#oursl

[cravesthefire]

2/1/2013 - Erasing TJ Whitlock (Past SL)

Storm (@ABrewingStorm) 

(We had our orders, it had taken too long to find an opening that left us able to move freely, now the night was here and the anxiety was building. I sucked in a heavy breath, my eyes darting over to @SpiritOfGlory before checking our surroundings again)

The atmosphere is unsteady.

(It was feeding off my mood, the pressure had been building as I watched @SpiritOfGlory prepare for the night ahead. Three children's lives were changing, as if all of ours hadn't already. I pulled the apple out of my pack, handing it to @SpiritOfGlory)

Eat, you need your strength.

(I didn't need to push, Sidda knew I was worried about what  tonight was going to cost her. Leaning up against the closest tree, l drop my pack to the ground and slide my hand  along the rough bark, pulling it back slowly I cast a glance@SpiritOfGlory)

This is the place. A few people are stirring, but we're masked.

Church (@SpiritOfGlory)

[I bit into the apple, the crunch seemed to echo with just us here.]

She's restless. I know you can feel it.

[Not that,  that, was my main concern but it didn't help either. I lifted my eyes to the sky, fingertips grazing across my necklace pendant and took another bite.]

You have to control it, @ABrewingStorm. No matter what happens in there. Do you understand what I'm saying?

[He had finally given up, his resolve that I wasn't changing my mind was paid in mother nature's own personal war. My pack rested against my right leg and I gathered it up, the wind picking up as I did.]

Sanek..

[The light from the porch caught my line of sight. The mother, it had to be, appeared before us, her slow walk leading me to believe just as I thought. Mask or not, she could feel it too.]

Storm (@ABrewingStorm)

(Pulling the strap of my bag over my shoulder, I give @SpiritOfGlory a stiff nod of my head, I got what she was saying. My nervous energy was flowing through the area around us, pulling everything and everyone with it. Even if our glamour hid us, my gift was going to cause complications)

I'll control it, Sidda. I said I'd do this, I'm here.

(I wasn't leaving @SpiritOfGlory. I made a vow after we'd lost our parents, I was here.)

The woman's okay, she left. Where do you want to do this?

(The sound of hooves pounding the ground, caught my attention causing me to whirl around and the wind around us to pick up)

@SpiritOfGlory, we  have to get settled, inside. Before the rain starts.

(I could only control it so long, the rain was inevitable)

Church (@SpiritOfGlory)

[I positioned my pack on my arm and nodded slowly. The small trickle of rain had started and I glanced over at @ABrewingStorm, motioning  closer to the porch as my feet carried me there. The common gift we both shared together would only work on my end  for a while but then @ABrewingStorm would be carrying that too on his own.

My apple long been discarded, I placed my hand on the door knob and paused. This was it. No going back now. I looked over my shoulder at @ABrewingStorm, whispering to him in our native tongue for a moment before opening the door, walking inside. That would be the last time I would look at @ABrewingStorm until this was over. Finally over and done.]

Storm (@ABrewingStorm)

 (I strengthened the glamour over us as I grabbed the door @SpiritOfGlory had opened and pulled it gently closed behind us.

I wanted to to take @SpiritOfGlory by the arm and pull her back out of the house. We weren't welcome here. The wood spoke loudly, burning it's opinions into the palm of my hand.

We were trespassers into a world that was not our own. The protective nature of the walls surrounding us screamed that we were not invading a house, but a home.)

Sidda

(My words were a soft response to @SpiritOfGlory's own. She wasn't turning back)

Second floor, hidden passage in the child's room.

(She nodded and kept  moving. Once @SpiritOfGlory was started, I'd have to stand over her, protecting her. I held a few steps behind, holding our glamour, until we reached TJ’s  room and slipped silently inside)

It's not too late.

(But it was. @SpiritOfGlory didn't leave a job unfinished. I found the hidden passage between the children's rooms and guided @SpiritOfGlory inside, willing the pressure in the house to stop dropping)

Church (@SpiritOfGlory)

[I headed up the stairs, my hand trailing up the banister, feeling the first wave hit and assault my mind. @ABrewingStorm's words were falling on deaf ears. A child's laughter as he slid down and landed on his feet at the bottom. Funny thing about houses. They held their own memories too.

A crash of thunder sounded from above and I still kept my eyes trained ahead, finding  the passage that @ABrewingStorm led me to held just enough space for us both, my hand reaching out to grab a shirt from the floor first.

Once inside, I inhaled a shaky breath and exhaled it slowly, letting my true gift take hold. The memories coming to me in tidal waves and this was just the beginning. My bag slipped free of my arm and my fingers curled around the small shirt  and I could feel the material begin to tear in my grasp. This child, his memories weren't as deeply rooted but they were there.

Small glimpses of @SoullessWhit came through and I watched through my mind as I began to alter them. The memories I planted were more of titles and name changes. Quickly dropping it to the floor, I doubled over, slamming my eyes shut.]

I need something else. This wasn't the one..

Storm (@ABrewingStorm)

Damn it!

(I grabbed the torn shirt @SpiritOfGlory dropped and packed it away in my pack, the thunderclaps sounding overhead meant the storm was coming whether I wanted it to or not. @SpiritOfGlory didn't have time to worry about me controlling myself, I had to. I had to at the least keep the rain outside of the house. I doubted with what @SpiritOfGlory was going through, that our glamour could mask an indoor flood.)

Stay.

(I grasped @SpiritOfGlory's shoulder, shaking it gently as I stood and moved out of the passage. She had to keep her strength up)

I'll find something.

(I moved through the room, the air thickening with my every step,  looking for that one item of TJ’s  that would give @SpiritOfGlory what she needed.)

Papers?

(I didn't turn around to get @SpiritOfGlory's approval, instead I grabbed the stack off  TJ’s' desk, a photograph of two children playing, and a book off the shelf. Flipping open the book, my eyes fly open in disbelief that this was Tj’s, I didn't want @SpiritOfGlory to have to see this)

I've got it.

(Steadying my resolve, I take the book and wrap my fingers firmly around it, carrying  it, the pictures and papers back into the pathway where @SpiritOfGlory was waiting)

Take your time, Sidda. This isn't going to be pleasant.

(I used our native tongue with @SpiritOfGlory as I handed her the photograph first)

You might be able to get @EvilLilGris from the photograph, @SpiritOfGlory. Don't touch the book first.

(I slid my back down the wall, coming to sit next to Sidda, my hand resting on her arm, knowing how dangerous things were going to get once @SpiritOfGlory touched the book)

Church (@SpiritOfGlory)

[Take your time, @ABrewingStorm had said when my hands clasped around the photo. @EvilLilGris memories flooded in and I couldn't help lean my head back against the wall as @ABrewingStorm slid down beside me. She was so young, her memories vibrant and and colorful. With each passing one, I swiped each thought with a new one.

As before, I could feel the affects of my gift taking their toll. I let the photo slip from my grasp and with a trembling hand I reached  for TJ’s  book, the first of many of his memories slamming into me like lightning. Bile rose in my throat and as I fought the images that came to my mind.

A man standing over TJ, his luring evil stares and then another of a woman being killed. Tears brimmed my eyes and they fell closed once more, swallowing thickly as my gift started to turn each one into a happier one.

Memory after memory, image after image, I tried  to get my body to stop shaking until I nearly blacked out, each one worse than the last.]

Oh God, Sanek.

[My words fell from my lips as the last of the memories gave way and I felt my breath leave my body in a rush as the storm descended upon us, the book falling to the floor.]

Storm (@ABrewingStorm)

(Ripping the book from @SpiritOfGlory's fingers wasn't something I could do. Interrupting her, no matter how horrifying this was would have only caused more damage. To @SpiritOfGlory and TJ. I knew this was too much.

Grumbling I stand over Sidda, holding onto the glamour we'd put around us, my own gift pulling at me, begging me to silence the storm I was creating. I couldn't stop the storm anymore than I could reach out and comfort @SpiritOfGlory.

The walls around us sucked in, and heaved out  it's next breath as @SpiritOfGlory called out my name, I stood up, holding onto what little resolve I had as the house started to shake. The gentle drops of rain that had caressed our skin outside were hitting the window panes with all the fury I felt inside.

I glanced around the small passage between the children's rooms, noting the floor had dampened, if I didn't gain some control soon the wind that was ravaging the outside of the house would soon be joining us inside)

I'm here, Sidda.

(I bent down, kneeling in front of @SpiritOfGlory at the same time the book fell from her fingers, a loud exhale escaping as I took @SpiritOfGlory's chin in my hand, lifting her face up to look at me)

You're alright.

(I wasn't sure she was, but I wasn't going to let anything happen to her, not now, not ever)

It's over.

(I lowered @SpiritOfGlory's chin, dropping my hand to gather the book and shove it into my pack, my eyes never leaving@SpiritOfGlory)

Now we wait.

(I tried to smile though Sidda couldn't see me, I was trying to calm the rage, the anger that had seeped into and out of me while watching over @SpiritOfGlory)

I've got your honey whenever you're ready.

(I pulled @SpiritOfGlory's jar of honey from her pack, and the spoon I often saw shoved into her mouth, setting both on the floor in front of @SpiritOfGlory, knowing we couldn't leave until she recovered enough to leave the house)

It's storming, Sidda. I'm sorry.

( @SpiritOfGlory knew I couldn't control it, but I did try)

Church (@SpiritOfGlory)

[I slumped forward, trying to reach for the only lifeline I had left. My honey. Oh but how it was still so far out of my reach, the weight of my action, my gift had stripped me completely until I was gasping for breath.

@ABrewingStorm’s  words came to me in  far away melodies until he lifted my chin. My throat bone dry as my voice was hoarse.]

I...

[Failed him. I could feel my energy being sucked away like the air in this small passage. With every breath that I tried to take into my lungs it felt like I was choking. Choking on each memory that I took tonight.]

Storm (@ABrewingStorm)

Don't try to talk.

(I pounded my fist into the wall behind @SpiritOfGlory, my anger rising with each gasp she took, tree limbs were dropping to the ground with each new thought I had. It had been too much, @SpiritOfGlory, took in too much and all I could do was stand over her and wait)

You didn't fail. You finished it, @SpiritOfGlory.

(Reaching into my pack, I pulled out a bottle of water, twisting the cap open before setting it down next to @SpiritOfGlory and grabbing the jar of honey, opening it the same)

You carried out our orders. TJ is now Thaddeus Julian Grisnoire, son of Bells and Gabe. You did your job, @SpiritOfGlory.

(I rest one hand on @SpiritOfGlory and the other on the wall behind her, speaking softly to both, reassuring them both that the worst was over and the storm would calm again.)

You didn't fail.

(I lifted my hand, picking up @SpiritOfGlory's spoon and honey jar, dipping the spoon into the jar before offering it to @SpiritOfGlory. How many times had she fed me to calm the storm?)

We can go now.

Church (@SpiritOfGlory)

[The moment I felt the honey hit my tongue it was as if all circuits fired off at once and I started nodding, finally grabbing the water. If I was going to die from this it wasn't going to be stuck inside these thin walls. I would take my death in the rain.

I may have gotten the job done, our orders carried out but I still wasn't out of the woods yet. For every memory I took and replaced, I kept.]

Those children have one mother and one dad. The same.

[I downed the rest of the water and took another spoonful that @ABrewingStorm offered, pushing back the memories and replacing them with ones of our own. Our parents. My memories.]

Burn it, @ABrewingStorm, I can't touch it again.

[I staggered to my feet, leaning back against the wall.]

Storm (@ABrewingStorm)

It's in my pack.

(It was hitting @SpiritOfGlory all over again, everything she'd taken tonight she was reliving and I wanted to make hell pay for it, everyone around us pay for it. I tugged at the ties on my pack, securing the items in it before slinging it over my shoulder)

Lets get out into the surrounding forest, Sister. You'll heal faster.

( I couldn't do more for @SpiritOfGlory while in this house. I reach out, offering Sidda my arm)

Let me help you. I can carry you.

Church (@SpiritOfGlory)

[And I took it. I wrapped my arm around @ABrewingStorm's, leaning on him for leverage as my pack hung loosely from my shoulder. We made it halfway down the staircase before my legs started to go out and in one sweeping move @ABrewingStorm was carrying me the rest of the way. He was right. The closer we were to our element the better the chance I had of coming out of this.

Lightning crashed and thunder boomed around us and it wasn't until we were outside the front door that I took in smell of the rain into my nose, letting the scent soothe me as best it could. Taking a last look at the home now from over @ABrewingStorm's shoulder, I thought about the children inside. Especially one child in particular]

Storm (@ABrewingStorm)

(This would plague @SpiritOfGlory for awhile, it wasn't the kind of thing we could just erase and let go. There was a process, like with nature, when there was destruction, there had to be healing. I carried@SpiritOfGlory in my arms, keeping my thoughts to myself until we reached the tree line)

Just a little further, Sidda.

(I cradled@SpiritOfGlory close, dodging the fallen tree limbs as I took us us further into the forest, my own gifts still at war with each other)

You can rest now.

(I lowered @SpiritOfGlory to the ground, propping her up against a large fallen tree trunk and took my place beside her before opening @SpiritOfGlory's pack, pulling out the  the jar of honey and a blanket)

We'll stay here until you're healed,@SpiritOfGlory.

(There was no need to move her further. I could protect her out here, control our glamour better)

Just try to rest.

(I wrapped an arm around @SpiritOfGlory's shoulders, pulling her to rest against me, sighing in relief as @SpiritOfGlory's eyes drifted shut)

Sleep, Sister, we'll find out how wide spread my storm was in the daylight.

(Come daylight we'd see how much destruction I'd caused and just how much healing @SpiritOfGlory had left to do)

[cravesthefire]

12/23/2012 (Past SL)

Church (@SpiritOfGlory) 

[My fingers twitched, curling tight and soon I had made fists. It was always this way when the dreams would start, my breathing labored at first. I remembered as we entered the highway I-35 in Oklahoma, the wind picking up as the lines on road started to blur from the headlights. It was our fifth car, however the Mustang had to have been my favorite.

Drifting off finally, the visions that invaded my mind were bittersweet. “Come on, Siddalee, not again.” @ABrewingStorm and I were so young..The dream taking me back to the last harvest festival before our parents had died. I had wanted him to lift me up just one more time using his gift and I had pouted.

A robbed childhood for the both of us was in our very close future, little we knew at the time. The smile on our mother’s face had broadened her words ringing my ears. “Go on, Sanek, it’s a special day.” I beamed like any child would, my brother, my twin, he was everything to me in that moment.

Reluctantly, @ABrewingStorm gave in, a playful grin on his face as he held his arms up toward the sky and with the use of nothing more than a word spoken, I rose as the wind carried me to the highest point I had ever been. The earth beneath my feet and my hair away from my face, I had smiled down at my family as a laugh escaped my lips.

In a flash, the dream turned like always and there I was on the side of the road, panting out breathes in concession as our parents heart beats had faded. A massacre, we knew that much and the last thing I recalled, the one thing that punctured through to me were @ABrewingStorm words. “Run, Sidda. Run.”

My back held the brands, my markings etched into my skin, of that night. And we had been on the move ever since. Not trusting anyone in our path, not even the Fae.

A bump on the highway jolted me awake and I turned to see @ABrewingStorm, his eyes fixated on the road. I murmured softly.]

I’m sorry.

[For so many things, I thought. The sun would be up soon and my gaze shifted out my window, the trees passing us by. My thoughts racing back to the night @SoullessWhit found me. I wasn’t a newling by any means at that point and it wasn’t  the first time he had requested my services for a mission either.

I had worked with these guys before, only this time it was different. What @SoullessWhit was asking of me was...different. I had wrapped my fingers around the charm that I wore around my neck, my dog tags that I wore that were blank to the naked eye, were attached just beside it.

I thought long and hard before responding to @SoullessWhit’s  request. “You know what that means, right? I can’t change it afterwards..It doesn’t work that way.” It was more something that needed to be said than answered. And he knew what the repercussions of what he was asking meant too.

There was always a risk, life and death, evil and good, hanging in the balance. “Do you know why I call you Church?” The question didn’t really throw me off as we all had code names but I simply nodded to him, finally finding words of my own. “Is it because I’m as quiet as a church mouse?” I had said and his light chuckle only solidified my decision.

He didn’t have to explain any further. I agreed that night and ever since the team had been together; until the recent events. It didn’t go without warning though that @ABrewingStorm let his presence and opinion be known. Not just to me, but to @SoullessWhit as well.

It was a catch 22 really. Even though, I was risking my own life, I was also risking his. But a promise is a promise and if I was going to make it out of this mission, alive, then I was going to keep to my word. I just hadn’t told anyone yet.

The nudge against my shoulder, snapped me out of my thoughts and I turned back to @ABrewingStorm, his eyes intense.]

I know. I can feel it too.

[The moment we had entered Texas, it was like a curtain had been lowered over us. We were getting close. Our final destination within our grasp.]

[cravesthefire]

12/22/2012 (Past SL)

Storm (@ABrewingStorm) 

Keep an eye out, @SpiritOfGlory.

(It wasn't what I wanted to do, but we were running behind. After a small flight, Siddalee and I had no choice but to find some transportation or risk being a day later than what we were supposed to be. I flash @SpiritOfGlory a smile and duck behind another row of cars in a busy theater lot. We had about an hour to put some distance between us and this parking lot.

Crouched down behind another car, I quickly remove the license plate, switching it out with the one from the Mustang we were about to make way in. It didn't take long and I was taking @SpiritOfGlory by the hand and leading her back over to the Mustang.

Whoever owned this beauty was a fool. I grin @SpiritOfGlory as she takes our packs and drops them into the back seat before climbing in)

The older the car, the better.

(What I meant was; the older the car - the less technology inside. Without fail @SpiritOfGlory nodded her approval as I slipped behind wheel and worked my magic to start the car. Theft, just one of the many  laws we were breaking since our team had split and gone rogue.)

You should sleep.

(We'd been moving non stop for days. @SpiritOfGlory needed rest just like anyone else. I do my best to smile @SpiritOfGlory as I maneuver the Mustang out of the parking lot and on to  the highway. I didn't want to let on that I required the time to think. I wasn't happy about the things to come once @SpiritOfGlory  and I hit Texas.

Our meeting location was to be made tomorrow. I force a smile on my face for @SpiritOfGlory, my mind still drifting  to everything I was about to lose and the fact that it was my sister scheduled to take it from me.

@SpiritOfGlory had no choice. It was her job. If that was supposed to make it easier for me, I wasn't feeling it yet. I was losing Noel already. That was a fact by  now, but at the end of all of this, if @SpiritOfGlory couldn't take it, I'd be losing her too.

I hold my hand out and take an apple from @SpiritOfGlory, biting into it as I push the gas pedal down. It was late, traffic was light, a few hours and we could stop and change out the license plates again. We'd dump the car before we ever hit the bolt hole. Keeping all of us safer)

Got the throw aways?

(I figured she did. @SpiritOfGlory and I had disposed of all our previous gear and changed identities twice since we'd been on the go. Disposable phones were just another addition to the changes. Pick a new one up, throw out the old. If someone wanted to follow our trail, we weren't going to make it easy.)

Sleep, Sidda, tomorrow we hit the bolt hole.

(and you wipe out everything I have outside of this team. The only thing I have outside of@SpiritOfGlory. I didn't say it out loud, but my thoughts were screaming loud enough that @SpiritOfGlory had to have noticed. One more day and they take it all away.)

[cravesthefire]

12/19/2012 (Past SL)

Church (@SpiritOfGlory)

[Keep moving, I told myself and that's exactly what I did. Not only physically, but mentally as well. Flashes of the past were still ever present as my feet shuffled against the ground.

It was a relief, a luxury if you will, to feel the grass against my bare feet, dirt pooling between my toes and I zeroed in on@ABrewingStorm to my left. My twin had been on edge since we split up.

The weight of words had been heavy as we disbanded, our orders clear and direct. A storm had been coming and not just the kind that were produced by emotions. Sleep had been short lived and the amount of coverage, @ABrewingStorm and myself had made was a lot quicker than I expected.

Our first stop, the Olympic peninsula, Washington. Our packs, having been stashed away, below ground and I had a feeling that part of the problem was that @ABrewingStorm and I had been digging all day.Not that it mattered now, I thought as I shoved a spoonful of honey into my mouth. I needed my strength for what was coming  up.

I licked the spoon clean and found myself perched up on a tree like a damn bird, eyes lowering down on @ABrewingStorm once more.]

You're worrying for nothing.

[The words fell from my lips in a whisper. If it was reassurance @ABrewingStorm sought, I would give it to him freely and without question.

Truth be told, it was him I was more worried about. He wasn't here for the same reasons  I were, that much was apparent. @SoullessWhit knew that much. But it didn't change the fact that he knew what he signed up for.

I pursed my lips, seeing @ABrewingStorm throw the shovel down hard to the ground just as lightning struck from above. Ah yes,  let the games begin.]

  Storm (@ABrewingStorm)

Or maybe you just take everything too lightly?

(I threw the shovel down, my eyes cast up at @SpiritOfGlory as she sat perched in a tree.  I had been holding a tight reign on my emotions since the group had split. @SoullessWhit had given the order and we'd disbanded like a group of gypsies into the night.

@SpiritOfGlory was my only concern and she couldn't take this seriously. I'd do my  job, but @SpiritOfGlory had to know this was just us reliving our past. We'd become the main characters in a tale long told. We'd become our parents. Whether @SpiritOfGlory wanted to recognize it for what it was or not, we were repeating history.)

This isn't a  joke, Siddalee.

(my hand flew up into the air to point @SpiritOfGlory as another bolt of lightning came down, the thunder close on it's tail)

This is going to take everything out of you. Maybe you should worry more, @SpiritOfGlory? I'll have to stand over you and babysit until you're able to move again. It's not only that...

 (I narrow my eyes into thin slits @SpiritOfGlory, she had no idea how hard it was to sit back and watch as she grew weaker by the second.

Gifts came with a price. @SpiritOfGlory was no exception. I could understand all tongues, but I bought a storm forth with my emotions. @SpiritOfGlory was usually behind the storm.

Tonight was no different. I smirk up @SpiritOfGlory as the ground beneath my feet started to rumble, my voice rising with each beat of thunder that drew closer to us. I had very little control over the storm.)

 We might not live through this, @SpiritOfGlory, is it worth it? I won't give you up. I'll die first.

(It pained me to think about it,@SpiritOfGlory was the only family I had left.)

Church (@SpiritOfGlory)

[I stuck the spoon in my mouth to hold it and screwed the lid back on the jar of honey as @ABrewingStorm spoke, his words sinking in and  jumped from the tree, letting the wind carry me down until I landed before him, light as a feather. Pulling the spoon free from my mouth, I gripped the handle tightly, trying to keep my own emotions in check.]

You don't think I knew what @SoullessWhit was asking of me? Or that I haven't thought of the repercussions, Sanek?

[I swallowed thickly, I knew where his head was at and why.]

Do you think I didn't know what I was signing up for? I thought about this before I  agreed to it. @SoullessWhit didn't twist my arm, brother mine.

[Why couldn't he see it? I looked up at the sky above, the stars quickly fading from our view as the dark clouds began their descend. I could feel the ground move beneath my feet just as the rain started to pour. My eyes burned, flashing to narrow as @ABrewingStorm range of emotions were starting to slip.]

Don't be this way, please.

[I spoke softly in our native language, pleading that he could see it my way. Just this once. I hated that after my part of our mission was complete that all I could count on was him, protecting me like he always had. It would be my weakest moment yet. And I knew he wouldn't let me die without a fight.]

Storm (@ABrewingFight)

(The rain had started coming down in heavy sheets, soaking our clothes and matting our hair to our foreheads. I met @SpiritOfGlory 's pleading gaze head on, I loved my sister, my twin, more than anything. I'd give my life for @SpiritOfGlory if she'd only let me and anytime she wouldn't.

@SpiritOfGlory's soft words poured into me sounding more like a melody than anger. It helped, only a bit, to soothe the storm brewing around us. If it continued, the crescendo was going to reach it's climax in the form of a tornado.

The night was capable of getting darker. The storm was capable of growing stronger, stopping everything in it's path, and when it came to @SpiritOfGlory, there was no limit to the storm that could come. It could destroy everything in it's path.)

I know you thought about it, @SpiritOfGlory, that doesn't change what this will do to you. We could leave, right now. We could go rogue. You'd never have to put yourself in danger.

(I knew that was false, the wind picking up @SpiritOfGlory's hair and pushing it around her face let @SpiritOfGlory know I didn't believe my own words. I'd never had much control over this. My emotions were always showing.

I felt the earth shudder beneath my feet as I looked into @SpiritOfGlory's eyes, my hard stare softening minutely as I willed myself to calm down. I never knew if the growing storm could hurt @SpiritOfGlory or myself)

I won't leave you. I'll do whatever you need me to. I'll follow orders, but know my loyalty is to you, @SpiritOfGlory.

(I'd made that vow when our parents had died.)

Church (@SpiritOfGlory)

[He couldn't help it. The rain showered us both and I just stood there, my feet planted firmly on the ground. I also knew what he was asking of me too.

We could do that, go rogue and live out the rest of our days without the weight of the world on our shoulders but that wasn't entirely true either.

We would still always be running, moving, never staying in one place for long. That was the whole reason I signed up for this. Made my life as it were.

My loyalties were to myself, @ABrewingStorm and to @SoullessWhit, the team that depended on me. On us. We had heard the news of Jinn and I knew that didn't sit well with @ABrewingStorm. Which was more the reason it brought this whole conversation on.

My clothes were soaked and I reached down, grabbing my bag, thankful we found them before the storm had began. After drying my feet and putting my boots on  I turned to @ABrewingStorm, finally finding words. I prayed they were the right ones silently.]

We have to keep moving. If and I mean if things go as planned and I live through this.. If we live through this. I give you my word it will be last.

[I didn't have to spell it out for him. He knew what I meant. I owed him this much but I couldn't let this one go. Not after what happened to our parents. Flashes of the day @SoullessWhit came to me and asked me to be a part of this mission came rushing to the surface and I beat them down just as quickly as they came.]

I mean it, Sanek. You have my word.

Storm (@ABrewingStorm)

(I had @SpiritOfGlory's word. It helped ease the storm brewing in my mind. Brewing was an understatement as the storm had already hit, but it worked to calm what had already been started.

I move forward, stepping around @SpiritOfGlory to put my palm against the tree, speaking gently to it as I rub my palm over the rough bark, the nervous energy flowing from it, burned my hand. This is what I caused when I lost control. Nature became at odds with itself.

The unnatural storm that had just beat it up was going to leave it's mark. A permanent imprint that@SpiritOfGlory and I had been here. An imprint that very few in this world could read or begin to understand. They'd have to be like me. Be able to speak to the trees, the ground, to nature

I give @SpiritOfGlory a curt nod, the wind calming to a soft breeze around us, blowing her hair gently about her face as she continued to get ready for the next leg of our trip.)

We'll finish our mission.

(I pull my jacket off and pick up my pack, a small smile crossing over my face briefly as the rain settled into a slow drizzle. It would take a  little while for the storm to die down.)

Come on, Sister. We've got a long journey ahead.

(I let my face soften, my shoulders relax as I pick up @SpiritOfGlory's pack and hand it to her. This wasn't over yet.)

Church (@SpiritOfGlory)

 [Taking my pack from @ABrewingStorm, I slip the honey jar and spoon inside it and toss it over my shoulder. It would be a while until our next pit stop and I knew that this was just the beginning of many storms that will come between us.

Until this mission  was over and we were both safe, @ABrewingStorm would be on edge and it was me that would be the one to calm him down if I could. I was  risking both our lives with this and if I didn't follow through..If I didn't make it. There would be no stopping the destruction that is Sanek Rane. Nobody could.

I pulled the green apple from my bag, peeling it as we walked and handed to him when I was done.]

You're favorite, brother. I need you strong too.

[And with that, we let the wind carry us down the path.]

[cravesthefire]

October 29, 2012 (past SL)

Church (@SpiritOfGlory)

[I climbed up the rafters and sat down on the cold pipe, my arms hanging over the railing as I peered down at @ABrewingStorm's sleeping form.What a waste. He wasn't even here for the same reasons I was.

I often wondered if that was a hindrance to our mission rather than a help. None the matter though. @ABrewingStorm was my twin. My last surviving family member. And I knew he would always follow after me. My protector, I suppose. Not that I needed it. We fought more than we got along.

Also it was a sight to see too. The rain showering and pouring down on the whole unit. It wasn't like @ABrewingStorm could help it unfortunately. His emotions were tied to the Earth. A "special gift" only for him.

Sadness plagued me at times because it wasn't supposed to be this way. It was my choice to live this life not his. And although he was choosing to live this life with me, I often felt like I was robbing him of something more.

God, I missed the sun. The fucking woods, really. Trees. Nature. Fresh goddamn fruit whenever we wanted. And I was running low on honey too. I knew it pissed off the fucker @PlayedByAWere when I would take off at night when it was my downtime in search of anything besides these MREs we were "blessed" with.

However, I didn't find it odd in the least that@SoullessWhit never said anything to me about it. Part of me thought we had an understanding after all the years we worked together in the past.

I was always cautious with my surroundings.  Never once did I ever put the unit in danger. Call it Fae intuition. I laughed softly to myself at my little joke and dug in my bag, looking for the green apples I had found.

Taking one out I bit into it, chewing as I looked around. Only a few more hours and I could sleep. Regardless of how peaceful it would be. I ate the rest of my apple in complete silence. And it was golden.]