Just Why?

[Claude Saint-Clair]

There were possibilities here. Nox said he used his abilities for Atharim work. That meant he used it to kill monsters. Claude knew what he was doing. He was rationalizing that this power could be useful in his work. Claude could now see it as the weapon it could be. Power could corrupt. But it depended on the person. Claude had to keep his reasons right. It wasn’t for his gain. It was to protect. It had been the reason he had questioned the Atharim mandate to kill channelers even before he was one. It was the reason he had told Nora she wasn’t an abomination. It was the reason he should give himself some grace here.

Nox knew some illusions and delving. But it was the work that Claude was interested in. ”My interest lies in practical uses - especially given I’m a hunter. Defense - offense - utility - whatever. I know that’s broad - but it’s a start,” he channeled the ball of light again, surprised at how easy it came to him and how much he liked feeling it flow through him. ”Can already tell this can be useful.” He sighed, dropping the ball of light. ”It’s addictive to use - isn’t it?”

[Casey]

Casey woke up the next morning. The thing about her schedule while recording meant she kept strange hours, but also meant her sleep schedule was like clock work. She was up earlier than she would have liked, but still had slept in a little. But she knew what Elyse meant. Despite her sleep, she was still tired. Thankfully right now she was used to functioning on caffeine and sugar. Elyse was still asleep and had to work tonight. Casey had no desire to wake her so she stood up and headed down to the kitchen.

She hadn't noticed much of the building before, but it was lived in. There was a toy chest here. Elyse had mentioned children so that made sense. She found the coffee quickly and brewed a cup. "Oh sweet nectar or the gods!" she said, drinking the cup. She looked around and saw a TV. It seemed to be showing a security feed and she noticed a young adult with a baby and then Nox with another man in what appeared to be a gym. Well she knew one of those people.

"Hey Sky...where is that gym?"

"The gym is located on the basement floor."

"Thanks, Sky. You're a peach!"

"You're welcome."

Casey smiled. An AI that was personable. How she'd love to meet the one who designed it. She had a feeling she could get the AI to recite Star Wars or something. Casey refilled her cup and headed downstairs. She was wearing a simple t-shirt and shorts for pajamas. She entered the gym and let the men see her before she sat down against the wall and took a sip of her coffee.

"Good morning, gentlemen," she said, stifling a yawn. Damn that dream had drained her. "Excuse me. If I'm disturbing and you want me to leave, just ask."