The Hunter

[Angelus]

"Maybe you are. I know that it sounds crazy but there could be two of you out there. I don't know how but it is the only explanation that I can come up with."

I sat back and wondered if it was even remotely possible. Could Diane have someone that looks exactly like her out in the world and if so how could we make sure which one was which?

I took a look around and wondered what we were going to do now. It was alright when Diane and Stryfe were after me because then I knew who to look for but now it was difficult because there was a double of Diane out there and if I was to trust her I would be killed.

I turned to Diane and said, "We have to do something so that we know who you are."

 

[Isolde]

Diane

I looked at Thomas with a puzzled expression. "Two of me?," I said in shock,"Now who is sounding crazy? Thomas there has always been just me. If there was someone else out there that looked like me and acted like me I think I would know."

I took another drink of the vodka as I began to think. "Okay, so there could be someone out there that resembles me but how could this person look so much like me that you...a former lover...would be so sure it was me trying to kill Samantha? The person would have to be damn good, Thomas."

Putting my empty glass down I said,"Okay. I am willing to think that maybe...just maybe there is someone out there that looks like me and that this someone is out to distroy me for some reason. If so she is out to destroy you too because attacking Samantha would not have done anything to me except make me feel sorrow for your loss."

"If so, you are right and we need to find something that will distiguish me from her if the need arrives. We also need to, somehow, explain to Samantha that it wasnt me. I would hate to have her hate me for something I didnt do. She is a nice girl, Thomas, I like her."

The visions were something I was going to have to figure out for myself. I would leave that for later I promised myself.

 

[Angelus]

"As soon as everything is clear then I will see Samantha and tell her that it wasn't you that attacked her but it is going to take a lot to convince her."

I then stood and walked to the pantry, grabbed an apple for myself and walked back to the table then said, "The only thing that I can think of; if there is a double of you out there is for you to cut your hair so that we will know that it is you- I know that it is a drastic step but it is the only thing that I can think of."

I sat back and took a bite of the apple while waiting for Diane's reaction.

 

[Isolde]

Diane

I looked at Thomas dumbfounded. "Cut my hair?," I said in a strangled voice. Slowly getting up, I went over to the mirror that hung on the wall. I ran my hand through my long black hair with a pained expression on my face. I had never cut my hair, it had always been long and luxurious and I was very proud of my raven locks.

As I looked in the mirror though, I was reminded of the vision I had of my family's death and I swallowed hard. Turning to Thomas I sighed and said,"Okay, go ahead and cut it...but it better turn out to be worth it."

I unstrapped my sword and sat down, closing my eyes in preparation for him to cut my precious locks. "I swear," I said, an angry edge to my voice,"If I ever catch this imposter I will kill her slow and painfully for everything she has put me through."

 

[Angelus]

I walked over to where there were a pair of scissors and picked them up then went back to where Diane sat and looked at her hair. I then began to cut it slowly, watching as it fell to the floor. After a while I took a step back and grinned, it had actually turned out better than I had expected.

I walked over to a mirror and brought it over to show Diane what she looked like now, half of me hoping that she wouldn't run me through with her sword.

 

[Isolde]

Diane

I slowly opened one eye when Thomas told me to look and then the other. My eyes opened wide in surprise. Thomas had actually done a pretty good job. I turned my head from one side to the other, the feeling was very different as I did not have all that hair weighing my head down now.

I glanced over to the two men to make sure they were not getting a chuckle at my expense and was satisfied to see that Thomas had rather a pleased if aprehinsive look on his face. Roger was hard to read but at least he wasnt laughing.

My hair was short now and cut close to my head. My well rounded features and some skillful cutting from Thomas kept me from looking like a man but I still missed my flowing locks. Smiling my approval to Thomas, I got up and brushed the hair from my clothes.

"I think I am going to go to bed," I said to both men. "I have never been more tired in my life. It has been a very strenuous night."

Raising on tiptoe, I gave Thomas a quick hug of gratitude. "Thank you," I said and knew he would know it ment for everything that he had done. With a smile and nod to Roger, I headed back to my bed and, hopefully, some sleep.

 

[Angelus]

I turned and looked at Roger, "Thank god that she liked it- I was hoping that she wouldn't run me through with her sword."

"You did a good job man. It seems to suit her actually- now if we can figure out who or what this double of Diane's is then maybe we can track her down and kill her," Roger said as he grabbed a glass of vodka and gulped it down.

"I think that that is going to take a little time but at least we will know who Diane is now- if we can keep it so that her double will never find out that she has cut her hair then it might be our little surprise."

"Aye.... now if you will excuse me I have to get some sleep myself as I am pretty tired; stopping you from killing Diane does seem to take a lot out of a person."

I laughed and then bid Roger a good night who walked up the stairs to his room as I walked to my study to do some serious thinking.

 

[Isolde]

Diane

I walked into my bedroom and lay my sword on the bed. Stripping down to my underthings, I slid under the covers and lay back on the pillow, my hand on my sword. I tried to relax and go to sleep but everything that had happened that night kept playing through my head and I found my mind too busy to sleep.

Soon my mind was settling onto the subject of the visions and I lay there as the memories of them passed through my mind. First of the death of my family and then of the attempt on Samantha's life and lastly the vision of Stryfe's death coupled with what I had found when I went into the house.

I dont know if it was how tired I was or the stress of the day or both but I found myself crying and being unable to stop. I tried to stifle my sobs so that I wouldnt disturb anyone else, I turned and buried my head in my pillow, letting all the emotions out that I couldnt release earlier. My pillow was soon soaked but I cried on, the feeling of release finally making my body relax from it's tenseness.

 

[Angelus]

I sat there and listened to Diane's crying and wondered if I should do anything but decided to stay where I was because I knew that she had to get through it on her own. It was the most callous way of thinking from me but if was the main thought that was in my head and I decided that I should keep that thought.

I placed my head in my hands and wondered what was going on in my life; everything had now been turned upside down and I had the feeling that it would never be the same.

 

[Isolde]

Diane

I soon felt sleep overtake me as my sobbing began to cease. I was grateful to Thomas as I knew he had to have heard me but he let me get through this one on my own strength. The one thing I had learned was that I had been way too dependant on others in my life and now I needed to stand on my own two feet...especially if what Thomas thought about this other person was true.

Sleep finally overtook me and I dropped off into a, thankfully, sleepless slumber. I did not wake up until late the next morning, free for a time from the worries and visions that had been haunting me.

 

[Isolde]

Marci

I streatched and yawned as the sun begin to stream through the window. I smiled at the thought of the night before. It had been a good nights work even if the mortal had gotten away from my grasp. It was only a matter of time, I reminded myself. She would fall under my sword and there was nothing anyone could do about it...not even Thomas.

I got out of bed and threw on a robe. Going over to the cupboards, I grabbed a bottle of whiskey-my drink of preference and poured myself a shot. Downing it, I smiled again as I felt the fire spread through my body.

Shrugging off my robe, I dressed and strapped on my sword. I was again dressed like Diane. I was pretty sure Thomas would have taken care of her by now but I wasnt taking any chances. If he had not than I would give him reason to now. I was going to survey the home of the girl Samantha and plan how to get back in. This time I would make sure that Thomas wasnt around to save her pretty neck and then I would go after him.

I laughed as I left my flat and headed out towards my destination.

 

[Angelus]

As soon as I heard the sounds of the morning birds I stood up, yawned and stretched then got washed. After I got dressed I strapped on my sword and then decided to take a walk to clear my head. I walked out of my home, trying hard not to wake anyone and then walked away from the building.

I started walking down the street, my mind clouded with my own thoughts that I didn't even realize where I was going. I looked around and saw that I was headed for the main part of the town and I decided to get something to eat as I was starving. As I walked towards one of the stalls I got the feeling of another like me close by and looked around, getting the shock of my life when I saw Diane walking away from me.

I was about to call out to her but then I stopped myself when I remembered that Diane had short hair. I began to quickly walk towards this woman and hope that my plan would work. As soon as I was close enough the woman turned and looked at me with wide eyes before I said, "Diane, what the hell are you doing out here. Don't you know that there is someone still after you."

 

[Isolde]

Marci

I felt it...and immortal was nearby. I whirled around, my hand on my sword before I realized it was Thomas. Several things flew through my mind at his greeting. One, he thought I was Diane, two, he was not surprised 'Diane' was alive so he hadnt killed her and three, he was speaking to me in a friendly manner and he wasnt trying to kill me which ment he and Diane had worked out their diffences.

This did not bode well for me but I could work with it. Putting on my best Diane smile, I said,"Thomas, I wasnt expecting you. I was just out for a stroll. I felt cooped up. I thought maybe this 'someone' else had found me. Sorry for the hasty reaction."

I took a chance because I had to get some more information from him. "So, have you figured out who it is that might be wanting to harm me? I mean do you have any idea why someone would come after me?"




[Edited by Isolde on 02-19-2001 at 01:28 AM]

 

[Angelus]

I looked at this person in front of me and tried to hide my shock as this person looked exactly like Diane. My hand moved away from the hilt of my sword and I smiled at her before I said, "No- I haven't found anyone out there yet but I will and as to why they are after you is beyond me."

I looked at this woman and noticed that even her movements were the same as Diane's but just who the hell was she. I knew that I could not let this woman out of my sight because she knew that Diane was still alive and would try to kill her again.

I turned to her, "But it might be best that you stay with me for a little while, so that I know that you are safe. This person that is after you might strike at any time and I'm not willing to risk your life. Wait, you can come with me to Samantha's home as we both have some explaining to do to her."

 

[Isolde]

Marci

I felt trapped and it was not a feeling I liked at all. Tamping down the urge to either break and run or take my sword out and challenge him, I instead cleared my throat and said,"I am not so sure that is a good idea, Thomas. I'm not sure she would want to see me right now. That is if what you told me was true."

I bit my lip nervously and then stopped myself. I couldnt give anything away right now. I had to assume that he had confronted Diane and the fact of my appearance had come out then.

"Look...you were right. I really shouldnt be here where people can see me and whoever is after me can find me so easily. I'm going to head...back...,"Damn, I didnt know where Thomas lived so I couldnt take a chance on mentioning any specifics there. "I'll meet you there when your done talking to Samantha. I am sure you can handle it without me."

I started away from him in the direction of the field I had seen him and Diane in. I assumed it had to be close to where he lived and maybe it would throw him off. I would go to Samantha's house later when I knew her 'protector' wasnt there.

[Edited by Isolde on 02-19-2001 at 10:56 AM]

 

[Angelus]

As I watched Diane's double walk off I smiled but silently cursed myself at the same time. I had wanted to keep her here for a bit longer but she had managed to slip through my fingers and that angered me. I watched as she disappeared and then turned and walked towards Samantha's home.

When I reached her home I looked around and saw that there would be no way to get into the place as there were people everywhere and they were obviously looking for intruders. I slipped quickly and quietly into some bushes and watched them and saw that they were good and there would be no way of getting past them without having to kill them.

When I saw that Samantha was safe I turned and walked towards home. As I walked towards my home I thought about everything that had gone on in less than an hour and how I had to tell Diane about her double.

I walked into the building and as soon as I did I saw Diane as she walked down the stairs, running her fingers through her now short hair and said, "Damn, it is like looking into a mirror."

 

[Isolde]

Diane

I looked up startled when Thomas came in and let my hand drop from my hair. I still hadnt gotten used to the length. I smiled at him hoping my eyes werent too red from the bout of crying the night before.

"What's like looking into a mirror?," I said in a puzzled tone as we both entered the study where Roger sat already. "Good morning," I said to Roger before sitting down in a chair,"We are starting off the day with riddles it seems. Where have you been today, Thomas, did you get to see Samantha and make sure she was okay?"

 

[Isolde]

Marci

I breathed a sigh of relief when Thomas did not follow me or insist that 'Diane' stay with him. Walking along, I headed towards Samantha's to scout things out a bit. I was already there when I saw a figure off in the horizon. He was far enough away so that I couldnt get any feeling about him but I didnt need it to know that it had to be Thomas. He was here checking up on his lady love.

I sneered at the thought. All these foolish emotions would be the downfall of him and everyone else-especially Diane. I knew she had been getting visions of what I had done and I knew it was only a matter of time until they drove her to the edge and then over. She had such a soft heart and I was glad I was not the one who had inherited that. I was strong and I would survive. I just had to cut out the dead wood so that I could go on.

Turning to the scene before me, I surveyed the security. It was very good...very good indeed. Daddy obviously loved his sweet little girl. The only way past everyone was to kill those standing guard. I knew Thomas wouldnt have the stomach for it but it didnt bother me. I would come back that night and make sure that I did not fail this time. Thomas would not be there to mess things up this time as he would figure the security more than adequate. That would be his downfall.

I could feel an evil grin spreading across my face as my plans came together. I slid from my hiding place and made my way back to my flat, my steps quite a bit lighter and my spirits quite a bit higher.

 

[Angelus]

"I just saw your double and I am glad that you had your hair cut because I would never have told you two apart. It was uncanny- it was as though what I said before, I was looking into a mirror. Whoever this person is is your exact duplicate, even down to your walk and mannerisms."

I walked over the kitchen and after getting some water, checked the stove to see that it was hot enough then put the kettle onto the stove and waiting for it to boil as I needed to have something to wake me up fully.

 

[Isolde]

Diane

I sat up at the news and shook my head in puzzlement. "You saw her?" I said as I watched him busy himself with making tea. "What happened? Did she see you? Did she say anything to you?"

Getting up, I started pacing as I bombarded him with questions. "How can someone look that close to me and not be me? Even the best imposter would have something that distinguished us apart."

I dropped back into my seat with more questions than I had before and, seemingly, no answers.

 

[Angelus]

As soon as I had made the tea I put the teapot down on the table with a tray. After I made myself on and waited for it to cool down some I looked at Diane, "She saw me and she looked, sounded did everything the same as you. If I didn't know that you were in my home then I would have sworn that it was you."

I sat back and took a sip of my tea and wondered what I was going to do next and knew that if I was going to do something then I would have to have help.

 

[Isolde]

OOC: Angelius, should we post for more people in this before we go on and where did our Samantha go?

 

[Angelus]

OOC: I think that it might be best to wait for someone else to come in if they want to and I have no idea where Samantha went- I hope that she hasn't decided to leave.

 

[Celestiale]

OOC: Sorry guys!! I've been off the puter for a few days. I think that we should try and get more people into the thread though, I really like where it's goin now!


IC:

I paced nervously in my sitting room, my fingers caressing the healing wound at my throat.

Why has Thomas not come to me yet? What if something terrible has happened to him?!

I tried everything that I could think of to convince my Papa that extra security was no longer needed, but he refused to budge. I was a prisoner...and I was going crazy with worry. I vowed that tonight I would find a way to escape.

I waited until Miss Trimble dozed off and dressed quickly and quietly. I could not go through my door, Garret would surely stop me if I tried. I went to the glass doors that led to the balcony outside my rooms and watched the grounds. There were two guards visible, which meant that there were at least two more that I could not see. They patrolled the lawn, walking back and forth, seeming never to tire. Frustrated, I threw myself onto the bed and tried to think.

If I can distract them, maybe I can slip by somehow...

I looked about the room, trying to find something suitable to throw. It had to be heavy enough to make a loud noise as it hopefully hit the shrubbery below. My water pitcher! It was a heavy, porcelain piece and there was still water inside of it. If I could get good enough momentum, I would be able to throw it quite far.

I readied myself at the doors, waiting until the men stopped to talk for a moment. I crept out onto the balcony, swinging my arm to and fro, gaining the leverage I needed to hit my mark. The pitcher sailed from my hand and into the garden, making just enough noise to alarm the men. As they took off towards it, I grabbed my skirts and headed for the trellis, scrambling down and out into the nearby foliage. I had made it!!

Now off to Thomas's...

 

[Isolde]

Marci

I had been watching the place for some time now. I was just about to make my move against the outside security when I heard something heavy drop far away and the men run after it. Soon I saw a figure in flowing skirts skitter down the outside of the building. I smiled. Stupid fools-to be tricked like that by a mere slip of a girl.

I was readying to go after her and kill her right there when another thought crossed my mind. I let her get aways away from the house and began to follow her. I knew who she was going to see. The only person she would sneak out of the house for would be Thomas. I was going to follow her to Thomas' house. He would gladly meet her and she would distract him from any thoughts besides her-emotions were a terrible weakness.

While the two lovers were busy, I would sneak into the house and kill my precious twin and take her place. That way I could take Thomas unaware and kill him and the girl in his own home. The irony of the situation made my grin turn malicious and I had to keep myself from laughing as I followed Samantha through the field.