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Post by jarahamee on Mar 20, 2023 0:39:25 GMT -6
Cassius closed his eyes and leaned back against the hospital bed, pushing the pain to the back of his mind. His entire body ached. Every time he took a breath there was sharp pain, every time his heart beat there was dull pain around his chest. Pericardial effusion. Hadn’t gone away yet had it? A steady pressure.
The doctor was nice. Told him he should consider watching his cholesterol. Maybe consider an echocardiogram when he had finished healing and his organs were healthier. How thoughtful that young man was.
He did what he had many years ago, and instead of keying into the discomfort, he focused on his memories. Warmth, happiness. Teaching Tatibara how to ride a horse. The day she surprised him and knocked a tooth out when he was teaching her swordplay. The way she grew from a child small enough to carry in one hand to a grown woman the size of most men.
Staying inside these memories was pleasant. Dulled his physical pain. He could feel the memory of her death in the corner of his mind, but he chose not to think of it. Don’t go there. Stay in their memories together.
Sometimes, he wished he could cry, other times, he was glad he lacked the ability.
Cassius’ mind wandered through his memories until he felt the vague shape of hunger coiling inside of him. He wanted a steak. Not banana pudding. Not yogurt. Not icecream. Real food. And beer. He wasn’t taking anything hard right now. Beer was fine. Beer would dull the pain.
He grunted in dissatisfaction. He needed to get better faster.
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Post by MP on Mar 21, 2023 1:36:32 GMT -6
Aaron, standing in the hallway, was equally dissatisfied, both with his late visit and the contents of the vial in his hand. It was the right color, and just about the right smell. But the batch hadn't turned out properly. To call it low grade was generous; he'd confiscated similar quality, watered down product, from black market batches. But better was hard to find these days. At least this was legally obtained.
He knocked, two discreet taps. The door stood slightly ajar, but he knew the requirements of a healing body didn't always align with visiting hours. It would probably be kinder to miss a visit altogether rather than wake Lucidus out of a doze.
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Post by jarahamee on Mar 21, 2023 22:57:03 GMT -6
The knock brought Cassius back to an alert state. If he had been a dog, his ears would have stood up and he would have jumped to his feet. As he was, he opened his eyes and began to sit up, before the pain that shot through his chest sent stars through his field of vision and left him with a wave of nausea and pain.
“Come in!”
His voice was disappointingly weak still, thanks to his still-healing, recently punctured lungs. Cassius chose to sit up despite the incredible discomfort. The pain shot through his entire body like fire and electricity at once, and he embraced it. Pain was good. Without pain, life would be nothing.
The scarred man took a hissing breath through his teeth. If he worked on walking around faster, he could go home faster, as long as he ignored Dr. Mura’s discussion about ‘hematocrit’ and ‘white blood cells’ and ‘septicemia’ and some other medical terminology he had discussed while Cassius had been in a drug-fueled haze.
A small voice in the back of his mind reminded him he was completely helpless here. If someone wanted to kill him, they could.
He took a moment to seize a pen on the other side of the bed, and folded it against his arm. He was weak right now, but could probably get one or two good strikes in if things came to violence.
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Post by MP on Mar 26, 2023 23:07:59 GMT -6
Aaron paused as he stepped in. He'd expected the Gold to be resting, not propped up and waiting like he was entertaining company.
"Should you be up yet?"
He hadn't meant that to be the first thing out of his mouth, but Cassius looked like he was barely out of the grave. From the reports, that wasn't far from the truth.
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Post by jarahamee on Mar 27, 2023 0:15:22 GMT -6
“Telmore my boy!”
Cassius waved, calling out with pleasure, however, raising his voice appeared to be enough to prompt a very deep and wet-sounding terminal cough. His gleaming, too sharp teeth were stained with blood when he looked back up at Telmore and grinned. His normally intense gaze seemed keen as ever, even if his body was… less than the honed weapon it usually was.
He truly looked half in the grave. Possibly even more than half in the grave from the grayish undertones of his normally dark skin, and fading bruise patterns in purple, yellow and black on the visible skin of his face and neck. A blanket covered what was probably the worst-affected parts of his body, which seemed to have some suction-drains visible. On the surface of the bed appeared to be a book, half-read, now open and ignored on his lap.
The hands laying on it were cut, bruised and healing. It was rare that he spent any time in the department ungloved, for his hands were incredibly unsettling to look at, having been previously broken in what he claimed publicly was a ‘motorcycle accident’ though now Telmore knew better.
“I’m…just sitting up. It’s fine. Come, sit with me for a moment. I’m bored. I asked Lonan to get me some paperwork to do while I’m stuck here.”
At the familiar sight of Agent Telmore, Cassius dropped the pen back into the sheets. If he needed it later, he could find it, but for now, this was a meeting of friends. While he could have used the bed’s function to help hold him up, he preferred sitting up himself.
Was it painful? Amazingly so. If he hadn’t been used to this sort of pain in life, he might have fainted, especially with how weak his body was now. Was it necessary? No, but it would begin his path to healing, and thus get him moving faster. And ultimately, that was his goal, wasn’t it?
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Post by MP on Mar 29, 2023 18:51:53 GMT -6
Aaron did not think it was fine. He dutifully pulled up a chair beside the bed, making a mental note to inform a nurse about Cassius' stubborn behavior.
"Kaiser is handling your cases until you're cleared to work," he said.
The smallest rise of his shoulders - an apologetic shrug? Aaron understood the frustration of having important cases waiting. But he knew the other agent, too. Kaiser was one of the reliable ones. You didn't get to be Gold without a certain standard of work ethic.
"But I can bring you something to read if you want."
He handed over the paper back in his hands as he spoke. It wasn't the promised book, or even a very good potion, but he hoped that might at least lift the agent's spirits. Enough that he'd lie back for a minute.
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Post by jarahamee on Mar 29, 2023 19:29:24 GMT -6
“It is nice to have guests. A book would be pleasing. Any book will do. A nurse got me this one from her locker. ”
Cassius patted the book on his lap. This book appeared to be called ‘The Kiss Thief’ which was open to at least the middle portion of the book. Keen eyes could identify a couple of suspicious and dark drops which appeared to be dried blood flecking the outer portions of the pages.
“And, is that a potion you brought for me? Did you make it?”
His eyes lit up, toothy smile more unpleasant than it should have been, enhanced by the ragged edge of the right side of his mouth.
He happily accepted the potion, opening the top to smell it. From the appearance and aroma, it appeared to be a health potion, like the one he had taught Telmore to make, but if he had made one successfully, that was an achievement. Useful potions were, by nature, difficult, their ingredients rare. Even making a low or mid-grade healing potion was an achievement. As for the cases.
Kaiser. He wasn’t there for The Fateful Event, unfortunately, and thus could not provide a testimony. Beyond that, he imagined, with no witnesses besides traffickers, they would probably want to interview him about the dead men. He was… intentionally or not, responsible for their demise.
He put on a more serious face, placing one of his mangled hands over the other as he sat up. Eventually the pain would start to make him look pale, but he’d probably look acceptable for at least a little while, at least to others.
His tone became stern where it had been playful before, and his gaze hard. Alert, a working animal’s;
“I need to make sure I get my testimony written… And speak to the higher-ups processing the case. The trial is important. And the next steps will save lives. Children’s lives.”
The scarred man grit his teeth, more out of frustration than any physical pain. If he had left the four trafficker’s alive, they’d probably have more information about where the rest of the children had been moved. Instead…well…
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Post by MP on Apr 2, 2023 3:50:02 GMT -6
The last thing Aaron wanted was to be associated with his embarrassment of a potion. But he nodded truthfully and a little apologetically. Cassius didn't drink it right away, and Aaron hadn't expected him to. But privately, he was starting to think that even a low grade potion would be better than nothing. Even Aaron - workaholic that he was - recognized it was too early for the Gold to be trying to work.
"If you're up to it, I'll let Kaiser know you're ready to give your testimony." His voice was firm as he continued. "But you should try to rest. They said you took a bullet to the lung. Among other things."
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Post by jarahamee on Apr 3, 2023 19:15:46 GMT -6
“Two to the lungs, one to the spleen, one to the intestines, one to the shoulder!”
Cassius’ grin broadened, and became one of amusement tinged with arrogance, eyes half-closed and glinting. He had probably read all of that off paperwork somewhere. Or maybe Dr. Mura told him after he woke up. It was dubious that he would have known exactly what portion of his anatomy was compromised during the act itself.
“I’m fine, I can testify. I think I can even work. At least paperwork. My testimony is important. I witnessed things, and… I killed some men, though… I did not do it on purpose.”
A shadow of regret, only a shade of what it should have been, as he broke eye contact to look down at his hands. He should feel sorry. What if they had families? What if they had experienced tragedy? He could not bring himself to feel anything but the vague pleasure of vindication and survival. He looked back up, his voice serious again. “You should not worry so much about me.”
He swirled the potion around gently, and Aaron had the impression that his work was being assessed even now. Was he going to get a grade this time? After he seemed satisfied, he poured the bottle into his open mouth, chugging the mixture with surprising ease. He didn’t even need to stop to take a breath.
While the mixture did nothing to correct his overall pallor, the abrasions on his face and neck that Aaron could see appeared to close and the scabs began to peel. A few seconds after consuming it, he grimaced visibly and coughed once. The sound was wet, but this time, no blood came up.
A few minutes after consumption, he resumed smiling, and looked at Telmore as if he had answered every question on one of his quizzes correctly. The voice he used now was his ‘teaching’ voice;
“That…was very effective. The mixing was not ideal, but the components had correct proportions. Thank you, you did not need to do that.”
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Post by MP on Apr 5, 2023 1:12:02 GMT -6
Aaron's ears reddened faintly at the appraisal of his tincture. But he nodded acknowledgement with the uncomfortable stoicism he always reserved for thanks.
"It was the least I could do."
For Aaron's grey tone, the words were uncommonly genuine. The days after Zramek were a time he didn't like to think back on, but that didn't mean he'd forgotten the care Cassius had shown him while he was recovering. A faulty potion felt like poor repayment. Aaron folded his hands in his lap.
"I can't do much about your casework." Even if he believed Cassius, he didn't have any pull with Gold level cases. "But if there's anything else you need, let me know and I'll see what I can do."
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Post by jarahamee on Apr 7, 2023 18:40:27 GMT -6
Cassius considered whether or not his comment on Telmore’s work was inappropriate. Was it warranted, considering that this was a gift? He felt like Telmore would appreciate the feedback, and it might help him make more potions. On the other hand, he had done something from the kindness of his own heart to help make him feel better. “It is much more than the ‘least you could do.’ Most men, given the opportunity to act, do nothing. You are only my fourth guest here, and I appreciate the company. Otherwise, there is not much more that I need.” The scarred man smiled. That much was true. He did not consider Dr. Mura to be a ‘guest’ per say, as he was more someone overseeing Cassius’ welfare, but he did consider him a friend.
He shifted in his bed, and shuffled the book off his lap and into the area next to him. It was true, only Director Lonan had control over his caseload and when he would acquire his next case. Unfortunate.
He sighed, and looked down, off to the side of the bed; “Have they been talking about the trafficking case? LaBrown, I think is its name?” Perhaps in rumor, as it was meant to be one of the largest super trafficking busts of the decade. There were numerous reports, some unreliable, about exactly what had happened. Agent Hemming, Jones and Lucidus were all part of the raid’s organization, and had helped in the disruption of operations and rescue of dozens of men, women and children, who had been sold privately to dealers around the country.
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Post by MP on Apr 25, 2023 20:36:57 GMT -6
Aaron nodded. Part of him was relieved to move away from the praise and appreciation - not because of the sentiment, but simply because he struggled to find the appropriate response. It had never been one of his strengths.
"And half the Underground," he added. "There's been talk in the covens, but the elders are keeping a handle on things until we can release them a public statement."
Some agents found the master vampires unnerving. Centuries of immortality tended to strip the veneer of humanity away, leaving something cold and alien behind. But for his part, Aaron generally had an easier time working with them than some of the newer blood. Elders were reasonable more patient, polite as long as you observed their particular etiquette. And that he could do.
"It shouldn't be too long," he added. Lucius was impatient - and rightfully so. But Aaron didn't want to give him a reason to strain his injuries again.
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Post by jarahamee on Apr 26, 2023 1:01:55 GMT -6
For the first time during their meeting, Cassius frowned and drew his arms up to his chest, crossing them. In doing so, he also managed to bring his IV line with his arm and crossed his other arm over it, in a way that threatened to tear the catheter right out.
While Agent Lucidus was generally (sometimes inappropriately) cheery, Aaron had the distinct sense that this was not a mask or an act, but rather genuine concern. His gaze remained fixed at the floor for a moment more, before redirecting back at Aaron.
“… We could have saved more people. I…think they were tipped off by someone. They were ready for us. They didn’t have half the hostages that my early investigation noted.”
His lip curled into an ugly, lopsided snarl, exposing his sharpish, crooked teeth. One hand squeezed into a fist. Was he angry? If he was, he wasn’t angry at Aaron.
“I should have gone in as soon as I had information. I could have asked for emergency clearance, and none of this would have happened.”
The scarred man’s low voice became a growl.
Suddenly his investment in the case, and moving it along made perfect sense. He felt like he had made a mistake. At least, as far as Aaron could surmise.
“I am sorry. It is not… a case you are involved in, but. I only hope that it is not too late, and that our actions have helped strengthen trust but… I am sure it has eroded trust in humanity.”
The scarred man seemed somber. All this time and attention, and, he was sure, the ones behind it all were getting away scot-free. Maybe they had already fled the country.
And all because he was here, in a bed, rather than investigating the case he was lead-investigator in. “I… hope what you heard was positive.”
Cassius commented after a long pause, forcing himself to smile. The strain was evident. Clearly he was doing his best to lighten the subject, and, of course, was trying to avoid burdening Aaron emotionally.And maybe trying (unsuccessfully) to not be as unnerving as the vampires that Aaron interacted with on a regular basis.
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Post by MP on Apr 27, 2023 0:02:10 GMT -6
Aaron was keenly aware of the way the IV line was pinched by Cassius' movements. There was a poorly suppressed twitch as he considered moving the old Gold's arm, but in the end, it felt disrespectful - condescending - to just grab him like some unruly kid. But he did lift a finger, indicating the problem with a movement so small that it was more like a nervous twitch.
"You acted on the information you had," he said.
It wasn't much consolation - he wouldn't have accepted it either. But it was the truth. He knew that much. Officer Lucidus would never be content with partial success.
"The covens are on alert. Watching out for their people. But they've been cooperative." Aaron's tone was straightforward and unworried, leaving no room for doubt. "They've promised to pass along anything they hear on their end."
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Post by jarahamee on Apr 27, 2023 15:51:10 GMT -6
As distracted as Agent Lucidus was with airing his concerns, he did seem to notice Aaron’s gesture, and adjusted his arm position, with exaggerated delicacy. He had, after all, done an excellent job accidentally pulling out his previous IV catheter with the power of wild gesticulation, after all.
As Telmore attempted to comfort him, he merely sighed. There was nothing that Aaron could do about the situation now. This was his mistake, and his alone. He had waited for the clearance that he believed was required, and it had cost time, lives, and possibly the entire case, with the addition of his broken promises to Lonan.
“I should be better. As a department, we have failed our mission in many ways. To create trust. To protect both supers and humans, and, to be just, incorruptible and honorable. That night, I failed in all three of these tasks.”
He rubbed his scarred cheek, his gaze drifting idly towards the window;
“The weak supers, the citizens, they rely on us to protect them from harm. How can we expect them to obey our rules, if we cannot provide them with the safety and stability they need?”
Lucidus shook his head, like an dog shaking flies from its ears, gaze roving back towards Aaron lazily. His voice was slow and metered, as ever.
“You have done well in your duties. I am glad you have yet to hear of any unrest. You are trusted among those you work with. I believe… it is…your resilience in the face of fear, and…resistance to temptation.”
Cassius leaned back against his bed again;
“Ah, if all Agents were like you…”
It was likely that his mind had settled on the subject of vampires, for his eyes sparked with interest again;
“Have you heard anything, about the vampire you were tracking? Kitty…was it? She and her companion are still at large, and I believe, are still hunting, but… We need many more agents in the field. More security… and that is not your department…”
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