The Joker and the Thief in the night

[Olive Tome]

Evelyn watched him go towards the back and open a curtain revealing a bed. From the look of everything, it would appear that the man was living on the train, or that was what the lady assumed. What type of existence did he live for him to make an underground train his home? Pondering the thoughts going through her mind, Evelyn wondered if he was happy with that sort of life or if he ever got lonely. The poor lad.

Then, Isaac opened his mouth once more to ask the lady to get him a brandy. Typical.

Evelyn only smiled at him before turning towards the cabinet containing an assortment of expensive and aged bottles of alcohol of different types. She was impressed by the age and expense of those bottles, but her father would still beat him in the number of bottles. She pulled out two glasses, a bottle of brandy and a bottle of scotch pouring both of them into glasses. One of just brandy and another of scotch. Once the redhead finished pouring the glasses she went over to take a seat on the couch that felt like she was sitting on a pillow.

Just as she went to sit down, however, her heart started to race as she listened to Isaac mention the Order of Vali taking an interest in her family. There was no idea in her mind as to why these people would be interested in her family, but after hearing everything Leslie had said about them it worried her to hear that. Yet, Evelyn attempted to keep a relaxed posture as she downed the entire glass of scotch, feeling it burn as it went down her throat Oh, how she learned to love the feeling.

“As I mentioned earlier, Mr.Harker, I do not know the Order of Vali and my family surely has no associations with them.” She spoke as she stared down at Isaac’s glass of brandy sitting in her hand. Making small motions her eyes watched the little waves in the glass. “My father and grandfather were hunters. I believe my father used to hunt some monsters here but the bulk of his hunts were in Germany. As for my grandfather, he hunted in Germany and the surrounding countries but never in Britain. They have never hunted for your Order.”

Her grey eyes looked up at the back curtains in which Isaac laid just behind them. “I imagine you have a theory as to why they are interested?” She smiled coyly and waited for him to reappear.

If and when he reappeared Evelyn would offer his glass to him before promptly drinking the contents of the glass in front of him. If the lady pleases.

 

[Ninja]

Isaac felt a slight shudder through the carriage as the trains wheels span furiously before a little jolt signalled their traction, moments later and only the slight sway and ocassional clack of the rails remained. He looked down into the dirty water of the tiny sink seeing a muddied reflection glaring back at him before looking up to see his now cleaned and refreshed face sitting neatly above a crisp white shirt.

He listened intently to Evelyns reply, a slight frown emerging across his face in the mirror as a worrying thought entered his mind, remembering the letter from the Order he had recieved.

"Mr Harker, the High Council of Vali has deemed your recent mission to be of questionable standards at best, regardless the Council hereby confirms your success. It does however cause us to raise the issue of a young woman by the name of Evelyn Blumenstein who was confirmed present at the same location. This woman and her family are of upmost interest to the council and she must be apprehended and brought to the grand hall immediately.

While your history of following orders is questionable at best it would be extremely wise to follow this one to the letter."

While Isaac had found it unlikely that the order had already learned of his success and had the time to prepare the letter for him, it wasn't entirely impossible afterall he knew that he was watched with great interest constantly. What Isaac did find odd however was their knowledge of this Evelyn and why she would be of interest too them, yet all of this paled in comparison to the second letter Isaac had read. This second secret letter had been written in a new and little known language called braille and it was hidden within the Orders own crest cast upon a single sheet of paper. Isaac knew of only one other person besides himself who could read this language and it happened to be the same person who had taught him years before.

"Dear Isaac, I prey that this note reaches you in time. Please be careful, the following letter from the Order was drafted long before your current mission. Know this, the council was not in agreement."

Isaac understood the warning for any and all actions should only be undertaken with full council agreement, for such agreement to not be reached was simply unheard of yet even so Orders had been drafted to him. The figure in the mirror suddenly blinked rapidly as something in Evelyns words snapped him quickly back to conscious thought. "What was that she just said, her father and grandfather were both hunters."

He quickly pulled back the curtain, his now clean and refreshed figure standing in the space it had once concealed, his eyes focused on the glass in her hand before moving to collect it.

"You said your father and grandfather were hunters"

He reaches out to take the glass from her.

"What or maybe who did they hunt?"

 

[Olive Tome]

Evelyn watched Isaac appear from behind the curtain in a fresh shirt and looking more put together than before. At least, in comparison to Evelyn who still looked as if she fought a war. His eyes were locked on the glass in her hand and the corners of her mouth lifted as he made his way towards the glass of brandy. Just as he reached out for the precious liquid, Evelyn brought it up to her lips and started drinking the contents of the glass. No doubt a look of shock had appeared on his face, but that is was Isaac get for telling her to make him a glass in such a way.

Pulling the glass away from her lips, she looked at the small amount of brandy still left in the glass. Grey eyes flickered back up at the man and her hand extended to give him the glass. Retracting her hand once he took the glass, Evelyn thought about Isaac’s new interest in her family. Whatever he was attempting to imply was concerning.

“My father hunted nothing specifically. Sometimes witches or werewolves but nothing major. He was never a lover of the hunting profession as he preferred prizefighting.” The brandy started to kick in and Evelyn relaxed more on the couch, feeling the warmth of the alcohol coursing through her veins.

“My grandfather, Hans, also did not have a favourite. He usually hunted monsters that were harming his community but did go to other countries to hunt. Never met my grandfather though and he died about four years ago back in Germany.” Evelyn looked down at her bruised and cut hand as she finished speaking. He died of similar causes that were not affecting her father. Evelyn could only hope she would be able to find a cure before it was too late.

“Nothing that should concern this Order you speak of as neither of them hunted in years."

 

[Ninja]

Confusion turned to curiosity as Isaac watched the glass press against her lips, the precious liquid flowing between them as she swallowed down the contents, he peered through the clear crystal base fascinated by her response, his hand still held out in anticipation to collect it. Finally now seemingly satisfied she had made her point she placed the glass in his still open palm a slight smile spread across her face as she looked up at him. He stood for a moment, swilling the now meagre contents around the base of the glass, watching a small whirlpool form in the golden liquid before downing the remaining contents with just a subtle shrug followed by moving towards the drinks cabinet to refill it.

"So to your knowledge the Order should have no interest in you"

A slight pause as Isaac thought for just a moment.

"Curious"

He reached the drinks cabinet his fingers moving across the tops of the many bottles slowly as if he was a pianist, feeling out the keys in preparation of a great symphony, before allowing his hand to rest around the neck of a particularly long aged brandy. He lift's the decanter to his nose, removing the top with his free hand before taking in the smell with a deep breath, his eyes closing as he let's the aroma flood his senses before poring himself a glass and continuing.

"You said your grandfather past away four years ago"

Isaac turned with glass in hand, his gaze focused on the back of her neck admiring it's soft curves criss-crossed by strands of flame red hair, at least that was until she turned her head to him as if sensing his gaze.

"May I ask, did your fathers symptoms begin after this?"

 

[Olive Tome]

Turning her face towards his general direction, Evelyn thought long and hard about what Isaac had asked. It was a strange question to ask but the answer was just as strange. “Well, not immediately so. Around six months later after an injury prizefighting.” Just then the redhead turned her upper body to face him more, being able to see his face. “Look, Victoria says it is most likely a genetic disorder, nothing too unusual,” Evelyn stated bluntly as she started to feel uncomfortable with the direction the conversation was going.

Not that it was a particularly pleasant subject for anyone, but seeing her father go from the strong man that could carry a ten-year-old girl on his shoulders to a man coughing up blood into a handkerchief or having moments, where he sees things in the dark, it was quite upsetting. Some days were good, great even. However, many more had Evelyn coming home in the middle of the night to a paranoid wreck.

Evelyn needed to distract herself.

Feeling like a cornered racoon, the redhead stood up with her glass firmly in hand. Quickly, the woman made her way back over to the cabinet and went straight for the nearest scotch bottle. Pouring more of its contents into the clear glass.

“How you even knew it was my father that was ill surprises me,” Evelyn mumbled as she put the bottle back in the right place. She went to take a sip but stopped and used her free hand to move the bottle so the label was facing outwards like the rest of them. Looked better that way. “I reckon that it was this Order you speak of. Have spies everywhere?” She lifted a brow as she turned to face him once more.

'I guess Leslie was not crook in the head about this Vali business, after all', Evelyn pondered to herself.

“You know about me, my father’s condition, and have asked more than your fair share of questions.” Evelyn strolled back over to the couch before plopping down on the soft cushions. “Mr.Harker, I believe it is my turn to ask the questions.” She stated bluntly as she brought the glass up to her lips and took another, sip bringing more warmth to her body. She wanted to ask about him and how he is over two-hundred years old, but she knew he would not divulge the information.

“What is your affiliation with the Order of Vali?”

 

[Ninja]

Isaac ponderer her answers carefully whilst watching her pour another glass, a slight feeling of amusement passing over him as he catches her turn the bottle in the corner of his eye. As she returned to her seat he followed her sitting just beside her as she asked her question.

"My affiliation is.."

He paused suddenly as if realising he was not actually sure of the answers, all he'd ever known in his returned life was the Order and yet there surely was a life from before them. His attention snapped backed to her having suddenly realised he'd trailed off his gaze having drifted away mid sentence.

"All I've ever known since being brought back is the way of the Order"

His face showed a brief flash of emotion before continuing.

"They stand against an evil far worse than a pack of werewolves or a two bit neck biter."

He looked away briefly fighting the sudden surprising urge to jump to their defence before returning his gaze to hers.

"They gave me life so I could aid them in that crusade, but..."

He sighed slightly his shoulders relaxing noticeably as if suddenly admitting defeat in the fight raging inside him.

"I have my own questions regarding the Order that I seek to answer"

The glass lifted to his lips his eyes fixed on hers from above the rim as he took in a small amount, he paused letting the taste linger before lowering the glass once more.

"And it would appear Evelyn that I need your help but I fear it may put you in grave danger"

 

[Olive Tome]

Brows creased as Evelyn listened to the man's tale. What a sad existance he must have been living. Confusing too. No doubt in her mind the Order would not help him recover his lost memories.

With a snort, she shook her head. "So vampires and werewolves are below them? Lovely." She spoke in a dry tone as she finishes her glass liking this Order of Vali less and less. Yet, she knew better than to disrespect any opponent; human or otherwise.

Hearing her life is in grave danger looked at him. Examining his face closely for evil intent. "I can tell how little that part means to you if you waited for me to be on a moving train to tell me that part." Her silver eyes narrowed at Isaac. Lips tightly forming a line before turning her face away from him. On the inside she was scared of what he would put her through, yet now she had to make the best of things.

For her Father's sake.

"Well," The redhead visibly relaxed in defeat. "Seeing as I am already here I guess I can help, but I will be rewarded for my efforts."

"If you wish for my help I shall need to know what part I play in this little quest of inquries." Evelyn spoke impatiently as she played with the empty glass in her hand.

 

[Ninja]

Isaac placed his glass down on the table just in front of the couch before slowly returning his gaze to her.

"Evelyn, to begin with you are on this train so that I may protect you"

His hand began to rub his chin feeling the bristles chaffing against the leather of the glove, deciding then that he probably should of shaved too.

"For reasons unknown to me it appears as if the Order have their sights on you, I assume you remember the letter bundle I recieved at Vict"

He paused as a slight mischievous smile spread across his face.

"I mean at Vee's, well the Order commanded that I bring you before them"

Isaac immediately held up his hand as her mouth began to open in protest, anger flashing over her face before continuing.

"Look, I have no intention of offering you up to be harmed and I do not know that is infact their intentions"

His hand lowered placing it to rest on the back of the sofa, a sympathetic look on his face.

"I know how it may appear but the truth is the Order have other means of having you brought before them that I cannot control, however I admit having you close to them may open up an opportunity to gather some answers."

 

[Olive Tome]

Listening with intent there were several emotions that coursed through the young woman.Confusion, worry, angry and then confusion once more. Isaac had sure made it hard to understand his motives. He was like an enigma even when he spoke about himself. The more he said the less Evelyn begun to understand. Maybe one day it would become clear to her. If she lived through this situation.

Isaac may say he had no intentions of offering her up to be harmed, but how could the man protect her if he himself had no idea of the danger? In fact, he admitted that having her close to them would prove helpful in gathering the information he so spoke of. How far was he willing to go to get that information? Many others have gone into similar circumstances with innocent intentions only to throw their morals away to get what truly mattered to them. Evelyn learned something similar from personal experience.

Turning her face away from him, her grey eyes scanned the scenery while her finger absentmindedly moved around the rim of the empty glass in her hands. Would Vee really allow me to be put in such a situation

“I do not know you and I certainly should not care about you getting the information you desire,” a heavy, slow sigh escaped her lips while she cursed herself in her head. “I shall help you, even if it may lead to danger.” She turned her face back towards him showing very little emotion while she scanned his face.

“Besides, I wish to know why the Order-”

Before she could finish a sound erupted through the air as something collided with the train. Within a millisecond after the sound came the screeching, and sudden stop of the train causing Isaac and Evelyn to collide into each other before falling on the floor away from each other. Evelyn landed with a loud grunt and cursing silently as she propped herself up on an arm. One glance out the window could tell the train had stopped, but why?

By the time Evelyn got back up onto her feet another sound could be heard. A loud bang followed by a short, fast sway of the train. If Evelyn did not have her feet sturdy planted onto the ground she would have fallen again.

Curiosity got the better of Evelyn, she looked back at Isaac before following the sound of whatever was hitting the train. Surely it could not be just an object as it would not hit a train while it was not moving. Getting to the front cabin of the train, it did not take long to find out exactly what had stopped the train. Or, in this case, attacked much to Evelyn’s surprise.

The thing must have been as tall as the train. It had a large, vaguely humanoid form within anything in regards to a head. The closest thing to a head had no mouth or nose or anything that would have been associated with a humanoid head. No, it was just a rounded off top with a large gas down the top with a large opening. A large, blinding white glowing object illuminated from the gash. Possibly an orb of some kind that it used to see. The body, large and bulky with what looked like large grey rocks covering most of the creature’s body with small openings that showed a tan-coloured material.

“A golem.” She breathed out, first one she had ever seen in her life.

There was not much time to marvel at the sight, however. It stood ominously before moving one bulky arm back and swinging again at the train knocking it around some more. Evelyn held firmly as to not fall over again as she stared, mouth partially opened at the creature outside the train. This was not good at all.

 

[Ninja]

Time appeared to slow down in Isaac's eyes, he became suddenly aware of being intimately close to Evelyn before each of them was flung from the couch and across the floor. At almost the same time his eyes focused on his glass with the remnants of his drink floating calmly along the length of the carriage, sailing past his head before shattering along with it's contents against the far wall. By the second loud bang Isaac was already to his feet and running quickly but not heading forward as Evelyn now was, no he was heading towards the rear of the carriage back to where he changed his shirt in the bedroom area.

He shot past the curtain, items spread across the floor by the sudden stopping impact but Isaac wasn't slowing down as quickly approached the rear wall. With a single fluid motion he dived clearing the large double bed before continuing on through the small window at the back of the carriage. Glass shattered into the pitch black tunnel behind the carriage as Isaac fell between the rails, his head coming down under him tucking his body into a ball as he landed into a full roll.

Now mid roll Isaac twisted himself to face back in the direction from which he came, his legs now coming around before his feet dig hard into the wooden sleeper, knee's bending hard, muscles straining to push him back up before straightening as he set off once more at speed towards the back of the carriage. He leapt upwards towards the ladder hanging down from the back of the carriage, his hands coming out to grab the bars before vaulting himself upwards, to land on the roof quickly returning to a full run albeit now having to bend slightly due to the tunnel ceiling above.

Outside and quickly making his way forward Isaac could see large stone like hands gripping the engines boiler either side followed by the hands rocking the whole train with a jolt. He watched it spread quickly down the train towards him like a ripple travelling down a ribbon, he felt his feet loose grip as the roof shifted left then right under him but rather than fight it Isaac now threw himself into a fast slide along the polished wooden roof.

His arm came out behind to stabilise him as he slid along, quickly reaching the end of the carriage as the creature whatever it was smashed against the engine once more, with a quick push he now slid off into the waiting coal train beyond. Unable to straighten his fall Isaac landed chest first into the filthy black coal's, a sound of anger coming from him as he lifted himself whilst looking down at the blackened front of his crisp white shirt.

"Again!"

But before he could contemplate the annoyance, he looked over to see Evelyn peering through the forward carriage window, she hadn't seen him though for her gaze was on something else. Isaac's heart seemed to stop for just a moment as his brain registered the movement of her lips and the sound they were making.

"A Golem"

He turned, eyes following her gaze as every fibre of his being hoped what she saw was wrong, but as Isaac watched a great stone arm raised itself high above him giving a clear view of the creature attached to it.

He barely had time to yell "Evelyn, Run!" before leaping forward as a giant hand smashed down hard where he lay just moments before.

 

[Olive Tome]

"Evelyn, run."

The Golem smashed it’s fists down. The earth, tunnel and train rumbled loudly and moved roughly. The train took the worse of it, however, as the window shattered. Evelyn had managed to duck behind the open door using t as protection against the flying shards of glass. He grunted as from the amount of pressure she put on her one leg caused her to remember straining the muscle from the last fight.

This man she knew for less than half the night already seems to have an aura that attracts danger - or maybe it was her. No, it must be him as she never had this much excitement in one night.

As the shards settled, Evelyn glanced around the door to look out the broken window on the other side of the room. The Golem made slow, lumbering moved in Isaac’s direction. He appeared to have distracted the Golem. ‘Oh, I will run alright,’ Evelyn grinned as she ran over towards the broken window. She swung herself out of the window using her hands on the window so that she would land feet first on the ground. Once landed, the redhead pulled out her axe from the holster.

Today would have been a good day for a pick axe.

“We need to chip away the rock!” Evelyn screamed as she ran to get behind the Golem. They needed to get to the clay part of the beast, then and only then could they have any chance of knowing if this particular golem had a word on its body or not.

 

[Ninja]

Isaac rose to his feet slowly, his eyes fixed on the monstrous creature towering on the other side of the train, he could see small cracks and crevices spread across its stony surface as the Golem roared in anger. His hand instinctively came down to the empty space where his blade once sat, a look of grimace spread across his face as a sudden memory of Victoria carrying it away flashed before his eyes.

"Oh great" He said outloud to himself. "This should be fun"

He edged along the coal carriage, the occasional angered fists still beating the train from the other side, rocking the whole thing as the sound of steam began his from the boiler. He reached the cabin, peering inside hoping to see Odeth within yet he was nowhere to be seen, instead Isaac watched frozen as the Golem lowered a mound like head to peer at him from the other side of the open cabin.

"Oh not good"

The words muttered from his lips as a mountain shaped fist came tearing through the back of the engine. An old hand yanked him back suddenly as the entire train began to tip over, he turned quickly to see Odeth stood, rifle in hand before both were forced to dive out of the way of the way. The entire train smashed hard upon its side, steam from the ruptured boiler began hissing out like a jet, quickly filling the tunnel in a thick white fog. Isaac now lying once more on the floor twisted to witness the carnage, a look of horror flashing across his face.

"Evelyn!"

He yelled into the fog but the only noise that replied was the reverberating groan of the Golem over the sound of the thunderous roar of escaping steam, he tried to see the carriage but all he could make out was the front of the train now resting on it's side, it's funnel pinned against the tunnel wall.

"Odeth, find Evelyn!"

He had to shout hard over the deafening sounds now filling the tunnel even as Odeth grunted to his feet beside him, he nodded in agreement both of them peering into the steam before the man moved off quickly, within seconds he had vanished into the hot spiralling steam. Isaac now rolled onto one knee his hand slipping behind his back to the crossbow still clamped there. His hand did not return with the crossbow however, instead pulling free the hand cannon sheathed behind it, slowly he pulled back the hammer aiming down the sights into the ever thickening fog, listening to the Golem continuing to Groan somewhere ahead, his eyes desperately searching for a clear shot.

 

[Olive Tome]

Everything began to rumble around Evelyn as the Golem’s fist smashed down towards Isaac. Being closely behind the large creature, the only thing Evelyn could see was Isaac before disappearing behind the large fist. Heart sinking as she feared the worse. “Isaac,” was all she could scream out before she witnessed the damage done by the golem’s large fist.

In mere seconds, the train toppled over. For a small second, it looked as if it would not fall over but gravity won that battle as the metal scraped against the side of the walls causing a loud noise to pierce the air. Not as loud as when the steam escaped the damaged engine. Loud hisses started to hurt her ears. Grey eyes managed to see plenty of brick and rough debris surrounding the train. Some of the train was even covered by fallen stone, Evelyn hoped the walls of the tunnel were sturdy. Her sight could not be trusted for long as the tunnel began to quickly fill with white fog. Soon it became increasingly difficult to see anything, especially the rock golem. Things were increasingly getting worse.

Now was not the time to think about Isaac’s fate.

A low grumble erupted from the barely visible Golem in front of her, which brought Evelyn’s attention back to reality. Her grip tightened around the axe handle as she swung at the Golem’s feet. Metal hit the rock as a loud clang filled the air with a small spark from the blade hitting the stone. The hit appeared to have done nothing to the Golem except grab its attention as it slowly turned to face her.

Evelyn was not going to stand there and wait for the creature to make the next move. No, it was time to exploit the slowness of the Golem. With haste, Evelyn ran between the Golem’s legs, using the time to place her axe back in the holster. Before the creature could turn to face her once more, Evelyn surmised a good, thick rock and jumped towards it grabbing it with both hands. Her fingers gripped the rock on its back tightly as the Golem started to move, the vibrations making it hard to keep a great grip on the rock.

Not too far away, Odeth had been following Isaac’s order of trying to find his elusive friend. Already expecting the worse, the reality was not much better when he did find her. “You bloody fool,” the old man grunted as he stood close to the Golem, seeing the crazy one holding onto the Golem as she swung one leg up to grip another rock so that she could keep climbing to the top. At the top, Evelyn held on with one hand while her right hand grabbed her axe one more.

Just one good swing.

Evelyn cried out loudly as she swung the axe down on a rock on the top of the Golem’s poorly-made head. Nothing. Again, she did so harder than the last. Nothing. Panic ran through her as she went to do it a third time but was grabbed by the Golem while she was distracted. Its grip tightened around her waist and arms as it brought her into its view. Evelyn could only stare as it began to tighten its already vice-like grip around her. Evelyn gasped for air out of pain as she felt her rib cage starting to become extremely painful.

Odeth swore to himself as he lifted the shotgun, pointed at the creature. He aimed quickly and fired at the Golem in an attempt to grab the Golem’s attention. He was unsuccessful but kept trying to get the Golem’s attention.

 

[Ninja]

The etched lines of a dragon wrapped around the barrel, it's wings unfurled outwards it's mouth open wide towards the front of the gun where flames now erupted, flinging forth the shell as Isaacs eyes remained focused down the sights.

He had knelt patiently, ears tuned for any sound, eyes scanning the swirling clouds of fog now all around him. The whistling of rushing steam had begun to fall silent, the dying death throes of the steam engine which now lay shattered and broken upon it's side. As quietness had once more fallen he had heard the golem roar, it's echoeing voice suddenly mixed with that of a screaming woman, the pained screams of Evelyn.

"Nooo" he had muttered, fighting the urge to run to her, yet seconds later he had gotten what he had so patiently waited for.

Odeth, having found Evelyn and the Golem had begun firing at the creature in apparent vain attempts, but Odeth was not trying to stop the creature he was showing Isaac exactly where the beast was. Flashes of light had erupted from the fog outlining the creature, it's stoney fists gripped around a desperate figure, it had taken just a second for Isaac to aim and fire.

And now as the cyclinder clicked in place, the whole cannon leapt alive in his hands as the spiralling bullet began it's journey. It sliced effortlessly through the mist, it's spiralling tip beginning to glow slightly before crackling sparkles came to life following grooves set along the screw like body of the bullet. It's journey had taken all but an instant but now, having reached the creatures extended arm, it's spinning glowing body buried itself deep under the stoney surface.

For just a moment nothing more happened, the Golem first turned it's head like bulge slowly to peer back down the path of the bullet, but as sparks began to flow like a jet from it's arm it's gaze now turned once more. But the sparks were just the start, a thunderous boom erupted behind a shower of shattered rock, the extended arm crumbling away as the fog once more covered Evelyn and the Golem from Isaacs sight.

 

[Olive Tome]

Bright white sparks flew from the Golem’s arm. As the intensity increased Evelyn squinted her eyes and turned her head away, muscles tense as she waited for the expected to happen. Then came the thunderous boom travelled through the tunnel causing sharp pain in Evelyn’s ears from close proximity. Rock and hardened clay flew everywhere. Small pieces roughly hitting the Huntress’ face as the arm crumbled not being able to support itself any longer. As the arm fell under the pressures of gravity Evelyn fell as well, landing roughly on her back with a loud gasp for needed air. Her ears ringing and breathing hard.

Only a moment did Evelyn allow herself to lay on the ground. Just long enough to slowly move her limbs to make sure they were not injured along with her spine being still in place. Then she rolled onto her stomach and used her hands to support herself as she stood back onto her feet. Not always being the strongest or good with ranged weaponry, Evelyn did make up for it in her sturdiness which contradicted her small frame.

The Fog, still as thick as ever, made it impossible to see her surroundings except for herself and barely the Golem who did not have a problem seeing through its large orb-esque eye. Which gave her an incredible idea.

Thankfully one good thing had happened. With the shot Isaac had fired, now she knew his general location. The problem was he was too far to presumably see the creature but had the means of possibly destroying the best. Evelyn had the creature’s attention but not the means of ending it. Sounded like a perfect recipe in the redhead’s mind as a Cheshire smile spread slowly across her features.

Time to coax the bastard.

Picking up a heavy rock that one belonged to the Golem’s arm, Evelyn flung it up at the beast aiming nowhere in particular. It flew in the air before hitting the creature in that orb like object hidden in a large open crack. It turned toward her, no features on its body but she could tell it was not angry as it lifted its only hand above before bringing it down to the ground. Evelyn jumped back out of the way. The ground shook from the impact. Evelyn started to move back towards the general direction she hoped Isaac was still in. Odeth kept firing shots up at the Golem to show the creature’s outline in the thick fog as it lumbered ever forward trying to get within distance to hit the small human girl again.

As her pace backwards quickened, Evelyn periodically looked over her shoulder to see if she could see Isaac. No luck, but all she needed was for him to see the golem, not herself. “Aim for the orb! Aim for the light,” she yelled t the top of her lungs. Luring the beast ever closer as she moved backwards, Evelyn could only hope he could hear her.

 

[Ninja]

He heard it before he felt it, the rumbling thuds followed by the tremors through the ground, each more powerful than the last, each one causing pebbles of debris to now vibrate and then jump but most importantly each now telling Isaac one thing, the Golem was on the move and it was heading his way.

His eye remained fixed down the sights but as each strengthening thud now passed his aim began to wander, his hands gripped the handle tightly trying to compensate and then he heard her.

“Aim for the orb! Aim for the light,”

"Evelyn" He whispered through barely moving lips, his focus now on the flashing outlines of the Golem drifting through the clouds towards him, each step corresponding with a now earthquake like shake and each making it increasingly more difficult to aim as he pulled the trigger slowly, exhaling at the same time to steady the barrel. In the fraction of a second it had taken Isaac to begin pulling the trigger, he became acutely aware of a feminine figure emerging directly in front of the creature, directly where he was now aiming as the hammer began to slam towards the waiting bullet. The spasm shot through his hand almost before he had consciously thought it, twisting his hand just in time to send the bullet whistling inches from her face. His aim ruined, the bullet glanced the Golems shoulder, ricocheting off to detonate harmlessly somewhere in the distant fog.

"Damn"

Still kneeling he now quickly stood, the large revolver outstretched towards the ever closing creature hoping to get a better shot as Evelyn's figure turned towards him. For a moment Isaac imagined the annoyed look spread across her face, a touch of amusement lingering within him until a sudden realisation struck, the creature was raising it's one good arm above her, and Evelyn hadn't seen it.

"Evelyn, Get Down!"

Isaac Screamed at her as he fired once more into the Golems now falling hand, the bullet digging deep inside before once more shattering into dust and debris as the remains of it's hand fell all around her.

He looked down to the four shot chamber as the Golem began roaring in rage, stone began tumbling towards it's stumped arm end as it slowly rebuilt.

"One bullet left" Isaac muttered to himself as he looked on towards Evelyn and the creature. Now as the Golem began raising it's foot to stomp down hard, he took aim once more, steadied the barrel then fired, this time directly towards the glowing orb.

 

[Olive Tome]

Evelyn looked back towards the Golem just in time to see what Isaac was freaking out about. The now only arm of the Golem was coming crashing down towards her. Adrenalin pumped through her veins as she went to jump out of the way, but by then nothing but stone and dust fell upon her. The dust was annoying and the rocks were heavy on her head but nothing that would leave damage. It would appear that was not her night for hunting, usually, she had better luck than that. Must be because Isaac’s fighting style did not match up to hers. Yet.

Eyes watched carefully as the Golem began to lift one of its legs to bring down on her. That was easy enough to dodge by dashing off to her right. Just in time too, as Isaac gave the next, and final shot, directly to the Golem’s orb.

The white orb cracked severely before finally exploding from the bullet lodged in one of the cracks Sparks flew everywhere before a loud explosion was heard. Any light that came from that orb was now gone. Soon the clay and rock that made up the Golem began to crack as well. The Golem stumbled backwards, sideways and forwards trying to keep balance before finally falling to its knees. Not too long afterwards it fell straight onto the floor. As the body hit the floor it broke into several large pieces while no longer moving and with no signs of life.

‘My assumption was correct. The orb was the life source,’ Evelyn thought as she looked back at Isaac with a wide smile. ‘I wonder if my other hunch is correct as well.’

Evelyn carefully made her way over to the Golem, kicking a few smaller pieces of its clay body away as she looked for what could have been considered the head. When the redhead did find it, she turned it over to face her and began pulling at the large rock on the forehead. With a crack, the piece came off and she tossed the rock aside to look at the clay hidden beneath the rock. No doubt on the clay has been engraved. Emet. Evelyn shook her head slightly before digging her nail into the clay to destroy the letter E at the beginning of the word. Now it just read Met.

Words like that do not naturally appear on clay under a rock to hide the word. “It would appear someone wanted to stop us.”

 

[Ninja]

He flicked the revolver in his hand, the cylinder flicking open to drop four empty cases, each one making a little sound as it bounced along the ground, a quick flick back to close it before replacing on his back. He moved over to Evelyn, half expecting rage from her but happy to see her in one piece before him.

"Evelyn"

He touched her on the shoulder, twisting her towards him, her bluish green eyes looking up at him through a dust coated face. Many things at that moment were going through Isaacs head, he simultaneously admired the beauty of her eyes while working through a complex puzzle, who would send a Golem.

Yet regardless only one thing left his lips as he opened them to speak.

"Are you okay?"

 

[Olive Tome]

Evelyn looked up over her shoulder at Isaac as he looked down at her. Concern was written all over the man’s face. A thousand questions seemed to be hidden behind his eyes but he only asked how she was. For a moment, the redhead looked away, her steely eyes looking at the remains of the golem before standing back up.

“Just a few cuts, scrapes and bruises. Nothing out of the ordinary. I can see you appear to be well.” Evelyn spoke tiredly as she rubbed her hands on her face trying to get rid of the dust on her skin. “However, it would appear someone did not want us to go to our destination.”

Turning to face Isaac, Evelyn thought long and hard as to what their next action should be. Odeth soon made his return as he silently joined the pair not saying a word but looking as miserable as ever. With no plans as to what to do next, Evely was left at a stand still a loud sigh escaping. “Do you believe this was the Order’s doing, Mr.Harker?”

 

[Ninja]

He gave Odeth a sober look as the man approached a moment of unspoken communication between then before Isaac's eyes looked back down towards the woman before him.

"Evelyn"

He peered down into the blackness of the tunnel before looking at her again.

"Please call me Isaac"

His eyes briefly looked up, giving the man a subtle nod before looking into her eyes once more.

"Only a handful of people know of these tunnels and even less knew of our journey this evening"

He watched in the corner of his eye as the man began to reload the rifle he was holding slowly and meticulously, his own eyes peering down the tunnel past Isaac with a nervous look about them. Isaac nodded his head in the direction Odeth was looking, as a sudden gush of wind whistled down the dark tunnel past them.

"Go and be sure to send word to Victoria"

Isaac placed his hand on Evelyn's shoulder turning her to face the train as Odeth vanished into the black behind them, he started to lead her back towards the carriage a sudden haste behind his steps before turning her once more towards a door set against the tunnel wall.

"We really need to go, I fear the Golem was not the only creature lying in wait. Do you know somewhere safe?"

 

[Olive Tome]

Evelyn nodded, hearing the seriousness in his voice. Isaac was right, if there was a Golem it would not be too far from its maker - or more monsters. “Yes, I know somewhere safe for a while. Follow me, Isaac.” She obliged his request to use his first name, it was not a bad name either as it rolled off the tongue well. Eyes looked at the set of doors against the tunnel wall, then at Isaac, then back at the doors as they both went through them to reenter the surface world above.

It would appear Leslie was going to have company. That should make him giddy.

It did not take long for Evelyn to figure her location out and be able to find the fastest route to Leslie’s abode which led through many maze-like alleys hat acted as both a shortcut and coverage. The buildings almost claustrophobically close together as the alleys were small and cramped. Yet soon it was no longer a problem as they have made it close to his home. It was easy to tell as it was always just two blocks to the right of the library, first two-story white house with a sky blue door. Leslie hated the colour of that damn door but was too stingy to paint it another colour.

“His name is Leslie Miller, you wouldn’t know him. Great guy, knows of the supernatural, used to fight with my grandfather and travelled across the world. Most impressively: he knows the library like it is the back of his hand,” Evelyn joked as they walked up the steps to the house. She went to knock but stopped knuckles mere centimetres from the door. “Whatever you do, do not mention the Order of Vali. Just trust me on that.” Before he could have the chance to ask, Evelyn knocked her knuckles against the thick oak door and waited.

And waited they did.

Lights turned on in the window and a minute later the door finally swung open. A tall balding man with thick rimmed glasses stood there in a housecoat peering out at the two of them. “Evelyn, it is a little early for you to be visiting me.” He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose as he looked directly at Isaac. “Who is this fine gentleman?”

“This is Isaac,” Evelyn interrupted before Isaac could speak. “We shared the same hunt twice tonight. We need help.”

A smile appeared as Leslie turned around before making his way quickly back into the house. “As they say in Spain: mi casa es su casa.”

 

[Ninja]

As the two stepped inside, Isaac paused briefly, turning to look up into the night sky, the first hints of dawn spreading with dark flowing purples, but his eyes weren't fixed to the heavens, they were searching the rooftops for answers to his uneasy feeling.

"Gracias, señor"

He replied, his focus suddenly fixed on a particular distant chimney where for just a split second in the corner of his eye he could of swore he had seen movement. His eyes narrowed trying to focus in the twilight, even as he stepped backwards into the doorway his eyes remained fixed on the spot as he slowly closed the door behind him. He frowned at the wood as if trying for a moment to peer through it and beyond before subtly setting the latch upon the door then following the two further inside.

"Mr Miller it is a pleasure to meet you"

He glanced at Evelyn, despite her best efforts she still looked filthy, he face and hair covered in a grey powder like dust, he gave her a quick playful look, before continuing.

"Lady Blumenstein, has spoken very highly of you and I see she was not overstating such facts."

Isaac looked around the mans home with a slight sense of awe and respect, books seemed to line every wall with only the occasional rolling ladder breaking the patterns of green, brown and red book ends. Isaac himself had moved over to a large globe held aloft by an intricate brass frame laced with walnut edges, he began to spin it gently allowing his fingers to trace a pattern from London to Paris as he continued.

"You most certainly have a wonderful collection of antiques and books here"

Leslie turned, his eyes peering at him through little round glasses perched upon his nose. Isaac recognised a slight hint of suspicion behind the mans glare as they darted between the glob and him. He held up his hands slightly in an apologetic act of surrender even as the globe spun for a moment more before Leslie's attention returned to Evelyn, he listened discreetly while he fussed over her apparent dusty appearance clearly concerned for her well being Isaac thought to himself. He moved softly around the peripherals of the room while they continued the reunion, occasionally allowing himself a glance over to them both as he studied the environment around him. Leslie was indeed a hunter of some kind, that much he could see from the many collections of books and scrolls the man had collected within the library, yet as Isaac studied them both he found it hard to imagine the frail aged man ever fighting such nightmares.

He continued to circle the room finding humour in the way Leslie appeared to father Evelyn before his eyes fell upon a scroll partly rolled sitting amongst several books resting on a ladder step, he tilted his head slightly to read the hand written words that he could see.

"Heart of Loki bound eternally to the Vali Order, there..."

His hand reached out towards the scroll, hoping to uncover more of the words hidden beneath the piled books, his fingers froze as he heard a slight cough from right behind him, followed by a voice soaked in a Germanic accent.

"You appear to be a very curious man Isaac"

His fingers slowly curled in towards his palms as he turned to face Leslie, the man had silently approached to within feet of Isaac, a somewhat surprising accomplishment that Isaac made sure to mentally note before the man spoke again, his judging eyes once more focused on him.

"I don't believe I caught your second name Isaac"

He allowed himself to glance over the mans shoulder to the still dusty face of Evelyn, the outline of her feminine shape glowing orange set against the log fire behind her.

"Perhaps Mr Miller because Evelyn neglected to mention it to you"

He allowed his eyes to slowly return to look upon the man before him, his unblinking beady eyes staring at him behind the rims of the glass.

"Gras, Isaac Gras at your services sir"

He glanced at Evelyn once more, wondering how she would respond to the false name he had just given to the man before him.

 

[Olive Tome]

Gras? Really? Why is it so important that the hunter hides his surname from Leslie. Evelyn kept her emotions hidden from her face as she looked back at Isaac who was looking at her. Was he expecting her to pipe up? The redhead should but she chooses not to. Bigger fish to fry. Besides, she knew Leslie well enough and the tiniest hint of a smile as all the indication she needed that he was not a senile old fool. "Gras? Do you have German, French or English roots? Oh, I guess it will not matter as you will just choose whichever suits your fancy, Mr.Gras."

The old man turned around to face Evelyn, the tiny smile disappearing and a frown appearing in its place. “You have yet to explain why you look like a wollmaus.” He pushed up his glasses up the bridge of his nose with a thick finger.

The redhead sighed loudly, “we were attacked by a rock golem.” She made her way over to the pair slowly. “It had an orb and the rock formation was placed unnaturally above clay. I figured it was a handmade golem. Once Isaac broke the orb I took the rock off its head and the word emet was written on it. I erased the E so it would just be met.” Evelyn rubbed her sore arms as she spoke.

“Well,” Leslie began as he made his way over to the bookcase, picking up his cane on the way to help his walking, but not putting any weight on the cane as he used it. His hand skimmed the bookshelf, not a single speck of dust to be seen, and stopped on a small blue book with a leather binding. “Made of clay mixed with a drop of magic blood. A branch of an oak tree to act as the spine. Besides that,” He opens the book and places it on the table, “you can customize the golem. As long as the word emet is placed in it.”

“What about the Orb? There was an orb that we had to destroy before it fell to the ground. Erasing the E came afterwards.” Evelyn crossed her arms tightly across her chest.

“Usually these creatures are only capable of basic thinking. Without seeing this orb personally, I can assume that this orb was to allow the user to have more control of the creature. Without the orb, it stopped because of no proper instructions.” He mindlessly flipped through the pages, getting the book out more to back up his facts more so than finding it.

Evelyn uncrossed her arms, “Leslie, I am going to go freshen up. Then we can talk more about this.” He just smiled and nodded, which was good enough for the redhead to make her way upstairs to get freshened up.

Once her footsteps faded into the distance, Leslie’s smile faltered as he turned to face Mr.Gras. “I do not know, or care, as to how you managed to weasel your way into all this, but you are dragging Evelyn through more danger than is needed.” He moved back towards Isaac, lightly using the cane as he did so He reached past Isaac and grabbed the scroll he had seen Isaac eye up earlier. “Why are you staying with her, hm? You appear to be the independent type - or the type to take orders.”

 

[Ninja]

Isaac thought for a moment as he weighed the man up before him carefully, he was clearly perceptive, intelligent on a level beyond merely academic, perhaps he had seen field work. He glanced beyond to the now empty stair case ensuring the woman was no where to be seen.

"Perhaps she has a positive influence on me that I care to enjoy"

He twisted slightly, stretching one finger out to push the top book slowly from the pile, letting it drop to the ladder step below. Isaac studied the mans reaction in the corner of his eye, noticing a deliberate lack of reaction. 'Curious.' He thought to himself, his eyes now settling on the uncovered diary, reading a handful of scribbled notes before turning back, a look of curiosity on his face.

"I assure you, Evelyn is quite capable of looking after herself as you well know."

He glanced down to the mans hands still resting upon the cane, yet a subtle movement in the mans thumb brought Isaacs attention to the small catch resting beneath it. He turned, showing the man his back as he walked away slowly, moving to examine a small telescope stood just behind him. He run his hand over the intricate brass work, flames flicking in it's polished surface but more importantly, Leslies curved reflection also staring back at him.

"Tell me Mr Miller, you seem to have a considerable interest in this, Vali Order."

He made a point of rubbing the brass with his thumb where the man's reflection shined back at him, before continuing.

"Why would a man of such intelligence be chasing wild fantasies I wonder."

 

[Olive Tome]

Once Isaac turned his back the old man's hand gripped tightly around the decorative golden handle in the shape of a cobra's head. His dark brown eyes trained on the back of the hunter's head. "I believe you are asking the wrong question. However, I shall indulge you. Leslie began as he made his way over to the fireplace. The flames bright as it lit up the room. "As a hunter, you should know that legends and myths are where the monsters hide. That includes the Order of Vali." His hand came up to rub his jawline while he thought.

Leslie turned after a moment to look at Isaac. His stern features only made eggagerated by the flames bouncing off of his face, "and what of your interests?" Leslie's voice was low and deep, his accent coming out over his words like a thick blanket. "Many have come theough my home and none have paid as much attention to detail as you. Then," he began as he made his way over to the table, using the cane lightly as he did so. Then you mention the Order of Vali. You know of them."

His beady eyes looked Isaac dead in the eyes not even blinky just searching. "You search for answers yet you are left in the dark. I shall only say this once, child, and you better listen closely. You are nothing to them and you better keep her out of this."


Sucking in a breath, Evelyn pulled the gairbrush through her gaor finally getting the last of the knots out. Putting the brush down the redhead then finished putting bandages on the cuts on her fingers begore putting on a new outfit. She had learned a while ago the uses of kerping spare clothing at Leslie's abode. A simple dark green cloth that wrapped around her pants to conceal weapons. It looked like a skirt that reached down to her ankles along with a white long sleeve shirt. Simple but best.

The entire time she had the door open, hearing everything theu said as they were directly below her. Evelyn had a feeling Leslie wouldn't like Isaac