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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2021 2:36:29 GMT
The chimes of a clock can be heard, reverberating through the empty streets of London, England, signaling that it is now midnight. Its melody is the only sound heard, aside from the owls flying ahead; the very few people that are still awake and walking around. Those who society would deem as creatures of the nights, or vampires. One of those, being Caera, who is walking through a park, Alvera in tow. The duo enjoying the peace; the serenity of the night, and relieved to have finally landed in England. Away from any potential surveillance or any nefarious auras that had infested their own home. Yet right now, any fear or doubt that might be lingering within them appears to have been assuaged.
At least an amount where Caera is not worried about anything potentially detecting them, although the cloak that nighttime provides can explain that. Her feet clacketing against the concrete walkway, she turns her head over her left shoulder. Smiling at the trailing Alvera, before remarking "Would you like mommy to pick you up?" in a gentle voice.
"Yes please," Alvera responds as Caera swivels her body, slowly approaching her daughter; bending over, lifting her up to her chest. "Thank you," she states as Caera stands back up, swiveling her body back in the direction she was walking in. Beginning to softly hums a variation of the old nursery rhyme Ring a Ring o' Roses, a fitting tune for the climate, as the rhyme originated in England. Alvera joins in the humming, as Caera saunters.
The song floating into the air, alongside the hooting above them and the chirping of crickets that surrounds them. Sights and sounds that are all too familiar to them, and that they are at one with. For they speak to Caera too, just like Alvera. Just like nature. They tell her stories and she reciprocates. Telling them tales to soothe them. To lull them to sleep, as they do for her.
"You okay, sweetie?" Caera asks, glancing downward at Alvera.
"Yes, Mommy. I'm okay," is her response, as a small smile curls across her mother's lips. Her body keeps Alvera warm as she reaches the end of the park's walkway; turning left as they continue their stroll through these cold, dimly lit streets in the heart of London. Though out of the corner of her right eye, about three feet from where they are situated; at the front of the park, they notice a soft, dull sensation emitting itself from a shadow. Sitting atop the bench, only able to be made out due to the luminescent streetlight two feet in front of it. It is a doll. One with midnight black eyes, jet black hair and covered by a snow white dress. There is also blood that appears to have been placed onto it.
"Hi darling," Caera says upon approaching it. Yet it doesn't respond. Instead, it continues to stare forward, as if it is in a trance. Kneeling down, Caera remarks "It's okay. I'm not here to hurt you," having sensed its apprehension with her approach, appearing to be scared. Frightened.
"What's your name, sweetheart?" Caera softly asks, wishing for the doll to feel comfortable around her. Enough to at least give her a place to start the search for its owner, for the doll may merely be lost. Soft hooting can be heard, as Caera gently places her right hand atop the doll's hair. Parting it gently.
"Hannabelle," is the eventual, almost whispered reply received as Caera smiles.
"Do you know where your liege is?" asks Caera, who returns her right hand atop Hannabelle's own, as the doll's aura begins to soften.
"N... No. He disappeared when we got to the airport, and now I cannot find him," Hannabelle responds, her voice choking up, as Caera uses her left hand to place Alvera on the bench, next to her.
"Aww, so he abandoned you?" she inquires, feeling a soft tear beginning to form in her right eye.
"I... I don't think so. I just think he got lost in the crowd," Hannabelle calmly responds, waiting to believe that was the case. Although the dull, saddened aura Caera is sensing from her causes her to move Alvera closer. Hoping that the presence of another doll will aid Hannabelle coax out any ails that linger within, that she may be repressing. Or attempting to repress. A soft sigh leaves the doll's lips, as Alvera's own right hand brushes gently against the left side of her chest.
"You can tell us the truth," Alvera softly whispers to her, followed by gently smiling. Calmly peering into her new friend's eyes.
"I am," Hannabelle defensively remarks, as Caera glances at her. Raising her right eyebrow in curiosity before gently remarking "I can sense your apprehension. I can feel you're trying to hide something," as Hannabelle simply sits there. Surprised by the information she had just been told. Attempting to process it; decipher exactly who is in front of her currently. How it is, that Caera can read her aura; see through her stoic, cold aura. A trait that not even her liege processes.
"Okay," she concedes, a soft breath floating into the air from her lips. "I think he may have forgotten about me; hasn't realized I'm not with him," she explains, Caera absorbing this and processing it within her mind.
"I'm sure he'll come looking for you..." Alvera comments in an attempt to reassure Hannabelle, but is cut off by Caera's icy glare.
"What she means is we will help you find him," Caera clarifies, eliciting a soft smile from Hannabelle and a warm one from Alvera. The latter though giving her mother a glance that is stating 'I was getting to that,' as she smiles. Caera then lifts Hannabelle up with her right arm; Alvera with her left. Glancing across at the previously lost doll and inquiring "Would you like to stay with us?", receiving a firm, joyous nod in response. One that is matched by the delight hidden within Alvera's eyes, as she now has a playmate. Another persona to share her experiences; play inside of the dollhouse with. Especially when Caera is out. Either roaming the city or shopping, as they are the two primary reasons she would leave the house.
Plus, they can even share Alvera's cot. Her pale blue eyes begin to shimmer, Caera begins walking down the sidewalk. Both dolls in her arms, a soft, calm smile across her lips. To her, the more the merrier when it comes to dolls; entering her home, affectionately known as the dollhouse. Especially if it means that they can pair the doll with its liege once more, for she doesn't know what she would do if she ever lost Alvera. If she turned around one day and found that she wasn't there by her side, as they have been the majority of their lives. Nor does she wish for any partnership between people and dolls to be fractured; severed.
In her mind, dolls are the best companion a person can have, because they are eternally loyal. They are there to provide comfort and give their lieges a means to convey emotions that otherwise may not be comprehended by people. An avenue to vent and know that your audience understands you. That they wish to provide comfort when you need it. Just as Alvera has done with her. She is the thread that has held Caera apart. The reason why she didn't merely fall into madness and despair when her parents dropped out of sight. When she was essentially an orphan at the still tender age of fourteen.
Turning her body to the right, Caera continues making her way through the deathly silent street. Her mind slowly but surely becoming cleansed with each gentle step she takes. Each time she inhales and exhales, she feels as if the chains that had been constricting her, are being eased. Beginning to hum the tune to Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, she catches a glimpse of a ginger cat walking down the sidewalk on the opposite side of the road, before smiling to herself as she turns her focus to Hannabelle and Alvera. Both of whom are inert within her arms. Trying to fight off the temptation to fall asleep.
"It's okay, we're nearly home," she notes, a sigh of relief escaping from her own lips. A gentle yawn coming next, as she swivels her body once more to the left. This time, entering a dark; secluded alleyway. Yet, she simply smiles, despite this sort of climate being notorious for not being the most... welcoming to outsiders. Especially at nighttime; primarily females like herself. Nonetheless, she pulls her arms closer to her chest, ensuring the dolls are tightly in her grasp before surveilling the alleyway. Doing her due diligence in case there's an aura or being that is lurking in the shadows. Attempting to mask its identity so that it can strike without being observed. Which would be a successful approach against most people, but not Caera.
"Mommy?" is the faint whisper from Alvera as Caera pulled her in, cautious and understanding of why she would wish to ensure both dolls were as close to her as possible.
"Don't worry sweetie, you're safe," she responds, not observing any unknown figures aside from garbage cans and dumpsters; not sensing any auras outside of the businesses that line this alley, the wind and herself plus the two children in her arms. Continuing to make her way down the alley, she stops about a quarter of the way down.
Noticing a small flicker at the end of the alley. One she had not felt prior. Glancing in the direction of the flame that had been lit, she notices a masculine figure standing there, holding a lighter in his right hand; a cigarette in his mouth. Caera slowly advances forward, not letting the man out of her sight, before sighing calmly as he walks across the alley, having not turned his head in her direction. Reaching a small, brick backed building with a splintery, forest green painted door, Caera places her right hand atop the cool steel handle; turns it clockwise. Pushing the door open, she smiles as the sizzling sound of a fire can be heard coming from the fireplace within the quaint residence.
This is where Caera has called home since her and Alvera landed in London two days prior, having managed to scrape together the funds to buy it from Caera's secret jar. A jar she had placed five dollars into every week since her parents disappearance. Serving as the primary means of holding a bank account, or at least, a pseudo bank-account.
Sauntering over to Alvera's purple cot, Caera smiles. Softly glancing at Hannabelle before saying in a friendly tone: "Welcome to the dollhouse," as she places her and Alvera one by one into the cot. Gently pushing them together, so that they are softly embraced before taking a step back; smiling as she looks across at the scintillating flames. Feeling their heat rise throughout the house. Walking around the cot, she faintly sighs before leisurely making her way toward a black leather couch, positioned six feet in front of the fireplace. Though she feels a small tingle within her mind, as she tilts her head over her left shoulder. Looking at the still wary Hannabelle, realizing that she never told her who she is.
"I'm Caera by the way," she remarks, before glancing across at her daughter, who has fallen asleep beside her new friend. "And this is my lovely daughter, Alvera." is the next statement, as Hannabelle simply stares at Alvera. Attempting to find comfort within these new surroundings, but the burden of not knowing where her previous holder. The one she truly should, is currently. Or even if they yearn to see her again.
Emotions that resonate within her as Caera turns her focus back to the couch; the book that sits atop the right armrest. A book that she herself wrote, whilst sequestered from the world. A memoir of her thoughts. A means of conveying everything that constantly swirls around inside of her head. Therapeutic in nature, it allowed her to retain at least a shred of herself. A shard that she can constantly peer into; hold a thread. A glimmer of hope that she will eventually truly become whole. Just as Hannabelle wishes for herself. Sitting down atop the couch, she stares into the flames, watching as they dance around. Their radiance appears within her eyes as her lips curl into a soft, child-like smile.
These flames provide her comfort. Warmth, much like the warm embrace of her parents once did. An embrace she wishes to receive once more, even if it means she must traverse the circles of hell to obtain it. Picking the book up, she opens it with her right hand; grabbing the opposite side with her left, and begins to read it. Lose herself within the memories that it contains.
Caera slowly meanders her way through an empty, pitch black graveyard. Owls hooting over her head as the only source of light, is that of the torch within her right hand. Her breathing steady, she surveys her surroundings. Appearing to be searching for something, but it is unknown what that is. Is he searching for proof her parents are dead? Is she seeking closure for family or friends? Or is it something that not even she knows?
Either way, her boots continue to slightly crush the dirt and rocks underneath as she shines her torch upon various tombstones. In particular, on the names engraved upon each of them. Shaking her head at each one before moving onto the next. Softly laughing, she stops in front of what appears to be a vacant plot. Four graves into the third row within this graveyard. Staring downward, she notices the top of a jet black casket peering out. Appearing to have been placed recently. Kneeling, she softly exhales, running her hand across it. Brushing away the dirt and feeling the oak against her skin.
"I'm sorry," she whispers, before a singular, gentle tear lands atop the casket from her left eye. She continues staring at the casket, as if it is triggering a memory inside of her. As if she knows who this belongs to, even if the grave itself is presently unmarked. A stream of tears begin to run down her face, as she remarks "I should have been there," even if her words are merely hollow.
Her regret is merely a scenario of 'what if', for she wasn't there when the person within died. Whether their death was of natural causes of otherwise. Exhaling, she tilts her head gradually upward, her jet black hair falling behind her as she glances up at the moon. Its radiance glistening within her eyes as she asserts "I promise you will always be with me, Hannah," as she places her hands on the ground. Rising to her feet before slowly turning to the right, beginning to walk away. Her emotions begin to overwhelm her.
Caera sighs as she reads this portion of her book, her vivid memories of that night she visited Hannah's burial site in Lead for the first time, since her tragic passing two years prior. One of her closest friends in the whole world, it tore her apart when she heard about the demise. Hannah had been one of the few reasons she would occasionally leave her house; venture into the world.
"I promised you would always be with me," she quietly states, looking down at the words upon the page. Her mind floating remembering that night at the graveyard and fonder memories she shared with Hannah. The times when both of them would sit around and either play chess or Dark Souls. The hours upon hours they would spend with one another rivalling the amount of time Caera spends with Alvera. "You are," she affirms, this time closing the book as she does. Softly placing it on the right hand side armrest as she reclines back. Attempting to drift off to sleep, much like the two dolls have done, yet feeling her mind beginning to flicker internally.
The barrage of emotions she felt while reading that glimpse. That reminder of the day she saw Hannah for the last time pressing against her. Keeping her eyes open as she softly sighs in resignation. As tired as she may be. As bloodshot as her eyes may appear, she realizes that she is unlikely going to get any sleep tonight. Not solely because of the memories, though they are the primary reason. There are also the thoughts. The manifestations of her entry into wrestling; the first ever 'match' as they are supposedly called, taking place in two weeks' time.
Whether those thoughts are ones of excitement or nerves. Yet her stoic expression masks it, keeping her true feelings; how much it is affecting her from within from seeping out. Making sure that no matter what, her war. Her turmoil is abated... even if it is merely for the interim. For when the time comes and she is stepping between those ropes, she understands that her emotions. Her agony will be portrayed as a weakness. An aspect of her that can be exploited by those who will be surrounding her. Those who have built their careers in the sport; know how it operates to an extent that right now, she can only dream of knowing. Whether she wishes for it to occur or not.
Caera stands in front of a black leather punching bag, within a secluded, abandoned gym just two miles from her home. Dressed in a black singlet to go with her black jeans and leather boots, she strikes the bag with a right jab. Causing it to sway backward on its steel chain, before swinging back to her as she delivers another jab. This time wringing her hand after doing so. Her eyes intently watching the bag as it swings back in her direction, she sidesteps to the left before firing away with a left, then a right jab. Then stepping back three steps and glancing across at Alvera, who is seated on a steel chair. Next to Hannabelle, who asked if she could join them on this venture. Preparing her for her debut in wrestling.
"Go mommy." Alvera remarks, her voice more excited than normal, as Caera smiles. Her breathing staggered due to the effects of this workout; sweat beading down her face. She runs her hands through her hair, trying to make sure she is able to maintain her base, laughing gently to herself. She glances at the bottle of water positioned on the ground between the two chairs, wandering over to it as she quietly states: "I can't wait to play with Alaqueesha," before bending over; raising the bottle to her chest. Then to her mouth as she pours it down her throat. Placing the bottle back on the wooden floor, she swivels her body, smiling.
"Don't worry, I don't desire to hurt you. I don't wish to make you suffer," she states gently, following it with a childish giggle. "I have no reason to lie, as you have not threatened Alvera," is her next statement, as she points with her right hand directly at the doll. "For she is why I am here. She is the one who guides me," her words soft, almost whispered, Caera curls her lips into a warm smile. Her means of attempting to be approachable, at least in the eyes of someone who may not know her.
"I made a promise that I would protect her. That I would fight for her and that I would give her the life I never truly had," she says, sauntering back to the bag. A determined focus began to appear in her eyes. She gets back into her boxing stance, throwing two more quick jabs at the bag, this time with slightly more force behind them than earlier, then striking the bag as it rebounds. Preserving her face in the process, however, she is nearly taken off her feet by the bag upon it returning this occasion. She had briefly glanced over her right shoulder at Alvera and Hannabelle. Ensuring they were okay when the bag swung back like a pendulum.
"Careful. My previous master would bring me to these gyms and let me study him," Hannabelle states calmly, causing both Alvera and Caera to look in her direction. Curious about this fact, as they had not ascertained who had been her previous master, or liege, when they rescued her last night. Despite this not necessarily being a direct lead, it is still a hint as to their identity; something Caera makes a mental note of. "He did?" Caera inquires curiously. "Yes. He told me to study him. See where he needed to improve," the doll replies calmly. A gentle smile crossing Caera's face.
"That's amazing. Think you can teach me, then?" she requests softly, stepping back from the bag once more. "I could use all the assistance before this match with Alaqueesha," is her admission, raising her right hand up to her brow; wiping the sweat off it. "I know I need a lot of work before I can claim to be even on her level... I've never fought in my life," she remarks, causing Hannabelle to sigh softly. Surprised that she would even be here, if she has not even as much as fought. Let alone wrestled prior.
"Really? Not even a school fight?" is the query thrown her way, as Caera nods softly.
"Well, unless you count those play fights Alvera and I had..." she comments, before Alvera glances at her in a manner that informs her that it was meant to remain a secret. "Darling, it's fine." Caera responds, causing Alvera to protest: "It was meant to be our secret," though giggles calmly, showing that she wasn't truly mad at her mother.
"So, why participate in wrestling, if you've never done it before?" Hannabelle asks, curiosity within her voice. She knew first hand how unforgiving the sport can be. Especially to people who are in the very early stages of their career. "I... I," Caera stutters, causing Hannabelle to stare in her direction. Attempting to see through her ocean blue eyes; enter her mind.
"You don't know?" is the response Hannabelle gives, finishing the sentence for the newly minted wrestler.
"Mommy wishes to learn more about people; let out her anger," Alvera pipes in, softly laughing as Caera shoots her an icy stare, though her daughter is right.
"Yes. Though you shouldn't spurt that out like that, sweetie. I don't want people thinking I'm some sort of monster," she remarks, wryly smiling at Alvera, before turning back to the bag. Wishing to resume her sparring session; find some measure of understanding about what she will be facing in two weeks. "I wish to learn more about people. What makes them tick. How they operate within a controlled environment. What it is, that truly stimulates them," she affirms, as Hannabelle hums softly. Processing these words while attempting to formulate a reply. More so, a statement.
"So, this is an educational journey for you? You wish to learn about others? What about yourself?" she eventually states, causing Caera to ponder that query. She hadn't thought about it in the context of herself. Of if she saw wrestling as an avenue into her own soul, as much as a window into everyone else's. Softly exhaling, she replies: "Yes. Myself too," as a small smile crosses Hannabelle's lips. Contented by that, she then begins to survey the figure of Caera.
The manner in which she turns around; begins shadowboxing, softly shooting out a breath with each jab she throws. The positioning of her feet in relation to her fists. The energy that resonates through the air with each jab. Trying to gauge just where Caera can improve. Any mechanics that need working on. Much as she had done for her previous owner when he had hit the gym.
"You want to make sure your feet are closer to your body," she calls out, noticing the wide stance of Caera, who responds by jumping into the air; landing with her feet about three inches closer together than prior. "You don't want Alaqueesha to knock you off-balance. Take you to the ground," she remarks, in the manner a coach would inform a student of any weaknesses in their discipline. Nodding to herself, Caera processes this as she continues shadowboxing, Alvera and Hannabelle both watching. Alvera with a smile, Hannabelle with a more focused look.
Bobbing and weaving, Caera feels her breathing stagger with each passing second, her legs beginning to throb in pain, as Hannabelle states "You need to stay focused. The longer the match goes on, the more Alaqueesha is going to be at an advantage," as Alvera glares at her softly.
Yet Caera states "I'm just getting started," in an energetic tone, before her inflection turns slightly colder as she mentions "Playtime is going to last forever," managing to softly giggle through her breaths. A giggle that Alvera matches, as she watches her Mom. Thinking back to the times she would hear the sounds of her feet pounding against the floor yet not know what precisely she was doing those times.
"I'm going to show Alaqueesha the dollhouse and welcome her in," Caera affirms, bringing herself to a stop as she lets out a few, short breaths. Feeling lactic acid begin to build up within her body. A by-product of a workout she knew had to be intense. Turning her body around, she glances at the two dolls. Attempting to register their reactions to her. Whether they were impressed by her workout; preparations for when she enters the wrestling domain.
"I'm impressed," Hannabelle confesses, as she looks across at the sweating, fatigued Caera. "You still have a long way to go, but if you can harness the potential you have, you should be a champion soon enough," she continues, causing Caera to look at her. Half surprised, half confused.
"A... A Champion?" she mutters.
"Yes, a champion. The top prize in the industry," Hannabelle clarifies.
Caera sweetly smiles, as a soft laugh floats from her lips. She wasn't expecting Hannabelle to inform her she could be that good. As perceptive as she is, she was expecting more of a... modest portrayal of her performance. To her, she is still fresh faced in the sport. She doesn't even truly know how IIW even found out about her. Yet here is someone who has been around, at the very least, somebody with knowledge of the sport telling her she can be a champion? That's extremely high praise in her eyes, and she isn't about to complain about it.
"You're not there yet though," Hannabelle firmly comments, having noticed the excitement manifesting within the eighteen-year-old. "Plus, it only truly begins when you set foot into the ring for the first time," she continues as Caera begins making her way back to the chairs. Slightly readjusting her singlet as she does, the sweat having caused it to slide down. "That is when we will be able to see where you really stand." the doll affirms, receiving a knowing nod in response.
"Don't worry. I just wish to find out all I can about Alaqueesha. Figure out just how willing she is to play," is Caera's reply, accompanied by her cheekily poking out her tongue; laughing coldly. "For if she doesn't wish to play, then I guess I will have to make her play myself," she claims, her smile curling into one that exudes sinister intent.
"I don't want to hurt you, sweetie," she states, before giggling and continuing: "But I will, if it means you will allow me to see who you truly are," as Alvera softly joins in with her own giggle. "If it is what will enable me to unlock your puzzle; decipher the mysteries that lie within." are the final words to leave her mouth, as she wanders over to the water bottle; drinks it once more. Soon, she will traverse the path of the IIW, beginning with Alaqueesha; hopefully being able to discover more about this world. This sport and the perils that lay within it. Commencing in two weeks.
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