phantomwolfwhisper: *He rubbed his eyes, stretching a little.* "I wonder if the spell worked..." *he murmured...* "Shall we hunt him down and see?" *He stood and straightened his rumpled clothes, watching Ril for a response. He supposed he could go alone, but he thought she might get some satisfaction out of seeing Red in pain, if the spell had been successful.*

elizabeth_hefty: *A small smile twisted her features.* "Yes. We can take to the sky. It will be safer. Humans hardly look up." *Ril stood and looked at him carefully.* "We will fly."

phantomwolfwhisper: *He looked up sharply.* "I'm sorry.. did you say.. fly? I can do a lot of things no other human can, Ril, but flying is not one of them. Perhaps you were joking?"

elizabeth_hefty: *Ril laughed loudly.* "Erik, I suppose I need to show you something." *She undid the clasp on her cloak and let it fall to the ground. Her shirt was backless, made to let her wings free from restriction. And what wings they were. Large and leathery, almost like a bat’s in appearance. They were black and criss-crossed with silvery blue scars.* "I, however can fly."

phantomwolfwhisper: *He spent a moment simply staring.* "Wow," *he said when he remembered how to speak.* "Those are so cool..."

elizabeth_hefty: *She grinned and stretched them out to their full length.* "Well, they are quite handy at times, but they can also be a burden. Now you know one of the reasons I stay cloaked." *Ril pulled her gloves off and set them on top of her cloak.* "Do you trust me?"

phantomwolfwhisper: *A muscle in his face twitched slightly as the 'trust' word was used. Did she HAVE to hit on the one sore word that would fill him with uncertainty? But he did trust her - didn't he? She wasn't human, they had shared their stories. They had something in common... And he no longer had anything to lose. What the hell, then? Why not?* "Enough, yes."

elizabeth_hefty: "Good. No one has trusted me in what seems like forever." *She held one hand out to him.* "I will hold you while we fly. Do not move unless I instruct you to, or we will both get hurt." *Ril smiled, but the severity of what she was saying was reflected in her eyes.*

phantomwolfwhisper: *He nodded, understanding full well how the instructions of one experienced could mean life or death. He had given such instructions himself, on occasion... He took her hand and prepared himself for flight.* "Ah, Ril... There's a grating in the ceiling, to your left there. It's impossible to get out that way by foot, but it's a straight shot to the sky by flight. You may want to open it."

elizabeth_hefty: *She let go of his hand and hovered the several feet to the ceiling and pushed the grate open to the street. She looked around for a moment and then carefully made her way back down.* "Put your arms around my neck, Erik, and hold on tight." *She smiled and wrapped her arms around his waist.*

phantomwolfwhisper: *He held on tight and closed his eyes, tensing.*

elizabeth_hefty : *She gently lifted off the ground and made her way through the grate. They were in the sky and Erik still gripped her tightly.* "Its all right-you can look." *Ril smiled.*

phantomwolfwhisper: *He opened one eye slowly, never having been in the air like this before. Oh, sure - heights were no problem, but before, he'd always had something solidly attached to the ground under his feet or wrapped in his arms, such as when he was climbing. This... flying... he wasn't quite sure what to make of it. It was a little disconcerting, the possibility of falling... The absolute trust he had to have that Ril would not drop him... He felt his stomach churn a bit. To distract himself, he looked out over the scenery, picking out landmarks. It all looked so small from up here...*

elizabeth_hefty: *For the first time, Ril realized that Erik was a man... It seemed silly now but she had been thinking of him in terms of a human not as, well, a man. But now with his arms around her neck, even though it was of necessity's sake she was quite aware of him. She set down on the roof of a church.* "It's a little different flying with someone else. I need a minute to rest."

phantomwolfwhisper: *In an attempt at humor, he jested,* "Hey, I can see my house from here." *It was true, though... The Paris Opera House was large and the most recognizable building in the area. He let go of Ril, thankful for the solidity of architecture beneath his feet.* "Of course, I'm sorry. If I'd have known we were going to be up in the air like this, I might've made sure I lost a couple pounds." *He shrugged apologetically*

elizabeth_hefty: *She chuckled.* "It's fine really. I'm stronger than most humans, but I still have my limits." *Ril let her gaze travel to the stars-picking out familiar orbs of light in the night sky.* "That one is Kiorda." *She pointed to a star that seemed to be alone... there were no stars around it.* "Now. Which way is the hotel that Red is staying at?"

phantomwolfwhisper: *He looked up at the night sky where Ril glanced, following the line of sight to the star she named. Kiorda... It had an exotic taste to it, but seemed... warm, familiar, as if the star and the name belonged together in a deep and irrevocable way. SO much better that the Latin name... Aurelis Estellar Alpha. He turned at her question, shaken from his pondering. He re-oriented himself, using the opera house, and pointed.* "There... you see that almost golden flash of light? That's the roof of the hotel."

elizabeth_hefty: *Ril looked at the roof of the building.* "Well, it doesn't seem that far off. Are you ready to go?" *She waited a moment before adding,* "And please be a little gentler in holding on. Your grip is quite strong."

phantomwolfwhisper: *He looked somewhat abashed, and laced his arms around her neck more carefully this time, paying special attention to where the force of his weight would be distributed.* "I'm sorry. Ready!"

elizabeth_hefty: *She looked at him for one long moment, then smiled and lifted him into her arms and the sky. They flew for several minutes and Ril concentrated on the direction of the hotel and the night wind blowing in her face.*

phantomwolfwhisper: *He kept his eyes open this time, concentrating on the freedom of being in the sky like this, a part of mother night, with none of the boundaries of the human race or their loathsome society. He smiled slightly, feeling the first bit of joy he had felt since his heart had been cleaved in two.*

elizabeth_hefty: *His face was very close to hers, and Ril could feel the cool porcelain against her cheek.... Why could only she see what a good man Erik was? She sighed lightly and shook her head. They set down on the roof’s edge and Ril quickly moved away from him.* "Do you know which room he is in?"

phantomwolfwhisper: *He snapped back to reality at the sound of her voice, but reality wasn't so much different from that happy state he had found himself in a moment ago. Still flying in the night, held up by strong arms and stronger wings... He turned his head and smiled at her, then turned back to look at the hotel.* "The third floor... I think one of the corner rooms. I'm not sure which one."

elizabeth_hefty: "Let’s rest for a moment and then we'll go looking." *She turned her face into the cool night, hoping to stop the burning blush that was creeping up her neck. The way he smiled at her.... You would think - but no, it couldn't be. She closed her eyes and breathed slowly, thinking. After several minutes Ril turned back to Erik.* "Ok... I'm ready."

phantomwolfwhisper: *He blinked. Had he seen...? But no, of course not. It was just the exertion of flying, that was all. He let go of her, suddenly very aware of the way he had been holding on to her. At that moment, he was glad half his face was hidden beneath the mask. He turned the masked half of his face more towards her, hoping he wasn't blushing. He looked out at the houses, a familiar view from this close to the ground... Rooftops were often his playgrounds when the weather was good. He heard her announce she was ready, and took hold of her again, more careful this time about the placement of his hands and arms.*

elizabeth_hefty: *She swallowed lightly and forced herself to relax in his arms. It was fine, they were just flying.... it didn't mean a thing. Couldn't. Ril slowly flew around the building until they found the room. It was one of the few that was still lit... and a man stumbled around inside. She set down on the windowsill and put one hand on Erik’s back.* "Careful-its a long drop."

phantomwolfwhisper: *He bent his knees slightly and secured his fingers in holds on the side of the building. He was accustomed to clinging like this, and the drop didn't scare him. He felt more in his element now, now that the new experience of flight was behind them. He felt her hand on his back, and smiled a little over towards her. He knew it was just to stabilize him... How could she know he didn't need it? But still. He nodded his head.* "I think I've got it from here. Thanks." *He peered inside the room, thankful for something to do so he wouldn't have to awkwardly look away.* "That must be some party in there..." *There was a bitter edge to his voice. He despised people who acted in such a manner, even more than he hated humanity in general.*

elizabeth_hefty: *She drew her hand away and let it fall to her side. Red was holding his head in both hands and moaning... crying even. Ril looked away. Seeing him in pain didn't bring the satisfaction she had hoped for. On the contrary, she almost felt sorry for him.* "I've seen enough."

phantomwolfwhisper: *He watched the man from the window, feeling a burning, acidic hatred for that clod. To betray all the good things he had had, to destroy them, to go against everything one loved and become a monster so hideous in spirit that those who once loved you hunted you down for centuries... He could find no sympathy for such a person, not even in the farthest corners of his soul. Mathias - Red - had had everything that he - Erik - had ever wanted... All he had ever longed for... And thrown it away like a piece of filthy garbage. And that's what Red was, in his opinion, a piece of garbage, left to rot and spoil, and the pain Red must feel now did not even begin to make up for what that man owed Ril. A lifetime of such could not even begin. And hatred was something that Erik was very good at. He'd had plenty of practice.*

elizabeth_hefty: *Ril leaned her head against the cool strength of the building. She had loved the man inside that room... although he deserved every second of pain he was now enduring and more, it hurt her to imagine him like that. She closed her eyes and let the hot tears course down her cheeks. If it wasn't for Ixion, she wouldn't be able to go through with it. Her shoulders shook slightly as she cried silently.*

phantomwolfwhisper: *Erik glanced over at Ril, seeing the tears she cried glisten in the starlight. He wanted to take away her pain, but he knew full well what an impossible task that would be. Pain was something that seeped into the fabric of one's soul, leaving scars that would never fully heal, never go away. But it could be avenged. He looked back inside the room at Red. Erik smiled slowly, a feral grin seen only by a few people in his past, an expression that had confirmed in their minds the truth of his demonic nature. His eyes glittered with inhuman malice, and his wiry muscles uncoiled with a ripple. He swung himself up to perch lightly on the windowsill, the night's sweet darkness still preventing any shadow or silhouette from falling inside the building. He pressed his fingers to the glass.*

elizabeth_hefty: *She turned at the sound.* "Erik.. don't, please." *Her voice was soft and pleading.* "I have to kill him. Its my revenge, not yours." *Ril watched his face.. it was changed somehow, and the very look of it sent chills through her soul. "Please, let's just go."

phantomwolfwhisper: *He shifted slightly, turning to look at her.* "I'm not going to kill him, Ril, have no fear of that." *Light glinted sharply from his mismatched eyes, nearly glowing in the darkness.* "I have agreed to help you... to hunt him with you. The kill will be yours, but..." *he looked back through the window.* "... Vampires and traitors are branded for a different kind of hell than that which occurs after death. I have demons from my past, too. Memories that need avenged... But no one remains alive from that time. One vampire is much the same as another... evil bastards..." *His expression pleaded with her, even while retaining that feral edge, his body crouched like an animal ready to spring.*

elizabeth_hefty: *She shook her head slowly.* "Please, Erik. Not now." *Ril held one hand towards him.* "He's in enough pain. Besides, I want him to know that its me who is hurting him. I do want you to help - but not tonight... Please."

phantomwolfwhisper: *He lowered his head, dark storm clouds washing over his features as he tried to process her request and force himself to back off from the dangerous edge he was balancing precariously on in his mind. Red was HER enemy, and she had the right to call the shots when it came to the man's pain. He did not have the right to take this power from her. No matter what demons his mind conjured up to haunt him. No matter what his volatile temper demanded at the sight of those tears... He closed his eyes, seeking the refreshing vast emptiness of night in his mind. Slowly, slowly, his features softened, his posture relaxed, the thrill of the hunt faded. The hatred still remained, though, a smoldering coal burning deeper with time, glowing hot and constant. He knew it would not go away anytime soon. He stood up, shifting a foot to gain himself more secure balance. Deep breaths pumped clean, crisp air into his lungs and cooled his sweat-slicked skin. He remained a moment more in silence, then opened his eyes and faced Ril. He was himself once more, the monster hidden deeper within than any mask could cover.* "Fine. Let's go."

elizabeth_hefty: *Ril smiled, relieved that he had done as she had asked. Carefully, she wrapped her arms around him, then hesitated a moment. If she were to do what she wanted to at this second in time.... It would change things.... Hell with caution.* "Thank you, Erik." *She kissed his cheek, savoring the feel of his skin against her lips, and then quickly lifted into the night sky. She was almost sure that he wouldn't speak.... at least until they were stopped.*

phantomwolfwhisper: *Pain ripped through him at this brief, yet tender touch. It was not a pain of the body, not a physical pain to be treated and endured, embraced, but a pain of the soul. Even as Ril lifted him into the dark, inky void of the night, he gritted his teeth against it. His heart carried so many wounds... Some covered with tender scars, some barely through bleeding. He knew it was foolish to make so much of such a small thing, such an innocuous gesture... But even so, hidden memories, and fresh ones, burst to the fore with anticipation of haunting loss. There was so little that stayed, in his life, so little permanence... He had thought he had steeled himself against such transitory things as people, to a point, at least. He forced himself to stop thinking about it. There was no meaning where none was expressed, he reminded himself. What did it matter that - no, he had no thoughts. None. Without a flood of words tumbling through his mind, the pain could fade, could join in the flood that already besieged his soul, and be ignored. There was nothing to be considered, nothing to be analyzed, nothing to be hurt over. There was nothing. He willed his soul to become harder, allowing the endless void of night that whooshed past him in the wake of Ril's wings to empty himself of emotion, and as much as possible, feeling. He did not speak, and barely looked around during the journey back to the Opera House. *

elizabeth_hefty: *She forced herself to continue flying, not stopping as she had the first time. Ril gritted her teeth against the pain shooting through her arms. The better to fight off the torment in her mind. Fool. Why did you do that? He's human. Do you think it matters whether he is different or not? He is still human. He couldn't care one whit for you. The truth hit her suddenly and she wavered in her flight pattern. You're falling in love with him. Foolish, foolish child. When they reached the Opera House, Ril set Erik on the ground and flew up to the grating, taking her time replacing it.*

phantomwolfwhisper: *Erik felt Ril's exhaustion during the final stretch of their flight, and wondered why she did not stop for rest, as she had before. Her flight pattern veered suddenly, and he tensed, wondering if she was going to fall from the sky. When they finally reached the Opera House, she left immediately to fasten the grate, and he took the opportunity to compose his features. Best to pretend there was nothing out of the ordinary, that nothing at all had happened. After all, if she wasn't going to mention it, why should he? Noticing that she had left her cloak, gloves, drawing notebook, and the spell-book on his table, he gathered them up neatly and moved them into a corner of the table nearer the door, and less shadowed. He removed himself then to his room, the door to which was finely crafted to blend into the surrounding wall. He didn't care if she stayed or went... He had guest rooms, after all... But then, Ril's apartment with Mme. Giry might be just the thing she needed right now.*

elizabeth_hefty: *When she was on the ground once more, Erik was nowhere to be found. Ril sighed somewhat heavily and began to gather her things.* "Stupid.. What a fool you are." *She muttered to herself as she pulled the gloves on and slipped into the cloak. Her hand lingered on the book but she decided to leave it. He was just learning to read it after all. Some practice would be needed.*

phantomwolfwhisper: *He could hear faint mutterings through the wall, but could not make out any more than the voice that spoke them. His eyes fell on the pipe organ that covered most of one wall - his personal one, smaller and more finely-tuned than the massive giant in the main chamber. Sometimes, he would play scores and floods of music on this musical novelty, even for days on end when the pain was bad, or the nightmares. He shook his head. The music in his soul was dead now, had died and left him cold and empty inside. He couldn't have imagined it would be so lonesome... *

elizabeth_hefty: *Ril stood, rooted to the spot for several moments, unsure what to do. If only they could talk about it... But no, there was nothing to talk about. She had made a mistake and would regret it. She had lost a friend. Ril took a deep breath and made her way back to Madame Giry's apartment, lost in thought.*