[Diarmuid is startled when Berserker suddenly becomes so intensely focused on his arm. Of course, the man is a doctor. It shouldn't be so surprising. Diarmuid laughs to himself at his reaction and then picks up his locket.]
Here, it will be easier for me to move mine. What do you want to see? [He shifts the locket so it more clearly focuses on what little is left of his arm. It seems to have been taken off just below the shoulder.]
I guess it was fortunate for me that the person who pulled me out of the battle had some experience with lost limbs. She was able to get it cleaned up and wrapped. I don't think infection will be an issue.
[A soft sigh slips from Diarmuid's mouth and his head drops slightly, though that might be missed because of the angle he is holding his locket at.]
I am...very tired and when I am not, what little energy I get is gone so quickly. And then there are times when I swear I can feel something in that arm, but there is no arm there to feel something in. Is...that normal?
[He hums it over to himself, frowning as he considers.]
It isn't uncommon, particularly if a limb was lost in such a way as yours. Even when properly amputated, a phantom limb is often complained of, much less if the nerves were severed without any sort of preparation or thought. It is simply the nerve endings reacting, sending the wrong signals to the brain. You may feel as if you are able to move it, it may even feel as if the shape is different, there may be a great deal of pain, coldness or heat, or simply an odd sensation. It all depends upon the individual case, so you mustn't worry no matter what you feel.
Now, treatment for it is another thing. No true cure has been found - at least, by my time - however there are some methods of treatment with varying amounts of success. Pain relievers, of course, which I could certainly supply you with, massaging the tissue or the application of heat. If it is more accute, surgery may be advisable as the trouble may involve improperly healed tissue attaching itself to the nerve.
Phantom limb... [Diarmuid repeats the words softly. He's not sure if he is saddened or relieved by what Berserker is telling him. On one hand, it is good to know it is common, but on the other...]
This is probably going to sound foolish, but considering Servants are very different from humans, there was part of me that hoped it might mean that someone my body was going to regenerate the limb. I guess it was too much to ask. [He takes a deep breath and then moves the locket back so he can look at his friend again.]
I think you for the offer, but drugs are something I would like to avoid. I didn't like them back when I first lived...
[What little they had in the way of 'drugs' back then anyway.]
...and that really hasn't changed now. I will try the other things you suggest, though. Heat and massage.
[And so he is there, as fast as his Cleg can make it. He's more than glad he has this means of transportation now. No need for Hyde. All the more important for Dorian. Berserker stands by his steed's side, patting her neck to keep her calm. And he smiles when he sees Dorian. It hasn't been all that long really, but it still feels like forever.]
[Dorian is warm, wrapped up in his enchanted clothing. The snow falters and turns to water, then ice, where he leaves his foot prints. But he does still struggle to look at Jekyll. To accept him.]
Did you hear what I told Edward Hyde, on that day? The promise I made to him.
Yes. What ever you may do to me, I encourage it. Although it shall be difficult, due to what I am, and the way he is. Still, you should, and I will support you. In fact...I have an idea myself.
[He tries to look Dorian in the eye, difficult as it is.]
So far as I can tell, he means no harm to you now, yet there is...another interest which worries me still. However, when a Servant is summoned, the Master is given something called a Command Spell, several of them. The use of which forces the Servant to do exactly as the Master bids, consequently, having one at all keeps a Servant in line, for fear of its use. Because you have not summoned me, and because the Grail is not here, even my Master has none. But I believe an artificial seal could be made, or at the least, something very similar. For you.
Of course I would. ...Hyde... [He presses his lips together, trying to make sense of the vague feelings in his stomach, his heart, through his body, everywhere Hyde has a grip.]
Hyde does not take well to anyone having any command over him, although he is happy with my current Master, at least. Still I believe he has no strong feelings on the matter, due to that same interest and lack of further animosity on his part, I suppose.
[One step forward, and yet that sole movement is an expression of dominance. Of control. Berserker may have a Master, but after what has been done? Dorian claims this creature as his own. To hurt, to help, to control, as he wills it. Henry Jekyll and Edward Hyde belong to him. Making a Command Seal is only an extension of that.]
[It's shocking, he feels the air of dominance, but Jekyll accepts it. He knows this is how it should be, this is more than he deserves even. At least he has a chance to atone, even if their relationship can never be the same.]
It is a matter I must research thoroughly. There are ways to transfer already existing Command Spells to another, but it is Tatsumi who holds mine, not Hikaru. In a sense they are a part of me, though granted by the Grail, therefore I believe it should be possible to create them. Perhaps at a great cost, perhaps through using a piece of my own soul. But I will do it, if it is indeed something you would like. I shall speak with the magi here, both of my world and others, to see what can be done.
I would like it. Research this, Henry, and tell me when you know. [Dominance, control, a thirst for power and command.]
Then perhaps I can breathe around you again. [And haunting fear, whispered under his breath. Night after night of bad dreams. But if he can control Berserker, if he can have command over him, if he can make him bend to his own will—
[Finally he breaks eye contact. Hangs his head in shame, and brings his hands together, hovering near his stomach.]
I'm so sorry, Dorian. I so wish this had never happened, and what's more, that if it must, then I had a better solution. You deserve so much better than me.
[This command fails to meet its mark. His voice hovers at the edge of a break.]
I believe that you were trying to protect me. But I still— [There isn't a way to finish it. He does believe that Jekyll was trying to care for him. Was trying to help him. And he thinks that it perhaps was for the best. The distance from the event gave him the time he needed, the strength to find a resolve against Hyde.
Yet he is still frightened.]
It will take time. We must accept that. And I will even now seek to level my debt with that creature.
Yes, yes of course. I only wish that I was able to protect you against myself. But perhaps that soon will come and the monster inside me can be tamed by you.
Of course it will take time. But nothing can change that I love you dearly. Therefore I am willing to accept anything you wish.
[It's stupid, foolish, unquestionably weak. It's probably a mistake. But he is so tired, and he wants Henry's love so badly. It isn't fair that things are like this. Dorian throws his arms around Henry Jekyll and he holds him close, and he sobs into the shoulder of the man who has brought him to tears.]
[There's a moment of surprise, and a pause with it, Jekyll's arms held uselessly at his sides. He thought Dorian wouldn't want to come close to him, much less embrace him. And he wonders whether it's alright for him to do the same. But he wants to, and he needs to give in to the things he wants if he's to beat Hyde, right? So, slowly, he moves his arms around Dorian in return, placing a hand on his head, to stroke his hair for comfort. He holds Dorian tight, and can't help but follow suit even in tears.]
At least I can be a lesson to you, of what not to become. An example of the reason you must be true to yourself.
[He hopes Dorian will still keep that earlier advice, after his own revelation, in mind. That's why he has to reiterate it.]
[Dorian draws back, sniffling something awful. (He still manages to look pretty.) He rubs at his nose, and shakes his head. and then he rubs at his eyes.] I apologize, Henry. I was just . . . overcome. I do love you, even now.
There is no need to apologise, Dorian. Please don't.
[Berserker offers a soft smile, ducking his head to catch Dorian's eyes as he places a hand on his shoulder. Then, wiping a stain of tears from Dorian's cheek with the heel of his palm, he kisses it before stepping back.]
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