Published at 28th of October 2025 4:24 pm

Chapter 29 Hospital Visit

This chapter is updated by JustRead.pl

It's a bit dramatic, but sometimes its called for. A touch of theatrics can be captivating. Based on Kais face, my speech accomplished exactly what I wanted it to. He looks at me with a healthy mix of fear, awe, and respect. I set out to overwrite the image he had of me, and it was successful. I stand up while I wait for Kai to respond; Ive said my piece. His manic smile returns as he licks his dry lips. Crouched down, he looks like a scheming gremlin. I only seem to acquire eccentric pieces.

Youve made your point, and on a completely unrelated note, Id be happy to work for you. Well, it would be career suicide to pass on this opportunity. What kind of work will we be doing? Kai asked.

Youre going to help me with a few experiments. Before that, youll need to build a few construction drones and transform this empty warehouse into a command center and lab. Well have test subjects soon, and we need cages for them. Beyond that, youre free to make whatever you want. Cheer up, Kai, youre a Tinkerer, I said.

Yaaaaay, Kai said unenthusiastically.

This evening has been a success. Tonight, weve gotten one step closer to our goals, I said.

Welcome to the team doc. I guess Ill never get to rip your arm off and beat you with it. Well, unless you do something incredibly stupid like betray us, Vivienne said.

Isaiah, you have access to certain resources. I need a handgun with a silencer. Can you get me that? I asked.

Do you have any preferences?

No, just something untraceable and small enough to keep hidden, I responded.

I can probably get it to you in about a day or two, Isaiah said.

Thats fine. Give it to Vivienne, and shell get it to me, I said.

Will do. While were discussing acquiring items, do you need specific materials for your drones? If you get me a list of what you need, Ill see what I can do, Isaiah said.

Kai closes his eyes, going over all the information now nestled in his head. Is it similar to the personality pieces? Having something implanted into your brain might be disconcerting to other people. He opens his eyes, looking around the room and mumbling to himself.

No, I should be fine. Once I get the construction drones built, I can have them search through the surrounding warehouses for scraps and other materials. If I need anything specific, Ill let you know. Also, is this like a paid gig or? Kai asked, letting the question stretch out.

Yes and no. Currently, no one has been paid for any of their work, and wont be until I can finalize a means of cleaning the money. Right now, the only liquid cash we have is stolen, and the rest is tied up in kilos of cocaine until we find a buyer. If the organization is going to succeed and be different from other Neuvohuman-led gangs, then it needs to be a legitimate business: healthcare, paychecks, and paper trails. Everything needed to prove to any legislative power that you all work for a functionally real company, I answered.

I, for one, would welcome being able to file taxes or generate credit. Im not sure if you two have ever tried to put a bid on a property with cash covered in bodily fluids, but it tends not to go through, Kai said to V and Isaiah.

Speak for yourself. I own a house, and until a week ago, I was a seven-foot-tall reptile man. Maybe it has something to do with you looking like Ru Pauls Rocky Horror Picture Show, Isaiah said.

Holy shit, Hotpants, Vivienne said, bursting out laughing and clutching her sides.

Maria loves that movie. Ive never understood the obsession with reality TV; it lacks the structure of scripted series. If I want to watch something for hours, Id prefer it to have a cohesive, clear story.

Its time for me to take my leave. Doctor, you have your orders. And you two should get everything you need for this weekend. Help Rorschach get her revenge, and then we can bring her into the fold. While youre handling Santiago, find out if his gang has a buyer whod want thirty kilos of cocaine, I said.

I roll out of bed, picking my shirt up off the floor. I carefully avoid the clothes strewn about on the floor as I search for my pants. Maria is still sleeping on my bed, her naked form covered by the sheets. Its been three days since the warehouse, and Ive spent every day and night with her. Not even so much as a glimpse of that side of her. She is back to being the picturesque partner from before. Shes still clearly obsessed with me, but its back to being sad instead of dangerous.

I find my pants crumpled up next to my crewneck sweater and quietly put them on. My bag containing my mask gets slung over my shoulder, and I sneak into my bathroom to wash my face. Already, Im starting to look healthier. The bulking is working, but Ill have Kai do a checkup to make sure. Everything is going right in my life, and I feel NOTHING. Diminish has even made my budding friendship with Vivienne hollow. I bite back the urge to punch the mirror in front of me. It would wake Maria up, and Id have to have an annoying conversation with her and Daniel.

As soon as we have access to a surplus of transient participants, I should store these powers and emotions inside of them. Ill make vegetative Neuvohuman flash drives to store useful powers and problematic personality pieces. Im sure he has some way to keep them alive but comatose. Cryogenics has made a lot of progress in the last fifty years. Ill ask him about that when I visit later.

My phone rings, and I hear Maria groan. There goes my escape. Didn't I set it on vibrate before we went to bed? I don't bother to be quiet as I walk out of the bathroom. Maria is tossing and turning, trying to bury her head under one of my pillows.

Shut it off, Maria complained.

Sorry, babe, I'll grab it.

It's Jean-Luc calling me. What warrants a call instead of a text?

Hey dude, what's up? I asked.

Aubrey's in the hospital. Apparently, she's been there for a week and only recently woke up. Today's the first day she's allowed visitors. I'm gonna head there now. I was thinking we could go see her together if you were free, he said.

I'm surprised it took this long. Why hasn't Aubrey texted me about the docks? Not even a text about that night is suspicious. It's better to hear the story straight from the source. There could be a hundred different reasons for her silence.

Yeah, I'm down. Let me get dressed, and I'll meet you there. Is she at St. Augustine? I asked.

Yep. I'm going to grab Aubrey a coffee on the way. Hospital coffee sucks, so I'm sure she'll appreciate one. Do you want one?

Thanks, but I'm all set. I gotta get ready, so I'll see you in a bit, I said.

I hope she's alright, Eryk. Ive had enough funerals to last a lifetime, Jean-Luc said.

Me too, buddy, me too.

When I hang up, Maria is sitting up in my bed. She's holding her knees against her chest and staring at me. Who was that?

Jean-Luc. Apparently, Aubrey was in some sort of accident, and that's why neither of us have heard from her. We're going to meet up at St. Augustine and check on her, I said.

Um. Do you want me to go with you? I can understand if you dont. After Marcus' funeral, I don't want to cause any more problems, Maria said.

She's being too mature about this. Something has changed since our heart-to-heart. Its like every insecurity shes had about or relationship is gone.

Probably better if I go alone, I said apologetically.

Alright, I understand. Tensions were high because of the funeral, but I would never want Aubrey to get hurt. I really hope your friend is okay, Maria said.

The distinct use of the word your indicates Maria doesnt think of Aubrey as her friend. Is that a new development or something thats always been there?

I walk over to Maria and kiss her before sitting down to put my socks on. While Im sitting, Maria hugs me from behind and tussles my hair. I love you, she whispered.

I love you too. Ill call you whenever we finish at the hospital. Theres some lasagna I made in the fridge if you get hungry. Theres plenty, so have as much as you want. We should stream the new Axesaw Hunter reboot when I get back, I said, shutting the door behind me.

Daniels door is closed. Hes probably sleeping off a late work night or hungover. I grab my keys and wallet off the table and slip some running shoes on. The amount of times that I leave the house for Eryk Blakely activities has drastically shrunk. Nobody is slowly becoming my default persona. The warm air blankets me as I exit my house. The sunlight causes me to squint. I hop in my truck and pull out the pair of aviators Marcus got me for my sixteenth birthday. All truck guys wear aviators. His fearful face from the party overlaps my memory of the gift. If I ever acquire remorse, will I regret killing him? Doubtful since acquiring affection didnt make me feel anything for Maria.

The trip to St. Augustine doesnt take long. I text Jean-Luc to find out if hes here yet.

Hes parked toward the back of the hospital, and I spot his blue Subaru. He doesnt notice me pull up next to him and slam on the horn. The honk startles him, and he drops his phone at his feet while yelling. It's just a small prank to bring levity to our anxious outing. When he finally grabs his phone and sees me, he flips me off. We both get out of our cars and begin walking to the entrance.

Youre a fucking dick, dude. You scared the shit out of me, Jean-Luc said.

Sorry, I couldn't resist when I saw you focused on your phone. What were you looking at so intensely? I asked.

I was watching cute pet videos to calm down. I know we dont even know why shes in the hospital, but I cant stop my brain from jumping to the worst conclusions. What if we get in there, and she tells us she has a week to live, or she needs a heart transplant, or its brain cancer? What if she fell and hit her head, and she forgot we were even friends? He said frantically.

Jean-Luc. Jean-Luc. JEAN-LUC! I yelled, shaking him. Calm. Down. Youre getting worked up about hypotheticals and what-ifs when we can just go inside and find out.

His panicking is grating at my ears. Hes such a crybaby. Why do overly emotional idiots surround me? University cannot come soon enough. More than likely, the freshmen at Quinstin will be just as bad, but theres a chance I can find more stable friends there. This trip needs to end quickly so I can get started on my idea of storing these feelings elsewhere. This aggression is already worse than Davis rage. My patience is like a wound-up nerve, and any stimulus sets me on edge.

Youre right, sorry. Its just that the party unearthed a lot of trauma from my childhood. Memories from when we fled Paris keep showing up when I sleep, but now theyre mixed with our classmates dying, Jean-Luc replied.

I had no idea you were struggling so much, man. Ive been so caught up in my issues that I ignored my friends suffering. Jean-Luc, if you need anything, anytime you need it, Im there. Now quit stalling, lets go see our friend, I said.

I lead the way as we walk up the ramp to the hospital entrance. St. Augustine is a two-story, t-shaped brick building that was once bright white. Now, the outside is a faded gray color similar to cigarette smoke. It doubles as the town shelter during blizzards or hurricanes. A nurse is smoking outside the double doors at the entrance, taking long drags from her vape. As we pass her, I catch a whiff of a mix of fruit and nicotine. Its such an unpleasant hobby. I know that it feels good, but addiction is a weakness. Smoking never interested me, but even more so now that I have an addictive personality. Thank you, Froggy.

Immediately after we enter the hospital, Im assaulted by the sterile, stale air of the place. Its like a combination of dust and cleaning supplies. The waiting area is devoid of people, and the receptionist is on his phone. He doesnt look up at us until were right in front of the glass.

How can I help you?

Hi, were here to see Aubrey Iskan. We heard she can have visitors now, I answered.

Oh, youre friends with Mirandas kid. Shes in room one oh three, and thats down the hall on your left. Before you go, I need both of you to sign in, he said, motioning to a clipboard.

We both sign and walk down the hall, passing a few nurses and a janitor. The hallway has the same recessed white lights you find in warehouses that make everything look terrible. The saturated puke green walls have a brown walking bar attached to them for people who need help standing. The last time I was here was after the accident that killed my mother. It looks the same as it does in my memories.

In front of Aubreys room are three people doing their best to argue quietly. On one side is Aubreys doctor, on the other is an unknown male Cape, and the third person is someone Im surprised to see. Special Agent Waters of the BNA is wearing the same ugly pinstripe suit. Thats the Traveler who brought me home. Somehow, SA Waters isnt the most ridiculous dressed one. The unknown cape is wearing a full-body gimp suit with white stars interspersed over the arms. Even the Capes mouth is covered by a metallic box-like protrusion. The reason I know theyre a Neuvohuman isnt just the outfit. Their eyes are blazing green. As we get closer, I can hear the mystery persons voice, and its modulated. So they use a voice changer as well.

Gentleman, Im not going to let you strongarm me into interrogating my patient. I told you I would contact you when I felt she could handle answering questions from both of you. That is not today. Today is only for friends and family. Last time I checked, you two are neither, said the doctor.

We have waited nearly a week to talk to her. Under Section Six of the Neuvohuman Accords, a BNA agent is allowed to question witnesses involved in any Neuvohuman attack as soon as they are able-bodied. You can bar him from talking to her; you cant bar me, SA Waters said.

I am here not to interrogate the young woman but to help her. Ms. Iskan is a newly awakened Neuvohuman, and she needs to know she is not alone and that there are programs for people like her, the green-eyed Cape said.

Ms. Iskan has two visitors that are on their way. They take precedence over both of you. Speaking of, I think thats them right there, The doctor said, pointing at us.

Uhhh. Hi, mister, Jean-Luc said, unsure how to address the Cape.

Phoenix, you can call me Phoenixno need for the mister. Lets get out of their hair, Waters, Phoenix said as he wrapped his arm around Waters neck.

As the two men pass us, SA Waters smiles at me. Didnt think Id be seeing you again so soon.

So soon? What does that mean? Are they on to me? No, they can't be. The helmet Aubrey made has only one feature, and it does it exceptionally. I have to trust that she did it correctly.

Oh, youre the guy who gave me the lift home. Thanks again, I said.

He laughs at my description of him, and the two men continue, leaving u alone with the doctor. I quickly read the name on his coat and smile. Hello, Dr. Malcolm. Is Aubrey inside?

Ah, you two must be Jean-Luc and Eryk. Ive heard a lot about you two from her. Shell be thrilled to see you. However, before you enter, theres something you both need to know about. Aubrey has suffered a traumatic head injury and seems to have lost all memories of the last six weeks, Dr. Malcolm said.

Oh my gosh, Jean-Luc gasped.

Aubrey forgot everything? Meaning she doesnt know about me or the mask? If it werent for Diminishs gift, this moment would be a happy one. Instead, its just a fortuitous event for me. If Aubrey isnt faking it, that leaves Vivienne as the only person who knows that Eryk Blakely is Nobody. Incredible.

What do you mean shes lost her memory? I asked.

Aubrey is suffering from a case of retrograde amnesia brought on by an accident she was in. Thats on top of some other minor injuries. Boys, your friend is in a very fragile state right now, and Id like to ask you both to refrain from doing or saying anything that will upset her, Dr. Malcolm said.

What happened to her? What do you mean by upsetting her? Jean-Luc asked.

He means that we cant tell her about Marcus. Were going to have to lie to her, I answered.

Youre joking. Im not going in there and lying to our friend. I wont lie, Jean-Luc said.

I feel a spike of aggression in my brain. Stop fucking grandstanding. Now isnt the time for this shit, Jean-Luc. Calm down. Relax. I keep an iron grip on my facial expression, not letting a hint of my irritation show.

Dont think of it as lying. Were doing this for her wellbeing and recovery. She cant handle losing Marcus. She didnt take it well the first time, and that was without the head injury.

I dont like this, Jean-Luc replied.

Dude, respectfully, this isnt about you. This is about our friend who is hurt and needs us. If that means going in there and pretending Marcus is still alive, then thats what Im going to do. If you cant handle that, then wait out here, I said before opening the door.

Aubreys room is plain, with a single window facing the parking lot. She has a hospital gown on and is eating some jello. She looks the same as when I dropped her off. The part of her neck and chest that is exposed is covered in thin, jagged lines. Daeshims attack left its mark. Aubreys eyes light up as we walk inside.

Eryk! She gasped. And Jean-Luc! Guys, theyve kept me cooped up in here, unable to see anybody except my mom. Ive been asking about the party, and she wont tell me anything that happened. Wait, why isnt Marcus with you? Is he on his way? Aubrey asked.

Jean-Luc opens and closes his mouth. Hes struggling to figure out how to balance the doctors warning and his desire for honesty. Honest to a fault, Jean-Luc. Now, what will he do? He takes a moment to compose himself and grins.

You know how flighty Marcus is. He must be sleeping in because he didnt answer my texts or calls, Jean-Luc said.

Oh, okay. Well, he better visit me later. So, what have you guys been up to? The doctor said that the party happened a month and a half ago. Its unreal because the last thing I remember was running out of Decklers mansion, and then Im here. They dont know what happened to me, but I have an idea, Aubrey said.

Moment of truth.

I think I got hurt in a Neuvohuman accident. And I think Im a Cape, she said.

What do you mean? I asked.

Youre a Cape? Jean-Luc asked.

Yes. When I woke up here, there was this hornet-themed helmet in my room. And when I looked at it, I just knew how it was built in a way thats impossible unless I built it. Not only that, but I have a power now. Im a freakin Tinkerer. I have knowledge that I didnt have before, and its all related to building helmets, Aubrey answered.

Ah. You think a Cowl did this to you, dont you? I said.

But, Aubrey, you arent licensed or affiliated. That would make everything you do fall under vigilantism, which would make you a Cowl. Aubrey, when we got here, two people were trying to get in here to talk to you. One was a member of the BNA, and the other was a Cape named Phoenix. Both of them were weirdos, Jean-Luc said.

Relax, in this case, my memory loss works as a shield. Plus, they dont jail first-time vigilantes. All Im likely to get is a warning. Ive never even heard of any Cape called Phoenix, so I doubt Im in deep shit. Did either of them say why they were here? Aubrey said.

There goes any chance of learning about Phoenix from her. Ill have to check the database when I get home. Moving it in and out of my room is getting aggravating. The alternative is letting Maria see it, and no amount of words can explain away my having that. I need answers from Aubrey. She might be lying about the amnesia. Dr. Malcolm said we should avoid upsetting her, but I may need to violate that request carefully. I have to determine whether her knowledge of me is gone forever or if a couple of questions will bring it back.

They didnt, but you gotta be more careful. You look like you were struck by lightning. Whatever you got into landed you with permanent scars and a head injury. Aubrey, your recklessness could get you killed. I cant lose you- I cut my sentence off early. Focus on looking distraught.

Sorry, I guess I didnt really see it from you guys perspective. I dont know what Id do if any of you guys got hurt or worse. I guess the idea of something good coming out of that night excited me. And if Ive been fighting bad guys like Davis, then a couple of hits to the head is a small price to pay. Im sure Marcus will agree with me, Aubrey said.

There are no signs of her regaining her memory. She isnt the type to obfuscate. Ill have to keep an eye on her.

Are you fucking joking? Aubrey, ninety-seven of our classmates died. Are you trying to make it ninety-eight? Jean-Luc yelled.

Hes getting worked up. Be careful now, Jean-Luc; rising tempers can lead to misplaced words.

No. Maybe? I dont know. My head is fucking killing me, Aubrey said.

All the more reason why being a Cape is a stupid idea, Jean-Luc said under his breath.

It isnt stupid. Its actively making the world safer for everyone. So that people like Davis cant do that shit again, Aubrey said, raising her voice.

Oh yeah. Well, look what being a Cape has got you, Jean-Luc said snarkily.

Okay. Well get out of here so you can rest. Im glad youre okay, Aubrey. You have a long road to recovery. Were here for you. Lets go, Jean-Luc, I said, motioning my head toward the door.

Aubrey turns over in her bed with her back facing us. This went well. Jean-Luc walks out of the door first, not bothering to say goodbye. His shoulders are tight, and his hands are clenchedall the physical signs of repressed anger. Ive never seen him get angry before. No, thats incorrect. One day, freshman year, Mrs. Abruzii did that lesson on Paris. He had to go home after having a meltdown in class. The party did a number on him, reawakening dormant trauma. The city he was born in was destroyed by a Cowl. Years later, his new home is attacked by another Cowl. One friend dead, and one taking up a hopeless crusade. How would you react knowing that your final friend has become a Cowl?

Jean-Luc stomps off down the hall without saying a word to me. Whys he upset with me? Aubreys doctor is waiting outside her room. He most likely came back when he heard Aubrey and Jean-Luc arguing. The two men from earlier are nowhere to be found, but with Watrs power, they could be halfway around the world by now.

Dont worry, Dr. Malcolm. We didnt tell her about Marcus. The yelling was because of a difference in opinion on something. Im glad that my friend is okay; Ive seen enough death to last a lifetime.

Im sure she appreciates your visit. In a case like hers, you just have to give her time. Were hopeful that her memories will come back in due time. Whatever happened to your friend, she is extremely lucky that there wasnt nerve damage due to the electricity, he said.

Fingers crossed. Have a good day, doctor, I said.

I check my phone for any messages from Jean-Luc. There arent any notifications, so he probably wants space. Tonight is the night of the raid. I cant be there; far too many witnesses. Isaiah, Vivienne, and Rorschach have to handle this with just the three of them. Would I be worried if it was something I felt? Vivienne is strong enough to survive anything, and weve been working toward her being more cautious. There isnt anything for Nobody to do tonight. Ill just spend it with Maria as Eryk. I should stop at Roxys to grab some popcorn on my way home. I pull out of the hospital, heading for the grocery store. The road I must walk to remain the ideal boyfriend is littered with minor inconveniences.

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