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Post by rachelhitsujii on Jul 24, 2012 16:02:40 GMT -5
"Well I guess that's alright then," I said. "Since you have the week off, and I have the day off, would you like to hang out with me? It would be nice to get to know you more," I told her, adding to myself, 'And I might learn stuff about Maxwell from you too!'
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 24, 2012 16:07:44 GMT -5
Veronica was shocked. She'd never seen Maxwell lose control like this before. Desperate, she sent several stinging hexes at him as her mind attempted to enter his. She was convinced Vance was dead already. It wasn't an issue, Chris would cover it for them.
"Legilamens!" she said, pointing her wand at Maxwell,
Her legilamency forced her into Maxwell's mind. She knew better than to sift through all his memories and try and remind him of who he was. Instead she grabbed the first memory she could find that looked happy, and shoved it at the forefront. It was of a women with dark curls, sitting at a cafe and staring at him with big open eyes. She hoped this would remind Maxwell of his humanity he had apparently forsaken in anger.
Tehe, wonder who the women is..
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 24, 2012 16:10:04 GMT -5
Alice was surprised by Violet's offer, and rather pleased.
"I can't go too far from the ministry. I believe the person I'm living with will want to take me home, but we can definitely have lunch together. I'd like to know more about you too and become friends," said Alice with a happy smile.
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Post by rachelhitsujii on Jul 24, 2012 16:20:10 GMT -5
"Oh ok," I replied, slightly disappointed that we couldn't spend the day together. "How about we go to a restraunt just down the street from the visitors entrance then, instead of the lunchroom. There is more privacy this way, and the food is much better; they serve indian and western style dishes there."
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 24, 2012 16:22:56 GMT -5
"That sounds lovely! We can take as much time as we like, I'm not sure when I have to go," explained Alice.
She began walking to the elevator.
"So, what's your plan for the articles you're going to write?" asked Alice conversationally.
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Post by rachelhitsujii on Jul 24, 2012 16:30:33 GMT -5
I followed Alice as she made for the elevator. "I plan on having a series that list examples of every possible kind of interaction people have to each other. Kind of like a phychological analysis of the situations, I guess you could call it, but written in simpler terms."
We entered the lift and started to head towards the Atrium. "I have always been fascinated by the way people get along, don't get along, or stay neutral towards one another. I sometimes even find myself wishing I could get in their heads and see why they react that way to certain people."
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 24, 2012 16:39:08 GMT -5
Maxwell stopped at once, as the memory came to him. The woman in the memory was his own, dearly departed mother. Only, she was quite a few years younger, and had a happier, healthier glow to her. Next to her was his father. Both his parents looked the picture perfect of physical perfection - it must have been a time before the phoenix's curse started to eat away at their bodies. And there he was, a younger, happier Maxwell. He couldn't have been older than seven or eight. The three of them sat in the familiar surroundings of the Solei Cafe, sharing a tray of their favorite treat - Raspberry Delights. This was a weekly thing that they used to do. He couldn't recall the conversation itself, only that it was pleasant and they were laughing.
---
Maxwell came to his senses quite suddenly, and the magic that he was using died down. "Thank you." he murmured to Veronica, completely startled. He hadn't meant to lose control of himself like that.
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 24, 2012 16:51:26 GMT -5
Alice listened in awe of the other girl. She sounded so firm and impressive as she explained her career. She was fascinated by Violet's idea.
"Wow! That sounds hard!" said Alice, "What relationships are on your list currently to examine? And how do you even get the information?"
Veronica nodded to Maxwell. He seemed much calmer now. Veronica checked her watch. It was almost one pm. They had spent seven hours teasing and taunting the men with pain. She looked at Vance. His skin, blood, and organs had been stripped off, and all that was left was an ashy skeleton.She looked at Maxwell with grim worry.
"Perhaps we should give the last one quick pain and then continue to interview Vladmir? I believe you wish to know more about the Alice situation?" asked Veronica, "Don't worry about the corpse, I'll deal with it."
Before letting Maxwell decide, she borrowed a needle and stuck it into Mitch. He descended into a similar frenzy as Travis had. The only difference being he was tied up. Within seven minutes, he was nothing anymore.
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 24, 2012 16:58:02 GMT -5
"A good idea, Veronica." he mumbled, too numb to feel anything. He didn't take any pleasure in Mitch's death. "And thank you."
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 24, 2012 17:06:01 GMT -5
"I'll fetch Vladmir and remove the living goons," she said, using a charm thst connected to the men's bindings to remove them from the vincinity.
Within minutes, she was strolling back with Vladmir. He was a short, balding man with pockmarks on his face, and beady little eyes. She sat him down in the dungeon room as Maxwell remained blank.
"Would you like to ask the questions? I can handle the torture," suggested Veronica. Vlsdmir was after all Maxwell's prisoner.
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 24, 2012 17:14:25 GMT -5
"I think that would be the best way to deal with things." he said blandly. He glanced at the pathetic man that had been tormenting Alice for a time.
"What connection does Alice have to you?" he inquired.
Instead of answering, Vladmir defiantly glared at him. "That is between myself and her. I don't have to tell you anything!"
Maxwell crossed his arms. "You do and you will. Now talk."
Vladmir sneered. "Make me."
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Post by rachelhitsujii on Jul 24, 2012 17:17:35 GMT -5
"It's not really that hard," I said, feeling a blush creeping onto my cheeks. "I don't have a list of particular people who I want to study, I kind of just observe everyone and write notes about it in my head, until I can write it down later."
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 24, 2012 17:21:30 GMT -5
"I'd be delighted to," said Veronica, crossing over. She placed her wand near Vladmir's neck, and then trailed down.
"Diffindo!" she hissed, slicing across his chest. "Crucio!"
She let Vladmir writhe in pain for several minutes before letting him go.
"Now?" she asked.
"My business is none of yours, bitch," he spat.
Veronica stepped it up a bit.
"Sectumsempra!" she hissed. A large, deep gash cut from Vladmir's shoulder, just to near his heart.
"Willing to cooperate? I hope you realize, it's death either way for you, either by us, or by the jury," she said. She was impatient. Maxwell didn't look to good, and her friend needed to be relaxed.
"Fine. But on one condition," he said, glaring at the two. "I don't get the death penalty."
Veronica glanced at Maxwell. It was his call.
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 24, 2012 17:23:37 GMT -5
Alice nodded at Violet's explanation.
"Looks like we're at the Atrium," said Alice, walking out. "Where was this place you were talking about?"(sorry it's short, my brain's overworking itself  )
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 24, 2012 17:26:44 GMT -5
Maxwell nodded his agreement. To be honest, the last thing he wanted was to deal with more death. If he hadn't been so numb, it would have been a tougher decision. Besides, it would be worse to let the man live and watch as his empire crumbled around him.
"Tell me everything, and that might just be arranged."
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Post by rachelhitsujii on Jul 24, 2012 17:30:33 GMT -5
(Don't worry about it, mine is too)
"Oh the restraunt is just through the visitors entrance and around the corner," I explained, heading in that direction. "Although you can reach it through the main entrance, it is a much further walk. Which way would you prefer?"
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 24, 2012 17:39:21 GMT -5
Veronica watched Vladmir squirm. Classic Alpa male, he didn't like losing control.
"It's her parents who I knew. Brilliant Healers, they were very curious individuals. They had conducted numerous studies in their labs, but they wanted more. They desired to know more about Healing. I met them many years ago, and offered them a loan to start their own lab. This they did. They studied small creatures first, cats, crups, knarls. Things that nobody cared if they went missing. Things they could get alone.
They had a daughter a few years after their lab started. At this time, they grew more thirsty. I loaned them a team of skilled snatchers. They moved to study bigger creatures. Acromantula, unicorns, chimaeras. And as their girl grew up, so did their curiosity. They studied humans, heliopaths, goblins, vampires, veelas. Anything. They're last study had been phoenixes, dementors, mermen and werewolves. They learned all they could about these creatures.
Of course, the law prohibited their studies, so they made no real money, and their information stayed private. They paid for my assistance out of their pockets. Soon enough, a group of magical creatures caught wind and eradicated the girl's home and parents. Everything was gone, the lab, the money, the information. And the model citizens and mad scientists owed me money. I figured I could get the money from the girl. Her family was after all a huge investment," explained Vladmir.
Veronia froze. The man was a moron. Did he have any idea what Alice could be capable off?
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 24, 2012 17:46:15 GMT -5
"The shorter direction is easier," babbled Alice with a nod. "Do you eat there often? I've never been before. Maybe you could write an article about restaurants and their place in social communication. I mean, it helps build a stronger relationship. Last night I found that talking to Maxwell at a restaurant was so much easier since I didn't feel like he was a respected ministry offical anymore, but just a noble man."
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 24, 2012 17:49:09 GMT -5
"So, you chose to extort money from her, when she had hardly anything for herself?" Maxwell asked, as he started to feel again; a trickle of interest, a sliver of assurance that he'd done the right thing, satisfaction at knowing that he was right all along, and a deep disgust for him. "A innocent young girl who'd lost her parents, and you decided it would be a good idea to make her pay a debt that wasn't her's?" He felt a small spike of anger. "You're pathetic." he glanced at Veronica. "I think we're done here. Unless you have any more questions?"
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 24, 2012 17:55:11 GMT -5
"Not at all," said Veronica with disgust. "I'll have him escorted to his cell. Meet me in my office after!"
She picked up Vladmir and moved him to his cell. Her mind was contemplating the new girl. Alice. Was she something more? Dropping the man off, she headed towards her office, heels clicking on the ground.
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Post by rachelhitsujii on Jul 24, 2012 18:00:55 GMT -5
I nearly came to a dead halt, but my step only faltered slightly, at the mention of Alice and Maxwell having dinner. 'They must have gone to that café they were talking about at lunch,' I thought. As we headed towards the visitor's entrance, I said, "I go ther every now and then, it's a lovely place called Raymondo's Restraunt. No I hadn't thought of writing about how restraunts play an important part of social comunications, but now that you mentioned it, maybe I can write an article about it, and I can use our time together as a reference and example?" I asked, quickly adding, "And maybe you can tell me about your time last night and I can use that too, only if you don't mind of course."
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 24, 2012 18:03:28 GMT -5
"Not at all," said Alice, pleased to help. She'd omit the darker aspects of last night to share the happier moments. "Let's take a seat and order something to eat. Feel free to ask me any questions you'd like."
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 24, 2012 18:07:28 GMT -5
This had been a long, trying day for Maxwell. He was tired, both physically and emotionally. And having slept very little last night, it was a wonder he'd been awake at all. But, he couldn't leave the Ministry yet. There were still matters he needed to attend to.
His thoughts drifted toward the battle that was taking place in the Forbidden Forest, and the fact that his son was out there, risking his life in order to uphold his own ideals. Hopefully, it wouldn't actually come down to losing said life. He shuddered at the thought, feeling far older and wearier than he had in quite some time.
For now, he would do the only thing he could - go upstairs and wait.
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 24, 2012 18:14:50 GMT -5
Veronica found Maxwell waiting upstairs. He looked tired, and she felt bad about what she was going to ask. However, if feeling bad had stopped her before, than she wouldn't be half the woman she was today.
"Maxwell, we need to talk about Alice. Do you think she knew what her parents did?" asked Veronica, seeking answers from the man she admired.
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 24, 2012 18:21:06 GMT -5
Maxwell nodded and spoke in a soft tone. "I believe so. The very first thing that peaked my interest was the possibility - I recognized their names on her file." It was rather unusual, how quickly that notion had become so much more. He took a seat upon one of the chairs and sighed, showing actual weakness to Veronica for the first time in a while.
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 24, 2012 18:30:04 GMT -5
"Well, what are your plans for her? She could be a huge asset," said Veronica. "She's lucky that moron had no idea what she could be capable of, what she knows. If anyone with brains found out, well, they'd set about attaining her."
Veronica sat down beside Maxwell, putting an arm on his shoulder. She remembered being in this position so long ago, their roles reversed. He'd urged her to do right by the world. Now it was her turn.
"Maxwell," she began, "That girl doesn't stand a chance all alone. She needs a stronger person to protect her. A stronger person to show her the right path and the real use of her intelligence. She needs someone, some kind of connection. And based on today's events, I doubt you'd want that someone to be filth. Perhaps Brayden is close enough in age to be a support, or maybe someone else. Who do you think will entice her?"
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 24, 2012 18:44:20 GMT -5
Maxwell allowed Veronica's speech to wash over him, and took a small comfort in her words. She had reminded him of why he'd set out to do this in the first place, and everything that was resting on his shoulders. They'd been waiting for a possibility like this for quite some time. It wouldn't be right to squander something so precious.
"For now, I think Cassalina and Brayden are both good choices." he said, after thinking on it for a moment. "Cassalina would be able to understand her in an emotional sense, and has more than enough time to guard her. And Brayden is closer to her age." He smiled in spite of himself. "I think the two of them would be quite taken with each other once they have a chance to talk. I'm not sure if they would be just friends, or something else entirely, but he is suited to care for her."
"And of course, you'll be needed as well. She is far too innocent right now." He continued gravely. "I know that you would be able to give her much needed lessons in how the world works, and know when enough is enough."
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 24, 2012 18:50:33 GMT -5
"Of course I will. All of us will help her," said Veronica. "But what about you? You saved her life last night. She's bound to feel grateful to you. In fact, I bet in her girlishness she views you as her hero. Your going to have to play some kind of role in her life. Cassie's becoming an older sister, Brayden a lover, myself a parent, where does a hero fit in?"
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 24, 2012 19:01:35 GMT -5
"Of course I will. All of us will help her," said Veronica. "But what about you? You saved her life last night. She's bound to feel grateful to you. In fact, I bet in her girlishness she views you as her hero. Your going to have to play some kind of role in her life. Cassie's becoming an older sister, Brayden a lover, myself a parent, where does a hero fit in?"
Maxwell sighed. It was true. All of them seemed to have a role, including Octavius, who could become an older brother to her as well. But what role did a hero have? "I suppose I'll be the figure above her, sometimes acting as a mentor. I'll do my job as leader, while supporting her growth from afar." It felt cold and impersonal to put himself in that light, but he pushed those thoughts behind his mental walls. He had a job to do, and nothing should get in the way of it.
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 24, 2012 19:11:38 GMT -5
Veronica nodded. It made the most sense after all. She looked to Maxwell's stoically calm face, wishing she could read more.
"Yes, that is the best role to take. You'll be the busiest of us all, what with the next plans. I hope you have a healer on hand this time. Cassie nearly ruined you the last time. Alice will get along fine with just a gentle push from you," said Veronica. "Now that you've cleared her debt situation, she'll be even more grateful to you. She and Brayden would make a lovely pair of supporters for you. I'll leave you here to await Brayden's return. I have to look like I work after all. Good bye, Maxwell."
She got up and headed out to leave.
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