forum Reflection in the Dark (closed)

Started August 19, 2019 by @ElderGodSwimwithGamers group

tune

Richard's father stepped into the room, a grin on his face.
"Son, it's good to see… you…" He trailed off when he spotted Scipio. Richard stood up and moved to Scipio's side.

Scipio stayed silent, his heart racing as he kept his eyes on Richard's father. He was very stiff to keep himself from shaking or retreating any more, at least for the time being.

"Father, something happened, and… Scipio may or may not have come through a mirror," Richard said. "Merlin already knows, but Scipio will have to be here for a week before we can send him back." Richard's father nodded, not advancing into the room. He knew what his human counterpart had done to Scipio, and he didn't want to frighten Scipio anymore than he already was.

Scipio seemed to be holding his breath, having not blinked in a while. He was just like a statue until his muscles grew tired and he started trembling slightly.

Richard once again put his hand on Scipio's arm. When Richard's father saw Scipio trembling, he silently left the doorway, not wanting to upset Scipio. The sound of him making his way upstairs sounded quiet.

Scipio allowed himself to breathe and looked away, crossing his arms. He could feel Richard and his mother staring at him, but he didn't much care right now.

Finally, after a minute of silence, Richard spoke up.
"Scipio, maybe we should go back to my house…"

"N-No… I'll… I'll get over it…" Scipio whispered, glancing over at where Richard's father had disappeared.

"Scipio…" Richard didn't press anymore; he knew he wouldn't be able to convince Scipio.

Scipio shook his head. "I hate this feeling…" He muttered bitterly. "I don't want to hold onto this troublesome fear. It's getting in the way."

Richard nodded.
"You can handle it. Believe in yourself," he said, not really believing just how cheesy he was being.

"I can't believe in myself because I can't even trust myself. I can't even control this stupid… this stupid fear. These inconvenient 'emotions' are driving me mad because I can't control them." Scipio started pacing anxiously. He'd always had a control problem. He loved having power, and he stressed out in situations he couldn't control.

"Don't forget that normal people have to deal with these all the time. If we can get through then, by god you'll be able to too." Richard watched Scipio pacing.

Scipio tangled his fingers in his hair in frustration. "I just want them gone!" He groaned, closing his eyes.

Richard finally moved to be next to Scipio. He put his hand on Scipio's shoulder.
"One day they will be."

"No, not my parents. Well, them too, but… I mean the stupid fear. The emotions." Scipio sighed, crossing his arms stiffly again as he turned away. He glanced over at Richard's mother tentatively.

Richard's mother was wating silently, not wanting to make things worse. She didn't seem upset; she knew what Scipio's parents had put him through.
"Those can go away too," Richard said quietly.

"Can they?" Scipio turned slightly, eyeing Richard. "I've been trying to get rid of them for as long as I can remember, and yet, here we fucking are."

"Well," Richard continued in a small voice, "I find that the best way to deal with fear is to face it head on. To stomp up to whatever is making me afraid and saying 'fuck you.'"

"…You want me to beat up my dad??" Scipio asked, bewildered.

"Maybe not physically. I usually just imagine doing it and it helps. Please for the love of god don't hurt my dad," Richard quickly explained.
"And if you do murder your dad please don't do it infront of a reflective surface."

Scipio nodded and sat down on the ground, holding his head in his hands. "But I can't afford to go to Italy…"

"Have Merlin send you back there when you leave." Richard got down on his knees, not really believing he was trying to help Scipio figure out how to murder his father.

"But, then how do I get back?" Scipio turned his eyes up to Richard again.

"Hitchhike on a plane or boat. I get injured again and you decide to come screw with Merlin." Richard smiled slightly at Scipio.
"We have our options."