A Circuit of Time: Book Two of Spark (A MPHFPC Fanfiction)

Chapter Four

"Maybe, but the most powerful librarian we ever known couldn't really control a hollow from such a hypothetical distance, and half the cases here didn't have anyone around to give them orders." The ymbryne said.

"No, but there has been a rumor about someone who can influence other's peculiarities." Sophie replied.

"The Soulbender. He's just a rumor." Miss Bittern disagreed.

"What if he is real?" Sophie countered, "If any type of peculiar can control other people's peculiarity, is a librarian. And if this librarian is really powerful enough to manipulate second souls, it wouldn't be too far-fetched to think he can remotely control hollowgasts."

Miss Bittern frowned, "That's a big leap. We need more evidence."

"I hope I'm wrong and those hollows were just freaks," Sophie said, "But I strongly suggest you prepare an evacuation plan before Olive comes back with the creature in case that turned out to be true."

*

The guards of Woodford Prison heard a scream. Then came fire. They rushed out to put out the flame and left the gate open.

Cell 104 was on the first floor. Its resident sat on the cold floor, back against the outside world.

"Declan Palmer." Blanche called is a hushed voice.

"What do you want?" He said unhappily.

"Did you try to break into Talon Base for the ambrosia?" Blanche asked.

"Are you here to insult me?" Declan demanded.

"No—"

He suddenly threw himself at the bars between him and Blanche, baring his teeth. Blanche took a step back instinctively.

"Just give me a taste." He pleaded. Declan's face moved into the faint light. His face had melted, his nose a mess of flesh, his left eye permanently shut by the eyelid that adhered together, his mouth twisted into an unnatural, gnarly, smile. "I miss the feeling of being somebody."

"It melted you face!" Blanche exclaimed, "Why will you take something like that?"

"I just want to feel powerful, to feel like a peculiar again." He said quietly.

"Where can I find this vial?" Blanche asked.

"If I tell you, will you let me have a taste of it?" Declan pleaded, "Just a taste."

"Sure," Blanche immediately agreed, "Where is it?"

"A source within the army told me it's kept in Genesis Lab. There's a small container just for ambrosia they confiscated." Declan replied.

"And where is this container in the lab exactly?" Blanche demanded.

"The room they study souls. That's all I know."

"Very well." Blanche said, "Now if you really want to taste ambrosia again, forget about this conversation. I was never here." Then she left the Declan like he was never there.

Of course she wasn't going to let this random addict take even one tiny drop of her soul. But it was almost sad that he gave up the information so easily without doubting her for a second.

*

The apartment had been their home for the last month, but now it felt empty and unfamiliar.

John packed some cloth, essentials and weapons, in case they need to flee this loop after what was going to happen tonight.

Whatever way things might go, they had a very high chance to never see this place again. This temporary home they had grown accustomed to.

The doorknob turned; Blanche came back. John went forward to meet her.