Destiny Village ~ Hot Cocoa Therapy Offices

[Namohysip]

"If you wish."

Breaker approached, and Bean looked startled. "Um, wait, now? What? Did I miss something?"

"You did not. Hold still. I search."

Brisa would feel a sudden presence, but it was oddly gentle. Breaker, despite the name, seemed to be performing her moves very delicately, like a light, gliding pressure along her forehead that brushed against her ears and then the back of her head. It settled there, and it felt like it was going deeper. It relied on none of the five senses, yet Brisa definitely could feel her there.

 

[unrepentantAuthor]

A mon's memories are their own. What happened to me, what I've experienced . . . it belongs to me.

Brisa fixed her gaze on Bean, studying his form, reading his expression. She'd accepted just by coming here that the Psychics would look inside her head. Did he know why that mattered? Did Fugu? The Psychics must understand, considering how they'd behaved around her. Would Breaker see every part of her? Judge her? Scrutinise what she thought, what she felt?

Carefully now, Ranger. Don't go losin' yer grip.

 

[Namohysip]

The way Breaker seemed to move about within Brisa's mind was surreal and serene. She drifted along with the currents, not touching anything, not so much as lingering anywhere that she did not need to. Her quiet presence was no more prominent than an imaginary friend, perhaps just slightly more tangible.

Breaker stopped somewhere within Brisa's mind and quietly faded out. She then took a step back from Brisa, saying, "You have no such seals."

"That's a relief," Bean said, smiling.

 

[unrepentantAuthor]

"No kiddin'," said Brisa. "Right, is there any reason we can't have the whole of Team Spectrum, God Squad, an' any significant members of Poppin' Arms through this process in an orderly fashion?"

She found herself running her paw over her skull. Now that was an old habit she hadn't expected to come back. No claws this time, at least.

 

[Namohysip]

"Nothing is really limiting us other than their compliance," Bean said, frowning. "That's not easy sometimes... But if it's for the sake of the world, perhaps we could convince them."

"I doubt it will be much of a problem," Fugu commented. "The ones who refuse could be suspicious all on their own."

 

[unrepentantAuthor]

"I'll do what I can to make sure it happens," growled Brisa. "It's pretty fuckin' important if'n ya ask me."

Diyem thinks y'should be in therapy. Owen thinks it. Doubtless other folks too. You're here. You're here.

"While I'm here..."

Y'ain't right. Y'need help.

"Ah, is there anythin' at all the team could do to assist y'all in pursuin' this memory seal issue?"

 

[Namohysip]

Fugu stared at Brisa, saying nothing, though something seemed to have caught her attention.

"I suppose one way is to just tell everyone to come here for a checkup," Bean said. "You know, a lot of Team Spectrum hasn't really come here despite the recommendation. I suppose a lot of them think they're just fine, but, well... this Blacklight business isn't exactly standard."

 

[unrepentantAuthor]

Brisa's whiskers twitched.

"Y'reckon the lot of us ought t'get checked out? To a 'mon?"

'Specially you.

 

[Namohysip]

"It may be of help," Bean said, nodding. "Owen has been very well-adjusted thanks, in part, to his cooperativeness. I'm sure he's raved about it to you now and then."

"You are hesitant," Fugu stated, and then she looked toward the others. "I believe we are done here? WAs there anything more for us to disclose?"

"I don't think so... Our findings weren't very substantial." Bean looked at Wheat, but he said nothing.

 

[unrepentantAuthor]

"Well, I'll pass the word around. If it comes from me, most of the team ought to at least pay it mind. Thank y'all kindly f'yer assitance in this, it'll be one hell of a relief when we can rule out however many folks as bein' unwittin' spies."

Brisa eyed Fugu. What was goin' on in her head, anyway? What did she mean by that comment?

 

[Namohysip]

"Yes." Fugu nodded, and then started to move out of the room. "Brisa, did you intend to sign up for any therapy, by any chance?" Fugu stepped out, leaving the door open so Brisa could follow.

 

[unrepentantAuthor]

"I suppose. If the whole team is gettin' looked at."

Brisa took the implicit invitation, and followed Fugu out.

Why's this such a big deal, anyway? It ain't like there's even a head-doctor in Frontier Town fer you to have had reservations about, what even is this?

"Reckon I'm doin' just fine, though."

 

[Namohysip]

"Mm. I see." Fugu walked down the hall, only a few doors down. "How have you been managing your, mm, Shadows, as they are called? I do believe that is what Owen often refers to when speaking in the lounge. Very talkative. We like talkative."

 

[unrepentantAuthor]

Brisa's tail thrashed. "Better'n ever."

She reached for that space in her head she was becoming familiar with, and pushed.

I don't get to be happy.

The sigh like autumn leaves in the wind. The hot, dry feeling. The chains of light. Her Shadow, come to life.

"She can't perceive me, you know," said Sombra.

"My Shadow is walkin' beside me right now, as it happens," drawled Brisa. "She goes by Sombra. Wish y'could see her. Would love t'see yer reaction."

 

[Namohysip]

"...Mm. And what is your Shadow saying?" Fugu pressed on her door, which lit up where she'd touched. It slid open a second later, revealing a rocky environment that smelled like the ocean. It was a wonder how it had been customized so thoroughly, but it almost looked like a genuine oceanside. The walls were painted to look like sunset.

 

[unrepentantAuthor]

"It's about fuckin' time we talked t'someone about our fuckin' wounds with a view t'healin' 'em."

Brisa eyed the Shadow. Exasperation, despair, fatigue. Was that really her?

"She's happier t'be here than I am," was all she said.

 

[Namohysip]

"I see..." Fugu hummed, thoughtful. "Then you are here perhaps because of what Sombra is asking? I will admit... I didn't expect a Shadow to behave benevolently. I have a lot to learn about them."

 

[unrepentantAuthor]

A dozen response cascaded in Brisa's brain, unsaid.

Sombra had no such issues getting her thoughts out. "I wanna be in less pain. Don't much care how it happens."

"She just wants a break," said Brisa. She bit her cheek at the realisation that she meant it, too.

 

[Namohysip]

"Hm. A break." Fugu nodded. "What does Sombra usually do?" She walked behind her desk and unsheathed one of her keratin scalchops, inspecting an edge. It seemed dull.

 

[unrepentantAuthor]

"She does everythin' I do, I guess," said Brisa. She's with me all the time. She' the part of me I don't pay mind to. The part that's . . . tired."

Sombra padded softly along beside her, and shook her head sadly. They came to sit side by side in front of Fugu's desk, watching.

"I work pretty hard, I guess," elaborated Brisa. "Trainin', studyin', an' so on. Been tryin' to take it easier lately. Doin' fine."