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Who: Hope (

skycutter) and Ky (

holyorder)
What: Prayer #2
When: 3/13
Where: A hospital
Warnings: Encouragement speeches that may reach shounen levels.

Ah... There.

[Hope points towards the hospital across the road, half relieved that they managed not to get (too) lost on the way there, and half worried that they may be too late and the man's mother may have passed while they were on the way. And that he and Ky wont actually be able to say anything to help the man with his problems, because sometimes words just aren't enough. And that they'd just mess up, completely.

All right, well... he's completely worried, no doubt about it.]

Do you know what we're actually going to say to him? [Or what else they'd do.

If only Hope had his healing magic he would be able to do something more than just listen and try to give advice, and possible poke the doctors into doing something more... but he doesn't. He just has powers he still doesn't know how to work with because it's not as structured as his l'Cie magic.]

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[ Ky stares at the hospital as if he could see through it. This is their first prayer, and he wants to be certain they will be able to accomplish what they can. But encouraging someone to stay strong with words is one thing— what can they do about the problem itself? He's still relatively unfamiliar with everything here. He doesn't know what solutions to offer.

But that doesn't mean they should fear trying. ] I'm not entirely certain.

Perhaps we can encourage him to keep faith and help him organize his thoughts. If he remains calm and creates a plan of action to handle his expenses, then it might seem less overwhelming.

[ Organization and planning helps Ky, at least. It's what he falls back on. ]

[Ky... has a good point. At least one of them knows how to handle other people, because Hope sure doesn't, because he's just a kid, and isn't sure how to go about helping strangers in ways that don't involve fighting and avenging them.

But...]

I still want to do more though.

Faith wouldn't be good enough if nothing new happens, and if anything... It might break. Maybe we should ask the doctors too, if we can get them to notice us.

[ He brings a hand to his chin as he considers Hope's suggestion. ]

That may be a good idea. If we can manage to obtain more information from them, then we might be able to offer more to the poor gentleman.

Do you wish to speak to the doctors before we address the young man? Or after?

[ Ky defers to Hope's authority for this one, since he's the God. ]

Before. [Worried Hope may be, but when he's given a clear choice, he prefers not to linger too long trying to come up with an answer.] Better to do it before, so at least we know some of what we'll be hearing once we actually talk to the man.

[But then he realizes something and snaps his fingers.]

No, wait-- [Hope holds up a hand, because he has some ideas now. He has no idea how healthcare here works, just that everything seems so expensive compared to Cocoon with so many things being accessible to people, easy medicines and whatnot, but maybe there's also something like insurance around here.]

Both. We do both. Get information from the doctors first and talk to the man, and bring whatever we can from the man to the doctors later, and try to work something out.

[ Ky nods firmly, posture straightening into attention like a soldier receiving his orders. And these are good orders, too. Ky is more than willing to do the necessary work to help someone, even if it means going back-and-forth between two parties. He prefers doing things thoroughly, rather than simply taking the easy way out, and he's relieved to see Hope is on a similar wavelength. ]

An excellent plan, [ he praises genuinely. ] We will mediate between the doctors and the young man to help him find a solution to his problem. With enough information and thoughtful planning, we might be able to make his debts easier to handle. I pray that what we find will give him the strength to bear through his hardship.

At your command, Hope. [ The only thing he's missing is a salute, honestly. Ky makes it sound as if this is a military exercise. ] I shall move out when you are ready.

[Since when did he feel like he became an army commander?

Maybe when Ky started treating him like he's... Like he's important somehow. And he knows he's a god, that reality has just sunk in but--

Wow. That just feels so weird to him, still. But Hope gives himself a few mental slaps because this is really no time to think about himself, when he's already had a month to process this. A sudden upheaval in his life is no reason to be a slowpoke when someone else needs their help.]

Together. [Firm.] I remember what ward they're supposed to be, and doctors usually hang around the wards their patients are in.

[Assuming this works like the hospitals back in Cocoon.

Hope beckons Ky to follow him as he starts to move towards and eventually into the hospital. At least he's not exerting effort to be seen right now, so he doubts they'll be challenged, or even looked at.]

[ It's strange to be so easily ignored as they move through the doors, past the lobby, and towards the patient area. No one even glances at them, let alone attempt to halt them. Their unseen presence is undoubtedly convenient for this mission, but he can't bring himself to value it very much at the moment. It only serves as a reminder that he died; that he is no longer one of them anymore. It's a heavy and pulling thought that still lingers in his mind.

Damn these distracting thoughts. His feet follow Hope without question, but his mind is clearly wandering.

He shakes himself out of it just as they approach the ward. Once again, they're able to enter without any problems. It should be simple enough to find the doctors in here, Ky suspects. Hopefully, Hope's prediction is correct. ]

[In here, Hope has to concentrate, has to take a few deep breaths, because here comes one of the more difficult parts of their mission-- being recognized by people of the Near Shore. He actually has to exert some effort into being seen, and that's not something he's used to, when before he's used to flying under the radar in school as a quiet kid, and then later having to work to be unnoticed, sneaking about because his life depended on it.

Now he has to do the opposite, and when he thinks he's ready, he approaches the nurse's station. When one of them looks at Hope instead of through him-- and he knows that she does because of how her eyes widen at the sight of his hair because apparently that's weird around here-- he knows he's done something right.]

Hi, we're looking for... [Hope's pretty sure he's mangled the name but he did try,] and their doctor? Is their doctor around?

[Hope looks up at Ky, if he needs to say something himself.]

[ Ky is the opposite of his God, being more used to standing tall in front of others, their attention on him as he speaks. Although he no longer knows the reason why, that expectation still shows in his posture and manner of speech. There's very little that shows any lack of confidence or doubts he might have. ]

We're very concerned about their condition, [ he adds to Hope's request. Just to make sure they don't seem suspiciously eager to speak to the doctor. ] We understand they've been sick quite often lately, and would like to speak to both of them for a moment.

[ He's trying not to make up any lies, as he doesn't think it's necessary. Thankfully, the nurse seems understanding enough about their concern. She does her profession proud with her sympathy, Ky thinks. After consulting the strange computer machine Ky can't stand, she informs them of the location of both the patient and doctor. Step one, complete. ]

[Hope offers the nurse a smile, small when it first appears, before slowly widening into something almost bright.]

Thanks.

[Then he reaches up and tugs his shinki on the sleeve, signaling that it's time for them to get to work.

Doctor first, of course, and Hope begins to head in the general direction of the man, and eventually he spots someone in a coat. He doesn't know who that person is, but takes a chance.]

Doctor...? [At least the man turns around enough for Hope to be able to catch his ID, and... yep. That's their man.] Hi, we were wondering about a patient of yours and her son...?

[He tugs Ky on the sleeve again. The nurse listened to him because he's an adult, right? Maybe the doctor will listen to Ky too.]

[ At the first tug of his sleeve, Ky briefly glances in Hope's direction with a small expression of surprise. The gesture is a new one for him, rather casual and almost child-like in nature. But it's the child-like part of it that sparks an almost paternal instinct in him he never realized existed. And, more notably, it feels like a familiar instinct.

It's a short and small distraction that passes quickly as he refocuses on their task. The second tug doesn't pull his thoughts away as badly, and he takes his cue without hesitation. ]

We were concerned about Miss [ he somehow manages her name ]'s condition. We know she has been repeatedly ill lately, and has visited the hospital often as a result. Understandably, her son is just as worried for her health as well. He has been incredibly stressed about the situation these days. We fear it might begin to take a toll on his own health.

Which is why we would like to ask on his behalf — how is she? Will she need further treatment? If so, what medical and financial costs can he expect?

[ He hopes he doesn't sound too prying, but they're here for a reason. Ky wants to get to the heart of the matter before the young man worries himself any further into a corner. ]

Edited (repetition) 2016-05-17 04:29 (UTC)

[The doctor, despite seeming a bit suspicious at first because of two strange people just coming into the hospital and singling him out, does answer Ky's questions.

And as he speaks, Hope becomes more concerned, because medical care is expensive here. A lot of things are expensive around here-- he'd seen a few vending machines, and a bottle of water from those costs at least a hundred and ten yen, which is... Crazy. Why why why why, he keeps thinking.

And he cant help but show a bit of his horror over the expenses his current charge would have to face, especially when he remembers that this is not the first time the man's mother has had to be hospitalized.]

Is there any way to make it a lot easier on them? They've been in and out of here for a while.

[ Ky doesn't express horror, though his brows do furrow as he considers the problem. It is a difficult situation to be in — how does one pay a debt when there isn't enough funds? — and one that stumps Ky a bit. He still doesn't know how this place works, let alone how something as specific as overwhelming medical expenses can be settled. Hope has the right idea in asking for more details.

Ky brings a hand to his chin in thought. ] If there are other ways they can manage their hospital debts, it would be of great help to know of them. We believe an organized plan will help Miss [ her name ] and her son focus on recovery without collapsing from the weight of their dues.

[ Insurance, payment plans, a mixture of both... hopefully, these options are available here. ]

[The doctor, at least, mentions health insurance and the possibility of specialized clinics for the illness of their charge's mother-- obviously more expensive payments, but with the pro of more dedication to taking care of the illness she has. Honestly, insurance (or their charge's employer) paying seventy percent of the bills, and the rest covered by the individual sounds pretty nice to Hope...

He still doesn't understand much of the system here, but at least he can offer some ideas and let their charge fill in the blanks himself.]

So... [Hope looks up at Ky.] We could mention it to them, right? [And add more ideas to the mix.]

Thanks, doctor. We can see you again later, right?

[ The doctor nods, stating he will still be on duty for a while longer.

Ky also gives him a grateful nod in return. ] Thank you, sir. We appreciate your time.

[ He looks down at Hope. ] Let us go.

Yeah. [Hope nods, before repeating the room number of their charge and moving on.

He takes the lead without even thinking about it, checking each door for the right number-- but quickly he realizes that he didn't actually have to, when the man they're here to see is sitting outside the room, looking pensive on the bench.

Hope calls out to him when they get close enough, though the man looks surprised and a tad wary when he sees them.]

Hi. I'm Hope, and that's Ky. Can we sit?

[For a moment, their charge seems unsure, before deciding to just nod wordlessly.]

Thank you.

[ Ky waits for Hope to sit first before taking his own seat. He might be trying to refrain from using titles like 'My Lord' anymore, but that doesn't completely erase little gestures like that. (Unless he's caught.) Once he's settled, he begins his speech. ]

Our apologies if we startled you, sir. Hope and I are here to speak with you about your current situation regarding your mother. We understand she has visited the hospital multiple times for illnesses, and that her stays have created some debt for the both of you.

We know that can be difficult to manage, and that it may be at the forefront of your mind, but both her health and yours are of utmost importance. It wouldn't do to see either of your lives effected by your costs so terribly. Therefore, we've come here to present payment options to you in order to manage your debts and alleviate your worries.

[ His manner of speaking is rather formal — maybe awkwardly so — but Ky doesn't notice it. He pauses, allowing Hope a moment to speak or elaborate, perhaps in a more casual and comforting way. ]

[Isn't that too formal? Too distant, Hope thinks, and he frowns a little at Ky in disapproval before turning back to their charge.]

More than just payment options.

Actually... [He pauses, just to gather his thoughts.] I know seeing your mom in trouble isn't easy, more than just all of the money problems. [Hope looks down at his hands on his lap, wringing them together and speaking in a soft voice. From all of this, he's clearly speaking from some kind of experience.]

Maybe you should look for a private clinic? Hear me out-- it might be more expensive, but if you go there... the doctors might be able to prevent what else is going on. If the general hospitals cant help, specialized clinics should be able to.

[ Ky doesn't interject, carefully watching and listening to Hope. Although Ky had focused on the payments as the center of the issues, Hope seems to have drifted towards the ill mother. It's understandable, and it's good that Hope has picked up the part that Ky has failed to address. And with far more casual words at that. As genuinely concerned as he might be for the young man, Ky just can't get rid of his formality so easily.

But Hope, with his empathy, very clearly has that handled. Ky can't help feeling sorry for his young God, seeing him fiddling with his hands and speaking quietly. Even their acquaintance seems to feel the same, his brows furrowing with a mix of worry and sympathy. Worry for his own situation and the prospect of a more expensive clinic, but sympathy concerning Hope's evident experience with the situation. It makes Hope's words have that much more effect, knowing they're coming from someone who is familiar with the difficult choices one must make.

Hope's words are reaching him. Ky remains silent, knowing this isn't the time for him to offer words without the emotional impact behind them. ]

I'm just a kid so I wouldn't know how rough it is to have money problems. [Had never experienced money problems, period, when his dad had a good, stable job enough that his mother never needed to work, and Hope himself wouldn't have needed to himself if he so chose.]

But why don't you... try to get someone else to help? You have a job, don't you? I heard if you have insurance, your company's the one that will pay for most of it.

[That approach, to him, seems much better than laying out what options the man has and leaving it at that.]

That do you think?

[Slowly, as if only putting the pieces together, the man nods his head, as if agreeing. Only then does Hope look up at his shinki again.]

Can you outline what's possible?

Yes, s— Hope. [ Whoops. He caught himself that time, thankfully. Ky straightens up before going over what they'd discussed so far, not unlike a subordinate giving a report to his superior. ]

There are a few options available for your situation at this time. You could take your mother to a private clinic in order to find a specialized doctor who might know more about her condition. This could give you insight into the root of her illness, which can possibly prevent her from becoming ill again.

A private clinic can be expensive, however. Whether you decide to switch to a clinic or remain in the general hospital, the costs will still persist.

These debts can be managed by combining a couple methods — you can use insurance to pay for the majority of your expenses, and negotiate a payment plan to manage the rest. It may still take time to pay it all back, but it can relieve a great amount of stress from your shoulders in the meantime.

[ Ky gestures vaguely with a hand, his voice becoming more gentle as he continues. ] You have done well in remaining strong for this long, for continuing to put her health first and foremost. I know it is difficult, but please continue to hold onto the hope that she will get better. You cannot allow this illness to defeat the both of you.

Edited 2016-05-27 05:15 (UTC)

Sorry about him. I think he's ex-military. [A lot like the soldiers he'd met before. But at least Hope is here to be the softer member of this duo, the empathic one. The one who can make everyone more comfortable.]

But Ky's right, you know. You should think it all over.

[Though maybe that's a little too much information for a guy like him-- Hope can see it. Hope himself hasn't had any problems keeping up even with his lack of knowledge in financial matters, but he hasn't forgotten a detail.]

Basically: check your insurance, ask your boss if your contract can cover this, and try and find a clinic that can help your mom better, okay?

[At least with Hope summarizing things, the man seems to get it, and he nods. That causes Hope to smile.]

Take care, all right?

[ Ex-military? The thought catches Ky's attention, as if someone was lightly tugging on his brain. It doesn't sound... wrong, somehow. He catches himself giving Hope a surprised glance, quickly trying to shake it off to appear neutral again. This is about the young man and his mother. They are his objective. He's already let his thoughts be led astray too many times during this mission.

He manages a small smile to match Hope's parting gesture. ]

And thank you... not only for your time, but for continuing to take care of your family.

[ That part, at least, is said with a soft kindness to his voice. Family is important. If Ky had a family, he knows he would do whatever he could to defend them. It's a sign of strength that the young man is doing whatever he can to support his mother. ]

See you. [Or maybe not, when he and Ky are not residents of the Near Shore like this man.

Hope grabs hold of Ky's sleeve once more, giving the man on the bench one last smile before heading back the way they came. Time to talk to the doctor again.

Now, where did that man go...?]

[ Ky quickly begins moving along at Hope's prompting, leading the both of them down the hallway to find the doctor. The man had wandered some since they last spoke, which means they have to glance down a hallway or two before finding him again.

Catching a glimpse of familiar features in a white coat, Ky makes a beeline towards the man. He knows his God can keep up. ] Doctor!

[ The doctor turns around, recognizing the two as the duo he met earlier. His expression seems mixed, as if he's not sure if it's good to them so soon or bothered that he has to stop his work again. He doesn't leave or rebuff them, however, so it isn't much of a deterrent. ]

We just talked to him. [Their charge, he means, the man they spoke to the doctor about earlier.]

I think-- I think he'll be checking with his boss for some help with insurance and payment. But he's definitely thinking of looking into private clinics.

[Though what exactly his mother is ill with, Hope has no idea, and he'd rather let them have that bit of privacy.]

If you could talk to him about that later, it'd be great.

[ The doctor doesn't say anything at first, but Ky jumps in to hopefully appeal to the man's expertise. He doesn't want to seem as if they were trying to order around a doctor. Ky has the feeling that someone with a title, professional or political, might have too much pride to be told what to do by the "common" man. ]

It would be different coming from a man like yourself. We can speak to him as much as we want, but your status as a doctor would go a long way to guide him. If you know of any clinics in particular you can recommend, it would be an excellent start. You know more about her condition than we do, and you would know better what to suggest. I'm certain he will be grateful for your help.

[ Ky's formalities might be better for speaking with doctors than the average civilian, because that bit of prompting seems to help the doctor make a decision. He nods, agreeing, mentioning that he knows of a couple clinics he could refer the patients to. Ky doesn't bother hiding the relieved and grateful look on his face. The last thing they need to succeed is a doctor who would undo their efforts by recommending the opposite. ]

Thank you very much, sir.

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