Re: To bed a princess. (for lack of better title)

by Phoenix Fri Nov 28, 2014 3:44 am

Nathan groaned. Yes, he actually groaned out loud. Another one. Another person that made him obsessively clean the house top to bottom in all the common areas just so he knew that he wasn't going to contract some disease, or stick his hand in some unknown substance.

The amount of times that had happened during his university years was enough to make him a seasoned veteran.

Also, he was really starting to find the good doctor annoying. There was just something about him that made Nathan want to roast him alive. Maybe it was the sound of his voice. Maybe it was the fact the other had waited this long to finally inform them about something that was seriously affecting their teammate. Or maybe it was just the man's very face. Who knew? But Nathan was openly glaring at the man, because this was it, the moment he had been waiting for, and he hadn't even gotten to torture the information out of the man.

Deep down, he had been looking forward to that. Punching bags lost their charm after so long.

by ArtieStroke Fri Nov 28, 2014 8:44 pm

Rachel was still a bit taken aback by how quickly this all spiraled downwards, but she followed the Doc into the living room anyways.
Finding her nerve again, she piped up, "So... what have you been keeping from us about Jacquine?"

by Waistcoat Sun Nov 30, 2014 6:11 pm

Doc didn't answer Rachel's question straight away. He continued into the living room, beckoning everyone to take a seat and get comfortable as he took off his lab coat, which he was so often seen in, folding it and placing it neatly on his seat. He proceeded to search the bookshelf for a specific book, when finding it he opened it up to reveal a bottle of his own personal scotch and a glass cut into it the paper.

Finally, he sat down. Pouring himself a drink he looked up to Rachel and the rest of the group.

'The reason she acts the way she does' He said to Rachel, finally answering her question.

He pulled out a carton of cigarettes and a lighter placing one in his mouth.

'Before I go any further into this, I have to ask, What are your thoughts on Jacquine? and not just her as a person but as a powered like all of you' He said lighting up the cigarette.

by **Joule** Mon Dec 01, 2014 8:56 am

Joule snatched the cigarette from his mouth, waved his hand splashing a bit of water, taken from the moisture in the air, in the Doc's face, and tutted.

"No smoking indoors. For crying out loud, aren't you meant to be a doctor? If you wanna smoke your stinky stick of death, go outside," he pointed at the door.

"Also, Jac is sweet. I mean sure her powers aren't as awesome as mine, but not everyone is born with this talent you know. She's pretty good though, I guess."

Joule was already feeling better, as he got to boast about himself. Then he took the chance to turn back to Gabe and wink.

by Phoenix Mon Dec 01, 2014 3:58 pm

"Jacquine is a wonderful person, Doc, and she does seem a bit delicate when it comes to certain things. Like being around fighting between people. I assume this just applies to people who she likes, or merely anyone who isn't a villain," Nathan said, still glaring at Doc. "As for her powers, there isn't much to comment on them. I don't think she's ever really shown what her limits are with them, at least, not to my knowledge."

They reminded him strongly of Nicky's own powers. That, he didn't like, but it wasn't important.

by Zenith Mon Dec 01, 2014 8:05 pm

Nat was flirting. Well, of course he was. He did it all the time. So did Kade. It was just what they did, it was part of who they were. Then why, this time, did it annoy him so much? Probably because it seemed like Nat was using it to distract from him obviously not being okay. Because he wasn't. Kade could tell. He could always tell.

He sighed as he followed along with the others into the living room. God damn it, he only came out here to get something to eat, and now he was being dragged into some sort of earth shattering revelation. He should have stayed in bed. At least Gabe was cute. And sweet. That made things less stressful. Kind of.

Until the doc went and tried to light up a cigarette. Kade's immediate reaction was to freeze right in the doorway. Cigarettes had always been something that he associated with his dad, and even though Ryner obviously wasn't him, that still didn't stop his brain from jumping to the connection. It was the same as when he was around fire, the fear was instinctual. It would always take him a second to work around it, to force his brain into breaking the connection. Thankfully, Nat stepped in before Kade even needed to go through that. He probably didn't do it on account of him, just his health obsession kicking in, but still. It was nice.

"Uh, she manipulates energy or something, right? I've seen her make tea sets with it before. Pretty cool. As for Buttercup herself, I dunno? She's sweet. Kinda immature- and before you say anything about me being hypocritical, I mean she's like she's got the mind of a child, sometimes. But I like her, so." Kade shrugged. He was never good with words, and this entire situation was just getting more and more confusing. He wasn't good with being confused, either.

by ArtieStroke Tue Dec 02, 2014 3:54 am

Rachel bit her lip, "Jac is a very good friend, but... I have to agree with everyone else. She seems a bit... delicate, for hero work. I'm honestly not sure how developed she is with her powers- or even how developed she is as a person- and it's kind of a thing that's worried me in missions past," She looked doc Ryner in the eyes, waving the single puff of smoke he managed to get out before Joule doused that bad habit. Good work, Joule.
"So what is it we should know, doctor Ryner?" she said, trying to keep her voice from being too accusatory but not succeeding too well.

by Phoenix Tue Dec 02, 2014 4:12 am

Nathan had been busy, imaging all the ways he could speed this process up(it involved some slightly illegal things, but he was sure a few of the others could be easily convinced as to pretend they had seen nothing) when he caught the familiar scent of the ambiguous perfume that they so often liked to wear. It was neither masculine or feminine in nature, and he had no idea what it was supposed to be. It was at least, pleasant enough, though he hated it merely for the association it had with Nicky, as his sworn nemesis walked into the room, completely oblivious to the on goings.

Nicky stopped, a cup of pumpkin spice latte in hand, as he glanced over everyone in the room, arching a delicate brow in curiosity. It wasn't often he had seen the group so willingly group together like this. Or perhaps, it was unwillingly. You could never know.

The cruel smirk Nicky threw his way, was enough to make Nathan growl softly to himself, almost inaudible, before stalking out of the room. There were too many people around, and he was aggravated by most of their presences. He was in no state to be in the same giant mansion as Nicky in that moment. He had to go out. Now would be a lovely time to buy some orange juice. Maybe some sort of alcohol to go with it. He would find someone to fill him in on what was going on after. He was sure Rachel wouldn't mind telling him.

"Did I hear someone say something about the wonderful miss Jacquine?" Nicky asked, smile polite once Nathan had left the room, taking care as he sipped at his warm drink.

by Waistcoat Tue Dec 02, 2014 4:33 am

Doc wasn't too concerned with Joule snatching the cigarette out of his mouth, he understood the concerns but though the water to the face was a bit excessive. He knew a storm would be brewing soon and was trying to prepare for it. Thank goodness for scotch.

'I suppose you're right there, BFG' Doc replied, wiping the water on his face. Spotting Nicky walk in and ask about Jacquine he replied 'Yeah, we're talking about the little flower, what are your thoughts on her' he said bluntly.

by Zenith Tue Dec 02, 2014 9:43 am

Oh super, now Nicky was here. Things just got better and better, didn't they? By default, he was inclined to dislike them just from what Nathan had told him. Besides, he'd promised that he'd stay away from them. Even if he and Nathan might not be exactly friends any more, Kade kept his promises. And now that Nathan had been forced to flee the room, taking whatever chance Kade had today to try and fix things, his patience was seriously being tested. He shot Nicky a glare.

"Why don't you stop dancing around the subject and tell us what the fuck is going on?" He snapped at the Doc. It had only been a matter of time, really. Too many people, too much, too soon. He wanted to go back to his room and hide. But no, this was important. He had to stay and hear the truth, whatever that might be. He owed Jac that much.

by **Joule** Tue Dec 02, 2014 1:57 pm

"Can we just get this... over with?" Joule rubbed his head, leaning against the wall. "I have... better things to be doing." Like lying down. Lying down seemed like an increasingly good idea. But now, he had to stay there, to hear what that idiot of a doctor had to say. He didn't want to be left out and also... a part of him was worried about Jacquine. Not that he would ever admit it.
At least the cigarette was gone before Kade had had any bad reactions.

by Phoenix Tue Dec 02, 2014 5:17 pm

"Jacquine seems like a wonderful girl," Nicky said, shrugging his shoulders. A bit strange, but he had seen much worse. He hummed softly, tilting his head to the side as he looked over the good doctor. "But by all means, don't let me stall you on what ever it is you are going to tell these fine people."

Nicky did notice the glare sent his way from Kade. A rather uncalled for glare, if one were to ask him. He had never done anything to warrant such things from the other. It was silly that the other would seem to despise him just from the few words Nathan had probably chosen about him. Personally, Nicky had thought they had gotten along when they first met, before Nathan stumbled into the room. Oh well. It was no problem of his.

Nicky focused his attention on the doctor, taking another sip of his warm drink. He would have to start getting candy cane flavoured drinks now, he mentally noted, with the slightest hint of sadness.

by Waistcoat Wed Dec 03, 2014 7:03 pm

Ryner poured a small measure of Scotch into a glass, examining the contents before giving it a small swirl as he listened to each person's opinions on Jacquine and ignoring the complaints of Kade and Joule.

'Thank you for giving me your opinions' he answered, taking a tiny sip of his drink. 'Now, let's all pretend that Jacquine was never like this at all, the delicate little flower that she is. Let's imagine that, at one point in her life, Jacquine was considered by her teachers and peers a prodigy amongst powers' Doc downed the rest of the drink after that statement, shaking a bit from the strong flavour and the burning sensation from the scotch.

'Not just by being a dab hand with her powers but also she had great leadership skills, could take someone with powers lesser than your own and could make them just as useful'

He began rubbing his head, a small groan escaping from him as a tiny pain began to form inside his mind.

by ArtieStroke Wed Dec 03, 2014 7:56 pm

Rachel's brow furrowed at the implications. Was Ryner saying what she think he was trying to say?

"Are you...." Rachel paused, choosing her words carefully, "Are you trying to tell us that- that someone messed around with Jac's brain?"

by Waistcoat Wed Dec 03, 2014 9:35 pm

Ryner nodded, hand still at his head, he looked at rachel with a pained look before continuing.

'Yeah, that's right. But not intentionally, had no choice really' Doc said reassuringly 'You know how it goes, right? You go to school, powered or not, and you make the choice of a job, career or further education'

He put the glass down, but due to the pain it looked more like it he dropped it, the loud clink caused him to hiss in pain again as images flashed before his eyes. Ryner rubbed them in some poor attempt to rid himself of them as he continued.

'It was no surprise that Jacquine took the superhero route, kinda obvious given that she wants to follow in her old man's footsteps' Ryber stopped rubbing his eyes, knowing that the attempt is futile, so he tried to feign it by leaning back onto his seat.

'But still, the first time is the make or break of anyone when they take up their first job, I'm sure you guys remember yours well. That's kinda the funny thing really; as the new kid on the block most rookies who mess up either quit straight off the bat or just get back on the horse. Not Jacquine though, she didn't get that chance at all'

He looked at the group, still feigning the pain as best he could, before asking

'Do you happen to know the name Gaslight?'

by ArtieStroke Wed Dec 03, 2014 10:04 pm

Rachel looked at the rest of the team gathered there, seeing no recognition on their faces either. She shook her head.

by ShotgunBlastingOff Wed Dec 03, 2014 10:58 pm

After processing what the doctor said Gabe started to feel sick to his stomach. If what he was saying was true, he could only imagine what Jacquine had to go through. Mind altering powers never sat well with him. Not even his own powers. Hugging himself, he braced himself for the rest of the explaination.

by **Joule** Thu Dec 04, 2014 8:28 am

"Isn't Gaslight an old kinda light people had in their houses which ran on.... gas...?" Joule scratched his head. "I'm confused. What does this have to do with anything. Why would anyone mess with her brain. Why is any of this our business."

by Waistcoat Thu Dec 04, 2014 9:07 am

Ryner breathed in deep, his head was killing him now, but he pressed on either way.

'Because given the circumstances right now, it's best that you should know and asking you was worth a shot' He said plainly 'Gaslight is a villain, one of the worst you could meet. There is no such thing a quick death with him and as luck would have it, Jacquine's had the unfortunate opportunity to meet him'

Ryner paused for a minute, the images flashing by were getting stronger and more fierce, memories forcing their way in his mind. But he had to keep he told himself.

'It was a standard mission, orphanage set on fire. Looked like some random arsonist job, the whole place is set ablaze and kids were still trapped inside. Perfect for a first timer, right? Just get them out, maybe put out the fire, job done.'

'I don't know the full details of what happened during the fire, apparently the place was poorly built so it was on the verge of collapse either way. Jacquine made the mistake of focusing too much of her energy trying to get the kids out while holding up the entire building, inhaled some of the smoke too. She got the job done all right, though. Everyone was outside, the fire was gone and buildings collapse forced her to exit the back entrance.'

Ryner was actually starting to sweat now and his vision started to blur a little as he doubled over groaning. His voice became quite pained as continued talking.

'Most villains are simple. Go in, get the job done and leave. But not Gaslight...Oh no, not him; He likes to watch it all happen, get's a real kick out peoples suffering. He saw Jacquine stop the whole thing...him and his cronies followed her as she tried leave the wreckage and ambushed her...wanted revenge for spoiling his fun...he-he...fuck it!

He quickly grabbed the bottle of scotch and began drinking it in fast succession. downing half the bottle, letting it spill onto his shirt. He slammed it back down, grunting from the strength and burning at back of his throat, numbing the pain he was experiencing with the growing inebriation.

'The bastard was gifted with smoke manipulation and physiology; there was plenty around for him to control. Jacquine was already suffering from fire but Gaslight didn't care, he choked her with more smoke as they beat and cut into her something fierce. And to finish it off...'

He struggled with this most but managed the push through byt grabbing the scotch again and taking another gulp. With trembling lips he finally said.

'Raped her'

by **Joule** Thu Dec 04, 2014 9:28 am

Joule froze at that. He stared at Ryner, unblinking, for several long seconds.

"He. He did what." He could feel the anger bubbling up inside him. "That bastard did WHAT?!"

Joule kicked the table over, storming right up to Ryner's face. "WHERE IS HE NOW? IS HE DEAD? IS THAT SON OF A BITCH DEAD?"

There were few things that could get Nat as worked up as this. To him, to be intimate with another person was one of the greatest beauties, the most incredible gifts live had to offer. And for someone to overstep their boundaries like that, to treat it in such a vile way, it was a disgrace, it was the most heinous crime anyone could commit, it was-

He ran his fingers through his hair again, realising that he was making several objects in the room float.

by ShotgunBlastingOff Thu Dec 04, 2014 10:13 am

Gabe couldn't stop himself from shaking as rage boiled inside him. He dug his nails into his arms as he debated leaving to find Jacquine and hug her or something. He didn't need to hear anymore. He didn't want to hear anymore. Something like that should never happen to anyone. He hugged himself tighter hardly noticing the floating objects.

"That... that monster..." he whispered.

by Phoenix Thu Dec 04, 2014 10:20 am

Nicky nearly dropped his latte when he heard that, his eyes widening almost comically. Jacquine had been... Someone had been so sick and twisted, that they had done something so horrible to someone so sweet? No one deserved that, no one. A low growl escaped him, and his gripped tightened on the warm drink to the point where the foam cup exploded in a rare show of Nicky's temperament.

"That twisted sonuva bitch," he hissed lowly, waving his hand in the air to get the wetness off of his hand. The drink had landed all over his shoes, but to be frank, Nicky didn't give a fuck. Not with what he had just learned about Jacquine. Poor, sweet Jacquine...

Nicky saw an unusual amount of red.

by Zenith Thu Dec 04, 2014 12:04 pm

The lights flickered, then blew out, the air filling with static and everything metal shaking for a split second before Kade got it under control again.

Raped her. Someone had raped Jacquine. Jacquine. He felt sick with anger. The kind of anger that doesn't make you shout, that just sits in the bottom of your stomach like a block of ice. Kade put a shaking hand over his mouth, closing his eyes and drawing in a deep breath through his nose. It wouldn't do to lose control, he'd been doing that enough recently. Besides, Nat was doing all of the yelling for him.

While he tried to calm down, a connection was made in his head, between what Ryner had said about altering memories, and this. Someone made her forget. But that wouldn't... making someone forget a traumatic event wouldn't make Jac the way she is now. Unless it had happened more than once. He slowly took his hand from his mouth.

"How many times?" His voice was quiet, so he made himself speak up, clenching that hand into a fist. "How many times did a mission go wrong for her? How many times did someone fuck with her head to make the bad things go away?"

by ArtieStroke Fri Dec 05, 2014 4:22 am

That... was really heavy. Jacquine had been... oh dear god. Rachel quickly found a chair and collapsed in it, breathing heavily. She was gonna be sick, later.

Jacquine had been raped. This one piece of information was really the only thing Rachel could focus on. She didn't even flinch as the lights burst and bits and bobs started levitating. Jesus slugging Christ, no wonder Ryner was so against telling Jac, just the thought of it- just bringing those memories back...

It was then that Rachel wretched, and frantically grabbed around for something to contain it with.

by Waistcoat Fri Dec 05, 2014 2:02 pm

He was used to this, having people raise their voice at him whether it be a threat or anger, when you live as freelance doctor in the fringes you get quite a lot of experience with it. Doc raised his hand as an attmept to calm Joule down.

'I know how you all feel right now. We're not sure whether he's alive or not but there is an ongoing search for him' It was all he could say to reassure Joule.

He grabbed the glass and scotch that were floating from Joules anger and absent mindedly pushed a pot plant towards Rachel's direction, something for her to hurl in. He shifted on the couch and invited Joule to site down before continuing his story. after another swig of scotch.

'Kade is right, this isn't the first time. Goodness knows how she made it back alive, given her injuries she and the inhaling so much smoke she should be dead, and yet she did. Jacquine made a full recovery, despite having a some physical scars, but the repercussions were much worse'

He paused to take another swig. he was unsure how much was left but continued anyway.

'You see, all that buttering up they did to Jacquine put a toll on her pride, especially with her status, so when they expected so much of her just to fail the results weren't good. She went days without eating, would randomly attack the staff sue to paranoia, attempts at her own life and even cut off her hair. She was a mess and it killed her mother to see her daughter this way. So like every parent who could wipe it all away, she did. give me a second.'

He stood up and stretched a little, sitting down was aching him but instantly fell back into the his seat as the intoxication was starting to affect him.

'Where was I...oh yeah. Her mom is a powered but gifted with memory manipulation. She removed the memory of the attack and Jacquine was right as rain. That is...until she failed her next mission. The body and mind are a strange and fickle thing, despite the memory being removed there was a type of "echo" of it left there, so when she failed a mission or just got hurt in general it triggered the memory and the nightmare started again'

Ryner sighed deeply as it was all coming out now.

'Wiping someone's memory leaves physical scars on the brain, you can't feel them but they're there. Unfortunately Jacquine had her memories wiped repeatedly...I'm not sure how many times but enough to cause her mind to start degrading. It's impossible to see the signs of it but eventually she started losing memories overtime and not just selective ones. It wasn't until Jacquine started wearing dresses and playing tea party that it became clear what was happening'

'Now here comes the real kicker of it all. Her mom, gifted as she is with her "talents" had to rewrite Jacquine's entire life. She never had to do anything like this before, it's equivalent to a rookie performing heart surgery for the first time except the results will make the patient brain dead instead of just flat-lining. She did what she could and managed to stop the degradation but now Jacquine is in some flux mindset between seven and twelve years...maybe, I'm not too sure where she's at right now'

Ryner finished off the rest off the bottle in one gulp, he was really starting to feel the effects now of the alcohol.

'I know that she made some precautions. The headaches Jacquine gets when she's upset...that's some type of fail-safe her mom implemented, probably a precaution as not to trigger the old memories again, if they're still there. I didn't think she would go as far as to entirely change a good majority of her memory or education though, I mean, I was just as confused about the whole sex thing as you were'

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