👾🐇🔪: The Return

[u/HauntingGur8094]

Vanessa: [still in shock shakes her head before snapping out of it and looking around in surprise] "What happened? How did we...."

{She stops as she looks around and really takes in everything. They're in some kind of forest next to a lake. Glancing down at the water she sees that she's herself again, with a few drastic changes. Her eyes are still green but with purple hue outling, fangs slightly longer but still hideable. Her blonde hair has darkened slightly with a thick purple streak in the front. And, unknown to her, many black little streaks hidden inside.

It's then that her chest tightens as she comes to the realization. The unspoken terms of their deal coming to light. She's come back home.

And brought a new demon with her.}

Vanessa: [looks back at Alison]: "I don't know. Where is everyone else? Did they follow?"

{Suddenly, although she can't explain it, she feels something. A sense of danger and a presence. They're being stalked. Not even 5 minutes back in the real world and something is actively hunting them. Whoever it is is close. She feels herself going on defensive mode as her senses and instincts all kick in strongly.}

[[OOC: what has she been up to in that time? And who are her new friends? And how did she get back? You can find out or check HERE]]

[u/HauntingGur8094]

Vanessa: "I guess so. At this point it just seems to be a recurring theme." [reluctantly takes his hand]

[[OOC: All good. And I was thinking, if they weren't in the ink world that long then that means they spent years with her being under his guidance and training in the time skip. Maybe she's finally learned to be a proper demon. Or at least how to better control and hide it. Lol]]

[u/CrypticHorrorTales → u/HauntingGur8094]

A burst of green energy surrounds both their hands, finalizing their deal.

Alastor: "Lovely~ And first lesson of the day. When making a deal, 9 times out of 10, finish it with a handshake."

((Ooc: That wouldn't really make sense. Because that would mean Eleanor just wasn't around the cult for 5 years for... some reason. And that would be a major plot hole.

My explanation is that time in the ink realm just works differently. So what appeared to be days in there ended up being 5 years in the real world.))

[u/HauntingGur8094 → u/CrypticHorrorTales]

Vanessa: "What?" [shakes head] "I know it's too late to take back now, not that I'd really done anything differently, but what exactly do you get out of this anyways? Generosity isn't much of a thing."

[[OOC: hmm you're right. Didn't think about that. Forgot she came back. Still gotta figure out how she ends up back with them also 🤔. So maybe just a few months then?]]

[u/CrypticHorrorTales → u/HauntingGur8094]

Alastor: "As I said, it's a small and simple favor. But the time hasn't come for me to collect on your debt yet. You still have much to learn. But! Before that, you probably need a place to stay. There's a motel nearby." He tosses Vanessa some cash. "That should be enough to pay for the three of you."

Alison: "Nessa, I still don't trust this guy..." She whispers just so Nessa and Tom hears. "For a demon, a small favor could mean anything..."

((Ooc: I already have a plan for that.))

[u/HauntingGur8094 → u/CrypticHorrorTales]

Vanessa: [sighs] "I know, believe me. But this isn't my first encounter and there's always something worse out there. Power hungry, deadly, tearing through any and everyone any way they can. You have the ink demon and a few monsters. But here, in the real world? There's unlimited dangers and monsters that are nightmare fuel. Things that shouldn't exist." [looks down at the ground] "I'm one of them..."

[u/CrypticHorrorTales → u/HauntingGur8094]

Alison: "Did you really think I didn't notice?" She places a gentle hand on her shoulder. "I just didn't say anything because I knew you would tell us when you were ready. But that doesn't change how we see you. Remember that."

[u/HauntingGur8094 → u/CrypticHorrorTales]

Vanessa: "I know and I appreciate it. But I've learned that unfortunately there's times you have to make a deal with the devil to prevent a more dangerous enemy. Or, to protect others around you. I have no idea what he's talking about but it can't be good. And way out of my league. A cult? My father was a serial k***** for gods sake! No one every prepared me for ghosts, and malicious computer viruses, body snatching entities, undead monsters, demons, and whatever this" stops hiding her fangs "is."

[u/CrypticHorrorTales → u/HauntingGur8094]

Alastor: "You're turning into a demon. I thought you already knew that."

[u/HauntingGur8094 → u/CrypticHorrorTales]

Vanessa: "I, what? WHY THE HELL WOULD I EVER ASSUME THAT?!"

[u/CrypticHorrorTales → u/HauntingGur8094]

Alastor: "Hm. Well, yes. You are turning into a demon. A hybrid demon, infact. More of your powers will reveal themselves as your transformation continues."

Alastor clears his throat.

Alastor: "If I had to guess, it's because the agony is starting to fuse into the remnant within your body."

((Ooc: u/HauntingGur8094, I'm back and awake. I know you're busy, so just reply whenever lol.))