely hear someone's voice from beyond her door. Addison? Or was it someone else? Finally! Someone who could help! But what if the thing that took over her body sought to hurt this person? No sooner was the door nudged open to reveal Addison did her body leap forward, pouncing on her friend. She could hardly register the terror on her face before she was forced to tear out her throat with her teeth. The taste of her blood and flesh was sickening. The gurgle coming from Addison's throat as she tried to cry out before her eyes went blank made her want to hurl herself off of a cliff.

Her body sprinted out of the cabin and headed straight for the archery range. A little boy, no more than three years old, was not nearly fast enough to run away from her. When she bit into his throat, he didn't last as long as Addison.

She felt a heavy foot pressing into her back, and her body thrashed wildly in protest. Of course, it was Mr. D. She wasn't sure if anyone else could hold down this demon. She could see his mouth moving out of the corner of her eye, but that voice wasn't his. It was far too high and soft for Mr. D. "Wake up!" the voice yelled. "Come on, wake up!"

She woke up with a gasp. The first thing she saw when her eyes adjusted was Addison, her hands placed firmly on her shoulders. "Thank the gods," her friend sighed. "You kept on twitching and whimpering in your sleep. Are you okay?"

Melissa's hand slowly hovered to her friend's neck. No blood. No injuries. The only thing different was that her hair was done into two French braids on either side of her head. She looked exhausted. Had she been watching her this whole time? "You're okay," she breathed.

"Yes. I'm okay. You still haven't answered my question, though."

She swallowed hard to moisten her throat. "Just a nightmare. We all have them."

"Must have been one hell of a nightmare." She gave her a look of suspicion.

"You bet."

@the-lord-enchanter (doesn't have to be a starter just and update)

[the-lord-enchanter]

Edan decided to come check on Melissa before he wound down for bed. His sleep schedule isn't the best. So sue him, he's an enchanter. He felt much better now than he did when he left the infirmary earlier.

"Hello, Melissa. Hello..." He hesitated. He didn't remember the other one's name. "Other girl."

[melissathetherapist]

Melissa waved sheepishly. There was a part of her that was scared this was another demon. Would Addison be able to react quickly enough if she was possessed again since she was so tired? Images of blood and torn flesh flashed through her mind, and she closed her eyes tight, willing them to go away.

"Addison," the blonde girl told him her name. "Edan, right?"

[the-lord-enchanter]

"Yep, that's my name." Edan put a necklace with a small pink crystal that glowed slightly in Melissa's hand. "Demon repellent."

He felt really bad that Melissa had to go through that. But he didn't mention to her that he knows the demon that did it.

[melissathetherapist]

"Thanks..." She clasped it onto her neck. It was a nice color, and very kind of him after all this. "It would be horrible if that happened again before I was supposed to see one of the younger camper. They don't have nearly as good reflexes as she does." She nodded to Addison.

[the-lord-enchanter]

"Mhm. They can really suck when they get somewhere with a big populous. They can jump between people, too. Most don't, just because, well... why would they? They already spent a bunch of energy making this human perfectly fast." He hesitates. Did Melissa even want to learn about demons right now? Or was she too traumatized?

"I can be quiet about it, if you'd like."

[melissathetherapist]

She shuddered, thinking of what it did to deform her body. "No, you're fine. This is valuable information in case a demon comes again. I really hope it doesn't happen..."

The color slowly started to return to her face, but her hands were still cold and clammy. So what if she wasn't supposed to use her legs? Couldn't she grab a pair of crutches or something else and head back to her office so she could work again?

"Don't even think about it," Addison warned.

"I didn't even say anything!"

[the-lord-enchanter]

He smiled. That was funny to him. It reminded him of Sepah when he is sick. Sepah will always try to get up to do something, so Edan had to give him a book. Like giving a baby a pacifier, it would soothe him enough to not get out of bed every two seconds.

"You should take a few days off to rest and get your mind straight."

He wasn't stupid. He could figure what they were talking about. She was planning to get up, or perhaps even go back to working.

[melissathetherapist]

"But my work is important! What about those building plans?" she complained.

"I can go grab the blueprints from your room and bring them here. You are gonna rest like Will said you should."

"My mind is already fine, thank you very much. Fine enough to go back."

The thought of idleness brought her a deep sense of dread, accompanied by the dread of what might happen if she had to take a sudden leave like this. Maybe she was being paranoid. Missing one day wasn't going to hurt anyone she saw too badly, right? She couldn't exactly talk about her worries when almost everyone she knew was a client or knew a client. The only people she could think of were perhaps Addison, her father, and her stepmother. Only she hardly got to see her parents with how busy she always was.

[the-lord-enchanter]

Edan summoned a coloring book and a pack of colored pencils and placed it on Melissa's lap. That usually got Sepah to stop trying to escape when he wasn't meant to. Sepah would probably hate roller coasters.

[melissathetherapist]

"Thank you? I'm sorry, but this isn't going to change my mind. I need to go back."

Addison sighed, standing up. "Could you make sure she doesn't try anything? I'll go get the blueprints from her office."

[the-lord-enchanter]

"I'll be here." He looked at Melissa. "Coloring books are very soothing. You could use that to pass the time until she gets back with the blueprints." Blueprints of what, he wasn't sure. He assumed that she was finally getting around to building a therapy building separate from her living cabin.

[melissathetherapist]

"I suppose. Maybe I should take the same advice I give everyone else." She started flipping through the coloring book. "I just want to be doing something meaningful." She stopped herself. She couldn't complain about a lack of time to him. It wasn't appropriate.

[the-lord-enchanter]

"Isn't your own mental health meaningful as well?" He asked. He was curious what page she would choose, and how she would color it. At least until the other girl got back, her name is Addison, he would stay.

[melissathetherapist]

"I mean, yeah." She smiled sheepishly. "That's why I wanna go back. I feel best when I'm helping people. It's always been what I'm best at. I suppose having more time to talk over the blueprints will help more in the long run."

She stopped on a page with a butterfly on it. Psyche was often associated with butterflies. That was probably why her father always liked them so much. She could remember going to the zoo and walking through the butterfly enclosure with all its flowers and looking in awe whenever one landed on her. They usually liked her more than anyone else she knew. Gods, she missed her dad. She should really go back home for a while. She blinked a few times to rid the mist from her eyes and started coloring. She moved the pencil in small circle motions to avoid obvious lines or empty spots.

[the-lord-enchanter]

"If you have to work while you're in pain and unable to get up to move on your own, that can't be good for you. Besides, won't the patients get worried about you?"

He watched her color the butterfly. She was sort of like a butterfly. Fragile, but also determined.

[melissathetherapist]

She paused, then sighed. "At least I wouldn't be focused on the pain? But you're right. I can't think of anyone who would want me to go back right now besides myself. Glykera would park herself in the cabin and insist on getting everything for me until I got better. Little Liam would give me his best sad face just to convince me. My dad would definitely not let it slide if he knew," she chuckled. Still, she couldn't help but feel anxious. She wouldn't say that, though. She was sure it would get better. Every real therapist had a therapist of their own, and with this new building, she might actually be able to have that.

[the-lord-enchanter]

He was pretty sure therapists weren't supposed to talk about their other clients. But he wouldn't fault her for that. She was trying her best. She was being the best she could for these people, with very little training.

"Yeah. This should help keep your mind off things, though." He tapped the coloring book.

[melissathetherapist]

"Definitely." She switched to a brown colored pencil just as Addison started walking back into the infirmary. "I think I might take a little vacation after the building, and everything else is situated."

"What did you do to her?" she asked jokingly as she sat down, blueprints in arm. "Your desk is a mess, Mel."

[the-lord-enchanter]

Edan caught his tongue between his teeth as he smiled. "Being an enchanter makes you the most convincing." He didn't actually manipulate her mind, though he could if he wanted to. He just chose not to. Well, actually, Melissa has mind powers, doesn't she? She could probably resist if he were to ever try. Anyway. Now he wanted to help.

"You should make the lights not... the fluorescent ones. In the new building." The bright white lights and the constant humming was annoying. And some people had sensory issues. Not him, of course - he's thinking about the other patients.

[melissathetherapist]

"Oh, yes, definitely. Big lights are very stressful," she agreed.

"We were thinking about investing in a bunch of lamps instead. Honestly, I think the hardest part of this whole project is gonna be all the electrical stuff, but we'll have the Hephaestus kids figure that out."

Addison set the blueprints down on Melissa's map and pointed at it. "Do you think this is gonna be enough rooms?"

"It'll probably be fine. It's not like we're getting a huge number of counselors from New Rome."

[the-lord-enchanter]

"It's supposed to be one room per counselor. For... HIPAA reasons. Or something." That was just something he had picked up along the way. He wasn't involved in those types of decisions. When did HIPAA even start?

"Yeah. You just don't want to put too much electric stuff on one circuit, that's how you make the breaker pop." When had he learned that? He didn't know. Electricity was still relatively new. "You should get normal candles instead of wax melters. Save it where you can in case you need to plug in something else that's more important." He would imagine a charger for a phone or laptop, but demigods don't seem to use them much. They'd probably have something electric, though.

"Like a flashlight charger. That's important to have on hand."

[melissathetherapist]

"Yeah, I think this will do. I don't know anything about electrical stuff, so you're on your own there. We should use this little area to keep snacks and stuff," she pointed to a section on the right of the entrance opposite of where the waiting room would be.

"Totally not because you want extra chips."

"I'm sure everyone will like it!"

[the-lord-enchanter]

He didn't really know how to help much else. He supposed he could just give them money. That would probably help. Even if they are building the cabin themselves, they'd need to purchase the wood somewhere. Or even if they're cutting down the trees themselves, they'd need to purchase an axe somewhere.

"US dollars? Or drachma?"

[melissathetherapist]

"We use US dollars to purchase most supplies and drachma for Greek stuff like Hermes Express or Iris Messages. We get most of our money from selling strawberries to the mortals."

[the-lord-enchanter]

"Mm." He summoned some money, counted out 20 bills, and gave them all to Melissa. They were all 100 dollar bills. "There. That should help."

[melissathetherapist]

She gaped at him, looking at the money, at him, and back at the money. "Are you sure this is okay? This is a lot of money!"

Addison let out a low whistle when she saw the money. This wasn't something she would have predicted in a million years.

[the-lord-enchanter]

"You'd be surprised what I can get away with thanks to loopholes in French law." He puts the money in her hands. "I don't know how much building things cost. But that should help, probably."

[melissathetherapist]

"Oh, my gods! Thank you so much!" She thought about opening her arms for a hug, but she quickly decided against it. That was how this all started, after all.

"This'll help a lot! Thanks!"

[melissathetherapist]

Aftermath

(Nightmares, losing control of your body, descriptions of violence, and gore)

The thing pretending to be Edan disappeared when she hugged him, seeping into her body. Her head wouldn't budge when she willed it to turn to look around. Instead, a cold voice sounded in her head. "Stupid girl. Easy to grab."

Her tendons stretched and stretched until they snapped with a loud pop. Her throat begged her to scream, to let out some of her pain with the sound, to beg for help. No matter how much she willed it, it was as if some other consciousness forced her out of the driver's seat.

When she thought it couldn't get any worse, her legs bent backward, and she was forced onto all fours. "Humans don't run fast enough," it complained as it changed her muscles around her ankles and feet to its preferences.

She could vaguely hear someone's voice from beyond her door. Addison? Or was it someone else? Finally! Someone who could help! But what if the thing that took over her body sought to hurt this person? No sooner was the door nudged open to reveal Addison did her body leap forward, pouncing on her friend. She could hardly register the terror on her face before she was forced to tear out her throat with her teeth. The taste of her blood and flesh was sickening. The gurgle coming from Addison's throat as she tried to cry out before her eyes went blank made her want to hurl herself off of a cliff.

Her body sprinted out of the cabin and headed straight for the archery range. A little boy, no more than three years old, was not nearly fast enough to run away from her. When she bit into his throat, he didn't last as long as Addison.

She felt a heavy foot pressing into her back, and her body thrashed wildly in protest. Of course, it was Mr. D. She wasn't sure if anyone else could hold down this demon. She could see his mouth moving out of the corner of her eye, but that voice wasn't his. It was far too high and soft for Mr. D. "Wake up!" the voice yelled. "Come on, wake up!"

She woke up with a gasp. The first thing she saw when her eyes adjusted was Addison, her hands placed firmly on her shoulders. "Thank the gods," her friend sighed. "You kept on twitching and whimpering in your sleep. Are you okay?"

Melissa's hand slowly hovered to her friend's neck. No blood. No injuries. The only thing different was that her hair was done into two French braids on either side of her head. She looked exhausted. Had she been watching her this whole time? "You're okay," she breathed.

"Yes. I'm okay. You still haven't answered my question, though."

She swallowed hard to moisten her throat. "Just a nightmare. We all have them."

"Must have been one hell of a nightmare." She gave her a look of suspicion.

"You bet."

@the-lord-enchanter (doesn't have to be a starter just and update)

[the-lord-enchanter]

Edan decided to come check on Melissa before he wound down for bed. His sleep schedule isn't the best. So sue him, he's an enchanter. He felt much better now than he did when he left the infirmary earlier.

"Hello, Melissa. Hello..." He hesitated. He didn't remember the other one's name. "Other girl."

[melissathetherapist]

Melissa waved sheepishly. There was a part of her that was scared this was another demon. Would Addison be able to react quickly enough if she was possessed again since she was so tired? Images of blood and torn flesh flashed through her mind, and she closed her eyes tight, willing them to go away.

"Addison," the blonde girl told him her name. "Edan, right?"

[the-lord-enchanter]

"Yep, that's my name." Edan put a necklace with a small pink crystal that glowed slightly in Melissa's hand. "Demon repellent."

He felt really bad that Melissa had to go through that. But he didn't mention to her that he knows the demon that did it.

[melissathetherapist]

"Thanks..." She clasped it onto her neck. It was a nice color, and very kind of him after all this. "It would be horrible if that happened again before I was supposed to see one of the younger camper. They don't have nearly as good reflexes as she does." She nodded to Addison.

[the-lord-enchanter]

"Mhm. They can really suck when they get somewhere with a big populous. They can jump between people, too. Most don't, just because, well... why would they? They already spent a bunch of energy making this human perfectly fast." He hesitates. Did Melissa even want to learn about demons right now? Or was she too traumatized?

"I can be quiet about it, if you'd like."

[melissathetherapist]

She shuddered, thinking of what it did to deform her body. "No, you're fine. This is valuable information in case a demon comes again. I really hope it doesn't happen..."

The color slowly started to return to her face, but her hands were still cold and clammy. So what if she wasn't supposed to use her legs? Couldn't she grab a pair of crutches or something else and head back to her office so she could work again?

"Don't even think about it," Addison warned.

"I didn't even say anything!"

[the-lord-enchanter]

He smiled. That was funny to him. It reminded him of Sepah when he is sick. Sepah will always try to get up to do something, so Edan had to give him a book. Like giving a baby a pacifier, it would soothe him enough to not get out of bed every two seconds.

"You should take a few days off to rest and get your mind straight."

He wasn't stupid. He could figure what they were talking about. She was planning to get up, or perhaps even go back to working.

[melissathetherapist]

"But my work is important! What about those building plans?" she complained.

"I can go grab the blueprints from your room and bring them here. You are gonna rest like Will said you should."

"My mind is already fine, thank you very much. Fine enough to go back."

The thought of idleness brought her a deep sense of dread, accompanied by the dread of what might happen if she had to take a sudden leave like this. Maybe she was being paranoid. Missing one day wasn't going to hurt anyone she saw too badly, right? She couldn't exactly talk about her worries when almost everyone she knew was a client or knew a client. The only people she could think of were perhaps Addison, her father, and her stepmother. Only she hardly got to see her parents with how busy she always was.

[the-lord-enchanter]

Edan summoned a coloring book and a pack of colored pencils and placed it on Melissa's lap. That usually got Sepah to stop trying to escape when he wasn't meant to. Sepah would probably hate roller coasters.

[melissathetherapist]

"Thank you? I'm sorry, but this isn't going to change my mind. I need to go back."

Addison sighed, standing up. "Could you make sure she doesn't try anything? I'll go get the blueprints from her office."

[the-lord-enchanter]

"I'll be here." He looked at Melissa. "Coloring books are very soothing. You could use that to pass the time until she gets back with the blueprints." Blueprints of what, he wasn't sure. He assumed that she was finally getting around to building a therapy building separate from her living cabin.

[melissathetherapist]

"I suppose. Maybe I should take the same advice I give everyone else." She started flipping through the coloring book. "I just want to be doing something meaningful." She stopped herself. She couldn't complain about a lack of time to him. It wasn't appropriate.

[the-lord-enchanter]

"Isn't your own mental health meaningful as well?" He asked. He was curious what page she would choose, and how she would color it. At least until the other girl got back, her name is Addison, he would stay.

[melissathetherapist]

"I mean, yeah." She smiled sheepishly. "That's why I wanna go back. I feel best when I'm helping people. It's always been what I'm best at. I suppose having more time to talk over the blueprints will help more in the long run."

She stopped on a page with a butterfly on it. Psyche was often associated with butterflies. That was probably why her father always liked them so much. She could remember going to the zoo and walking through the butterfly enclosure with all its flowers and looking in awe whenever one landed on her. They usually liked her more than anyone else she knew. Gods, she missed her dad. She should really go back home for a while. She blinked a few times to rid the mist from her eyes and started coloring. She moved the pencil in small circle motions to avoid obvious lines or empty spots.

[the-lord-enchanter]

"If you have to work while you're in pain and unable to get up to move on your own, that can't be good for you. Besides, won't the patients get worried about you?"

He watched her color the butterfly. She was sort of like a butterfly. Fragile, but also determined.

[melissathetherapist]

She paused, then sighed. "At least I wouldn't be focused on the pain? But you're right. I can't think of anyone who would want me to go back right now besides myself. Glykera would park herself in the cabin and insist on getting everything for me until I got better. Little Liam would give me his best sad face just to convince me. My dad would definitely not let it slide if he knew," she chuckled. Still, she couldn't help but feel anxious. She wouldn't say that, though. She was sure it would get better. Every real therapist had a therapist of their own, and with this new building, she might actually be able to have that.

[the-lord-enchanter]

He was pretty sure therapists weren't supposed to talk about their other clients. But he wouldn't fault her for that. She was trying her best. She was being the best she could for these people, with very little training.

"Yeah. This should help keep your mind off things, though." He tapped the coloring book.

[melissathetherapist]

"Definitely." She switched to a brown colored pencil just as Addison started walking back into the infirmary. "I think I might take a little vacation after the building, and everything else is situated."

"What did you do to her?" she asked jokingly as she sat down, blueprints in arm. "Your desk is a mess, Mel."

[the-lord-enchanter]

Edan caught his tongue between his teeth as he smiled. "Being an enchanter makes you the most convincing." He didn't actually manipulate her mind, though he could if he wanted to. He just chose not to. Well, actually, Melissa has mind powers, doesn't she? She could probably resist if he were to ever try. Anyway. Now he wanted to help.

"You should make the lights not... the fluorescent ones. In the new building." The bright white lights and the constant humming was annoying. And some people had sensory issues. Not him, of course - he's thinking about the other patients.

[melissathetherapist]

"Oh, yes, definitely. Big lights are very stressful," she agreed.

"We were thinking about investing in a bunch of lamps instead. Honestly, I think the hardest part of this whole project is gonna be all the electrical stuff, but we'll have the Hephaestus kids figure that out."

Addison set the blueprints down on Melissa's map and pointed at it. "Do you think this is gonna be enough rooms?"

"It'll probably be fine. It's not like we're getting a huge number of counselors from New Rome."

[the-lord-enchanter]

"It's supposed to be one room per counselor. For... HIPAA reasons. Or something." That was just something he had picked up along the way. He wasn't involved in those types of decisions. When did HIPAA even start?

"Yeah. You just don't want to put too much electric stuff on one circuit, that's how you make the breaker pop." When had he learned that? He didn't know. Electricity was still relatively new. "You should get normal candles instead of wax melters. Save it where you can in case you need to plug in something else that's more important." He would imagine a charger for a phone or laptop, but demigods don't seem to use them much. They'd probably have something electric, though.

"Like a flashlight charger. That's important to have on hand."

[melissathetherapist]

"Yeah, I think this will do. I don't know anything about electrical stuff, so you're on your own there. We should use this little area to keep snacks and stuff," she pointed to a section on the right of the entrance opposite of where the waiting room would be.

"Totally not because you want extra chips."

"I'm sure everyone will like it!"

[the-lord-enchanter]

He didn't really know how to help much else. He supposed he could just give them money. That would probably help. Even if they are building the cabin themselves, they'd need to purchase the wood somewhere. Or even if they're cutting down the trees themselves, they'd need to purchase an axe somewhere.

"US dollars? Or drachma?"

[melissathetherapist]

"We use US dollars to purchase most supplies and drachma for Greek stuff like Hermes Express or Iris Messages. We get most of our money from selling strawberries to the mortals."

[the-lord-enchanter]

"Mm." He summoned some money, counted out 20 bills, and gave them all to Melissa. They were all 100 dollar bills. "There. That should help."

[melissathetherapist]

She gaped at him, looking at the money, at him, and back at the money. "Are you sure this is okay? This is a lot of money!"

Addison let out a low whistle when she saw the money. This wasn't something she would have predicted in a million years.

[melissathetherapist]

Aftermath

(Nightmares, losing control of your body, descriptions of violence, and gore)

The thing pretending to be Edan disappeared when she hugged him, seeping into her body. Her head wouldn't budge when she willed it to turn to look around. Instead, a cold voice sounded in her head. "Stupid girl. Easy to grab."

Her tendons stretched and stretched until they snapped with a loud pop. Her throat begged her to scream, to let out some of her pain with the sound, to beg for help. No matter how much she willed it, it was as if some other consciousness forced her out of the driver's seat.

When she thought it couldn't get any worse, her legs bent backward, and she was forced onto all fours. "Humans don't run fast enough," it complained as it changed her muscles around her ankles and feet to its preferences.

She could vaguely hear someone's voice from beyond her door. Addison? Or was it someone else? Finally! Someone who could help! But what if the thing that took over her body sought to hurt this person? No sooner was the door nudged open to reveal Addison did her body leap forward, pouncing on her friend. She could hardly register the terror on her face before she was forced to tear out her throat with her teeth. The taste of her blood and flesh was sickening. The gurgle coming from Addison's throat as she tried to cry out before her eyes went blank made her want to hurl herself off of a cliff.

Her body sprinted out of the cabin and headed straight for the archery range. A little boy, no more than three years old, was not nearly fast enough to run away from her. When she bit into his throat, he didn't last as long as Addison.

She felt a heavy foot pressing into her back, and her body thrashed wildly in protest. Of course, it was Mr. D. She wasn't sure if anyone else could hold down this demon. She could see his mouth moving out of the corner of her eye, but that voice wasn't his. It was far too high and soft for Mr. D. "Wake up!" the voice yelled. "Come on, wake up!"

She woke up with a gasp. The first thing she saw when her eyes adjusted was Addison, her hands placed firmly on her shoulders. "Thank the gods," her friend sighed. "You kept on twitching and whimpering in your sleep. Are you okay?"

Melissa's hand slowly hovered to her friend's neck. No blood. No injuries. The only thing different was that her hair was done into two French braids on either side of her head. She looked exhausted. Had she been watching her this whole time? "You're okay," she breathed.

"Yes. I'm okay. You still haven't answered my question, though."

She swallowed hard to moisten her throat. "Just a nightmare. We all have them."

"Must have been one hell of a nightmare." She gave her a look of suspicion.

"You bet."

@the-lord-enchanter (doesn't have to be a starter just and update)

[the-lord-enchanter]

Edan decided to come check on Melissa before he wound down for bed. His sleep schedule isn't the best. So sue him, he's an enchanter. He felt much better now than he did when he left the infirmary earlier.

"Hello, Melissa. Hello..." He hesitated. He didn't remember the other one's name. "Other girl."

[melissathetherapist]

Melissa waved sheepishly. There was a part of her that was scared this was another demon. Would Addison be able to react quickly enough if she was possessed again since she was so tired? Images of blood and torn flesh flashed through her mind, and she closed her eyes tight, willing them to go away.

"Addison," the blonde girl told him her name. "Edan, right?"

[the-lord-enchanter]

"Yep, that's my name." Edan put a necklace with a small pink crystal that glowed slightly in Melissa's hand. "Demon repellent."

He felt really bad that Melissa had to go through that. But he didn't mention to her that he knows the demon that did it.

[melissathetherapist]

"Thanks..." She clasped it onto her neck. It was a nice color, and very kind of him after all this. "It would be horrible if that happened again before I was supposed to see one of the younger camper. They don't have nearly as good reflexes as she does." She nodded to Addison.

[the-lord-enchanter]

"Mhm. They can really suck when they get somewhere with a big populous. They can jump between people, too. Most don't, just because, well... why would they? They already spent a bunch of energy making this human perfectly fast." He hesitates. Did Melissa even want to learn about demons right now? Or was she too traumatized?

"I can be quiet about it, if you'd like."

[melissathetherapist]

She shuddered, thinking of what it did to deform her body. "No, you're fine. This is valuable information in case a demon comes again. I really hope it doesn't happen..."

The color slowly started to return to her face, but her hands were still cold and clammy. So what if she wasn't supposed to use her legs? Couldn't she grab a pair of crutches or something else and head back to her office so she could work again?

"Don't even think about it," Addison warned.

"I didn't even say anything!"

[the-lord-enchanter]

He smiled. That was funny to him. It reminded him of Sepah when he is sick. Sepah will always try to get up to do something, so Edan had to give him a book. Like giving a baby a pacifier, it would soothe him enough to not get out of bed every two seconds.

"You should take a few days off to rest and get your mind straight."

He wasn't stupid. He could figure what they were talking about. She was planning to get up, or perhaps even go back to working.

[melissathetherapist]

"But my work is important! What about those building plans?" she complained.

"I can go grab the blueprints from your room and bring them here. You are gonna rest like Will said you should."

"My mind is already fine, thank you very much. Fine enough to go back."

The thought of idleness brought her a deep sense of dread, accompanied by the dread of what might happen if she had to take a sudden leave like this. Maybe she was being paranoid. Missing one day wasn't going to hurt anyone she saw too badly, right? She couldn't exactly talk about her worries when almost everyone she knew was a client or knew a client. The only people she could think of were perhaps Addison, her father, and her stepmother. Only she hardly got to see her parents with how busy she always was.

[the-lord-enchanter]

Edan summoned a coloring book and a pack of colored pencils and placed it on Melissa's lap. That usually got Sepah to stop trying to escape when he wasn't meant to. Sepah would probably hate roller coasters.

[melissathetherapist]

"Thank you? I'm sorry, but this isn't going to change my mind. I need to go back."

Addison sighed, standing up. "Could you make sure she doesn't try anything? I'll go get the blueprints from her office."

[the-lord-enchanter]

"I'll be here." He looked at Melissa. "Coloring books are very soothing. You could use that to pass the time until she gets back with the blueprints." Blueprints of what, he wasn't sure. He assumed that she was finally getting around to building a therapy building separate from her living cabin.

[melissathetherapist]

"I suppose. Maybe I should take the same advice I give everyone else." She started flipping through the coloring book. "I just want to be doing something meaningful." She stopped herself. She couldn't complain about a lack of time to him. It wasn't appropriate.

[the-lord-enchanter]

"Isn't your own mental health meaningful as well?" He asked. He was curious what page she would choose, and how she would color it. At least until the other girl got back, her name is Addison, he would stay.

[melissathetherapist]

"I mean, yeah." She smiled sheepishly. "That's why I wanna go back. I feel best when I'm helping people. It's always been what I'm best at. I suppose having more time to talk over the blueprints will help more in the long run."

She stopped on a page with a butterfly on it. Psyche was often associated with butterflies. That was probably why her father always liked them so much. She could remember going to the zoo and walking through the butterfly enclosure with all its flowers and looking in awe whenever one landed on her. They usually liked her more than anyone else she knew. Gods, she missed her dad. She should really go back home for a while. She blinked a few times to rid the mist from her eyes and started coloring. She moved the pencil in small circle motions to avoid obvious lines or empty spots.

[the-lord-enchanter]

"If you have to work while you're in pain and unable to get up to move on your own, that can't be good for you. Besides, won't the patients get worried about you?"

He watched her color the butterfly. She was sort of like a butterfly. Fragile, but also determined.

[melissathetherapist]

She paused, then sighed. "At least I wouldn't be focused on the pain? But you're right. I can't think of anyone who would want me to go back right now besides myself. Glykera would park herself in the cabin and insist on getting everything for me until I got better. Little Liam would give me his best sad face just to convince me. My dad would definitely not let it slide if he knew," she chuckled. Still, she couldn't help but feel anxious. She wouldn't say that, though. She was sure it would get better. Every real therapist had a therapist of their own, and with this new building, she might actually be able to have that.

[the-lord-enchanter]

He was pretty sure therapists weren't supposed to talk about their other clients. But he wouldn't fault her for that. She was trying her best. She was being the best she could for these people, with very little training.

"Yeah. This should help keep your mind off things, though." He tapped the coloring book.

[melissathetherapist]

"Definitely." She switched to a brown colored pencil just as Addison started walking back into the infirmary. "I think I might take a little vacation after the building, and everything else is situated."

"What did you do to her?" she asked jokingly as she sat down, blueprints in arm. "Your desk is a mess, Mel."

[the-lord-enchanter]

Edan caught his tongue between his teeth as he smiled. "Being an enchanter makes you the most convincing." He didn't actually manipulate her mind, though he could if he wanted to. He just chose not to. Well, actually, Melissa has mind powers, doesn't she? She could probably resist if he were to ever try. Anyway. Now he wanted to help.

"You should make the lights not... the fluorescent ones. In the new building." The bright white lights and the constant humming was annoying. And some people had sensory issues. Not him, of course - he's thinking about the other patients.

[melissathetherapist]

"Oh, yes, definitely. Big lights are very stressful," she agreed.

"We were thinking about investing in a bunch of lamps instead. Honestly, I think the hardest part of this whole project is gonna be all the electrical stuff, but we'll have the Hephaestus kids figure that out."

Addison set the blueprints down on Melissa's map and pointed at it. "Do you think this is gonna be enough rooms?"

"It'll probably be fine. It's not like we're getting a huge number of counselors from New Rome."

[the-lord-enchanter]

"It's supposed to be one room per counselor. For... HIPAA reasons. Or something." That was just something he had picked up along the way. He wasn't involved in those types of decisions. When did HIPAA even start?

"Yeah. You just don't want to put too much electric stuff on one circuit, that's how you make the breaker pop." When had he learned that? He didn't know. Electricity was still relatively new. "You should get normal candles instead of wax melters. Save it where you can in case you need to plug in something else that's more important." He would imagine a charger for a phone or laptop, but demigods don't seem to use them much. They'd probably have something electric, though.

"Like a flashlight charger. That's important to have on hand."

[melissathetherapist]

"Yeah, I think this will do. I don't know anything about electrical stuff, so you're on your own there. We should use this little area to keep snacks and stuff," she pointed to a section on the right of the entrance opposite of where the waiting room would be.

"Totally not because you want extra chips."

"I'm sure everyone will like it!"

[the-lord-enchanter]

He didn't really know how to help much else. He supposed he could just give them money. That would probably help. Even if they are building the cabin themselves, they'd need to purchase the wood somewhere. Or even if they're cutting down the trees themselves, they'd need to purchase an axe somewhere.

"US dollars? Or drachma?"

[melissathetherapist]

"We use US dollars to purchase most supplies and drachma for Greek stuff like Hermes Express or Iris Messages. We get most of our money from selling strawberries to the mortals."

[melissathetherapist]

Aftermath

(Nightmares, losing control of your body, descriptions of violence, and gore)

The thing pretending to be Edan disappeared when she hugged him, seeping into her body. Her head wouldn't budge when she willed it to turn to look around. Instead, a cold voice sounded in her head. "Stupid girl. Easy to grab."

Her tendons stretched and stretched until they snapped with a loud pop. Her throat begged her to scream, to let out some of her pain with the sound, to beg for help. No matter how much she willed it, it was as if some other consciousness forced her out of the driver's seat.

When she thought it couldn't get any worse, her legs bent backward, and she was forced onto all fours. "Humans don't run fast enough," it complained as it changed her muscles around her ankles and feet to its preferences.

She could vaguely hear someone's voice from beyond her door. Addison? Or was it someone else? Finally! Someone who could help! But what if the thing that took over her body sought to hurt this person? No sooner was the door nudged open to reveal Addison did her body leap forward, pouncing on her friend. She could hardly register the terror on her face before she was forced to tear out her throat with her teeth. The taste of her blood and flesh was sickening. The gurgle coming from Addison's throat as she tried to cry out before her eyes went blank made her want to hurl herself off of a cliff.

Her body sprinted out of the cabin and headed straight for the archery range. A little boy, no more than three years old, was not nearly fast enough to run away from her. When she bit into his throat, he didn't last as long as Addison.

She felt a heavy foot pressing into her back, and her body thrashed wildly in protest. Of course, it was Mr. D. She wasn't sure if anyone else could hold down this demon. She could see his mouth moving out of the corner of her eye, but that voice wasn't his. It was far too high and soft for Mr. D. "Wake up!" the voice yelled. "Come on, wake up!"

She woke up with a gasp. The first thing she saw when her eyes adjusted was Addison, her hands placed firmly on her shoulders. "Thank the gods," her friend sighed. "You kept on twitching and whimpering in your sleep. Are you okay?"

Melissa's hand slowly hovered to her friend's neck. No blood. No injuries. The only thing different was that her hair was done into two French braids on either side of her head. She looked exhausted. Had she been watching her this whole time? "You're okay," she breathed.

"Yes. I'm okay. You still haven't answered my question, though."

She swallowed hard to moisten her throat. "Just a nightmare. We all have them."

"Must have been one hell of a nightmare." She gave her a look of suspicion.

"You bet."

@the-lord-enchanter (doesn't have to be a starter just and update)

[the-lord-enchanter]

Edan decided to come check on Melissa before he wound down for bed. His sleep schedule isn't the best. So sue him, he's an enchanter. He felt much better now than he did when he left the infirmary earlier.

"Hello, Melissa. Hello..." He hesitated. He didn't remember the other one's name. "Other girl."

[melissathetherapist]

Melissa waved sheepishly. There was a part of her that was scared this was another demon. Would Addison be able to react quickly enough if she was possessed again since she was so tired? Images of blood and torn flesh flashed through her mind, and she closed her eyes tight, willing them to go away.

"Addison," the blonde girl told him her name. "Edan, right?"

[the-lord-enchanter]

"Yep, that's my name." Edan put a necklace with a small pink crystal that glowed slightly in Melissa's hand. "Demon repellent."

He felt really bad that Melissa had to go through that. But he didn't mention to her that he knows the demon that did it.

[melissathetherapist]

"Thanks..." She clasped it onto her neck. It was a nice color, and very kind of him after all this. "It would be horrible if that happened again before I was supposed to see one of the younger camper. They don't have nearly as good reflexes as she does." She nodded to Addison.

[the-lord-enchanter]

"Mhm. They can really suck when they get somewhere with a big populous. They can jump between people, too. Most don't, just because, well... why would they? They already spent a bunch of energy making this human perfectly fast." He hesitates. Did Melissa even want to learn about demons right now? Or was she too traumatized?

"I can be quiet about it, if you'd like."

[melissathetherapist]

She shuddered, thinking of what it did to deform her body. "No, you're fine. This is valuable information in case a demon comes again. I really hope it doesn't happen..."

The color slowly started to return to her face, but her hands were still cold and clammy. So what if she wasn't supposed to use her legs? Couldn't she grab a pair of crutches or something else and head back to her office so she could work again?

"Don't even think about it," Addison warned.

"I didn't even say anything!"

[the-lord-enchanter]

He smiled. That was funny to him. It reminded him of Sepah when he is sick. Sepah will always try to get up to do something, so Edan had to give him a book. Like giving a baby a pacifier, it would soothe him enough to not get out of bed every two seconds.

"You should take a few days off to rest and get your mind straight."

He wasn't stupid. He could figure what they were talking about. She was planning to get up, or perhaps even go back to working.

[melissathetherapist]

"But my work is important! What about those building plans?" she complained.

"I can go grab the blueprints from your room and bring them here. You are gonna rest like Will said you should."

"My mind is already fine, thank you very much. Fine enough to go back."

The thought of idleness brought her a deep sense of dread, accompanied by the dread of what might happen if she had to take a sudden leave like this. Maybe she was being paranoid. Missing one day wasn't going to hurt anyone she saw too badly, right? She couldn't exactly talk about her worries when almost everyone she knew was a client or knew a client. The only people she could think of were perhaps Addison, her father, and her stepmother. Only she hardly got to see her parents with how busy she always was.

[the-lord-enchanter]

Edan summoned a coloring book and a pack of colored pencils and placed it on Melissa's lap. That usually got Sepah to stop trying to escape when he wasn't meant to. Sepah would probably hate roller coasters.

[melissathetherapist]

"Thank you? I'm sorry, but this isn't going to change my mind. I need to go back."

Addison sighed, standing up. "Could you make sure she doesn't try anything? I'll go get the blueprints from her office."

[the-lord-enchanter]

"I'll be here." He looked at Melissa. "Coloring books are very soothing. You could use that to pass the time until she gets back with the blueprints." Blueprints of what, he wasn't sure. He assumed that she was finally getting around to building a therapy building separate from her living cabin.

[melissathetherapist]

"I suppose. Maybe I should take the same advice I give everyone else." She started flipping through the coloring book. "I just want to be doing something meaningful." She stopped herself. She couldn't complain about a lack of time to him. It wasn't appropriate.

[the-lord-enchanter]

"Isn't your own mental health meaningful as well?" He asked. He was curious what page she would choose, and how she would color it. At least until the other girl got back, her name is Addison, he would stay.

[melissathetherapist]

"I mean, yeah." She smiled sheepishly. "That's why I wanna go back. I feel best when I'm helping people. It's always been what I'm best at. I suppose having more time to talk over the blueprints will help more in the long run."

She stopped on a page with a butterfly on it. Psyche was often associated with butterflies. That was probably why her father always liked them so much. She could remember going to the zoo and walking through the butterfly enclosure with all its flowers and looking in awe whenever one landed on her. They usually liked her more than anyone else she knew. Gods, she missed her dad. She should really go back home for a while. She blinked a few times to rid the mist from her eyes and started coloring. She moved the pencil in small circle motions to avoid obvious lines or empty spots.

[the-lord-enchanter]

"If you have to work while you're in pain and unable to get up to move on your own, that can't be good for you. Besides, won't the patients get worried about you?"

He watched her color the butterfly. She was sort of like a butterfly. Fragile, but also determined.

[melissathetherapist]

She paused, then sighed. "At least I wouldn't be focused on the pain? But you're right. I can't think of anyone who would want me to go back right now besides myself. Glykera would park herself in the cabin and insist on getting everything for me until I got better. Little Liam would give me his best sad face just to convince me. My dad would definitely not let it slide if he knew," she chuckled. Still, she couldn't help but feel anxious. She wouldn't say that, though. She was sure it would get better. Every real therapist had a therapist of their own, and with this new building, she might actually be able to have that.

[the-lord-enchanter]

He was pretty sure therapists weren't supposed to talk about their other clients. But he wouldn't fault her for that. She was trying her best. She was being the best she could for these people, with very little training.

"Yeah. This should help keep your mind off things, though." He tapped the coloring book.

[melissathetherapist]

"Definitely." She switched to a brown colored pencil just as Addison started walking back into the infirmary. "I think I might take a little vacation after the building, and everything else is situated."

"What did you do to her?" she asked jokingly as she sat down, blueprints in arm. "Your desk is a mess, Mel."

[the-lord-enchanter]

Edan caught his tongue between his teeth as he smiled. "Being an enchanter makes you the most convincing." He didn't actually manipulate her mind, though he could if he wanted to. He just chose not to. Well, actually, Melissa has mind powers, doesn't she? She could probably resist if he were to ever try. Anyway. Now he wanted to help.

"You should make the lights not... the fluorescent ones. In the new building." The bright white lights and the constant humming was annoying. And some people had sensory issues. Not him, of course - he's thinking about the other patients.

[melissathetherapist]

"Oh, yes, definitely. Big lights are very stressful," she agreed.

"We were thinking about investing in a bunch of lamps instead. Honestly, I think the hardest part of this whole project is gonna be all the electrical stuff, but we'll have the Hephaestus kids figure that out."

Addison set the blueprints down on Melissa's map and pointed at it. "Do you think this is gonna be enough rooms?"

"It'll probably be fine. It's not like we're getting a huge number of counselors from New Rome."

[the-lord-enchanter]

"It's supposed to be one room per counselor. For... HIPAA reasons. Or something." That was just something he had picked up along the way. He wasn't involved in those types of decisions. When did HIPAA even start?

"Yeah. You just don't want to put too much electric stuff on one circuit, that's how you make the breaker pop." When had he learned that? He didn't know. Electricity was still relatively new. "You should get normal candles instead of wax melters. Save it where you can in case you need to plug in something else that's more important." He would imagine a charger for a phone or laptop, but demigods don't seem to use them much. They'd probably have something electric, though.

"Like a flashlight charger. That's important to have on hand."

[melissathetherapist]

"Yeah, I think this will do. I don't know anything about electrical stuff, so you're on your own there. We should use this little area to keep snacks and stuff," she pointed to a section on the right of the entrance opposite of where the waiting room would be.

"Totally not because you want extra chips."

"I'm sure everyone will like it!"

[melissathetherapist]

Aftermath

(Nightmares, losing control of your body, descriptions of violence, and gore)

The thing pretending to be Edan disappeared when she hugged him, seeping into her body. Her head wouldn't budge when she willed it to turn to look around. Instead, a cold voice sounded in her head. "Stupid girl. Easy to grab."

Her tendons stretched and stretched until they snapped with a loud pop. Her throat begged her to scream, to let out some of her pain with the sound, to beg for help. No matter how much she willed it, it was as if some other consciousness forced her out of the driver's seat.

When she thought it couldn't get any worse, her legs bent backward, and she was forced onto all fours. "Humans don't run fast enough," it complained as it changed her muscles around her ankles and feet to its preferences.

She could vaguely hear someone's voice from beyond her door. Addison? Or was it someone else? Finally! Someone who could help! But what if the thing that took over her body sought to hurt this person? No sooner was the door nudged open to reveal Addison did her body leap forward, pouncing on her friend. She could hardly register the terror on her face before she was forced to tear out her throat with her teeth. The taste of her blood and flesh was sickening. The gurgle coming from Addison's throat as she tried to cry out before her eyes went blank made her want to hurl herself off of a cliff.

Her body sprinted out of the cabin and headed straight for the archery range. A little boy, no more than three years old, was not nearly fast enough to run away from her. When she bit into his throat, he didn't last as long as Addison.

She felt a heavy foot pressing into her back, and her body thrashed wildly in protest. Of course, it was Mr. D. She wasn't sure if anyone else could hold down this demon. She could see his mouth moving out of the corner of her eye, but that voice wasn't his. It was far too high and soft for Mr. D. "Wake up!" the voice yelled. "Come on, wake up!"

She woke up with a gasp. The first thing she saw when her eyes adjusted was Addison, her hands placed firmly on her shoulders. "Thank the gods," her friend sighed. "You kept on twitching and whimpering in your sleep. Are you okay?"

Melissa's hand slowly hovered to her friend's neck. No blood. No injuries. The only thing different was that her hair was done into two French braids on either side of her head. She looked exhausted. Had she been watching her this whole time? "You're okay," she breathed.

"Yes. I'm okay. You still haven't answered my question, though."

She swallowed hard to moisten her throat. "Just a nightmare. We all have them."

"Must have been one hell of a nightmare." She gave her a look of suspicion.

"You bet."

@the-lord-enchanter (doesn't have to be a starter just and update)

[the-lord-enchanter]

Edan decided to come check on Melissa before he wound down for bed. His sleep schedule isn't the best. So sue him, he's an enchanter. He felt much better now than he did when he left the infirmary earlier.

"Hello, Melissa. Hello..." He hesitated. He didn't remember the other one's name. "Other girl."

[melissathetherapist]

Melissa waved sheepishly. There was a part of her that was scared this was another demon. Would Addison be able to react quickly enough if she was possessed again since she was so tired? Images of blood and torn flesh flashed through her mind, and she closed her eyes tight, willing them to go away.

"Addison," the blonde girl told him her name. "Edan, right?"

[the-lord-enchanter]

"Yep, that's my name." Edan put a necklace with a small pink crystal that glowed slightly in Melissa's hand. "Demon repellent."

He felt really bad that Melissa had to go through that. But he didn't mention to her that he knows the demon that did it.

[melissathetherapist]

"Thanks..." She clasped it onto her neck. It was a nice color, and very kind of him after all this. "It would be horrible if that happened again before I was supposed to see one of the younger camper. They don't have nearly as good reflexes as she does." She nodded to Addison.

[the-lord-enchanter]

"Mhm. They can really suck when they get somewhere with a big populous. They can jump between people, too. Most don't, just because, well... why would they? They already spent a bunch of energy making this human perfectly fast." He hesitates. Did Melissa even want to learn about demons right now? Or was she too traumatized?

"I can be quiet about it, if you'd like."

[melissathetherapist]

She shuddered, thinking of what it did to deform her body. "No, you're fine. This is valuable information in case a demon comes again. I really hope it doesn't happen..."

The color slowly started to return to her face, but her hands were still cold and clammy. So what if she wasn't supposed to use her legs? Couldn't she grab a pair of crutches or something else and head back to her office so she could work again?

"Don't even think about it," Addison warned.

"I didn't even say anything!"

[the-lord-enchanter]

He smiled. That was funny to him. It reminded him of Sepah when he is sick. Sepah will always try to get up to do something, so Edan had to give him a book. Like giving a baby a pacifier, it would soothe him enough to not get out of bed every two seconds.

"You should take a few days off to rest and get your mind straight."

He wasn't stupid. He could figure what they were talking about. She was planning to get up, or perhaps even go back to working.

[melissathetherapist]

"But my work is important! What about those building plans?" she complained.

"I can go grab the blueprints from your room and bring them here. You are gonna rest like Will said you should."

"My mind is already fine, thank you very much. Fine enough to go back."

The thought of idleness brought her a deep sense of dread, accompanied by the dread of what might happen if she had to take a sudden leave like this. Maybe she was being paranoid. Missing one day wasn't going to hurt anyone she saw too badly, right? She couldn't exactly talk about her worries when almost everyone she knew was a client or knew a client. The only people she could think of were perhaps Addison, her father, and her stepmother. Only she hardly got to see her parents with how busy she always was.

[the-lord-enchanter]

Edan summoned a coloring book and a pack of colored pencils and placed it on Melissa's lap. That usually got Sepah to stop trying to escape when he wasn't meant to. Sepah would probably hate roller coasters.

[melissathetherapist]

"Thank you? I'm sorry, but this isn't going to change my mind. I need to go back."

Addison sighed, standing up. "Could you make sure she doesn't try anything? I'll go get the blueprints from her office."

[the-lord-enchanter]

"I'll be here." He looked at Melissa. "Coloring books are very soothing. You could use that to pass the time until she gets back with the blueprints." Blueprints of what, he wasn't sure. He assumed that she was finally getting around to building a therapy building separate from her living cabin.

[melissathetherapist]

"I suppose. Maybe I should take the same advice I give everyone else." She started flipping through the coloring book. "I just want to be doing something meaningful." She stopped herself. She couldn't complain about a lack of time to him. It wasn't appropriate.

[the-lord-enchanter]

"Isn't your own mental health meaningful as well?" He asked. He was curious what page she would choose, and how she would color it. At least until the other girl got back, her name is Addison, he would stay.

[melissathetherapist]

"I mean, yeah." She smiled sheepishly. "That's why I wanna go back. I feel best when I'm helping people. It's always been what I'm best at. I suppose having more time to talk over the blueprints will help more in the long run."

She stopped on a page with a butterfly on it. Psyche was often associated with butterflies. That was probably why her father always liked them so much. She could remember going to the zoo and walking through the butterfly enclosure with all its flowers and looking in awe whenever one landed on her. They usually liked her more than anyone else she knew. Gods, she missed her dad. She should really go back home for a while. She blinked a few times to rid the mist from her eyes and started coloring. She moved the pencil in small circle motions to avoid obvious lines or empty spots.

[the-lord-enchanter]

"If you have to work while you're in pain and unable to get up to move on your own, that can't be good for you. Besides, won't the patients get worried about you?"

He watched her color the butterfly. She was sort of like a butterfly. Fragile, but also determined.

[melissathetherapist]

She paused, then sighed. "At least I wouldn't be focused on the pain? But you're right. I can't think of anyone who would want me to go back right now besides myself. Glykera would park herself in the cabin and insist on getting everything for me until I got better. Little Liam would give me his best sad face just to convince me. My dad would definitely not let it slide if he knew," she chuckled. Still, she couldn't help but feel anxious. She wouldn't say that, though. She was sure it would get better. Every real therapist had a therapist of their own, and with this new building, she might actually be able to have that.

[the-lord-enchanter]

He was pretty sure therapists weren't supposed to talk about their other clients. But he wouldn't fault her for that. She was trying her best. She was being the best she could for these people, with very little training.

"Yeah. This should help keep your mind off things, though." He tapped the coloring book.

[melissathetherapist]

"Definitely." She switched to a brown colored pencil just as Addison started walking back into the infirmary. "I think I might take a little vacation after the building, and everything else is situated."

"What did you do to her?" she asked jokingly as she sat down, blueprints in arm. "Your desk is a mess, Mel."

[the-lord-enchanter]

Edan caught his tongue between his teeth as he smiled. "Being an enchanter makes you the most convincing." He didn't actually manipulate her mind, though he could if he wanted to. He just chose not to. Well, actually, Melissa has mind powers, doesn't she? She could probably resist if he were to ever try. Anyway. Now he wanted to help.

"You should make the lights not... the fluorescent ones. In the new building." The bright white lights and the constant humming was annoying. And some people had sensory issues. Not him, of course - he's thinking about the other patients.

[melissathetherapist]

"Oh, yes, definitely. Big lights are very stressful," she agreed.

"We were thinking about investing in a bunch of lamps instead. Honestly, I think the hardest part of this whole project is gonna be all the electrical stuff, but we'll have the Hephaestus kids figure that out."

Addison set the blueprints down on Melissa's map and pointed at it. "Do you think this is gonna be enough rooms?"

"It'll probably be fine. It's not like we're getting a huge number of counselors from New Rome."

[melissathetherapist]

Aftermath

(Nightmares, losing control of your body, descriptions of violence, and gore)

The thing pretending to be Edan disappeared when she hugged him, seeping into her body. Her head wouldn't budge when she willed it to turn to look around. Instead, a cold voice sounded in her head. "Stupid girl. Easy to grab."

Her tendons stretched and stretched until they snapped with a loud pop. Her throat begged her to scream, to let out some of her pain with the sound, to beg for help. No matter how much she willed it, it was as if some other consciousness forced her out of the driver's seat.

When she thought it couldn't get any worse, her legs bent backward, and she was forced onto all fours. "Humans don't run fast enough," it complained as it changed her muscles around her ankles and feet to its preferences.

She could vaguely hear someone's voice from beyond her door. Addison? Or was it someone else? Finally! Someone who could help! But what if the thing that took over her body sought to hurt this person? No sooner was the door nudged open to reveal Addison did her body leap forward, pouncing on her friend. She could hardly register the terror on her face before she was forced to tear out her throat with her teeth. The taste of her blood and flesh was sickening. The gurgle coming from Addison's throat as she tried to cry out before her eyes went blank made her want to hurl herself off of a cliff.

Her body sprinted out of the cabin and headed straight for the archery range. A little boy, no more than three years old, was not nearly fast enough to run away from her. When she bit into his throat, he didn't last as long as Addison.

She felt a heavy foot pressing into her back, and her body thrashed wildly in protest. Of course, it was Mr. D. She wasn't sure if anyone else could hold down this demon. She could see his mouth moving out of the corner of her eye, but that voice wasn't his. It was far too high and soft for Mr. D. "Wake up!" the voice yelled. "Come on, wake up!"

She woke up with a gasp. The first thing she saw when her eyes adjusted was Addison, her hands placed firmly on her shoulders. "Thank the gods," her friend sighed. "You kept on twitching and whimpering in your sleep. Are you okay?"

Melissa's hand slowly hovered to her friend's neck. No blood. No injuries. The only thing different was that her hair was done into two French braids on either side of her head. She looked exhausted. Had she been watching her this whole time? "You're okay," she breathed.

"Yes. I'm okay. You still haven't answered my question, though."

She swallowed hard to moisten her throat. "Just a nightmare. We all have them."

"Must have been one hell of a nightmare." She gave her a look of suspicion.

"You bet."

@the-lord-enchanter (doesn't have to be a starter just and update)

[the-lord-enchanter]

Edan decided to come check on Melissa before he wound down for bed. His sleep schedule isn't the best. So sue him, he's an enchanter. He felt much better now than he did when he left the infirmary earlier.

"Hello, Melissa. Hello..." He hesitated. He didn't remember the other one's name. "Other girl."

[melissathetherapist]

Melissa waved sheepishly. There was a part of her that was scared this was another demon. Would Addison be able to react quickly enough if she was possessed again since she was so tired? Images of blood and torn flesh flashed through her mind, and she closed her eyes tight, willing them to go away.

"Addison," the blonde girl told him her name. "Edan, right?"

[the-lord-enchanter]

"Yep, that's my name." Edan put a necklace with a small pink crystal that glowed slightly in Melissa's hand. "Demon repellent."

He felt really bad that Melissa had to go through that. But he didn't mention to her that he knows the demon that did it.

[melissathetherapist]

"Thanks..." She clasped it onto her neck. It was a nice color, and very kind of him after all this. "It would be horrible if that happened again before I was supposed to see one of the younger camper. They don't have nearly as good reflexes as she does." She nodded to Addison.

[the-lord-enchanter]

"Mhm. They can really suck when they get somewhere with a big populous. They can jump between people, too. Most don't, just because, well... why would they? They already spent a bunch of energy making this human perfectly fast." He hesitates. Did Melissa even want to learn about demons right now? Or was she too traumatized?

"I can be quiet about it, if you'd like."

[melissathetherapist]

She shuddered, thinking of what it did to deform her body. "No, you're fine. This is valuable information in case a demon comes again. I really hope it doesn't happen..."

The color slowly started to return to her face, but her hands were still cold and clammy. So what if she wasn't supposed to use her legs? Couldn't she grab a pair of crutches or something else and head back to her office so she could work again?

"Don't even think about it," Addison warned.

"I didn't even say anything!"

[the-lord-enchanter]

He smiled. That was funny to him. It reminded him of Sepah when he is sick. Sepah will always try to get up to do something, so Edan had to give him a book. Like giving a baby a pacifier, it would soothe him enough to not get out of bed every two seconds.

"You should take a few days off to rest and get your mind straight."

He wasn't stupid. He could figure what they were talking about. She was planning to get up, or perhaps even go back to working.

[melissathetherapist]

"But my work is important! What about those building plans?" she complained.

"I can go grab the blueprints from your room and bring them here. You are gonna rest like Will said you should."

"My mind is already fine, thank you very much. Fine enough to go back."

The thought of idleness brought her a deep sense of dread, accompanied by the dread of what might happen if she had to take a sudden leave like this. Maybe she was being paranoid. Missing one day wasn't going to hurt anyone she saw too badly, right? She couldn't exactly talk about her worries when almost everyone she knew was a client or knew a client. The only people she could think of were perhaps Addison, her father, and her stepmother. Only she hardly got to see her parents with how busy she always was.

[the-lord-enchanter]

Edan summoned a coloring book and a pack of colored pencils and placed it on Melissa's lap. That usually got Sepah to stop trying to escape when he wasn't meant to. Sepah would probably hate roller coasters.

[melissathetherapist]

"Thank you? I'm sorry, but this isn't going to change my mind. I need to go back."

Addison sighed, standing up. "Could you make sure she doesn't try anything? I'll go get the blueprints from her office."

[the-lord-enchanter]

"I'll be here." He looked at Melissa. "Coloring books are very soothing. You could use that to pass the time until she gets back with the blueprints." Blueprints of what, he wasn't sure. He assumed that she was finally getting around to building a therapy building separate from her living cabin.

[melissathetherapist]

"I suppose. Maybe I should take the same advice I give everyone else." She started flipping through the coloring book. "I just want to be doing something meaningful." She stopped herself. She couldn't complain about a lack of time to him. It wasn't appropriate.

[the-lord-enchanter]

"Isn't your own mental health meaningful as well?" He asked. He was curious what page she would choose, and how she would color it. At least until the other girl got back, her name is Addison, he would stay.

[melissathetherapist]

"I mean, yeah." She smiled sheepishly. "That's why I wanna go back. I feel best when I'm helping people. It's always been what I'm best at. I suppose having more time to talk over the blueprints will help more in the long run."

She stopped on a page with a butterfly on it. Psyche was often associated with butterflies. That was probably why her father always liked them so much. She could remember going to the zoo and walking through the butterfly enclosure with all its flowers and looking in awe whenever one landed on her. They usually liked her more than anyone else she knew. Gods, she missed her dad. She should really go back home for a while. She blinked a few times to rid the mist from her eyes and started coloring. She moved the pencil in small circle motions to avoid obvious lines or empty spots.

[the-lord-enchanter]

"If you have to work while you're in pain and unable to get up to move on your own, that can't be good for you. Besides, won't the patients get worried about you?"

He watched her color the butterfly. She was sort of like a butterfly. Fragile, but also determined.

[melissathetherapist]

She paused, then sighed. "At least I wouldn't be focused on the pain? But you're right. I can't think of anyone who would want me to go back right now besides myself. Glykera would park herself in the cabin and insist on getting everything for me until I got better. Little Liam would give me his best sad face just to convince me. My dad would definitely not let it slide if he knew," she chuckled. Still, she couldn't help but feel anxious. She wouldn't say that, though. She was sure it would get better. Every real therapist had a therapist of their own, and with this new building, she might actually be able to have that.

[the-lord-enchanter]

He was pretty sure therapists weren't supposed to talk about their other clients. But he wouldn't fault her for that. She was trying her best. She was being the best she could for these people, with very little training.

"Yeah. This should help keep your mind off things, though." He tapped the coloring book.

[melissathetherapist]

"Definitely." She switched to a brown colored pencil just as Addison started walking back into the infirmary. "I think I might take a little vacation after the building, and everything else is situated."

"What did you do to her?" she asked jokingly as she sat down, blueprints in arm. "Your desk is a mess, Mel."

[melissathetherapist]

Aftermath

(Nightmares, losing control of your body, descriptions of violence, and gore)

The thing pretending to be Edan disappeared when she hugged him, seeping into her body. Her head wouldn't budge when she willed it to turn to look around. Instead, a cold voice sounded in her head. "Stupid girl. Easy to grab."

Her tendons stretched and stretched until they snapped with a loud pop. Her throat begged her to scream, to let out some of her pain with the sound, to beg for help. No matter how much she willed it, it was as if some other consciousness forced her out of the driver's seat.

When she thought it couldn't get any worse, her legs bent backward, and she was forced onto all fours. "Humans don't run fast enough," it complained as it changed her muscles around her ankles and feet to its preferences.

She could vaguely hear someone's voice from beyond her door. Addison? Or was it someone else? Finally! Someone who could help! But what if the thing that took over her body sought to hurt this person? No sooner was the door nudged open to reveal Addison did her body leap forward, pouncing on her friend. She could hardly register the terror on her face before she was forced to tear out her throat with her teeth. The taste of her blood and flesh was sickening. The gurgle coming from Addison's throat as she tried to cry out before her eyes went blank made her want to hurl herself off of a cliff.

Her body sprinted out of the cabin and headed straight for the archery range. A little boy, no more than three years old, was not nearly fast enough to run away from her. When she bit into his throat, he didn't last as long as Addison.

She felt a heavy foot pressing into her back, and her body thrashed wildly in protest. Of course, it was Mr. D. She wasn't sure if anyone else could hold down this demon. She could see his mouth moving out of the corner of her eye, but that voice wasn't his. It was far too high and soft for Mr. D. "Wake up!" the voice yelled. "Come on, wake up!"

She woke up with a gasp. The first thing she saw when her eyes adjusted was Addison, her hands placed firmly on her shoulders. "Thank the gods," her friend sighed. "You kept on twitching and whimpering in your sleep. Are you okay?"

Melissa's hand slowly hovered to her friend's neck. No blood. No injuries. The only thing different was that her hair was done into two French braids on either side of her head. She looked exhausted. Had she been watching her this whole time? "You're okay," she breathed.

"Yes. I'm okay. You still haven't answered my question, though."

She swallowed hard to moisten her throat. "Just a nightmare. We all have them."

"Must have been one hell of a nightmare." She gave her a look of suspicion.

"You bet."

@the-lord-enchanter (doesn't have to be a starter just and update)

[the-lord-enchanter]

Edan decided to come check on Melissa before he wound down for bed. His sleep schedule isn't the best. So sue him, he's an enchanter. He felt much better now than he did when he left the infirmary earlier.

"Hello, Melissa. Hello..." He hesitated. He didn't remember the other one's name. "Other girl."

[melissathetherapist]

Melissa waved sheepishly. There was a part of her that was scared this was another demon. Would Addison be able to react quickly enough if she was possessed again since she was so tired? Images of blood and torn flesh flashed through her mind, and she closed her eyes tight, willing them to go away.

"Addison," the blonde girl told him her name. "Edan, right?"

[the-lord-enchanter]

"Yep, that's my name." Edan put a necklace with a small pink crystal that glowed slightly in Melissa's hand. "Demon repellent."

He felt really bad that Melissa had to go through that. But he didn't mention to her that he knows the demon that did it.

[melissathetherapist]

"Thanks..." She clasped it onto her neck. It was a nice color, and very kind of him after all this. "It would be horrible if that happened again before I was supposed to see one of the younger camper. They don't have nearly as good reflexes as she does." She nodded to Addison.

[the-lord-enchanter]

"Mhm. They can really suck when they get somewhere with a big populous. They can jump between people, too. Most don't, just because, well... why would they? They already spent a bunch of energy making this human perfectly fast." He hesitates. Did Melissa even want to learn about demons right now? Or was she too traumatized?

"I can be quiet about it, if you'd like."

[melissathetherapist]

She shuddered, thinking of what it did to deform her body. "No, you're fine. This is valuable information in case a demon comes again. I really hope it doesn't happen..."

The color slowly started to return to her face, but her hands were still cold and clammy. So what if she wasn't supposed to use her legs? Couldn't she grab a pair of crutches or something else and head back to her office so she could work again?

"Don't even think about it," Addison warned.

"I didn't even say anything!"

[the-lord-enchanter]

He smiled. That was funny to him. It reminded him of Sepah when he is sick. Sepah will always try to get up to do something, so Edan had to give him a book. Like giving a baby a pacifier, it would soothe him enough to not get out of bed every two seconds.

"You should take a few days off to rest and get your mind straight."

He wasn't stupid. He could figure what they were talking about. She was planning to get up, or perhaps even go back to working.

[melissathetherapist]

"But my work is important! What about those building plans?" she complained.

"I can go grab the blueprints from your room and bring them here. You are gonna rest like Will said you should."

"My mind is already fine, thank you very much. Fine enough to go back."

The thought of idleness brought her a deep sense of dread, accompanied by the dread of what might happen if she had to take a sudden leave like this. Maybe she was being paranoid. Missing one day wasn't going to hurt anyone she saw too badly, right? She couldn't exactly talk about her worries when almost everyone she knew was a client or knew a client. The only people she could think of were perhaps Addison, her father, and her stepmother. Only she hardly got to see her parents with how busy she always was.

[the-lord-enchanter]

Edan summoned a coloring book and a pack of colored pencils and placed it on Melissa's lap. That usually got Sepah to stop trying to escape when he wasn't meant to. Sepah would probably hate roller coasters.

[melissathetherapist]

"Thank you? I'm sorry, but this isn't going to change my mind. I need to go back."

Addison sighed, standing up. "Could you make sure she doesn't try anything? I'll go get the blueprints from her office."

[the-lord-enchanter]

"I'll be here." He looked at Melissa. "Coloring books are very soothing. You could use that to pass the time until she gets back with the blueprints." Blueprints of what, he wasn't sure. He assumed that she was finally getting around to building a therapy building separate from her living cabin.

[melissathetherapist]

"I suppose. Maybe I should take the same advice I give everyone else." She started flipping through the coloring book. "I just want to be doing something meaningful." She stopped herself. She couldn't complain about a lack of time to him. It wasn't appropriate.

[the-lord-enchanter]

"Isn't your own mental health meaningful as well?" He asked. He was curious what page she would choose, and how she would color it. At least until the other girl got back, her name is Addison, he would stay.

[melissathetherapist]

"I mean, yeah." She smiled sheepishly. "That's why I wanna go back. I feel best when I'm helping people. It's always been what I'm best at. I suppose having more time to talk over the blueprints will help more in the long run."

She stopped on a page with a butterfly on it. Psyche was often associated with butterflies. That was probably why her father always liked them so much. She could remember going to the zoo and walking through the butterfly enclosure with all its flowers and looking in awe whenever one landed on her. They usually liked her more than anyone else she knew. Gods, she missed her dad. She should really go back home for a while. She blinked a few times to rid the mist from her eyes and started coloring. She moved the pencil in small circle motions to avoid obvious lines or empty spots.

[the-lord-enchanter]

"If you have to work while you're in pain and unable to get up to move on your own, that can't be good for you. Besides, won't the patients get worried about you?"

He watched her color the butterfly. She was sort of like a butterfly. Fragile, but also determined.

[melissathetherapist]

She paused, then sighed. "At least I wouldn't be focused on the pain? But you're right. I can't think of anyone who would want me to go back right now besides myself. Glykera would park herself in the cabin and insist on getting everything for me until I got better. Little Liam would give me his best sad face just to convince me. My dad would definitely not let it slide if he knew," she chuckled. Still, she couldn't help but feel anxious. She wouldn't say that, though. She was sure it would get better. Every real therapist had a therapist of their own, and with this new building, she might actually be able to have that.

[melissathetherapist]

Aftermath

(Nightmares, losing control of your body, descriptions of violence, and gore)

The thing pretending to be Edan disappeared when she hugged him, seeping into her body. Her head wouldn't budge when she willed it to turn to look around. Instead, a cold voice sounded in her head. "Stupid girl. Easy to grab."

Her tendons stretched and stretched until they snapped with a loud pop. Her throat begged her to scream, to let out some of her pain with the sound, to beg for help. No matter how much she willed it, it was as if some other consciousness forced her out of the driver's seat.

When she thought it couldn't get any worse, her legs bent backward, and she was forced onto all fours. "Humans don't run fast enough," it complained as it changed her muscles around her ankles and feet to its preferences.

She could vaguely hear someone's voice from beyond her door. Addison? Or was it someone else? Finally! Someone who could help! But what if the thing that took over her body sought to hurt this person? No sooner was the door nudged open to reveal Addison did her body leap forward, pouncing on her friend. She could hardly register the terror on her face before she was forced to tear out her throat with her teeth. The taste of her blood and flesh was sickening. The gurgle coming from Addison's throat as she tried to cry out before her eyes went blank made her want to hurl herself off of a cliff.

Her body sprinted out of the cabin and headed straight for the archery range. A little boy, no more than three years old, was not nearly fast enough to run away from her. When she bit into his throat, he didn't last as long as Addison.

She felt a heavy foot pressing into her back, and her body thrashed wildly in protest. Of course, it was Mr. D. She wasn't sure if anyone else could hold down this demon. She could see his mouth moving out of the corner of her eye, but that voice wasn't his. It was far too high and soft for Mr. D. "Wake up!" the voice yelled. "Come on, wake up!"

She woke up with a gasp. The first thing she saw when her eyes adjusted was Addison, her hands placed firmly on her shoulders. "Thank the gods," her friend sighed. "You kept on twitching and whimpering in your sleep. Are you okay?"

Melissa's hand slowly hovered to her friend's neck. No blood. No injuries. The only thing different was that her hair was done into two French braids on either side of her head. She looked exhausted. Had she been watching her this whole time? "You're okay," she breathed.

"Yes. I'm okay. You still haven't answered my question, though."

She swallowed hard to moisten her throat. "Just a nightmare. We all have them."

"Must have been one hell of a nightmare." She gave her a look of suspicion.

"You bet."

@the-lord-enchanter (doesn't have to be a starter just and update)

[the-lord-enchanter]

Edan decided to come check on Melissa before he wound down for bed. His sleep schedule isn't the best. So sue him, he's an enchanter. He felt much better now than he did when he left the infirmary earlier.

"Hello, Melissa. Hello..." He hesitated. He didn't remember the other one's name. "Other girl."

[melissathetherapist]

Melissa waved sheepishly. There was a part of her that was scared this was another demon. Would Addison be able to react quickly enough if she was possessed again since she was so tired? Images of blood and torn flesh flashed through her mind, and she closed her eyes tight, willing them to go away.

"Addison," the blonde girl told him her name. "Edan, right?"

[the-lord-enchanter]

"Yep, that's my name." Edan put a necklace with a small pink crystal that glowed slightly in Melissa's hand. "Demon repellent."

He felt really bad that Melissa had to go through that. But he didn't mention to her that he knows the demon that did it.

[melissathetherapist]

"Thanks..." She clasped it onto her neck. It was a nice color, and very kind of him after all this. "It would be horrible if that happened again before I was supposed to see one of the younger camper. They don't have nearly as good reflexes as she does." She nodded to Addison.

[the-lord-enchanter]

"Mhm. They can really suck when they get somewhere with a big populous. They can jump between people, too. Most don't, just because, well... why would they? They already spent a bunch of energy making this human perfectly fast." He hesitates. Did Melissa even want to learn about demons right now? Or was she too traumatized?

"I can be quiet about it, if you'd like."

[melissathetherapist]

She shuddered, thinking of what it did to deform her body. "No, you're fine. This is valuable information in case a demon comes again. I really hope it doesn't happen..."

The color slowly started to return to her face, but her hands were still cold and clammy. So what if she wasn't supposed to use her legs? Couldn't she grab a pair of crutches or something else and head back to her office so she could work again?

"Don't even think about it," Addison warned.

"I didn't even say anything!"

[the-lord-enchanter]

He smiled. That was funny to him. It reminded him of Sepah when he is sick. Sepah will always try to get up to do something, so Edan had to give him a book. Like giving a baby a pacifier, it would soothe him enough to not get out of bed every two seconds.

"You should take a few days off to rest and get your mind straight."

He wasn't stupid. He could figure what they were talking about. She was planning to get up, or perhaps even go back to working.

[melissathetherapist]

"But my work is important! What about those building plans?" she complained.

"I can go grab the blueprints from your room and bring them here. You are gonna rest like Will said you should."

"My mind is already fine, thank you very much. Fine enough to go back."

The thought of idleness brought her a deep sense of dread, accompanied by the dread of what might happen if she had to take a sudden leave like this. Maybe she was being paranoid. Missing one day wasn't going to hurt anyone she saw too badly, right? She couldn't exactly talk about her worries when almost everyone she knew was a client or knew a client. The only people she could think of were perhaps Addison, her father, and her stepmother. Only she hardly got to see her parents with how busy she always was.

[the-lord-enchanter]

Edan summoned a coloring book and a pack of colored pencils and placed it on Melissa's lap. That usually got Sepah to stop trying to escape when he wasn't meant to. Sepah would probably hate roller coasters.

[melissathetherapist]

"Thank you? I'm sorry, but this isn't going to change my mind. I need to go back."

Addison sighed, standing up. "Could you make sure she doesn't try anything? I'll go get the blueprints from her office."

[the-lord-enchanter]

"I'll be here." He looked at Melissa. "Coloring books are very soothing. You could use that to pass the time until she gets back with the blueprints." Blueprints of what, he wasn't sure. He assumed that she was finally getting around to building a therapy building separate from her living cabin.

[melissathetherapist]

"I suppose. Maybe I should take the same advice I give everyone else." She started flipping through the coloring book. "I just want to be doing something meaningful." She stopped herself. She couldn't complain about a lack of time to him. It wasn't appropriate.

[the-lord-enchanter]

"Isn't your own mental health meaningful as well?" He asked. He was curious what page she would choose, and how she would color it. At least until the other girl got back, her name is Addison, he would stay.

[melissathetherapist]

"I mean, yeah." She smiled sheepishly. "That's why I wanna go back. I feel best when I'm helping people. It's always been what I'm best at. I suppose having more time to talk over the blueprints will help more in the long run."

She stopped on a page with a butterfly on it. Psyche was often associated with butterflies. That was probably why her father always liked them so much. She could remember going to the zoo and walking through the butterfly enclosure with all its flowers and looking in awe whenever one landed on her. They usually liked her more than anyone else she knew. Gods, she missed her dad. She should really go back home for a while. She blinked a few times to rid the mist from her eyes and started coloring. She moved the pencil in small circle motions to avoid obvious lines or empty spots.

[melissathetherapist]

Aftermath

(Nightmares, losing control of your body, descriptions of violence, and gore)

The thing pretending to be Edan disappeared when she hugged him, seeping into her body. Her head wouldn't budge when she willed it to turn to look around. Instead, a cold voice sounded in her head. "Stupid girl. Easy to grab."

Her tendons stretched and stretched until they snapped with a loud pop. Her throat begged her to scream, to let out some of her pain with the sound, to beg for help. No matter how much she willed it, it was as if some other consciousness forced her out of the driver's seat.

When she thought it couldn't get any worse, her legs bent backward, and she was forced onto all fours. "Humans don't run fast enough," it complained as it changed her muscles around her ankles and feet to its preferences.

She could vaguely hear someone's voice from beyond her door. Addison? Or was it someone else? Finally! Someone who could help! But what if the thing that took over her body sought to hurt this person? No sooner was the door nudged open to reveal Addison did her body leap forward, pouncing on her friend. She could hardly register the terror on her face before she was forced to tear out her throat with her teeth. The taste of her blood and flesh was sickening. The gurgle coming from Addison's throat as she tried to cry out before her eyes went blank made her want to hurl herself off of a cliff.

Her body sprinted out of the cabin and headed straight for the archery range. A little boy, no more than three years old, was not nearly fast enough to run away from her. When she bit into his throat, he didn't last as long as Addison.

She felt a heavy foot pressing into her back, and her body thrashed wildly in protest. Of course, it was Mr. D. She wasn't sure if anyone else could hold down this demon. She could see his mouth moving out of the corner of her eye, but that voice wasn't his. It was far too high and soft for Mr. D. "Wake up!" the voice yelled. "Come on, wake up!"

She woke up with a gasp. The first thing she saw when her eyes adjusted was Addison, her hands placed firmly on her shoulders. "Thank the gods," her friend sighed. "You kept on twitching and whimpering in your sleep. Are you okay?"

Melissa's hand slowly hovered to her friend's neck. No blood. No injuries. The only thing different was that her hair was done into two French braids on either side of her head. She looked exhausted. Had she been watching her this whole time? "You're okay," she breathed.

"Yes. I'm okay. You still haven't answered my question, though."

She swallowed hard to moisten her throat. "Just a nightmare. We all have them."

"Must have been one hell of a nightmare." She gave her a look of suspicion.

"You bet."

@the-lord-enchanter (doesn't have to be a starter just and update)

[the-lord-enchanter]

Edan decided to come check on Melissa before he wound down for bed. His sleep schedule isn't the best. So sue him, he's an enchanter. He felt much better now than he did when he left the infirmary earlier.

"Hello, Melissa. Hello..." He hesitated. He didn't remember the other one's name. "Other girl."

[melissathetherapist]

Melissa waved sheepishly. There was a part of her that was scared this was another demon. Would Addison be able to react quickly enough if she was possessed again since she was so tired? Images of blood and torn flesh flashed through her mind, and she closed her eyes tight, willing them to go away.

"Addison," the blonde girl told him her name. "Edan, right?"

[the-lord-enchanter]

"Yep, that's my name." Edan put a necklace with a small pink crystal that glowed slightly in Melissa's hand. "Demon repellent."

He felt really bad that Melissa had to go through that. But he didn't mention to her that he knows the demon that did it.

[melissathetherapist]

"Thanks..." She clasped it onto her neck. It was a nice color, and very kind of him after all this. "It would be horrible if that happened again before I was supposed to see one of the younger camper. They don't have nearly as good reflexes as she does." She nodded to Addison.

[the-lord-enchanter]

"Mhm. They can really suck when they get somewhere with a big populous. They can jump between people, too. Most don't, just because, well... why would they? They already spent a bunch of energy making this human perfectly fast." He hesitates. Did Melissa even want to learn about demons right now? Or was she too traumatized?

"I can be quiet about it, if you'd like."

[melissathetherapist]

She shuddered, thinking of what it did to deform her body. "No, you're fine. This is valuable information in case a demon comes again. I really hope it doesn't happen..."

The color slowly started to return to her face, but her hands were still cold and clammy. So what if she wasn't supposed to use her legs? Couldn't she grab a pair of crutches or something else and head back to her office so she could work again?

"Don't even think about it," Addison warned.

"I didn't even say anything!"

[the-lord-enchanter]

He smiled. That was funny to him. It reminded him of Sepah when he is sick. Sepah will always try to get up to do something, so Edan had to give him a book. Like giving a baby a pacifier, it would soothe him enough to not get out of bed every two seconds.

"You should take a few days off to rest and get your mind straight."

He wasn't stupid. He could figure what they were talking about. She was planning to get up, or perhaps even go back to working.

[melissathetherapist]

"But my work is important! What about those building plans?" she complained.

"I can go grab the blueprints from your room and bring them here. You are gonna rest like Will said you should."

"My mind is already fine, thank you very much. Fine enough to go back."

The thought of idleness brought her a deep sense of dread, accompanied by the dread of what might happen if she had to take a sudden leave like this. Maybe she was being paranoid. Missing one day wasn't going to hurt anyone she saw too badly, right? She couldn't exactly talk about her worries when almost everyone she knew was a client or knew a client. The only people she could think of were perhaps Addison, her father, and her stepmother. Only she hardly got to see her parents with how busy she always was.

[the-lord-enchanter]

Edan summoned a coloring book and a pack of colored pencils and placed it on Melissa's lap. That usually got Sepah to stop trying to escape when he wasn't meant to. Sepah would probably hate roller coasters.

[melissathetherapist]

"Thank you? I'm sorry, but this isn't going to change my mind. I need to go back."

Addison sighed, standing up. "Could you make sure she doesn't try anything? I'll go get the blueprints from her office."

[the-lord-enchanter]

"I'll be here." He looked at Melissa. "Coloring books are very soothing. You could use that to pass the time until she gets back with the blueprints." Blueprints of what, he wasn't sure. He assumed that she was finally getting around to building a therapy building separate from her living cabin.

[melissathetherapist]

"I suppose. Maybe I should take the same advice I give everyone else." She started flipping through the coloring book. "I just want to be doing something meaningful." She stopped herself. She couldn't complain about a lack of time to him. It wasn't appropriate.

[melissathetherapist]

Aftermath

(Nightmares, losing control of your body, descriptions of violence, and gore)

The thing pretending to be Edan disappeared when she hugged him, seeping into her body. Her head wouldn't budge when she willed it to turn to look around. Instead, a cold voice sounded in her head. "Stupid girl. Easy to grab."

Her tendons stretched and stretched until they snapped with a loud pop. Her throat begged her to scream, to let out some of her pain with the sound, to beg for help. No matter how much she willed it, it was as if some other consciousness forced her out of the driver's seat.

When she thought it couldn't get any worse, her legs bent backward, and she was forced onto all fours. "Humans don't run fast enough," it complained as it changed her muscles around her ankles and feet to its preferences.

She could vaguely hear someone's voice from beyond her door. Addison? Or was it someone else? Finally! Someone who could help! But what if the thing that took over her body sought to hurt this person? No sooner was the door nudged open to reveal Addison did her body leap forward, pouncing on her friend. She could hardly register the terror on her face before she was forced to tear out her throat with her teeth. The taste of her blood and flesh was sickening. The gurgle coming from Addison's throat as she tried to cry out before her eyes went blank made her want to hurl herself off of a cliff.

Her body sprinted out of the cabin and headed straight for the archery range. A little boy, no more than three years old, was not nearly fast enough to run away from her. When she bit into his throat, he didn't last as long as Addison.

She felt a heavy foot pressing into her back, and her body thrashed wildly in protest. Of course, it was Mr. D. She wasn't sure if anyone else could hold down this demon. She could see his mouth moving out of the corner of her eye, but that voice wasn't his. It was far too high and soft for Mr. D. "Wake up!" the voice yelled. "Come on, wake up!"

She woke up with a gasp. The first thing she saw when her eyes adjusted was Addison, her hands placed firmly on her shoulders. "Thank the gods," her friend sighed. "You kept on twitching and whimpering in your sleep. Are you okay?"

Melissa's hand slowly hovered to her friend's neck. No blood. No injuries. The only thing different was that her hair was done into two French braids on either side of her head. She looked exhausted. Had she been watching her this whole time? "You're okay," she breathed.

"Yes. I'm okay. You still haven't answered my question, though."

She swallowed hard to moisten her throat. "Just a nightmare. We all have them."

"Must have been one hell of a nightmare." She gave her a look of suspicion.

"You bet."

@the-lord-enchanter (doesn't have to be a starter just and update)

[the-lord-enchanter]

Edan decided to come check on Melissa before he wound down for bed. His sleep schedule isn't the best. So sue him, he's an enchanter. He felt much better now than he did when he left the infirmary earlier.

"Hello, Melissa. Hello..." He hesitated. He didn't remember the other one's name. "Other girl."

[melissathetherapist]

Melissa waved sheepishly. There was a part of her that was scared this was another demon. Would Addison be able to react quickly enough if she was possessed again since she was so tired? Images of blood and torn flesh flashed through her mind, and she closed her eyes tight, willing them to go away.

"Addison," the blonde girl told him her name. "Edan, right?"

[the-lord-enchanter]

"Yep, that's my name." Edan put a necklace with a small pink crystal that glowed slightly in Melissa's hand. "Demon repellent."

He felt really bad that Melissa had to go through that. But he didn't mention to her that he knows the demon that did it.

[melissathetherapist]

"Thanks..." She clasped it onto her neck. It was a nice color, and very kind of him after all this. "It would be horrible if that happened again before I was supposed to see one of the younger camper. They don't have nearly as good reflexes as she does." She nodded to Addison.

[the-lord-enchanter]

"Mhm. They can really suck when they get somewhere with a big populous. They can jump between people, too. Most don't, just because, well... why would they? They already spent a bunch of energy making this human perfectly fast." He hesitates. Did Melissa even want to learn about demons right now? Or was she too traumatized?

"I can be quiet about it, if you'd like."

[melissathetherapist]

She shuddered, thinking of what it did to deform her body. "No, you're fine. This is valuable information in case a demon comes again. I really hope it doesn't happen..."

The color slowly started to return to her face, but her hands were still cold and clammy. So what if she wasn't supposed to use her legs? Couldn't she grab a pair of crutches or something else and head back to her office so she could work again?

"Don't even think about it," Addison warned.

"I didn't even say anything!"

[the-lord-enchanter]

He smiled. That was funny to him. It reminded him of Sepah when he is sick. Sepah will always try to get up to do something, so Edan had to give him a book. Like giving a baby a pacifier, it would soothe him enough to not get out of bed every two seconds.

"You should take a few days off to rest and get your mind straight."

He wasn't stupid. He could figure what they were talking about. She was planning to get up, or perhaps even go back to working.

[melissathetherapist]

"But my work is important! What about those building plans?" she complained.

"I can go grab the blueprints from your room and bring them here. You are gonna rest like Will said you should."

"My mind is already fine, thank you very much. Fine enough to go back."

The thought of idleness brought her a deep sense of dread, accompanied by the dread of what might happen if she had to take a sudden leave like this. Maybe she was being paranoid. Missing one day wasn't going to hurt anyone she saw too badly, right? She couldn't exactly talk about her worries when almost everyone she knew was a client or knew a client. The only people she could think of were perhaps Addison, her father, and her stepmother. Only she hardly got to see her parents with how busy she always was.

[the-lord-enchanter]

Edan summoned a coloring book and a pack of colored pencils and placed it on Melissa's lap. That usually got Sepah to stop trying to escape when he wasn't meant to. Sepah would probably hate roller coasters.

[melissathetherapist]

"Thank you? I'm sorry, but this isn't going to change my mind. I need to go back."

Addison sighed, standing up. "Could you make sure she doesn't try anything? I'll go get the blueprints from her office."

[melissathetherapist]

Aftermath

(Nightmares, losing control of your body, descriptions of violence, and gore)

The thing pretending to be Edan disappeared when she hugged him, seeping into her body. Her head wouldn't budge when she willed it to turn to look around. Instead, a cold voice sounded in her head. "Stupid girl. Easy to grab."

Her tendons stretched and stretched until they snapped with a loud pop. Her throat begged her to scream, to let out some of her pain with the sound, to beg for help. No matter how much she willed it, it was as if some other consciousness forced her out of the driver's seat.

When she thought it couldn't get any worse, her legs bent backward, and she was forced onto all fours. "Humans don't run fast enough," it complained as it changed her muscles around her ankles and feet to its preferences.

She could vaguely hear someone's voice from beyond her door. Addison? Or was it someone else? Finally! Someone who could help! But what if the thing that took over her body sought to hurt this person? No sooner was the door nudged open to reveal Addison did her body leap forward, pouncing on her friend. She could hardly register the terror on her face before she was forced to tear out her throat with her teeth. The taste of her blood and flesh was sickening. The gurgle coming from Addison's throat as she tried to cry out before her eyes went blank made her want to hurl herself off of a cliff.

Her body sprinted out of the cabin and headed straight for the archery range. A little boy, no more than three years old, was not nearly fast enough to run away from her. When she bit into his throat, he didn't last as long as Addison.

She felt a heavy foot pressing into her back, and her body thrashed wildly in protest. Of course, it was Mr. D. She wasn't sure if anyone else could hold down this demon. She could see his mouth moving out of the corner of her eye, but that voice wasn't his. It was far too high and soft for Mr. D. "Wake up!" the voice yelled. "Come on, wake up!"

She woke up with a gasp. The first thing she saw when her eyes adjusted was Addison, her hands placed firmly on her shoulders. "Thank the gods," her friend sighed. "You kept on twitching and whimpering in your sleep. Are you okay?"

Melissa's hand slowly hovered to her friend's neck. No blood. No injuries. The only thing different was that her hair was done into two French braids on either side of her head. She looked exhausted. Had she been watching her this whole time? "You're okay," she breathed.

"Yes. I'm okay. You still haven't answered my question, though."

She swallowed hard to moisten her throat. "Just a nightmare. We all have them."

"Must have been one hell of a nightmare." She gave her a look of suspicion.

"You bet."

@the-lord-enchanter (doesn't have to be a starter just and update)

[the-lord-enchanter]

Edan decided to come check on Melissa before he wound down for bed. His sleep schedule isn't the best. So sue him, he's an enchanter. He felt much better now than he did when he left the infirmary earlier.

"Hello, Melissa. Hello..." He hesitated. He didn't remember the other one's name. "Other girl."

[melissathetherapist]

Melissa waved sheepishly. There was a part of her that was scared this was another demon. Would Addison be able to react quickly enough if she was possessed again since she was so tired? Images of blood and torn flesh flashed through her mind, and she closed her eyes tight, willing them to go away.

"Addison," the blonde girl told him her name. "Edan, right?"

[the-lord-enchanter]

"Yep, that's my name." Edan put a necklace with a small pink crystal that glowed slightly in Melissa's hand. "Demon repellent."

He felt really bad that Melissa had to go through that. But he didn't mention to her that he knows the demon that did it.

[melissathetherapist]

"Thanks..." She clasped it onto her neck. It was a nice color, and very kind of him after all this. "It would be horrible if that happened again before I was supposed to see one of the younger camper. They don't have nearly as good reflexes as she does." She nodded to Addison.

[the-lord-enchanter]

"Mhm. They can really suck when they get somewhere with a big populous. They can jump between people, too. Most don't, just because, well... why would they? They already spent a bunch of energy making this human perfectly fast." He hesitates. Did Melissa even want to learn about demons right now? Or was she too traumatized?

"I can be quiet about it, if you'd like."

[melissathetherapist]

She shuddered, thinking of what it did to deform her body. "No, you're fine. This is valuable information in case a demon comes again. I really hope it doesn't happen..."

The color slowly started to return to her face, but her hands were still cold and clammy. So what if she wasn't supposed to use her legs? Couldn't she grab a pair of crutches or something else and head back to her office so she could work again?

"Don't even think about it," Addison warned.

"I didn't even say anything!"

[the-lord-enchanter]

He smiled. That was funny to him. It reminded him of Sepah when he is sick. Sepah will always try to get up to do something, so Edan had to give him a book. Like giving a baby a pacifier, it would soothe him enough to not get out of bed every two seconds.

"You should take a few days off to rest and get your mind straight."

He wasn't stupid. He could figure what they were talking about. She was planning to get up, or perhaps even go back to working.

[melissathetherapist]

"But my work is important! What about those building plans?" she complained.

"I can go grab the blueprints from your room and bring them here. You are gonna rest like Will said you should."

"My mind is already fine, thank you very much. Fine enough to go back."

The thought of idleness brought her a deep sense of dread, accompanied by the dread of what might happen if she had to take a sudden leave like this. Maybe she was being paranoid. Missing one day wasn't going to hurt anyone she saw too badly, right? She couldn't exactly talk about her worries when almost everyone she knew was a client or knew a client. The only people she could think of were perhaps Addison, her father, and her stepmother. Only she hardly got to see her parents with how busy she always was.

[melissathetherapist]

Aftermath

(Nightmares, losing control of your body, descriptions of violence, and gore)

The thing pretending to be Edan disappeared when she hugged him, seeping into her body. Her head wouldn't budge when she willed it to turn to look around. Instead, a cold voice sounded in her head. "Stupid girl. Easy to grab."

Her tendons stretched and stretched until they snapped with a loud pop. Her throat begged her to scream, to let out some of her pain with the sound, to beg for help. No matter how much she willed it, it was as if some other consciousness forced her out of the driver's seat.

When she thought it couldn't get any worse, her legs bent backward, and she was forced onto all fours. "Humans don't run fast enough," it complained as it changed her muscles around her ankles and feet to its preferences.

She could vaguely hear someone's voice from beyond her door. Addison? Or was it someone else? Finally! Someone who could help! But what if the thing that took over her body sought to hurt this person? No sooner was the door nudged open to reveal Addison did her body leap forward, pouncing on her friend. She could hardly register the terror on her face before she was forced to tear out her throat with her teeth. The taste of her blood and flesh was sickening. The gurgle coming from Addison's throat as she tried to cry out before her eyes went blank made her want to hurl herself off of a cliff.

Her body sprinted out of the cabin and headed straight for the archery range. A little boy, no more than three years old, was not nearly fast enough to run away from her. When she bit into his throat, he didn't last as long as Addison.

She felt a heavy foot pressing into her back, and her body thrashed wildly in protest. Of course, it was Mr. D. She wasn't sure if anyone else could hold down this demon. She could see his mouth moving out of the corner of her eye, but that voice wasn't his. It was far too high and soft for Mr. D. "Wake up!" the voice yelled. "Come on, wake up!"

She woke up with a gasp. The first thing she saw when her eyes adjusted was Addison, her hands placed firmly on her shoulders. "Thank the gods," her friend sighed. "You kept on twitching and whimpering in your sleep. Are you okay?"

Melissa's hand slowly hovered to her friend's neck. No blood. No injuries. The only thing different was that her hair was done into two French braids on either side of her head. She looked exhausted. Had she been watching her this whole time? "You're okay," she breathed.

"Yes. I'm okay. You still haven't answered my question, though."

She swallowed hard to moisten her throat. "Just a nightmare. We all have them."

"Must have been one hell of a nightmare." She gave her a look of suspicion.

"You bet."

@the-lord-enchanter (doesn't have to be a starter just and update)

[the-lord-enchanter]

Edan decided to come check on Melissa before he wound down for bed. His sleep schedule isn't the best. So sue him, he's an enchanter. He felt much better now than he did when he left the infirmary earlier.

"Hello, Melissa. Hello..." He hesitated. He didn't remember the other one's name. "Other girl."

[melissathetherapist]

Melissa waved sheepishly. There was a part of her that was scared this was another demon. Would Addison be able to react quickly enough if she was possessed again since she was so tired? Images of blood and torn flesh flashed through her mind, and she closed her eyes tight, willing them to go away.

"Addison," the blonde girl told him her name. "Edan, right?"

[the-lord-enchanter]

"Yep, that's my name." Edan put a necklace with a small pink crystal that glowed slightly in Melissa's hand. "Demon repellent."

He felt really bad that Melissa had to go through that. But he didn't mention to her that he knows the demon that did it.

[melissathetherapist]

"Thanks..." She clasped it onto her neck. It was a nice color, and very kind of him after all this. "It would be horrible if that happened again before I was supposed to see one of the younger camper. They don't have nearly as good reflexes as she does." She nodded to Addison.

[the-lord-enchanter]

"Mhm. They can really suck when they get somewhere with a big populous. They can jump between people, too. Most don't, just because, well... why would they? They already spent a bunch of energy making this human perfectly fast." He hesitates. Did Melissa even want to learn about demons right now? Or was she too traumatized?

"I can be quiet about it, if you'd like."

[melissathetherapist]

She shuddered, thinking of what it did to deform her body. "No, you're fine. This is valuable information in case a demon comes again. I really hope it doesn't happen..."

The color slowly started to return to her face, but her hands were still cold and clammy. So what if she wasn't supposed to use her legs? Couldn't she grab a pair of crutches or something else and head back to her office so she could work again?

"Don't even think about it," Addison warned.

"I didn't even say anything!"

[melissathetherapist]

Aftermath

(Nightmares, losing control of your body, descriptions of violence, and gore)

The thing pretending to be Edan disappeared when she hugged him, seeping into her body. Her head wouldn't budge when she willed it to turn to look around. Instead, a cold voice sounded in her head. "Stupid girl. Easy to grab."

Her tendons stretched and stretched until they snapped with a loud pop. Her throat begged her to scream, to let out some of her pain with the sound, to beg for help. No matter how much she willed it, it was as if some other consciousness forced her out of the driver's seat.

When she thought it couldn't get any worse, her legs bent backward, and she was forced onto all fours. "Humans don't run fast enough," it complained as it changed her muscles around her ankles and feet to its preferences.

She could vaguely hear someone's voice from beyond her door. Addison? Or was it someone else? Finally! Someone who could help! But what if the thing that took over her body sought to hurt this person? No sooner was the door nudged open to reveal Addison did her body leap forward, pouncing on her friend. She could hardly register the terror on her face before she was forced to tear out her throat with her teeth. The taste of her blood and flesh was sickening. The gurgle coming from Addison's throat as she tried to cry out before her eyes went blank made her want to hurl herself off of a cliff.

Her body sprinted out of the cabin and headed straight for the archery range. A little boy, no more than three years old, was not nearly fast enough to run away from her. When she bit into his throat, he didn't last as long as Addison.

She felt a heavy foot pressing into her back, and her body thrashed wildly in protest. Of course, it was Mr. D. She wasn't sure if anyone else could hold down this demon. She could see his mouth moving out of the corner of her eye, but that voice wasn't his. It was far too high and soft for Mr. D. "Wake up!" the voice yelled. "Come on, wake up!"

She woke up with a gasp. The first thing she saw when her eyes adjusted was Addison, her hands placed firmly on her shoulders. "Thank the gods," her friend sighed. "You kept on twitching and whimpering in your sleep. Are you okay?"

Melissa's hand slowly hovered to her friend's neck. No blood. No injuries. The only thing different was that her hair was done into two French braids on either side of her head. She looked exhausted. Had she been watching her this whole time? "You're okay," she breathed.

"Yes. I'm okay. You still haven't answered my question, though."

She swallowed hard to moisten her throat. "Just a nightmare. We all have them."

"Must have been one hell of a nightmare." She gave her a look of suspicion.

"You bet."

@the-lord-enchanter (doesn't have to be a starter just and update)

[the-lord-enchanter]

Edan decided to come check on Melissa before he wound down for bed. His sleep schedule isn't the best. So sue him, he's an enchanter. He felt much better now than he did when he left the infirmary earlier.

"Hello, Melissa. Hello..." He hesitated. He didn't remember the other one's name. "Other girl."

[melissathetherapist]

Melissa waved sheepishly. There was a part of her that was scared this was another demon. Would Addison be able to react quickly enough if she was possessed again since she was so tired? Images of blood and torn flesh flashed through her mind, and she closed her eyes tight, willing them to go away.

"Addison," the blonde girl told him her name. "Edan, right?"

[the-lord-enchanter]

"Yep, that's my name." Edan put a necklace with a small pink crystal that glowed slightly in Melissa's hand. "Demon repellent."

He felt really bad that Melissa had to go through that. But he didn't mention to her that he knows the demon that did it.

[melissathetherapist]

"Thanks..." She clasped it onto her neck. It was a nice color, and very kind of him after all this. "It would be horrible if that happened again before I was supposed to see one of the younger camper. They don't have nearly as good reflexes as she does." She nodded to Addison.

[melissathetherapist]

Aftermath

(Nightmares, losing control of your body, descriptions of violence, and gore)

The thing pretending to be Edan disappeared when she hugged him, seeping into her body. Her head wouldn't budge when she willed it to turn to look around. Instead, a cold voice sounded in her head. "Stupid girl. Easy to grab."

Her tendons stretched and stretched until they snapped with a loud pop. Her throat begged her to scream, to let out some of her pain with the sound, to beg for help. No matter how much she willed it, it was as if some other consciousness forced her out of the driver's seat.

When she thought it couldn't get any worse, her legs bent backward, and she was forced onto all fours. "Humans don't run fast enough," it complained as it changed her muscles around her ankles and feet to its preferences.

She could vaguely hear someone's voice from beyond her door. Addison? Or was it someone else? Finally! Someone who could help! But what if the thing that took over her body sought to hurt this person? No sooner was the door nudged open to reveal Addison did her body leap forward, pouncing on her friend. She could hardly register the terror on her face before she was forced to tear out her throat with her teeth. The taste of her blood and flesh was sickening. The gurgle coming from Addison's throat as she tried to cry out before her eyes went blank made her want to hurl herself off of a cliff.

Her body sprinted out of the cabin and headed straight for the archery range. A little boy, no more than three years old, was not nearly fast enough to run away from her. When she bit into his throat, he didn't last as long as Addison.

She felt a heavy foot pressing into her back, and her body thrashed wildly in protest. Of course, it was Mr. D. She wasn't sure if anyone else could hold down this demon. She could see his mouth moving out of the corner of her eye, but that voice wasn't his. It was far too high and soft for Mr. D. "Wake up!" the voice yelled. "Come on, wake up!"

She woke up with a gasp. The first thing she saw when her eyes adjusted was Addison, her hands placed firmly on her shoulders. "Thank the gods," her friend sighed. "You kept on twitching and whimpering in your sleep. Are you okay?"

Melissa's hand slowly hovered to her friend's neck. No blood. No injuries. The only thing different was that her hair was done into two French braids on either side of her head. She looked exhausted. Had she been watching her this whole time? "You're okay," she breathed.

"Yes. I'm okay. You still haven't answered my question, though."

She swallowed hard to moisten her throat. "Just a nightmare. We all have them."

"Must have been one hell of a nightmare." She gave her a look of suspicion.

"You bet."

@the-lord-enchanter (doesn't have to be a starter just and update)

[the-lord-enchanter]

Edan decided to come check on Melissa before he wound down for bed. His sleep schedule isn't the best. So sue him, he's an enchanter. He felt much better now than he did when he left the infirmary earlier.

"Hello, Melissa. Hello..." He hesitated. He didn't remember the other one's name. "Other girl."

[melissathetherapist]

Melissa waved sheepishly. There was a part of her that was scared this was another demon. Would Addison be able to react quickly enough if she was possessed again since she was so tired? Images of blood and torn flesh flashed through her mind, and she closed her eyes tight, willing them to go away.

"Addison," the blonde girl told him her name. "Edan, right?"

[melissathetherapist]

Aftermath

(Nightmares, losing control of your body, descriptions of violence, and gore)

The thing pretending to be Edan disappeared when she hugged him, seeping into her body. Her head wouldn't budge when she willed it to turn to look around. Instead, a cold voice sounded in her head. "Stupid girl. Easy to grab."

Her tendons stretched and stretched until they snapped with a loud pop. Her throat begged her to scream, to let out some of her pain with the sound, to beg for help. No matter how much she willed it, it was as if some other consciousness forced her out of the driver's seat.

When she thought it couldn't get any worse, her legs bent backward, and she was forced onto all fours. "Humans don't run fast enough," it complained as it changed her muscles around her ankles and feet to its preferences.

She could vaguely hear someone's voice from beyond her door. Addison? Or was it someone else? Finally! Someone who could help! But what if the thing that took over her body sought to hurt this person? No sooner was the door nudged open to reveal Addison did her body leap forward, pouncing on her friend. She could hardly register the terror on her face before she was forced to tear out her throat with her teeth. The taste of her blood and flesh was sickening. The gurgle coming from Addison's throat as she tried to cry out before her eyes went blank made her want to hurl herself off of a cliff.

Her body sprinted out of the cabin and headed straight for the archery range. A little boy, no more than three years old, was not nearly fast enough to run away from her. When she bit into his throat, he didn't last as long as Addison.

She felt a heavy foot pressing into her back, and her body thrashed wildly in protest. Of course, it was Mr. D. She wasn't sure if anyone else could hold down this demon. She could see his mouth moving out of the corner of her eye, but that voice wasn't his. It was far too high and soft for Mr. D. "Wake up!" the voice yelled. "Come on, wake up!"

She woke up with a gasp. The first thing she saw when her eyes adjusted was Addison, her hands placed firmly on her shoulders. "Thank the gods," her friend sighed. "You kept on twitching and whimpering in your sleep. Are you okay?"

Melissa's hand slowly hovered to her friend's neck. No blood. No injuries. The only thing different was that her hair was done into two French braids on either side of her head. She looked exhausted. Had she been watching her this whole time? "You're okay," she breathed.

"Yes. I'm okay. You still haven't answered my question, though."

She swallowed hard to moisten her throat. "Just a nightmare. We all have them."

"Must have been one hell of a nightmare." She gave her a look of suspicion.

"You bet."

@the-lord-enchanter (doesn't have to be a starter just and update)