∞ 11: Casualties

[chikaidestroyer]

...Someday, I hope we will be able to look back at all of this as an enduring nightmare.

If people must wander outdoors with this hunter around, take heed that it reacts with human senses and can be easily distracted, as per Stella's discovery. And as much as it helps to trap the hunter momentarily, it doesn't pay to do it just to die in the process. Martyrdom is a ridiculous notion.

That said, I wonder what kind of data the Malnosso gather from watching us die?


Private to Caesar

How are you faring? Do you need any medication?

Comments

[chikaidestroyer]

...Hn. How dramatic.

[He averts his attention from Caesar to his wing, looking at the ragged, and yet recovering, wing.] I imagine the discomfort will grow as the muscles and skin tissue regenerate faster. You may need something more involved than staring at your journal to keep your mind off of it.

What kind of questions? Beyond the obvious "why" and "how," of course.

[nowarstowin.livejournal.com]

Certainly seems that way, doesn't it? It seems it shouldn't be too much longer, though -- some of those attacked shortly before me seem to be recovered mostly, if not fully.

Heh, you may be right. I'm not certain what to do, though. It's ... a little hard to focus, sometimes.

[He lays his head on his crossed arms, looking thoughtful.] Why is it that the wings regenerate so quickly? Is it only when the entire limb is taken? If that were the case, if someone were to lose a full limb, would the same regeneration kick in and grow it back?

...things like that. There's no way to know without testing, and I doubt I'm going to find anyone willing to knock off a limb or two to check.

[chikaidestroyer]

If you really must find something to do, you can always use practice with your drawing skills.

I'm doubtful that our other limbs would grow back; I'm starting to think that our wings are vital to the Filials' powers, though there's no way to check... Unless you can tell me whether or not you can hear the animals speaking now.

[He looks around briefly, then finds a chair to sit in.] Hn. If Yuber were here, that would not be a problem, to say the least.

[nowarstowin.livejournal.com]

Heh. I suppose I could, at that. Something a bit more useful would probably be better, though.

I don't think so either. I ... I haven't seen any animals around in the last few days. Either that thing scared them away, or it's just too cold to go outside of their shelters.

[At mention of Yuber's name Caesar's eyes fly open, and his breath catches as he goes completely still.] N-no. I suppose it wouldn't, at that.

[chikaidestroyer]

[He begins preparing the tea.] You're not thinking very clearly in this state, though. Do you really want to make risks like that?

Very true. I suppose we'll have to wait for another opportunity to make those kind experiments.

[Albert frowns at Caesar's reaction, setting down the kettle.] Are you all right?

[nowarstowin.livejournal.com]

[Caesar turns his head to watch him.] Of course I wouldn't rely on anything I'd come up with in such a state without a thorough reevaluation once I'm recovered.

Sorry I couldn't be more useful.

[He shakes his head.] Fine. I was recently introduced to the man who shares a floor with us. He's ... about the closest a human has come to Yuber in terms of brutality. One of his friends is a telepath who decided to show me some of his work in great detail, and I was caught off-guard -- just a little fresh in my mind, is all.

[chikaidestroyer]

[Albert allows the tea to steep, silent as he mulls over what Caesar has been saying. Once he is satisfied the tea is ready, he sets the cup closer to Caesar and rises to go.]

I think it's best if you get those thoughts out of your head and just rest.

[nowarstowin.livejournal.com]

[Caesar watches him with half-lidded eyes, his mouth opening like he's going to say something -- in the end he shuts it again, nodding.] You're right, of course. Thank you, Albert. I ... really appreciate it.

[He offers a wan smile.]

[chikaidestroyer]

[He makes a slightly disdainful sound as he listens, his expression blank.] I'm sparing you the awkwardness of drinking the tea and rambling at me.

[nowarstowin.livejournal.com]

[He laughs, though it's not exactly a happy sound.] Sure, that'd definitely be the most awkward position I've found myself in this week. I'll spare you the boredom, then.

Thanks again, Albert.

[chikaidestroyer]

[He nods, heading for the door before looking back.] Sleep well, Caesar. Call me if you need anything.

[nowarstowin.livejournal.com]

[He pauses, blinking a few times before his lips curve into a slight smile, the expression edged with both a touch of surprise and affection.] Aa. I'll do that.