Face Reality (Research - Blake, Leon/GM)

[Zack Asiv]

"The constant energy flux will eventually degrade her mind into pure insanity. Flip a coin, heads or tails, I choose 7, kill the driver. Hahahaha!"

[Bailey Oleander]

Bailey fell silent at the explanation, nodding as Virgil's words echoed her own thoughts. Flip a coin, indeed; she had to choose the lesser of two evils, whatever that would be. One would destroy things from without for a time, the other within until the chaos turned outward anyway. She could end up hurting people she cared about, one way or another.

She inhaled silently, a deep breath that was slowly released as she forced herself to focus instead of letting the dozens of questions in her mind spiral out. She woudln't let it happen that way. She coudln't.

"Is there a known way to contain it, or suppress it?"

[Blake Oleander]

"Is there a known way to contain or suppress it?"

Blake would ask for Bailey before adding a follow-up.

"How often does she need to remove the mask to maintain control?"

[Zack Asiv]

"There is no way that exists beyond mastering the power."

Virgil would then tilt his head with a hum before answering the follow up.

"Once a year if you want to be the safest with longest time waited."

[Bailey Oleander]

"I see." Bailey fell silent for a moment, calculating how long it had been since the power had first manifested in her. A couple months, give or take. She wasn't even sure how to start 'mastering' it; she wanted it gone. Her lips pressed inward, forming a pale line as she tried to think of some safe place where she could unleash the power of the mask if needed. Someplace barren, which thankfully was a lot more likely now than it would have been a few decades ago. It would still have negative effects, of that she was sure: you didn't unleash qi unhindered like that without something happening in turn.

At least there was a length of time where she would be able to safely go without it. But all it woudl take is one unsuspecting person or beast or anything to be in range, left to the whims of whatever chaotic mood her mind shifted to. But it was something until ti was mastered or removed.

"Mastering it is, then. Still, does anyone know of a way to remove the power itself?"

[Blake Oleander]

Blake looked over at Bailey with a frown.

"Why remove it? It's part of you."

[Bailey Oleander]

"It is." There was a moment silence as she straightened, trying to find the best way in to words with a frown on her own face. She remembered when she used to believe everything had a place, a purpose, parts fitting together. And now she wanted to rip out one of those core parts of herself, or at least know if it's possible.

"It's also something my family has a history of running away from, or because, or not having much to show of what's been around." Her frowned deepened as she shook her head, trying to piece the thoughts together while they scattered with her agitation.

But if there was one person who would know about hating the qi that was part of them, it was Blake. Who was, ironically, also someone who knew how to control the part of himself that he didn't like.

"Because even if I took that mask off away from Aurora, it could still cause problems for the people here."

Another moment of silence as logic might actually be moving in Bailey's brain as she shook her head. Hearing the words out loud was different than being trapped inside her own head.

"And now I'm asking for something that just does the same thing I just said I didn't like that they did." Running.

[Blake Oleander]

"My responsibility is to look after my people. That includes you. We can take it off and vent the energy. You and me, away from the city. As often as needed. If I can control my monster, you can control yours."

[Bailey Oleander]

And just like that, he had her melting. A hint of a smile returned to her face as she nodded.

"You're right." Whatever version of herself she saw her as, she didn't like it, and yet kept falling back on it. And now here was her partner, offering her the support to help her learn control, to vent the power as needed.

"Thank you. Forget I asked."

[Blake Oleander]

"When did you want to take off the mask?"

[Bailey Oleander]

"I'd prefer to do it before we leave for Cabal." Doing so right before or after he made his announcement to the Big Four could cause problems, but if it was as chaotic as it normally was there without adding the stress of the Chunin exams, then the extra buildup wouldn't be in her favor.

[Blake Oleander]

"Tomorrow then, we can go to a still deserted area of 64."

[Bailey Oleander]

"Perfect." She nodded and leaned against him, apprehension fading and returning in a loop. They would see what her mettle was soon enough. Worry about what woudl happen, the unknown, but knowing they would handle it however it was needed. But the unknown would be addressed, at least a little.

"I do have one more question," she admitted softly.

[Blake Oleander]

"Hmmmm?"

[Bailey Oleander]

"Why is my birth father's activity under Cabal security?"