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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
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Post by Robot on Dec 27, 2021 19:20:25 GMT
Monday morning arrived, and Thel Lucasta, Em Chevalier, and Patience Lucasta arrived at the Olivine City Pokemon Center for 9 am sharp, the short, spiky haired blonde flanked on either side by her brother and future sister-in-law. She fidgeted with her hands and stared up at the red roof as though there might be a fire.
"I don't know Thel... What if taking it out makes me, not me anymore? I've had it my whole life... It gave me my first voice and let us become friends.". Patience procrastinated. Em held his hand behind her back, and squeezed his hand, offering a sympathetic look.
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Post by DataNinja on Dec 27, 2021 19:29:08 GMT
"If you don't want to do this, that's okay," Thel says. "I support you in that. But... I remember a conversation we had, back not too long ago. Where you said you wanted to do it, whatever would happen."
"You will still be you. I promise. Your body does not make you who you are. Whether small and yellow, or on two legs. Whether with the unit, or without. It isn't you. You are you, and this will just let there be more you. We are ever growing, moving forwards. This is just a next step. I promise, you are my sister. I will always be there for you, will always love you."
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6,670 posts
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
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Post by Robot on Dec 27, 2021 19:46:05 GMT
"And if whatever this is just wears off, or I wake up and I'm just a palm sized bug?". Patience's eyes burned, well bloodshot from lack of sleep and heavy crying both. "It's not the same Thel... You can't tell me it is..." She sagged against him and scrubbed her eyes still again.
"It hurt so much when they put it in, what if it'll kill me to have it out? Do I... Do I try to keep me promise to myself, or do I suck it up and just suffer quietly day to day?"
Em lightly brushed her fingers through Patience's bangs, and kept her silence.
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Post by DataNinja on Dec 27, 2021 19:55:08 GMT
"It won't be the same, no, but we'll make it work." Thel holds her close. "We can still talk, I can do that now. We can still care for one another."
"But, this isn't a question I can answer, Patience." He shakes his head. "I'll support you whatever choice you make. But, you're the one who has to decide if you're okay with the risks. If you're willing to take that step."
"You never deserved this pain, this horror, and... it's not fair. I'm sorry about that."
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6,670 posts
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92 likes
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
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Post by Robot on Dec 27, 2021 20:13:03 GMT
Patience looks like she wants to say more, until Em puts her arms around the small girl and Thel both. Under that warmth and pressure the blonde seems to find some sense of peace and stability. "It's okay Patience. We aren't making any decisions today, we are here to learn about you. Give you everything you need to make the choice that is right for you, okay?"
Em kissed the girl's forehead, and she finally seemed settled enough to let herself be guided into the center and then the back rooms. The clinical setting, unfortunately, did not seem to help her anxiety about the situation. "Patience, do you know what this machine is?". Lusamine offered patiently. Patience shook her head that she didn't. "It's called an X-ray, it uses a form of energy to take pictures of the dense materials inside of you, on a film that is sensitive to it. It will show us bone, and any plastic or metal that's in there. It won't hurt even a little."
"What if it does?"
"If it does, then let me know right away and we'll turn it off.". Lusamine offered soothingly. "We'll give you some privacy to get into a paper gown.". She excused herself from the room, and left the trio alone with the proffered garment. Patience was shaking.
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Post by DataNinja on Dec 27, 2021 20:23:04 GMT
"It'll be okay," Thel says, brushing his fingers through her hair. "The people here know what they're doing, and Joy would never have anything here that would hurt anyone. She's helped so much already, and I trust her completely."
"I can be there with you, if you want," he adds, quietly. "Feel what you feel, my soul next to yours. I'll make sure that they don't do anything to hurt you."
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6,670 posts
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
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Post by Robot on Dec 28, 2021 0:27:35 GMT
As long as she is closely attended, Patience goes along with the procedure albeit reluctantly. It isn't until Lusamine explains no one can be at her side while the XRays are taken, that she begins to fidget again. A swivel mount with some sort of tube on one end is moved into place.
"The machine will make a faint buzzing sound and then a dull click. Please hold still.". Lusamine instructed patiently. Patience winced her eyes shut. A buzz and a click. Lusamine repositioned the tube. A buzz and a click. After the first few, the girl seems to relax until the series is done.
"There we are. Now they have to be developed and looked over. Would you mind joining me in the center cafeteria for lunch?"
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Post by DataNinja on Dec 28, 2021 0:32:23 GMT
Thel does as he promised, being there with her - even if not physically - until the procedure is over, making sure that nothing's hurting her. Once Patience is back outside the room, though, he goes to her side once again.
"If Patience is amenable to it, I would be glad to," Thel says, smiling. His hopes have risen that they really will be able to help her. Turning to his sister, he asks, "Are you good eating around people? Or do you want some time to yourself to rest and relax?"
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6,670 posts
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
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Post by Robot on Dec 29, 2021 19:47:40 GMT
"No it's okay.". Patience answered in a small voice, curiosity written across her face. "I think I want to learn more about this machine.". She gestured to the tube they had used to take pictures of things under the skin.
Lunch was mostly dominated by questions about "Magnetic Resonance Imaging" and "X-Rays", as well as advancements in other fields that removed the need for exploratory surgery. Patience ate nothing to speak of, asking questions as fast as Lusamine could answer them. The woman herself kept to vegetarain options and smiled often.
Joy announced herself by softly clearing her throat near the end of their repast. Lusamine excused herself for several moments to go over the exposures without distraction.
Patience settled her hands atop one of Thel's. "Isn't this all really neat?"
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Post by DataNinja on Dec 30, 2021 0:35:54 GMT
"I'll be honest," Thel says, laughing, "I don't really understand technology any more complex than how to use an oven or a few of those kitchen tools. But I'm glad you're able to understand this stuff, and find joy in it!"
"It seems like you're in your element right now, with people who can tell you about... all this." He gestures towards the way all the machines are. "And that makes me really happy. ...you should probably eat, though, at least a little. You're a growing girl, after all, gotta keep that belly filled." He lightly pokes at her stomach, with a wink and a grin. "Need to keep an eye out for my sister's well-being."
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6,670 posts
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
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Post by Robot on Dec 30, 2021 18:58:02 GMT
"I'll growing girl you.". Patience sniffed. "The way you try to feed everyone it's a wonder we aren't getting fat.". She retorted, but did manage to get a little food into her system now and then, betweens attempt at explaining how the different hospital machines worked.
When the siblings were called back into the examination room, Joy kept her eyes on the floor, expression tense. Lusamine had her expression schooled to neutrality. Several black and white sheets of film depicting white images of what Thel could only assume was a human skeleton. There were significantly brighter spots laced through the pale ones.
"It is as, or more invasive then we expected.". Lusamine explained slowly. "Not outside of our ability to treat, but we would need to return to the Aether Foundation to do so. That is... Half a day by aircraft or Pokemon from Johto."
Turning to the XRays, she began pointing out bright spots that slipped between the bones. "As far as the imaging shows, the piece of technology attached to your sister has been spliced directly to her nervous system for lack of a better word. I've spoken with my team, and should she choose treatment, we feel it best to dismantle it externally working in."
Folding her hands. "Due to the way it is integrated, Patience may experience something akin to phantom limb syndrome."
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Post by DataNinja on Dec 31, 2021 0:44:26 GMT
"Look, food is important!" Thel says, but concedes the point as long as she eats something. He certainly has a differing view on it than most.
Even before getting told, Thel can tell the results are bad. "But... you can do it?" he asks gingerly, barely daring to hope. It's better than he had been dreading, and his spirits begin to rise a little. "Wait... would she have to go off on her own for this?"
That's not the most important part, though. The most important part is his sister. He turns to her and asks, softly, "...what do you feel, Patience?" He gently squeezes her hand.
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6,670 posts
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
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Post by Robot on Dec 31, 2021 2:35:52 GMT
"We can attempt it.". Lusamine corrected Thel gently. "It would not be something to be rushed. The road to recovery would be a long one, and exploratory surgery would be necessary to assess the risks. If left alone entirely, the implants would eventually begin to chafe and cause scarring on their own. Stiffness and pain, maybe partial paralysis as she moved into middle age."
Patience listened quietly, casting a sidelong look at her brother. "Lusamine, what's Phantom Limb Syndrome?"
"A condition where you lose some function, such as an eye, or an arm, and your brain continues to believe it exists, giving you a sort of false feedback. Like your arm falling asleep, only there is no arm."
"Could my family come with me?"
"I don't see why not."
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Post by DataNinja on Dec 31, 2021 2:50:01 GMT
"Oh..." As Lusamine lists what could happen, Thel squeezes his sister's hand. They might be able to stop it, but... it's not a good-sounding list.
"I'd just need a bit of time to make some arrangements..." Thel says. "It probably would concern at least a few people here if I just… up and left. After all they've been through the last few days especially. If... that's okay?" He feels really bad not being able to just... up and go immediately, so Patience can gets to what she needs to right away.
"...what do you think, love?" he asks, turning to Em. "You said you wanted to go somewhere away from here, right?"
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6,670 posts
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92 likes
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
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Post by Robot on Dec 31, 2021 19:59:15 GMT
"I think..." Em began hesitantly. "That if Patience were to lose her nerve, or anything were to happen without you by her side, that you would never forgive yourself.". She put an arm around his waist.
"If this is what she decided on, then you should support her whether or not I agree with her decision, or yours. She is your family, the only sibling you will ever have. That is precious."
Patience stared into Em's eyes for long moments, just controlling her breathing, as though unsure how to take the response. "I don't want these implants to cripple me as I get older. I don't really see that there is much choice.". She answered softly.
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Post by DataNinja on Dec 31, 2021 20:11:55 GMT
"I know that I'm going with her," Thel says, quietly. "There wasn't really a question of that. It's the right thing to do. I just... I wanted to see if you were okay with coming along. It's not something that I want to assume."
"There are always choices," Thel says, moving to hold Patience's hands. "But life rarely makes them easy. I know that all too well. But you have people who will stand beside you, and help you through."
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6,670 posts
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92 likes
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
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Post by Robot on Dec 31, 2021 22:17:41 GMT
"I don't need psychic powers to know you'll need me as much as Patience will need you.". Em settled her hand on his shoulder.
"Should you decide to have us attempt treatment, you may accompany me tomorrow back to the Aether Foundation. If that is too soon, I can arrange for a flight at a later time, but I will need to know your plans in advanced."
Attention turned to Thel, what with his need to resolve commitments.
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Post by DataNinja on Dec 31, 2021 22:25:03 GMT
He gives Em a smile, though flushes. She isn't wrong... but he hopes that she's not just doing it out of an obligation to him.
"That should be plenty of time for me to do what I need to," Thel says, nodding. "It's mostly just... figuring out how to discuss this with the school." As much as he hates bothering Jasmine again, she'd probably have the best idea of how she could go about that, as someone who went through it already. He should also see if he can pick up a phone with the money he has left over....
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6,670 posts
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92 likes
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
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Post by Robot on Jan 1, 2022 0:59:46 GMT
"Most institutions have provisions, rules, about emergency leave. Where you are siblings, and these are stressing and potentially life threatening complications, the schools administrative office should be able to guide you from there." Lusamine offered.
"Whatever you decide... It was my pleasure to look into Patience's concerns, and meet such lovely girls.". Her tone was genuine, but an undercurrent of something carried with it. Sadness, if Thel considered it.
"Thank you for taking the time to be here Miss Lusamine." Patience replied politely.
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Post by DataNinja on Jan 1, 2022 1:06:02 GMT
"Yes, thank you, for all that you've done," Thel agrees. "For coming so promptly, for being so nice about everything, for doing your best to explain everything to us... It means a lot."
And for the advice when it came to the school. He supposes it would be somewhat like the time where Joy wrote to the school with regards to Bliss. The fact that there are established rules for it come as a relief.
He puts his hand over Em's which is resting on his shoulder and lightly squeezes it. He's glad to have her beside him.
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