A Cold Encounter

Subject: Re: A Cold Encounter Wed 3 Feb 2016 - 21:41

Vivienne's gaze was still fixated on the face in front of her. She stared longingly and tried to take it all in, trying to remember every detail of his face in case she woke up from this dream. She could hardly believe that her beloved was back from the dead, hovering before her. Part of her was confused, even angry. It was like the universe was taunting her; You never saw much of your husband in life. So here he is in death to compensate, she imagined. Nevertheless, the rest of her was elated, almost manic. If she had been pushed off the edge of sanity, she didn't want to come back.

She ignored the sound of scraps of metal being torn apart and continued to focus on Beau, still drinking in the moment. That fixation stopped as soon as it began and she turned to face the colussus, having to crane her head to see the man who, she had gathered, saved them. Before showing her gratitude, the man knelt down and lightly touched her ankle. She made a sharp intake of the cold air but quickly mediated her breathing. She could hear Beau softly growling from behind her but she raised the back of her hand and lightly placed it on his chest, indicating for him to be at ease.

She, too, recognized the Man of Fire. She registered what he said and admitted that the offer was most enticing. Somehow, accepting the fact that her husband had returned from the dead was easier to believe than having the powers to summon him. And so, perhaps finding a haven with people just like her would help explain, even sophisticate her abilities. She had decided.

"Monsieur," she began. "You needn't force nor convince us to come with you."

She turned to Beau and slowly nodded in approval, still glaring at the giant.

"So long as you care to escort us. I pray it's not too much to ask as you've already saved our lives."

She turned to Alexandre for his own response. She prayed that he would agree to come along as well.

Subject: Re: A Cold Encounter Wed 3 Feb 2016 - 22:28

"I don't mind at all. I have a private jet of my own courtesy of... A friend. Needless to say I was here on business and I am happy I could help." The man laughed a little before saying,"My apologies, I almost forgot to introduce myself. My name is Kenneth. If either of you have any questions at all feel free to ask and I will do what I can to answer them. For now though I will follow you two so you can get what you need."

Subject: Re: A Cold Encounter Thu 4 Feb 2016 - 9:40

Alexandre nodded along during the short conversation. He had already decided that if he and Vivienne were indeed Alphas, it wasn't safe to remain where they were or try and make it on their own.

He had questions that needed answers, one of the more obvious ones being how he attained these powers and why, and what they were exactly. He could feel stronger, like he could lift more weight and run faster than before, but his arms and legs hadn't stopped aching since he felt that surge of strength. It wasn't debilitating, but it was difficult waiting for relief when it was possible to receive none.

Alexandre glanced back at Beau and Vivienne, and he felt that he owned it to the both of them to figure the situation out and keep them safe. He still wanted to know how Beau was standing there, seemingly alright, but that was another matter best saved for later. For now, they needed supplies and a way out.

"Yes," he answered confidently, "We will go with you. Vivienne and I just need to gather a few things and we can be ready to leave."

Subject: Re: A Cold Encounter Thu 4 Feb 2016 - 22:12

"Then it's decided," Vivienne said. "We shall make short work of this so we'll have been long gone upon their return."

She paused for a moment to think.

"With what little time we have, we must go to my home and make do with the supplies there. Alexandre, I still have Beau's old clothes stocked in the attic for you to change into for the time being."

"You will be okay with that, won't you mon cher?", she asked, turning to Beau. She looked over her shoulder and caught a glimpse of the shadow figure dissipating into nothingness. Panicked, she limped over and attempted to grasp whatever remained of him. But like Thomas' offense, it was like catching smoke.

"Beau?" she yelled. "BEAU?!" She looked around her, frantically turning her head about in all directions. And just like that, her world came crashing down again. It's not often one could say that their husband died for a second time. She hung her head forward, trying her best to remember his face.

'I am here, ma tourterelle'

Vivienne recoiled at the slight strain within her skull and pressed on her temples.

'Beau?' she thought back.

'I shan't leave your side ever again. Even Death will not keep us apart.

Vivienne felt a tear scale the side of her cheek.

'And yes, he may have my clothes. If it still fits him, that is'

She felt his ghostly chuckle echo in her thoughts and felt a tug on the side of her lips. She turned to her companions with a reassuring smile and beckoned them to follow her.

"He says he no longer has a need for them. Shall we go then?"

Subject: Re: A Cold Encounter Thu 4 Feb 2016 - 23:01

Alexandre was already thinking of the things that he needed to pick up. The most essential items he kept on his person at all times, so that was no issue. At the thought, the letter in his pocket seemed to weigh heavier in his pocket, but he ignored the sinking feeling.

He obviously needed extra clothes, his passport, and he assumed that Vivienne would be able to lend him anything he needed. His thoughts were confirmed with Vivienne's statement and he nodded in the affirmative. His thoughts were broken however, when Vivienne screamed her husband's name and his head whipped around to see the spectre of his friend fading away into nothing. His eyes widened in fear and he jerked forward but held himself back, allowing this private moment between Vivienne and Beau, no matter how badly he wanted to say something.

In spite of the current situation, Alexandre couldn't help but drift back to some of the fonder memories he shared with Beau. The normally stoic man felt his stomach churn with emotion, but he managed to hold it all back. Instead, he gave Vivienne an almost convincing smile.

"Oui, chérie, let us go, then."

Subject: Re: A Cold Encounter Thu 4 Feb 2016 - 23:08

Kenneth would nod, having followed closely with his groceries. While it pained him to see Beau disappear, he was relived to know he was still present. He would walk them quite a ways out before hailing a Taxi, bringing them near the outskirts of town towards a local airport. Apparently he had it landed just inside, and after giving his information to the man at the gate proceeded with his new friends. While the jet was certainly modest, it was certainly large enough for the three of them.

"Alright, the trip will take a few hours, so feel free to get comfortable. If you need anything just come forward after we take off or call me over the intercom. Any questions before we take off?" Kenneth would ask after having grabbed his helmet.

Subject: Re: A Cold Encounter Thu 4 Feb 2016 - 23:47

Alexandre hadn't thought very much until they reached the airport. He moved on autopilot for the most part, doing what he needed to do with the fewest problems possible. It was a time to be serious and a time to do what was necessary; all other matters could wait.

He stepped out of the taxi and stared at the jet. His mind was relatively blank, and he unconsciously gripped at his worn, plaid button-down shirt. There was a small hole in the shoulder, and he almost missed it, but he didn't mind.

It wasn't the first time Alexandre had worn an old shirt of Beau's.

Alexandre shook his head slowly and turned to Kenneth, at least one pertinent question in mind:

"Qu'est-ce que se passera quand nous arrivons?"

Subject: Re: A Cold Encounter Fri 5 Feb 2016 - 0:03

Kenneth nodded before saying,"I will be admitting Vivienne for some quick check ups to make sure everything is fine and I'll be getting you both rooms. Thankfully my allies and I have a place Alphas can stay while all this is going on. All we can hope is that this needless slaughter is ended soon..."

Subject: Re: A Cold Encounter Fri 5 Feb 2016 - 1:31

Stepping into the jet was somehow more familiar to her. She spent at least five years of her life going on luxury escapades on jets like these and with company like Kenneth, it made her feel, for the first time in a long time, at ease. She looked around the interior of the jet.

'Chic, non?'

'C'est adéquat.'

She reclined in her seat and winced at the leg raise jutting a little too quickly beneath her ankle. After a long night, she felt relieved to hear that she would have a check up soon. She had numerous questions floating around in her mind, not quite knowing which one to articulate first. She imagined her companion to have similar curiosities such as how they got their powers and why only now have they surfaced.

She glanced at him sitting in the neighboring seat but sooner than expected, however, she surrendered to her fatigue. She eased into dreamless slumber, listening to Beau lulling her in the corner of her ear.

'Tu as entré dans mon cœur
Une part de bonheur
Dont je connais la cause'

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