Is he really talking to himself...?

[what_hammer]

"Really, how difficult can it be to find an Exorcist here? Though I suppose a Noah would do just as well. Perhaps even better, come to think of it

Comments

[hammer_echo]

Aww c'mon, Junior. There are Exorcists everywhere, yeah.

[hammer_echo]

[Cringes slightly at the story] Well, gotta be honest, Junior. I haven't heard anythin' good 'bout this place. So, excuse me if I'm a little, well, on edge, yeah.

Are ya okay? Physically, ya don't seem hurt.

[whathammer]

But there are good things about this place. It the very least imaginative use, it can be a way-station to bridge great distances in a few steps. It can also become a quiet sanctuary from harsh reality, an escape from danger and pain.

[Now Junior's smile becomes particularly intense] There are also things here that you might like so much that you'll never want to leave... let's just leave those things alone, shall we~?

[hammer_echo]

[Weak smile] I know that, yeah. I've read the reports. Talked t'a few people 'round here.

[Looks up at Junior] But ya didn't answer my question. I asked if ya were okay?

[Meanwhile, the Apprentice is snickering in the background]

[what_hammer]

[Junior's appearance distorts briefly and he reverts to White Form]

That's an interesting question without a simple answer. I don't even know if the wounds I took in that other Dream Realm were real in the first place. My Innocence burns are still very real.

Mentally? I've only had to deal with it for a few hours so far. My "Lavi" is more-or-less intact, Bookman is totally unaffected, but "Junior" has borne the brunt of the damage. I'm contemplating a fourth persona to allow "Junior" to survive. I admit that I've grown somewhat attached to that one...

[hammer_echo]

[Blinks in surprise] Uh, can ya really do the whole change thing and control this place? Yanno what, we can talk 'bout that later.

[Finally gets up the courage to wander up to Junior] Lemme see yer hand.

[what_hammer]

[Junior silently and without hesitation holds out his hand, which is covered in angry red blistering burns. His sleeves disappear so that Lavi can see the wide red scorched path on his left forearm as well.]

I imagine it will heal normally. My own Innocence did not seem inclined to destroy me.

[hammer_echo]

Will ya let me take ya t'the clinic? Or at least bring ya somethin' back fer burn wounds?

[what_hammer]

[with a quick grin, Junior's features become much more animated] That's probably a smart idea, yeah. Goin' to the clinic when yer injured... [carefree laugh] After all, even if they decide ya kill me on the spot I'll be back in a few days, yeah? Ya wanna head over there now?

[hammer_echo]

'M not gonna let 'em kill ya, yeah. Lots of Noah exist peacefully alongside the Exorcist. Long as yer not lurin' people into yer Dream World, they've got no reason t'bother ya.

Can ya connect t'somewhere near the clinic? Maybe bargin' in Noah powers blazin' wouldn't be the best option.

[what_hammer]

Well... didn't I just lure you in? [Junior's expression falls and he looks at the floor] I'm not sure how long I'll be able to resist. But I'm reasonably sure I can make it through a visit to the clinic.

Do you want to leave him here? [waves in the general direction of the Apprentice]

1/2

[hammer_echo]

Maybe. But at least all exits are clearly marked. [Grabs Junior's good wrist] Resist what? I can't help ya if I don't know exactly what yer goin' through.

2/2

[hammer_echo]

[Wide smile] You're more than welcome to try, Bookman.

[what_hammer]

[looks back at the Apprentice] Yes, I suppose it was a ridiculous thing to imagine. Never mind.

[turns back to Lavi] Resist converting entirely to the Noah Memory. I'm not sure what kind of help you would be able to provide in any case. Why are you grabbing my wrist? Are you trying to take me somewhere? Which way would you go?

[hammer_echo]

I'm sure ya read my logs, yeah. I'm friends with at least one Noah who turned away from the Maker's path. [Looks at his hand] I'm takin' ya t'the clinic, yeah. All ya gotta do is provide a door.

[what_hammer]

I think it would be better if I go out a different way... [looks back at the Apprentice] There is still a rather important matter to discuss that I'd like to bring up here rather than in the waking world. The two of you have been created from a schism of the mind. This is the realm of the mind, and when you're both willing to reintegrate I can facilitate the process.

[looks back to Lavi] Assuming that both of you are willing, of course.