Hospital Visit

[Serenity Nashimura]

Serenity stepped out of a shadow portal, a bag of clothes in one hand. She was dressed in civilian garb; red pumps, dark wash jeans and a black shirt with white designs down the side. Her hair was down, her over grown bangs shielding her blue eyes.

She walked out of the alley she had appeared in, looking as if she hadn't a care in the world and strolled toward the hospital that sat a block away. As she got close, the sliding doors opened for her and the nurse behind the counter looked up. With a careful nod, the nurse simply looked away, as if she didn't see or notice Serenity. The shadow girl clacked down the hallway, passed other workers and doctors, all ignoring her.

Up a flight of stairs, in an mostly deserted hallway, Serenity found the room she was looking for. Without so much as knocking, she opened the door, announcing as she did, "Guess who finally gets to leave today!" She grinned at her friend and walked over to the bed. "Brought the clothes you asked for." She dropped the bag on the bed.

Ever since Raven got hurt helping her to lock up the evil shadow thing in her mind, named Kerry, she'd been in the hospital recovering. Serenity had made sure to visit everyday, mostly because she felt responsible for her friend getting hurt and because Raven was her best friend. And best friends were supposed to be there when the other one needed them, right? So, paying off doctors and nurses so that they didn't call the cops on Raven because of her powers and so that they turned a blind eye to the shadow girl, Serenity was happy to say that Raven had finally been given the bill of health and deemed ready to leave.

[Rachel Roth]

"Finally!" Raven exclaimed, a little louder than she meant to, when Serenity walked in. Standing up immediately, she used her powers to pull the bag of clothing to her. Surrounded by a veritable shield of whirling sheets and clothing, Raven quickly dressed in civvies. Jeans, a long sleeved T-shirt, and a black sweater to protect against the unseasonal chill that cut the air. The slippers with the steel toes were special from her rooms under the city. As she changed clothes, she spoke from within her cocoon,

"Are we... are we clear to leave?" The unspoken clause without being taken to jail hung in the air. Raven had spent her first three days in the hospital alternately terrified that at any moment Feds were going to come take her away, and hallucinating that it had already happened. When she had finally come to, she had found that the cause of her salvation was bribes from Serenity. Bribes that Raven hadn't yet had the courage to ask where they came from. She had helped her friend get rid of the evil in her head, but that had nothing to do with what side of the law she was on.

However, she reflected as she stepped out, fully dressed, and stretched her fully healed arm luxuriously, if Serenity hadn't come to see her every day, Raven would have been entirely isolated during her stay. There were no other patients on her floor, and only one Doctor and Nurse ever came to do routine, formal check ups. They did not speak to her. She had tried once to tell them that she too was a doctor, had taken the Hippocratic oath, but they did not listen, did not want to. Her only relief had been Serenity's daily visits, and so for now, Raven had held her peace.

"How's the hospital been, while I was away?" Raven asked, referring to her own underground project. She had asked Serenity to check in on it while she was away.

[Serenity Nashimura]

Serenity laughed at how excited Raven seemed to be. She reflected that if she had been stuck in a white-walled place like this for so long, she'd be chomping at the bit to get out too. At Raven's question, the shadow girl plopped down on the seat she had occupied every day while visiting. She stretched her arms out before resting them behind her back, waiting for Raven to finished changing. "Yeah, they're not gonna bother us." She grinned. "And if they do say anything, well, let's just say that the shadows have an interesting way of picking up all sorts of tidbits around here." Serenity was more than ready to blackmail her way out if need be. But she doubted that it would be a problem.

When Raven stepped out of her clothing tornado, Serenity's grin turned into a genuine smile. "Your little nest if doing fine." She laughed. "I didn't tell them when you were coming back, so they keep expecting you to just pop up randomly, so there haven't been any fights or anything. Lest they face the wrath of a fully healed Raven." Serenity was slightly joking, but she was in a good mood and the sarcasm hitched up a notch when she was happy.

She jumped to her feet, suddenly ready to go, eager to do something. "So, where do you wanna go now? Because I'm thinking since you so kindly decided to move to Las Vegas, we might as well put it to good use and get some gambling done!"

[Rachel Roth]

"Serenity..." Raven said warningly, as her friend mentioned, on top of everything else, blackmailing the staff. The staff who had probably saved Raven's life, and definitely her arm. Did she really have the hospital tapped? Could she even do that? Raven shook herself. No. She definitely had to talk to her friend about this. Her lax manner wasn't going to cut it, not now that Raven was back on her feet. Sighing sadly that it had come to this, she started to the door, smiling in return as Serenity answered her other question.

"My nest, huh?" Secretly, she though to herself, she liked it. Her nest. "Good to hear. I have a reputation to keep up, after all." She didn't necessarily like striking fear into people, but she had to admit it got the job done. Respect would come later from the people she healed.

Stopping at the door at Serenity's next words, Raven looked over her shoulder incredulously. "Wait, what? That's what you want to do? Do you even have money to spare on something like that." However, her friend's energy was infections and as she jumped up Raven found she was already starting to move herself. "I don't know, S., I ought to get back to the Hospital..." She started, but could already feel herself being drawn into the next madcap adventure.

[Serenity Nashimura]

Serenity heard the warning tone in Raven's voice but ignored it. If anyone tried to stop them from leaving, Serenity wasn't just going to sit by and let it happen. But she didn't voice her opinion, not wanting to get in an argument with her friend. She chuckled at her friend's amusement at 'her nest'. Serenity thought it to be a fitting name.

"Yeah! I mean, have you ever gone gambling? It's extremely fun. And don't sweat the money, I got it." But at Raven's mention of her hospital, Serenity paused. "Ah, right... Well, they've waited this long. They can wait one more night! Come on, when else are we gonna have an opportunity?"

[Nathaniel Essex]

Through the nigh empty halls of the hospital walked a large man who stood at 6-feet tall...well, about 6'1" with his black dress shoes on. He was a well-built man with slick black hair and lightly tanned skin. He was wearing black slacks, a white dress shirt, and a white lab coat with a name tag that read "Robert Windsor, M.D." on the right breast. He also carried with him a chart on a clipboard, and a pen in his breast pocket.

As the doctor passed by the nurses station the woman behind the counter rose up to address him, but before she could get a whole word out the doctor looked her in the eyes, and then she passed out. The man grinned, and then went along his way, soon finding two young women seemingly on their way out. He recognized the one in the black sweater, but the other was unfamiliar to him.

"Ah, Ms. Roth, already up and about, are we?" He asked quite pleasantly in a low baritone voice as he halted in front of the women. "I was just coming to give you your final check-up before discharging you." His eyes moved to her companion, a kind smile on his face. "Is this a friend of yours?"

[Rachel Roth]

Raven sighed again, when Serenity mentioned the money. Yes, they were definitely going to have to have a talk about that. It was tempting, though, to go out and do something dumb with her friend. It would be just like old times again, back when their only responsibilities were saving the world and getting their laundry done. "Well..." She shouldn't agree to this, she had been gone too long already... "I guess it wouldn't kill them to wait one more night, at least... Besides," She gave in and raised her arms in defeat, "They say new experiences are good for you."

Shaking her head she almost didn't see the man in front of her, stopping short in the middle of the hallway. Immediately, her face when cold and she stood up a little straighter, looking the man straight in the eye. "As you can see, Dr. Windsor." She said in answer to his first question. Her face betrayed none of the irritation that lay just beneath the surface. She was a certified Doctor, and their refusal to recognize that was a constant thorn in her side. He however, seemed not to notice -- or didn't care. He was consistently pleasant whenever she saw him, a studied kind of pleasant. Raven didn't like it.

"I can assure you, I am entirely recovered. Thank you for your care, but nothing further will be necessary. If you don't mind..." speaking in a clipped tone, she made as if to step past him, nearly impossible since his bulk filled the hallway. He, however, stood firm, shifting attention to S. Raven's eyes flickered to her friend, then back to the human wall before her. She didn't want his attentions on her friend, not now while Serenity could still become a liability at any time. "Just so. Now if you would..."

[Serenity Nashimura]

Serenity walked happily beside her friend. It felt good when Raven gave in, adopted their old might-as-well tone and decided to go along for the ride. Serenity had been living that life for a while; just going where she wanted, seeing sights and taking what she desired. But in the past three years, she'd never gone with a friend somewhere. She'd maybe grabbed a drink with a temporary acquaintance or had joined another thief in a heist, but she hadn't had fun with a friend in what felt like ages. Excitement practically poured off of her and there wasn't a single worry in her mind about Kerry. And that alone was enough to celebrate.

But when Raven stopped and a deep voice filled the air, Serenity's grin dropped. She looked up at the tall doctor, though not very far thanks to her heels. There was a strange air about the man... That, along with Raven's suddenly chilly tone and clear, unspoken desire to leave, well, Serenity suddenly felt on guard. She looked the doctor over and spotted his name tag. Windsor? She hadn't heard that name around when she was eavesdropping. Or maybe she just hadn't paid it any attention.

When the doc turned his grin to Serenity, she narrowed her eyes at him. Something about the guy was making her hackles rise and the shadows in the hallway flickered to and fro for a brief instant. "Yeah, we're just leaving..." she said. But her glaring eyes dared him to not move, to try and stop them. "If you'll excuse us..."

[Nathaniel Essex]

These women were wise to be wary of him. He had always heard that Raven was particularly intuitive, but this other woman… Well, he had no idea who she was, only that she was a friend of Rachel’s. ~Hmph… Rachel Roth.~[/color] He said mentally. Taking on a temporary position in this hospital had certainly paid off, especially when he listed “mutant care” as a specialty. He now knew Raven’s full name, blood type, and an assortment of other information that could come in handy later. But, now he was curious about this pal of hers. Was she merely cautious because she sensed the way Raven was feeling, or was she herself suspicious of Windsor as well? It was an interesting situation.

The two females seemed intent on leaving without allowing Sinister to perform his final examination. That did not make him happy, but he hid it expertly. “Come now, Ms. Roth…oh, sorry, Dr. Roth, have pity for an old man.” He said in a half-joking manner, but being sure to make it clear he had respect for her medical degree. Multiple times he had jested, or tried to jest with Rachel about him looking young but feeling like an old man. “I had to take the stairs to get up here and check on you because the elevator was on the fritz; and you know how hard that is for me. At my age my bones are all creaky and ache every time it rains. Not to mention my joint pains.” He said lightheartedly, rubbing one knee a little. “But in all seriousness, I just wouldn’t sleep well if I let you leave without giving you one last check-up. Please, humor me.”

He wondered if this guise would work on these two—they seemed overly cautious. Had he made a mistake? Was he being too friendly and not distant enough? Did he seem phony? He was a bit out of practice after all those years being locked away in that awful hole. Maybe he had messed up. Then again, maybe they were just nervous because of the circumstances and thus were suspicious of any authority figures. There was no sure way to find out. He would just have to wait and see how they reacted, and see if they let him perform his final examination.

[Rachel Roth]

Raven's eyes narrowed and her nostrils flared as the Doctor before her seemingly corrected himself, giving her proper title. She couldn't tell if he was mocking her outright, or trying to be sly about it. Either way, he refused to move. Raven, who was uncertain about human contact at the best of times, was not about to attempt forcing him out of her way and, considering his bulk, was well aware of how successful she might be. He looked like a tank that had gotten confused about his intended major and had accidentally ended up in a suit. It would have been funny, if it weren't so menacing. Raven couldn't put a finger on just how, though, and so she kept her distance. She might have used her powers to phase out of the hallway entirely, but with the nurse's station just around the corner, she didn't want to risk the attention. Setting her jaw stubbornly, she glanced at her friend then back at the Doctor.

Her mouth tightened as he began rambling. It didn't make sense, he looked to be barely out of his 30's at most. And yet he spoke like a senile old fool, the words copy and paste from any nursing home. A quick scan with her powers assured her that his aches and pains were fictitious. She stepped back, folding her arms defensively over her chest. He spoke lightheartedly, but his words were too carefully chosen, the sentiment slathered on too heavily. She wasn't sure what he was trying to achieve, but he was trying too hard.

As much as he claimed to be weakened by age, though, Raven could see no way around him. And, as she considered her options, couldn't help but accept that she might not get 'free' medical service for a long time again. She couldn't heal herself, and didn't have equipment like this at her place. It was tempting, if only... if only Doctor Windsor wasn't so Smarmy.

"I don't see what more you could possibly take, Doctor. She stated, meeting him eye for eye, even as she backed down. "You've already done every test twice, and kept samples I dare-say."

She actually wasn't sure about that one, just a hunch, but she covered it well, raising one eyebrow, and motioning for Serenity to stand down. They weren't getting past him, and this couldn't take too long. They would get to the casinos.

[Serenity Nashimura]

Serenity looked back and forth between the doctor and Raven. She didn't really know what was going on, but she knew a confrontation when she saw one. She'd always managed to avoid the doctors and nurses but this one was... well, weird. He was bigger than the other scrawny, glasses-wearing doctors, looked like he could pick her up with one hand and yet he was complaining about joint pains.

'Raven, this guy gives me the creeps.' Serenity thought. She knew Raven could read her mind. 'Any way we can get out of here? I can get a portal up in a couple of seconds. Serenity was more than ready to blow the Popsicle stand and roll some dice and just all around have a good time. Too bad there was a wall in their way.

She saw Raven give her a signal to relax. Serenity sighed but let her shoulders drop a little. She was still ready to fight the monster doc if she needed to though. The shadows around her moved, still ready to shake, rattle and roll.[/color]

[Nathaniel Essex]

It was clear that these two had no intention of cooperating. So, what now? Raven possessed mental powers of a nature Sinister was not too familiar with, so going mind-t0-mind with her could be risky. This other woman, however, seemed harmless. ~And what is it you do?~ He thought to himself, and then entered Serenity's mind for just a moment, tuning in just in time to hear her say she could make a portal for them to escape. ~Fascinating...~[/color]

"Your case is...unique, Dr. Roth, for reasons I'm sure I needn't elaborate upon. This is why I would like to be extra cautious before releasing you." He said in a more serious tone. "So, please, just this last thing and then I'll let you be on your way. But, I would suggest taking it easy a bit longer; so no gallivanting through the casinos and getting into trouble." The doctor said the last piece of advice with a friendly grin, unaware of the fact that these two had intended on doing exactly what he was advising against.

(OOC: Next one will be longer, I promise.)

[Rachel Roth]

"Raven, this guy gives me the creeps. Any way we can get out of here? I can get a porthole up in a couple of seconds." Raven gave no outward sign of the telepathic conversation, but sent an answer into Serenity's mind.
"I know. I feel it too. But I don't want to cause a commotion because of one guy. Not yet, at least. I'd rather not start anything we can't handle." Her eyes never once left the Doctor as she spoke to Serenity. When the large man started speaking again, though, she pressed her lips together distastefully.
"I have no intention of causing any problems, for you or this establishment. Your caution is unwarranted, and unwelcome." She stood stiffly, wishing she weren't so dramatically short. Even Serenity was taller than her. The fact that he had not denied keeping samples had not escaped her, and she glared at him, trying to drill through his facade to -- whatever he was hiding.

Waving a hand dismissively, Raven turned her back to him, intending to go all the way around the hospital if she had to. "Come on, S. she droned, tossing her head carelessly in the direction of the Doctor. She was done with this conversation. And then... he mentioned the Casinos. Raven froze with a sharp gasp.

"Serenity! She though, mouth suddenly dry. "Get ready to hold him." She didn't want to hurt him. It could have been harmless. But she was in a dangerous place, surrounded by people who didn't think highly of her lifestyle. It was a risk neither she nor Serenity could take. Turning slowly to face the doctor again, she spoke slowly. "On the other hand, Doctor, perhaps it wouldn't hurt to double check. Do you have a room prepared?"

She nodded for Serenity to stick close. They needed to get out of this hallway where anybody could walk in at them. Somewhere secluded, where Raven and Serenity could do whatever they needed to without being found.

((OOC - it's okay. My long posting habits will make up for it. ^_^))

[Serenity Nashimura]

Serenity stopped herself from smirking at Raven's telepathic answer. Not about to start anything they can't handle? Isn't that what they always did? In her opinion, those were the best kind of fights; where you had to give it your all to win. When it was all too easy, well, where was the fun in that? Besides, if she did win, which she usually did, she knew she was coming out stronger than when she went in.

But, she followed Raven's instructions. Better to trust Raven than her own fight-happy instincts. When Raven spoke again, this time out loud, Serenity could hear the disdain dripping from her words. It just made Serenity all the more cautious. Whenever Raven was this guarded against someone, there was good reason she was.

Serenity cast one last glare at the tall doctor before turning away with Raven. But then, the guy mentioned the casinos. Serenity didn't gasp as Raven did, but her eyes grew wide. What was he, a mind reader? That's never fun. Mind readers usually hated Serenity, and for good reason. She had more noise going on in her head than Grand Central Station.

Serenity's face relaxed though at Raven's instructions. She even smirked a bit as her shadows surrounded the doctor. They were within an inch of his own shadow, ready to grab and hold. She turned back to face the doc as Raven continued talking but her eyes were on his shadow, watching. If he tried anything, she was ready.

'Ready when you are,' Serenity thought to Raven.

[Nathaniel Essex]

This woman really did not like him. It was an effect he was fairly used to having on people, especially heroic types, but not so much if he was disguised. He was, indeed, out of practice. These two women had seen right through his false front. ~Now what?~[/color] He wondered as the little woman snapped at him. "I'm just trying to do my job, Doctor. I meant no disrespect." He said with an apologetic tone mixed with agitation. He was trying to come off a bit more real, more normal, and less happy. But, would she buy it?

The women remained frigid, still totally intent on leaving, until Sinister spoke of the casinos. Both of them just froze, and then suddenly Raven had a change of heart. ~Wouldn't hurt to double check?~[/color] He repeated the woman's words in his head. ~What are you hiding?~[/i] He asked mentally as he considered reading her mind. However, that could be risky with somebody like her. What if she sensed him looking around in her mind? She would know he was a mutant, and beyond that she would know he was up to something. He couldn't risk that. So, he tried entering the mind of her friend, "S" instead. However, this time he was shocked to find a mess of noise and confusion, and was punished with a light and temporary headache for his attempt at scanning her mind. ~My, my... There is more to you than meets the eye. Your surface thoughts may be easy to read, but entering deeper into your mind is another story it seems. A story I do not have time to for.~[/color]

"As a matter of fact, I do." Windsor said with a grin in reply to Roth's question about a room to perform the last test. "If you'll follow me, Dr. Roth, we'll have this all over with before you know it." Without another word he slowly started down the hall in the direction he had come, listening carefully to Raven's footsteps just in case she decided to run away.