Hellhound AU

[just_aces]

Sometime round about 1900, a witch summoned a hellhound as a familiar.

He didn't mind it, hellhounds are loyal after all, and if some of her spells left him tired and drained, well, that was what he was there for, to keep her from using too much of her own energy for things. That and to eat the souls of her victims, sometimes.

But then, in the early 1970s, she ran afoul of a much stronger coven.

She was quite quickly banished to hell, but the hellhound couldn't be allowed to go with her, because, well, hellhounds are loyal and she was powerful and would have been able to use him to escape.

So the hellhound was made human, figuring that sixty, seventy, even eighty years if he was lucky would be enough time for the witch to have been consumed, so that even when the human-that-had-been-a-hellhound died, and Death herself realized that he was definitely not where, or what, he was supposed to be, she'd send him back.

But then one Charles Rowland kind of fucked up that whole plan by dying young and immediately running away from Death herself.

So the ghost-who-was-the-boy-who-was-the-hellhound has no idea what he was, or still is, under it all.

But, after a trip through hell to save his best friend (Hellhounds are loyal, after all) and time spent in a familiar position -though not a familiar kitchen- after that has been enough to knock a few things loose...

Comments

[just_aces]

That easy praise just had him grinning the wide-open, happy-puppy grin he sometimes got, the one that wrinkled his nose up, "Yeah?" He shook his head, leaning against the edge of the desk again, though leaning back on his hands instead of curling in on folded arms as he had earlier that day, "I'm pretty sure it was the same house the whole time, the dirt floor and the tiles, just got updated. Stove was iron for a long time, one of those, like, pot-belly iron woodstoves at first, and then..."

He shook his head, scratching the back of his neck, "Think it was still iron when the floor was tiles, just blocky-like, square like they are now, only bigger, twice the size of a modern one maybe?" He shook his head, "Had fancy feet on it." That much he remembered because they were right there where he could see them most of the time.

[uptightboy]

"I believe, too, that it was the same house. For a long time, apparently," Edwin nodded. "But the time of your transformation is the most important. It is the most recent event, and it is a key point in this case. Once we know 'when' we may discover the 'why'."

Edwin quickly wrote down some notes. Then went to the bookshelf again to start on their next part of research.

"We may still need to visit another archive but first I shall see how much I can gather from books I have on hand," he explained. "That said, if you remember more, write it down."

[just_aces]

It was only then that something that probably should have been obvious before occurred to him, blinking twice, "I..." A huff of a laugh, "Edwin, I was born in 1973. Can't imagine whatever did this would have like, just held onto a Hellhound for very long, right?"

He shook his head, "And I was born, it's in the file at the Lost and Found Department." That fact, more than anything else, settled him some, knowing that he hadn't just been transformed from a Hellhound to a teenage boy somewhere along the way. He pushed himself up from the desk, already knowing what he was looking for, "The law almanacs, the witch ones, disputes and settlements, do the ones we've got go that recent?"

It was possible, of course, that whatever witch he'd been beholden to wouldn't have done anything that was legally recorded, that happened a lot, it was why the almanacs were so thin, but it was another step in the right direction if nothing else.

[uptightboy]

Edwin blinked. Those books were the exact ones he was planning to have a look at, but it is good Charles also had the same idea. Especially that he tied it to the date of his birth.

"Great deduction, Charles. We've got the past fifty years covered, yes," Edwin nodded and followed Charles to get the almanacs they were thinking of. He took it off the shelf and handed it to the other. God knows it was a rare time Charles himself wanted to open a book, especially a law almanac.

[just_aces]

He smiled, it always warmed him a little when Edwin confirmed that he'd had the same idea, it meant Charles was probably on the right track about something. He accepted the volume, with an easy, "Cheers." Before just sliding down to sit on the floor, leaning back against the shelf and leafing through it to 1970, figuring he could work further back from there if needed to, if he didn't find anything while moving forward.

Knowing key words to look for -removal or collection or even transformation of a familiar or Hellhound- would make his skimming of the pages a little easier, the same way running two fingers along the page as he went, keeping a single line of text between them as he did, helped keep the words from swimming too badly.

Even still it was going to be slow going, especially with the way he had to blink up and re-focus -even despite knowing that ghosts shouldn't be able to get eye fatigue- every couple of pages.

[uptightboy]

As Charles opened the book and sat down, Edwin walked behind him, leaning down to read the pages too. He idly wondered how Charles's Hellhound nature would explain his troubles with reading, and with colors too. But that was for later.

The almanac in question was acquired after a particularly horrible case with a witch. It was questionable if she was as bad as Esther but at least she wasn't immortal. But after that Edwin did feel the need to get more familiar with witches and their history, taken that it could teach them a lot. He was right, they had a few other cases in which knowing some background came in handy. This time too. Though Edwin wished it would have been something less... personal.

"There," Edwin frowned, pointing at a line then. He recognized the coven the entry mentioned - one of the most powerful ones he'd read about in other books too. What got Edwin's attention, however, was the text writing about banishing a witch not part of the coven because of practicing forbidden magic, and scattering her belongings and familiars.

[just_aces]

Charles, likewise, recognized the name of the coven, mostly because as far as he knew they were still in operation, though no one knew what their true numbers really were, except perhaps other members.

He paused so he could go over the citation again, brow creasing as he marked the page with his fingers, flipping to the appendix of the case, where the belongings and familiars should be listed, only to be met with two words: Specifics sealed

His brow creased then, turning back to the citation just to make sure he'd gotten the right section of the appendix, frowning and leaning back a little when he confirmed that it was, "I... don't know if that's a point in favor of it being her or not. Makes sense that they'd keep the list private if it included a Hellhound, not like anyone's really supposed to have those."

He shook his head a little, "But what if it's just normal things and it's only sealed because of the, you know, nature of her crimes or something."

[uptightboy]

If a coven like that wanted to hide something, they definitely could, Edwin wondered.

"We need to handle it like a clue as long as we have no certain proof it isn't," Edwin stated. "We have no other choice after all. There was definitely something special about this case and for the sake of your nature, we have to dig into it."

Digging into an old witch case was like poking a nest of hornets. Edwin wasn't looking forward to it for many, many reasons. The biggest one would be that these witches sealed away a Hellhound, probably with the intention for it to die or fade. And now it is running around, unleashed. What if they thought he was looking for his owner? What if all this was the plan of his owner...? Edwin pursed his lips, trying not to jump to such conclusions just yet.

"Do you think... we may have to find their own archives on the matter?" Edwin wondered out loud. Either that or... talk to a witch of that coven.

[just_aces]

"Usually I'm the one suggesting an insane plan like that, mate." It was almost amused, but only almost, there was a thread of worry in it as well, but only because he couldn't be sure that Edwin wouldn't try staging a raid on the archives of what was probably the most powerful coven in nigh on a century.

He shook his head, keeping the citation marked with his fingers even as he closed the almanac so that he could roll to his feet, taking it to the desk and flipping it open again, grabbing a notepad and a pen, scribbling 'ideas' on the top of the page and 'pros/cons' halfway down, "So, plan A, raid the coven's archive." He scribbled that out under the top header, "Pros, information's probably there. Cons, we don't have any idea what their security is like, or where their archives are." Or, more importantly, what they might do to a ghost and an escaped Hellhound trying to break in, but he couldn't actually get himself to say that one yet.

[uptightboy]

"Maybe I'm finally rubbing off on you," Edwin retorted with a raised eyebrow. But he didn't miss the worry in Charles's voice. He felt it too. If their only option was to find the original text about this, not even knowing if it was the one they were looking for... then yes, it was a stupidly dangerous plan, maybe for nothing.

Edwin let out a huff and crossed his arms, looking at the notes Charles was taking.

"Plan B, we talk to someone from the coven."

Unfortunately, both of these plans put them too close to a coven... But either that, or they wait for Charles's nature to take over one of these days...

[just_aces]

He flashed a small smile at the initial response, "Been at this long enough it's about time we started rubbing off on each other, yeah?" He wasn't actually expecting an answer, it just amused him that Edwin was the one who'd said it first.

He nodded at Edwin's Plan B, marking that down, "Pros, again, information's probably there, and if we've got someone high enough up they'll probably be able to access it if it's restricted or whatever."

He rolled his head to the side, "And cons, they'll want to know why we're asking and we haven't got a good explanation for that." His brow furrowed a little, "And depending on who, or what their position in the coven is, they might be able to tell and that runs us right back into not knowing what their security protocols are, and I definitely don't want to risk just... getting unmade or whatever." Which he hadn't actually intended to say out loud, but there it was and he wasn't going to take it back.

[uptightboy]

Edwin let out a useless huff once again.

"Don't be stupid Charles, we definitely won't be unmade. They are probably just going to make sure we suffer endlessly in an iron cage or something like that. They are witches, not demented hysterics," he said as he started pacing about the room, thinking.

"We need to risk it, there is no other way," Edwin decided at last. "I believe it is time we call in one of the favors owed to us. Remember that pharmacist, who doubles as an alchemist? We cleared his shop he couldn't pay for our services. I believe he is also supplying witches, he may know something."

That was a really annoying case too. And it was thanks to Charles they had this favor at all. Everyone liked his smile...

[just_aces]

Charles very diplomatically didn't point out that if the coven was responsible for his current state, they could very well unmake the two of them, probably with very little trouble. Likewise he just let Edwin pace, dropping into the chair himself, swaying it back and forth a little with one foot, waiting out whatever idea was simmering in Edwin's head.

He did brighten a little at the reveal, "Newt!" It definitely wasn't the man's name, and it was anyone's guess as to why people called him that, because it had definitely been going on before Charles picked it up, "Haven't been by to see him in a while, have we?"

He glanced at the clock before wrinkling his nose just a little, "Should probably wait for tomorrow though, he's still trying to keep mostly regular business hours." And a little extra time to come up with some kind of plan of attack wouldn't go amiss, though he figured that was one of those things that went without saying, "How direct are we going to be with him? He gets jumpy." Which, really, being in the business he was kind of made sense, never knew when someone was going to turn into an actual evil witch about not being able to get supplies.

[uptightboy]

"We haven't," Edwin agreed quietly. It wasn't like the man wasn't useful, or he didn't have stuff to offer to them. He was just. A Lot. One of those who loved ghosts. But yes, they needed to visit him. In working hours.

"I believe he should know it is a case but not too much," Edwin nodded. "I think he is also aware of witches. So, telling him it is for his own safety he shall not ask us unnecessary questions." Hopefully... Then again, Edwin knew how curiosity worked. He looked at Plan A then. "We're gonna need warding charms."

[just_aces]

He considered for a moment, chewing the inside of his cheek as he so often did, "For a case, can't say much just to keep him safe." He smiled at Edwin's conclusion, nodding, "There we are, legitimate reason to pay him a visit." Definitely preferable to trying to bluff their way through.

Sure, he owed them, and it should be easy just to call in that favor to keep him from asking questions, but doing some actual shopping would work even better because that would give them a chance to get him talking without making it seem like it was an interrogation.

[uptightboy]

"Well then, we have a proper approach," Edwin nodded to himself. "We could also pick up some items worth anything against witches, or help us break into forbidden archives," he added, looking over to their closet absently where they kept some of their supplies too. "So, now we wait for business hours." Which was, the worst. The living were so difficult with their sleep schedule and working times. At times like these Edwin was actually glad he was a ghost, he could have read and researched to his heart's content. Only to end up as an orb when he was tired but that was a different story...

[just_aces]

"I'm still going to call a heist plan C." He replied, "Last-ditch option." He didn't think Edwin had been serious, but wanted to make absolutely sure of it, especially about something that was dangerous enough that it was the kind of reckless plan he would come up with himself.

He nudged Edwin's shoulder then, unfolding and stretching, heading to the games cabinet, "C'mon, round of Battleship ought to keep us busy that long." Either that or it would be over within minutes because sometimes Edwin could read him that easily, it was always one of the two and Charles still hadn't figured out what the difference was.

[uptightboy]

Edwin did wonder why he was actually fine with a heist. But as he felt warmth bloom from where Charles nudged him, he knew. Discovering what Charles was threatened to change what they had. So Edwin maybe wanted it all to fail... maybe.

He watched as Charles walked to the closet to get the board game, and Edwin stopped to let himself feel this for a moment. This emotion wasn't entirely fear, not yet. But close to it. It didn't numb him just yet but it made him... a bit aware. Hellhounds belonged to Hell. It was their home. Even if Charles's owner was still alive, it may have been sealed, but it still meant that there was a chance Charles needed to return to Hell...

There was a chance Charles would leave at the end of this and that scared Edwin more than Hell itself.

"I see you are ready to be conquered once again," Edwin said at last with a playful eyebrow.

Battleship was a fun game. Not for the impulsive. But Edwin liked to use it to study Charles's habits, and he was doing it pretty well if he could say so himself. Sometimes he deliberately missed some of his hits just to see how Charles would react. It was a fun game. It did entertain them until they were ready to visit Newt.

As they arrived at the small pharmacy, Edwin wished they could play Battleship forever.

"So, we are here for charms and supplies and just inquiring about witches on the side, yes?" Edwin asked Charles, to make sure they knew their plan.

[just_aces]

"Oh just you wait, I'll best you one of these days." He wouldn't, and he knew he wouldn't, strategy was never his strong suit, but that was beside the point at the moment, which was to try and get Edwin to stop running off with the worse possible outcome when they didn't have any solid information yet.

Mostly he was just glad that Edwin let the game go on instead of trouncing him immediately as he occasionally did, since they were meant to be using it to pass the time.

Upon arrival at the pharmacy he nodded at Edwin's confirmation of their task, "Yeah, figure easiest way to ask about witches is ask about who he contracts his charms through, that we might need some in bulk, not that we're trying to take him out of the loop."

[uptightboy]

"Good idea, Charles, let us lead with that indeed," Edwin nodded. Then he looked at the door. It was like a door of any other small, older business in London. Almost charming really. And they could have walked through without problem but Newt had certain rules for not-living customers. Namely that they shouldn't just walk in, and they must ring the bell three times, no less, no more, three times. This way he could prevent any heart attacks that would get him when meeting spirits, as he always said.

So Edwin rang the bell three times, waiting for the door to open. Thankfully, they didn't need to wait long. A man slammed the door open, setting his glasses as he looked at them. Giving the impression that he had not slept at all... or changed clothes in the past three days.

"Boys, welcome! It's been a while," he greeted them, motioning inside. "I almost thought you forgot about me. Do you boys get my weekly flyer with the new offers?"

[just_aces]

Charles couldn't help but smile, the man's half-manic demeanor always made his own easily-excitable nature seem tame by comparison, "Yeah, it has, we were, uh, unexpectedly abroad. Back now, though, and I know we usually do, though I've not seen one since we got back."

The smile hitched higher just a little as he moved to lean one hip against the counter, keeping out of the way, "If you've got a spare I'll have a look, Edwin's the one who knows what he's after." That much was no different than how they usually did things, and the fact that Charles was just a little more alert than usual was easily chalked up to the fact that they were employing something that was half subterfuge.

[uptightboy]

"Abroad? Now that sounds like an adventure. Where were you, in Brazil? I heard the nagas as acting up lately, I wondered myself to go check out what the fuss is about..." Newt rambled as he grabbed a handful of flyers to toss them in Charles's hand. "There, bring them to your office. Maybe some of your clientele also wants to get their juice."

Edwin crossed his arms as he was waiting for Newt to stop talking for just a second...

"Why would we go to Brazil, we have no cases there..." he wondered out loud. But then he shook his head. "Doctor--" he started but he remembered how Newt hated being called that. So with an eyeroll, Edwin started again. "We are here on business, Mr. Newt."

"Oh sure, yes, everything's on the house for you boys. I owe you a lot after all. So, what do you need?"

"We need some..." Edwin started, his gaze flickering to Charles for a second. "Well, we found ourselves out of protection charms. Premade ones."

"Aah, you need the witchy ones, don't you?"

"Precisely. And, well, a lot."

[just_aces]

Charles had been about to mention that it had been America, but decided against it as Edwin answered the more pertinent question of why on Earth would they go to Brazil, and glancing up from the flyer in his hand -which he'd only barely been paying attention to in the first place- he gave a nod, "Yeah, like, bulk order kind of a lot."

He shrugged one shoulder, drumming his fingers against the strap of the backpack, "Ran out of the emergency stockpile, I'm usually better about keeping on top of inventory, making sure to pick up a handful of replacements even if I've only used one or two." Which was true, or at least true enough that he could say it without his voice hitching the way it did when he was trying to make something up.

It was definitely easier to follow Edwin's lead and just interject as needed to bolster what he was saying. And it was easy because that was how they did things anyway as often as not and while other regular acquaintances might notice something off, Newt wasn't likely to.

[uptightboy]

"Well boys, gotta say you got me there good. I don't have that amount on me right now but I can give in an order for you-"

"It is quite urgent," Edwin started, looking at Charles again. He was never good at pretending. His disguises did most of the work for him. "I suppose they are made by witches, yes?"

"Yes and those sweethearts work fast, so in a week or two I could get you your fix," Newt said but Edwin stepped closer to him.

"Maybe they have some already made? If we could ask them directly, that would be wonderful, and quite effective."

Newt narrowed his eyes, looking between the boys.

"Are you trying to get my supplier? Is this one of your cases?"

[just_aces]

Charles nodded then, spreading both hands in a sort of 'what can you do?' gesture, "You got us, don't get me wrong, usual stockpile is gone, but yeah, we need them in a rush for a case."

He flashed his most winning smile, "It'd just be this once. You know you're our favorite." Which was maybe laying it on a little thick, which was why he added, "And not just because of professional courtesy discounts, either." This was where things could get dicey and he knew it, but he also knew that Newt liked them, which he was pretty sure had as much to do with their following his sometimes esoteric rules as it did with anything else.

But they, or Charles at least, followed those rules because he actually liked Newt in turn, which would just run this all in circles, which was why he bit his tongue to keep from rambling on further.