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Come to Dust Chapter 15 - The Duality of Life

It had been a week since Avery went missing, and I was starting to lose my marbles. Ever since I had found out that Avery hadn't returned to Alister's (Duncan's now, the churr), I had walked around London looking for him. It wasn't supposed to be this hard -- Avery didn't go very far from our home and he was usually with someone. The idea of him being hurt or lost kept bothering me under my fur and skin and made it hard to sleep or even eat. What was worse, Duncan was making me work hard, harder than Alister had ever done, so when I was finally done with my shift I was usually so exhausted I couldn't do much.

Thankfully, I wasn't alone. Gideon had come by when he had heard through the grapevine of Avery's vanishing. I guess Gideon had an eye on the lot of us with his own boys. I had told Gideon what had happened to the small wolf and he had puffed out his chest and pointed a thumb at himself and declared "Don'tcha worry, Si. I'll get me Howlers on the job and we'll look while ye can't."

Of course I was worried about that. Gideon had to be aware it would cost him some favors, probably a fight or two for control, but I was too tired to argue with the big hulking wolf to protest. I had gone to bed a lot better that night, even if Billy still barely talked. He didn't tell us what Duncan had done to him but he still gave me a small smile now and then. Even if our little group was fractured, it wasn't broken. Not entirely.

Today was my day off and the day of the picture at Bensley's place. I had asked the professor to push it back as much as he could, but the man was very busy. He had told me that if I waited any longer, it could be weeks before he could fit the professor in. So, while I didn't want to, we weren't going to have Avery for the picture, not unless some miracle happened and Avery turned up fine and dandy.

I had left Duncan's (I still hated having to call it that) and went to the market with some coins in my pocket. I knew Gideon didn't have a lot of money for things like clothes, and I had the outfit that Bensley had so kindly given me. I had washed it proper and good and had brushed my headfur and tail. I still remember someone saying I may as well have been a cloud of soot. How I didn't get it on my sleeves seemed to impress people. The trick was, you just had to not touch yourself. I surely wasn't about to give away my secrets.

I had purchased some items for Gideon, justifying the expense as a thank-you for looking for Avery, and headed out of the shop, bumping into two boys -- two wolves much older than me and what looked like twice my height. Both wore rags for clothes but I knew them for what they were. They were Howlers.

"Oy," one of them said and reached out, steadying me. "You tumble easier 'n a sailor's first night in port, Simon King." I didn't remember his name but I remembered his face at the warehouse.

"Mornin'" I said, tipping my hat to the both of them. "Let me guess..." I said, letting one of them finish the thought for me.

"Ayup," the one in overalls said, tucking his meaty paws in his pockets. "Boss said we gotta walk you to this Professorite or whatever it is."

"That's 'professor' you dingbat," the other boy said, smacking his friend's naked shoulder gently. "It's a title for someone who's got enough schoolin' that they do the schoolin' now for people who have a lot of schoolin'. Right Simon?" He turned to me, not sure now about his definition of a professor.

I shrugged my shoulders a little bit. "Sounds 'bout right. Professor Bensley works at the University and is the smartest man I ever did see this side o' the river. Not quite sure what he does. Probably finds more interesting things to study."

"Whatever," the big wolf rolled his eyes and motioned with his head. "C'mon, Gideon will meet us there, but he doesn't want you to be late."

And so we walked. At first we didn't talk as we headed toward the nicer part of town. While we were mostly in the same social group, we didn't really have much in common. These guys brawled and fought to stay alive. Even in my worst moments, I hadn't had to hurt someone to keep myself breathing. Plus, they knew their boss was fancying me. That was bad enough, but the fact we were two males who liked one another didn't always sit well with Gideon's gang. I wasn't sure where they stood, but since Gideon had asked them to walk me to Bensley's, I guess they were fine fellas.

After a while, they began to chat amongst themselves, mostly about the mundane things in their lives. Not that I didn't find it interesting, but it was hard for me to participate in. Plus, I was still thinking about Avery and Spring Heeled Jack. Had he got him? That was silly, of course, since it was only me he had seen and I hadn't seen hide nor hair of the beast since that night. Gideon thought he may have just been with a fine lady and he would be back when she was done with him, or that he was going somewhere for himself and didn't want to worry us. Avery wasn't stupid, and I needed to remember that. He wouldn't get himself killed.

I was lost in my own world when I heard one of them say 'Jack' and it snapped me out of my own thoughts. "What was that?"

"What was?" the bigger one asked. "You know it's dangerous to not pay attention when wanderin' the streets. Easy way to get a knife between the ribs if you know what I mean."

I had to resist the urge to roll my eyes and shook my head. "I know, but one of you guys said 'Jack'?"

"Ayup," the smaller of the two said as we walked. "Spring 'eeled Jack. You know the legend? 'Bout a clawed demon right from 'ell itself that has claws two feet long and bloody red eyes and loves to cut you up if you get caught by him!" He made a roaring sound and slashed his fingers over his friend's arm like claws. The big one just snorted.

I felt the blood rush out of my ears and face. How did they know about Spring Heeled Jack? It was an old legend, after all. "How... How do you know about Spring Heeled Jack?"

"Mmm," the big one mumbled as we kept walking. "Old story, you ken? Like, old guys by the docks, they talk 'bout him sometimes. I heard that Jack comes and goes and he's been gone for a mighty long time."

"'Cept he's back!" the small one said with a cackle.

"What? How do you know he's back? It's just a story... an old story at that!"

"Ayup, but people are sayin' they be seein' him. You know, jumping real high with claws and red eyes. It was in the papers I hear. Can't read me-self, but people are saying so..."

"And Howlers are dead with slashes. Found two of them the other day, looked like meaty ribbons -- Woah!" I was grabbed tightly, stopped from falling down into the ground with my pack, I felt faint.

"Simon?" one of them asked, looking at me with concern. "You feelin' sick?"

_What the hell was going on? Was he really going around killing people? _ I frowned a little bit and shook my head. "What else have you heard about Spring Heeled Jack?"

"Well," the big one said as he righted me on my feet. "He's been killing poor guys. Besides street gangs, a lot of chimney sweeps have also been missin' or found in the Thames or on display like our friends. You ain't heard any of these rumors?"

I shook my head and swallowed the bile that wanted to rise up from my stomach. "We... don't work on that side of town often. You know, the far side with the old homes and buildings? It's never profitable. We stay near the families and stuff."

"Well, jus' be careful. That's part of the reason why Gideon sent us here. He doesn't want you wanderin' the city all alone like, especially with Spring Heeled Jack about."

"It's day time," I pointed out, motioning to the sun in the sky with a head tilt. "Spring Heeled Jack doesn't come out during the day. It's more 'n safe for me to go about London on me own."

"Mmm," the small one said. I really needed to get their names. "Orders are orders. Gideon says we protect you, we protect you."

"You two really think you could fight off a demon?"

"Well, I, er..." The small wolf rubbed the back of his head. "He's prolly not gonna see how tough we are 'n stuff. We're not little like the others."

"Jus' as well," the big'un said, grunting. "Let's hurry it up. I don't like to test me luck."

After that, we walked much, much faster.

Right after we arrived at Bensley's home, the two Howlers parted company with me. I guess they didn't want to go inside a rich man's home. I know the feeling, I was very much the same way when I was first visiting. I didn't see Gideon so I went up to the door and knocked.

It wasn't much longer that the door opened by the professor, he himself wearing a handsome button up shirt with a bowtie and fine leather suspenders with matching trousers. He smiled at me and stepped to the side. "Ah, there you are, Simon. Your... colorful friend has already arrived and I think may have the inklings of the photography bug."

"What?" I said, my lips cracking into a small smile. "Gideon? Liking something like... that?"

"When you told me who he was," the professor began as he closed the door behind us, "I had expected ah... shall we say, dimmer candle than the usual people I congregate with. Yet he has surprised me with his questions and inquisitive nature. I do believe there is a scholar in that wolf under all those scars."

The idea of Gideon being a learned man made my head swirl. I had never, not in my whole life, imagined something like that. Gideon had always been about brute strength and protection. Was he actually smart? Not that he was dumb, but I never would have guessed he and the professor would actually get along.

"Gideon definitely plays up the all-muscle-no-brain act. You have to be smart to survive on the streets as long as he has. Most his age are either dead or they did something like join the navy. London isn't an easy place to live."

Bensley nodded. "Well said, my boy."

I was then ushered into the front room with all the large windows. They were thrown open for light, the room bright and colorful, some of it sparkling and glinting off the various trinkets and baubles the professor had collected over the years.

On the far table was a kit of various tools laid out on a soft cloth. I could see powder in a long metal tray put to the side away from everything else, as well as various bottles of various chemicals and items. The camera itself was standing on three legs of bright brown wood. Its lens was on what I can only describe as the fabric of a bellow for fire, it could scrunch up and extend with its gold bracers. There was also some kind of door on the back that I had no idea what was for.

I saw Gideon then, dressed as usual. He was talking to someone I had never seen before, and a species I had only seen a handful of times. A mountain lion. Young with rounded ears and such a plain yet exotic fur design. They were from America, and few were in Europe the last time I heard. He was dressed finely in a nice black suit. The two were talking about the powder, the mountain lion seemingly eager to discuss how it worked. I watched Gideon pay very close attention.

The other new person in the room was a tall, slender red fox. For a brief moment I thought it was Alister but then the details came into focus; he was shorter than Alister was, and his fur was more bright orange. He wore a handsome silvery black three piece suit with a shimmering vest that caught the light. He smiled at me and approached. "Is this the other subject, professor?" he asked politely, looking at me.

Bensley nodded, beaming with pride. The professor never passed up an opportunity to preen. "Simon, let me introduce you to the best photographer in the United States of America, and earning himself quite a reputation here in Europe: Mr. Murray Dockson, and his apprentice, Mr. Nathaniel Arias. They are visiting and are doing me the favor of taking your picture." He then seemed to notice something and asked, "Wasn't there a third boy supposed to be present?"

"Yes, professor," I said with a frown, "but he's missin'. We don't know where he is, but I know you can't reschedule, so it'll just be Gideon and me-self."

"That's too bad," Mr. Dockson said. "The number three is such a wonderful composition for pictures; it is odd so it is easy to avoid the impression of duality." He held up his index fingers on both hands. "If something looks too much alike on both sides, it diminishes from the image. But fret not, I will do you and your friend justice. If I can pry him away from the tools of the trade, that is." The fox turned to his assistant, the mountain lion, and cleared his throat. "Arias! Get the backdrop set up for two. The third won't be joining us."

I was smiling again as I watched the mountain lion hurry away and help the fox start to set up the place for the photograph. Gideon came over and grinned. "Did ye know that powder flashes when you light it? Since the camera, Nathan tells me, uses light... it must make it easier to work with."

"Very astute," Bensley said. "You take to this like a fish to water."

"Ah... I dunno about that, Professor," Gideon said with a grin. "Just interesting. I've always liked technology. But never really been this close to something as new as a camera like that."

"Oh!" I said, pulling the pack off my shoulder and handing it to Gideon. "I went to the clothiers on my way here. It's some nice clothes for the picture."

I saw Gideon look wary, peering down at the bag and then at me. "Simon, you know I don't exactly pretty up..."

"This is a special occasion!" I said and walked behind him, pushing him toward the hallway. "Plus, your vest is falling apart. So go change. You don't have to wear it after the picture."

"Alright, alright!" he said, huffing dramatically as he stepped down the hallway. "But I swear if there's something in here like those bloody underthings you were telling me about..."

We heard the door close and Bensley chuckled. "A colorful friend of yours. You need to bring him by more often. The two of you complement each other well!"

The professor rocked back on his heels, then snapped his fingers. He went to the desk and came back with a new newsboy cap. It was leather and heavy fabric. It was brand new. I could smell the fresh leather. He held it in front of him.

"I heard you lost your old hat, and you need a new one anyway. I won't take no for an answer, either. It was not expensive, and I know you need something to keep your head warm when it's bitterly cold out."

He put it on me before I could protest. It was slightly too large, my ears were able to fit through the slits just fine, but it was clearly meant to be something I grew into. I grinned a little and decided that pretending to be modest wouldn't work here. "Thank you, professor. Really... you are being so generous. If you ever need any help..."

The professor waved me off and we went back to watching the two photographers work. Gideon came out of the room a few minutes later. He was wearing the brand new slacks I had bought him with the suspenders. The white shirt, a hand-me-down but still nice, was buttoned up with the nice cuffs and collar. He even had on the plain green vest. I had never seen Gideon in such nice clothes before. It made me blush.

"I can't remember the last time I wore something that kept my shins covered," he said, turning around once as if he was trying to look at his own tail. "But I think I look presentable at least, eh professor?"

"Quite," I heard Bensley say with a faint waver in his voice. Gideon was meeting the bare minimum of decorum, but with Gideon, this was several high steps up the ladder. Beggars couldn't be choosers.

I wish I could say more eventful things happened, but it was actually rather dull. Mr. Dockson had us stand in front of a hanging cloth with the light from the windows beaming on us. Mr. Arias had come over with that tray and powder and held it ready as Mr. Dockson moved us here and there to make us look even better. He told me how to hold my tail, how to lean in a little to Gideon, and how to keep my whiskers from twitching. Gideon was told to have his hand on my shoulder and to keep his tail hidden behind him. He was loaned a newsie from the professor for the photo.

Then, there were a lot of standing as still as statues. Each picture took a while, and we couldn't move for it. Each picture had that powder flash and go off with a bang, each time making me want to jump out of my fur. Mr. Dockson had us move now and then, me sitting in a chair with Gideon standing next to me, another where we were both sitting and looking relaxed. He took photos of everything and it felt so silly. We were told to look natural and not smile or look at the camera, and I could tell Gideon was feeling very out of his element.

After the last picture was taken, the older fox cleared his throat and began to secure the lens cap on the front of the camera. "That is excellent. Thank you, Simon, Gideon, you were the most excellent models for these pictures."

"I feel like I'm practically blind by that powder," Gideon said, rubbing one of his eyes and undoing the top button to his shirt, then the next three.

"Sorry about that, sir," Mr. Arias said as he was packing some of his chemicals and containers into a bag. "More light means a better picture."

"At least we didn't set anything on fire." I rubbed the back of my neck and stretched so high my back popped several times. When I saw Bensley give me a look, I knew then that was not something one did in polite company. I quickly fixed my posture.

"Thank you again, Murray, Nathaniel, you have both done me quite a service today. When do you think we can have the pictures developed?"

Mr. Arias rubbed his chin in thought and flicked his thick tail. I'd never seen a feline with such a tail as his before. "If Mr. Dockson will let me, I can get to work on them tonight. Have them set in the chemical bath and dry. Tomorrow afternoon, I suppose?" The mountain lion looked at the older fox for approval.

Mr. Dockson nodded. "That sounds about right. You wanted a couple of them framed, correct? I can have that done as well. I'll have Arias run these by tomorrow evening or a courier at the very least."

"Thank you," Bensley said, shaking Mr. Dockson's hand firmly with a dramatic pump. "I owe you one, Murray. If you ever need a favor please just ask and it will be provided."

"It's always a pleasure to be in your company, and your debt, Professor Bensley." He was picking up the camera and slung it over his shoulder while he also grabbed one of the leather cases he had brought. Packing up had been quick. Mr. Arias was incredibly quick and quiet. I wonder how he acted in more relaxed company. He didn't strike me as the son of someone who was rich and powerful.

The professor saw the two photographers to the door and came back to the sitting room and motioned for us to follow him. He turned around and looked at the two of us with a charming smile on his face.

"Before you thank me again, Simon, think nothing of it. I always give tokens of affection to my students, and you are as much a student as anyone."

He looked up to Gideon next. "And you, Mr. Gideon, are quite an interesting young man. I think your mind may be much, much sharper than you give yourself credit for. I am willing to give you lessons as well, if you can endure the company of an old man and my stories." He smiled a little bit, his hand coming to rest on my shoulder. "Simon took to his education well. You'll be surprised how important reading and writing is as you get older. It is a good skill to have."

Gideon looked down at me and then the professor. He smiled a little bit and slowly nodded. "No foolin'? You'd do that? For me? I thought... no, neva mind. Yes sir, professor. Just tell me when you want me here and I'll be here."

"Excellent!" Bensley laughed and clasped Gideon on both his shoulders. "I dare say there is a scholar in you yet; we just need to find the right subject that sparks your interest. How about coming over in two days from now at 7 PM? We can talk so I can see where to begin. Simon comes on different days, and I want to keep you both learning separately for the time being."

"Sure," I said, nodding. I wasn't going to argue with the professor. I watched the raccoon go from beaming to a lot more serious. He cleared his throat.

"There is something of a bit more serious nature I wish to discuss with you boys." Bensley looked over at Gideon. "Now, I heard from Simon you have seen this... Spring Heeled Jack, am I right?"

Gideon visibly tensed but slowly nodded his head. "That's right," he added, one hand clenched at his side. Spring Heeled Jack, I had found, was one of the few things that Gideon was just naturally afraid of.

"Then the three of us are in a bit of an informal fraternity. Decades ago I also saw him, and I have a scar to prove it." Bensley rolled up sleeve to expose the three gashes that had been on his arm, mostly covered by fur now. "And Simon saw him the other night."

Gideon nodded. I also nodded. I couldn't find my voice to say anything.

"There have also been reports going around of murders in the city. Poor boys, working boys, brawlers and cleaners... much like yourselves, I do dare say. You two may be indirect targets simply for your station in life. For that reason, I must insist on you both being absolutely careful, and to never go out after dark."

"That's a bit hard for me ta do, professor," Gideon said, but he frowned when the raccoon turned his intense gaze upon him. "But I mean... I can make it work. Just, you know, if I step out to --"

"No!" Bensley said, his hand grabbing Gideon's arm. To his credit the wolf stopped himself from throwing Bensley to the ground. I watched him grip and turn his hips, but he stopped. The raccoon seemed unphased. "No equivocation! This is serious. I know you are strong, and I know you aren't stupid, but this is not up for debate."

"Fine, fine," Gideon added, gulping and exhaling before crossing his arms over his chest. "I won't go out after dark. You have me word."

"Good," Bensley said, exhaling. "I am still looking into things, and I plan to ask some of my fellow educated men if they have heard anything. I want to talk about what you both saw but out of ear shot of one another. We can influence our memories and thoughts. I will have someone write down all three of our experiences and we can then compare notes."

It was not like we could say no to that. Bensley was so much smarter and wiser than either of us that we agreed. He said we should head on home before it gets too dark and that we should come by tomorrow evening to see the pictures, or the next morning if it was too dark. With that he walked us out, but not before giving both of us some sweets.

Afterwards, Gideon walked me home. It felt silly, since he was far away from where I lived, but he wanted to protect me. I moved the sucker around in my mouth and walked alongside, looking up at him.

"You're quiet tonight," I said, grinning.

"That friend of yours," Gideon said, craning his head over his shoulder. "He's got more energy than some cubs I know after they have sugar."

"He just likes knowledge. And he likes you. Bensley doesn't get along with just anybody. He's got an ego I heard and his comrades think he is too full of himself. That he can only focus on what's right in front of him and has trouble seeing the bigger picture, ya know?"

"I guess," Gideon said with a wry grin. "He's the first man I ever met who went to college. Well, the first man I know who went to college. I can't imagine what another one of him in the room would be like. Would they ever stop talking?"

I laughed and elbowed him. "Your guess is as good as mine, chum. He's just Bensley, and I have to say I hope he never changes."

To this day, I can't remember what Gideon said to me after that. I remember that the world started to slow down, and our motions became sluggish. I could see Gideon's muzzle move as he talked, but I heard nothing. I saw something out of the corner of my eye and slowly looked up, wondering what it was.

Memories of this exact moment are hazy. I don't remember everything, and I wish I didn't remember any of it. But I do.

Up there, dangling from a pole set on top of a dilapidated building, was a body hanging from its neck.

It was... it was horrific. Limbs and legs were shredded. Huge wounds were open on its stomach and chest. I think its tail was gone too.

The body was naked. A male. I looked up, not sure why it bothered me so much. I felt a hand on my shoulder gripping me, trying to pull me back... and then it hit me.

The face. The eyeless, cut up, soulless face. It was my friend, the person I had always looked out for, who made me smile when things went south, who found me when I was anguished over Alister.

And now, his body was hanging in front of me. Dead. Long gone. A shell of the person I once knew.

His fur was blackish brown, soaked in blood. His head was small with spaced out ears that were all too familiar. I could see the small scar on the shoulder from when he had fallen down a chimney and hurt himself badly. And there was the bent toe on his left foot, just where I remembered.

My muzzle moved, mouthing the sound of my dead friend's name.

I couldn't breathe.

I couldn't even blink.

The world darkened around me as I watched it spin and twist. It didn't take long for me to fall into darkness, screaming his name in my mind as the empty nothingness took over me.

-- Avery.