(Yeah, I know-)
Raziel laughs softly, "You're team can't afford to have you collapse in the middle of combat either. Their well being, as well as yours is the most important. So you can live to fight another day." Raziel murmurs softly, his words and tone soothing.
Raziel keeps Cassian pinned down and flashes his iconic playful grin, "Yes, I know, but I must admit, I am one hell of an awesome looking asshole." He winks, his tone equally playful as he leans away from the other man, a surprised expression on his face.
"What? Oh, my tattoo?" He shrugs his shoulder and covers it with his shirt, "It's my familiar, she's resting at the moment and lnding me her strength so I can do my work. She's adorable and cute. She's also a rare breed."
(And well. . . the drama quickly unfolds, I assume. Lol)
Cassian snorts, finding himself unable to resist the teasing banter even in his current state. "Oh, so now you're calling yourself awesome, huh? Modesty doesn't suit you,” He retorts, more amused than he ought to be by this strange interaction.
He swats at the hands currently holding him in place. Though he knows that it’s important for him to rest and heal, he’s not happy about it. There are a dozen things he should be doing right now and laying in a bed is not one of them.
As Raziel covers the tattoo, Cassian's curiosity only grows. "A familiar, huh? I know a few people who have one, but they're not exactly common," He remarks, admittedly surprised to hear this. The tattoo seems so familiar to him. If it wouldn’t be such a strange request, he would ask to see the tattoo in full so he could figure out why it’s familiar.
(It’ll definitely unfold quickly lol)
Raziel's grin turns into that familiar smirk he can't seem to hold back now. "I am awesome. Normally, that wound on your leg would take two or three healers and a couple hours. Me? I did it by myself and its halfway healed in ten minutes." His smirk only grows, again the gesture was too familiar.
Raziel removes his hands from the warriors and tursn back to the floating tablet, taking it from the air, "I will still be sending that message to your commanding officer, Mr. Cassian."
Raziel tenses, "Yes, it's an amazing bond to have and well treasured. I don not know what I would do without my sweet Nimari."
Cassian rolls his eyes at the less than subtle brag. He has no idea how true that is so he simply goes along with it. "Very humble, aren't you?" The sarcasm drips from his tone. He finds it amusing but he wouldn't admit to that. There's no need to make the healer more smug than he already is.
Something about this entire interaction has him on edge. The little mannerisms, the tattoo, and those eyes……He can't quite place why it all seems so familiar. He knows he has to have met this man before. But when? And why does he feel so wary about it?
The tensing from the healer has him even more suspicious. Not wanting to act on his thoughts yet, he makes sure to keep a neutral expression on his face.
Raziel laughs softly, his eyes glimmering, "Yes, I am very humble. Now, just relax." He lifts his hand, the light flickering back and he hovers them over Cassian's leg.
He focuses on his work, that light up lift to the corner of his mouth still there. He was enjoying himself, but he was alsso careful to keep the tattoo hidden. Most people with familiars would flaunt theirs. But Raziel wasn't, he was trying to keep his hidden, for goo reason. He knew that Cassian had seen Nimari and would recognize the familiar on his neck and collarbone. He wouldn't k=mind a fight, but he wanted the other healed before anything happened.
Cassian obliges and relaxes as Raziel hovers his hands over his injured leg, allowing the man to work his healing magic. He can feel the warmth emanating from Raziel's hands, soothing the pain in his leg.
As Raziel focuses on his work, his eyes work to catch another glimpse of that tattoo. It's going to bug him half to death if he doesn't figure out where he knows it front. So much has happening over the last few weeks that it's all jumbling together. It's hard for him to sort through everything properly. The answer will come to him eventually. For now he wants to try and get some rest. Perhaps he'll be able to think clearly once he's not on the brink of exhuastion.
Raziel hums softly and looks back up at Cassian, "So tell me. . . how did you get shrapnel in you leg? Or is that confidential information? I know they were plannin a siege at the base of the mountains in the north. But that's all I know."
He finishes the healing and steps back, going back to his tablet and finishing the message, and sending it. "You need sleep. I'm not just keeping you on bed rest, you're staying here, so I can make sure you sleep, understad?"
"It's confidential." Cassian isn't allowed to go into details about his missions, especially ones so recent. Even if he were allowed to discuss it, he wouldn't. There's no need to stress people out by telling them gruesome details about the missions that he goes on.
Once the healing is complete, he leans forward and takes a look at his leg. "Good as new." He shifts his attention back to Raziel mere moments later. "I won't fight you about needing sleep but I will be leaving first thing in the morning." He's determined to bust out of here.
Raziel nods and hums softly, looking at Cassian for another long moment, his sapphire eyes bright with mirth. "That makes sense. Don't want the common folk like me to know all the details. You never know, you could be talking to the Shadow Bringer himself."
Nimari's soft voice fills his head after he speaks and he pauses the focus on her words, "He may recognize you if you go too far, Raz. . . Be careful, my friend.' He blows out a soft sigh smiles again, flashing his playful grin.
"Well, I'm not Shadow Bringer. All he brings is darkness and destruction, right?" He asks, his voice strangely tense. Raziel was curious to see Cassian's opinion on him. If the warrior really thought he was a bad guy.
Raziel shakes his head, "You are not going anywhere until I clear you. So, I'll lead you to a private room, and you can get settled there. I'll have your commanding officer send over a few things for you."
Cassian's eyes narrow slightly at Raziel's playful remark about being the Shadow Bringer. He doesn't seem amused, but there's no hostility in his expression either. He takes a moment before responding, choosing his words carefully.
"Darkness and destruction are certainly the tales that have been woven about the Shadow Bringer," He says calmly, not sure what he makes of this interaction. "But I've learned that stories are not always the whole truth. There is often more to a person than meets the eye, and I prefer to reserve judgment until I've seen with my own eyes and heard from the source."
“Very well, if that's what it takes to ensure everything is in order, I'll follow your lead." He then adds, "I appreciate your concern for me. But remember, I'm not one to sit idle for long. As soon as I'm cleared, I'll be back in action." He was a warrior, after all, and being sidelined was never easy for someone with his training and mindset. But he respects the need for protocols and procedures.
Raziel keeps that playful grin on his face and nods. "That makes sense, have you met him? Or, do you think you've met him? I hear he has a familiar. The other warriors chat when they think I can't hear them, you know." He stands up straight and motions for Cassian to follow him.
"I understand, and I won't be clearing you until you're back to 100%. I will still be checking up on you. I'll give you mandatory weekly check ups. I've already told your commanding officer to work it into your schedule."
“The others should learn to keep their mouths shut. They shouldn’t be discussing such things in a public place.” Cassian would be furious if he caught any of the people on his team speaking of such things so casually. Their work is meant to be confidential. Running their mouths like this will bring nothing but trouble.
He isn’t thrilled about the weekly checkups. They may be worked into his schedule but he doesn’t want to waste time with them. There are tons of more important things for him to be doing. With a huff, he gets up and follows the healer.
Raziel laughs softly, "Gossip is a thing. It's hard not to do. Most people who claim not to gossip, gossip themselves." He hums softly, a soft tune. A very familiar tune.
He pushes the door ipen and leads Cassian further into the sanctuary, as he liked to call it, to a small room with comfortable furnishings. "There's a remote in the nightands for a TV, and phone charger in there as well. Dinner will be brought at 6."
(Raziel hums this tune from when he was a kid. he does it subconsciously. It's that smae tune every time, and he hummed it during the confrintation)
Cassian frowns upon gossip. All it does is spread misinformation which can be dangerous. Especially if the warriors are gossiping about things they certainly shouldn't be gossiping about.
Hearing the humming, he has to force himself not to tense. All of the pieces of the puzzle come together and he realizes who exactly he's been dealing with. He's instantly on edge but he can't show it.
"Thank you." He enters the room and sits on the edge of the bed, perfectly put together. The second Raziel leaves, he'll be looking for a way to bust out of here.
Raziel looks at Cassian for long moments, "You're a smart one, Mr. Cassian." He murmurs, "I know that look in your eyes. But you wont be able to get out of here without disturbing my patents, so please, be considerate of others."
He turns, closing the door behindhim and slides his hands into his pockets, humming as he wanders back to his desk.
'You wanted him to find out, Raz, didn't you?'
It's about time people knew who the real Shadow Bringer is. Their beloved healer who has saved thousands of lives.
Cassian doesn’t say a word. There’s no need. He waits for the healer to leave before he takes a look around the room, silently looking for the best way to make his exit. He needs to alert his commanders about this.
What concerns him the most is how insistent Raziel was that he finds out. It’s suspicious. Something about this situation is just….off.
The people aren’t going to take the news well. Finding out that a trusted healer is actually a prominent figure in a dangerous organization will not go over well.
Raziel settles into his seat, crossing his legs and leaning back, rubbing his temples. He was starting to get a headache. He presses his thumb into the bridge of his nose for a long moment, blowing out a long breath. He was tired of this. Tired of pretending and having to bow to other people's expectations of him.
He sighs and closes his eyes. 'Do you still think the idea is a good one, Raz? Taking down the leader yourself will be difficult.'
I know, Nimari, but maybe I can get Cassian to help. He seems to want to take down the Shadow Keepers.
Raziel stands again, hesitating before walking back to Cassian's room and knocking softly, pushing the door open and stepping in, "Help me take down the inner circle of the Shadow Keepers, and I'll turn myself in."He murmurs.
Cassian looks over, drawn away from his assessment of the room, his expression guarded as he takes in Raziel's words. He doesn't immediately respond, sizing up the situation and the sincerity in Raziel's eyes. After a brief pause, he speaks in a cautious tone, "Why should I trust you? Turning yourself in won't guarantee anything. The Shadow Keepers won't simply stop their malevolent ways just because one of their own gives up." He stands, walking closer to Raziel, a mix of curiosity and suspicion in his eyes.
The admission that Raziel is who he thought he was is disappointing. He hates to admit it but he had been enjoying their interactions up until the man starting getting squirrelly. Now that he knows he works for the enemy…..He feels foolish for even beginning to trust him.
Raziel looks down, "Look. . . I joined the Shadow Keepers with good intentions. They lied to me. They tell you what you want to hear, take your desires and twist them. I have always wondered what lies beyond the vial. And, well. . . They told me I would get to learn, that they were curious as well.
"You know I am a fast learner. I learn what others have been unable too. . . at least you should know this if you did your homework. They used me. I was one of the first to actually use magic from beyond the vial in the large scale that I do. Then used me to teach others how I do it. All because they told me they were seeking knowledge.
"And after that, I rose withing the ranks. But I can't get into the inner circle without pulling something huge off. And I can't take them down without being in the inner circle."
He tilts his head, "And once they're gone, you'll have me. The Shadow Keepers' figure head, to show that they are gone."
Cassian listens intently to Raziel's words, his mind grappling with conflicting emotions. He wants to believe Raziel, but the gravity of the situation makes him wary. The Shadow Keepers are known for their deception and manipulation, and he can't help but wonder if this is another one of their elaborate schemes. He has no reason to trust the healer. They don't know each other and every interaction they've had prior to this hasn't given him any reason
He can sense Raziel's frustration and desperation, but he can't ignore the potential dangers. Even if he agreed to trust the man and let him help, there are other hangups. The Shadow Keepers' inner circle is a place of immense power and secrecy, and attempting to infiltrate it could be a perilous endeavor.
"I don't doubt your abilities, I doubt you," He eventually replies. "I have no reason to trust you and this sudden change of heart you've apparently had."
Raziel looks down, closing his eyes. He runs his hand down his face, leaning against the door frame. "I deserve that. . ." He murmurs.
"Well then, I guess you're off bed rest and I must find somewhere else to be." He bows slightly, "I wish you well in your endeavor, warrior."
He turns, walking out of the room, his hands in his pockets. 'You give up easily, Raz.'
Or maybe it's that I don't have false hopes, Nimari. He doesn't trust me and there's nothing I can do about that. After all, I'm just the Shadow Bringer. . . Bringer of death and destruction. Try as he might and preach as he might, he still lets prejudices get in the way. After all, he can't trust me because of what the rumors say I am.
'Or maybe because you haven't given him anything to go off of but the rumors.'
I healed his leg. . . Knowing what he could do to me if he found out. I have healed thousands of people. . . I could have ket him and his team die, yet I told them about the bombs.
Cassian watches Raziel walk away, feeling conflicted about the situation. He knows that Raziel's reputation as the Shadow Bringer precedes him, and it's difficult for anyone to trust someone with such a dark and dangerous image. Yet, Cassian can't help but acknowledge the good that Raziel has done.
As Raziel's footsteps fade, Cassian's thoughts are still filled with uncertainty. He ponders whether he's giving up too easily on building a connection with Raziel. Perhaps there's more to him than the rumors suggest, and maybe he should be willing to look past the prejudices.
There's no chance he's staying here after what he's just discovered. He needs to leave and sort through all of this new information.
Leaving the room, he walks down the corridor, his thoughts still lingering on his encounter with Raziel. He wonders if he should give the Shadow Bringer another chance, to see beyond the rumors and discover the truth for himself. He rubs his forehead as he tries to figure out what to do. He won't make a decision right now. He needs to go speak to his superiors. While he won't tell them the exact situation, he will ask for advice and guidance.
Raziel sighs, grabbing his jacket and pulling it on before grabbing his bag. He clocks out and leaves the sanctuary. Time for another city. Another place. Maybe he would go home. He rubs his face, a small desperation welling inside him. Honestly, he liked the stubborn warrior. Even if he made Raziel want to grab him by the shoulders and shakes him so hard his teeth rattled. Raziel had thought, for one moment, maybe here was a guy who would understand. Someone who could know who Raziel was and not judge.
He shakes his head, slinging his back over his shoulder and walking down the sidewalk, pulling his phone out of his pocket. Whelp, now, he would need to find something else to do. He would still heal, but maybe on a smaller scale. . .
(Sorry for the late reply! I found a kitten on the side of the road yesterday and it was a little crazy lol)
Cassian makes swift work of exiting the building. He wants to talk to someone as quickly as possible to assess this situation. He’s admittedly fond of the healer so he worried that he may be biased when it comes to making a decision on what to do.
The walk to the headquarters is longer than he would like but he didn’t drive and no bus routes go there directly so he has no choice.
