realityshifted | (no subject)

[Barbara is wandering the Plane, memorising the new constellations; it's the closest thing to a proper layout this place has, even if it keeps shifting and flickering

suddenly her head snaps up, and her eyes focus on something that isn't there; her voice is hoarse with wounded hope as she calls out]

Robin? [and then, an aching whisper] Jay?

[she's heard his voice here – cocky laughter, angry muttering, passionate ranting – just as she's heard her first parents, and Flo, and Marcy and James and Mom; she'd written that off as too little sleep and the Plane's machinations, but he looks so real, darting between the stars]

Robin!

[a flash of a smirk over his shoulder, and he's running into the shadows; Barbara gives chase, pushing as hard and quick as she can, certain her hands will suffer for it and not caring at all]

Bet you can't catch me, Batgirl!

[she remembers that cheerful taunt so well, and it makes her heart pound and her eyes burn, and please, please let her catch him before he's lost again –

and then he disappears, and something – something that smells of blood and decay – sinks its teeth in her leg and rips her from her chair]

What the hell -

[she managed to grab her Escrima sticks before they fell, and now she's beating at the thing to little avail as it chews on her legs]

Weak spot, where's the –

[where's Robin, and she has the sick, sinking feeling he was never there]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[stares, for a moment] You are - [just grins at him]

[He opens the door to the onsen for her] I don't trust Mr Elonen's assurances as such, but he claims Nicolai wouldn't actually harm Ezra. That seems to me to indicate that Ezra's state is generally one as unfortunate as this. Not precisely good news, but something to keep in mind if we're interested in helping him.

[a nod of thanks as she listens] If he is being honest, I suppose that's something. Of course, that also depends on your definition of 'harm'.

Clearly, psychological damage isn't counted.

[as she wheels towards one of the baths] It usually isn't. Not enough, anyway.

If you like, you might try sending Ezra a letter.

[nods, as she carefully pushes herself out of the chair; then, a quiet laugh] God, it's been years since I've sent a letter.

What better occasion for starting back up again?

[But Braxiatel, recognizing a possibility, clears his throat] If you're taking your bath now, we can continue this conversation later.

[faintly amused] I was just intending on washing the legs, but yeah, we can.

Then I'll leave you to it. Be careful, Barbara.