Faustus's Extraordinary New Student, chapter 11

It took a few days to get the Coven back in order after the debacle that Faustus and Freya had found it in after they returned from their search. While tending to the those injured, Freya had focused on helping to set the wards around the Academy so that none might enter that didn't have Faustus's express permission. Slowly, things turned back to a semblance of normal, and not a moment to soon, for there was whisperings in the halls of the Academy, when Freya made her way to class one morning, that the Anti-Pope had come.

She had known of his impending arrival, but she knew Faustus hadn't expected him for several days, and to come now, to see the Coven in such a state—-she just hoped that all went well.

Classes had been cancelled, due to the Anti-Pope's visit and so she made her way to the Great Hall with the other members of her Coven to be there to greet him. She, having never met an Anti-Pope before, felt her heart flutter just a tad in both excitement and fear. What would he be like?

She took her place at Faustus's side and stood quietly, as all the rest of the Hall was hushed as the Anti-Pope made his appearance and made his way up to greet the High Priest.

Faustus had been growing weaker, both physically and magically, for the curse had been taking a toll on his body as well as his magic. The antidote the merfolk had given Freya had run out by now. Still, it was expected to stand and so, leaning heavily on his walking stick, he did, and greeted the Antipope customarily. He tried desperately not to betray any sort of weakness.

Because his magic was so off, he was unable to sense that the Johanssons were quite literally waiting in the shadows, watching everything….

Enoch took his time, in coming to greet the High Priest of the Church of Night, for the instant he had stepped through the wards, he knew something was wrong. So he in turn, took to greeting members of the Coven first. Speaking to them and smiling and hearing for himself how they fared before he made his way up the stairs to the dais where Faustus and his intended waited.

Giving a head nod, he held out his hand for Faustus to kiss before he greeted him. "Old friend. Thank you for allowing me your hospitality as I transverse on my travels, and the safety of your Coven. It is good to see you again." So saying, he turned his attention to Freya and his smile brightened. "So this is your intended? You have chosen well, Faustus, for she is as charming as she is beautiful." He held out his hand to Freya who followed suit and kissed it. "Pleasure my Child. You must come and speak with me when you have time. I would love to know the lady who has caught my friend’s eye, as well as his heart."

He nodded at this and turned to look back up at Faustus, for he was not blind. He could tell his friends power waned, and that there was something wrong within his Coven. Those needs would need to be addressed….but later. He stood, as if waiting.

Freya had nodded politely at the Anti-pope's words and kissed his hand when offered. That he should show her attention, was a little unnerving, but she took it in stride as well she could. When the Anti-pope turned his attention back to Faustus, she stepped in. "Permit me the honour of showing you to your rooms, Sir?" She asked with reverence, for they had spoken of this before. She was to be the Anti-pope's guide in case Faustus couldn't. She wasn't blind either and had been growing increasingly worried about her Beloveds condition.

At Enoch's nod, the rest of the Coven dispersed, and Freya led him towards the rooms nearest Faustus's and her own private chambers. "We have set aside the best room in the Academy, your Grace. If you need anything, please, do not hesitate to ask." She smiled and nodded politely. "I do hope you enjoy your stay." She left him to get settled and went to find Faustus. That the Anti-pope would arrive days before he was supposed to….well….things were hectic enough as it was.

Faustus kissed the Antipope's ring as he was bid.

"Yes, Your Excellency. She is indeed a diamond amongst rhinestones." He wondered if he should share that it was also the Dark Lord who had insisted they marry— not that he would have needed much prompting.

When Freya had left and the coven dispersed, Faustus sat down heavily, breathing hard and mopping sweat from his brow.

Enoch looked around and noted that the room, while large, was beautiful. It boasted an overly large bed, several bookcases, and an attached bath. He nodded and settled in for the night. Having sent word by way of Freya that he would see the both of them in the morning and had things to discuss with them.

xoxo

Freya had stopped by the cafeteria and ordered one of Faustus's favourite drinks, before making her way back to the Great Hall, where she saw he still sat.

Biting her lip, she came up to him and placed a hand on his shoulder gently. "Here Love….Drink." She handed him his drink and sighed, taking a seat beside him. "The Anti-pope seemed pleased. Though he said he would see us tomorrow and that we had things to discuss together." She looked up at him and lightly took his hand into hers. "Are you alright?" She asked softly.

Faustus took the drink from her with a nod of thanks. "Quite frankly, no, I'm not alright," he said. "I've never been ill a day in my life, but I feel as though I've contracted everything."

Worry showed plainly on Freya's face as she watched Faustus. "Maybe—-maybe the Anti-pope can help?" She ventured it as a question. "He is in a higher place of power, maybe he knows something we don't?" She knew saying such things could be 'dangerous' and spark off his temper, but she only said so out of worry. She reached out and clasped his hand in hers again and gave a light squeeze. "You can't keep going like this, my Love. If something doesn't happen soon……" She broke off and sighed. "I fear for you, Love….this curse is something we both haven't seen or heard of and it's getting worse." She sighed and kissed his cheek. "Come join me in bed? It is late, and we can discuss this later."

"Of course. I shall request his assistance on the morrow," said Faustus, without hesitation or ego. This was important. He went to bed with his clothes on, not wanting to bother with them in his state, and closed his eyes. Things would work out, he reasoned.

xoxo

Ursula had been in the Covens gathering and had seen the way Faustus looked, the way he stood, had heard his voice. He was sick, fading and soon he would be nothing. When the curse finally took him and made him act out in a way not his own, his fate would be sealed and the moment he did so, the curse would drop; and he would be left dealing with the consequences.

She turned to walk out and head to where she was staying, out of the way. It wouldn't be long now. Tonight, or the next, Faustus would seal his own doom.

xoxo

The next thing Faustus knew, he was sticky with warm, wet blood, holding a peculiar looking dagger. He dropped it, then whirled as he heard a scream.

"N-no," he said, stumbling back. He felt stronger now, renewed. But this was a disaster!

Freya woke to the scream and noted that Faustus wasn't with her. "Faustus?" She called out as she slipped out of the bed and as soon as she reached the door, did Faustus come barrelling into the room, slamming the door behind him. "Faustus? Love…? What's go——" She trailed off as she saw the blood and her eyes went wide. "Love! Are you alright? Whose blood is that! What happened!?"

Panic began to set within her, as Faustus's clothes just weren't covered, but his hands as well. Deep, dark, red stained every part of him. She knew that the scream she heard would rouse someone, and sure enough it did as there came a horrible pounding on their door. her quick mind worked to put two and two together. The curse! But why….? "It wasn't you, Love. Whatever it is, you didn't do it." She said as she took Faustus's hands into her own, heedless of the warm, sticky blood that covered them. "You didn't do this, hear me? It must be the curse. You would never….ever…I know you wouldn't."

"I know I wouldn't, because I didn't," Faustus said. "I was asleep. I don't—"

 The door to their bedroom flew open and when those gathered saw the blood on Faustus's hands and clothes, they wasted no time. It took three strong men to pull him away from Freya, and two to hold her back. "I want him thrown into the Witches cell until we decide his fate!!" Came a voice Freya knew well. Her eyes went wide at seeing Ursula stride in and come to stand before her, smirking. "Hello….Freya."

Faustus continued to protest as he was dragged off. Fury exploded inside of him at the injustice before his eyes.

"I should have killed you when I had the chance!" he shouted at Ursula.

"You! You BITCH!" Freya tried to lash out but was held back as well.

"Have her contained in her rooms for the night. Tomorrow, if she behaves, she can resume class and life as normal." Ursula said in a bored voice. "I want her to watch, as the one she loves most…suffers before he dies…and she, is powerless to save him." She came to stand over Freya and backhanded her while the two men still held her. "Think of me, won't you, as you watch. It's going to be glorious!" Ursula snapped her fingers and the men dropped Freya as they all swooped out of the rooms, locking the door behind them, dragging Faustus with them. Nothing Freya could do would move the doors as her magic suddenly seemed lesser then before and she cussed so loudly it echoed through the halls of the entire academy.

Father Johansson came up behind his daughter and rested a hand on her shoulder, a truly evil smirk gracing his lips. "Summon the Council. Tell them of the tragedy that has occurred here. With their blessing, I shall act as Interim Antipope."