Walk A Mile: Epilogue (Nexus LOL Conclusion)

[workthroughit]

While these meetings would perhaps suggest the formality of his desk, Dr. Hill instead is strolling through the Nexus, smiling as he watches the snowflakes drift down from the sky. A take-away cup is held in both his hands, the drink gently steaming.

He seems content to just wander for a time, more interested in his coffee and the falling snow than addressing anyone just yet. The psychoanalyst seems perfectly unaware how bizarre his previous appearance ended up being, or that his prolonged absence since then was also sorely noted. Unaware or uncaring.

Finally, after one last sip of coffee, he simply asks, tone light and conversational: "Well? What did we learn?"

((The conclusion post for the bodyswap event! Get yer details here before tagging in! Also, feel free to tag in if your character just wants to talk to/yell at the doctor in general. And don't hesitate to comment on the OOC post or send me a PM if you have any concerns or questions!))

Comments

[workthroughit]

He puts up both hands defensively. "Sometimes therapy can be shocking! Or frightening! I'll certainly confess to that much. But I never do anything I do out of malice. I'm just here to enable learning experiences for the residents of the Nexus. Getting them to better understand themselves and one another. That's all."

[rogueinladysclothing]

"You can't come at this from some moral high ground and tell me that there's no better, less invasive or disruptive, way of doing what you hoped to accomplish!" Those hands of hers are staying firmly curled into fists now. "You broke down a barrier of intimacy without so much as batting an eye and there is no way I'm letting you get away with that."

Just what does she plan to do from so far away, hm?

[workthroughit]

Maybe that distance is what's keeping the doctor from looking particularly threatened. She'd have to approach to properly be a risk, right? He'd see it coming, certainly. But what does a man who looks nearly 60 intend to do about that, Amelia's actions broadcasted or not?

"Have you come to play judge, jury and executioner, then, Ms. Ronsam? Speaking of warped morality."

[rogueinladysclothing]

"I have come to give you what you deserve for hurting those I love."

In less than a second, she pulls her slingshot from her belt, retrieves a rock from a pouch, and has the weapon pulled up next to her face, ready to strike. With a second breath she aims at the doctor's right cheek and releases the rock. The shot isn't meant to kill him, or even stun him. It's supposed to hurt his ego a hell of a lot more than the actual violence. Because, really... how the fuck has she killed people with this weapon before?

[workthroughit]

The anti-violence field is always a thing, but when it comes into play, attacks and projectiles deflect as if off the air itself. What happens here...isn't that.

In the time it takes for Amelia to draw back the sling and release the shot, there's a muted flash of anemic blue light that leaves a ringing in the ears. And somewhere behind that onset of tinnitus, there's something else. Something like whispering; slithering, hissing, murmuring noises with no clear words or meaning aside from a profound sense of unease.

The ringing will not have even faded properly before the doctor's voice chimes in, now standing a few feet to the left from his previous location. "Is violence your immediate reaction to things you don't like or understand, Ms. Ronsam? That usually indicates a stunted range of coping skills."

[rogueinladysclothing]

Her aim inevitably falters anyway when she rushes to cover her ears with her hands. The sudden ringing hurts and she doubles over in pain. When she's able to regain her composure, she glares at the doctor, replacing the slingshot on her hip at the same time.

"You act as if I care." Any other day, she would. Many hours have been put into learning to control her temper. Today, however, she doesn't. He fucked with the few friends she has here and there is no way she's letting that go. "Tell me, is your immediate reaction to anything thrown against you - both physically and metaphorically, to jump aside?" She takes a step closer, her hands curled into fists at her side again.

[workthroughit]

"You say that as if it's an unreasonable response. If something is on a collision course with yourself, it's best to try and get out of the way, isn't it? What good would foolishly standing in place and taking a hit accomplish?"

[rogueinladysclothing]

"Taking the hit helps build character," she quips. Another step closer. "No one learns a good lesson without earning a few scars along the way."

And another step. How close is she going to get this time?

[workthroughit]

"I'm more of a specialist with mental scars anyhow. Treatment, of course." Because who would suspect a nice old face like this of causing them? Who indeed. He shows no intention of flinching away or drawing back as Amelia only gets closer and closer.

"This sentiment of yours seems in juxtaposition with your objections towards me. I'm only here to teach lessons, after all, and you seem to be in the 'no pain, no gain' camp."

It's okay - it all worked out in the end! <3

[rogueinladysclothing]

Amelia suspects everyone of being capable of harming others. It's part of what's kept her alive for so long and made her so good at what she does. "You seem to have inflicted plenty with this latest incident."

Yet another step. Only a few feet left between them.

"I don't hand out lessons to anyone who doesn't deserve it."

[workthroughit]

He tilts his head to one side, curious.

"And that's what you call these attempts at physical assault? Lessons? We may not be as different as you insist, I think. Except my lessons are about growth and change; yours are just about placating your own sense of helplessness and frustration."

[rogueinladysclothing]

Her eyes are positively on fire when he says that. "Don't you fucking dare suggest that we are alike! I didn't manipulate a group of people into joining some experiment that messed with their minds and bodies. And I have been very clear with you about my intentions."

One. Last. Step.

Does he step back when she reaches out to grab his collar? Because now that she's close enough, that's her first order of business.

[workthroughit]

He's grabbed easily enough; no tricks or blocking, no flinching or attempt to deflect it. The doctor only is jostled slightly by the action before a smile creeps back onto his face again.

"No, I don't suppose we are the same. You're emotionally stunted. Selfish. You're not doing this for your friends, you're doing it because you feel helpless otherwise. This isn't even about me. This is all about you, Amelia."

[rogueinladysclothing]

"Stop it. Stop it. STOP IT!" Despite her size and physical appearance, Amelia's stronger than she looks. With the aid of some adrenaline, she lifts the doctor a few inches before throwing him down to the ground full force. The hood of her cloak falls back as she stands and draws her rapier and gauche with one fluid movement. Her hair pin tinkles in a frantic, musical manner as she levels the rapier at Dr. Hill's throat.

"I think it's best if you stop this nonsense right now."

[workthroughit]

He's remarkably light for someone who looks so solid. It's about as unnatural as most everything else about him. When he strikes the ground, there's an 'oof' and a moment of looking almost dazed before he just sighs and folds his hands over his stomach. He just looks unimpressed by the time the blade is against his neck.

"I'm just having a conversation. You're the one tossing people about and making attempts at violence. What am I doing?"

[rogueinladysclothing]

"You have hurt my friends, denied that you caused them any pain, and insulted me by insinuating that we are in any way alike." The blade may not be able to pierce his skin, but that's not stopping her from pressing it deeper into his throat if the AV field allows it.

[workthroughit]

The AV Field appears to have not been a factor from the start of this. It stops things like punches and throws and surely physically tossing someone about like a sack of potatoes falls under that jurisdiction. Which brings up a lot of very concerning questions. Why is this happening? Who allowed it? Is he just toying with her further?

"I think you'd do well with some introspection. Perhaps we can set up an appointment sometime? Help you get to the root of these aggression problems of yours. Your crippling fears of the unknown."

The blade closing in doesn't seem, in any way, to effect Dr. Hill's ability to speak. Even if it begins to pierce the skin.

[rogueinladysclothing]

Is that... blood? coming down his neck from the point of her blade? That's an unexpected development. One that, while pleasing, causes a subtle shake of her hand. What the hell is this guy on about?

"I'm already seeing someone," she growls at him. "You can take your offer and shove it. When this meeting is over, I never want to see you again. I never want to hear of you doing your experiments again, either. You have hurt enough people with all of this."

[workthroughit]

"The first choice in therapist isn't always the right one. Just saying." A careless shrug, even as rivulets of blood trickle down and stain the collar of his pinstripe business shirt. There's no indication of pain or discomfort, no choking of hi words. Nothing.

[rogueinladysclothing]

"I didn't pick the first one I met, you ass!"

Why is he bleeding? He certainly didn't like the rock she tried to aim at him, so why is he bleeding now? Her hand finally begins shaking so much that she has to withdraw her blade. But he shouldn't think for a moment that means she's done with him. She leans close and grabs him by the collar, pulling him halfway off the ground growling at him. "What are you?"

[workthroughit]

He just smiles. Chuckles softly.

A trickle of blood drips down his face, followed by another. An unseen wound somewhere up by his hairline, fresh but with no clear cause.

"There is so much more to fear, Amelia, than your insecurities. The unknowable is so much worse than the unknown."

[rogueinladysclothing]

The moment the blood touches her skin it all becomes too much. She drops him to the ground and takes a few steps back, her eyes wide.

"Stop it," her voice carries that same fire as before, but she can barely whisper. "I don't know what you're trying to do to me, but I want you to stop."

Too much. It's all too much.

[workthroughit]

There's another flash like the one before, even quicker, more sudden, the ringing in the ears happening once more. Though less severe than the time before.

He is, of course, no longer seated where he was. No sign of him or the blood he was dripping.

"I thought this was what you wanted, Ms. Ronsam!" He's behind her now, hands folded behind his back, bent slightly at the waist so his voice is that much closer and abrupt. There's no sign of any of his wounds; no cuts, no blood. Nothing even staining his shirt. "You don't know any peace until you've had a chance to make whatever you blame bleed! You're helpless unless you can enact the most basic of revenge. It's the only way you feel safe, after all. Kill rather than confront. Destroy rather than understand."

[rogueinladysclothing]

The ringing may be less severe, but the shock hits her harder this time. Her weapons clatter around her as she falls to her knees, her arms protectively wrapped around her head.

It takes several minutes for her to regain herself enough to speak, but even then she doesn't pull her hands far from her face. "What happened to you... most of that wasn't my fault. Your magic, or whatever the hell it is... it's not right and you can't just do that to someone." She shakes her head and looks up at him finally, glaring as best she can despite her fear. "But I have every right to make you bleed after what you've done."

[workthroughit]

"Do you? Do you think you have a right to be judge, jury and executioner like this? Did you even ask the people you feel were wronged by me if this is what they wanted? Would the likes of Viatorus or Harrowheart be tickled pink to see my head on a platter? Again, it's aaaaall about you, Ms. Ronsam. Anything to ease how helpless the Nexus makes you feel.

"This whole incident only reminds you of that fact, doesn't it? How chaotic and unpleasant this place is compared to home. Which only reminds you that you're not home. The worst fact of all."

He's straightened up by now before stepping back from the poor, stricken woman. "I'm not your enemy, Ms. Ronsam. And I'll not be your scapegoat either."

Then he turns and calmly walks away.