2013.09.13 - Bill and Ed's Excellent Adventure 2

Eddie has been a busy little princeling these past few days. He's been gathering supplies and researching things and doing a little extra work to have some favors done for him. But it's all ready and all to help somone. Others might not see it but Eddie doesn't need the insight of Mrs. Kaplan or Sif to see something is still bothering Billy. He's just hoping what he has planned actually helps a bit. Even if it will be embarrassing as all heck.

Right now he's in his apartment after having called Billy and asked him to come over for something important. Dressed in jeans and a Superboy t-shirt, he's got a leather bag from Asgard slung over his shoulder and a small pouch tied to one of his belt loops. Leaning against a wall, he's idly texting someone on his phone with a slightly sad and nervous look on his face while waiting.

It would not take someone with any great insight to see that Billy is still bothered in various ways by his time as Chthon. While he is working to get himself out and keep from just sitting in front of a window staring out into the yard for hours on end he still has the tendency to go to that little dark place inside when he is alone or not watching himself.

It was just as he was leaving the offices of one of his Mother's friends that he got the message from Eddie. It said important, but no run-on sentences or all caps so it meant at least it was not a major something about to blow up he should worry about. So while he does not immediately teleport over in a panic he sends Eddie a message that he was on his way at least.

It does not take long for Billy to make it, and when he arrives he is dressed in a simple crimson colored t-shirt and jeans with his messenger bag slung over his shoulders doing his best not to look nervous about what could be important and hoping that Eddie does not notice the bags under his eyes.

Once Billy arrives, Eddie's grabbing him for a hug. He noticed the bags alright and they get a concerned look from the power booster. "H-hey, how're you feeling?" he asks when he lets go. "Umm...b-before you ask, nothing dangerous is going on. No monsters or anything attacking," he says, rubbing the back of his head.

Billy Kaplan is hardly through ringing the doorbell when the door is open, and he is getting the death hug from Eddie. "Eeurpk?" After a second when he can breathe again he offers a small smile. "Ok, strength training with Thor is really paying off there." He offers with that weak smile and sort of laugh.

When he gets the explanation he nods and then quirks an eyebrow at his friend. "Ok, so no danger no monsters, then whats up?" Billy is a little curious now as to what is important that is not a danger or something to fear.

Eddie blushes at that little joke, looking at his arms. He gives a little flex and seems almost surprised by the muscle but shakes it off. Turning his attention back to Billy, Eddie takes a deep breath. "Well um...look I know s-something is wrong," he gives Billy a look. "And I want to help. So I went and d-did some research and t-talked to some people and I got some ideas for things you and m-m-m-me are going to do. Stuff for like...purfiying one's b-body, mind, and spirit. I already called ahead and t-told your dad you'll be home late so d-d-don't worry about that," he says, taking the little bag off his belt and opening it up. "Umm...stand close t-to me, please?" he requests, taking out the card. "Okay, she said the blue one g-gets us to the first place..." he trails off, taking out a little blue marble that seems to be filled with glowing water.

Billy Kaplan has a amused smile for a second as he notices the surprise Eddie has at his own muscles. Now that his friend is getting good food on a regular basis he knows he is gonna fill out fast, and given the kind of exorcise he gets boy is going to end up looking like his adopted father by the time they finish high school. Well, him or Fandral, either way.

He nods at Eddie's mentions of what is going on with him and has a little frown for a second annoyed with himself for not being able to hide it that well. "I..I am ok really it is just a few things I am working through really. I am even seeing someone that Mom says I could trust to tell him everything and...." When asked to step close Billy does looking confused a little and the eyeing the little blue marble. "What is that and what exactly do you have in mind Eddie?"

"Billy," Eddie gives his friend a look. "I know something is wrong," he repeats in that 'no use trying to lie' way. When asked about the marble, Eddie takes a breath. "Okay, um...r-r-remember that princess you helped me rescue from the demon d-dimension? The one I keep running into? Well I asked her for a favor and she gave me these umm...transport things. When they g-get broken they'll teleport us to specific locations. The first one's taking us into the city. I d-d-did some research into Jewish purification stuff first and I looked up the mikveh," he gives Billy a quick 'sorry for pronouncing that wrong' look. "and that's where we're g-going first."

Billy Kaplan gives Eddie his shame faced look. Ok, so he has been going through things but he does not want anyone to worry. It is after all his own fault in most ways what was done with his body while he was not exactly in control.

"I do remember her, you told me about a few of the times you have ran into her. But why.." He starts and then gets the explanation of the Mikveh. "Wait, you what? Why..." He trails off still trying to understand exactly what Eddie means to do while looking at that little marble. Now might be the best time to use it in case he decides to argue when less confused.

That shame-faced look gets one of concern from Eddie. He would argue against any of it being Billy's fault but for now he just sighs and reaches out to put a hand on his friend's shoulder. When Billy gets confused, Eddie takes a deep breath and squeezes the marble in his hand. There's a crack and a glow from between Eddie's fingers and he drops the remains of the marble to the floor. Quickly a rush of almost liquid light spreads over them both, blocking out the view of the apartment and carrying them elsewhere. When it clears, the two Young Allies are in the city. Eddie looks around the smaller side street they've arrived on and reattches the bag to his belt. "C'mon, it's right over here," he says, trying to lead Billy onto a nearby street and towards building with a sign reading 'Living Waters Community Mikveh Center'. "This is the place the rabbi I spoke with reccomended."

Billy Kaplan blinks as the marble gets crushed and then there is a rush of light that moves like water and a teleportation. That, is just not fair. Why is it his teleports are never that gentle or friendly when he is not possessed by evil? There is not even a lurch or a drop involved.

Looking around it only takes Billy a moment to recognize where they are. "I...wait this is not far from where Rabbi Weis has his office. Hes the one I went to when I first developed my powers and...um...actually have not taken the time to stop and speak to him since I was...you know."

"Weis? M-maybe you can talk with him again soon," Eddie blinks a few times when he hears that name. Could be who he talked to. He's not too focused on that right now though. Instead he leads the way up the stairs into the building and heads right up to the desk. After a short conversation, it's all smiles and handing over a card key. "It's this w-way, Billy," he says as he leans closer to speak privately with Billy and then leads the way down the hall he was directed.

Billy Kaplan nods at Eddie a little. "Yeah, he .. actually I was kind of surprised he agreed to see me. He is one of the more influential Orthodox Rabbis in New York but was really nice and wise. Oddly ok with the whole magic mutant and gay thing." He quiets a little as they get to the desk and just keeps following Eddie once he leads on. He meets the slightly bemused smile of the person at the desk with a shrug and a grin. His best friend is an odd goyum but a good person.

Odd is only the tip of the iceberg with Eddie. "Umm...I g-got a list of the things we're supposed to do to prepare," he says, taking out a sheet of paper from his pocket and unfolding it. He looks it over himself and hands it to Billy. The instructions are simple ones. Take a moment to think, remove all clothing, relax, and wash. "So um..." Eddie trails off, blushing faintly as he opens the door to the preparation rooms.

Billy Kaplan takes the note from Eddie and looks it over, but he actually knows the rituals. He may be more on the reformed area of Judaism but he knows the prayers and everything for this kind of thing. He hands the paper back making sure the plan is the one he thought it was and then blinks at Eddie.

Billy steps into the preparations area and looks around. "I..I really appreciate the effort Eddie but really this is not necessary. I mean, reformed church does not require the old rituals anymore for anything and...really I...um..."

Eddie's just glad he's getting this right. Nodding, he puts the paper back into his pocket and makes sure the door is closed behind them. "Um what?" Eddie asks, frowning. "Billy...I w-w-want to help you. I know something is wrong and you d-don't have to hide it. I...look..." he takes a deep breath. "You've d-done so much for me and you're one of the p-people I care about most in the entire world. In all the worlds. So please...let m-me try to help? I don't know if this or anything else I looked up will d-d-do anything but I hope it will and...please?"

Billy Kaplan bites his lower lip as Eddie speaks and finds himself looking away unable to look at his friend. "Your right, there is something wrong its just...it's me. I am what's wrong."

Billy sighs before turning to look at Eddie and then around them. "I..I know you refused to believe anything he said but...while Chthon was inside of my head I was inside of his. Everything he said about you and the team and other people were all lies but...but the stuff he said about me was real."

Billy all but collapses on a bench nearby in the prep room. "I know he was not lying about him being behind my existence, and me not even belonging here because my biological parents have not even met let alone...made me." The bit about twins and Tommy he does not mention since the speedster with his face seems to have vanished.

Eddie listens quietly, moving quickly to drop down next to Billy. He waits for Billy to finish, looking down a moment and then taking a deep breath. He sets the back on his back aside and looks back up at Billy. "No," he states firmly.

"You're not a problem at all. I wasn't in that jerk's head but I know he's not to be believed. He was lying to you. Just more tricks trying to get you to do what he wanted," Eddie speaks firmly, a rare moment of confidence and not even stuttering. "A trick like that is something he'd definitely do. Even if your biological parents haven't met, there's no way anything he said about you was true. You're probably more tied to Gaea than him if that's the case," he goes on, starting to glow with that faith power of his as he directs a boost towards Billy unconsciously.

"And even if what hs said was true which it is, so the hell what?" definitely a sign it's serious if Eddie is actually cursing instead of some fake under the breath curse. "Even if he made you to do something, he doesn't get to decide who you became or who you are now. Screw fate and destiny and all that stuff. Whatever he wants you to be, he can stuff it. You're someone else. You're your own person. Billy Kaplan, Wiccan, messenger of the goddess, shield of thurdheim, young ally, an amazing older brother, a great son, boyfriend to an incredibly hot shapeshifter, and a way better friend than someone like me ever deserved. You aren't what's wrong, Billy. Don't believe the trash he tried to make you believe," Eddie goes on, all that endless hope and faith shining through at full force.

Billy Kaplan is ready to argue with Eddie as he starts to tell him how wrong he is. "you don't understand I saw when he lied I know what it felt like he was not lying then. It is why my powers are all chaos and impossible to control, because they come from the same places his do."

Billy is about to go on more when Eddie actually curses. A real four letter curse word. That shuts him up because getting that kind of reaction out of his friend is just a rare thing. When Eddie winds down Billy is all but glowing, in fact he is glowing thanks to Eddie's powers but he still has a crest fallen face. "I...but you dont understand. When he was using my body, using my power to...to do....the things he did it...it felt....good." The last word is almost whispered as Billy admits the one thing he has not even been able to tell his therapist yet. That being Chthon and doing those horrible things while horrible and terrifying...it felt good.

"Or he made you think that. Billy he was in your damn head," Eddie argues back. "And I've felt your power. From you and using it myself. I know they're not all chaotic and impossible to control. You just need training. We all need training. Doctor Fate even agreed to talk with you about your magic and maybe even help train you when I went and spoke with him. Doctor Strange would probably offer the same," he said.

When Billy makes that admission Eddie pauses for a moment. For just an instant he looks surprised but that determined expression comes back. "That was him. He enjoyed it and it just bled into you."

Billy Kaplan shakes his head at Eddie. "No, it wasn't all him. I...it was like the first itme I used my powers and put a group of guys in the hospital...and when I helped fight off laternate versionf of Limbo wtih Magik I...it felt good and right even though I knew it was wrong." He shudders a little remembering those times when he has touched on the darker and less good uses of his powers and found himself liking it a little before something that eddie says hits him. "He...wait. What? He did? But...he is a Lord of Order...why would he want to help me..."

Eddie reaches out to grab Billy to pull him into a tight hug. "Billy, no. It was him. And Magik and those guys," he insists. "But you just said it. You know it was wrong. You feel bad about it. It's proof you're not what's wrong. You're not bad or evil or anything like that," he goes on. "He did. He wants to help you because you're a good person, Billy. You're a good guy. A hero and he wants to help just like I do."

Billy Kaplan does not Eeep as he gets pulled into the hug. He just leans into it and hugs back. "I..." He really can't say anything. It is like the Doctor had been telling him, even if part of him enjoyed what was going on and felt pleasure in how he was being used that does not make him a bad person. He does end up crying, softly, into Eddie's shoulder. An act that will probably end up being far more cleansing than anything that Eddie has planned for later. "I...I'm sorry, for not telling you for...for making you and Mom and Teddy and everyone worry and...for everything."

Eddie holds on tight and tries to stop himself from tearing up too. He rubs Billy's back and holds on as long as his friend needs him. "Hey, you don't have to apologize. We're going to worry anyway because we love you. So don't worry about apologizing...if anything I should apologize to you."

-

"Th-thank you, again. And have a g-g-good day," Eddie calls to the desk clerk as he and Billy exit the mikveh center. The conversation he and Billy had before the immersion has relaxed him a little but Eddie's still got that air of concern and worry hanging arund him as he leads the way down the steps and towards the side street they arrived on. "Next w-we're going out of the state," he remarks, starting to take the pouch off his belt again.

Billy Kaplan is, doing remarkably better than he had been earlier that day. Maybe it was the talk and finally getting things out in the open, maybe it was the ritual cleansing and rebirth thing, or maybe it was just him finally starting to let go of some of the massive guilt from having part of him actually enjoy things he did and that were done to him while he was possessed. As they leave he nods grinning running his hand through his hair that is still a little damp form the total immersion in water but given they probably have a schedule waiting for it to completely dry like they are supposed to can be skipped. "Ok, um...where exactly out of town?"

Taking the card out of the pouch again, Eddie nods and removes a marble like before but this one's red and seems to be filled with fire. "New Jersey," Eddie replies simply. "I looked up some m-more magic-related cleansing rituals too and this next one is there," he says, waiting for Billy to come close before once again breaking the marble and throwing it to the ground. This time there is a little lurch as they're carried along by the teleportation. Leaving the city, they arrive in suburban New Jersey in a secluded area in a small park. Eddie stumbles, looks around, and then gestures for Billy to follow. "I know the w-woman who owns the place that we're going to. I r-r-rescued her from a vampire once."

Billy Kaplan nods and then gives a shy smile, "Ok, but I really hope it is on this side of the Hackensack river. Even though it is someone elses teleports it is still my luck..." When the teleport happens he reaches out to grab Eddie and make sure that he does not fall. "I...you know you make more friends and contacts doing stuff like that than anyone one else. Are we sure that you don't have a secodnary power related to that? Like Galaxy Frauline Yuna makes everyone she defeats into battle into a friend you just do it with anyone you save?"

Eddie just ends up blushing as he leads the way down the quiet path towards a street. "It just happens," he says, rubbing the back of his neck. "I c-could have another power. I thought I had it figured out twice before and new stuff happened so who knows," he says, leading the way to a shop advertising itself as the 'Celestial Healing Center'. Once inside, Eddie only has time to squeak before an older woman that calls him the 'Little Guardian' is grabbing him for a hug and going on about how it's been too long since she's seen him. She's quick to say the room he asked for is free, third on the right down the stairs, and starts to shoo him and his 'cute magic friend' towards the stairs after giving Billy one of those surprise hugs too. As they go, they might overhear the woman saying 'my granddaughter would adore him...'

Billy Kaplan shrugs a little. "Would make an awful lot of sense. Heh, your best and first power is friendship." Billy follows along behind Eddie to the healing center jumping back a little as the door bangs open and the woman grabs Eddie up in a hug. He manages no to laugh, but only just as they are given directions on where to go.

Looking faintly embarrassed the whole time, Eddie leads the way down the stairs. "She's umm...energetic," he says. Reaching the door, Eddie pushes it open and reveals what seems to be a relaxing and perfectly normal bathroom...just bigger and with a large tub in the middle of it in the floor. There are candles around the room as well and Eddie looks around. "I hope you d-don't mind getting wet. A lot of the rituals involve water for some reason."

Billy Kaplan grins at Eddie and does laugh a little. "You have yet to meet Bubbe Kaplan. The first time most people meet her is less an event more of an act of nature." He nods sagely his voice tinged with a little teasing and a little pride. Looking around the room he nods and shrugs a little. "Water and salt tend to be the on the top five list of things used for purification in most cultures. I think right after them tends to be fire and certain kinds of smoke...usually from things that Mom will kill you for if they are part of the list of purification rituals you have down."

"I g-get the feeling I should be afraid if I meet her," Eddie replies, blushing still. Setting his bag down, Eddie digs around inside until a removes another small pouch. This one's see-through and contains various different healing plants and herbs if anyone's recognize that sort of thing. "I m-made sure there were no drugs involved. I don't want your m-mom to kill me," because he wouldn't be able to hide it from her. "C-can you start lighting those candles?" he requests softly, moving to fasten the bag under the facet of the large tub. Once it's secure, he starts up some warm water flowing. "I didn't think fire would be all that helpful for us either."

Billy Kaplan laughs and shakes his head. "No, she is going to love you when she meets you." Not if, when. She may only come into town a few times a year but everyone in Billy's life is likely to meet Bubbe Kaplan eventually. "It will be like that lady, plus Sif, plus Mom all combined with a little bit of Frigg but..." He shrugs a little. Billy nods and takes a second to look around for a lighter or a match book before deciding that there is apparently not one. Fine, if the universe wants to be that way. "Fire!" He says willing just a little bit of his power into the word and enough magic to make all the candles in the room suddenly flare up 2 inch tall flames before settling down to normal ones.

"That c-combinaton does sound scary," Eddie replies. "You r-really think she'll like me? I hope Teddy's luck is as good," he says, smiling a bit. He jumps slightly when Billy magics all the candles lit and gives his friend one of those 'you are awesome' grins he ususally does. With those tasks complete, Eddie takes a small jar out of the bag and sets it down on a bench before sitting as well. "This one's easy. We just have to g-get in the water," he explains, hesitating for just a moment before slowly starting to undress. Apparently he intends to join Billy.

Billy Kaplan shakes his head. "She will love you, both of you. I have it on good authority I have great taste in guys, and in friends. You, she will try and keep feeding you till you feel like you're going to pop though. She does that with anyone that is slightly skinny." Teddy will be the lucky one, he has enough muscle on him that she will likely just coo over what a handsome strong boy he is...and then probably say something to embarrass the hell out of Billy.

Billy nods at the instruction and then sighs a little. "Yeah, thats the other thing about these. They all lead to nudity don't they? He says with a small grin while starting to take off his clothes, again.

Eddie gives a little squeak. "I'm not th-that skinny anymore, am I?" he asks, looking down at himself once the shirt comes off. He's put on some muscle and definition to show along with all those scars. When Billy brings up thhe nudity, Eddie blushes and nods. "Sorry," he adds. "It's s-s-something about removing barriers between one's self and the process," he says. But he's willing to be embarrassed right there along with Billy. Loyal one he is. Once he's out of all his clothes and the tub is nearly filled, Eddie opens the jar and pours the contents into his palm. Looks like salt of some kind. He murmurs something and then tosses the salt into the water. Glancing to Billy, Eddie shrugs and starts to lower himself into the water. "I'm glad she'll like Teddy. You two are a r-r-really great couple."

Billy Kaplan shrugs a little and then breaks into a grin. "No your not, not nearly as much as you were when we first met at least. Bubbe is one of those women though that unless your built like a brick house she says your too skinny and tries to feed you. Not sure if it is a German thing or a Jewish one...or a German Jewish thing." He shrugs before stripping himself down and keeping a hand strategically in place slips into the water. "Yeah, of course she will love Teddy, great taste in guys remember." He says blushing a bit and then sighing to himself. "And I feel like a real idiot after my reaction to things the other day..."

"Oh man," Eddie almost squeaks again and runs a hand through his hair. "M-maybe I can mimic somone..." he trails off. He does sometimes buff up if he copies the right person. When Billy sighs, Eddie reaches over to place a hand on his shoulder. "You w-weren't an idiot. You j-j-just need to have faith. Teddy loves you, he wouldn't w-w-want to break up so easy."

Billy Kaplan nod and laughs a little at himself. "I know that now. Hell, I probably knew that then but..." He shrugs a little. Then he was down on himself, just had a massive amount of evil coursing through his body and soul, and was pretty sure he was meant to be nothing but a puppet of said evil. He knows better now, or at least is working his way towards knowing better now. After the talk and the realization that Teddy was not breaking up with him but wanting to go steady he might actually get that someone thinks he is worthwhile. Or at least know that if he does not fully understand it. "So, on this one is there a time limit or are we supposed to wait for something special to happen...?"

"What's important is now. And that you two will b-be happy," Eddie chimes. Unending faith power go! When asked about what they're supposed to do, Eddie looks thoughtful. "Oh! Um," he thinks and nods before looking around. Spotting what he's looking for, he points to a dial under the faucent decorated in various celtic designs that's slowly counting down. "We j-just relax in the water," he explains, leaning back in the fragent smelling water. "When the d-d-dial hits the end, the tub drains and then we're done."

Billy Kaplan nods and blushes a bit at Eddie. Yeah, that endless faith is a great thing, and probably says it all about thier relationship. Both of them has full faith in the other, and not near enough in themselves. "Right, relax and wait. I can do that." He leans back a little into the water so that just his head is sticking out.

Sinking down until he's in the water the same, Eddie lets out a content little sigh. "I should um t-tell you, Vic had to head back home to Illinois. There's a f-family emergency and he doesn't know when he'll be back but he'll c-come if we really need him for super stuff."

Billy Kaplan nods and then winces a little when he hears the news. He reaches out to put a hand on Eddie's shoulder under the water in a comforting way. "That sucks man. I hope everything is ok,or gets made ok fast for him."

Eddie forces a smile and nods. "I hope so t-too," he says. At least now the reason for future moping will be guessable. After a few more minutes of soaking in the water, the dial clicks down. There's a 'Ker-thunk!' and the water starts draining out of the tub.

Billy Kaplan leaves his hand on Eddie's shoulder as a comfort and mentaly makes plans to do things to make sure that eddie does not get moping too much. After a little bit he ends up jsut relaxing in the water to the point he is about ready to fall asleep when the sudden thunk happens making him jerk up a little in surprise.

Eddie jerks up as well, blushing. "I th-think that's why it's so loud," he murmurs after he sees Billy's jumped too. He places a hand to cover himself as the water drains, staying still until it's all gone. Once it is, he gets up and moves to pick up a towel. Handing one to Billy, he dries quickly. "The n-next place isn't water so we won't um...wrinkle up," he assures his friend.

Billy Kaplan grins and giggle s alittle as he sees Eddie jerk as well. "Really relaxing though. Right, no water...but just as naked right?" Billy asks smirking a little. He can;t help it, as emberassing as it is he is oddly getting used to it and frankly just the idea of how many cleansing rituals require going skyclad makes him laugh. He does wait tillt he water is all gone before looking for a towl to dry off with as he stands.

And cue Eddie blushing even more. "Y-yeah. But we'll be k-k-kind of covered so," Eddie replies, shrugging. Once dry, Eddie starts to get dressed. After that he takes the bag off the faucet and places it on a small stone plate nearby like the ritual he looked up said to. "C-can you put out the candles?" he asks, wanting to see his friend use his powers more.

Billy Kaplan nods and gets himself dry quickly and into his clothes. "Right, semi covered...are we talking mud or robes?" He has done a lot of research into the magic thing, tribal directions always seems to lead to dried mud and then there is the stuff that leads to robes which he frankly has had more than enough of to last three lifetimes. When asked to put out the lights he goes to put out the first one licking fingers and putting out the flame before spotting the look on Eddie's face. With a small grin he uses a little magic. "Out!" And a quick whirl of wind blows out the rest of the candles.

"Mud," Eddie answers. "We're g-going to a spring of pure mud. It's supposed to provide a cleansing connection t-to the spirit of the Earth," Eddie explains. Eddie just grins wider as Billy magics away the flames. Unable to help himself, he moves to hug his friend tightly. Just a silent 'missed you!'. When everything is regathered and they're dressed, Eddie leads the way back upstairs. He looks confused as the expentant look the woman at the register is giving him but realization and a crimson blush spreads across his face when he notices a nod towards Billy. "He's n-not my boyfriend," he squeaks, getting a laugh from the woman. A quick exchange of thanks and Eddie's leading the way outside again.

Billy Kaplan grins and hugs back having that same missed you moment. Once they are on the way he gives the little look on the womans face and the exchange between them a raised eyebrow and then a half bitten back laugh. "Just friends, really. HIs boyfriend is much cuter than I am." He says just knowing how Eddie will react.

Another squeak and more blushing. "Billy," he pouts his friend's way. When they're outside again, Eddie runs a hand through his hair. "I hope this is h-helping," he says, looking to Billy to see if he can notice any visible effects. As he walks, Eddie takes out another marble, this one yellow.

Billy Kaplan can't help but laugh at Eddie squeaking and waves at the nice hippy lady as the leave. When Eddie turns to give him the pout he just gets a tongue stuck out at him. If he is gonna take him all over the place for embarrassing and odd cleansing rituals Eddie is gonna get teased some. Which, in and of its self, is probably the best sign that Eddie can see that there is an effect. Who knows if there is lingering bad mojo that is getting washed off, or out of, him bit by bit but the whole thing is restoring a bit of the Billy he was before the possession. He might get that look on his face now and then, or even have times where he might turn inwards but now he is smiling, joking, and teasing again.

Relaxing some, Eddie sticks his tongue out at Billy too. Once they're secluded, it's more marble smashing. Another teleport and they're in a very different place. Bright, sandy, and hot...it appears to be a desert. A flagpole is nearby but no flag raised, a set of camp-showers is set up as well. And the main attraction, a large pool of mud that is easily large enough for multiple people. Eddie takes a breath and looks around before moving to raise the flag. "Now we g-get to soak in mud," he says with a little smile. "This'll be the only time I've been in mud I didn't fall in or g-g-get pushed into."

Billy Kaplan smiles more as he gets Eddie sticking his tongue out at him as well. Once teleported he ends up raising a hand up to create shade over his eyes. "So...Arizona, Africa, or just the other side of the sun?" He asks half joking as he is already loosening up his shirt in the heat. "Same here Eddie, hope it is a lot more fun than going in head first while getting wedgied."

"Arizona," Eddie chimes. He seems oddly unbothered by the sun, making sure the 'someone is here' flag is all raised and secure. There's a slight frown as Billy describes what happened in the past but Eddie shakes it off and sets down his bag again. He takes out a small hourglass and nods. "It should be. C'mon, let's get in there," he says, starting to undress again.

Billy Kaplan knows it is coming, which is why he is already undressing as Eddie gets the flag up. That, and it is hot and he was in clothes more ment for places where a hot summer means it makes it to the low 90's and not where it starts in the triple digits. "At least it has not happened in a while, and with Kessler booted out of my school and me having powers and all not going to happen again."

-

After a relaxing dip in the warm mud and what may or may not have been a fleeting phantom contact with a certain elder goddess of the Earth and some magic assisted cleaning, both Eddie and Billy redressed and set to the next location. They arrive in a swirl of light, going from the warmth of an Arizona desert to somewhere cold. And snowy.

"We're in Finland n-now," Eddie remarks, looking around. Spotting what he's looking for, Eddie leads the way towards what seems to be a cave. Around the entrance, various Norse runes have been carved into the stone. "I asked Eir about this one. She s-said it's something they used to do in ancient times and still sometimes d-do in Asgard," he explains. A short walk down a dark passage and it's revealed there's more than just a cave here. There's a small business set up here complete with a clerk at a desk. Eddie approaches and slides the man a slip of paper. He reads it over and nods. After a quick exchange of money, Eddie gets handed a pair of towels and gestures for Billy to follow him towards one of the wooden doors set up in the cave.

Billy Kaplan does not say the first thing he thinks of when they suddenly go from the warmth of the desert to the cold. He does gasp a little though while biting back a word that may or may not start with an f before chanting. "Warmcltohes, warmclothes,warmclothes!" The magic swirls around him and Eddie both making them both suddenly end up dressed in nice warm coats with hoods and faux fur lining. When they get to the desk he just gives the guy a small smile and a nod before taking his towel and following Eddie. "Um..is this going to be what I think it is?"

Eddie squeaks a little at the sudden coat but gives Billy a smile. Through the door is a small room with a door that opens to what appears to be a natural hot spring and sauna. Locking the door behind them, Eddie smiles again. "What d-d-do you think it is?" he asks, holding one of the towels out to Billy and starting to undress again.

Billy Kaplan gives a small grin to Eddie and shrugs. "First thign that comes to mind is Bl¢t but pretty sure you would not go for the sacrifice of animals to try and help me." Especailly since they are cleaning away blood magics not wanting to use any extras. Once Eddie starts to strip he does so as well. "So, how many of these do we have left?"

"Bl¢t?" Eddie just looks confused. He makes a face at the mention of animal sacrifice and shakes his head. "Nothing like that," he says. Once he's undressed, Eddie ties the towel securely around his waist and sets his clothes and bags in a little cubby hole. From the large back he removes another smaller one and smiles at Billy. "Just this and one last thing. One I um...well...something that k-k-kind of helped me after that time I got mind controlled," a quick frown. "So I was hoping it might help you too," he explained, leading the way into the other room. It's warm in there and the steam is thick. There are stone benches in the spring where the water comes up to about waist level. More norse runes decorate the edge of the pool and several around the platform bearing warm glowing stones.

Billy Kaplan nods at Eddie. "Litteral translation is blood. Sacrafice made to the Gods and other stuff ususually of pig or horse meat boiled and...yeah not the kind of thing I think would be right for today..." He gets the towel tied around his waist as well just about when Eddie does putting his neatly folded clothes and things in a cubby hole next to the other teens. "ooh, steam bath...as long as it does not end with the naked dive into snow afterwards I think this might be the best one yet."

Eddie laughs a little. "Snow diving is optional," he replied, teasing. Once the door was closed, Eddie walked over to the stones. Taking some things out ofo the bag, he starts mixing together a few things. When it's all done, he pours the liquid over the stones and there's a burst of steam that fills the room and carries an herbal and honey scent. "Eir said the ancient Asgardians would use springs like this as s-sacred healing places. And that spirits of loved ones and anscestors w-w-would visit them here. She gave me some p-potions that help promote healing and strengthen resistance t-t-to invasions too," Eddie explains as he finds a place to sit.

Billy Kaplan nods at Eddie smiling softly before he finds a place to sit. He takes a deep breath of the air as it fills with scent and steam. "Right, so no snow unless we really start to over heat then. Any chance that we might end up with vision or anything on this cause...I am not sure how that would go." He says only slightly worried. "You know, it still amazes me how often you make friends and the ones you end up with."

"Visions? Umm, I d-don't think so. I asked her not to give me the vision inducing potion," Eddie answers. "We'd probably only get one if we stayed in here t-t-t-too long," he adds. Taking a breath, he blinks a few times. "It d-does?"

Billy Kaplan nods at Eddie agian before leaning back against one of the walls while sitting on the bench. "Yes it does. I...well I never exactly had a great skill in making friends. Most of the people I know are not exactly great at it but you...you just have to meet someone and unless they are a supream jerk or a villian suddenly you end up wiht a new friend. Heck, I bet evens ome of the villians you have fought after a few times might end up friends with you."

Eddie ends up blushing. "R-really? I never noticed anything like that..." he trails off, running a hand through damp hair. "I j-j-just try to be nice to people."

Billy Kaplan laughs a little. "And that is probably a large part of it. The being nice, and the fact that you never notice things like that without people pointing them out. Most of us notice when we get someone pining for us, or showing interest in being friends and tend to either reach for it in the desperate need to be liked or flinch away in fear of being hurt. You don't, you keep on just being you no matter what."

Listening, Eddie just tilts his head to the side. "I d-do worry if people will like me though," he admits. "I don't think I'd ever b-be able to do any of it if you hadn't talked to me that first time in the park."

Billy Kaplan grins and blushes a little at Eddie. "You never seems to show it. Me, neurotic as can be and I can only ever seem to hide it when in costume." He shrugs a little one of his hands moving to play with one of the ends of the towel around his waist a little. "Maybe that first day was just your whole friendship power happening for the first time?"

"If I'm not in c-costume, I'm r-r-r-really nervous around most people," Eddie admits. "Putting on that mask and uniform...it just...I don't know. It makes me feel better," he says. He then shaks his head. "No, it was you b-being so nice and friendly and treating me like an actual p-person instead of just a dirty...thing that made it happen."

Billy Kaplan shrugs and ends up looking off tot he side at the hto stones for a long moment before laughing. He holds up his right hand and looks at it a long moment before shaking his head. "Maybe it is catching. Did...did I ever tell you about the first time I ever met someone with super powers? Back...back before my own happened during the...the worst of the times I was being bullied?"

Eddie falls silent as Billy does as well. He looks at his friend's hand too and blinks. "Catching?" he pauses. "N-no. What happened?"

Billy Kaplan grins a little despite himself and shakes his head. "Was after the worst of the beatings I ever took. Funny, it was even worse than the punishment I went through when I ended up in the Aztec version of Limbo or Hell or wherever it really was. I...I couldn't go home right away. There was no way I could clean up enough to hide it, or even make it look like it was not much. I...I had no idea what to do so...I kind of ended up where I always do when I really want to think Central Park. I was, kind of tucked away in the shade of this tree where I could see Stark Tower and all the other big sites that are connected to heroes around crying when this woman came up to me. I..I can hardly remember what she looked like really. I couldn't see really well at the time and the sun was right behind her."

Billy shakes his head again and then closes his eyes reaching back to remember what he can. "She was dressed in red, and had this head full of the wildest curls of hair...kind of like Alex Kingston you know the actress that plays River Song on Dr Who? It was this mix of dark brown and red and she had the greenest eyes. She talked to me for...it felt like hours and was probably only a few minutes." He sighs a little. "After I told her how much I wished I had superpowers so that I could stand up to the bullies or just not get picked on she told me...she told me everyone had a power deep inside them. Told me to stand up to them and all the other kinds of things that...well the same things Mom and Dad always told me really. Then she touched my nose and there was this wave of something and I was all healed. Even my ripped and dirty clothes were fixed."

At first, Eddie just frowns in concern. He reaches out to put a supportive hand on Billy's shoulder as his friend talks about the beating. He tenses at the mention of Aztec Limbo but says nothing. Odds are a meeting between Eddie and Kessler or Eddie and whoever was in charge of that realm would not be a pretty one. Part of him wonders how things would have gone if he'd come across Billy like that sometime in the past and wonders if they ever did pass one another without even realizing.

He continues to listen as Billy tells his tale. When Billy mentions that actress, Eddie just looks confused until the character is mentioned. Yes, he remembers her from things they watched together. "Wow...she h-healed you? That's great."

Billy Kaplan nods at his friend. "It was more than that. The...I don't know what she did made me feel better too. It was like ... like when I was little and Mom would hug me after I fell and scraped something and then make me cookies all distilled into a wave of energy and washing over me." A feeling much like one might get from a meeting with Jord/Geae or any other Mother Goddess type really. "And even though she said things I knew already and had heard it was like I was understanding them for the first time. After that I avoided the bullies better, I...any time I couldn't I would repeat to myself often that I did not want to be seen and they would just walk past and then...then there was the day I caught Kessler and his cronies giving a freshman a swirly..."

Eddie's head tilts to the side. The described feeling is kind of what it felt like when he met Gaea. The more Billy speaks, the more gears turn in Eddie's head. And then something hits him. "H-hey, maybe she unlocked your p-p-powers for you!"

Billy Kaplan grins and shrugs. "I...ah yeah I had kind of thought about that. Wondered if she did, or even who she was. You know last year Imet someonet hat loked...so much like her I thought it was her but she did not seem to recognize me and...I did not want to make her thing I was insane or anything asking about it. She even pointed me to a few places I could look for help with magic stuff since she was actually from Transia like...well where I was found..."

Eddie thinks for a moment, rubbing his chin. "M-maybe it was a time traveler. Or a goddess..." he trails off. "We c-c-could try to find out sometime," he offers. "M-maybe take a trip to Transia."

Billy Kaplan nods at Eddie. "I had thought about that too, and wondered and...it might be better if I don't though." He trials off a second and then shrugs. "I know you still don't believe any of what Chthon had to say about where I came from but...I do. I was made with powers beyond human, and even mutant and most Gods reach using templates from someone in another reality and bits of someone else he altered in this one. What if the woman was who he was talking about, she was way too young to be my mother but...if she was more a DNA donor without knowing it...not sure I want to dump the sudden hi I am the son you never knew you had thing on her. Or leave behind Mom and Dad as if they were nothing."

"Well, n-no one says you should leave them behind," Eddie says. "They're still your parents. But m-maybe it'd be helpful to at least learn who she is and how to contact her," he reasons. "In case Chthon ever c-c-comes back or goes after her too."

Billy Kaplan says, "I...I know but thats what it would feel like. I mean running after my re...my biological family and not thinking about them at all. Your right though, might be a good idea to do that, especially now that he knwos I have somone like you making sure he can't get his claws into me again."

"Maybe you c-could talk to your parents about it and see what they think," Eddie replies. "It's n-not like you'd be trying to move out and go live with this other lady," he shrugs. He blushes a little. "I'll d-d-do everything I can to make sure he doesn't get you or anyone else again even if I have t-to kick his butt myself," he says. Before he can say more, there's a sudden ringing as an alarm goes off. Eddie jumps and gives a squeak before looking around. "T-time to get out," he says, pointing to the egg-timer he set when he prepared the mixture for the steam.

Billy Kaplan nods and grins at Eddie. He is glad that his friend would fight for him, and Billy has every bit of faith that Eddie could keep him from ever doing harm with his powers. When the timer goes off he jumps a little himself then ends up laughing as he gets up. He wipes the sheen of sweat that has built up over him off a bit almost panting a bit. "You know, this has turned out the best idea ever."

Gathering up the items he brought in with him, Eddie wipes down too. "It has?" he asks, grinning. Eddie's beyond pleased Billy is enjoying this. "You're really enjoying all this and f-feeling better?" he asks, making sure as he leads the way back to the changing room to begin getting dressed again.

Billy Kaplan laughs and nods at Eddie. "I am not sure enjoying it is the right way to say it, but I am feeling alot better." He says as he gets himself ready and helps gather up things before they leave the steam room area. Once out he looks aorund, and sighs as he decides to just use the towel he is wearing to wipe off as much sweat as he can before getting into his clothes since they did not have any other ones.

Eddie does the same with his towel, idly wondering why they hadn't been given others. "I'm glad it's helping," Eddie says, waiting until they're both dressed before he grabs Billy for another hug. Once they're fully dressed and the towels have been tossed into the dirty towel bin, it's time to head back out into the cold and snow. Eddie takes one of the only two transport marbles out and smiles. "We're g-going back to the US now for the last one," he says before crushing and dropping the marble. Another rush of light and they leave the snowy climate of Finland...

And arrive in another large city. Eddie unzips the heavy coat and flashes a grin before gesturing for Billy to follow down some nearby stairs. "We're in Los Angeles, California right now," he explains. Getting to a set of double-doors at the base of the stairs, Eddie offers a slightly mischievious smile. "And the last ritual..." he trails off, opening the door to...a kareoke club for the under 18 crowd.

Billy Kaplan grins. "Me too. I was not sure it would at the start but...I am really glad you did this for me." Once the new marble is crushed and they end up in a new location Billy chants something to himself under his breath and the heavy coats they have on change to something more fitting the current weather. "LA? But why here what could..." And then he catches sight of a sign and it all comes to him. "Oh no, no no no, the onetime in that department store at Christmas was bad enough but...in public!" He squeaks that last bit his voice breaking as he is pulled into the club.

Eddie just grins a little. "No one knows us here, Billy. And I'll even sing with you if you w-w-want but sometimes j-just singing helps me and I hope it'll help you too," he says, finding them a table.

Billy Kaplan laughs and nods at Eddie. "Fine, fine, we will get up in front of people and sing!" He gives in laughing more. "But you are going to regret this, I swear you will rue the day." He adds the last in his best Dr Doom voice already planning on what songs he is going to make Eddie sing with him, and at least one special one that he is gonna get Eddie singing alone as his revenge.

Eddie laughs as well, grinning wider. "I'll start ruing later," he says, sticking his tongue out at Billy. "I'll g-g-go sign us up and get us some drinks," he offers, ready to sing whatever Billy throws his way if it'll make his friend feel better.