The first thing I saw when I pulled up to the Luteces’ house, was a greeting golden glow. There was no sign of music. But there was a festive feel about tonight just by looking down that road to the Luteces’ house.

As I drove down the road, an unrecognisable figure came into view as my car wobbled closer to the mansion. The woman approached. She looked about my age, and was quite pretty but- holy shit; Was she wearing a corset?

“Are you Hannah?” She asked, leaning into the open window of my car.

“Yeah, that’s me… You are?”

“Elizabeth, friend of the Luteces… You can park round the back, I’m just sent to direct you round.” She gave a bit of a smile, but tilted her head. “You OK? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

I looked directly ahead, and did not show any direct emotion. “Just a rough day, Elizabeth… Nothing to worry about.”

Elizabeth nodded, and adjusted the collar on her neck. She began to walk around back to the large doors before snapping round back to the car with enough energy to power a shuttle.

“OH!” She exclaimed, startling me. “We should get together and chat sometime! I’d love to meet you for coffee! When do you think would be good?”

I blinked and stammered, trying to find words to match the sudden information. Elizabeth knew she had made a mistake and slowed down.

“OK, sorry. I do that sometimes. How about we meet tomorrow at lunch. We could meet in Cowley’s Costa Coffee. How does that sound?”

I nodded and smiled politely. “I’ll see you there... Elizabeth.” I murmured before driving around the house slowly.

I knew right from the start that she was trouble, but it did not bother me at the time.

There was a little space around the back of the house, cleared away for a parking. I pulled my car to a stop as I pulled into the space available next to Cordelia’s car. I was a little cautious about that panicky woman. But I saw she wasn’t in sight any more much to my relief.

I got out the presents from the back of the car and proceeded to stumble to the back door of the house.

Crap.

My hands were full and I had no means of- oh wait.

I slammed my head against the door repeatedly as an alternate to knocking with my hand or dropping the very expensive presents to the ground. But the door opened to Robert Lutece.

“Your head is not a logical alternative to knocking with your hand, Hannah. Would you like me to take your things to the living area?” He wondered, still with his normal straight posture.

I nodded to his offer, and he almost immediately politely took my presents out of my hands. And I followed him into the vintage hallways.

“Do you still have that crown we gave you?” He inquired, looking back at me. I did not respond verbally, and kept my reaction subtle while I took the crown out again and made it clearly visible to the Professor.

“Good,” He replied. “You won’t believe what would happen if you lost it.”

I put the crown away again and smiled. “I’d be willing to hear,” I tempted.

With fruitless replies from the Professor. “It is good to ask questions, Miss Biddle. But good things come to those who wait.”

He started to walk through an open door before directing me through an archway. “Your friends are through there. You’ve got some time before midnight.”

I smiled to him. He smiled back gentlemanly, and did not break from his normal posh motif.

I walked into the living room. And, to be honest, it was decorated as if it were the 25th of December, with neon and LED lights and bright colours. All that was needed were annoying families and carols and we could watch the christmas specials and chow down on some christmas Turkey.

But there they were! All of them were put together and chatting to one another…

Or more, arguing.

Patrick was yelling at Josh who was also yelling back. Cordelia was not interested and looked pretty depressed to the side. The two seemed furious at one another. I wasn’t sure what was going on, but I felt contractually obligated to break the ice.

“GUYS!” I yelled, as they all turned to me. Patrick raised an eyebrow, revealing quite a bloodshot right eye. They seemed angry, I had to come up with a good quip… Something! Anything smart! “Who... er, Started the... Ooh-er... the Argument?”

Nice one there, Hannah.

"Well last night- Cordelia made a highly- absolute madman!- I stormed off- A SWORD! HE WAS GOING TO- Completely unreasonable- fucking prime minister? How did people- Now he's blaming me? What gives-"

"SHUT UP!" I yelled, causing them both to do so. "Sorry. I shouldn't have asked that."

Then, I swear to god, they said at exactly the same time; "Well you should know anyway, and besides. You weren't there!"

"Ok, then. I get it, sorry I asked."

There was a moment of awkward silence as we all just exchanged glances of either fear, anger or confusion. But relief was given in the form of a possibly mentally unstable woman wearing a corset.

“Hi guys!” She burst, only making Josh and Cordie flinch. Me and Patch just held our hands to our heads, we’d experienced her frightening crazy before. Me, only briefly as I can tell.

“And you are?” Josh asked, a little taken back by the appearance of the woman.

“Elizabeth. Me, Patrick and Hannah have met, and hey’ve already seen my ‘frightening crazy’. Don’t mind me although I’m the one who made you guys dinner tonight!” I was surprised. I would have expected the Luteces were the ones to make dinner that night. But Josh was a little more concerned by the rushed exposition.

“Sorry, could you slow down bitch? You dizzie? I can’t understand a word you’re saying!”

Elizabeth turned her attention to Josh. “Oh yeah, I forgot about you. I’ll have to make some preparations…”

Elizabeth started to walk off from the direction she appeared from before turning back to us and clasping her hands together. “I’m just going to make some last-minute preps but…” She paused and almost squeed. “It’s so good to have the old gang back together! All we need is a googly and a Doctor then we could call ourselves a riot!” Before darting out with such unbelievable speed I swear something fell off the shelf in the other room.

"Well that was awkward."

"Tell me about it," interrupted Patrick. "The other day she straight up snogged me! I had no idea why!"

"Ooh! Playa!" Slanged Josh, much to the rest of our own disgust.

"Josh, use English please. And no. I am not a 'playa' as you say. She's just a madwoman;"

Cordelia raised her hand: "But a madwoman who's making us all dinner tonight!"

"True. But my point is I don't get points for winning someone over who's already won over!"

I groaned. I had had enough of this shit.

“Can we just stop bickering for a single MOMENT?” I boomed, causing them all to turn to me yet again. I then seemed to be possessed by my mother, as I seemed to have a really big go at all of them in that moment.

“Patrick, it’s just Ponies! You don’t need to take it out on Cordelia for it! Cordelia, most people would die to have a loyal friend like Patrick, fucking be glad he’s still here for you when you have nowhere to live! And Josh, stop being such a mindless arsehole and see the truth around you for once! And fucking pay your rent to Patrick! Or did your half-assed stab at education leave you so broke you need to just piggy back off him until you can buy your guns and Lamborghini? For fucks sake all of you GROW UP!”

It felt like one of those scenes from anime. You know, those scenes where a character performs a move so large and spectacular that the others just stand around staring as dust settles around them. It was that… Except no spectacular moves were made beforehand but there still was the eerie silence that followed.

“Let’s just…” Started Patrick, holding back something that none of us wanted to let out.

He was holding back from crying at that moment. But he was breathing heavily to bring back order to the room. “Let’s just put our differences behind us tonight. So we can just have a good night for once in a while!”

He slapped himself, but we all couldn’t resist. He’d unintentionally set us up for a Portal reference. “For science?”

“You monsters.” He finished with his head in his hands and the broken tone of a man sentenced to death. Even with his love of making puns. That one was too painful.

“So everyone! Apologise.” I said, extending the last apologise to extend my point.

“Sorry.” The others droned to each other, with Patrick even shaking hands with the other two to make up for the night.

“Dinner is on the table, with the presents too! BON APPETIT!” Flared Elizabeth from the other room giving the final ‘Bon Appetit’ in the style of Julia Child. However, despite eccentric the call came and we arrived at the table. And, just to say… The girl did not disappoint!

The whole table was set out for an amazing platter. With a fine tablecloth, and large silver dishes covering the food for each of us. And like the rest of the house that night, the room had the warm reds, bright golds and mellow greens. With the combinations of an early christmas once again. It’s the sort of thing only a madman would do for something as menial as someone’s birthday! Yet, once again, there was strong evidence that this was a madwoman.

The second thing that hit me was the smell. It was warm and rich. Even though the food was under the platters; the strong aroma of meats, salts, fruits and nuts. From a succulent and bold meaty smell of beef, to the cool and complex dance of the spices and the crisp woody and spiky smell of pistachio and hazelnut. Jamie Oliver would go on forever at this kind of thing; It was bliss!

“Sit down then, we don’t have all night! I’ll show you your meals first, then we can get cracking on the presents!”

The cutlery was coloured, with a nice glossy glass finish to the bases, but had some little air bubbles like you would find in Biot. Indirectly pointing us to our places without even knowing it. Black for Patch, Yellow for Cordie, Blue for her, Green for me. And… Some plastic knives and forks oddly placed on the table for Josh…

She really had no idea he was coming didn’t she.

We all sat down at our places that took our fancy, with Elizabeth crammed in between me and Patch. Not in a mean way, I could tell she was just sitting there to be friendly. And it felt nice to have a friendly face to be around. If they were a little more sane than this woman.

“Let us enjoy our meals everyone! Bon appetit!” And with that, she quickly removed the dishes covering our meals. And like the smells that greeted us when we came in, there was an overload of colour and sights. Each of us had a different meal that was just an orgasm of food and flavor!

Cordelia was the first to be served, nothing too complex, but felt homely. A large, possibly nine-inch wide Pepperoni Pizza. The crust looked tender, yet crispy. The cheese was an excellent mixture between sainsburys thin and american thick. The pepperoni was just small enough to not be a mouthful, but thick enough to give a pointed flavor. Just by looking at it; you could see the spicy chilli practically dripping off the pizza. It was to die for, until I saw the others.

I was next, with something complex. The smells alone could tell me what was in it. A golden pasta with a beautiful, smooth pink sauce. Nothing too heavy; but there was signs of truffle, caviar, lobster and god knows what else. It smelled like the best of normal food all in one big dish!

Elizabeth had what could only be described as a meat feast. With a beautifully cooked, yet looked tender and rare full rib-eye steak. Almost drenched in the sweetest smelling gravy that had visible smoke. Served with other small sections of meats and potatoes. due to my close vicinity to it, it allowed me to get the full blow of the rich smells and tender, bold fragrance of the combination of meats.

Patrick’s dish wasn’t as meaty as Cordie and Elizabeth’s, or as rich and eccentric as my own. But the look on his face when I saw it was a look you could only really get once in a lifetime. Seeing his face when he looked at the small mound of sushi was what could only be described as pure joy. He loved sushi, and that face was the pinnacle of his enjoyment.

And Josh, seeing everything around him unfold, smiled. A grin of expectation and glee, wondering at the possibilities of the meal he could have. And when he lifted up the dish;

A soggy hamburger and chips from mcdonalds. Obviously brought in from the rain and… Lightning, hastily. Even I could admit that was a little harsh, she could have put a little more effort in, but I guess he was the only one who didn't have a birthday today. Josh, was none that happier.

“Seriously?” He grunted, being only retorted by a nervous sigh and smile from Elizabeth. Who then eventually swallowed after being glared at by Josh.

“Tell you what, Joshi. I’ll make it up to you in a couple of days! We could meet up some time and we can get to know eachother.”

Josh frowned and poked his burger with his index finger.

"I don't think we'll be meeting again any time soon Liz." He scowled and it was now Elizabeth’s time to frown. And it felt like Josh’s soul was about to be sucked out by her glare. Even Josh was taken back by this sudden harsh glare.

“Forget. I. Asked.” Elizabeth slithered. With a voice as cold as the stare she now had.

A smile quickly returned to her face as she now addressed all of us. “Tuck in!” She beamed.

We all slowly began to give the food a try. And in that, poking first, then using a fork before a first try was made and MMMPH!OHMPMYGOPH! WHAT THE FUCK IS IN THIS? When I bit into it, it was a flavor explosion! The succulency offsetting the power, the texture being beautifully smooth. The subtle flavors of lobster mixed perfectly with the powerful flavor of the truffles. Let’s say the smell did not give that dish any form of justice!

The combination of sights, smells and tastes was near overkill. But they were so amazing! It was near absolute heaven on a plate! How can a woman cook like that?

“If you’re all wondering how.” Elizabeth began, finishing a mouthful of her own meal. Causing everyone else to lean forward in interest. Except Josh, of course. “Just simple luck and a good days work!” She blurted in a trolling manor. Causing everyone, myself included to lean back into her seats.

“And for a special form of seasoning that’ll give a bit of extra oomph. A ground form of diacetylmorphine, or in layman’s terms; heroin-”

“PBBBBTTTT!” Was the sound that was made from Patrick as he spat out a large amount of water and glared at Elizabeth. She smiled and burst into hysterics at his reaction.

“I’m just kidding! I wouldn’t drug you. Although; I did put in an expensive spice called; Equestrian Salt.” Everyone then loosened up and continued to eat. But before I could take a bite; something took my interest again.

“Equestrian salt? That sounds like Brony merchandise. Is it?” I asked while Elizabeth was in the middle of a mouthful. She shook her head until she swallowed.

“No, it’s an unnamed formula I picked up from an exotic herb shop. It’s an ancient herb, it’s perfectly safe; except for one side-effect. That’s why I called it Equestrian salt.”

“I don’t care what it is!” Patrick interrupted. “It tastes good and is possibly the best thing I’ve had to eat for a while.”

Elizabeth smiled at the compliment. But her mind then began to wonder as something seemed to pop up in her head. “PRESENTS!” She burst, knocking Josh (who was currently leaning back on his chair) onto the floor.

“Fucking hell! What’s with your voice bitch?”

“Sorry. But I need to get something!” She jumped up and sprinted out of the room while taking no concern for Josh on the floor.

I could not believe that woman, but before anyone could say anything else. Elizabeth rushed in again with a mountain of presents in her arms and dumped them all on the table, knocking some dishes flying and crashing down on the ground in a dramatic display.

“It’s fine! I didn’t want it anyway!” mumbled Josh, referring to the burger and chips also flung onto the floor. But Elizabeth did not care, and started to divvy out the gifts to all of us.
“First ones then, from me to Cordelia!” She then handed a large book and several others to Cordelia. They were all unwrapped. But when she read out the titles of the books her face cringed in a way of ‘really?’

“Secrets of the Darkest Art by Owle Bullock
Predicting the Unpredictable: Insulate Yourself Against Shocks by Bathilda Bagshot
Death Omens: What to Do When You Know the Worst is Coming by Inigo Inago
Psychic Arts and Abilities: Why Can I Hear Thoughts? by Charles Xavier”

“Next one is for Hannah! From me too!” She then handed me also a couple of books. I looked at the books. But for me, there was something odd about these books. Much like how I think Cordelia felt when she got hers.

There was; The Dark Arts Outsmarted by Wilbert Slinkhard
Practical Defensive Magic and Its Use Against the Dark Arts by Quentin Trimble
A Guide to Advanced Transfiguration by Emeric Switch
Changeling Psychology by Edwardus Lima

I look around awkwardly. But smiled and thanked Elizabeth graciously. But oddly JOSH was the next one to receive a present.

Josh stood up and was handed a large wrapped stick-like object. He smiled jokingly as he began to slowly unwrap it.

“So you finally give me some respect. But I don’t think you’d know what an X-box is. So what could-” He stopped and widened his eyes. As a large portion of the gift fell to the floor. Revealing a white broadsword.

He didn’t say anything as Elizabeth quietly giggled. Josh stroked the blade lightly; to have his hand whip back to be covered with his own blood. He dropped the sword and made some confused, pained and inaudible sounds while pointing to all possible things he could point to.

“Is that even LEGAL? How do you- GHAH! I HATE SWORDS”

We could tell Josh was in pain at the moment. (And probably should seek medical attention because of that sort of cut.) But we all couldn’t help getting a guilty giggle. Josh stared at his hand in horror before clasping it and sprinting out of the room to get the Luteces.

We all looked at each other awkwardly for laughing, with an occasional cough to break the ice. Until I asked; “What was that for?”

Elizabeth smiled and then pursed her lips before snapping her eyes open I thought they would fly out and hit me in the face.

“That wasn’t actually for Josh. I knew he would do that, so I did that as a sort of practical joke. It’s actually for Patrick.”

“Me?” Patrick said with an eyebrow raised and a mouthful of sushi.

“Practical joke? He sliced his hand open!” Cordelia interrupted, but with a mouthful of Pizza.

“But we all laughed in a way!”

An awkward pause lay over us for another moment.

“True.” said I, finishing what I had left of my pasta.

Elizabeth then, as if nothing had happened; picked up another bundle of presents (including the sword) and handed them to Patrick. He glared in a way at her before she spoke again.

“Your main presents are the sword and something else. These are for now. And I want to give you your SPECIAL present later.” Patrick looked around a bit awkwardly while Cordelia scoffed.

“Spoilt! How come he gets that lot? I can only imagine what Hannah got for him!”

Shit. She must’ve seen the receipt or something. I swallowed hard as Patrick looked through his selection of odd books. And like Hannah and I, he read out the titles. After clearing his throat of course.

“Changeling Psychology by Edwardus Lima
Defensive Magical Theory by Wilbert Slinkhard
Curses and Counter-Curses by Vindictus Viridian
Book of Spells by Miranda Goshawk
Advanced Flight Maneuvers by Raina Lutece
From Egg to Inferno: a Dragon-Keeper's Guide by Dylan Marwood
Time and How To Weaponise It by Zachary Arnold Formine VII
and The Avatar State: Time and Space Master Guide by Unknown.”

“These are very odd books Elizabeth. Why buy these for us?”

She winked at him and made a ‘shush’ action with her hand. As she now addressed all of us. “You may all be confused by these gifts. But I know that soon enough; you will know the significance of these gifts and the meal I have made you. They may seem useless now; but keep them. They will become useful.”

I then noticed. There were still a couple more books on the table. Except these ones were wrapped in packaging with first-class stamps.
“Who are those for?” I asked. Elizabeth stopped me with her hand calmly.

“Not for your eyes. They’re for a tenant of mine.” And my eyes were drawn to her other hand.

I had not noticed that she had already handed Cordelia and Patrick their presents from me. And a small gift from Patrick had been slipped into my hand.

I unwrapped my gift, but this little trinket wasn’t as odd as the others. It was actually kind of sweet. It was a little, hand-made trinket. I couldn’t tell what it was. Only it looked pretty. A bit like how I felt when I first looked at the necklace. I could only think about myself wearing it, around my wrist, my neck, my black chitin perfectly contrasting-

“What the?” Burst Patrick from the other side of the table. Holding up the large necklace with possibly the best look on his face I’d seen in years.

“Yeah funny story about that.” I began, as Patrick was practically laughing with the ridiculousness of it.

“Oh do tell! I’d love to see what was going through your mind when- oh hold on!” He then took out one of the hoof pieces. “Is this made for a horse?”

Cordelia burst out laughing as she also took out a watch for her present. “I’m sorry, Hannah, does Patrick look like a pony? Because he looks perfectly human in my opinion! Why’d you get him that?”

I paused and looked at the ground. Without saying another word. “I don’t know.” I murmured.

“What?”

“I said I DON’T KNOW!” I screamed oddly. Then held my breath to silence myself.

“Funny… Isn’t it…” Interrupted Elizabeth. We all turned to her, while Patrick was taking out the necklace. “Influence.”

“What?”

“I’ve been studying… Things… Due to some of the tapes that you-” Referring to Patrick. “Sorted. That the mind is easily moulded…” She leant back on her chair. In a way they oozed ‘smug’.

“What did you do?” Patrick and I asked in harmony.

Elizabeth jumped out of her seat. I almost expected the soundtrack of Sherlock to start playing at how she got me to buy it.

"Does this phrase seem familiar; "The Queen must bring the King his armor, before he engages in battle,"?"

Patrick and I nodded, flinching slightly at the mention of that familiar phrase.

"It's a trigger Phrase, made for the sole purpose of getting two people to work off each other and achieve a specific objective.

“Zachary Hale Comstock. If you didn’t notice on the tapes themselves;” She then reached in her pocket. “What you didn’t know is his short-term work. A preacher; an incessant racist; practical marksman. And also Not his real name.-”

“You’ll find that this man is not also all of those, but he is a world renowned-”

“Hypnotist?” All of us said together.

Patrick half-smiled and nodded. “So… You somehow used him, whoever he is, to make me convince Hannah to buy this… Pony armor?”

“Yes, basic suggestion, a basic idea. You are a king and need armor. Reinforced by successive ideas by my asking about what else? Ponies. You make the link; Horse armor. Not just any horse; Pony armor specifically.”

“Except this hypnosis has some specific qualities to it. Details hidden in the vague suggestion; or should I say covered. But where is there armor covered? This suggestion would have to be so covered and so big that it would have to get in without drawing too much attention. Now you make the link: What matches all of those qualities?”

And then a little link came to me like a silver bullet. “Armor, covered, but in a way that’s big, and does not draw attention to itself… With a bit of research, you know it would lead me to ‘John Gowing Jewellers.’ How clever.”

“And then… The specifics? And how you got me to persuade Hannah? And how did you get him to do those messages? And how come I didn’t remember any of these messages?” Patrick onslaughts while leaning over the table. Elizabeth, however, was ready to offer any answers to him.

“First thing; you’ve seen Derren Brown’s actual shows, Patrick. You know that the right impressions can be given if you’re good enough at suggestion? And some impressions can be passed along; if you’re good enough at suggestion. And how could a hypnotist be good if you remember what you’re meant to forget?”

“Who was he?”

“Derren Brown, I just said that.”

“So then… Why? A little magic show?”

“Actually, it was more on his part than mine; I owed him a favor; so I got you to be hypnotised by him. It was an experiment, and I came up with the idea on the results it could come up with.”

Patrick lowered his eyelids with apathy; “Well I’m sorry I don’t sound grateful if I say I don’t like to be used to repay favors.”

I coughed and interrupted as a realisation dawned on me. “Although, I do like Derren Brown. So this is a bit of an experience for me.”

Patrick pursed his lips bitterly. “I don’t care Hannah; even if it is him. I would have preferred it if he did it in person to me. I would have liked it more.” His eyes shot open madly as he stared at Liz; “In fact I would love it if I met him in person. Just… I don’t like being used in that way.”

“I thought as much when I did it. But there are some things that I think you’ll like though.”

“Pardon?” He asked, a tad intrigued.

“In his part, he encouraged a former client to do something I wanted him to do. And… The object that breaks the hypnosis.”

A cold chill went down my spine as Elizabeth picked up one of the last remaining presents.

“I didn’t let you touch it the other day; since I needed you to be able to encourage Hannah. But now, it is safe for you to hold; BUT NOT. TOUCH. IT. So use this.” She handed a handkerchief with ‘Hands off’ written on it to Patrick along with the gift.

Patrick opened it; as a look of horror emerged. He snapped his mouth shut as his entire self, and the room around him illuminated with a green light. His pupils dilated as something seemed to put him under an almost trance. He phased out for a second and then grabbed this object with the cloth. And what he pulled out was…

An emerald.

“What… Is… This?” He asked, as Cordelia leant over to touch it.

“DON’T TOUCH IT!” Elizabeth yelled, forcing Cordelia’s hand out of the way. Much to Cordelia’s surprise. “Patrick must be the one to ‘draw first blood’. If you touch it first; we’ll all die! Patrick needs the energy.”

“Ok…” Cordelia whimpered at the reaction, withdrawing back into her seat while Patrick continued to be fixed on the emerald.

Elizabeth checked the time. Her eyes opened wide as she noticed how much time had passed now. “Time is running out now; guys. Are you all done with your meals?”

Most of us (Patrick not included) nodded. So Elizabeth rushed into the living room.

“COME ON THEN! I’VE GOT DRINKS AVAILABLE!” She called.

I shrugged, I couldn’t resist a drink because of how much stupidity had been laid on me and Patrick tonight. Might as well spend the rest of the night as bonkers as her. So I stood up and walked into the other room (with my gifts, of course).

“Are you following her? After all of that?” Cordelia spat closing one eye.

I sighed and yawned. “It’s going to be a long day tomorrow. And I thought I might as well get a little pissed to pass the time.”

She had a similar reaction to what I did. And then also began to follow along with Josh. But before we left the room; Cordelia broke Patrick’s gaze on this mysterious Emerald. And he almost immediately stood up and took the emerald into his pocket to follow us. He didn’t even say a word.

As he brushed past me; with the emerald still in his pocket. “Mad woman, mad evening… Just… Mad…” He murmured. With a little venom in his voice.

“Are you ok, Patrick?” I asked, sensing the object from his pocket. But then I noticed something when up close to him now.

Patrick’s eye was more bloodshot than ever. I felt at any moment it could burst in his head…

It must have been agony.

“Right then everyone, here you go!” Drinks were then given to each of us as Elizabeth checked the time hastily. We just came into the room, standing in the centre. But the rooms side was decorated with clocks; all chirping away in perfect synchronisation.

“Quickly now. We only have a few minutes till midnight.” She then handed out some glasses filled with a dark liqueur. Smelling of a rich cherry. And like usual; Josh was left out of the selection.

“Oh come on! I get left out even when it comes to booze?” Josh opened up after a while of not speaking. Also feeling a little left out again.

“You’re the designated driver; we can’t have you getting drunk on their night.” A voice emerged from the corner of the room. As one of the Luteces appeared again. Also with an eye on the time. “And besides. This alcohol is a tad rich, Joshua. I don’t think it’ll agree with your stomach.”

I gave the drink a good whiff, and coughed to myself as its scent filled my nostrils. I lowered the drink as I also felt a looming presence from Elizabeth. Which was uncomfortable.

“Do you mind, Elizabeth?” I asked, moving her away slightly. “You’re being slightly encroaching. Is something wrong?”

“I’m not worried, I just want you to drink before the time is up!” She was turning red, a slight frenzy almost. Until Robert tapped her shoulder blade with a calm manner.

The whole room seemed to cool a little from his authoritative glare. And Elizabeth sighed while I sipped the drink. “Elizabeth, behave yourself. There is time, but you do not have to do anything. It is up to them to make the actions. Please, Elizabeth, sit down and have a drink.”

“I’m sorry.” She said, holding her head in her hands and sighing. “I made a total fool of myself. I should be calm at a time like this. I usually remain cool headed.”

She smiled and turned to Patrick. “I don’t expect you to believe anything. I just needed you to trust me until you got your hands on that emerald.”

“Elizabeth!” Robert yelled. His eyes darted.

Elizabeth chugged down a whole glass of the liqueur and smiled. The clock was nearing midnight; and Patrick was beginning to be unnerved by what Elizabeth was saying.

“Time is running out now. But what has been done has been done.” She took out a notebook from her jacket. But before she could read it; Rosalind stopped her.

“Elizabeth, they don’t need to do this. They’ll do it anyway! They don’t need to know.”

“Could any of you tell me what the fuck is going on?” Patrick exclaimed, forcing his hands onto his head.

“-I agree with Paddy here. You’re not telling us anything of use; other than the fact that you got Derren Brown to get Hannah to buy some fancy jewellery.” Josh retorted to the three weirdos.

Elizabeth shoved the hand of the professor away from the book with a reassuring look. And with a calm motion; opened the cover and turned to a specific page. She now addressed all of us.

“Tomorrow. I would like you to follow a specific plan I have laid out for you all. Only tomorrow, and then you can do what you like. I would like you to follow these to. the. letter. without any deviation. Is that clear?”

One of us began to protest, before Elizabeth shouted in one of the loudest voices I had ever heard a woman use. “IS THAT CLEAR?”

“Yes.” We all said simultaneously; Josh included. Elizabeth grinned in Sherlockian fashion before directing to Cordelia.

“Cordelia Cross, tomorrow. I do not want you to follow your peers. I want you to study the books I have given you and learn anything you can. I will not be testing you; I just wish you to use them and build knowledge. In the afternoon, you will be contacted by an anonymous number; when you get that call; shut the blinds, or any other connection to the outside and answer with two words. White Siren. Remember that; do NOT forget. Just remember that; WHITE SIREN. Clear?”

“Yes.” Shakingly said Cordelia. Making a mental note on the two words she’d been instructed to remember. Josh; was however laughing to himself. He was taking this like a joke. Elizabeth continued, now to me.

“Hannah Biddle, tomorrow. I do not want you to follow your peers. Get a call from a friend, ignore it. Make no communication with anyone you know or anyone you don’t know. Go to the doctor though, I’ve booked an appointment at the John Radcliffe. Expect a little pain, but later, see a doctor, he is a friend. He’ll help you anyway. I'll meet you at lunch at Costa Coffee like we planned, then some truths will be revealed, and my actions will be understood. Then I'll take you to Patrick’s house! In the afternoon, you will be contacted by an anonymous number; when you get that call; shut the blinds, or any other connection to the outside and answer with two words. Blissful Love. Remember that; do NOT forget. Just remember that; BLISSFUL LOVE. Clear?”

“Yes.” I said, sweating at the forcefulness, yet, calm, tone of her voice. I was almost forced to comply.

“I, will do what I planned to do. And I will give the code. Songbird’s Call.”

She stood up and walked to Patrick. Looking him dead in the eyes. “And you… Our lead protagonist.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Elizabeth. But I’ll go with it, if it pleases you.”

She bowed and smiled. And relayed her instruction to him.

“Patrick John Peter Taylor, tomorrow. I do not want you to follow your peers. You will not take off the eyepatch. But you will go to your school reunion. If you have an accident, go to the bathroom and see a doctor. He will help you. Then fly back home and meet Hannah. Don’t contact Darius Jem. Even if you think it’s an emergency. Do not contact Darius Jem. You will have to take someone to meet me and Hannah at Costa at lunch. Where I will reveal to you some secrets that are mine alone until it enters your ears. And finally; in the afternoon. You will receive a call. When prompted, you will need to enter; 4 - 849,514,996. And reiterate; 4 - 849,514,996. And at midnight, you will receive a maximum security call from a secure number. Unlike the calls the others will receive, but instead; you will also be given instructions, after you have given your own password. Night Fury. And if it’s the last thing you remember, you need to remember that password. From it’s use on the phone to a later choice you must make. Just two words.

NIGHT. FURY.”

“Yes.” He replied. And then something seemed to hit him in the face. “Eyepatch? Why would I need an eyepatch?”

Bong

“Oh yes, you’re going to cut out your own eye.” She replied.

Bong

“What?” The rest of us said collectively. While I saw, out of the corner of my eye, the Luteces stood behind Cordelia and I.

Bong

“Yes, Patrick. You’re going to cut out your eye.”

Bong

“Not you, exactly. Although one mistake will cause that.” She smirked.

Bong

“Even though I told you not to, you’re still curious.” She raised her hand to Patrick’s side.

Bong

“A whole night of weirdness. A hypnosis, strange gifts. But the thing that takes your interest the most.”

Bong

“Is a diamond.”

Bong

“And even at the age of 24. Almost an adult. You still hold that childlike factor of curiosity.”

Bong

“You will find a stray hand, and a knife in a pocket can be the downfall of even a smart man’s vision.”

Bong

“And you, will find your destiny. Chronos.”

Bong

“At the stroke of midnight.”

Bong

-1st of March. Midnight.-

And before we could do anything, Elizabeth tapped Patrick’s pocket, with his hand in it. As I saw him cringe in pain. And then things became… Dark.

He took out his hand, now with the emerald in hand. With a freaky glow spreading up his entire body. As he screamed.

And boy did he scream.

It was like a cat on a blackboard, he was in agony. Falling onto the floor as a knife fell out of his pocket. Josh began to stir.

“Get away from my friend, you bitch!” He screamed, steaming towards him.

“No, Joshua. She’s saving all of us.” Rosalind interrupted as Elizabeth began a chant while Patrick clasped his face with his brightly glowing hands.

“God of Justice and Chaos hear my words and see my actions.

I am Elizabeth Lutece and I beckon you to break the curse through your equal!

Five Score broken by Four

Your memories returned, your body restored!

Your glory will return to all,

Soul and body united in the world of the small!

Reunite the six, the chaos transfixed!

Your mind will return, the gods trust you’ll earn!

Remember everything, empower the dragon.

We have won, now foul curse BEGONE!”

And then…

Boom.

Except… Not boom.

It was a wash over all of us. An eerie green blast emanated from him, blowing my hair back and sending me, Elizabeth and Cordelia away a couple of inches. It felt like something had just smacked us in the everything. And while it didn’t affect the rest of us in the room. It just kept going. Building up velocity as it left the house and kept going. It was not as I expected, it felt almost.

Nice.

But it wasn’t over. Patrick was clasping his eyes, as I think (if my eyes weren’t deceiving me.) His hair grew about an inch. And he settled down.

“Elizabeth?” He said in a smooth cold voice. “Am… Am I alive?”

Elizabeth gasped for joy. And raised Patrick off the ground.

“How long has it been?” He asked. Raising his head up and keeping his eyes closed.

“25 years. And yet, you remain. I have kept your armor in perfect condition.” She replied handing Patrick the crown. And as he touched it… It changed. The metal shaped and morphed, changed colour.

To become an all too familiar shape.

“Ahh. It feels natural.” He said, rolling the ‘s’ like a snake. “Where is the rest of my League?”

Elizabeth turned to us as did Patrick, now opening his eyes.

“Such odd forms. Nomatter. They will not last long.” He slithered.

“Patrick. What the fuck are you talking about-”

“QUIET MORTAL! Do you know who I am?” He yelled. As now… I noticed his eyes. Light blue. Cat-like. And satanic to the core. I couldn’t believe it. I wouldn’t.

He opened his mouth and my fear was confirmed.

“I am NIGHTMARE MOON. AND I HAVE RETURNED TO THE WORLD OF THE LIVING!”

There was a moment of silence and fear. We didn’t know how to react. Had Patrick gone mad… Was it more of the hypnosis? Or was it… Genuine?

“What did you do to him Elizabeth?” I yelled. Clenching my fists.

“Chrysalis? My dear sweet Changeling! Is that you?” He asked, almost crying with joy as he approached me.

“What are you-”

“Oh dear, hair’s a little more saggy, if that’s even possible, and I miss the cheeselegs. Nomatter, all changes can be corrected.” He said, pulling at different areas of my face. Before staring at me deep in the eyes.

“Have no fear, Hannah.” Elizabeth said, out of my sight. “He’s just flipped into Nightmare Moon. He’ll be fine in a bit. He’s just redeveloped a split personality.”

“Redeveloped?” Cordelia yelled, practically cowering in fear.

“Yes. Long story, I expect that you don’t remember too much my dear.” He pressed a finger against my forehead. “Oh yes, memory loss is common in this curse. But you’ll remember soon enough.”

“What are you TALKING ABOUT?” I yelled, to be completely ignored by him as he directed attention back to Elizabeth.

“Tear? My scar of time is missing. Does it disappear through the curse or-”

“No, the scar is still there my Queen. Just on the inside. But if you wish, you can…” She indicated to the knife.

“Oh yes… I’ve grown to love that scar. As will… What’s this boy’s name again?”

“Patrick… Patrick Taylor.” Cordelia said, with the biggest disbelief. To get a look of confusion and disgust from the man in question.

“Such an odd name. Too generic. But I think… Patrick… Will enjoy a little change I make to his… Vision.” He picked up the knife, and pressed a button to flick it out.

I thought of what was going to happen, and lept forward to try and stop him. Only to be restrained by the Lutece behind me.

“Don’t. He needs to do this!”

“Get off me! I need to stop him!” I yelled. As Patrick smiled at me. Josh and Cordelia were also being restrained. Trying to stop what we knew was going to happen.

“Such… Bravado from you all. Even after all of this. But remember. Change is inevitable! For better and worse.” He spoke with clean tongue, bringing the knife up to the bloodshot eye.

“I have returned, and will return more over time. And now… My empire of glory.” He brang the knife up.

“My rise to bring justice.” The knife shone in his hand.

“Begins.” Fuck… He’s actually going to do it.

“With scars… And BLOOD!”

Plunge.

The knife in the dead of the eye. Blood spurting out slower than usual. He opened his mouth and let out a silent scream. As the actual scream came from Cordelia.

He grabbed the knife, and dragged it down his face. Groaning and yelling as it tore through the skin, the muscle, the flesh. And inevitably… Bone.

I couldn’t watch, yet I couldn’t not watch, it was like Boris Johnson. Final yells emanated from him as he struggled with the knife. Seeing his eye bulging in his socket as the knife pushed on it. Pushing and pushing, further and further, more blood as the inevitable happened.

*Snap*

“WAAAAAAGH!”

He screamed in agony as the bloody round object burst out of his skull, hit a mirror and fell onto the ground right in front of me. As Patrick finished creating a scar in his face. I saw the object staring back at me. Surrounded in shreds of flesh, arteries, nerves and skin.

A small, round, human eye.

My gut gave out as Patrick looked to me, throwing up on the vile object on the ground. I stared into him, with vomit on my lips. To see the large, gaping hole bored directly into his face. With blood dripping everywhere.

“Jesus Christ… FUCKMEFUCKMEFUCKMEFUCKMEFUCKME-” Josh yelled, closing his eyes in terror as Patrick started… Laughing.

He laughed and laughed, satanically. He’d lost it. I’d lost it. We’d all lost it. I wanted the night to end so badly at that moment. I just wanted to be home. I couldn’t bare it! I started to feel dizzy and tired.

Patrick dropped the knife. And fell to one knee in a pool of his own blood. I heard another sound as Cordelia started to fall to the ground too.

“I trust… You have prepared for this… Mister and Misses Lutece?” Patrick asked, as Elizabeth now began to fall to the floor. The Luteces nodded, as they went over to a rocking Josh.

“Get up, Joshua.” Rosalind ordered, slapping Josh in the face. “You will need to take your friends home! Use Patrick’s car.”

Patrick reached into his pocket and pulled out a key which he threw to Rosalind. While Robert came back with a few pillows.

“Is this supposed to happen?” Patrick asked Elizabeth, who promptly nodded, as my eyelids became heavy and difficult to open. What was going on? Was it the wine? It must have been the wine.

“Queen Nightmare Moon, you will be fine. Tomorrow. You will… Return… To your… Glory…”

Robert placed a pillow behind me, before putting one behind the others. I wanted to cry. I wanted it to be over. I wanted to die. I wanted to sleep. As my fatigue made it even more difficult to keep myself conscious. I knew I would have to succumb to it. I was remembering constantly as I looked around me… Blissful Love, Blissful Love, Blissful Love.

It was time. I fell back into the pillow behind me. Succumbing to the fatigue finally. It was time. But I still heard a weak voice from Elizabeth.

“Tomorrow… Tomorrow… The Five will unite… I am… Happy…”

Sleep.

In a house of scars and blood.

Author's Note

Finally got to the first night! Now the plot will start to find it's hinge. If you are wondering about the weirdness of Elizabeth; she will become more understandable later in the story.
'Counter Curse' FiveScore made up by me... Its use will also be explained later.

Also, any of the eagle eyed will notice the references to the last of the League I will add in through Elizabeth's dialogue... Cookie going to anyone who spots who it is.

Credit to Dusk Writer for editing again.