11-22-2013, 01:59 AM
Tony's brow furrowed in confusion. Was she being coy? Unlikely, since she was earnest in her demand for knowledge. Was he mistaken? No, he didn't think so. He was sure of it. So then why...?
With insight came a bellow of laughter.
Fuck, she must think I'm a madman...
Unfortunately for him, he was not. "Someone taught you before it ever manifested!"
He shook his head at the irony, but hurried on before she asked questions. "The 'Sickness' as they call it is as much a blessing as it is a curse. Few survive it, but those who do all have one thing in common - the power."
He paused a moment, comfortable and in his element. "Lucky for you, someone taught you before the 'Sickness' hit, yes?"
He didn't need an answer. He had spent a long time around others like him and knew the signs. "For lack of a better word, it feels like magic. Euphoria and Light flood through your body."
With great effort, he straightened and seized the power once more in a fierce grip, and some of the exhaustion melted away. The impact of what he revealed hit his cleared mind and he cursed himself for the blunder, but the damage was done. He would have to make the best of it.
He held out an open palm, quickly scanning the area to make sure there were no onlookers, and produced a simple ball of flame. It was his favourite technique, most effective as a visual. There was little need to convince her of the power's existence, but confirmation that he could use it would perhaps ease her mind. "You can't feel it,"
he said, remembering what he could of the fragments still in his memory of the Thirteen. "Not like you would feel a woman using it. It is different for men and women - although I don't know why. The only indicator men have his goosebumps when a woman uses the power."
He smiled. "Try it if you want, although the feeling isn't a favourite of mine."
He was talking too long. A habit of his that he had no patience to indulge at the moment. "I tell you this so you understand a little better. Countless deaths can be prevented if those with the Sickness were taught - just as you were. Most of it is ignorance, no doubt. But there are those - I don't know who or why
- who know the connection. And want people like us dead." He let the ball of fire vanish, shaking his head. So tired... "As I said, I didn't intend to involve you in this. I had no idea of your power when we first met. Perhaps you will understand though. Oborev is a doctor, but he is also one with the Talent. You see the connection here, the opportunity?"
Claire was a smart woman, and reluctance still held his tongue back. "Instead of being quarantined, Oborev will send them to me. It is a small thing against a larger power, but it is something."
His smile turned wry. " I am already a dead man, so perhaps I can do what a living man can't. I only tell you because you asked. I don't expect any help. It is a dangerous line to walk. However, I would suggest you be extremely carefulfor a less practical reason. A reminder that you if they found out. But more than that, I gave you Oborev's number in case you find yourself in any need - you are not alone.
Edited by Tony Soloyov, Nov 22 2013, 12:25 PM.
With insight came a bellow of laughter.
Fuck, she must think I'm a madman...
Unfortunately for him, he was not. "Someone taught you before it ever manifested!"
He shook his head at the irony, but hurried on before she asked questions. "The 'Sickness' as they call it is as much a blessing as it is a curse. Few survive it, but those who do all have one thing in common - the power."
He paused a moment, comfortable and in his element. "Lucky for you, someone taught you before the 'Sickness' hit, yes?"
He didn't need an answer. He had spent a long time around others like him and knew the signs. "For lack of a better word, it feels like magic. Euphoria and Light flood through your body."
With great effort, he straightened and seized the power once more in a fierce grip, and some of the exhaustion melted away. The impact of what he revealed hit his cleared mind and he cursed himself for the blunder, but the damage was done. He would have to make the best of it.
He held out an open palm, quickly scanning the area to make sure there were no onlookers, and produced a simple ball of flame. It was his favourite technique, most effective as a visual. There was little need to convince her of the power's existence, but confirmation that he could use it would perhaps ease her mind. "You can't feel it,"
he said, remembering what he could of the fragments still in his memory of the Thirteen. "Not like you would feel a woman using it. It is different for men and women - although I don't know why. The only indicator men have his goosebumps when a woman uses the power."
He smiled. "Try it if you want, although the feeling isn't a favourite of mine."
He was talking too long. A habit of his that he had no patience to indulge at the moment. "I tell you this so you understand a little better. Countless deaths can be prevented if those with the Sickness were taught - just as you were. Most of it is ignorance, no doubt. But there are those - I don't know who or why
- who know the connection. And want people like us dead." He let the ball of fire vanish, shaking his head. So tired... "As I said, I didn't intend to involve you in this. I had no idea of your power when we first met. Perhaps you will understand though. Oborev is a doctor, but he is also one with the Talent. You see the connection here, the opportunity?"
Claire was a smart woman, and reluctance still held his tongue back. "Instead of being quarantined, Oborev will send them to me. It is a small thing against a larger power, but it is something."
His smile turned wry. " I am already a dead man, so perhaps I can do what a living man can't. I only tell you because you asked. I don't expect any help. It is a dangerous line to walk. However, I would suggest you be extremely carefulfor a less practical reason. A reminder that you if they found out. But more than that, I gave you Oborev's number in case you find yourself in any need - you are not alone.
Edited by Tony Soloyov, Nov 22 2013, 12:25 PM.