If this is the frontline...

[desertrose]

(( sorry my bad yall))

[Volume Virus]

*I grab Aftermath's other hand and try my best to be a soothing presence. I'm not sure how well it works with me glancing at Vico every few seconds to make sure he's not doing something bad, but it's an attempt.* It's for the better, Aftermath, just remember that. *I know there are some painkillers in my backpack but I don't reach for them just yet.*

((Next time, if you're going to show up, radio in first.))

[Alexander Ludovico]

*Aftermath is surprisingly strong - although I really shouldn't be surprised - and I'm glad there's two of us holding him still. When Vol looks at me for the third or fourth time I wiggle my eyebrows and wink at her*

[Incendiary Aftermath]

*I shake my head at both of them as the needles go deeper. The burning has turned into just pure pain, but I grip Vol's hand tighter and try to man through it. I can feel a tingle in my legs and I'm able to actually put power behind their movements, although the movements are currently flailing kicks of pain.*

[Volume Virus]

*I almost snap at Vico when he starts acting like an idiot, but Aftermath starts kicking and I almost get knocked over. I sigh and let go of one of Aftermath's hands so that I can start rummaging around for the painkillers.* Don't get any ideas, Vico.

[Alexander Ludovico]

I am insulted, *I say, slightly out of breath after an unexpected kick leaves me winded* - that you think so little of my motives, Volume. *I'm assuming the kicking is a good sign; Aftermath hadn't moved his legs that quickly any other time I've seen him. I just wish it would wrap up faster.*

[Volume Virus]

You've made your motives pretty clear. *I roll my eyes and pull out a bottle of aspirin.* I'm sorry I don't have anything better, but I must have used the last of my anesthetic at some point. These are supposed to be the fast-acting kind, but I don't know.... *I shake three little capsules out of the bottle.* They're not BLI, just so you know.

[Incendiary Aftermath]

*I take Vol's pills and the pain soon turns to numbing, but it isn't comforting in the least. After several minutes the pain subsides and I am able to sit comfortably. I put my pants back on and remove the blanket. Everything looks normal. I grab the cane to help me stand, but surprisingly, I'm able to stand without it.* Well hey! Check this shit out. *I take a step and stumble, but the cane catches my fall. I take another step and eventually find a decent pace to walk at.* Incendiary Aftermath is back in business, loves.

[Volume Virus]

*My eyes widen a bit at the plurality of "loves", but I figure he can do whatever he wants now that he doesn't need me to get around.* Those evil Dracs don't stand a chance. Er...offense meant, Vico, because you assure us you're not a Drac. What the hell kind of plastic creature are you, anyway?

[Alexander Ludovico]

*I smile when Aftermath gets the hang of his new legs.* It's pretty impressive, I'll admit. You'd never guess that you're half Doc Ock now. How long before we can start out?

And what do you mean, 'plastic creature'? That's racist, you know. Or... classist? Something like that. Just because I'm from the city doesn't mean I have silicone for blood.

[Incendiary Aftermath]

Silica? No. Polyethylene? We can't know for sure. *I walk over to Volume and grab her strongly. I lift her up and spin her, then stumble a bit. I kiss her cheek and smile* I'm back, babe. *I turn to Vico* We can head out as soon as you're ready. Volume? You coming?

[Volume Virus]

Well, we have to look down on you people if we have to incapacitate you to survive. Otherwise, it's killing a human. I'm sure some of you do the same to us; I've heard the term "Zone rat" thrown around. *I shrug.* No, I'm going to sleep through the entertaining game of Zone Clue. Of course I'm coming! Just wait up. I haven't eaten all day. *I run and grab a few apples and oranges from the kitchen. It should be enough for all three of us to snack as we work.*

[Alexander Ludovico]

Glad to hear you're playing with us, Volume! *I cross the room and open the door, reluctantly leaving the relative coolness of the building* All the world's a sandbox, and we're off to dig up treasure. Besides, if you leave me alone with Afterdoo, someone might get taken advantage of.

[Volume Virus]

Don't even threaten that. I would take off your head if he didn't first. Use the skull as a soccer ball, swim in blood, all that shit. *I throw an orange as hard as I can at Vico's head. Lucky for my shaky arms, it's a big target.*

[Incendiary Aftermath]

*I put an arm around Volume just as she throws the fruit and head out the door with her.* Vico, you touch me and this cane is going right up your ass. And not in the fun way... though I think it's safer to worry about Volume, rather than me... *I move the cane forward* Now lead the way, Vico.