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[hostage]

SCI » 008 » 024

_“ Hey, it's me. Wait for the thing. _”

Comments

[jurisimpudent]

[By his suddenly grim expression, he certainly understands meat.]

And, for instance, pinning someone down so that they might be arrested.

[hostage]

Yeah, easy. Yeah.

[jurisimpudent]

And how do I get better with it?

[hostage]

Same as anything: practice. It'll help if you can get your concentration real good, 'cause if you lose focus, you might drop what you're holding.

[jurisimpudent]

[He nods with firmness and certainty.]

I'm not easily distracted.

How does this work?

[hostage]

Gimme your hand. You won't feel anything.

[jurisimpudent]

[A brief moment of fear - not of Jesse, not of this power, but of the simple prospect of changing - and then he draws in a breath, nods, and holds out his hand.]

[hostage]

[Jesse looks up at Edgeworth, not quite smiling but softening a little. It's a pretty terrifying power he's got, but not usually on this end. Edgeworth's a weird guy, though. A lot of issues there that Jesse can sympathize with.

He takes Edgeworth's hand and holds it like this is an awkward handshake that goes on for just a few seconds too long. That's all there is to it. No sparks, no magic, no sudden burst of inner knowledge. When it's transferred, Jesse lets go.]

Okay, you got it.

[jurisimpudent]

[And that was it? Edgeworth hesitates before pulling his hand back, wondering if this has been some enormous practical joke. Where were the...general special effects? Why does he feel no different?

And it speaks, perhaps, to Edgeworth's complete lack of killer instinct that instead of trying it out, he asks:]

...Quite. How do I...activate it?

[hostage]

Uh... Pick something up?

[Jesse shrugs and points to a pillow, because that's a good start that won't accidentally kill either of them.]

[jurisimpudent]

[He takes a breath, then delays a bit further - ]

Do I point at it, or...?

[hostage]

If it helps you, I guess, but mostly you just think about it.

[jurisimpudent]

[Right. All right. He nods, and takes a deep breath, and then frowns -

And the pillow rises into the air.]

Oh -

[It drops again at once.]

[hostage]

See? Easy.

[jurisimpudent]

I...guess it is.

[He shakes his head, his heart pounding, and then tries again. The pillow once again lifts, and then stays up - perfectly still, perfectly steady, not even bobbing up and down.]

[hostage]

[Jesse would be a lot happier for Edgeworth if he didn't utterly despise this power. His congratulations is weak:]

Nice. You'll have the hang of it in no time.

[jurisimpudent]

[He catches that weak edge, and it reminds him of what he needs to say. So he nods, then turns to Jesse.]

May I elicit an oath from you?

[hostage]

Uh, sure.

[jurisimpudent]

If ever you think me out of control, or corrupt, or hear others complaining of me, take the power from me.

[hostage]

If that ever happens, you know, it won't be as easy as you make it sound. You better keep it together, 'cause I ain't as strong as you.

[jurisimpudent]

[He furrows his brow.]

Well...But you can take it away, can't you?

[hostage]

Yeah, if you don't kill me first.

[jurisimpudent]

[He pulls back at that, his face going a bit pale. Stupid, of course - wasn't he just talking about becoming corrupted by power? - but that statement - ]

I - wouldn't ever do that. Even...Not after everything you've done for me.

[hostage]

[Jesse directs a skeptical look to Edgeworth. It's not that he doubts the kid's sincerity. It's just that people want to kill him. Often. Maybe even with good reason.]

Okay.

[jurisimpudent]

[Which Edgeworth answers with a frown.]

Do you think I am lying? That I am hiding some malice?