New Avalon

[accalia]

Sam turns to look back down the alley, plausible deniability is the name of the game, Tears? what tears?

[CalamityJade]

~I don't think he could fight ghosts, if that helps. T, what's going on?~ And there's that feeling of concern again, obviously it wasn't from herself.

[yamikuronue]

~I'm going to be sick,~ she manages to Crys.

"That-- That--" she stammers, struggling to focus. "I'm fine."

[CalamityJade]

~Oh..Did that man do something to you?~ And there's an image of the puzzled person that had been outside the building before T ran.

[yamikuronue]

A vile sense of revulsion rises in T; her mind happily supplying the very images she's trying to keep away. His hands, on her stomach; his lips, against hers. These images provide a facade over the real memories; those remain lost, all she can dredge up a drunken impression and the recreation she's put together over the months following. But she knows.

[CalamityJade]

~He's why you don't have a home?~ There was a feeling of understanding, at least in some part. ~I don't think he recognized you, so you're safe.~

[yamikuronue]

~Yes.~

She breathes deeply, trying to push the memories away. Finally, after a long moment, she stands, shivering, to face Erika. Her voice is much more subdued as she speaks: "Rob's dead."

Erika turns pale, taking a step backward. "What?" she gasps. "Oh no. Oh my god. Is it-- did he-- was he murdered?"

[CalamityJade]

A feeling of comfort and camaraderie. ~If I can see him again, I'll let you know so he doesn't surprise you. Is that something that would help?"

[yamikuronue]

~Yes~. She tries to focus on Erika. "Not by-- not by Perry," she says, correcting at the last moment. "Things have gotten dangerous."

Erika gives a humorless laugh. "Gotten?" She closes her eyes, leaning her head back for a moment, as if searching the heavens for answers. "I suppose you're out, then?"

T hesitates. "Should be," she mutters. It's dangerous as hell, and there's probably no way we can pull it off, but... but...

[CalamityJade]

~Your father might be alive.~ Crys added. ~Besides that, he seems like he was involved and probably not on the side of hurting people.~

[yamikuronue]

~I have to believe he's dead. If he's alive... I can't even imagine how we'd save him. I mean, look at us: Rob's dead, Erika's a flighty little mouse, and I'm worthless.~

[CalamityJade]

~ I don't know Erika, but you aren't worthless. You might be scared and angry a lot of the time, but you still do things because you think they're right, so why would that make you worthless.~

[yamikuronue]

T shakes her head. "I can't do anything for you," she says, out loud.

Erika rubs her temples. "I know that," she says, quietly. "Nobody can. But you can stop this from happening to anyone else."

T laughs, bitterly. "How am I meant to do that?"

Erika shrugs. "I don't know. But I'll help."

[accalia]

"Don't forget me." Sam comments "I want to find the end of this mystery too. So I guess i'm helping too."

[yamikuronue]

T hangs her head. "Okay. Let's go somewhere private and talk."