Testing, Testing 1, 2, 3... [Canon is Godchild]

[cruelmercy]

Are you certain you can live with the consequences of giving one such as I freedom? Focus overmuch on my good qualities and you blind yourself to the truth of my actions. I followed him slavishly; I could not help but do so. He molded me well.

I know the price of being blind. This is the only kindness I grant you. Do not waste it.

Comments

[notmyears]

Anything you think you can do, muns have a habit of returning to you much worse.

[cruelmercy]

Let her try. I welcome the challenge. [Fear isn't something he entertains in the normal sense of the word.] Where did you get such intriguing ears?

[nineofwands]

Doctor?

[cruelmercy]

...Cassian.

[misterblackbird]

There is no good in you.

[cruelmercy]

Perhaps not. [Despite what he did for Riff, he knows there are a lot of acts he has to answer for - and now it's too late.]

[nineofwands]

What are you doing here? You're not being sent somewhere, are you?

[Cause, his place sucks and that's not what he wants for him.]

[misterblackbird]

And I shudder to think of what will become of whomever it is you're speaking to now.

[notmyears]

Now you're provoking her? Don't say I didn't warn you. Does she have plans?

[ oh, yes. those. his hands immediately fly upward to cup at his ears and he frowns. ] They were tampered with in an experiment. By a stupid scientist.

[cruelmercy]

Father is not here. [And Jizabel has experienced his death.] Did Riff find you in the wreckage?

[cruelmercy]

I don't know. [Half the fun is keeping him in the dark.] I did not think I would see you again.

[cruelmercy]

She keeps them well-hidden from me. [He steps forward and reaches out to touch the ears too.] What a shame. Do they pain you?

[notmyears]

That's the worst kid of mun. They spring things on you when you -- hey!! [ his feline ears twitch, soft to the touch, and he sucks in a breath. ]

N-No. But the damn things are annoying and he was supposed to be curing them when my mun pulled me here. You don't happen to know a scientist, do you?

[misterblackbird]

What do you mean by that? We were nowhere near--Riff can find me anywhere.

[He's thinking about the bombs planted in the pleasure garden. Because someone hasn't lived that far along as yet.]

[cruelmercy]

[He observes the reaction from a clinical perspective, his lips quirked upward slightly.]

I am a doctor. I could remove them, surely, but what would you use to hear?

[cruelmercy]

Ah your memories have not progressed. [Because he has not progressed, Jizabel.] I gave you your manservant back whether you believe so or not. I discovered I was quite...jealous of you, Cain.

[notmyears]

[ they press backwards, against his pale strands, and his fists ball at his sides. ]

I hate them, but I need to hear. I need normal ears.

[cruelmercy]

I see. A removal and a transplant, then. [He strokes over the soft fur with his thumb.] I shall find you well-shaped ears.

[notmyears]

You can do that? [ the stroke seems to settle him a little, as he tilts his head marginally into it, and his left ear flicks. ] Without sacrificing my hearing?

[cruelmercy]

Indeed. I am skilled with such procedures. [The stroking continues as his other hand pushes back hair to see where the new ears will go.]

[notmyears]

[ he is purring quietly, eyes half closed. he is likely completely unawares of this, for if he were, he might be cursing. or drawing away quickly. ] You've done this before?

[cruelmercy]

Many times. [There is something about the combination of animal and human that draws him to this project.] You needn't worry.

[notmyears]

With what? [ not that it can be any more complicated than his time with the scientist, but it doesn't hurt to ask. ]

[cruelmercy]

I have worked on animals and humans. My art is surgery. [He has pieced together a whole dog before.]

[misterblackbird]

You're as mad as you ever were. That's all you are.

[cruelmercy]

Is it easier to think that way?

[notmyears]

Then ...

I don't have much money, but I can assist however. I'll work to pay it off, however much it is. [ he finally drags himself away from the touch and bows deeply, ears giving a twitch. ] Please, fix this?

[misterblackbird]

You've given me no reason to think otherwise. I can't even believe we're in the midst of this conversation right now.

[cruelmercy]

I will. I do.

You don't know anything about me.

[cruelmercy]

You needn't pay me. [He smiles and his hands drop.] I will consider this a special project. I can't let my skills go to waste, after all.

[notmyears]

[ he straightens and scratches idly at one of his hears, his head canting. ] Really? [ maybe he should be considered. but this is what he's been waiting for. and at no cost. ]

I won't forget this! Thank you. Really.

[cruelmercy]

I'll be happy when you're satisfied. [His expression softens and he ties back his hair.] Eat well, drink plenty of water and I will notify you when I am ready.

[bindsthedead]

I think you'll find that all games involve a degree of constraint. Some more than others, perhaps.

[cruelmercy]

I've learned how to work within the limitations of constraints.

[misterblackbird]

I know nearly enough to suit me.

[cruelmercy]

[Without another word, he strips off his shirt, moves his hair over one shoulder and turns, letting Cain see his scar ridden back.]