05; [video]

[hoaryhosts]

[If anyone's paying attention to the room behind Strange, they might notice that it's dusty, poorly lit, with a spell caster's circle and a dead pigeon in the center of it. The Doctor himself seems... Tired. And slightly annoyed. Might have something to do with the dead pigeon. Or just... Pigeons. Pigeons.]Two things of note

Comments

permavideo;

[fishnets]

But do you do ten dollar palm readings?

[Encrypted]
Were you involved with this somehow? It feels like your magic.

[permavid; encrypted]

[hoaryhosts]

No. Clea was much more curious about divination than I ever was, and even she preferred reading tea leaves.

... I'm afraid I was. Have you had the pleasure of meeting Doctor Zoidberg?

[encrypted;]

[fishnets]

Clea?

Don't sound so worried. I don't assume it was done intentionally. Doctor Zoidberg? Kinda pasty, kinda bald? I met him while trying to find Whiskey a date, yeah. What hand did he have in this Sy Fy Channel made-for-television movie?

[encrypted;]

[hoaryhosts]

A former student.

When he doesn't resemble a seafood restaurant's mascot, yes, I'd say that's an apt description. The Doctor would like to work in show business. His act required dancing pigeons, and for all of his oddities, I find the man amusing, so... I thought I would help him. Obviously, this wasn't the wisest decision of my career.

[encrypted;]

[fishnets]

I've a few of them, myself. My last one preferred dice.

Seafood restaura--! [D:! She clearly didn't realize that was also him. Whoops. Sorry, Whiskey!] ...well, it clearly wasn't intentional. Is there anything I can do to help solve this, or is this one of those things that have to run its course?

[encrypted;]

[hoaryhosts]

Dice? [Strange doesn't know quite what to make of that one.] Clea was a very good student.

If you know anything about mind control or possession spells, I'd be grateful for your input. Other than that, it should wear off in a week. Possibly two.

[encrypted;]

[fishnets]

Enchanted dice. Now you've heard it all. She was some weird multiversal princess that in an alternate future, her wicked stepmother would have destroyed humanity and taken over the earth. I'm sure you've heard more odd stories, though.

...it's not something I touch, anymore. I'm a little too good at those sorts of things. If you have an idea for a counter-spell that might ensure that it wears off, I'd be more than happy to aid you. Beyond that, I... [Mindcontrol and possession are a touchy subject for her.]

[encrypted;]

[hoaryhosts]

Indeed. It sounds rather fairy tale like, however.

I essentially put them into a trance and told them to behave the following command. You know, like an old fashioned hypnotist? Anyway, that was where the entire thing went to Hell. Zoidberg's friend paraded by ranting about killing humans and you can see just what they picked up from it. And the damn things are just so stupid that we only focused the spell on a few of them and half the City seems to be affected.

[encrypted;]

[fishnets]

Apparently her mother sent a Woodsman to take her heart, but he allowed her to escape, as well. I mentored Snow White.

I'm more than adept at stage magic -- hypnotism isn't my specialty, but I would still be ready to help, if needed.

On the bright side, you didn't try this with a tiger?

[encrypted;]

[hoaryhosts]

Amusing.

It's needed.

... There are markedly fewer tigers in just about any version of New York City.

[encrypted;]

[fishnets]

I'm on it, then!

You looking for one? [She whispers now, like this is some sordid deal going down.] I might now someone who can hook you up.

[encrypted;]

[hoaryhosts]

Thank you, Zatanna.

... Oh, I'd say I'm done with animals for the moment. You understand.

[encrypted;]

[fishnets]

Of course. I know -- maybe better than anyone -- what happens when a spell goes wrong.

Sticking with pets only, then?

[encrypted;]

[hoaryhosts]

That seems like a fascinating story.

No, I think I'll be an old hermit and live alone with my china. It's probably safer for everyone involved. Or everyone in the City, really.

[encrypted;]

[fishnets]

The biggest mistake in my life and the thing I am most ashamed of, so it better be fascinating.

I tried that. It doesn't work, just so you know.

I'll tell you sometime.

[encrypted;]

[hoaryhosts]

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to underplay it.

You've been asking my hands. When we do exchange stories someday, I'll tell you that one.