ataraxion | (no subject)

[The camera clicks on to a low-lit room. It's difficult to see anything, but there's something moving in the darkness--

--a face. A wolf's face turned to the side, its jaws bloody and eye narrowed, teeth stretched into sharp, curved fangs. It stares at the camera for a few seconds, sizing it up, before turning. But the other half of the face isn't a wolf; rather, it's a mangled, gory mess. A young face appears on the screen, meshed horribly with the wolf on the other side-- and it's Remus' face, but one could only tell that if one knew him well, as his face is horribly torn up. Torn skin and exposed muscles make up the majority of his face, while blood pours from scratches on his forehead. His teeth are exposed through a hole in his cheek, but that's barely visible, as dripping yellow fat mixing with crimson blood are constantly slipping down his cheek. It's a horrible sight, made all the worse by Remus' sudden low laugh.

--because it's the mask, of course, and he proves that by removing it after a few seconds.]

Enjoy the show?

[There's a noticeable edge in his voice and smile, something colder and crueler than before.]

I think I quite like this new development. It's certainly far more interesting than simply another Jump, don't you agree? And far less deadly-- which reminds me, there's new people here, aren't there? I do hope that's not your first inkling that things on here aren't quite so lovely as they seem; that would be a rather poor welcome.

[He glances down, considering the mask for a few more seconds, before glancing at the camera again.]

You know, I'm always surprised at how kind everyone is here. Aren't you? How welcoming they are to the supernatural creatures. The vampires and the werewolves, the poor castaway souls that have found sanctuary here-- but you know, I don't know if that's so wise. It works out for me, of course, but don't you ever wonder what might happen if one of us snapped?

[He grins fiercely.]

Think about it. Once a month, all that separates me from a potential meal-- that is to say, you (and please don't say that you could defend yourself from me, because I can promise you, you couldn't, not from me when I'm on the hunt)-- is a simple door and a dog. Just a few inches of steel, and I'm sure soon enough the werewolf will figure out how to get out of that.

As for the vampires-- well. I don't think it would be very hard for a vampire to snap, would it? At least with me, you only have to worry once a month. A terrifying once a month, to be certain, and I could most definitely hurt you if I was so inclined now-- but in the end, I have control over myself twenty-eight days of the month. A vampire, now-- well. He could snap at any moment. His cravings are a constant hunger. Imagine, if you would, starving. Having hunger claw at your stomach, making you dizzy, making you delirious-- and then being presented a delicious meal and being told you weren't allowed to have any. Imagine having to deal with that at every hour, every minute, every second of every day--

Really, it's a wonder the poor things haven't snapped by now, isn't it?

[He slips his hand up, his finger playing carelessly at his dogtooth.]

Of course, being a creature of darkness also has its benefits. Strength, hearing, sight, smell-- they all get better. You become something better than a human, something bigger and cleverer and far more interesting. I have to say, I'm a bit surprised no one has asked for the bite yet.

But then perhaps you're all frightened.

[He shrugs and glances down at the mask again. After a moment he slips it back on and turns so the wolf side is facing the Network.]

I suppose you should be.

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Regardless.

Suit yourself.

Is it true, by the way? That you've gotten some magic of your own?

[He's snapped out of his strange, stupid temptation by sheer anger. The pause before he speaks is livid.]

You will be silent.

So you do, then. How are you enjoying it?

I said be quiet! You should have better sense than this, you damnable fool. What the hell is wrong with you!

I'm simply asking, Miles. As one fellow wizard to another, I'd just like to welcome you to the fold. I can help you practice, if you'd like.

I don't -

[There are a few buttons he presses, and then he puts up the most pathetic encryption ever.]

Sir, I told Mr. Black that in confidence. I said he could tell you, but I did not anticipate that you would ever have such a complete lack of judgment!

[With a little laugh he increases the protection.]

Of what? Everyone has powers here, Miles. Some of us more than others.

And for some of us, it's more than an idiotic damned ego boost, to be bragged about on the network. Some of us consider it something of weight, a significant responsibility. As I recall, you yourself used to be rather of a mind with me.

That doesn't mean I would cower and keep it a secret, terrified of the power it gave me.

[He scowls.]

No? Because you used to. And that was the right thing to do.

I was never afraid of my magic, Miles. And it's stupid for you to be so. It's a wonderful gift.

All right. You need to be clear on something. It's not magic, and I'm not a wizard. Understood?

What is it, then?

It's science.

Levitating someone is science. Oh, honestly, Miles, don't be an idiot.

I only see one idiot in this conversation, Mr. Lupin, and I rather think it's the fellow chortling and inviting people to hate and fear him because that's what a mask told him to do.

Who says I don't want them to? It'd be good to have a war.

[Fiercely:]

No, it wouldn't.

No? It'd get things over with. Let people get their anger out.

Through murder?

If it comes to that. I'd prefer transformation, though.

Whether they want it or not. Charming.

It was how I was changed-- and look how well that turned out. A pack, a group of friends, a culture that understands me better than anyone else-- really, it's one of the best gifts I've ever had.

I didn't hear you talking like this before.

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