The Venus flytrap (Erika)

[Ellen Banks]

Tick, tock, tick tock? What was that sound? That was the stop watch inside Ellen Bank’s brain, ticking away until Erika eventually confronted her, and Ellen was confronted her about ellen’s little talk with Everett. Which Ellen was certain would come. That was the beautiful thing about Erika. Always quick to run with her instincts, letting herself get too emotionally involved with the people in her life, letting her emotions get the better of her brain and as such makes that one fatal mistake that dooms her. Further proving what getting emotionally attached to someone gets her.



It was only a day ago when Ellen had hypnotized Everett to fall into a deep coma like sleep, which was sure to last only a few days. His condition looked worse then it was. Even though it seemed a lot more serious. It was nothing more then a prolonged nap. The worse he’ll experience when he wakes up will be a few bed sores.



But of course Erika wouldn’t see it quite the same way. And naturally enough she’ll assure that Ellen had something to do with it, she did say that Ellen would burn if she touched Everett. Ellen had no intention of hiding quite the contrary in fact. She was quite looking forward to it, it was only a matter of time before she busted through that Door. Ellen mused as she sat on her bunk sipping tea and listening to Mozart blast from her speakers. Taking deep breaths relaxing.

[Erika Conner (Bellefonte)]

A few hours didn't make her squirm - a few hours was normal. But when the rumors started swirling over that these few hours turned to a day, that's when Erika's mind started putting two and two together.

Maybe she was too quick to jump to conclusions, since in reality it could always be a perfectly normal explanation as to why Everett had been down under for a day. Maybe it was exhaustion, maybe he was sick, maybe it was just the universe telling him he needed more rest. But in a world like this, in a world where Ellen Banks was roaming free and had a vendetta she needed to bring out to the light of day; There was never such thing as normal.

Enraged? That was only the first letter. She had no word - no explanation to the rage, the hateful feeling that consumed her being. It made her heart beat quickly in her chest and fill her entire body with burning heat. Sure, she had been pissed when she found out and managed to inhale the details of Ellen manipulating her, but this? This was over the line. This was the worst possibly thing the blonde could ever have done.

Slamming the door open to Ellen's room, Erika planted herself in the doorway with her arms crossed over her chest and a darkening glare on her face; Her brown eyes were almost at the bridge of being black, filled - consumed with anger.

''Out of all the low things you have ever done - all the malicious, degrading, pitiful and cowardly moves you have ever pulled, this Ellen Banks is about the lowest.'' Erika said, her voice nothing but a cold hiss. ''How pathetic can you possibly get? Really, is there no end to your stupidity? Is there really no limit which you cannot cross from the goodne- Actually, scratch that. You have no heart. Nothing about you is good.''

[Ellen Banks]

Aeternam dona eis, Domine,

et lux perpetua luceat eis.

Te decet hymnus, Deus, in Sion,

et tibi reddetur votum in Jerusalem.



Breathing deeply in her nose and exhaling she reclined back just a little in her chair letting the words of Mozart’s requiem Mass in D Minor (Or in the original German “Kroinks du Futur Introduction” Opera was always something she enjoyed listening to, even from an early age where. Her parents pied in Beethoven when she was just an infant in her crib in the hopes that it would make her more creative and intelligent in later life and Ellen liked to believe she was living proof that classical music did indeed had that effect on children. She found the music restful and as she heard the unmistakable sounds of feet stomping towards the room. Ellen couldn’t help but turn the music up just a tad, let her eyelids close just a little and slowly twirl her hand lazily like she was conducting the music.



Ellen chair was facing away from the door, so she didn’t actually see Erika standing there, but giving the sounds of the door slamming open and the fact she could more or less, hear Erika’s harsh breathing all the way from here. It was simple to deduce who exactly interrupted her peace.



And a smirk appeared on Ellen Banks face “Come into my parlor said the Spider to the fly” She muttered under her breath.



She didn’t turn around at first she was quite content to let Erika wait in silence for her before she ever so slowly turned to face her, the grin on her face gone. The lowest? Oh, she wasn’t sure about that. Considering the things she could have gone Everett got off relatively easy. Really it just amounted to a four day deeply relaxing nap. He wasn’t in any pain. Quite the country in fact. She would imagine he’ll in quite a comfortable state, but Ellen was almost tempted to point out that it took two to tango and that Erika forced her to take action, if she was looking for someone to blame, she should look in a mirror.



She made no sign that her words had any effect on her, merely nodding her head lightly like a shrink listening to the rambling of a mad man. “Well, in any event I’m glad to hear were on speaking terms again” Quickly her face turned into a mask of concern “How is Everett? I just heard, oh how horrible. How is he doing? Is he ok? I was just about to go down and meet him actually maybe send down a few flowers. Really brighten the place up, if there’s anything I can do in this time of need all you need to do is ask.”



Come on Erika…Get angry

[Erika Conner (Bellefonte)]

Cocking her eyebrow up, Erika watched as the little spider spun her own web of deceit - and in turn, of course didn't admit to anything. No, Ellen wasn't dumb, Erika knew that. But neither was Erika. And she didn't need the blonde to openly admit to anything, just by the way she chose to word herself, Erika knew that the little devilspawn was behind everything. Closing the door, Erika stepped into the middle of the room and let her ability on a shorter leash.

Watching it run across the floor, up the drawers, over to the bed, then to the shelves, up the walls, up the curtains, touching everything, feeling everything, embracing the room like a long lost friend. Erika remained silent, taking a deep breath as her ability grew even more restless.

''Coupez la merde.'', Erika finally spoke, running her fingers idly into the air, as if she was touching something that wasn't really there. Stroking along the form of her invisible ability, she could feel it coil down around her arm like a snake, ''Vous savez comme moi que vous êtes responsable de ce qui s'est passé. Vous êtes toujours.'' she spoke in perfect French and sighed, letting her arm drop.

''Je veux que vous me disiez exactement ce que vous avez fait - et comment le défaire.''

[Ellen Banks]

She knew this was the most dangerous part of her little scheme. If this little saga has thought her anything is that Erika was a quite a shade harder to predict then Ellen has previously gave her credit for. Therefore.Ellen was at risk of being hurt as a result of Erika’s anger. Possibly at a great deal considering what might happened should Erika lose control. It could result in serious injury or maybe worse. Was Ellen concerned? Of course she was, and this was quite a departure from what she would usually do, Ellen never took risks. At least not to this extent. But the events of the last few days…well…deemed some risked necessary. Ellen took comfort in her little theory that Erika will pass out a long time here before her powers become truly a danger to her….or so she hoped.

Still there was no real way of turning back now. Ellen wouldn’t charge a thing about what she had done. Not in the very least, and she couldn’t help but feel a wave of victory as she saw various items shudder in their room as if an invisible source of energy was pushing against it. If this was Erika’s idea of intimidation then it was wasted on Ellen, this was exactly the reaction she wanted. Ellen was winding her up just like a doll….

Ellen couldn’t help but note the odd way in which the conversation had turned, it seemed like a bizarre time to bring up a childhood memory. Often when they were alone or just wanted to discuss something about the people in the room they were without then noticing. They would often turn to French which they were both fluent in thanks to several trips there during the summer months. It was almost like their own private code…but this time they were doing it, it was in quite another capacity “Pourquoi Erika. Je suis sûr que je n'ai aucune idée de ce que vous parlez. Ellen rattled out in equally skilled French looking quite offended by the idea “Je n'ai rien à lui. Pourquoi le ferais-je? Qu'aurais-je pu éventuellement avoir à y gagner? Je pensais que vous me connaissiez mieux que ça.” Ellen replied calmly and quite belittling making a pot to talk down to her “Personnellement, je pense que vous avez été très stressé au cours des derniers jours, et ce n'est certainement pas aider à mieux. Vous êtes choqué par ce qui s'est passé pour lui, si vous regardez quelqu'un à blâmer. Une sortie pour votre douleur. et il m'arrive de l'être. Il est naturel. Pauvre chère. Peut-être que si vous venez de vous détendre un instant que vous vous sentirez mieux.

[Erika Conner (Bellefonte)]

Pushing her lips back into a snarl, Erika moved further into the room, her hand shaking as she once more lifted it into the air, her voice harsh, ''Avez-vous même réaliser à quel point il est pathétique de vous pour agir innocent? C'est dégoûtant.'' she said and looked away, a chuckle escaping her lips. But that was what Ellen did. Feigned innocence. Oh, how Erika wished the blonde would just grow up.

'C'est parce que je vous sais que je sais aussi que vous aviez quelque chose à faire avec elle. Si seulement juste pour me liquider.'' The further Ellen acted this way, the more Erika wanted to rip her head off. She was nearing the point where she would go to her grandfather and just admit to everything, both her own actions and Ellen's. She didn't even care about the trouble it could possibly get her in. She just wanted it all to be over. Have Ellen leave her alone.

''Pourquoi ne pouvez-vous pas me laisser tranquille?'' Erika asked, almost pleading, ''Pourquoi ne pas vous venez ... Pourquoi pensez-vous continuer à pousser et essayer de prendre contact avec moi quand je l'ai clairement montré que vous je ne veux rien à voir avec vous? Pourquoi ne pouvez-vous juste à pied et me laisser seul l'enfer comme je vous ai demandé de si longtemps?'' Sighing, Erika growled at the blonde, her ability starting to knock things over, pulling books out of the shelves and tossing things across the floor.

''Quel est si bon dieu important que vous avez à ruiner ma vie et continuer à insister pour que je revienne? Pourquoi? Qu'y at-il pour vous de gagner? Je suis d'aucune utilité pour vous. Vous savez que.''

[Ellen Banks]

Vous avez tout à fait insistante que j'ai vraiment fait quelque chose pour lui n'est-ce pas? Ellen asked crossing her arms still speaking in a even and measured tone. At-il jamais venu à vous pour un instant que me blâmer pour un accident totalement phénomène n'est pas vous ou l'aidait en tout cas



Honestly at this point Ellen was having fun. She always did get a perverse sort of satisfaction knowing that she had successfully got under the skin of another person, and more often then not helpless to do anything but become slowly enraged and being helpless to act on their anger, but that didn’t seem to be the case here. At any point Erika could snap on Ellen. Would she? Would she not? Ellen was almost intrigued to see what she would do. “Hmmm… Vous lke prétendre que je suis la source de tous vos malheurs ne pas vous?” Ellen said with an amused tone in her voice as she purses her lips and tilted her head. If Erika ever went to her grandfather. (which she won’t. She was as guilty as Ellen was) Ellen wouldn’t be concerned, if Erika wanted to play it that way. Then Ellen was game. She had her father at her becking call and the combined power of his legal theme.



Ellen’s eyes flicked to the books and shelves throw themselves to the floor. It was getting exciting now. Erika looked like she was at the limit of her power. All Erika needed was a little push.



"Erika…. Je ne vais pas vous laisser seul, et même si vous ne l'admettre, vous ne voulez pas que je vous laisse seul. Nous avons été plus proche que la fratrie de quatorze ans de l'Erika. Quatorze. Vous ne pouvez pas balayer tout cela sous le tapis. Vous ne pouvez pas prétendre que jamais arrivé. Ces sentiments disparaissent du jour au lendemain. Vous me manquez. Peu importe combien vous prétendez contraire, pouvez-vous me dire honnêtement vous n'avez pas de sentiments pour la jeune fille que vous mangé des biscuits et du lait avec en regardant des films à trois heures du matin? Donc, je vais être coller jusqu'à ce que vous arrivez à vos sens et confirmer ce que j'avais déjà pas, vous avez besoin de moi

[Erika Conner (Bellefonte)]

Sighing, Erika shook her head, almost in disbelief. This was impossible, Ellen was far too long gone in the world of denial, ''Ce n'est pas grave si ça m'aide ou pas. Faites ce que vous voulez de moi, mais laissez les gens que j'aime hors de lui.'' she hissed with the most venom she possibly could. It was a problem between the two, not the rest of the world.

Ellen's smile only pushed the brown haired girl further. Oh, how sweet the bitter taste of revenge would taste just about now. She could almost taste it. Almost. ''Je ne prétends pas. Je sais.'' she said with a solemn expression on her face.

Erika's eyes dropped at the words and she was forced to look away. Sure, she had to admit that she was right. About all of it. But that still didn't change the fact that she didn't want to be part of Ellen's game. She didn't want to be manipulated, having her free will taken away whenever Ellen disagreed with her. Remaining silent, Erika merely watched as her ability continued to push things all over the place. Ellen's room were getting messier by the second, ''Je fais. Mais ce n'est pas le point, Ellen. Le fait est que je ne veux pas faire partie de votre petit jeu de la vie. J'ai le droit de faire avec mes choix que je veux, et vous n'avez pas le droit de prendre ce choix loin de moi. Ce n'est pas grave si vous pensez que vous faites la bonne chose ou me protéger. C'est toujours un choix que je devrais être capable de faire pour moi-même. Pas vous. Pas. Pas n'importe qui. Maine.'' she sighed.

Pulling further away, Erika pressed her lips into a hard line and shook her head, ''Laissez-moi. Laissez-le tranquille. Laissez ma vie seul.''

[Ellen Banks]

Oh, How Ellen had missed these little interactions. Erika was so very entertaining at times. She had a lot of fire to her. That much even Ellen couldn’t deny. She was suddenly reminded why she never took her control of her to the next step. She had such a lovely fire to her. Always great to have a little argument here and there, not too many but just enough to make things just a little bit interesting. An odd tantrum here an argument there. Just enough to make things that much more fun and exciting, of course this latest temper tantrum had lasted quite a bit longer then Ellen would have liked but she supposed it was something she can work on to make sure, no future rebellious happened.



At Ellen’s insistent that she leaves her friends and families alone, Ellen couldn’t help but snort in amusement “Si doux” Really what did Erika think was going to happen, when she punched her? She must have been aware dealing with Ellen was like playing with fire. Ellen doesn’t play games, She wins wars instead., and in war it was a well known fact that innocents get caught in the crossfire. Stab your foe in it’s most sensitive spot that was Ellen’s motto, she couldn’t touch Erika. So Ellen had no choice but to go after her loved ones.



But she was pleased to see that Ellen’s words still had the desired effect on Erika. Cutting through like a sword, just one of the advantages of knowing your pry inside and out, and Ellen knew Erika VERY, very well. And Ellen was pleased to see her power becoming more potent second by second “Si elle s'arrête, vous faire quelque chose qui ne sert qu'à vous faire du mal, je vais tout simplement pas vous laisser faire cela.” Ellen stated calmly



“…And what if I don’t want to leave you alone Erika?”

[Erika Conner (Bellefonte)]

Letting out a frustrated sigh, Erika remained silent and simply stood there, watching the blonde in disgust. The fact that Erika had actually believed there was any point in talking to her... Really, Ellen had her own head too far stuck up her ass to be of any use. It was impossible to believe that the girl could ever change her mind or care enough to put that damn pride of hers to the side.

There was no chance in hell Erika was letting the blonde manipulate her like she had before, and really, was a sorry too much to ask for? Instead of the constant excuses and inability to take responsibility, it would all have been so much better if only Ellen managed to apologize. But, maybe that was a little far fetch'd.

''Si je veux faire un choix qui se termine à me faire mal, il n'y a rien que vous puissiez faire à ce sujet.'' Erika said, her eyes narrowed into a glare as her lips turned back into a snarl.

Now her ability started moving towards the blonde, still continually knocking over whatever it found on its way. Something made of glass fell against the floor and shattered. The curtains were pulled off from the windows. The blankets were tossed across the room. Books all over the floor and now, now it was tugging at the blonde's leg.

''You don't really have a choice, Ellen. The more you try to punish me, the less I'll want to be near you.'' she said with a sigh, rubbing her forehead, ''What do you think will happen if you actually manage to break us up? Do you honestly think I'll come running back? I'd leave, Ellen. I'd have no reason to stay, and I'd never come back.''

[Ellen Banks]

Goats establish a dominance hierarchy in flocks more often then not through head butting. The two goats will push against one and another until the other gives in, this could take hours or even days before one gives.. This seems like a rather apped metaphor to describe the issues between Ellen and Erika. Each Ellen and Erika had an opinion and wanted nothing more then assert that opinion. Erika wanted to earn total c dominance of her own life and Ellen wanted to maintain control and it looked like they both weren’t going to give up their beliefs without a fight.



Ellen was in the middle of a giant chess game are far as Ellen was concerned, and Ellen had laid her pieces in a attack formation. Ellen was on thin ice, and that playing with something that could easily hurt her.



Ellen felt Erika’s powers tug at her and that was something that Ellen was determined to remain calm at whatever happened next no matter how aggressive Erika got. “This is a phrase Erika. Once you get over this you’ll feel much better” Ellen said crossing her arms “Who are you kidding? We both know you’re not capable of using your powers against me. You don’t have the guts. So if that’s all, I’m very busy today. You can go now” Ellen said waving her off