We're the Same, Only Different.

[Zane Lucifer Bishop]

Vampires. Professor Archer had given Zee a great deal of information in his most recent lecture, which pertained entirely to the darkly seductive creatures, and he had listened well since he knew that the knowledge was in a way related to Wysteria. His encounter with Alessandro and the fact of an evidently benign specimen in the forbidden forest had piqued his interest, and the revelation that this vampire was a female associated with the Order of Light and could speak into Alessandro's mind made him suspect it was Wysteria.

So then, was Wysteria a full blooded vampire? Darko had seemed sure that he had spoken with a vampire, not a half vampire. And she was apparently residing in the forbidden forest. Could Wysteria have survived that before. She was formidable to be sure, but would she be able to fend off the shadows without Darko anchoring her? And what of her human needs? Was she hunting and cooking the creatures in the woods? Somehow that seemed unlikely. Far more probable that she didn't cook her prey, didn't need its flesh at all. Merely its blood.

That seemed quite the assumption to be making without more solid evidence however, so Zee stored the notion away. He had thought it over and prepared himself for it if indeed it proved true, but he refused to dwell on it needlessly. Wanting to know more about vampires, and the one dwelling so nearby in particular, Zee headed to the library to research the subject. Archer had given a concise, very informative overview, but he was certain there was much more to learn. He wanted to know exactly what strengths and weaknesses the creature had before he traipsed out into the already dangerous forest to converse with it.

Assuming any truly useful text would be in the restricted section if only to discourage youngsters from foolishly embarking on vampire hunts, Zee moved straight to the back of the library and slipped into that musty corner. As he moved through the shelves he collected a few different volumes; a general guide to dark creatures, a tome that focused on various types of undead, a vampire specific manual that seemed primarily to be Ministry propaganda, and lastly an autobiography actually written by one of the creatures of the night. Arms full, Zee headed for the one table in the restricted section. Emerging from between the shelves, he paused in his stride, surprised to see one of the chairs around the table occupied, though if it had not been for recent events the presence of this student would have been quite typical in his mind.

Approaching quietly, Zee slipped into the same seat he had taken once before, again directly opposite his companion and set his books onto the table. There may have been a hint of a smile on his lips, but perhaps it was merely that his lips had grown accustomed to that from all the toothy grins he used to flash. His voice was unusually serene. She had been through quite a bit he understood, and so keeping things calm and quiet seemed the best course.

"Hello D'rorah."

[D'rorah Philosophy]

D'rorah had sought her refuge in the restricted section of the library. It was the easiest place to dodge the inevitable questions regarding her slightly altered appearance. In countenance, dress, and manner she was the same as always. However, her hair had taken on an odd appearance, the blond streaked with shocks of dark black and grey. Her skin, normally pale, had taken on an almost ashen, greyish appearance. And her eyes, once an icy Athena grey, had darkened several shades after her recent close encounter with corruption.

Internally, she struggled to maintain herself in this world, to keep her mind and soul intact. It would be difficult until she found her new Elemental Master. She felt vaguely useless now... no longer would she be able to fight, or even train the other Shadow Warriors in their abilities without almost certain corruption... not without a new anchor. Hopefully he would be found before the Mage attempted anything requiring the Lightfighters to fight.

In the library, she once again pored over her translations, looking for anything that might be helpful to the Order in general and keeping an especially keen eye out for anything which might assist her in her current state. Her quill broke stride jumpily as Zane addressed her. It took so much concentration to hold herself together and to research that he had quite easily managed to sneak up on her without even trying.

She looked up, a slight sigh of relief evident in the motion of her shoulders as she recognized the newcomer. "Good afternoon, Mister Bishop," she greeted politely. Her eyes moved quickly over the books in his hand, picking up a common theme very quickly. Her eyes betrayed no interest, returning to his eyes after what appeared to be only a cursory glance. "I see you are taking the recent Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson in earnest," she remarked. "If you find anything of particular note, I would be most interested. As you know, I was not present for that particular lesson." For a moment, her expression turned slightly sour at this last sentence as she recalled her time trapped inside the bowels of the Ministry of Magic--almost certainly somewhere within the fabled Department of Mysteries.

[Zane Lucifer Bishop]

Zee nodded to himself. She was the same in demeanor. On the surface at least. Polite but professional. Whatever she had endured, she still maintained her facade of togetherness, and she was better at it than he was, something that undeniably impressed him. Running his finger along the spines of the books he'd brought, Zee selected the autobiography and laid it before him open to the first page, though he didn't start reading. Instead he eyed D'rorah, trying to assess her mood and general state. No easy task.

Shrugging slightly at his general failure to discern anything, Zee began skimming through the first few pages. Though his eyes remained on the letters before him, he did speak quietly, maintaining his own calm demeanor.

"Yes, it was probably the most useful lesson I've received yet in a Hogwarts class. Certainly the most enjoyable, though I would likely feel differently had I been here when Gat tried to kill Darko in an earlier Defense lesson. Still, vampires have lately become something of a fascination for me. Wysteria's heritage, Professor Archer's lesson, and most recently the guest we seem to have attracted in the forbidden forest."

Zee glanced up, not really expecting there to be any outward reaction forthcoming from the Ravenclaw, but not wishing to miss it on the off chance it was there. He continued, keeping his eyes on her, but still seeming quite passive.

"You may be interested to know that I have a working theory that Wysteria is alive. Or perhaps I rather have a working theory that Wysteria is not dead. It's been said this guest of ours is connected to her family in some way. I've been considering paying her a visit. I am hesitant though because I am not sure what to expect. It's also been said that she was hoping to speak with you personally. I wonder whether that meeting has occurred. I also wonder what you would suggest should I wish to seek out a similar audience. It seems my curiosity is just running me these days."

Once more his eyes fell to the pages, still flitting quickly across them and seeming to find nothing of any real interest.

[D'rorah Philosophy]

"Though you may not like Mister Darko, he is useful to our cause," reminded D'rorah in response to Zane's statement about Gat having tried to kill him. "He was not always as he is now. And an effort is being made to restore him to his pervious faculties." She paused a moment before continuing.

"As far as your information regarding a newcomer in the forest is concerned, I do hope it comes from someone you believe to be a reliable source of information. I would detest to think that you would base such an outlandish statement on idle common room gossip." She took a deep breath, the subject of Wysteria's death had caused her much guilt at the time. It was a relief to find out that her friend was still alive, though also a bit of a torment to know that Wysteria's life... unlife? would be forever changed by what she had been forced to endure in that time. "As far as Miss Edwin is concerned, I do hope the report of her death is not true. She is a valuable asset to our team."

She thought for a moment. "And I would suggest you not seek an audience with anyone or anything which might happen to be in the Forbidden Forest. Anything you might find in the forest would either be there because it belongs in the forest and would only cause you danger or would be there in order to remain hidden. Either way, disturbing the sanctity of the forest seems foolish." With that, she turned her eyes back to her texts, as though considering the subject closed. Of course, knowing Zane, she internally waited for a rebuttal or some further mention of his theory. Casually flipping a page and re-inking her quill, she continued to write. It was clear he had some notion that Wysteria herself was in the forest and it was clear he was probing for information... she waited to see just how much she would have to say to satisfy him.

[Zane Lucifer Bishop]

Her words were, as expected, evasive and dismissive without seeming so. D'rorah was quite masterful at directing a conversation anywhere she desired it to go. Perhaps that was why Zee had always enjoyed conversing with her. Her mind was quick and sharp, as was her tongue. It had always been a game with them, each trying to get what information they could from the other without revealing any themselves. Parry, riposte, feint, etc. Despite himself, Zee wore a slightly crooked grin as he let the silence sit for a few minutes, continuing to skim over the autobiography.

Touche Miss Philosophy, touche.

After an adequate length of time to make it seem as though he had lost interest in the conversation, Zee absently spoke again, knowing that it would still come as no surprise to D'rorah that he was continuing his inquisition. His tone was unchanged, his eyes remaining on the pages he was now flipping through a bit more expediently. The grin had faded by the time he spoke.

"In point of fact it was your supposedly useful Mister Darko who informed me both of the vampire's presence and her desire to speak with you. Shortly after he'd finished trying to kill me actually. I'm not sure what it is about our elemental masters, but they do seem to enjoy flinging cruciatus curses at each other."

Perhaps, Zee conceded to himself, it was in poor taste to jest about his treatment of Dylan. Yet somehow he suspected D'rorah would prefer that to a continuous stream of heartfelt apologies or an awkward avoidance of the subject. Not pausing to gauge her reaction, he continued.

"Of course I suppose it is entirely possible he was delusional and had invented the entire thing in his mind. That does seem the sort of thing he may do, fractured and pitiful as he is. I'm really not at all certain 'useful' is a good descriptor for him. The term 'dead weight' comes to mind."

It was petty he knew, but Zee seemed to make a point of taking advantage of every opportunity to express his hatred for Darko. Now it was distracting him from his actual goal though, so he stopped there and proceeded with his inquiry.

"So then you have not been in the forbidden forest since we, ah, carried you out of it? If indeed it is such a foolish venture then it seems unlikely one as wise as yourself would undertake it. Though I suppose anything is possible."

Throughout his monologue Zee had never once looked up at D'rorah until he reached his final question. At that point he did halt his rapid trek through the book and look at her, his eyes and expression more intense than his tone would have implied. He did enjoy the game and the time with D'rorah, both things he'd been sorely missing. Yet in the face of a possible reunion with Wysteria, it was difficult to maintain his feigned disinterest.

[D'rorah Philosophy]

D'rorah spent the quiet minutes allowed by Zane to continue with the translation she was working with. Truth be told, the work was becoming more and more frustrating. Her patience, worn somewhat thinner than usual by her recent near corruption, was not what it usually was either. It seemed she read the same things over and over again--some well written, some poorly written, most from different points of view. But all in all, it was mostly the same information she had come to know so well it was permanently etched into her mind. In the back of it all was the loss of three Elemental Masters... first Paul whom she had never even had the chance to join with, then Mordred, and now Mallan. The one thing she couldn't find in all of her reading and translation was any account of a Shadow Warrior who had been through anything similar... most only ever found one Elemental Master and either corrupted or died if that Master happened to fall into harm's way.

Nearly happy for the distraction from her own thoughts and from her tedious work, she looked up as Zane began to speak. A wry smile that could never properly be called a smile twitched at the corner of her lip as Zane mentioned the flinging of Cruciatus Curses between Elemental Masters. The expression immediately melded into one of distate at the thought of Darko attempting to cruciate Zane. His mental capacities would need to be recovered quickly. All of the tension within their group was liable to tear the Lighfighters apart before the Mage even had a chance to kill them all. Of course, nearly all of their tension was the result of Dark Phoenix's actions, so perhaps she was doing her job well after all.

"I did not say that I have not since returned to the Forbidden Forest, Mister Bishop," she began calmly. "I merely said it would be best to allow anyone or anything which might currently reside in the forest to seek audience with you at the proper time, rather than imposing your own timeline upon her. I ventured into the forest because my presence was requested. I was merely suggesting it would be wise for you to do the same." She set her quill aside.

"And as far as your issues with Mister Darko are concerned, I am quite surprised to hear that he attempted to Cruciate you. Tell me, were his actions provoked?" she asked, thinking he might be led away from his line of questioning regarding the Forbidden Forest. Though of course, she knew better.

[Zane Lucifer Bishop]

It was a marvelous play on D'rorah's part. Very few things could distract Zee from his mission of reuniting with Wysteria, especially now when he felt so close to his goal. The opportunity to reveal Darko's monstrous behavior to the unspoken leader of the lightfighters though, that was a temptation he could not ignore. Once more a grin came to his lips, though this time it had an edge to it, a rather unpleasant edge.

"D'rorah, provocative as you may find me, I assure you I did nothing to justify the application of an unforgivable curse, much as I would like to. Grudgingly I must concede your point concerning the necessity of Darko's life. I imagine the feeling is not so different from that which keeps Dylan from my own throat."

A thoughtful expression came over Zee as he considered that, and persisted as his thoughts shifted. Tapping his index finger against his mouth, he pursed his lips in thought. Refocusing on D'rorah once more, his expression shifted again to a vague, passive amusement.

"You once expressed interest in seeing my mind laid bare. Would you like to do so now?"

Without waiting for an answer, Zee dropped his mental defenses and focused his mind on the memory of his last encounter with Alessandro, projecting it outward, much as he had with Keaira. Again he left the memory unaltered, trusting both in the lack of aggressive action he had taken to keep her from assigning him much blame, and in her quickness to catch any alterations he attempted anyway.

After a minute or so had passed, the memory was fully played through and Zee drew his thoughts away from it and to D'rorah's earlier words, ". . . rather than imposing your own timeline upon her." His mind remained open, showing her clearly the context of his next question. Zee arched one eyebrow as he looked squarely at D'rorah.

"'Her?'"

[D'rorah Philosophy]

"I am not certain I would," replied D'rorah dryly in response to Zane's query regarding whether she would like to see his thoughts in order to view what had occurred between him and Darko. She watched, aghast. It was true, nothing Zane had done could have warranted such an attack... true, he had not simply been innocently minding his own busines. Still, there was nothing in his actions which would deserve the fury Alessandro had unleashed upon him... his words might have garnered quite a round of fisticuffs, but not a cruciatus. It had been fortunate that Alessandro's spell had missed. The entire exchange was quite interesting for several reasons.

First was the observation of somewhat of a schism within Zane's mind. This was far more pronounced than a mere good or bad conscience. This was almost like an entire alternate personality. And Alessandro's actions and appearance in the memory brought to mind much the same sort of mental scheme. She frowned, things were becoming far too complicated for the team and none of what she was seeing boded well for Light. She felt almost indulgent for the time she had been taking (and was supposedly still taking) to recover from her lengthy and painful questioning at the Ministry. She needed to see Alessandro immediately. It almost seemed as though she would soon be running a psychotherapy practice just to keep everyone together.

She was just sifting through the intensity of so many thoughts coming all at once when Zane spoke again. "Mister Bishop, you are the one who first assigned gender to the visitor you seem to believe is residing in the Forest. I merely decided to perpetuate that gender for the sake of consistency," she explained, annoyed with herself for not having kept her end of the conversation completely neutral. Zane wouldn't buy it, and she had a mind to think he had a right to know that Wysteria was alive. The only thing holding her back from simply telling him was the fact that it would endanger Wysteria's cousin--the one who had helped her to escape--and would endanger the information Wysteria had managed to bring back with her.

She thought for a moment, remembering one of their very first conversations, thinking the same statement was again appropriate. "Mister Bishop, at times there are simply things one would not wish to know upon learning them," she remarked. "Not always because the knowledge itself is dangerous, but because the effects of having the knowledge cause danger to oneself and to those one cares about." With any luck he would simply leave things at that and trust her judgment that he would know what he wanted to know when it was safe for all of them. "As for me, I should make more of a priority of seeing to Mister Darko. I was unaware that his mental state was as precarious as it would seem it is, in light of your memory."

She began packing her things, closing her texts and moving them into her satchel. Her movements were somewhat slow and deliberate, the echoes of the pain she had endured still resounding throughout her body.

[Zane Lucifer Bishop]

The key difference between sharing the memory with Keaira and doing so now with D'rorah was that Zee was granted no indication of D'rorah's reaction save what her expression betrayed, and with D'rorah that had always translated into approximately nothing. It was more frustrating than he'd realized it would be. Most of his interactions of late had been with Keaira and so he had become quite accustomed to hearing the thoughts of his companion. Now he could only guess based on what he knew of D'rorah, and since she had undergone some rather intense experiences of late, she likely wasn't quite the same as the girl he had come to know. Or at least the girl who he had believed he'd come to know. But then he had undergone some rather drastic changes as well. As had Keaira. And Alessandro. And Dylan. And Cait. And Wysteria, though her transformation was as yet unknown to him.

"What I wouldn't give for a mere glance into your mind."

The words were muttered quietly, though not necessarily inaudibly, following the explanation of the choice of pronoun. Though it hardly surprised him, D'rorah's continued refusal to intentionally confirm or deny his suspicions was growing tiresome. Zee simply shook his head lightly and dropped his gaze back to his book. He immediately closed that volume and selected the book of undead, laying it open before himself instead and seemingly not listening to D'rorah's advice. Nor did he react when she began packing her things away. It wasn't until she had finished that he spoke, though his tone was dismissive and his eyes remained on the book.

"You told me that once before D'rorah, yet I pursued the knowledge I sought and shortly after acquired it. History does repeat itself I've heard."

[D'rorah Philosophy]

D'rorah frowned as Zee spoke again. "Yes, history does indeed have ways of repeating itself," she agreed. Her actions slowed considerably as she remembered promising Wysteria that she would use her best judgment in telling Zee that Wysteria had returned. It was clear that, no matter what she might tell him, Zane was going to venture into the Forbidden Forest to seek out the mysterious new occupant he had heard about. She glanced around the forbidden section, ascertaining that no one else had joined them.

Quietly, she flicked her wand with a muffliato, not wishing to be overheard by anyone who might happen to wander into their section. She walked around the table and pulled out the chair to Zane's left side. Breaking from her normal, very formal actions, she sat sideways in the chair, facing him. She studied his features for a moment, reassuring herself that telling him was the only way to assure his and Wysteria's safety. Still feeling a bit conflicted, she began to speak.

"As it seems you are intent upon venturing into the forest despite my warnings to the contrary, you should be informed before you go," she began quietly. Her eyes sought out his, wanting to convey her sincerity and hold his attention throughout what she was about to tell him. She didn't need him rushing off half-cocked as soon as Wysteria's name was out of her mouth. In a gesture most would have seen as supportive, though she merely wished for an advantage that would allow her to hold him back if the need arose so he would hear her out, she placed her hand upon his forearm.

"There is indeed a new person in the forest. My presence was requested for several reasons, including that of procuring necessary supplies for her and hearing out the information she has managed to bring back for us. Your theory is correct. Miss Edwin has returned to the forest," she remarked, her grip on his arm tensing slightly as though to forestall him from leaving at this point. "However, she is much changed. While she was away, she was attacked. The Order informant who had told of her death was right in a sense... Miss Edwin is now a full vampire," she remarked quietly. "Her existance in the forest must be kept a secret. Both for the protection of someone who helped her to finally escape and for the protection of the information she has brought back to us. If it were known she had survived, her knowledge would be useless, and the one who assisted in allowing her to escape would be killed. Most likely, she would be killed as well." Her eyes searched in his. "If you must go, I felt you needed to know this... secrecy is of the utmost importance at the moment. I am certain that, whatever you decide to do with this knowledge, you will be discrete in its application."

She waited, watching to see what his reaction might be and to see whether he would decide to stay or to go.

[Zane Lucifer Bishop]

Zee held little hope of attaining any aid from D'rorah, and his last effort had been to quite strongly imply that he fully intended on pursuing his chosen course regardless of her warnings and then drop the conversation as if there were nothing further to be said. Though he did taken note of the reduction in speed of her motions, he remained to all outward appearances entranced by his book. He likewise ignored her spell and the movement to his left as she sat down and faced him.

He didn't even look up when she began speaking, though his heart surely sped up. It seemed that perhaps he would acquire the confirmation he'd been seeking. Working hard to refrain from expressing his excitement, Zee leaned slightly closer to the book and placed one finger on the page, moving it along as if he were rereading something that had been of particular interest. In truth he wasn't even reading, his full attention on D'rorah's words.

His facade finally broke as he felt her touch, his eyes leaving the pages before him to briefly rest on her hand on his forearm. Almost immediately he raised his head to look at her face, one eyebrow again twitching to a position slightly higher than the other. Zee was surprised by the depth of the concern on D'rorah's features. Apparently the time for games had passed. Shifting in his chair, Zee faced her more fully, making the fact that he was intently listening obvious.

He felt his heart again increase in speed, seeming to skip a beat every few cycles as she confessed that Wysteria had returned. Then he felt her tighten her hold on his arm slightly and found himself glancing at it once more. He had felt the urge to get up and go at that point but had also picked up that there was more to tell him, and D'rorah's grip confirmed that she wasn't done with him yet. Zee had come to value D'rorah's judgments, if not always agree with them. He trusted that whatever she had left to say would not be a waste of time for him to hear.

He was quickly proven right. A sharp intake of breath was the initial reaction to the second confirmation he received, that Wysteria had indeed joined the ranks of the undead. Zee closed his eyes for a moment and swallowed hard before nodding once. He had prepared himself for that possibility, but he wasn't sure what all it would mean. That was something he'd have to learn as he went. His eyes reopened and he simply stared passively into D'rorah's as she explained the rest of the situation. He continued to stare unblinking after she finished, apparently digesting the avalanche of rather intense revelations. Finally he took a deep breath and blew out a long sigh. A broad, crooked smile appeared across his lips, his tone light and amused.

"I do hope you're sure this time D'rorah. All these reports about her death, her life, and her undeath are a bit much to take. But thank you for telling me. I will be visiting her very shortly and I assure you I will be subtle. Who after all is more proficient with discretion and duplicity than myself?"

His tone had grown more serious as he'd expressed his gratitude, but light again as he'd finished. Glancing out the window, Zee noted the early night sky. He would have plenty of time to find her. Closing the book before him, he returned it to the pile but made no move to leave. If she were leaving as well to find Darko, he had little cause to remain, but he would wait and allow her the opportunity to add anything else. Eager as he was, the confirmation that his love was indeed a dark creature now tempered his excitement and allowed him the patience to not simply run straight to the Astronomy tower to leap down to the grounds and find her.

[D'rorah Philosophy]

"I am quite certain, Mister Bishop. I have visted her and spoken to her myself. And you are correct, the strange progression of reports has been rather frustrating." She paused, arching an eyebrow at him. "The return news elicited by the first report was a bit much for me as well," she reminded as she removed her hand from his arm and finished closing her satchel. She rose slowly from her chair, keeping her eyes upon him.

"Travel only by late night and very carefully. Remember that the doors and most windows of the castle are alarmed to go off immediately if they are opened. Also," she reached into her pocket and pulled out a small crystal, turning it over in her fingers for a few moments before pressing it into the palm of his hand. "Take this with you. If you encounter any difficulty while you are in the forest, simply rub it a few times and I will know that you require assistance."

She shouldered her bag and turned as she began striding toward the exit. As her hand rested on the knob she paused for a moment and turned back. "Mister Bishop, Miss Edwin has been through rather a lot in the past weeks. Try not to be overly judgmental of her or her actions. She kept knowledge of her presence from you for the safety of yourself and others. And remind her that I will return to see her again soon."

With that, she turned back to the door and grasped the knob before continuing through into the main library room. She had her own destination in mind now. She needed to find Alessandro Darko. He might not remember her in his current state, but she would remedy that soon enough if she could. As he was, he was a danger to their team and his inability to remember the others would damage his morale as well as the morale of the other Lightfighters.