curse the flame

Contrariwise

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 22:57:31 GMT

title: Contrariwise
fandom: SyFy's Alice
characters: Alice, Doctor Dee, Doctor Dum
rating: K+
summary: set during the end of part I, the beginning of part II; Alice’s thoughts and experiences inside the Truth Room. If Dr. Dee and Dr. Dum wanted a battle, well, she was going to give them one.
disclaimer: the characters in this story are the property of SyFy and Nick Willing and are only used for fan related purposes; any dialogue used is from the actual mini-series and is only used to further the story.

Relax… let your mind go. Allow yourself to fall into a deep sleep…

But Alice wasn’t sleeping. At least, she didn’t think she was.

The voices of Dr. Dee and his brother, Dr. Dum, oily and hypnotic twin voices, they washed over her, her head spinning, falling… falling until her eyes opened wide, a vain attempt to prove she was awake. She felt twenty, then, she felt ten. She was afraid to go into her father’s study, she was afraid to put too much faith in the familiar old watch Jack Chase—no, she corrected almost subconsciously, not Chase, Heart—slipped her inside the casino.

How many times had she seen the watch on his wrist? How many times had she looked for it on every man she suspected might be her father? R.H… Robert Hamilton. Dad left, but where did he go? Dad was here...

But where was here?

Ten year old Alice—no, twenty year old Alice thought she was in her father’s old study in the little yellow house of her memories. She was, but then she wasn’t. She didn’t remember a crib standing in the center of the old study. She peered inside, not knowing what to expect, not surprised by what she found. There was a pig, a baby pig in the baby’s crib…

Okay, she allowed. Maybe she was asleep. This had to be a dream.

… all the King’s horses and all the King’s men couldn’t put Humpty together again…

Their voices lost their harmony, they went out of sync and Alice barely had time to notice their hurry when the door slammed shut behind her. She jumped, spun around, gasped out loud and stared at the entrance that was no longer an exit. The light flickered, dark and back again, so quickly she thought she blinked.

The crib was gone, and the pig inside, and the doctors were speaking again, slow, and careful and finishing each other’s sentences now:

Now it’s time for a battle…

… let’s see if we can find a little lever…

… and prise the tasty oyster open.

Alice Hamilton, the real Alice in the real world, was always a no-nonsense, independent sort
of girl. A black belt in karate, as defensive and as guarded in her personal life as well as her professional one, there wasn’t much she feared—but she did have fears. Of course she did. She was human, after all.

She had two distinct fears, different though they stemmed from the same trauma. One was a little silly, and very common: she was terrified of heights, flying and anything that had to do with her feet leaving the hard ground where they belonged; the other was less so: Alice feared abandonment, being left alone by everyone she loved.

It had happened once before…

The planks started falling, one after another after another. Alice watched in horror as they dropped, revealing a pit so far down below that all she saw was an inky blackness that made her stomach twist and her head spin.

Then one was left, just one, and Alice clung to it like it was a life-preserver. It was a life-preserver. The one wooden board was the only thing keeping her up as she dropped down to her knees and clung to the side with her fingers. The rough edges of the plank bit into her palms but she ignored it. She was too busy trying to convince herself that she was brave, that she was safe, that this was all apart of her imagination.

“This isn’t happening,” she argued, the real Alice coming to, yelling as she was to the (nonexistent, she hoped) giants hovering just outside, “it’s all in my head! It’s just a dream!”

Shaky, desperate to prove it to herself, she climbed to her feet, her arms at her side for balance. She couldn’t keep her eyes off of the all encompassing black swimming beneath her, but she stood up straight, gasping and panting, determined all the same.

“I just have to wake up,” she said to no one in particular. One step, one small step to convince herself that it was simply a dream—

—but one step was all it took. The plank wobbled, she overbalanced and then she fell. Alice may not have wanted to think that she was conscious but she was and her reflexes were as quick as ever. Wrapping her arms around the edge of the board, she hung on for dear life, her legs swinging to and fro like the pendulum of her old grandfather’s clock.

“It’s real,” she gasped, struggling to hold herself up, afraid to let the empty hole swallow her up.

Of course it’s real…

Alice was awake, she was herself, she was thinking. If everything was real, and she had to admit it was, she would die if she fell. Her brain whirring, her arms straining, she asked them about the ring. It was her bargaining chip—it always has been—but the doctors, each equally insane, they didn’t seem to care.

They would relish her death, rejoicing in the screams she made as she fell. They were crazy, they were mad, and they didn’t even bother to deny it when she all but accused them of being so. It was fun, they thought, and she felt nothing but anger and disgust at their delight.

She quivered and trembled, her fear momentarily forgotten. Stubborn to a fault, Alice wasn’t about to let them see her give in so easily. She was made of stronger stuff than that. She was a city girl, a black belt, for goodness sake! Swinging her legs up, using the momentum to wrap her legs around the plank, Alice relied on every last bit of her upper arm strength to pull herself back up on the plank. Only then, when she was safely straddling the board overlooking the darkness, did Alice’s fear return.

Her heart was beating, her palms were slippery with sweat, but she refused to let the twisted doctors see anything but her anger. She called back on the ring because it was the only thing she had; this side up, Dr. Dee and Dr. Dum were more interesting in hearing what she had to say.

More importantly, they wanted to know where it was—as if Alice would tell them that. They could promise her her freedom and she still wouldn’t tell them anything.

The doctors didn’t offer Alice her freedom…

If you don’t tell us…

… we may as well kill you…

… and then we’ll just have to tell the queen it was an accident…

… it happens all the time.

It was more threats, but they were more than capable of acting on them. At once, the board, the single piece of wood that was keeping her from freefalling down, it began to disappear. Disintegrating, crumbling to splinters and wooden shards and mere dust right before her very eyes, she climbed back to her knees. Her bravado had crumbled just as quickly.

Or had it?

They were talking, oily, nasty words that she couldn’t hear over the out and out pounding of her panicked heart. Four feet left, two feet left, maybe twelve inches… Alice was backed up against the wall, open fear splayed across her face.

You learn a lot hanging over an abyss, using only the strength of yours arms to keep you from falling; you learn even more when you’re only a foot away from plummeting to your death.

Alice’s mind was still whirring, the anger keeping her sharp, keeping her sane; the fear was there, all too present, but she used it to her advantage. A battle the twisted doctors had called for… well, it was a battle they were going to get. Her toes hanging over the remnants of the board, the wood threatening to finish crumbling to nothing, Alice finally gave in.

At least, she pretended to…

“Wait,” she said weakly, knowing it was her only chance. “I’ll tell you where it is.”

You better be quick! yelled one doctor.

It has a mind of its own! yelled the other.

“I have to write it down,” she invented, the terror in her voice all too real. “It’s complicated. I have to draw a map.”

Ho, hum… very well, if you must…

A desk appeared suddenly, a desk with a pen, some paper, and, strangely enough, a fan and a pair of kid gloves. Aware that the wood was still splintering slowly beneath her boot-covered feet, she lunged for the pen. She gripped it tightly and shakily, determinedly put the nib to a blank piece of paper she pulled toward her. She decidedly felt slightly more confident than she looked as she began to write quickly:

Locker 208, Central Station…

It was time to let the servants and their wretched queen think that the cursed ring was back in her world; it would serve them right for doing this to her, to her father, to all the oysters stolen here. Alice knew enough about the Queen of Hearts by now that the woman would never think to look for the ring where it was—where it belonged.

NaNo '09

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:41:54 GMT

^^ oh yeah.

Of Sleeping Beauty and Fairytale Endings

Sun, 06 Sep 2009 15:10:47 GMT

+ written for crickets impromptu (im)promptathon.

title: Of Sleeping Beauty and Fairytale Endings
fandom: Harper's Island
prompt: breakfast
words: 1,000
spoilers: set during episode 01x13; spoilers up through and including "Sigh".

Of Sleeping Beauty and Fairytale Endings

--

Abby had been sleeping for three days already. Henry didn’t blame her, either. After he lit the old Church up like the 4th of July, burning the evidence of his treachery, he’d been desperate for a good night’s sleep himself.

There was so much to do. First he had to carry Abby’s unconscious body across the threshold bridal-style into their new home. The dirty, wet clothes that smelt like she’d been in them for a week—well, close enough—had been the first to go; ever prepared, he had a spare set waiting for her when she woke up.

Jimmy, worse off on his fight with Wakefield but stubbornly still alive, had to go. Henry didn’t kill him yet—he could still be useful, he figured—and he methodically bound and gagged the interfering fisherman before tying him securely to a post in the garage.

Only then, when the doors were locked and he could drink in his victory and the promise of a lifetime with Abby that lay before him, did Henry finally allow himself to drop his guard and drop his mask and finally fall asleep.

He was up and awake and antsy to be with Abby after only a handful of hours in his adopted bed. Hyped up on adrenaline and a desire to touch her, to hold her, to forget the secrets and just make her understand, Henry was refreshed and ready to go.

But Abby still wouldn’t wake.

He spent that whole first day sitting outside of her designated room; wanting to take things slowly, he gave them each their own. After settling her on the bed, Henry refused to step foot back inside—he’d had to take so much from her already for their sacrifice that he didn’t find it right to take her privacy, too. Contenting himself with waiting for her to wake, he sat with his back up against the closed door, listening to the sound of her jagged breath (and pointedly ignoring the muffled moans and soft cries he didn’t understand).

That was two days and one night ago and Henry was beginning to think she would never wake up. He didn’t want to deny her her rest—the dark circles under her eyes made her no less of a Sleeping Beauty but she did look less than her best—but he was desperate to hear her voice, to hear her laugh, to finally, after a lifetime of waiting, have her all to himself.

Henry wasn’t a cruel man, even if he was admittedly single-minded. Once he was sure the coast was clear—neither the police nor the FBI even ventured to this side of the island—he visited Jimmy. He offered him food but Jimmy refused and Henry didn’t push it. It was only a courtesy, anyway.

His patience was wearing thin. He had to stop himself from actually spending the last night in her room, watching her as she slept. In the end, he did return to his room, though he only slept for a handful of hours. There was no use in dreaming, he figured, when all of his dreams had already come true (and were just down the hall, if out of reach for the moment).

On that third day, Henry woke up with the sun. Taunting Jimmy had lost its appeal since he refused to do anything but stare hatefully back up at his captor. Henry tried to entice him to eat—some niceties had to be observed—but, when Jimmy just closed his eyes, he slipped back out of the garage.

Sometimes it was hard for him to face a person he was just about to kill. It had been with J.D., he remembered, and Trish. Sully, he grinned, had had it coming and Jimmy… he was going to enjoy himself with that one.

Just like his father had wanted him to do, he had saved the best for last.

With a spring in his step that a beautiful day on Harper’s Island could bring (and a beautiful woman in his house could give), Henry returned to his chosen headquarters for the beginning of the rest of their lives. Things would be different now, different once Abby was awake, and he could feel himself on the cusp of forever as he felt the knob turn under his hand. Careful as always, he locked it behind him.

He never would have gotten where he was today if it wasn’t for his being so prepared.

The house was quiet and still and ever so cozy when he let himself back in. There was still a strange smell to the air, of emptiness, that Henry hoped to change in time. They would get used to it, it would be theirs and Henry Dunn would finally get his happily-ever-after.

He couldn’t see how much longer his Sleeping Beauty could avoid him by keeping her eyes closed. Growing used to waiting for her—as if he hadn’t waited for her and the moment they would finally be together all his life—Henry chose to take a seat at the clear table.

And, as he’d done for three days, he sat down and waited.

He didn’t have to wait long. Henry was halfway through putting the finishing touches on his plan regarding Jimmy Mance’s usefulness when he could’ve sworn he heard the sound of hesitant, delicate footsteps on the floor above him.

Ah, he grinned, already trying to ignore the frantic flapping of nervous butterflies that sprang to life with the sounds of Abby stirring. His guest of honor was finally waking up, he realized with a dimpled smile and an eager desire to please her.

He jumped up from his seat, smoothing his hair down as he hurried into the middle of the near empty kitchen. She had to be hungry, and a good meal could go a long way with helping her swallow the truth.

Now, what would Abby like for breakfast?

Writer's Block: Top of the Charts

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 14:37:00 GMT

What's the most-played song in your music library?

View 2056 Answers

"Take Me Home Tonight" by Hinder. I loved the original -- long live the '80's -- and Hinder's remake is just great ;)

My Never: A Henry/Abby Fanmix

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 14:16:47 GMT

*click to see full-size
(textures credit)

01. I Know What You Are
Carter Burwell, the Twilight Score

Abby to Henry

02. In Your Eyes
Jeffrey Gaines

Henry to Abby

love, I don't like to see so much pain
so much wasted and this moment keeps slipping away
I get so tired of working so hard for our survival
I look to the time with you to keep me awake and alive…

03. Over and Over
Three Days Grace

Henry to Abby

so many thoughts that I can't get out of my head
I try to live without you, every time I do I feel dead
I know what's best for me
but I want you instead…

04. Cry Little Sister
Sisters of Mercy

Henry to Abby

cry, little sister - thou shall not fall
come to your brother - thou shall not die
unchain me, sister - thou shall not fear
love is with your brother - thou shall not kill…

05. Always
Saliva

Abby to Henry

I see, the blood all over your hands
Does it make you feel, more like a man?
Was it all, just a part of your plan?

06. Obsession
Animotion

Henry to Abby

my fantasy has turned to madness
all my goodness has turned to badness
my need to possess you has consumed my soul
my life is trembling, I have no control…

07. Dangerous Game
Linda Eder & Robert Cuccioli from Jekyll & Hyde

all I know is I'm lost
and I'm counting the cost
my emotions are in a spin
I don't know who to blame...

08. Possession
Sarah McLachlan

Henry to Abby

through this world I stumble
so many times betrayed
trying to find an honest word
to find the truth enslaved

oh, you speak to me in riddles
and you speak to me in rhymes
my body aches to breathe your breath
your words keep me alive…

09. Demons
Brian McFadden

Henry to Abby

I can feel a sense of danger
you stare at me like I’m a stranger
paralyzed and you don’t seem to care
the demons in my dreams…

10. Because of You
Kelly Clarkson

Abby to Henry

you never thought of anyone else
you just saw your pain
and now I cry
in the middle of the night
for the same damn thing…

11. My Never
Blue October

Henry to Abby

will you think of me in time?
it's never my luck, so never mind.
I wanna say your name, but the pain starts again…

12. You'll See
Madonna

Abby to Henry

all by myself
I don’t need anyone at all
I know I’ll survive
I know I’ll stay alive…

13. I'm Alive
Aaron Tveit from Next to Normal

Henry to Abby

I'm alive
I'm right behind you.
you say forget but I'll remind you.
you can try to hide but you know that I will find you.
'cause if you won't grieve me, you won't leave me behind…

+ Find the MY NEVER: a Henry/Abby fanmix collection here.

Enjoy!

Gasp: a Trish Wellington picspam

Sun, 26 Jul 2009 16:53:59 GMT

I present a companion picspam to my Harper's Island fic, Once Upon a Time:

+ contains spoilers for Harper's Island, 1x12, "Gasp"; picspam is very image heavy.

BANNERS

Sun, 17 Apr 2005 18:22:54 GMT

total; 256

65 first place.
75 second place.
70 third place.
46 other.

newsiesicontest

+ 2nd place @ newsiesicontest

+ 1st place @ newsiesicontest

actor_icontest

+ 3rd place @ actor_icontest

hp_icontest

+ 1st place, week 12 @ hp_icontest

cultfilm_icons

t10k_icontest

+ 1st place, week 10 @ t10k_icontest

+ 2nd place, week 11 @ t10k_icontest

+ 3rd place, week 11 @ t10k_icontest

+ 1st place, week 12 @ t10k_icontest

+ 2nd place, week 12 @ t10k_icontest

+ 2nd place, week 13 @ t10k_icontest

+ 1st place, week 14 @ t10k_icontest

+ 3rd place, week 14 @ t10k_icontest

emmy_stillness

+ 2nd place, week 09 @ emmy_stillness

+ 3rd place, week 09 @ emmy_stillness

+ 2nd place, week 10 @ emmy_stillness

+ 2nd place, week 12 @ emmy_stillness

+ 1st place, week 13 @ emmy_stillness

+ 2nd place, week 14 @ emmy_stillness

poto_icontest

phantom_men

+ 2nd place, week 04 @ phantom_men

+ 3rd place, week 04 @ phantom_men

phantom_icontes

c_stillness

erik_stillness

+ 1st place, week 15 @ erik_stillness

+ 2nd place, week 15 @ erik_stillness

+ 1st place, week 18 @ erik_stillness

otp_icontest

+ 1st place, week 16 @ otp_icontest

+ 3rd place, week 16 @ otp_icontest

phantom_hush

+ 2nd place, week 11 @ phantom_hush

+ 2nd place, week 14 @ phantom_hush

poto_stillness

phantom_chorus

g_stillness

gerryicontest

+ 3rd place, week 23 @ gerryicontest

gerry_hush

masque_icons

potoicontest

tpoto_stillness

bale_stillness

orli_stillness

+ mod's choice, week 38 @ orli_stillness

+ 2nd place, week 38 @ orli_stillness

gerrychallenge

house_challenge

1st place, week 9 @ house_challenge

house_hush

newsies_hush

mr_potoicontest

gerry_chorus

emmy_hush

emmychallenge

gerem_stillness

+ 2nd place, week 4 @ gerem_stillness

viggo_hush

jackman_stills

greg_stillness

+ 3rd place, week 3 @ greg_stillness

ewanstillness

inukag_icontest

inu_stillness

+ 3rd place, week 32 @ inu_stillness

inu_sess_stills

+ 2nd place, week 2 @ inu_sess_stills

+ mod's choice, week 2 @ inu_sess_stills

+ 1st place, week 5 @ inu_sess_stills

poto_graphics

phantomiconidol

phantom_awards

+ round 18

+ round 20

disney_hush

+ requests?

Sun, 05 Dec 2004 17:13:17 GMT

MUCH OF THIS JOURNAL IS FRIEND LOCKED. YOU WANT IN? LEAVE A MESSAGE AFTER THE BEEP.

BEEP--