Gone [Elayne]

[Jay]

[atrb=style,height:168;width:494;border:0 black none;][atrb=style,border:5 #EBA947 groove,bTable][atrb=background,http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc64/Heart-of-Thorns/VC/jacktable2.png,bTable][cs=3]
[atrb=width,20][atrb=style,border:0 black none;]	[atrb=style,BORDER:0 BLACK NONE;height:202!important;width:320!important;color:5f3f5f;][scrolly:h(202),w(320),sy]Third's speculative mind ran over the numbers, and a frown came to his lips. Four days. Four days he had allowed this body to be incapacitated. How had he missed so much time? They could have been up and doing something. BJ should have been up and doing something, but the spineless moron went and cracked and splintered all over the deeper levels of the abyss that was their mind. He had allowed his own fear to corrupt him and made a blunder of himself as a result... How foolish it was... though honestly in the end it wasn't like Third wouldn't have cracked long ago if he was the host to the body that he had now awakened fully in. However, that didn't matter. BJ should have been stronger than this, damn it all. "I see..." was all that was murmured after the initial reply. However, as Victoria continued, Third's eyes flashed back to her regarding her with a remarkably calm air. It was professionalism at its greatest, but this was what Third was good at when it came down to it. "This body can't help it..." was the sighing reply that came back. It hurt to even breath let alone sigh and Third immediately regretted doing so. "Have you been taking care of yourself?" was the question that was posed after a moment. Victoria was already an investment that BJ confirmed. Third sure as hell not going to corrupt that for now at least. [/scrolly]	[atrb=style,width:154;border:0 black none;]
[atrb=style,border:0 black none;][atrb=height,27][cs=3]

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=style,background-image:url(http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/s395/malicewright/victoriaslade.png);][atrb=width, 507][atrb=height, 327][atrb=style,border:0 black none,b,Table][scrolly:h(257),w(215),sy,as(padding:4px 0px 5px;margin-top:53px;margin-left:276px;color:#1c3a24;)]Something was wrong...as much as Vicki was glad that Jack was awake, his calm demeanor after just waking up from a coma didn't make sense... Before he had gone to sleep Jack had tried to comfort her when she said how worried she'd been...even when he was in pain... This time...Jack didn't even try to do that and referred to himself as 'this body'... It just didn't make sense...it was as if someone else was talking.... This...this was just like what happened with Ripper...wasn't it. Jack hadn't been himself then either but...at least this time it seemed a more rational mind had taken over. As far as Vicki knew, Ripper was gone, he hadn't shown his face since that day and it was easy to see when Cas took over. Lately though she hadn't seen much of Cas and wondered absently if he had disappeared just like Ripper did. The question went largely ignored as Vicki mulled over her thoughts and what Jack had told her about the voices... Third was supposed to be the mature one...right...did that mean that this was... "Third...right...?"Vicki asked in a quiet whisper, studying the purple-haired man before her. If her guess was correct, the man before her was another of Jack's voices which only meant that something worse had befallen Jack... Besides, it wasn't Third Vicki wanted to talk to in that moment...she wanted Jack, needed to know that he really was all right. With Third in control of Jack's body, it was clear that something was wrong...very wrong...why wasn't Jack the one awake...what happened that was so bad he didn't want to wake up... After a few moments, Vicki sighed and shook her head more in response to Jack...or perhaps Third's question. "I guess...I can't really sleep and I'm not hungry... That doesn't stop the nurse from forcing me to eat though..."Vicki replied quietly, "...everything tastes like sand to me really... I just don't want to eat..."she continued, explaining briefly why it was so hard for her to eat. The idea that worry and anxiety had been the cause of her lack of appetite was still foreign to Vicki and thus was justified with the excuse that nothing sounded good. There simply was no desire to eat and thus Vicki didn't...or she wouldn't have had not the nurse decided to make her...[/scrolly]

[Jay]

[atrb=style,height:168;width:494;border:0 black none;][atrb=style,border:5 #EBA947 groove,bTable][atrb=background,http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc64/Heart-of-Thorns/VC/jacktable2.png,bTable][cs=3]
[atrb=width,20][atrb=style,border:0 black none;]	[atrb=style,BORDER:0 BLACK NONE;height:202!important;width:320!important;color:5f3f5f;][scrolly:h(202),w(320),sy]A purple eye flashed sideways and regarded Victoria with a more critical stare than necessary as Third heard his name spoken- or rather what those idiots in the back of BJ's mind had named him. How stupid it was, really. He was the second one to appear but the third one to be named, and his name was far from as interesting as anyone else's. Maybe he shouldn't complain so much, but no matter what he did, it annoyed him at the end of it all. As Victoria explained that she had been at least taking some care of herself, he sighed and looked forwards at the ceiling. "I am Third though I'm technically second," he muttered irritatedly before sighing again. Before he got a chance to say anymore, a nurse came bolting in looking star worried. "What... what...?! Mr. Simon! You're awake!" she squeaked out making Third sweat drop and groan the same time. Great all he needed was some upset nurse on top of an upset woman. [/scrolly]	[atrb=style,width:154;border:0 black none;]
[atrb=style,border:0 black none;][atrb=height,27][cs=3]

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=style,background-image:url(http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/s395/malicewright/victoriaslade.png);][atrb=width, 507][atrb=height, 327][atrb=style,border:0 black none,b,Table][scrolly:h(257),w(215),sy,as(padding:4px 0px 5px;margin-top:53px;margin-left:276px;color:#1c3a24;)]Vicki's heart sank when she saw the stare that Jack regarded her with. It was true then...this was Third...Jack had never looked at her in such a way, not unless he was angry... Jack had no reason to be angry with her however so that left the only logical explanation to be that the consciousness that had taken over Jack was indeed Third. Vicki's hand loosened her hold on Jack's and slowly slid back to her lap as she took in this new information, her eyes searching Jack's...or rather Third's all the while. Third's words only verified what Vicki had figured out on her own. Nodding briefly, Vicki would have said something more but she too was interrupted by the nurse running into the room. Flinching at the sudden squeak from the nurse, Vicki sighed internally just as Jack...no, Third groaned. Looking back over at Jack, Vicki regarded him with a concerned if calm gaze, wishing she had been able to talk more. The fact that Third, and not Jack had regained consciousness concerned her and Vicki had hoped that she would be able to find out what had happened. It seemed however that would have to wait until after the nurse left...no doubt Jack would be less than pleased if anyone else were to find out he had multiple personalities...[/scrolly]

[Jay]

[atrb=style,height:168;width:494;border:0 black none;][atrb=style,border:5 #EBA947 groove,bTable][atrb=background,http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc64/Heart-of-Thorns/VC/jacktable2.png,bTable][cs=3]
[atrb=width,20][atrb=style,border:0 black none;]	[atrb=style,BORDER:0 BLACK NONE;height:202!important;width:320!important;color:5f3f5f;][scrolly:h(202),w(320),sy]The nurse squabbled for a while, called in a doctor, and asked some questions. When things had finally calmed down a bit, Third found himself once more alone in the room- with the exception of Victoria. A sigh escaped from him after a few seconds, and eyes shut briefly as Third mulled over what had just happened. Humans were such annoying creatures to deal with to say the least of it. They were all so panicky, and when all he wanted to do was gather his thoughts and chart out a course of action, they wanted to flash around and throw about worried sounds and make accusations among other things. Thankfully Third was good at avoiding questions when it came down to it. He stated that he remembered his name being that of Jack Simon and that he felt as though he had simply fallen asleep rather than anything. There were some squabbles over confusion and head collisions but after a bit even that had died down as Third gave some basic information that 'Jack Simon' had put down on his medical file. It was as they were gone now that he finally lowered the veil he had kept over the situation. A purple eye once more flicked over towards Victoria, and a calm stare was given for a few seconds before Third spoke. "This is exhausting," was what was finally stated in such a quiet tone that it was evident how much the talks no matter how short had drained Third. "I don't understand how Ripper and Cas could control this body for any amount of time... just speaking is..." Third sighed deeply shifting his eyes to the ceiling and falling silent after. [/scrolly]	[atrb=style,width:154;border:0 black none;]
[atrb=style,border:0 black none;][atrb=height,27][cs=3]

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=style,background-image:url(http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/s395/malicewright/victoriaslade.png);][atrb=width, 507][atrb=height, 327][atrb=style,border:0 black none,b,Table][scrolly:h(257),w(215),sy,as(padding:4px 0px 5px;margin-top:53px;margin-left:276px;color:#1c3a24;)]The nurse was beginning to give Victoria a headache as she continued on with her worried rant or something of the kind. For a brief moment Vicki actually contemplated scaring the woman with her knife but decided against such an action. Her ability to stay in Jack's room was contingent on her ability to remain calm...throwing a knife near the nurse's head would do her no favors even if the woman was incredibly irritating. A doctor came in soon thereafter and Vicki simply sat calmly by Jack while they questioned him about what he remembered and what had happened to him. At first Vicki was a little worried that Third would slip up and misinform the nurse and doctor about something just as he had with her. Certainly it hadn't been intentional but then again, neither the nurse nor the doctor knew Jack as well as Vicki did and wouldn't be able to pick up on the subtle signals that something was amiss. She needn't have worried about such a thing however as Third suceeded in placating both people until finally they saw fit to leave them alone. As soon as the hospital staff left the room, Vicki dropped her calm facade and relaxed against her chair just as Third looked over at her. His comment about how tired he was only served to bring a small smirk to Vicki's face as she shook her head,"You also got shot twice, sustained a lot of blood loss, just woke up from a four day coma, and had to suffer through those irritating questions,"Vicki replied in a subtle, teasing tone,"Anyone in your condition would be exhausted, not just because you're not used to being in control,"she continued before sighing quietly. Looking away for a brief moment, Vicki thought about what she had wanted to ask Third before they had been interrupted by the nurse. There was a lot of things she wanted to know but...the main thing Vicki was concerned about was Jack... The last time somebody else had wrenched control from Jack was during the bombing...and that had almost killed them both... "...Third...what's wrong with Jack...?"Vicki asked quietly after a few moments,"...there's something else wrong...why won't he come back..."she continued, her voice wavering slightly despite her attempts to remain calm.[/scrolly]

[Jay]

[atrb=style,height:168;width:494;border:0 black none;][atrb=style,border:5 #EBA947 groove,bTable][atrb=background,http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc64/Heart-of-Thorns/VC/jacktable2.png,bTable][cs=3]
[atrb=width,20][atrb=style,border:0 black none;]	[atrb=style,BORDER:0 BLACK NONE;height:202!important;width:320!important;color:5f3f5f;][scrolly:h(202),w(320),sy]At Victoria's comments, a dry smirk came to Third's lips. Oh wasn't that just the smart comment back at him now wasn't it? He had to admit that he may or may not have set himself up for such criticism, but still. A brief 'heh' sound escaped from Third before his eyes raised to the ceiling watching as his eyes went in and out of focus in the process. How disturbing. Mentally sighing and making a not to get glasses later, he was about to start another mental tally when Victoria's question hit his ears. A sigh escaped from him. He knew she was going to ask eventually, but he still had no full answer for such a question. "BJ is broken," he replied not even looking at Victoria least her face cause him to stop speaking all together. "The shock of almost dying... and the fear and aggression that came with being unable to control a confrontation between himself, the one who shot him, and you....shattered his consciousness and dissolved it into the abyss that our minds share. Quite frankly, he doesn't want to wake up." Third gulped afterwards flinching as his throat muscles tensed from the strain. He expected to be smacked. Women were like that when they didn't get their way so it seemed. He could say the honest truth and still get smacked. Cas had proved that theory more than a few times before, sigh. [/scrolly]	[atrb=style,width:154;border:0 black none;]
[atrb=style,border:0 black none;][atrb=height,27][cs=3]

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=style,background-image:url(http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/s395/malicewright/victoriaslade.png);][atrb=width, 507][atrb=height, 327][atrb=style,border:0 black none,b,Table][scrolly:h(257),w(215),sy,as(padding:4px 0px 5px;margin-top:53px;margin-left:276px;color:#1c3a24;)]The brief heh that came from Third after Victoria's initial reply brought a small laugh from her as well. It was good to see Jack...or rather Third laugh...heh, this was certainly going to take some getting used to. She had met Cas only briefly and Ripper...that was one memory Vicki wished she could simply erase. Third was different though, more calm than either Cas or Ripper had been to say the least of things. Of course both beings had been rather extreme...or at least that was the best word Vicki could think of to explain them. At Third's sigh, Vicki closed her eyes and waited for whatever he had to say. From the sounds of it, whatever had happened was bad...why else would Third have hesitated before telling her. The first few words that came from Third only served to confirm what Vicki believed had to be true. Had Third looked at Vicki during his explanation he would have seen a rather pained, thunderstruck expression as she tried to comprehend what he was telling her. It was her fault then...she had done this... Drawing her legs up to her chest, Vicki set her forehead on her knees as she waited for Third to finish explaining. She couldn't remember when she had felt this much pain before...it felt as if someone had taken a knife and had stabbed her in the heart continuously; it almost even hurt to breathe... As it was, the last thing on Vicki's mind was slapping Third...it wasn't his fault that Jack had hidden himself away from the world...it was hers...she had caused this... It would be sometime before Vicki could even form a coherent thought much less speak simply because it hurt too much. "I-...it was my choice... I knew something was wrong and followed... I never intended to-...."Vicki began, her voice little more than a hoarse whisper as she fought through the tears that threatened to seal off her throat,"...I need him..."[/scrolly]

[Jay]

[atrb=style,height:168;width:494;border:0 black none;][atrb=style,border:5 #EBA947 groove,bTable][atrb=background,http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc64/Heart-of-Thorns/VC/jacktable2.png,bTable][cs=3]
[atrb=width,20][atrb=style,border:0 black none;]	[atrb=style,BORDER:0 BLACK NONE;height:202!important;width:320!important;color:5f3f5f;][scrolly:h(202),w(320),sy]Third was quiet as Victoria had curled up and said nothing. Rather than try and pick his thoughts any further on what to say, they went back into the logical things that he was more accustomed to. There was business to be done even when the body he was currently in possession of was all but useless at the moment due to one idiot's mistake. He had to make sure that shipments remained coming in on time, and there was --- Victoria's words caused Third's thoughts to stop and caused one eye to flicker over and gaze sideways at her. She blamed herself for BJ now being broken. A part of Third mentally chuckled at the sheer irony of the statement. If she had not been there, their body would have failed, and death would have ensued. In retrospect, Victoria's words were completely wrong. However, he could understand what she meant from her use of words. BJ's mind couldn't handle her seeing him in pain and had broken down rather terribly as a result. There was no reason to deny that fact. However, she would be useless to him if all she did was mope about. There had to be something that he could say. Heh only now did he wish that he had any sort of social skills to bring to the table. "If you hadn't been there, we would have all died," Third stated more dryly than intended. "And for that I'm thankful at least." He didn't know what else to say for now. [/scrolly]	[atrb=style,width:154;border:0 black none;]
[atrb=style,border:0 black none;][atrb=height,27][cs=3]

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=style,background-image:url(http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/s395/malicewright/victoriaslade.png);][atrb=width, 507][atrb=height, 327][atrb=style,border:0 black none,b,Table][scrolly:h(257),w(215),sy,as(padding:4px 0px 5px;margin-top:53px;margin-left:276px;color:#1c3a24;)]Third's words just barely registered as Vicki continued to sit there, not once looking up at Jack. She kept going over and over what happened that day...what she could've done to save him...anything had to have been better than this... Jack was gone...and she'd done this to him... It was a few moments before Third's words registered with Vicki, easing at least a little of the pain she was feeling. That was true wasn't it...as many times as Vicki had replayed the scene in her mind she knew that Third was right. She had been able to do at least that much... Even with Third's words it took some time before Vicki looked back up at him. Try as she might she just couldn't look at Jack without remembering that day...she was beginning to wonder if she ever would... A bitter half laugh escaped Vicki after a moment before her eyes focused on one of the monitors rather than Jack,"...that's twice then... It's just like when Ripper-..."Vicki began before cutting herself off and closing her eyes. No...she had no wish to relive that memory again...she had almost lost him then and now... Vicki didn't want to think about it...[/scrolly]

[Jay]

[atrb=style,height:168;width:494;border:0 black none;][atrb=style,border:5 #EBA947 groove,bTable][atrb=background,http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc64/Heart-of-Thorns/VC/jacktable2.png,bTable][cs=3]
[atrb=width,20][atrb=style,border:0 black none;]	[atrb=style,BORDER:0 BLACK NONE;height:202!important;width:320!important;color:5f3f5f;][scrolly:h(202),w(320),sy]"Ripper broke out because Logan, one of the few people people BJ ever truly trusted and admired, died," was the blunt statement that escaped from Third's tired lips before he even registered that he had said such things. A moment of reflection was given to the blunt words, and Third mentally sighed. He knew BJ a bit more than he liked when it came down to it. He was one of the few voices to admit that they were all the same person when it came down to it, but it didn't mean he had to like it. He would have enjoyed being his own person, or so he convinced himself. "BJ has seen a lot in his lifetime but few things have ever hurt him so deeply as to watch those he cares about killed... Ripper knew that and took advantage of a situation," was the explanation that was given before Third fell silent again. [/scrolly]	[atrb=style,width:154;border:0 black none;]
[atrb=style,border:0 black none;][atrb=height,27][cs=3]

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=style,background-image:url(http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/s395/malicewright/victoriaslade.png);][atrb=width, 507][atrb=height, 327][atrb=style,border:0 black none,b,Table][scrolly:h(257),w(215),sy,as(padding:4px 0px 5px;margin-top:53px;margin-left:276px;color:#1c3a24;)]Vicki listened quietly as Third explained just why and how Ripper had broken out. It made sense but...why wasn't he answering now.... Jack hadn't lost anybody...not like last time...if anything, it should be her that had the excuse to just go to sleep and never wake up again. She'd watched Jack get shot...was almost certain she was going to lose him but this... "Then why won't he come back,"Vicki all but snapped at Third,"He promised...no more secrets... I knew something was wrong....why did he shut me out like that... I could've helped....something... anything..."she continued in a quieter voice before falling silent. Left alone with her thoughts, Vicki couldn't help but wonder what else Jack had kept from her. Nevermind that he had probably wanted to protect her from getting hurt...she wasn't a little kid anymore...pain was no stranger to her. Why had he insisted on going there alone...if he hadn't then...they might've avoided this... Her heart ached more than Vicki thought was possible... Did she mean nothing to him...? Were all those things he said just pretty lies...? "...do I mean anything to him..."Vicki said in a quiet, emotion-filled voice, more to herself than anyone else.[/scrolly]

[Jay]

[atrb=style,height:168;width:494;border:0 black none;][atrb=style,border:5 #EBA947 groove,bTable][atrb=background,http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc64/Heart-of-Thorns/VC/jacktable2.png,bTable][cs=3]
[atrb=width,20][atrb=style,border:0 black none;]	[atrb=style,BORDER:0 BLACK NONE;height:202!important;width:320!important;color:5f3f5f;][scrolly:h(202),w(320),sy]Third sighed dryly at the question that was posed. Not even he knew exactly why BJ didn't want to wake. The danger was over now, and there was no more tension, yet the host of the party remained asleep. There were theories and speculations that could be thrown out, but Third knew that was all they were when it came down to it. There was no solid explanation. The notion of secrets only brought a brief smirk to Third's features before they relaxed again. BJ had not hidden anything as far as Third knew, anyways. True he hadn't told anything, but he was a little too sure that if Victoria had asked, had asserted herself in her question, BJ would have answered. The last statement was a foolish one in all regards, and if he wasn't so tired, Third would have reprimanded it instantly. "If I had to guess, it would probably be because he can't," was the statement that was given. "He, like Ripper, sought to deny his existence," Third sighed. "He allowed his own fears and stress to destroy him. He wanted it all to go away by erasing himself from the equation. Thus this mind granted his wish and destroyed what would be his consciousness... It's all speculation, though.. I've only seen the effects of Ripper, not a host. I have a headache, and this is fucking exhausting.... For all I know, I ... could be jumbling out lies," Third sighed deeply feeling the now familiar ache in his chest before breathing out again. [/scrolly]	[atrb=style,width:154;border:0 black none;]
[atrb=style,border:0 black none;][atrb=height,27][cs=3]

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=style,background-image:url(http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/s395/malicewright/victoriaslade.png);][atrb=width, 507][atrb=height, 327][atrb=style,border:0 black none,b,Table][scrolly:h(257),w(215),sy,as(padding:4px 0px 5px;margin-top:53px;margin-left:276px;color:#1c3a24;)]With every word Third spoke it felt as if someone was driving a knife in her heart. Vicki didn't want to believe...couldn't believe that Jack was just...gone... He had been fine before and then suddenly he had just-... No...he couldn't be gone...it just wasn't possible for someone to vanish so quickly. Vicki refused to believe such a thing could occur...nevermind that it had happened to Ripper. Jack was different...he was stronger than that...he had forced Ripper back when it had mattered... He couldn't simply disappear after all that, could he... Vicki certainly didn't want to believe so but she could see no other alternative to Third's explanation. Even when Third explained that it was merely speculation, this did nothing to ease the ache in her heart that Vicki swore felt as if someone was trying to tear in two. The only thing that seemed to pierce Vicki's slow, spiralling depressed thoughts was when Third complained about how tired he was. "Rest then..."Vicki replied in a quiet, almost hoarse sounding voice,"...I'll still be here... I promised I would never leave Jack...and I never will...even if he is asleep still..."she continued before drawing her legs closer to her chest and falling silent thereafter. That was the only thing she could do wasn't it...sit around and wait for something to change... It was torture, there simply had to be something she could do to bring Jack back. Even if the doctors were relieved that the so called Jack Simon was awake and appeared to be doing well, it wasn't alright... Nothing was alright as far as Vicki was concerned, it was all a lie...one big elaborate lie that only she knew about. Jack hadn't wanted anyone to know about the other consciousness that lived in his mind and it would remain that way...even if it meant that Vicki had to be miserable... If all else failed she could simply lock the pain away like before, it couldn't be that difficult to do... At least then it would be bearable if she had to pretend everything was all right when in all reality it was anything but. How could it be when Jack...her Jack wouldn't come back...[/scrolly]

[Jay]

[atrb=style,height:168;width:494;border:0 black none;][atrb=style,border:5 #EBA947 groove,bTable][atrb=background,http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc64/Heart-of-Thorns/VC/jacktable2.png,bTable][cs=3]
[atrb=width,20][atrb=style,border:0 black none;]	[atrb=style,BORDER:0 BLACK NONE;height:202!important;width:320!important;color:5f3f5f;][scrolly:h(202),w(320),sy]Third sighed dryly at Victoria's words and tried not to scoff at her for them. He would sleep if there wasn't thingst to do, but there were... Maybe he would take a short nap... maybe recede and try and find a remnant of his host. for a short bit before getting up again and trying to get some sort of work done. After a moment, he sighed. "Alright.." was all that was murmured before closing his eyes. Almost instantly Third felt himself falling from the consciousness he had assumed back into the abyss where he had always belonged to. It was a world unlike the outside one, a place lower but somehow comforting to Third, at least. It was a place where thinking about breathing could be disregarded and he was nothing more than a voice again vibrating in a darkness.BJ... where are you... Third was not answered, yet he didn't expect he would be anyways. Oh Third~ How was your trip to the surface? a somewhat familiar and annoying voice came to Third's mind, and he found himself refocusing on one of the voices, a female one who's place was far below him on the ranks of voices. This was Jacklynn. Have you been able to find any remnants of him? was the only question back causing Jacklynn to scoff a little not quite pleased with being talked to so harshly. She missed Cas, though she would never admit it. He at least gave her attention and made her feel valued among the voices. Third and Ripper were brutes at best, sigh. A few scattered thoughts of helplessness and anger have been floating to the surface but otherwise nothing has changed. Third sighed and shook what would have been his proverbial head there. Gather what you can... was the only order after that. [/scrolly]	[atrb=style,width:154;border:0 black none;]
[atrb=style,border:0 black none;][atrb=height,27][cs=3]

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=style,background-image:url(http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/s395/malicewright/victoriaslade.png);][atrb=width, 507][atrb=height, 327][atrb=style,border:0 black none,b,Table][scrolly:h(257),w(215),sy,as(padding:4px 0px 5px;margin-top:53px;margin-left:276px;color:#1c3a24;)]Vicki nodded slightly at Third's reply and once again found herself waiting...hoping for some sort of change. She kept telling herself that Jack was just sleeping and that everything would be all right. It wasn't all right however and every passing moment made that all too clear...if Third was right...what hope was there of her ever hearing Jack's voice again... Ripper hadn't showed himself since that time...in fact Jack had said that he was gone... If the same thing had happened to Jack...no, it couldn't have happened... There was no way he could just disappear so completely. Even as many times as she'd tried to wish there was something she could do, there was nothing. Never before had Vicki felt so helpless as she did right then...but now...looking at Jack's sleeping form, even knowing that he was simply just resting... It was painful. How was she supposed to get through all of this knowing that there was a chance Jack might never come back... It was just too painful... Setting her head back on her knees once again, Vicki tried to take her mind off of Jack...even for just a few moments. It wasn't working however and every attempt was just a reminder that Jack may not come back after all. Time passed rather silently after that as Vicki fell in and out of sleep. There was little that she could do besides wait but if that was all she could do then so be it...[/scrolly]

[Jay]

[atrb=style,height:168;width:494;border:0 black none;][atrb=style,border:5 #EBA947 groove,bTable][atrb=background,http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc64/Heart-of-Thorns/VC/jacktable2.png,bTable][cs=3]
[atrb=width,20][atrb=style,border:0 black none;]	[atrb=style,BORDER:0 BLACK NONE;height:202!important;width:320!important;color:5f3f5f;][scrolly:h(202),w(320),sy]An hour or so passed before Third finally forced his presence up into the upper levels of consciousness again once more taking over the body there. It was easier this time, and he didn't feel as exhausted as he had before though the tendrils of it threatened to overtake him soon enough again if he wasn't careful. "M..." was the first and only comment that escaped from Third before one eye opened again and found itself roaming around the room looking for something. After a moment, he sighed and fought back the urge to sit up again. Exhaustion and possible stitch tears were what kept him there for now at least. "Victoria," was the flat statement that escaped the air. [/scrolly]	[atrb=style,width:154;border:0 black none;]
[atrb=style,border:0 black none;][atrb=height,27][cs=3]

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=style,background-image:url(http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/s395/malicewright/victoriaslade.png);][atrb=width, 507][atrb=height, 327][atrb=style,border:0 black none,b,Table][scrolly:h(257),w(215),sy,as(padding:4px 0px 5px;margin-top:53px;margin-left:276px;color:#1c3a24;)]The first quiet comment from Jack was enough to rouse Vicki from the uneasy slumber she had been drifting in and out of. Looking up to see Jack's eyes were once again open, Vicki dared to hope that Jack was the one awake now. Surely he wouldn't leave her alone forever...that hope was crushed however when she heard the formal use of her name. Biting her lower lip, Vicki found herself fighting the urge to cry once again. It was both frustrating and confusing how one person could cry so much...it really didn't make sense...at least not to her. After a moment, Vicki nodded,"I'm still here Third..."came the quiet reply. Saying the name took more out of her than Vicki would have thought possible... She wanted...no needed Jack by her side...to know that he was all right, that everything would be fine... This though...this wasn't all right...not by a long shot.[/scrolly]

[Jay]

[atrb=style,height:168;width:494;border:0 black none;][atrb=style,border:5 #EBA947 groove,bTable][atrb=background,http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc64/Heart-of-Thorns/VC/jacktable2.png,bTable][cs=3]
[atrb=width,20][atrb=style,border:0 black none;]	[atrb=style,BORDER:0 BLACK NONE;height:202!important;width:320!important;color:5f3f5f;][scrolly:h(202),w(320),sy]The pronunciation of his name caused Third to give a brief nod. It was uncanny how this woman seemed to recognize him, but he didn't put much effort into acting anything like BJ anyways. It wasn't his place to. That being said, it was surprising just how much he was like BJ in that regard. Anyways, there was work to be done. "I've gathered up as many fragments as I can though most are simply memories..." he sighed blandly shaking his neck a little only then to feel the seething pain that his strained nerves sang. "And it is not enough for me to do anything with them..." he sighed shutting his eyes briefly before opening them. [/scrolly]	[atrb=style,width:154;border:0 black none;]
[atrb=style,border:0 black none;][atrb=height,27][cs=3]

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=style,background-image:url(http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/s395/malicewright/victoriaslade.png);][atrb=width, 507][atrb=height, 327][atrb=style,border:0 black none,b,Table][scrolly:h(257),w(215),sy,as(padding:4px 0px 5px;margin-top:53px;margin-left:276px;color:#1c3a24;)]Vicki listened to Third's quiet words, hoping that they would bear good news. It seemed that was too much to hope for however as he explained that what remained of Jack were only simple memories and he couldn't do anything. For the first time since she had gotten to the hospital, Vicki allowed herself to face the truth: that she really might never see Jack again. For a brief moment, Vicki's eyes reflected the pain she was feeling before she managed to put the calm mask she'd worn for so many years back on. "I understand...you tried...there's nothing more we can do,"Vicki replied quietly in a seemingly calm voice before looking down at the ground. There really was nothing more she could do then... If Jack didn't wish to wake up, then who was she to want to make him. As long as he was happy...that was all that mattered...even if it hurt her...[/scrolly]