ALICE & NIGHT : THE SLUMS {FINISHED}

[Rad]

{Continued from the RP in Vive 1.0}


“Indeed, the sun smiles down upon us” Night agreed, amused by Alice’s inconsistent ambiance “and allow me to say that it is an honor for me to act as your chaperon on this fine day.” Despite the crowded sidewalk through which they navigated, apart from the discourse of Alice and Night everyone else was silent. Each individual wore some grim expression on their face as they hurried past one stranger after the next, not once making eye contact. It was evident that no one else boasted the same carefree attitude that Night and Alice currently enjoyed. This was the slums; the lowest of the low, to such denizens their happiness was as nonexistent as their wealth.

"Night, how do you feel about Rouge? Have you ever had any before?"

The inquiry was unanticipated but nonetheless Night appreciated the way Alice had voluntarily opened up the discussion of Rouge. Here was his chance to quench his curiosity. “I confess to be intrigued by Rouge. However, I have never possessed the necessary funding to purchase even a small vial…and frankly I don’t think I’ll want to try it under my current circumstances. I’ll never be able to afford to maintain an addiction if I develop a liking to the stuff. How about you, Alice? Since you’re already user, and if it’s not too intrusive of me, may I inquire as to how dependent you are on Rouge and what instigated you to start in the first place?”

Did Rouge improve the quality of people’s lives? Rumor sure insinuated that it did. Why else would its formula be a highly classified government secret? It was a temptation more difficult to resist than the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden and for all Night’s adherence to his stringent code of chivalry even he would partake in it IF he had the capability to fund the habit. It was, after all, a miracle potion of sorts, rumored to grant any wish the user desired.

[Ellie]

The question rendered Alice dumbstruck. "..instigated you to start in the first place?" Such an innocent question. Night had asked it out of curiosity and perhaps a naive belief that it wasn't such a big deal. Standing up a bit straighter, Alice turned her face to look at Night, her eyes seemingly hollow. Sucking in her breath, the best reply she could managed was a small, bitter laugh, one that reminded Alice of how despondent her condition.

Looking forward again, Alice took another long drag on her joint, and let the smoke drift slowly out of her mouth, enveloping her. Alice let her eyes close, and she attempted to convince herself that the wisps of white moving across her arms were the comforting embrace of her mother. Everything in Alice's world had gone awry, and it was becoming like a snowball to her. As it rolled, she picked up problem after problem, from her husband leaving her to each new drug habit she happened to acquire. And it was simply becoming too much, and soon enough, she felt like she was standing in front of an avalanche, poised for impact.

After a lengthy period of terse silence between her and Night, Alice mustered up the ambition to tackle his significant question. "I'm tempted to tell you it all, but that would simply be an unpleasant burden on your day today, so I won't." Alice frowned, contemplating her dependency to the drug. "It's difficult to say, Night. It doesn't seem like I am, but I know it's not the case. I always think that the Rouge is going to bring back my husband, my family, or my old life, and so I suppose I cling to it. The best it offers me is a vaguely more optimistic feeling about my current position in life that wears off with the Rouge," Alice offered, mentioning her parents, a situation she was unlikely to elaborate upon. "It's not that I really want to continue using Rouge so much as I want to keep experiencing that positive outlook. It's refreshing to believe, if only for a moment, that it's going to be okay, even if the latter is far from true." She shrugged, releasing some of the sadness from her body with another long drag. "What drove me to Rouge?" Alice shook her head, weighed down by a significant amount of regret. "I'm not sure that's... something you want to know, Night."

[Rad]

“Oh, oh Alice it wouldn’t be a burden for me at all! I’ll consider myself privileged if you’ll permit me to share your load. I'm being sincere when I say that I’ll be ecstatic if I could lighten the weight on your shoulders. Additionally, I’m sure the opportunity will arise for you to experience family life again, Alice. In spite of everything there’s still time, and as powerless mortals it’s impossible for us to predict what the future holds. A cure for cancer may arrive as early as tomorrow morning, who knows. I think the key is to anticipate each day with a smile on one’s face and a song in one’s heart.” Night grinned, if he convinced himself of these words maybe Alice would have faith and hope too.

“Besides, it’s not like abandonment is absolute. From what I can comprehend it sounds like whatever the situation was it transpired long ago. Maybe, considering the duration of time that has since elapsed it wouldn’t be improbable for you to reconcile.” So saying, Night was going by his personal supposition that Alice’s tone insinuated that her family was still alive and well. “If you harbor any trepidation about confronting your family I’ll gladly accompany you… with my current attire I can easily pass as a servant, your servant, to be more precise.”

Winking, Night tipped his cap at Alice, a gesture that was as good as saying: I’m at your service, ma’am. “I’ve been an orphan ever since I can recall so I’m not entirely certain what it feels like to have a family…although I am familiar with the concept of being discarded. I’ve often pondered that maybe I was left to fend for myself on these lonely streets simply because I was a nuisance. You see I don’t remember…” Night stopped himself, what was he doing rambling on about himself when ALICE should be the main focus of this exchange? Such egocentricity on his part was utterly ungentlemanly! Swiftly adjusting the topic of conversation back to Alice’s predicament, Night said “All I’m suggesting is that it wouldn’t be such a bad for us to take an alternative route today and pay a visit to your family. I can guarantee that the situation would be less dire than what potentially awaits us if we were to continue on to Canal Street.”

[Ellie]

This boy was incredible. Unbelievable, even. In what world could a mere teenager living one of the shittiest versions of life there is (besides Alice's perhaps) possibly be this content and assured of any sort of good outcome? Hadn't he learned that the world simply doesn't work that way? It was a pity that there was no one there to teach him. However, at the opposite end of the spectrum, Alice was pleased that such an admirable young man had not turned to her favorite antidote. The Rouge would be, in no way, even remotely beneficial for Night. Only few people Alice ever knew actually found happiness in it, the others just thought they did. These people often sunk into a situation much like herself, consuming Rouge until they were numb to it. Literally.

But here he was, a human being she had met only thirty or so minutes now, offering to share the burden of her accursed lifestyle. Alice's eyes settled on his eager face, not sure whether to feel safe or repulsed by his seemingly intense manner. "Long story short, Night, I got married to a man who wanted my money, so my parents decided to cast me away. Their choice, not mine. I got cancer. Connor left," Alice huffed. "It's a terrible feeling when people who you love so dearly choose to remove themselves from your life. Then, there's nothing you can do but watch them slip away. It's a lot like watching sand slip through your fingers, Night."

Alice bit her lip as Night moved the topic to the cure for her cancer. What a joke. It was a mystery. It was elusive. Cancer was a lot like the mistakes of your past. The events to crave to go back and fix, but they dance just outside of your reach. "I think," Alice began slowly, "this cancer might be God's way of punishing me. I should have known to listen to my parents." Glancing at Night, Alice widened her now bloodshot eyes, as if trying to insist this was the truth. "If it's a punishment, I will never be cured. I do believe that is the case."

"But as for my family..." Alice laughed, as just the simple notion of revisiting that hellhole of a situation was absolutely absurd. "Oh, Night. If my family wanted to contact me. To see me. They would have, or will. Either way, they know where I am. My mother and father just have no desire to associate with me any further." Night's innocent suggestion still left a remorseful smile on Alice's face. It was a shame there was nothing she could do to fix it. Damned Connor. "Maybe one day, Night. If I ever decide that I ought to revisit home, I guarantee you you'll be the first person I come to. Now, tell me something about yourself, if you don't mind." Alice was growing tired of talking about herself, and it seemed a tad self-centered. Night however, was a very interesting person, with a history almost obscure as the reason Night was so intimidated by Canal street. (heheheh)

[Rad]

“My apologies, Alice, it wasn’t my intention to pry” Night said, a contrite expression crossing his face as he lowered his gaze in shame. Surely that worthless husband’s façade of love was a delicate subject for Alice yet here he was, a complete stranger, practically coercing the information out of her. What justification did he have for imposing on her in this way? None what so ever! Now that he thought about it, Alice had given him a hint earlier that ideally she’ll refrain from discussing her life, hadn’t she? That ‘I don’t want to burden your day’ was probably more accurately translated as ‘don’t you dare ask about my life’. Oh heavens, he was a supreme failure at deciphering the implicit. At this rate it wouldn’t be at all astonishing if she considered him repulsive.

Furthermore, it appeared as though Night had made her feel obligated to disclose more personal info concerning her family and various other aspects that caused her grief. No doubt these were all delicate topics. The composure Alice was exhibiting was probably more fragile than a thin pane of glass. Night would totally understand if her hatred towards him increased with each statement she probably forced herself to utter. By the time Alice had completed her tale of despair Night felt so emotionally destitute he slumped forwards into a defeated sort of bow. Poor Alice. She didn’t deserve such a desolate life. It was all that charlatan’s fault. Connor, was that the name? He’ll remember it, and, if he ever met that villain he’ll…he’ll…he’ll what? Reprimand him to death? Really now? ‘No, I’ll kill him’ a sinister whisper suggested. Eh? Where did that come from? Was that seriously his deliberation? Nah, couldn’t be. Most likely it was voiced by another individual a far distance away talking about a separate matter altogether. Maybe even someone on Canal Street (which was by now fairly close) talking about him!

"Maybe one day, Night. If I ever decide that I ought to revisit home, I guarantee you you'll be the first person I come to. Now, tell me something about yourself, if you don't mind."

“One day? Why not today?” Night was truly distressed now, both his tone and expression beseeching, “Alice, Alice, please don’t go to Canal Street. I can’t guarantee I’ll be able to protect you. B…b…bad people lurk that street! Alice, please!” He made a grab for Alice’s wrist in an attempt to restrain her, hoping that his shaking hands still had the capability to provide a firm grip. No, that was impossible; she’ll easily be able to liberate herself from such a pathetic grasp. Besides, how could he forget? It was ungentlemanly to touch a lady without her permission. Unhanding Alice, Night murmured in embarrassment, “please, Alice, don’t go to Canal Street. There isn’t much I can tell you about my life but I pledge on my honor as a gentleman that I’ll tell you everything if you stay away from Canal Street. Please, Alice!”

For the interim, Night revisited the scene depicted by his earliest memory, the cacophony of carnival sounds ringing in his ears. He was inside a circus tent, shivering in terror as he sat atop some sort of cage. Looking down he perceived two disfigured corpses…no one of them was still alive. Gradually, the thing stretched out an appendage…was that a hand? “Mommy?” He saw his younger self ask. Abruptly, a sinister cackle erupted in his head and the same whisper from earlier said ‘I’ll be able to tell you more for just a sip of Rouge.’ Was that his subconscious speaking? Was it some malevolent fraction of him that had been awakened by the proximity of Alice’s Rouge? …He knew he was intrigued by it but did he really desire that tantalizing concoction that much?

[Ellie]

Alice smiled as the young man, or boy, rather, rambled on with his apologies. It appeared that he read Alice's feelings as disdain for himself. But that was most certainly not the case. Alice lived in a dark place. She woke up every morning, alone and disoriented. She was sad, cold, and hungry. The sheer loneliness of her lifestyle drove her to the brink of insanity! (Where she was pushed over the edge by Rouge.) The mere fact that Night saw it fit to drop the rest of his plans for that instance to walk and talk with her was wonderful. Glorious, even. While Alice was initially hesitant to offer any information, she craved to share her load with another person. The compassion was comforting, More so that any of her medications could be. A blessing. That's what Night was.

"Why not today?" Alice repeated, still wondering why this had not made any sense to Night yet. She laughed, shaking her head. It was a childish thing for him not to understand. Sure, his persistence was assisted by impressive optimism, but at some point, Night needed to learn the the world wasn't filled with happiness. "Night," Alice asserted, although lacking a negative connotation, "I will not see my parents today, or ever, more likely!" Shaking her head, Alice smiled, letting loose a burst of laughter. Canal Street. That was it. The boy was simply terrified of the black market.

"Night, I promise you, there is absolutely nothing wrong with Canal Street, I come here at least a few times a week!" Alice teetered as she walked, moving towards the other side of the pendulum once more. Her pale face lit up like sunshine in a dark room, the ambivalence returning. But there it was. The tantalizing knowledge of Night's life. Oh, how it called to her, like moths to a lantern. "But, but," Alice stuttered, trying to contemplate whether she wanted to get her errands done, or whether she wanted to explore Night's life a tad.

It was a difficult decision, once that was drastically hindered by the influence of her joint. "Night, where do you sleep? Please tell me it's not on the streets..." Alice raised her eyebrows, revealing a glance of worry. Alice seemed to have entirely forgotten about the Canal Street discussion, as if the wind had blown the notion away.

[Rad]

“Yes, ma’am, my sincere apologies for being so upfront, I promise I won’t be so ignorant of personal privacy in future. Despite that, I…I…” Night wanted to convince Alice that each cloud possessed its own silver lining, that regardless of the situation, there would always, (irrefutably) be safe passage back to the light…However, he had already promised not to delve deeper into the matter so that in the end all that he could muster was a demure “I just don’t want you to be so…saddened by it all.”

"Night, I promise you, there is absolutely nothing wrong with Canal Street. I come here at least a few times a week!"

At this piece of information Night inclined his head in the direction of Canal Street, a look of apprehension on his face, scrutinizing the distant alleyways for any indication of danger. “Yet…yet…I’ve heard so many tales concerning the horrors that await people who take that route. They…they say demons dwell there.” Night was plainly trembling now, his phobia of the notorious black market manifesting itself in this physical, frantic movement of his scrawny frame.

He was making a scene and other passersby glowered at him in disdain, going to such lengths to avoid him that a bubble of space soon materialized around him and Alice. “Crazed kid” Night heard an old hag mutter, her voice a distinctive croak. Oh no, was he embarrassing Alice? Removing the tattered cap from atop his head, Night scrunched it in his hands in an attempt to salvage some form of composure. Luckily, it appeared to be an effective antidote to his fear and as Night’s poise returned to normal, the crowd milled around them in the typical fashion once more.

"Night, where do you sleep? Please tell me it's not on the streets..."

Night grinned sheepishly; a childish expression that generally gave the impression that one was up to no good (although in Night’s case it was more the product of sheer embarrassment) as he answered “give me some credit, Alice. I’m not so impoverished that I can’t provide myself with some form of shelter. Generally, I can locate a sizeable box or two that I can use as a temporary abode for the night. If it’s raining the large lidded metal bins the council situate around the place are a good option too.”

He felt awkward disclosing that he was homeless…but…like he had said; it wasn’t as though he were entirely without shelter. Boxes and bins were fine houses if you were used to it. Still…Alice had an actual apartment so Night wouldn’t be surprised if she were to recoil from him in disgust at this piece of news. Blushing, Night continued, “My boss doesn’t like that though, so I generally get a thorough beating when I turn up for work smelling and looking like trash. He wants us to look presentable for work, you see. He’s a respectable gentleman and I try my best to conform to company policy and all but sometimes (he shrugged) it’s just… hard. However, after the boss has finished reprimanding me I have a nice shower to look forward to. That’s the pleasant side of it, at least. I don’t mind sleeping rough at all if it entails a refreshing shower the next day. After all, showering is a luxury that few slum dwellers can afford. I consider myself exceedingly fortunate that my boss at the post office has such a generous heart.”

[Ellie]

Alice nodded to Night as he let the conversation about her life trail off to an end. Flicking the sparks from her joint, a grin spread across Alice's face, lighting up her dull, unhappy eyes. It was touching to know that Night cared, even just a little. "How kind of you, Night, but you don't have to worry. I have my... vice." Alice turned to take another puff, shrugging her shoulders at Night. "You know, I think it's just life, and you just have to cope the best you can. This is the best I can." She placed a bony hand on Night's shoulder, wanting as if to insist that it would all be okay. Alice didn't really understand why he was so concerned about a person he had just met, but she embraced it nonetheless. But to be honest, Night had other things to focus his time and worry on besides herself.

"They…they say demons dwell there.” Oh, goodness! Such a statement inspired an especially intense fit of laughter. Surely anybody who dwelled in the slums knew that such a notion was far from the truth! But Night? He seemed to have an oddly powerful aversion to the street. Just a street. It would bring him no harm. "Night," Alice offered, wanting to calm down the now frantic boy, causing those around them to whisper and stare. They were rude, and simply didn't understand. But what Night didn't seem to notice was their also natural aversion toward Alice. Her type was quickly recognized as crazy, and was to be avoided. "It's alright. You don't have to come down the street. Why, you can even just wait here on the corner! I'll return quickly, Night!" Alice smiled, feeling chipper with the idea.

But the conversation adopted a more serious tone when Night's living conditions came up. Something was not right with the world. Alice and Night were two very different people, Night being an arguably better person. Alice was a mess. She had poor habits, and used those around her to get what she wanted. But, Night. Now he was virtuous, kind, considerate. But here he was, on the streets, while Alice lounged inside her very own apartment. The situation ought to be reversed if the world was fair, but... Everyone deserves a chance. "You know, if it's ever cold, or rainy, or anything, really, Night, you are always more than welcome in my home. I don't care for the thought of someone so young being left to fend for themselves." Her joint, finally burnt out, left Alice feeling melancholy for now. Dropping it on the ground, she took the heel of her shoe to smother the heat. And with one last breath. Alice let the think, white smoke roll out of her mouth like water on the rapids. "I have a shower, too," she offered.

[Rad]

“Wow! Really, Alice? You’ll let me settle in your apartment?” Night’s reaction was ecstatic, verging on hysterical, “I have no knowledge of how to cook but I can clean! I promise I’ll make the house sparkle like new everyday! You can count on me, Alice! Although what money I do earn may appear rather derisory to you you’re still entitled to whatever sum I manage to haul in by the end of the day! Oh, Alice you have my eternal gratitude!”

Night was practically bouncing on cloud nine now and, in his childish exhilaration he grabbed a passing stranger by the hand and together they spun around a number of times as if in some abnormal dance, all the while with Night chanting, “Did ya hear? Did ya hear? Alice said she’ll let me stay in her apartment! Alice said she’ll let me stay!”

When the man was finally liberated from Night’s grasp there was a moment of overwrought silence as Night realized what he had just done and his victim scrutinized the anomaly which had abruptly forced himself into his life. As it was, Night finally shattered the tense atmosphere “OH NO!! I’M SO SORRY, SIR! Please forgive me! I got carried away! I’m really sorry! I hope I didn’t cause you any inconvenience? I’m a complete imbecile at times! Really stupid! I am so very sorry! Please accept my humble apologies! Please?”

The old man glowered at Night for a while before unexpectedly bursting out in a fit of laughter as his expression altered to one of amusement, “Ah, young people these days! Even the depression can’t keep ya down it seems. Well congratulations on snagging yourself such an attractive young lady as a girlfriend. Young love is the sweetest thing so enjoy it while you can, because you’ll be surprised at how quickly people grow old. Hahaha!”

“Oh, sir you misunderstand. Alice is charming and all but honestly she’s way out of my league. She wouldn’t even consider me in such a way. Besides, to me Alice is just Alice, nothing more nothing less. She’s the most incredible friend a worthless mutt like me could ask for.”

“Ohoho, you keep telling yourself that, lad.” The old timer said, winking at Night before he persisted on his original route, “good luck!”

Thus the jovial conversation (for which Night and the old geezer were seemingly oblivious to the fact that Alice was within earshot) concluded. Spinning swiftly around to face Alice, Night stated “Well Alice, I surmise that if an expedition down that…fiendish street is inescapable then let us hasten to get it over and done with! Don’t worry Alice, I’ll protect you!” Oh the irony of that statement! As Night took a few halting steps in the general direction of Canal Street it was evident from his sporadic gait that he was the one who would require a bodyguard.

‘Inhale. Exhale. Mafioso only target the weak. I must be strong. Must protect Alice.’ Unfortunately, these contemplations failed to procure the desired effect and instead created the impression that Night was more mortified of the black market than ever.

[Ellie]

Alice rounded the corner on to Canal Street, laughing excitedly. The mere prospect of having someone to take the edge off of her intense loneliness was thrilling. However, in a lapse of judgment, Alice didn't even stop to consider how long she'd known the boy. But, no! Night was such a gentleman! There wasn't any more to it than that! Oh, how Alice craved someone like Night. Someone dependable to fend away the misery. It really was unfortunate how prominent the desire for comfort was. Lord, Alice needed to stop doing drugs. And she needed to make her life better. However, so many things are easier said than done. "Night, Night, Night. I am more than happy to have to stay in my home. It's not much, but I can assure you it's better than the alternative." Alice smiled, shaking her head, amused by Night's happiness.

Her mood was further lightened by Night's decision to twirl an old man around, clearly surprising him. The happiness that seemed to be coursing through him made Alice feel a bit better. 'See, it's not just me who needs him,' Alice reasoned with herself. 'I'm doing him a favor too! He needed a place to go!' Alice desperately wanted to believe that she wasn't doing this for entirely selfish reasons. Sure, some of Night's money would fund... certain things, but it was he who offered! Oh, but Alice's home was... well... it wasn't in the best of shape. Perhaps she ou---

Her thoughts were quickly drawn away from her apartment to view the sporadic dance performed by Night and an older man. Night was exuberant, probably to the point where he hadn't even realized what he was doing. But here it was, the most bizarre thing, happening right in front of Alice. And then followed the reaction. The whole scene was incredibly amusing, however, Alice couldn't bear thinking about how embarrassed Night must feel now.

His frantic apologies were only soothed by the chuckle of the old man, muttering something about how lucky Night was. Alice supposed that Night was lucky he happened upon such a benevolent man. Anyone else would have had their way with him, likely calling the cops. She wondered if they were even aware that she could hear their conversation. More than likely, the two probably hadn't even stopped to consider it.

When Night returned, he seemed to have gathered a decent amount of courage, though Alice doubted it would be enough for him to last on Canal street. She made a mental note to never bring Night back here. Ever. "Don't look too scared, Night. They're drawn to fear." Alice nodded her head with wide eyes, suggesting Night's anticipations were accurate, although she was joking entirely. Her bloodshot eyes now crinkled with her smile. "I'm just here to sell a few articles of jewelry," Alice assured, trying to make this trip as quick as possible.

[Rad]

"Don't look too scared, Night. They're drawn to fear."

Oh how excruciating that piece of advice was. It sliced through Night’s composure like a knife and as he finally took those fatal few steps onto Canal Street he was already a trembling mess. On top of that, he was also rambling to himself in the manner of a psychotic maniac. Fortunately for him, well at least in the sense that there was no one there to stare, in juxtaposition to the bustling slum pathway they had just left, Canal Street was practically deserted. All in all, there wasn’t a single soul in perceivable sight, although the shadows and niches against the walls and behind trash bins offered some possibility of an ambush. Moreover, considering the fact that the entire place was shrouded in darkness it was as if danger dominated the place in its totality.

“Must remain calm. Must face death. Must not talk to self. Must not panic. If I am to die today it is obligatory that I conform to the code of a gentleman and greet my demise without fear…” an unanticipated rustling abruptly halted Night's plethora of distraught blathering and as he cautiously turned in the direction of the horror his tanned complexion miraculously took on a pallor close to that of snow. Whimpering in trepidation, Night positioned himself in front of Alice, his arms spread out in a protective stance. However, despite this, Night didn’t have any mental preparation at all and as a rat leapt out of the suspicious heap of rubbish bags Night frantically bounded behind Alice with a rather pronounced ‘yelp’.

Not having registered that the attacker was a mere rodent, Night had crouched into a fetal posture, clutching his head and crying, “Please don’t shoot Alice. If you’re desperate to kill someone then shoot me!”

The rodent, insensible of the power he currently held over Night, hastily scurried into a nearby heap of garbage. Unfortunately, this exit had prompted more rustling and now Night thought an entire gang was upon them. The notion was too much for Night to handle and he promptly broke into a series of pathetic sobs, all the while beseeching the non-existent mobsters to let Alice go.

[Ellie]

Canal Street was bathed in this nice, peaceful, calm. The souls one could spot roaming the street were far an few between, which was not unusual given the intense afternoon heat. While the light was generally blinding, it left a few spaces scattered in between the buildings to be bathed in darkness.

Alice knew this was not tiding well with the teenage boy striding along nervously next to her, and the instant she said it, Alice regretted it. Night was going to go out of his mind with fear of the mafia that more than likely couldn't give a shit less about his existence. Their mission was plain and simple. Sell jewelry, pay rent.

Alice was able to think back to a time where she was very much so afraid of Canal Street, a time that was now well in her past, something she was very grateful for. When Alice still resided with her parents, the mere thought of journeying to the slums to visit Connor came across as impressively treacherous. Not once did she suspect that because of him, she'd be forced to confront that fear, and then be left alone to cope with it.

However, Alice was proud of herself. The worst possible case scenario actually occurred, and here she was, not 6 months later, living on her own, moving through this part of town with a significant amount of ease. The methods came naturally to her now, and nothing really scared her. Not even death, in a way. Alice had long since come to the conclusion that her death would not be a shame, just a merciful end to a pitiful life.

But it was obvious that Night had not reached this very same peace that Alice had. Despite his body trembling like a leaf in a hurricane, Night proceeded to thrust himself in front of Alice, seemingly shielding him from an unseen force. Alice was caught off guard, jumping back and adding to chaos with a disoriented scream. Looking around the scene of the event, Alice spotted the culprit escaping. A measly rat. She frowned, adding an element of confusion to her already startled face.

“Please don’t shoot Alice. If you’re desperate to kill someone then shoot me!”

Ha, like Alice had a gun. Listen, she wasn't stupid. Alice was never in her right mind, and henceforth, could do much more damage with a gun than she really ought to. Rolling her eyes, Alice did the only thing she could think. She dug around in her purse for a cigarette and lit it, observing Night's fit of hysterics. With one long drag, Alice released the foul smelling smoke. She kneeled down, here heels pinching her ankles. "Here, Night, take a puff of this. Just one. It helps. It's relaxing," Alice assured, as she calmly tried to stroke his back. Oh, the poor boy.

[Rad]

The familiar stench of cigarette smoke filled the air, subsequently followed by the sound of a familiar voice. His vision blurred by tears, Night turned to gaze fearfully at Alice. “Have they agreed to let you go?” Night whimpered pathetically, still too terrified by the prospect of seeing a real Mafioso to turn around. Inhaling some of the gaseous substance which now enveloped his figure Night seemed to gather some of his composure. Straightening up from the ground, Night gradually resumed his standing posture.

“Mafioso, I’m ready for you. I’m won’t permit you to harm Alice without a fight!” Summoning the courage to face his enemies, Night gradually swiveled around only to be greeted by the view of an empty Canal Street. “…Let me guess, it was only a mouse, wasn’t it?” Night sighed, “I’m sorry for being so hopeless. Canal Street is foreign territory for me and since my impression of it is established on those horror stories us delivery boys share during Halloween I fully expect to see a severed head obstructing our path every few… WHAT’S THAT???”

Exclaiming in shock, Night pointed at the disfigured individual who had mysteriously materialized from the shadows. The bulky mobster was bald and evidently missing a few body parts. All in all, the freak lacked a right ear, sported a scar which covered half his face, wore an eye patch over the socket where his right eye should be and had fingers missing from both hands. “How unnecessarily rude, I believe the right word is ‘who’” came the intimidating hiss, “Well, greetings young Alice. Here strictly for business today?” Indicating the now prostrate form of Night (who had seemingly fainted in his terror) he added, “trying out the organ market, eh?”

“NO! Alice would never do that!” Night shouted, glowering up at the brute from his position on the pavement. He was so petrified he couldn’t move…yet…he still felt obligated to defend Alice’s honor.

“Hey you, I thought you had lost consciousness in your fright.” The mobster hissed, eyebrow twitching above his remaining eye, “yet now it seems there is more to your than meets the eye. Hahhahhah, get it? Eye? Well you’re just fortunate that it’s me here instead of that short tempered runt that they sometimes send out here nowadays. So, Alice, what manner of business may I assist you with today?”

{Ellie, I was thinking that you should conclude this RP with your reply so we can do a time skip of 2 weeks. :D We’ll talk about how we're going to start off the next one when you’re online. ^_^}

[Ellie]

Oh! The irony! Here, Alice had brought Night here, assuring him all the way that there was nothing to be afraid of. Damned rats seemed to be ruining any of the little progress she had made. The boy was so impossibly terrified that he left Alice feeling at a loss with how to handle such a hysteric fear. "Night. The mafia isn't here. And there aren't any criminals upon you," Alice laughed, standing back as Night moved to his feet once more.

Alice frowned, conceding that Night had most certainly overreacted. But it wasn't as if she was ashamed, just amused. His mood was almost bipolar, jumping from cowering in fear to attempting to protect her from mobsters."It's really no hassle, Night," Alice ruffled his hair, trying to maintain a calm, relaxed atmosphere. "I understand entirely where you're coming from!" But as Night's face once more turned pale and scared, Alice turned slowly to face the seemingly impending threat.

Contrasting Night's terrified expression, Alice could only manage a smile. Ah, Allen. It had been a long time since she had seen him last, making today an even better day tan Alice could have imagined. After a quick observation, Alice determined that he had gained a plethora of new scars, marking an impressive new record for the mafia man. With a laugh at Allen's joke, Alice turned to smile at Night, assuring him that she had no intention in selling his internal organs, a thought that made Alice feel queasy.

"You know, not today. Actually just a quick errand." Alice thumbed through her purse and removed a nice diamond necklace, one of the things Alice had managed to hold on to from her old life. "Here, I was just hoping to get some cash for it."

With a nod, the monster-esque mobster removed some cash from his pocket, separating two fifty dollar bills. What an impressive amount! That should get them through for a while!