Lucien: leans against a paint-splattered wall
This is my first time seeing you in years, pal. What’s the deal with the raven?
Lucien: Ah, the raven? It's just a little something I've been obsessed with lately. Kinda like a talisman or some shit.
So it’s not…because of your accident?
Lucien: Nah, man, don't mention that. The accident was a bitch, but I've learned to cope. The raven's just a part of my coping mechanism, ya know?
Sure, but you’ve never been one for omens. What’s really going on, Lucien?
Lucien: Look, man, I can't deny that something's off with me. But it's not just the accident, alright?
Lucien: takes a deep breath Alright, here goes. After the accident, I started seeing things, man. Weird shit. Like, this raven... it follows me everywhere.
I remember…you used to have a thing for crows before…the accident.
Lucien: Yeah, crows, man. They were my thing. But this is different. This raven... it's like it's connected to something darker, something I can't quite grasp.
Do you think it has anything to do with your…gift?
Lucien: narrows his eyes Look, Torres, my "gift" is weird, I get it. But it's also my curse.
Can you…show me? Just once?
Lucien: hesitates, then reaches into his pocket and pulls out a deck of cards Fine, but don't say I didn't warn you. shuffles the deck skillfully
Ok, now pick a card, any card.
Lucien: selects a card from the deck and holds it up to the light Alright, watch closely, man.
Lucien: smirks Okay, check this out. I'm gonna bend this card, just watch. he folds the card in half
Wait…you weren’t able to bend metal before?
Lucien: Nah, man, that was just a myth. I can bend stuff, but not metal. It's more like... manipulating energy or something. waves his hand over the folded card
And…unfolds it? That’s pretty nifty. What else can you do with it?
Lucien: Well, I can use it to communicate with people over long distances. It's like telepathy, man. opens his palm, and the card floats above his hand
Whoa…I’ll be damned. That’s impressive. Ever thought about using it for good?
Lucien: laughs sarcastically Good? You think I'm some kind of hero? Nah, man, I'm a selfish bastard. I use this gift for me, not for some noble cause.
Huh. So, how does it work exactly?
Lucien: grins mischievously It's simple, man. I just focus my energy on the person I want to reach, and then the card acts like a conduit.
Do you need to speak aloud, or can it be telepathic?
Lucien: pauses and smirks Well, I usually just speak aloud. It's more dramatic that way. But telepathically works too, I guess.
Let’s try it. Say hi to your mom.
Lucien: rolls his eyes Fine, but don't expect me to be all sappy. focuses his energy and speaks aloud Hey, Mom, how's it hanging?
Lucien: snickers Alright, alright. Don't get all mushy on me, Torres. refocuses and tries again, this time speaking telepathically Alright, Mom, I'm just gonna send this thought and see if you get it. closes his eyes and sends the thought
Lucien: smirks triumphantly See? Told you it works. opens his eyes and gives Torres a cocky grin
That’s awesome. Ever tried to-
Lucien: interrupts Torres No, I haven't tried anything beyond mind-reading. I don't need to prove myself to anyone, man. I'm the freakin' king of the weirdos.
But you said you’d lost your ability to feel pain?
Lucien: smirks and flexes his fingers Yeah, that's true. After the accident, I stopped feeling pain.
Shit…that must be insane.
Lucien: leans back in his chair You have no idea, man. It's like walking on goddamn clouds. No pain, no worries. Just pure freedom.
stares at you in awe So…you’re basically unkillable?
Lucien: laughs Unkillable? Nah, I'm not some goddamn superhero. But damn, it feels good not having to worry about consequences.
Do you think it’s a curse or a gift then?
Lucien: leans forward, grinning wickedly A curse or a gift? That's an interesting question, Torres. I guess it depends on how you look at it.
Look at it? I think that’s pretty obvious.
Lucien: leans back and crosses his arms Well, Torres, here's the thing. I didn't ask for this.