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[restingstitchface]

[The image flashes to life with Jonathan sitting down in his university office. Behind him are multiple rows of well-thumbed academic books mixed in with fat, expensive textbooks. Those with an eye for detail might notice framed photographs of Bruce Wayne, Jacob Taylor, Iris West and more meaningful individuals hooked on the wall. His voice is soft and calm and gives an impression of frailty.]

Greetings. I am Doctor Jonathan Crane. After the terrorist attacks against Aegis's robustly defended "space slam" gathering, I appreciate that individuals might well be feeling exposed, stressed and intimidated. If this is how you feel, I am willing to listen and offer expert psychological support free of charge.

I will make the time for you. Even if it's just to hear your worries I will ensure I'm there for you.

Nobody should feel scared.

Comments

[fireandhoney]

Figments of my imagination don't usually leave me with bruises.

[restingstitchface]

Guess not. But bruises need not be physical, you realize?

[And those are the sort of bruises he causes, more often than not.]

[fireandhoney]

No, I suppose not.

[restingstitchface]

Good. That's smart.

[fireandhoney]

You and some of my mentors would have a lot to talk about, I'm sure.

[restingstitchface]

I'll take that as another compliment, thank you.

[fireandhoney]

It was meant as one.

[He already knows that Crane and Lucien had a lot to talk about.]

One of my favorite mentors once asked me, 'What is better? To be born good or overcome one's evil nature through great effort?'

[restingstitchface]

Interesting question. What was your answer?

[fireandhoney]

I thought the whole 'overcoming one's evil nature' thing sounded more worthy of respect.

[restingstitchface]

Does it? One might read it as denial of the self. Acceptance of your nature and place in the world is a difficult thing. And most people cannot, well, accept that.

[fireandhoney]

He was speaking from a place of experience. He used to be a bad guy. I mean a really bad guy, as in he was the right hand dragon of another dragon who was going to conquer and enslave the world, until he decided to rebel and sided with mortals. After that, he lived in solitude, spending years meditating and overcoming all his former evil desires until he became good.

[restingstitchface]

Fancy story. And did he make amends for his previous acts, or was it all show?

[fireandhoney]

Some people believe it's just an act, but I believe him when he says he's changed. He helped me save the world, in more than one way, and he seemed sincere all the times I spoke to him.

[restingstitchface]

Yes. But the temptation couldn't have been easy for him?

[fireandhoney]

He says he struggles with it sometimes, but if he hasn't relapsed by now, I don't see it happening anytime soon.

[restingstitchface]

Well, perhaps you're right. A judgment based on behavior is better than one made in faith. I'm certain someone like you understands that.