[traumaprom]

[actsofconviction]

[The whole world seems to spin around you, colors blazing and swirling, sound muffled—it feels like you're going to faint—

. . .

Seconds later, it's over.

And you're somewhere else entirely. It looks like you're trapped inside a dome of frosted glass; nobody can see in, you can't see out, and should you try to break it, the only thing your efforts will earn you is a bruise.

It's a small space, which you're sharing with one other person—perhaps they're very, very special to you, perhaps they're not. Either way, other than them, all you'll be able to find is a long, sharp knife, and a vial labelled with naught more than a skull and crossbones.]

Comments

[humanspirit]

No. It can't.

[her hand tightens.]

I don't have anything material that's valuable enough for your life.

[actsofconviction]

[he's quiet, unsure of what to say, and just squeezes Milla's hand.]

[humanspirit]

[Milla looks like she's had an idea.

…You should probably worry.]

Jude. This woman is very powerful, right?

[actsofconviction]

Well... she has to be.

[humanspirit]

Very well. I know what my offering will be.

[actsofconviction]

What? You do?

[humanspirit]

Yes.

[actsofconviction]

I won't ask for details if you don't want to give them, but... as long as you're sure.

[humanspirit]

My mission is important. I must keep your world alive. But for your life, I would grant enough that recovery would be… more difficult. You and the others would have to work harder.

[actsofconviction]

Milla, I-- I can't ask you to do that.

...

But I also know better than to argue with you when you've made up your mind. I'll do whatever it takes to make up for this.

[humanspirit]

All I ask that you do now is find something equally precious to offer and live on. It may be detrimental to want to protect some humans more than others, but if the alternative is to become like Maxwell, I will accept my weakness and the consequences of it.

[actsofconviction]

[nods.]

I will. Thank you, Milla.

[humanspirit]

Please don't thank me. There will be consequences for every human, because of my selfishness.

[actsofconviction]

We'll make it okay. We will.

[humanspirit]

You'll have to.

[actsofconviction]

[hesitates for a moment, then uses their joined hands to gently tug Milla into a hug.]

[humanspirit]

Jude…?

[pat pat pat??]

[actsofconviction]

You said it yourself, remember? Humans feel comforted by this kind of thing. And you're human right now.

[humanspirit]

I don't feel particularly in need of comfort. But it isn't uncomfortable, being this close. You may continue.

[actsofconviction]

Um... okay.

[humanspirit]

[…after a moment, rests her cheek on the top of his head.]

…Ah.

[actsofconviction]

[just... gently holding her close.]

[humanspirit]

[she closes her eyes and puts her arms around him.]

There's a delay, it seems. I do feel comforted.

[actsofconviction]

[softly:]

I'm glad.

[humanspirit]

…

[she's quiet for a while.]