At Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
Persephone (to Joseph): Joe honey, wake up! You've been unconscious for a day… Can you remember where you saw Charles?
Joseph (to Persephone): What? Huh? … I think it was a room.
A few minutes later:
Fiona (to Persephone): Any luck getting more info outta your lad, miss?
Persephone (to Fiona): No… He just passed out again. This is really bad, isn't it?
Fiona (to Persephone): Can't say I care for it. I had Artemis call in one of the Magpie's brood. Hopefully she can pick up the trail. Unless Sleeping Beauty there wakes up, I'm afraid we're out of leads.
Persephone (to Fiona): I think he's been drugged. He doesn't normally act like this after skipping… Which cousin is coming?
Fiona (to Persephone): I'm guessing Zoe. I asked for whichever of the two could track him down, and was available. ...We're losing time.
Zoe(to Fiona & Persephone): …Are you guys talking about me? Sheesh. I'm just kidding. Tough crowd. You've got such serious faces on… I'll just go ahead and find out where Joseph has been. (to Joseph) I know you're unconscious & might not be able to hear me, but I'm sorry this might hurt a little…
Fiona (to Zoe & Persephone): Not at all, my Fluffy Girl. If all hope were lost, I'd be grinning.
Persephone (to Zoe): Zoe?
Zoe (to Persephone & Fiona): … I got it. I think. So, who's coming with me?
Fiona (to Zoe): You, me, and my lovely little ruckus pack. Can you drop me off outside wherever it is we're going? I'm sure I can find a nice, subtle way in and out.
Zoe (to Fiona): I should be able to… (to Persephone) And, don't even start, Seph. You're staying here.
Fiona (to Persephone): No. You're here. Get that boy of yours sobered up if you can. You're Plan B.
Persephone (to Zoe & Fiona): But--
Zoe (to Persephone): No fucking buts! I am not telling Aunt Molly that I got you hurt or killed. Besides, Joseph needs watching. (to Fiona) C'mon, Ms. McGillivray. Grab my hand & take a deep breath.
Persephone (to Zoe & Fiona): Fine… Good luck.
Fiona (to Zoe): You've got it.
A moment later, outside Maladori's secret laboratory; somewhere in Britannia:
Zoe (to Fiona): Oof… Shit… This is where he skipped from? This is SO not good.
Fiona (to Zoe): What is it?
Zoe (to Fiona): You don't recognize this place? I thought you were sent to spy on Maladori… Or did you think the house had her lab in it? … This was the place where I first woke up… I mean, it looks like it. It has been awhile.
Fiona (to Zoe): Is it now? Interesting... Never did find the lab. Heh heh heh. I'm glad I came prepped then. Stay here and lay low. You'll know when we're on our way back.
Zoe (to Fiona): Okay… Joseph skipped from about 100 ft that way.
An hour or so later, inside Maladori's laboratory:
Charles (to Fiona): W-who's there? Please don't...
Fiona (to Charles): Shhh... Be quiet as a lamb, lovely lad, and we'll have you home and whole before tea. We've been looking for you, Mr. Turner. Can you walk?
Charles (to Fiona): ... Oh thank the bloody stars! I--I'm not sure, ma'am.
Fiona (to Charles): Heh. I wouldn't worry. I think I can handle you. Let me just get these wee ickle things off... Oops! Hear that? Ha ha! I think that's our cue to leave. Up we go!
A short time later, outside:
Fiona (to Zoe & Charles): What are you lollygagging about here for, girl? Go go GO! There are more explosions on their way.
Zoe (to Fiona & Charles): Sorry… I was just a bit surprised. Hi Charles! Grab a hold, both of you.
A moment later, at Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
Fiona (to Zoe & Charles): Ha ha ha! WHOO! I'd sell my bonny soul for that trick of yours, girl.
Zoe (to Fiona & Charles): … Oof…Heh. I'll gladly trade you, Ms McGillivray… Charles? How you doing there? You don't look so good.
Fiona (to Zoe): Ooch! I'm sure you can learn to blow things up if you put your mind to it. (to Charles) You awake up there, Mr. Turner?
Zoe (to Fiona): Really?… So, you'll teach me?
Fiona (to Zoe): Ha ha ha! I'd love to. I don't know how much The Magpie'll like it, of course. Where should I deposit this lad?
Charles (to Zoe & Fiona): ... H-- hello, Ms. Zoe. I'm...I'm very sorry to put you two through so... so much trouble.
Zoe (to Fiona): On that bed should work… I'm sure my mother would appreciate me having a useful skill. (to Charles) It was no trouble. Just rest and stop fretting, Charles.
Fiona (to Zoe): Ha! You say that now. Just wait 'til you start exploding the furniture. I'll go report to Artemis. Cheers! (to Charles) Stay off that ankle, pretty lad!
Zoe (to Charles): Do you remember anything? What did Maladori want with you?
Charles (to Zoe): I... I don't know. She said something about a procedure... I, um, I think I may have to go... I'm not sure. Some place else. I...I don't know... It was Doreen... from the Inn. She drugged Joseph and I.
Zoe (to Charles): What do you mean go? Go where?
Charles (to Zoe): I--I, um, I told that woman who my father was, and implied he was willing to pay to get me back... I was scared. If she told him I was here...
Zoe (to Charles): Calm down, Charles. You need to rest. No more questions, ok?
Charles (to Zoe): I'm... I'm sorry, miss. I-I think I should really, um really lay... down...
Zoe (to Charles): It's okay. We'll figure this all out.
