2020-02-25 - Sisterhood of the ICU

Hera paces in the hospital lobby staring at her cellphone with much angst and anxiety. As far as she knows, everything that can be done for Stephanie is done for her so now she's worried about her friend. Biting her bottom lip for a bit she paces a little more and takes a deep breath to try to calm herself. "Can't go alone can't go alone can't go alone." She whimpers. Whatever she left behind seems to have her worried on many levels.

Grace arrives at the hospital in common clothes. Jeans and shirt covered by a jacket, looking a bit worried. "Hi Hera." Moving to offer a hug. "What happened?"

Hera looks very very worred and she goes over to give Grace a hug. "We were all at the Addington House, even the man who runs it was there." She moves in closer so she can speak quietly with the woman, heaven only knows people at the hospital would lock her up for what she's about to say, "There was this monster, horrible horrible thing. Sagging skin, long fangs, just...horrid. It ripped Stephanie apart but it seemed to tune in to Kim. It was focused on her and she was fighting it with her" she says in a whisper, "Gifts. I don't know if /them/ will come for her now but she kept telling Devlin and I to go. Devlin said he needed help to get Stephanie here so I left with my cousin. We've GOT to figure out what happened to Kim!"

Grace blinks and listens, looking worried. "Stephanie is ok?" She asks, but then hearing about Kim. "Where is she?" She asks, worried and looking around. Frowning some. "Where? Let's go find her." Grace offers, seeming a bit worked up, but at least not panicking at least.

Hera sighs and shrugs, "I...I'm not sure. I imagine Stephanie is ok and I think we have done everything we could. Kim is at the Addington House when I had to leave her. I hope she's ok, I really really hope she is. Do you know how to get there?"

Grace shakes her head, "Not quite. But GPS might help." She suggests. Furrowing her brows in worry. "I should go there. Hera, you can look after Steph?" She suggests, not wanting Hera to need to risk any danger. "I'll try to shoot Kim a text as well."

Hera pockets her cellphone and makes sure she has her purse over her shoulder. "No, I'm coming with you." she says, "Stephanie is in good hands at the hospital. They will look after her here. You don't need to run into that thing by yourself and I'll show you where to go. Do you want to tell Faith where you are going?"

Hera feels her cellphone go off and she freezes where she is. "Grace! Oh my god it's Kim! Kim just texted me!!!"

Grace smiles and nods, "Same here. Let's go. I will ask where she is. Can you call and talk while I drive?" She suggests, or other way around. "I sent Faith a message, but I know she will worry." Even if Grace probably didn't give any specifics.

Hera texts off messages on her phone as quickly as she can and she nervously bites her bottom lip, "She is saying it's quicker for her to come to us. Hospital, good place, oh sheesh."

(TXT to Grace Hera) Kim : Omw

Grace starts to pace in worry, tears do run down her cheeks as she nods to Hera some. Nervously worrying her hands.

Hera takes a deep breath to try to steady herself and her feelings. Seeing Grace fall apart she goes over to comfort her. "She texted both of us, surely that means she's ok and if she can drive here, that's good, that's really good."

It take a few minutes for Kim to walk into the hospital. She is visibly shaking, her make-up ruined from crying, her eyes very puffy, but at least with no with no visible injuries(to the best of player's knowledge). Seeing the pair she'll rush over to the two pulling then into a tight hug. "My Grace I thought I'd never see you again...I thought I was going to die." she says in shaky voice, all of bravery had been drained away by the encounter.

Grace nods and hugs Hera. "Yes." She manages to get out. Seeing Kim come in. Trying to get someone to take a look at her, hoping a doctor is free. Moving over to Kim. "How are you?" She asks and worry. Wanting to hug her but not sure if she is injured. Though then she is pulled into the hug. "I'm glad that you are safe."

Hera almost drops the phone and rushes over toward Kim. "Kim!" she shrieks, quite anxious and thrilled to see her. "I....I was worried too, oh god uhm, Stephanie is being tended to. What the heck happened? Sit down, let me take a look at you ok?"

Kim still shaking gives out a long side "I'm not good. Physically I think I'm okay. Oh Grace it was awful." she replies to her. "I am to and I'm so happy to see you." tilting her head towards Hera "I know you were Hera. Good that you and Devlin has able to her the help she needed. She's a patient her way too much." breaking the hug to find a seat "So much happened Hera. What I had to pretend to that awful thing. I thought I was ready to face things like that..." she trails off as she is being looked over.

Grace does step back a bit to let Hera look after her to see how she is. Furrowing her brows and worry. Once Hera is done she will kiss Kim and hug her. Looking to Hera as well. "Thank you."

Hera isn't anywhere near Devlin's level, but she seems to have acquired some medical skills somewhere and at some point. "She's....she's ok." Hera heaves a huge sigh of relief. "Just, day by day, step by step, ok? I'm so glad you're fine, physically anyway. I love you both very much, I, was so worried. Just, take a seat. Everything is going to be fine now."

Kim slowly nods to Hera's assignment "Yeah I guess. One step at a time. I love you too Hera. I don't think things can ever be fine again. You were there you saw it...what you didn't see was it giving nor how awful it was. All I could manage to do was distract it. Let someone else deal with it...what it did to Stepie in a just a few seconds. Is it always going to be like this?" she looks at Hera and certainly she wants the answer to be no. She'd even be fine if Hera just lied and said no. She return's Grace's hug and gives a tiny smile at the kiss...that she can't return right now after what she was seen.

Grace does just seem happy that they are both physically safe. "Want to rest and talk some?" She offers to Kim. Looking to Hera as well. "Thank you again." Hugging her. "Same." She offers and smiles. Looking between the two of them, wiping any tear that is still on her cheek.

Hera relaxes a little bit more and shakes her head. "Nothing is, that easy. Apparently this is just part of the price we pay for who and what we are now. It's a new battle, but we have to be ready to fight it, no matter what. There's clearly a reason to fight though, look at you both and the newfound love you have for one another, you can't give up on that." She then looks down the hall as she knows there's more secretive places to chat here. Unfortunately, she's become all too familiar with the hospital. "Want to go get a soda in the cafe here then we'll find a place to chat? If we could just relax a little, that will help the three of us."

Kim nods to Grace, raising her hand to help wipe any tears on her love's cheek. "Yes I could like to. I'm sorry my Grace-kanojo. I'm probably worrying you a lot, it's just a lot to process. Are you okay though?" Hera's answer isn't the one she wants to hear, but it's honest at least. "You are probably right. Part of me just wants to go back to the way things were before. That's the thing I thought I was ready. I thought I could take on what is coming. I know we have to fight and there are reasons that are worth it." she goes to lean her head on Grace's shoulder "Very important reasons. Yeah we should find a place to talk. I've seen trying to keep things vague enough."

Grace nods and forces a smile. Ready to move to somewhere more pricate. Though looking to Kim and leaning into the touch some. "Just stay safe. And I am ok. Don't worry me like that." She offers, trying to lighten the mood a bit. Holding Kim for a moment and petting Kim's head. "Let us go."

Hera begins to lead the two down a few halls here and there. While there's never any complete guarantee that the ladies will have a secret conversation, Hera does find more of a private place. Some drinks are bought, not the alcoholic kind, and the redhead leads them to a sectioned off table and chairs. "Alright." She says, "One thing is for sure, you are safe now, both of you." Her tone of voice sounding protective. "I seriously doubt that thing followed you here, seriously. So, Kim, take it from the start if you don't mind."

"I'm trying to. Good that you are ok I mean. I'm trying to worry you, I had to do something to protect my friends and others." Kim says softly. Holding onto Grace as they rise. A small smile on her face at the pat and knowing to follow. Slipping her hand into Grace's and not letting go as they head off and even after they sit. Taking the drink in her free hand and taking a seat in the more private area. "And you Hera. Sorry to involve you in this I just needed help." she admits and winces at the thought she could have been followed by the creature. She didn't even think about that "Maybe. The start, right. I got a text from stepie that she could have located the creature she was looking for. I went to that house and I guess the owner? I'm not sure tried to stop us from going in...I wish I listened to him. There was some presence in the house...I thought it was the house at first. That was before all hell let loose." she takes a drink and pauses in the story. Giving them a bit of time to digest.

Grace follow Hera along as they find somewhere to sit. Nodding about Kim protecting the others. "I know, but I want you all to be safe." Not quite possible but Grace want to be unreasonable it seems. Listening and sipping on whatever she got to drink as well, probably a soda.

Hera doesn't seem all too shocked by the story in an of itself. Maybe her 'hard knock life' during her formative years might be making her calmer than many people would be in the circumstance. "I think it's pretty obvious that we all want to be safe, but we need to be on guard because these creatures may well come for us. I'm not one that's going to stand down in these situations, but I'm not going to be an idiot either. With that said, use our brains. What exactly does this thing want? Everything has some desire somewhere, can you tell us what it really and truly wished for?"

Kim gets a smile on her lips and nods "I know you do. I want that for you as well. If you where there I'd have anything to keep it from you." going back to leaning against Grace needing that physical closeness "That we do. These things will come or we'll in a situation where we can stop them from hurting others. I think I was being a pretty big idiot, I thought this new powers where enough. I got lucky once and it's always balancing against drawing other things as well. What it wants is someone's love, don't know how only that it is her. That was at least before my performance...now I don't know if it will go back to her or come for me. It also seemed to want to hurt the two men there. Didn't really stop to ask their names. Say Hera did you mean what you said to me because you left? About being like the sister you never had?"

Grace does give Kim a hug and nods. "I know." Then listening to Hera, "True. I can also try to help, but not sure how much I can actually do against them." Shrugging a little. Letting the other two talk some, as they were both on site. Just being there for them both.

Hera rolls her eyes a bit at Grace and says, "Please, you're on hell of a fighter. I admit I don't have the most physically impressive skills at times. You can whoop anyone's butt easily. That's the thing though, we need to make sure we are prepared for well, anything. I'm definitely going to learn how to patch people up better than I ever did before. I could have really helped Stephanie if I had more knowledge." With a nod she looks over at Kim, "Of course I did. It really upset me that I needed to leave you behind. I never want to leave anyone in distress behind again ever but, I guess at times you have to do what you have to do. There's not many things I wouldn't do for Devlin."

Kim returns the hug holding on to her for awhile. "I agree with Hera. Your one of the toughest people I know and I certainly know how strong you are. You would have probably beat the thing to a pulp." she says proudly about her girlfriend. Turning her head slightly to look more at Hera "You did your best. I know that and you got Stepie out of there safely. She's alive because of you and Devlin. Thank you that meant so much to me and it give the strength to keep going with the deception. That thing was like more hideous gollum. Worse teeth and tongue too." she shivers at the memory "I'm the open who told you two to go. I had to make sure all three of you made it out safely. So don't feel bad about it, alright?" taking out her phone to send a quick text, keeping the screen hidden.

Hera had likely left a message for Jessica to drop a clue about Kim's misfortunes, but the information is brief. Maybe Kim may end up retelling the same story to the beautiful reporter? Fortunately, Hera has found them a somewhat private place for them all to have a chat. Hospital are, by nature, huge places after all. She then goes to check her cellphone and her eyes go wide. She doesn't say anything though but comments, "If my stomach ever gets that huge I'd well, yuck. If all it wants is love though, well, it can't be that simple."

Kim does break the hug to go back to leaning against her love. Her eyes on Hera when she checks the phone giving her a smile. She is finding strength in both them, without them here she'd likely just be crying in her car again. "If anything of me gets that like that thing. Just kill me it would be better than what it is. Was it a person that the Veil did that to? Can it do things like that." before shaking her head "I don't know if that is what the thing wants I don't know. Nor what it things is love, judging from the positive response it give to psycho act it has a very twisted idea about what love is. And it mentioned it had a heart for someone."

When Hera leaves messages of concern, Jessica drops everything to go be with her. Hospital rendezvous get her there in double time. Though with hospitals being such large places and Hera and company have run off to find somewhere secret, it will take some time for the reporter to find them.

"There you are." Jessica rushes over to give Hera a hug before pulling back to look her over. "You're okay?" She seems to be, and she did say that Kim was the one with the misfortunes. But she doesn't look injured either, and wouldn't she be in a bed if she was? "Kim. Grace. What's going on?"

"Well it certainly ripped Stephanie's heart out and tried to shread it." Then she hears Jessica's voice and she immediately gets to her feet. "Oh thank God." She says as she goes to wrap her arms around her girlfriend. "Thank you, so much for rushing over. There was a serious issue at the Addington House. Devlin and I had to get Stephanie to the hospital. I think she's stable, but it was horrible and we had to leave Kim behind." She looks around to make sure no one else 'strange' might be listening in to the conversation, "I don't know, but it looked to be some sort of monster, maybe beyond the veil who had some sort of sick idea of what love is. If it was trying to rip Stephanie apart to show its affections, psychotherapy is not an option here. I was so worried for Kim. I was terrified I was going to have to call Grace and tell her that her girl was gone."

Kim gives a small wave to Jessica when she comes in. Opening her mouth to explain before being beaten to punch by Hera. Nodding along as she summarizes what went on, of course there are things Hera wasn't there for. "It also throw a fireball at someone. What is worse is when it jammed it's tongue down this poor guys throat. Agh the teeth, the smell it was just terrible. It was worse than a horror movie come to life because it was right there. It was really and hurting people. I came through bodily unharmed."(which actually might not be the case, time will tell) it's all really fresh in her mind. So awful she just goes to hold herself after delivering the additions to the story.

"You all went to fight some monstrosity without me?" Jessica looks worriedly at Hera. "And who would have called me if you were gone?" Still, this is not the time for this discussion. People are hurt and 'something' is out there. She gives Hera a firm kiss in relief that she is okay.

"Why did you need to leave Kim behind? We have to work together. Alone, we're just targets." But it looks like Kim has got out unharmed. "Where is it now, Kim? Are you all sure that you're no longer in the Sideways?" That is Harper's name for the veil. "Is there anyone we need to tell about Stephanie?"

Grace did move off for a moment but now making her return. A small wave offered to anyone new that is present before sitting down again. Listening to try and catch up. "I'm just glad they made it out." She offers and sighs. Having heard that some people weren't that lucky.

Hera looks down toward the floor for a moment, as if she's a little ashamed. "Sorry I well." A discussion for later but she says, "I don't want to upset you love, I got a message from Kim and well, I uhm, actually." She looks out in the distance as she remembers this is a hospital, "Would like to put you down as a person to contact if I ever wound up here again and for any other emergency reasons but Devlin was trying to save Stephanie and he needed my help. She might have died if we didn't get her eyes. As far as anyone we need to tell about Stephanie, I'm not sure. I don't know much about her family. Surely the hospital has a list of people to contact on her behalf."

Kim shrugs to Jessica talking her arms off of herself. "I told Devlin and Hera to leave. They had to get Stephanie to the hospital otherwise she would have died. I wasn't alone I think the owner...so I assume a Addington was there and a man he called Clayton was stabbing it." she shrugs her shoulders to Jessica "I don't know it. Back where it came from I guess. The Sideways? I don't think so. I'm pretty sure we didn't leave his world to the upside down, veil whatever. Stepie has talked about her mom, but she is unreachable. More people I'm really sure except for us here and Devlin does...no there was a doctor as well. Though he probably knows by now." looks up to Grace "I am too. So very happy."

"I'm sorry" Jessica sighs. "You all did the right thing to save Stephanie. That was my selfishness talking. I can't lose you, Hera." She nods to the request. "Of course you can put me down as a contact." A quirk of an eyebrow. "Stephanie's eyes?" Does Jessica want to know?

A nod to Kim. "You should have gone with them." But he seems okay. Jessica shivers, glancing around with some concern. "We should probably go somewhere a little brighter." Feeling evil eyes upon her, she moves to protect Hera from...what? A bad feeling?

Hera shakes her head and leans in to give Jessica a kiss on the lips, "Actually, you were kind of cute when you were that concerned about me, not that I'd ever do anything to make you mad but, I have to admit I love bringing out the passion in you, and don't worry you won't loose me. We all do need to further discuss this though. There is something out there." A forboding comment as she feels something frightening and familiar. In less than a second her expression goes from being a playful and passionate one to one who is worried. She edges closer to Jessica and reaches for her hand. "There's....something out there, I don't like this."

Well, Devlin finally shows up. After all, once Stephanie was brought in.. someone called him in to > discuss < what happened. Yeah, driving a rig when not in uniform.. etc. But having faced more than his fair share of bad inquiries, he looks not overly concerned. For the moment he is quiet, he has seen the injuries having worked on them.

Kim shrugs "I couldn't leave the other two alone to face it. Not my smartest choice ever." the shiver runs through her as she looks around, tugging on Grace's arm to signal to get up. She wants to be somewhere else right now, anywhere else. "I agree." she says to Jessica "We should leave." getting just as bad feeling as Hera.

Hera senses something foul too and well, there's a chair, haha! A chair must do more damage than a shoe! Maybe one day Devlin and Grace might teach Hera to fight but in the meantime she is not afraid to grab whatever is close by to make a statement. "I don't know who the fuck you are!" she starts screaming from the top of her lungs, yeah, if this /was/ a private spot of the hospital, maybe it's not now? "But you need to stay away from my girlfriend! I will roast your nuts for breakfast and make you crap peanut butter for the rest of your life if you don't!" Ghosts do have a gastrointestinal system right?

Jessica is more stunned by Hera's outburst than the shadow tendrils crawling towards them. "Keep your head, hon" she whispers to her girlfriend. "Kim, is this what attacked you before?" Devlin will get a quick nod in greeting but there are other things to concern them all at the moment. "Everyone back out of here" she suggests. "It can't hurt all of us."

A slight eye roll on Devlin's part expresses his feeling about Hera's rather loud announcement. Seeing the tendrils, He nods as Jessica suggests backing out. He though, perhaps foolishly, takes a spot in front of the others as he motions with a hand to the door.

Kim is now definitely pulling Grace up to get the hell out of dodge. She recognizes the things voice "Hera we leaving now!" she doesn't want another encounter with it. Starting to pull them both towards the exit. "Yes and no. Not that one that did earlier today. A few weeks ago yes." Then Devlin is standing in front of them "Go." she says to Grace taking a position beside him to protect the others raising her hand up.

Hera says, "That is NOT what wanted to smooch on Kim and it's not what made puree of Stephanie's insides. That's medusa on a bad hair day." She then exclaims, "Crap, now I'm going to have a face off with Venom's girlfriend!" She tries to throw the chair at it but when the cool lashes out she suddenly goes from her passionate self to being subdued, as if the reality of a strange thing has finally made her a bit dazed.

"Anger and fear? More like pity and boredom" Jessica informs the shadows in a deadpan tone. She doesn't do what she is about to do often. It would be hypocritical after all the times she has told the others not to use their 'powers'. But they are discovered already and need to get away.

Jessica raises her hand, electricity crackling over her fingers, before it strikes out like a lightning bolt into Mr. Tendrils. "Everyone out."

Devlin remains near Jessica as he motions the others to exit. "Move people.." his tone firm and commanding, "And sorry squiddy.. no puppy chow for you." Those that can sense it can feel his bringing up his shielding for what it is worth.

Hera clearly doesn't want to leave Jessica, but she also doesn't want to put Grace and Kim in harm's way. "If you aren't coming right after us I'm coming back and giving a new meaning to releasing this kraken. I promised you that you won't loose me, you better promise me the same sweetheart!" Trying to usher Grace and Kim out she says, "Go go! Even the damned hospital isn't safe for freaks like us!"

Kim doesn't want to leave Devlin alone to deal with this. But she has used up all of courage earlier she is going to leave making sure Grace gets out as well. She's seen another use a bolt before but it's still impressive when Jessica let's loose. "Yeah I'm out." stopping to hold her ears at the scream of pain. And then it just gone leaving behind the insects it did when it was hurt last time. One goes by her and she crashes it with her shoe. "I hate this town."

"I'll be right behind you, baby" Jessica promises Hera, ready to strike Mr. Tendrils again when it erupts with bugs, wails, and then disappears where it came. It is then that Jessica realises she has been holding her breath from the tension, a little tremble in her body now that it is over.

A worried look at Devlin since she just went all Storm in front of him. But he's part of the Circle of Trust, so it will be fine. Right? "We should make sure Stephanie is okay." A quick stomp on one of the bugs before she is with Hera once more. "Do you know what room she is in?"

Devlin says, "Either in surgery or recovery for a guess. Someone wanted to make a meal of my ass." He shrugs, "Hidebound fool.." He nods, "We should make sure she is ok. Surprised your friend is not finding a ton of happy meals here.. hospital.."

Hera doesn't let much distance stay between her and Jessica though. Not taking the time to make sure the coast is clear, she rushes over to her and goes to wrap her arms around her tightly. She might notice her tension and with Hera's confidence coming back she tells her, "I'm the only one allowed to take your breath away, got it." It's then that she moves in to give her a passionate kiss. Unfortunately, it doesn't last long as yes, they should check on Stephanie. "We should see if she's ok, assuming the shadowman doesn't come back for seconds."

Kim shrugs to Devlin "We do need to see Stepie. Make sure everything is fine with her...eh other people can't seem to even see it. I'm not sure it can affect non-shiny people." tilting her head to Jessica "That was really impressive all I've been able to do is throw a board at the other thing." oh then Hera is keeping Jessica busy "At least it seems pretty easy to feel when it's around. So hey plus there." she comments to Hera. But yes she is ready to have Grace escort her to check on Stephanie.

Devlin heads for one of the nurse's stations, may as well take advantage of being a first responder after all. "Excuse me Nurse... do you have a moment? I am trying to find out where the paramedic is that was brought in a little bit ago."

Jessica sinks into Hera's arms and that passionate kiss. But, yes, there are people to check on. "You take my breath away every time I see you" she whispers before remembering there are others around. "We all have to start somewhere, Kim" she states awkwardly about what she can do. "It's important not to do it all the time though." Everyone knows why. Taking Hera's hand, she follows after Devlin to hear where Stephanie may be.

Hera laces her fingers with Jessica's and moves along with the group. "It shouldn't be hard to find her." Hera says, "The hospital rooms are pretty limited for unique cases. I found that out the hard way when I was staying here."

Kim follows along speaking as the walk "I know it just annoying is all. I do my best and normally I'd say that enough. I need to get stronger though, much stronger." she nods "And I've used it far too much today. I can only hope it bring too much attention to me." waiting along with the rest to find out their final destination.

Devlin waits patiently for the nurse to have a chance to answer him.. after all, appears to be a busy night. To the others he says, "A little patience and I'll get an update.. " Though to himself.. there is that unspoken ' I Hope '

Jessica knows all about how busy hospitals get. Some of the nurses may even be ambivalent to the local reporter who keeps hounding them for stories about patients, so she will keep out of the way with Hera for now.

"No one can ask anymore than your best, Kim. Just give it time and it will become better" she smiles to the Japanese woman before giving Hera's hand a squeeze.

Hera walks along with Jessica and when she can she leans in to whisper to her. Then she looks over at Devlin, curious it seems. She asks her cousin, "All is well I hope?"

The nurse is finally answering Devlin, "You mean Stephanie, still in surgery. She'll be there for at least a few more hours."

Devlin nods to her and then turns to Hera, "There is the answer. Best we get some sleep and come back later"

Kim leans more heavily against Grace's shoulder her eyes closing for a time. With a tiny snore. Her eyes pop open again "Sorry it's been a really, really long for me." she is exhausted and mentally drained. "Take me home?" she asks of Grace. And when Devlin informs them that there is no use in staying that Stepahnie will be in surgery for awhile. Grace does escort her, both of them waving to the others.

Hera's whisper has Jessica's eyes pop wide open before glancing at Kim and Grace. She offers the pair a wave as they leave before turning her attentions to her girlfriend. "You're coming home with me tonight." There is no argument. And off they go too.