Happy Mother's Day--oh wait.

[hellfire_gouka]

[Thanks to the efforts of the group that came to rescue him, Shinju now lies in the hospital, heavily bandaged. Unfortunately, he's too weak for either of the Ahtreide's magic to have a positive effect, but it seems he'll make a full recovery in time. Even if that means a month or two

Comments

[innocent_never]

*Having dropped by the hospital--she's lost, why the hell not?--Del has decided to wander. And her wandering has brought her uncertain steps to Shinju's room.*

[hellfire_gouka]

[Shinju opens his eyes, glancing over at the sound of footsteps and wondering who's come to visit him.]

[innocent_never]

*She hesitates in the open door, shifting from foot to foot. It's still hard to speak, but maybe...*

H....Hel....lo?

[hellfire_gouka]

[He gets a slightly confused expression, trying to process the voice. It didn't sound immediately familiar, but his senses were dulled at the moment, and... there was something else...

His voice comes out weak and raspy, and he has to pause every few words to catch his breath.]

Who... are you...?

[innocent_never]

Ao...yama Deli-lah.

*Her voice isn't much better, hoarse from disuse, and quiet. Still, she takes another couple of steps into the room*

A bit.... l....lost.

[hellfire_gouka]

[Slowly his eyes widen, recognizing the voice and name clearly now. The beginnings of tears form in his eyes as he suddenly attempts to sit up--but that ends up being a Very Bad Idea. Falling back onto the bed with more than a wince and a few curses, he grips the sheets to deal with the pain.

After a moment of calming down and catching his breath, he speaks again, forcing his voice out.]

D-De--Delilah... It's really you...?

[innocent_never]

I-I...

*His shock unnerves her.*

It's....my n-name.

[hellfire_gouka]

...

[No. It wasn't... God, it figured the City would pull this. Managing to hold back tears of frustration, he clings to the hope that it might be the one he knows...]

Do you... recognize me? Shinju Gouka...?

[innocent_never]

*She shakes her head, but his tears have her edge forward. Better the truth than a lie.*

N... no. Sor-ry?

[hellfire_gouka]

[He lets his head fall back onto the pillow, trying to hide the bitter look on his face.]

Don't... apologize. Not your fault... [His voice catches in his throat] S-stupid City...

[innocent_never]

*Awww, she might not be the original Del, but she still can't stand to see people unhappy. So cautiously she reaches out and touches his shoulder.*

C-can I.... *oh, this is getting harder* h...elp?

[hellfire_gouka]

[He gives her a grateful, if tired, look.]

Worry about... yourself. H-has someone told... you about... this place?

[innocent_never]

Y...Yulie. And Kres....nik. *Here, she's going to perch on your bed because it's just easier.* Sort of. M...monsters. Odd th-ings.

*She grimaces a little, and rubs her throat. This is not easy. But he can't see, she's noticed this*

[hellfire_gouka]

Ah... good. They're reliable...

[Pauses for a moment, having to gather his energy to keep speaking as well.]

Found... a place to... stay yet?

[innocent_never]

Nn... not r-really. *She just fidgeted. She's lacking a little lot in the confidence department now.* L...looked at a c-couple.

[hellfire_gouka]

Stay... near someone. When I... can talk more... I'll explain--[cough]--best I can. For now... be careful. Kresnik... knows a lot.

[Ugh. It's getting hard to focus... he has to pause for a bit to catch his breath.]