Ophelia Coletto - Part 3

Instructions

“I always forget that mudanes aren't accustomed to seeing a living skeleton. I always try to remember that but for some reason I never can.” The skeleton said, half speaking to himself. “I must say though, you're made of harder stuff than most mudanes. Pretty much everyone who has seen me collapses within 30 seconds, a minute if they're lucky. So really, I should be congratulating you.” “I feel I may faint at any second.” That much was true - “Congratulations nonetheless.” She simply looked at him in disbelief. Nothing about this was good, yet alone needed congratulating. “Look, are you going to accept my offer or not? Because I've got other things that I could be using this time to do but instead I'm gracing you with my fabulousness.” “Depends, do you promise I won't turn into whatever you are?” “A skeleton?” “Yes, a skeleton.” “I can't make a promise like that. There's no guarantee that you won't, or that you'll be safe. But I can promise you that if you do end up being horribly mutilated you shall live on forever in my memories. Until I forget you, that is.” “So you're telling me if I help you I will become a skeleton?” “When did I ever say that?” “Just before.” “You misunderstand me. I said you may, although the chances are impossibly low. Actually, to be truthful, I'm the only one. That's what makes me so fabulous.” “So I won't become a skeleton?” She asked, just to clarify. “No, you won't become a skeleton.” There were many things about this that she still had questions about, and she was determined to find out what on earth was going on here. “Okay, well with your telekinesis, I-” “Air manipulation.” “Sorry?” “Telekinesis is an entirely different branch of magic. I'll explain it later.” “Right… with your… air manipulation, I don't see how I could possibly help you.” “I need a mundane.” Seriously, this Detective Me (if that was truly his name, which she still doubted) was making absolutely no sense. “A what now?” “A non-magical person.” He explained, as if it were obvious. “Such as yourself.” “That doesn't explain why you need me.” “This mysterious killer of yours, he is a sorcerer, like me, and I've been trying to track him for just as long as you, however I believe I have a few more leads than you do. Anyhow, you mudanes haven't a chance of tracking him, and lucky for us, he knows this. Which means, at the moment, you are his blind spot. He doesn't view you as a threat.” “And that is where he's slipped up.” Ophelia finished, finally catching onto what he's thinking. “So you want to help us find him. Because he wouldn't expect me to be onto him.” “Finally. I was beginning to think I'd chosen an idiot to rely on. So now will you accept my deal?” She gave him an uncertain look. He sighed, and looked up to make eye contact, however that was possible. “Look, if something dangerous happens, no harm will come to you so long as you stay near me. Unless I'm the danger. In that case, there's no point running. If I wanted you dead you'd be dead already.” That wasn't as comforting as he seemed to think. “I’ll agree on one condition.” His head tilted to the side. “Yes, go on.” ”You will be completely honest with me and I can have your word that I won't be placed directly in danger.” “That's two things. And danger is an occupational hazard.” “Fine. You have to be completely honest with me then. I want to know exactly what's going on, because I take it there's many things that I don’t understand.” “I can be honest, to an extent. There are certain things I can't tell you, for your own safety, of course.” “Alright then, fine.” This seemed to be the best deal she'd get. She looked at his expressionless skull, wishing there was a way to read his emotions. Despite her doubts, she had now agreed to this stranger's help. This could be a horrible mistake. Hell, how could she know that he wasn't the murderer? No hair, no fingerprints, it'd be all too easy for him to leave no trace of his crimes. But then again, there was something about him that just made her feel as though she could trust him. (Continue in project)