014 ≠ ( CONSOLE | VIDEO + ACTION )

[denyamenti]

((OOC: Very belatedly backdated to the start of the MisSpell plot.))

---

[ While this isn't the first time Bakura's been on the console looking like he's been in a fight, this might be the most indignant he's ever looked about it. Some absently wiped cuts have made a few streaks of blood against pale skin, and those are going to be some spectacular bruises later. ]

Is this the Dreaming's doing, or is someone here once again messing around with what they shouldn't be?

It seems-- [ aggravated sarcasm ] --that it isn't enough where alternate versions of ourselves can show up in this city. Now it's ourselves, from past or future, and mine decided he did not approve of what he is to become.

private to Pepper, Raine, Valdis

Be warned: he took the Ring. Well meaning as it might be, don't try to take it back from him unless you intend to keep it. My--

[ pause; voice is carefully, exactingly neutral ]

The ghosts are also responding more strongly to him at the moment, than to me.

---

[ around; ]

[ Both Bakuras can be run into throughout the city, one searching for the other, and the newer arrival still trying to figure out exactly what the hell is going on. They both look alike and yet don't... it's kind of jarring, and yet there's no mistaking. TKB replies will come from diaboundthief ]

Comments

[ruinsprofessor]

I suppose that's fair. Everyone changes with time, after all, and you've had more than others.

[Raine grimaces at him, though in truth she's more annoyed with herself. She'd been so caught up by Bakura needing help that she hadn't stopped to think.]

It began happening earlier this morning. I don't know why, but it's not helped by the fact that every light arte has a dark mirror.

[She has known the shadows too fondly to ever be frightened of them, but it really does feel like the Dreaming has it out for her this month.]

I... won't be able to heal you, until my affinity for light returns in the manner to which I'm accustomed. I can wrap your ribs, at the least.

[denyamenti]

What do you think you'd be like, if you'd had as much time?

[ It's an idle inquiry, almost as much to distract from whatever she's doing than in genuine curiosity. ]

Well, I've been getting too spoiled with magical healing anyway. A wrap will be enough.

[ruinsprofessor]

I've wondered that myself. I'm only at about three percent of my possible lifespan, after all. Change will happen, whether I mean it to or not.

[But she honestly doesn't know, only that she will be different than she would have been had she not been on the journey of regeneration, and that it will depend on what she is allowed to remember.]

...All right. You have supplies here, don't you?

[She leans her staff against the nearest wall.]

Shirt.

[denyamenti]

Trying to give me a run for my money in the longevity department?

[ It's a tease, because magic aside, he knows he is only human and thus should have a human lifespan. If he manages to stay in Keeliai to see it, he'll age and die at the same rate as any other human.

At her order, Bakura mutters under his breath something that sounds like a godly epithet but tugs his shirt over his head. There's quite a few bruises peppering the skin, but most of them are superficial. Darker ones follow the ribcage, layering over the jagged white claw-mark scars that cross his torso. ]

Supplies are in the office, seba-rekhet.

[ruinsprofessor]

[Absently:]

Until a few years ago, I didn't anticipate dying of old age, either.

[She heard you swearing, Bakura. She doesn't have the energy to reprimand him for language, though, only shakes her head at him and goes to rummage through his office.]

[She's back before long with bandages, approaching Bakura as though there's no question that he'll let her prod him as she wills.]

I'm relieved it wasn't worse.

[She's aware Bakura can be vicious, and doesn't assume his other self is any different. This isn't Ryou they're talking about, after all.]

[denyamenti]

Well, you've never been the most optimistic of people to be brought to Tu Vishan.

[ It's a jest, evidenced by the faintly wincing grin he flashes her, but he knows better than to laugh at the moment. Grudgingly tolerating the poking and prodding of his side. ]

Worse is subjective, seba-rekhet.

[ Having the Ring and the ghosts go out the door with the Thief King was far more of a blow than any that had been physically landed. ]

[ruinsprofessor]

[When there was no true hope, Genis was hope enough; but Bakura isn't wrong, either. Raine gives him a wry little smile instead.]

I suppose not.

[She's gentler when she's feeling out the bones proper instead of bruises, eyes half-closed as she relies purely on touch to tell her if anything's out of alignment or if there's something worse than Bakura thought; but no, he's good at self-assessment on this front at least, and before long Raine's starting to bind his ribs carefully.]

Inhale, please.

... ah. [Raine can guess what he's thinking fairy safely.] That's true. What do you plan to do now?

[denyamenti]

[ He breathes as instructed, automatically holding the breath in so that she had a steady pressure to work against. Like himself, Raine knew what she was doing. She was gentler than he would have been with himself. ]

You mean, am I going to claim them back? They've always done what they wanted.

[ruinsprofessor]

So you don't mean to go after him, then.

[Raine does appreciate that he knows what he's doing under a healer's hands; it means she has to prod him less, and that they can work in easy harmony, till she's finally securing the bandaging. She straightens, and sighs.]

I'm only sorry I can't do more.