badfic_manor | (no subject)

*after the weeks he'd had, Charles would love to enjoy the days of peace that followed the angels. He'd recognized that the angels themselves has disappeared, or at least permanently become statues, and normally he'd be able to rest in relief, but...

But the other presence had only gotten worse, and for two days he's been in a constant state of tense. Helping Sam hadn't decreased the feeling, in fact, forcing his way past images of hell only made it worse. Not that he ever came close to regretting that. The man desperately needed help, and Charles thought he was doing a good job in keeping him from mentally imploding.

And yet...this presence was creeping along him, feeding off the pain, and the anxiety Charles experienced building that wall.

He hasn't been able to sleep, so he'd made himself a cup of coffee and holed up in the library with a book, where he can be found now. It was quite as familiar as his own library, but big enough that he felt he could make himself right at home sitting here for a few hours. The books in front of him were a lengthy set of research journals based on the reality and physics of a world he'd never heard of, so Charles was pouring over the text in an effort to distract himself from the feeling of Impending Doom.

Feel free to come across him and realize this man hasn't had a decent night's sleep since the month started.*

((presuming this happens sometime after Charles finishes helping Sam))

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Almost two months if I recall correctly. I could be wrong, the last few weeks have been...stressful. *he opens the kitchen door and puts down his books in order to make another pot of coffee.*

Which is why you look so tired?

[ The kitchen isn't like the one back in the Mansion, so Erik spends a good moment looking around him, like a caged animal for a moment, gaze suspicious. ] Say I believe you, why would that be?

Edited 2011-10-24 20:33 (UTC)

Indeed.

*he sets the pot to start and turns around, unsure of how to explain*

Things happen here. Things that even I can't explain. This week we were being chased by some sort of creature that can only move when nothing is looking at it. The week before we were haunted by ghosts. And before that I'd lost my power entirely for the week. It was...unsettling.

*he'd spent at least a day huddled in his shower cause the sound of the water running was better than the overwhelming silence of being alone. 'Unsettling'.*

You lost your power? [ His eyes widen slightly, not entirely sure why he'd dream that up. Charles' power has always been fascinating to him, beautiful in its frightening quality.

Funny how that's what he's latching on to. ]

It was terrible. For the first time in my life I'd been completely alone in my head. *he closes his eyes in an attempt to fend off the feeling of helplessness* I thought I was the only one left.

[ With just the hint of concern. ] It's back now?

Yes, though right now I'm afraid I'm debating whether that's a good thing or not.

[ Erik knows they're enemies, he should walk out of this room right now, but if this is a dream, then he's imagined the wreck of a man before him. He sighs, takes over the coffee, points to the table in a clear sign that Charles should sit.

Softly. ] Explain.

*He chuckles and sits down, rubbing his temple. It's obvious that it's more of a soothing motion than one to concentrate his power.*

You'll think I'm crazy, but the fog is alive.

[ He'd looked out the window before, knows what Charles is talking about. ] How so? Is it a part of someone?

I don't know. There's just something out there. Something...dark. I can't block it out, but at the same time I can't get a better read on it. It's not human.

Like us? [ Erik pours the coffee into mugs, lifts one to place right in front of Charles before leaning back against the counter top. He still thinks this is a dream, but he can't quite quash the defensive way he stands, his arms crossed over his chest. ] Or something worse.

*you and Raven help make his life run properly.

He takes a cautious sip of the coffee and watches Erik.*

Worse, if I'm not mistaken. With people like us I can at least tell what they are thinking. This...thing...is just alive. There is no thought to it that I can read.

And it's like nothing you've encountered before?

[ It's a little alarming, even if Erik doesn't attest to the immediacy of it all. ] You're certain it's not just fancy?

*he shakes his head*

It wasn't here until this week, and had just recently gotten worse. I have quite the headache.

*and that is the main reason why he's not taking the off time from horror month to sleeeeeep*

Something predominantly psychic then? Or is anyone else affected?

[ Curious how quickly he morphs back into the old companion and team-mate, expression laden down by worry even with the helmet on. ]

*you have no idea how much that puts him at ease*

Possibly? I haven't been able to discuss it with anyone before you found me.

If it's worrying you, it should be looked into. Anything with enough power to work past yours should be a concern.

I agree. *and yet, he still won't do it. This place is beyond him, he's afraid to admit. If it is gathering up its power to unleash something truly terrible on them, there is little he could do to stop it.

The only option was to prepare oneself for the inevitable fight, so to speak*

[ Quiet, a hint of exhaustion to his voice. ] I still don't think this place is real.

I am sorry, my friend. Would that I could show you it was. To be brutally honest I am not entirely sure you are really here either, but I have no other explanation.

I very much doubt you'd dream this up - [ A fingertip dragging along the sharp drop of his helmet. ] - No matter how bad things got.

*he watches him carefully, taking the chance to study the helmet closely*

It is a rather...intense accessory.

It serves it's purpose, nothing more.

(no subject)

action;

action;

action;

action;

action;

action;

action;

action;

action;

action;

action;

action;

action;

action;

action;

action;

action;

action;

action;

action;

action;

action;

action;

action;