avengingfists: (these are my ANGRY EYES)
avengingfists ([personal profile] avengingfists) wrote in [community profile] damned_institute2012-03-07 12:40 pm

Dayshift 62: Sun Room [Third Shift]

Last night had been a nightmare. That had to be what it was, but Ilia couldn't deny reality. In her anguish, Ilia had slept through the first half of the day plagued by nightmares. In her dreams she saw Rose's broken body all over again with Gamzee standing over her, his club raised to strike again. Somewhere, she could hear Martin Landel laughing.

Much like the battle last night, Ilia was overcome by her powerlessness. Was she really so useless? Why did it have to be the children who suffered pain and death? Why was she left alive here? She didn't wish for her own death, but if she could have given up her life to save Rose... But nothing could be done now

Ilia had failed to save an ally in need. If only her Captain could have been here, then just maybe his uncanny luck and drive might have saved them. He had a miraculous touch that could solve anything. Ilia now understood why she would never be on equal footing with him.

Miserably, Ilia roused herself at her nurse's insistence that she come eat. She didn't take a moment to brush her hair or wash her face. She just followed along as directed, trying to ignore the hallow feeling in her chest. Ilia wasn't hungry, but she took one of the bags offered to her and trudged to the bulletin. She addressed a few notes then added one herself. It wasn't the prettiest note, but Ilia couldn't produce the level of prose that Rose deserved. Instead, she wrote it quickly, like ripping off a band-aid. Short. To the point.

Her task done, Ilia found seat in the corner and sunk down into the cushion. Burying her face in her hands, she concentrated on breathing. She couldn't face the sun today.

[For her children Claude and Anise]
gald_digger: (There has to be a better way...)

[personal profile] gald_digger 2012-03-20 08:52 am (UTC)(link)
It sounded like words weren't coming easily to Ilia, and Anise could understand why. Seeing Ilia now reminded her of her own experience with the Coliseum, how she could have changed everything if she'd done even one tiny thing differently...

"I... I think I know how you feel." If Ilia's guilt and despair were anything like what Anise felt after Guy's death, then maybe she could help. Maybe just understanding would help a little. "I felt the same way, so I know it's really hard to move forward after something like that..." In truth, Anise still hadn't forgiven herself. Not for what happened to Ion, nor what happened to Guy.

She really wished she could advise Ilia, that she could say something to help her friend get through this faster and with less pain... but she couldn't find the words, and it wasn't long until she realized there just wasn't an easy way. "... Sorry. I guess I don't have any good advice. Just don't forget that you're not alone."