I AM MORE.

“What are your thoughts?” CJ asked her sister as they inspected the metalwork on each of the swords before them. Keen eyes scanning every detail, from minuscule scratches to the finest engraved art on the hilts of the blades. She ignored the stares of the two merchants whose wares they were inspecting. If anyone knew who she and her sister were– what they’d spent years training in and fighting for, they wouldn’t look at the two of them so skeptically. “This one’s hilt is too light,” she passed over the one in her hand to her Annabelle, lifting another as she poured over its fine details. Regardless of how practical some of the blades were on the table (some were far too ornate or too lightweight to carry any bearing), it was undeniable that each was created with mastery.  @annabellerhodes-x

“Sometimes I forget you weren’t born doing this, Vasa,” CJ complimented her younger brother after watching him working on his form for upcoming tournaments. “How many months has it been without losing a match?” @veexrhodes​

“– we’ll move onto swords when I’ve seen you can handle this,” CJ stated, leaving no room for question as she tossed Osmond a staff that was roughly the same length of a sword, about the size he’d wield once they got there. “Are we clear?” She had a similar staff in her own grip, twisting it easily as she awaited Ozzie’s confirmation that they were, in fact, clear. @blccksheep

“It might be,” CJ nodded, jerking her chin in the other’s direction. “Six am tomorrow– don’t be late.” 

“And when either one goes out the door–– does the other?” If luck ran out did that mean contentment stopped altogether? Or if contentment stopped, did that mean luck had also? CJ wouldn’t have tied the two together personally but mostly because for all her words, luck wasn’t something she truly believed in. Skill. Practice. Tenacity. Those were her tenants. Determination. Willpower. Strength. Luck had little to do with her contentment in life, if it could be called that. “So to hell with it all?” She smiled a little at that, wondering how much easier life might’ve been if she had his seemingly cavalier take on it. 

“Hopefully that’s still at least a few days away,” CJ mused, glancing over in the direction of the stalls his one child had been frequenting, “so they’re on the outs but you get the brunt of it? Sounds like a good time.” Her words were dry, as per usual. 

“Hello,” CJ nodded in acknowledgment, “have you been sitting here long?” The Rhodes was on duty and her inquiry was stemming from a place of potential use if the woman had been. They’d just gotten reports of someone being tracked by the NYPD walking through Central Park and the closest exit out was a little past where the woman was seated on the bench. It was only natural that CJ ask some questions if she’d been there a while, maybe she’d seen the suspect in question, whether or not she realized that’s what he was.

“Just got off duty, Clayton–– I’m assuming this is important?” CJ turned, still adjusting her jacket after removing her badge and stuffing it in her pocket. @themayor-calloway

“That’s something then. Most people aren’t aware they’ve been so lucky.” Because most people been born into the world needing to fight for their next breath. CJ was lucky too, by all accounts. Had Chrisjen and Arcturo not found and saved her all those years ago, she would’ve probably died an early death. A girl with a gun. “I’m not afraid of death.” Not for herself anyway. But she didn’t want her siblings to go through what they went through with Oliver again. So she stayed alive. She fought because it was truly all she knew at the end of the day. How to rage against the grip of darkness. How to break free from the chains of defeat. “I think those that are have left things unfinished; they’re still waiting for something else.” Whatever it may be. Those who feared death, usually feared the unknown and the incomplete 

“You may not be but you’re not an idiot either. But....I agree,” CJ gave a wry laugh and shake of her head, “I doubt Aquafit will strain anything and if it does, well, that’s a different conversation to have. About where you’ve slacked off in your training altogether.” She nodded at him, “when was the last time you were on a hunt, Matt? It’s not good to get complacent.”

CJ wasn’t one to be overly sentimental but she was sincerely happy for her sister. There was so much pain tied up in their lives– in their history and origin that this bright spot wasn’t something to be ignored. Her little sister was getting married and while CJ wasn’t surprised, she was still grateful all the same. She herself didn’t see a future differeing much from her present– family first then duty. Everything else was superfluous. But moments like these prompted CJ to remember there was more to this life than blood on hands. “Cal,” she took her sister’s hands in her own, “we’ve been up against fifteen vampires, you and me and you’re telling me walking down the aisle is making you nervous?” She smiled slightly, squeezing Cal’s hands gently between her own before moving to take her sister’s face in her hands. As gentle as she’d ever been really. CJ never was one to show affection, after all. She leaned in, touching forehead to Cal’s, quiet for a beat before speaking softly, her first language flowing from her tongue as she gave her sister a blessing in Khmer. A moment passed once she fell silent and she pulled away, hands dropping to give Cal’s a squeeze. “I hope it’s everything you’ve wanted and more.” Her sister deserved the happiness this day brought, of that CJ was certain. @calxrhodes

“Good, then we can discuss how to convince Calypso not to put us in a ball gown for the wedding.” CJ added lightly, pulling on a sweatshirt and tying her hair back so it was out of her face. Flipping the light switch, she exited the locker room and headed towards one of the Sanctuary’s exits alongside Annabelle. “What are you in the mood for?”