[ Between the tea house and the various quests and commissions he takes on, Cloud's own funds weren't exactly looking thin anymore, either. Anything he'd amassed in his time spent in Nippon might have gone up in smoke, but if there's one thing he learned from his time spent in that other world? It was how to spend his time now that he wasn't acting as a mercenary or spending his days as a fugitive, or preparing to chase a man across the Planet. Securing work became easier, perhaps even moreso now that he had an inkling of what his true self was again. Jobs came easier when he went in confidently...but he also harbored doubts and uncertainties at the same time. Those melted away easily enough when he had company like Ayaka and Ayato to keep him steady and forwardthinking.
It also helped him see a side of himself he never would have before. When others needed help, he instinctively found himself stepping up to the plate. Taking charge. Making sure that if something needed to be done, it was something they could accomplish together. Even if it was simpler duties like discovering giant rabbits roaming the area and needing their fur brushed. Cloud may not have said it outloud, but Ayaka's reactions to them were contagious. The bunnies were cute... It wasn't until the two of them were fur-free and liberated of their duties that Cloud found himself sneaking glances at his girlfriend along the path back.
... Stop it, Cloud. Not the time to be thinking about Ayaka and rabbits. /// ]
— — —
The door was unlocked... Didn't really get any bad vibes coming in either.
[ Though maybe that just has to do with the fact that beggars couldn't be choosers when faced with heavy rain and rolling thunder that's luckily waned. Cloud could sense the tension in Ayaka's body just from looking at her when they finally found solace in this lone cottage. It seems well-kept enough. Meaning that it must still be lived in. ]
It's funny... I musta not been paying attention before. [ He folds his arms after tapping his feet on the ground. Luckily it wasn't too muddy. Just...really wet and splashy. Best to take the grasslands beside the roads, otherwise they'd lose their footing in the mud. ] Because I don't remember anybody being out here before...
[ Maybe he's just getting himself mixed around due to the weather- something he realizes as he looses a sigh. ]
Probably nothing. [ But more importantly, ] Let's get you dried by the fire.
[ She doesn't recall, either. But they're lucky that they have shelter now. Really lucky. Best not to have Ayaka be a crying and shaking mess because of the thunderstorm. ]
From my understanding, no local would even be able to live out here. Perhaps this was a recent construction, since otherworlders have been helping with providing more access to people beyond the city?
[ It seems like a logical thought to make, given the circumstances. She removes her sandals and her socks by the door and tries to find the bathroom. ]
I'll look for some towels for us first.
[ She'll get dry with him then. He can settle down and relax in the meantime. ]
Got a point there... A lot of strides have been made since we got here.
[ Cloud, meanwhile, unfastens his boots so he can get them off as well. His socks have seen better days. At least he's not dunking them in water. SDLKJA ]
...
[ He was about to say "Okay" and leave her to it. But somehow, some way, there's a feeling inside of him that's stirred and he can't seem to shake it. A sudden feeling of dread. Strange...he didn't feel this until he stepped inside this house with her. Maybe it's just instinct. Or the fact they were technically trespassing. What if there was someone hiding and waiting?
...
He thinks too much. Some times that's a good thing. Because instead of offering to take her sandals and socks to the fireplace, he steps up beside her again. He had a choice. And he chose the safest one. ]
I'll come with you.
[ Just don't try pulling your Buster Sword and getting it stick in a doorframe again, Cloud... ]
[ Ayaka makes sure to knock on the door first, in case anyone is around. But there's no response, so she opens the door to find the light to the bathroom empty. There's a single towel hanging on the rack, but they'll find more (and smaller ones) in the kitchen. One should be enough though, and with Cloud having followed her, she need not walk too far to get on the tip of her toes and reach up to dry his hair.
Cloud's senses are tingling, in that he feels there's something off, but Ayaka's more worried about them getting sick from getting caught in the rain, as well as the actual thunder outside. ]
Please, let me.
[ It's only if Cloud allows her that she'll actually start drying his hair, then gently dab a portion of the towel on his face to dry that up, too. ]
I'll have to send new towels to this house once we are back in the city.
[ It takes time, but gradually that feeling of uncertainty begins to slip away as he keeps close to Ayaka. It really did seem like an unsuspecting, cozy little cottage out in the Spring region. But he finally relaxes enough for his girlfriend to be able to start drying his hair. Normally he'd be the one to take the towel and scrub down his drooping spikes himself, but anything to keep her distracted... He sighs finally, lowering his guard and feeling the tension in his body begin to ebb away. ]
Always know how to put me at ease.
[ Little did he realize that wave of comfort? Actually doesn't have to do with being with Ayaka entirely. In fact, while exhaustion hasn't settled in quite yet, he does feel the compulsion to sit down and relax come over him with each passing minute. Like his legs were uncharacteristically killing him. He closes his eyes as Ayaka continues to dry his hair, dabbing his face in the process. With his hands already clean and dry thanks to his gloves prior, he was free to rest one on the side of her shoulder, giving it a gentle and reassuring squeeze.
She's taking good care of him. ]
If can can even figure out who owns this place to begin with... Maybe we can ask the Guild if they know when we get back.
[ When Cloud's hair isn't dripping wet anymore and his face, shoulders, and arms are dry, it's her turn to dry herself up. She has to ask him to hold the towel for her though, because she has to remove her hair piece and other accessories for it. ]
Yes. I'm sure they would know. . . It would be strange if they didn't.
[ ?_? It doesn't seem like it's an otherworlder living here, because... why would they? ]
I'd rather not use any more of their things, though. Just the towel and the fireplace should be enough. I should still have some leftover snacks for us.
[ Cloud holds the towel, as well as aiding her with any other part of her hair that may need to be kept under control due to being longer. Raking his fingers through his hair like a comb, it's a tad messy but...still familiar to how he usually styles it. ]
Luckily it's not too late. If the weather lets up, we can set out and camp.
[ Last thing he feels like doing right now is awkwardly trying to explain himself and his girlfriend in somebody else's house, after all. ]
Yeah... Should be good on those for now. [ As he says that, thunder rolls in the distance, gentler than it had been before. Something about that has Cloud blinking more heavily than before. Once Ayaka's hair isn't sopping wet anymore, he finally succumbs to an impulse he'd been feeling for the past few moments now. They said that they wouldn't be using any more of the owner's things, but it hits him like the flow of a wave pool. Exhaustion. He has to fix that. ] S'cuse me.
[ And after all the hard work she just put into drying your face dry... Cloud runs his hands under the sink, only to find that the water flow was rather...pitiful. But just enough. Maybe their faucet was broken? Or their well was running dry? It'd only be a matter of time before it was more plentiful again, he figures, if this rain was any indication. But it's enough for him to splash his face once with a heaved sigh. ]
Can't go getting tired now.
[ Can...he use the towel one more time. Just a dab please. ]
[ Ayaka is lucky that she's on edge because of the thunder that the exhaustion hasn't set in. Cloud vaguely hinting that he's getting hit by it tells her that she should continue to keep moving and be the one doing things, so that he can rest for a moment, until they have to leave. ]
Ah, here.
[ This time, she's not going to be the one to wipe his face sfgsf he can do it!! And she hands him the towel before stepping out of the bathroom, waiting for him by the door. ]
I hope the rain stops soon... Ah- I should let Ayato know where we are. He might get worried. [ So she does just that!! '-' Bringing out her phone, with the sakura charm she holds to dearly hanging off it, she tries to send a message to Ayato. Strange, though. There doesn't seem to be any reception here!
When Cloud is out, and they're heading to the living area, she tries to ask for his help. ]
Can you try sending a message to Ayato? I can't seem to do it.
[ Cloud retrieves his own phone, with the camelia charm that ensures she will always be with him, realizing that the reception is spotty. One bar. Zero bars. Teetering and flickering. He could have sworn they had some form of reception earlier...and not far from here either. Another mental note for later. ]
Mm? [ Ah, so she had no luck either... As they head for the living area, his gaze continues to wander. The roof is a surprisingly dark color. Odd paint job... ] Sure. Lemme try.
[ "Hey, Ayato. Still out past Blossomcrown. Ayaka and I got caught in the rain. Gonna be home soon." ]
[ Send. ]
[ MESSAGE FAILED TO SEND ]
Strange... Lemme try Thoma.
[ "Hey Thoma? Just checking." ]
[ Send. ]
...
[ MESSAGE FAILED TO SEND ]
Hm.
[ "Yo Yoimiya." ]
[ MESSAGE FAILED TO SEND ]
It's really bad out here... [ A frown mars his lips as he decides to put his phone away for now, sliding it back into his pocket. ] I even tried Yoimiya and no dice.
[ She's watching Cloud as she types, little mushroom head hovering over him. '^' ]
I hope Ayato does not worry too much if we are not home soon. . . I'll try again later.
[ Cloud is with her, at least, so she can only hope that Ayato will at least think they are both safe and sound. She understands that he might not be able to rest if it was just Ayaka who was out and about and can't be reached by any means. ]
He's confident in you. [ A beat. ] That and he knows we're out together.
[ Though, fair enough! He knows that she'd be wanting to hear from him if the shoes were on the other feet. Especially after what had already happened... A thought he wishes to keep far from his mind now. Everyone's become stronger from that incident. And Cloud wasn't going to start slacking off for anything around Ayaka either. Even if he was feeling uncharacteristically tired, shaking his head to keep himself feeling awake. ]
You got it.
[ Luckily for them? It seemed as though the living room has a fireplace. ...a rather poorly bricked together fireplace, and it looks like the inside of it hasn't ever been used. It's surprisingly clean. No ash or burnt down wood to speak up. Though luckily for them, there's a few logs. ]
This'd be a lot easier if I had Fire Materia.
[ So instead, he has to make due with the next best thing. Flint in his bag and shaving the edge of his Buster Sword across it. With anybody else, this would look awkward, but due to his strength, he can handle any part of the weapon with ease. As he removes the sword from his back, he bends down to retrieve a couple of the logs, setting them in the fireplace. Fishing into his bag of supplies, he retrieves the flint for starting fires, preparing to kneel down in front of the fireplace to shoot sparks down the end of his Buster Sword when all of a sudden, ]
!!
[ He flinches, adjusting the way he was about to kneel down as he shifts his kneeling leg over slightly. Before he can start on the fire, he cocks his brow at what appears to be a...splintered piece of wood, sticking out from the flooring? That's what was about to jam into his leg. Was that there before?? ]
[ Ayaka understands that Ayato has faith in Cloud too, but if both of them don't say anything, then she knows Ayato's going to worry. Regardless if what happened a few months ago did or not. But there really is no use fretting over it now. . . They can't get in touch with Ayato! And it's still raining out that she imagines trying to send something with the wind won't work, either. They just have to rest up, wait for the rain to stop, and get a move on. ]
Are you alright?
[ That truly is odd, isn't it? Ayaka stays close to Cloud the whole time, and notices that he almost got hit by something. Nothing crazy, at least, but any more trouble than they already are is a no in her book. ]
It is all the way out here. Resources would be rather limited. [ But Ayaka does not say anything more than that. They're lucky to have a roof over their heads at this time.
Cloud will find, however, that once he starts the fire? It doesn't seem to grow. It's just small enough to boil a small pot of water, nothing more. Any warmth it'd provide is minuscule, as if they're lucky that the fire is even burning to begin with.
(Looks like this house doesn't appreciate any sort of fires...) ]
[ As Cloud starts the flame, it's very small. And doesn't seem to spread even as he places his Buster Sword on his back again, leaning in to gently blow and stoke the flame. It doesn't seem to want to catch any further kindling... Even after a minute of observing it. ]
...
[ Only for Cloud to suddenly nod his head abruptly, before he shakes it to try and rid himself of his fatigue. They needed to at least get their socks dried... The flame was little enough that if they were to set them in front of it, it could at least start to get them warmed and for whatever moisture is there to start evaporating. ]
Ayaka? [ He has to wonder. ] How're you feeling right now?
[ Once Cloud's started the fire, Ayaka sits down on the floor next to him. It is only then that her body starts to feel the fatigue from all the work they've been doing all day. The thunderstorm was also especially tiring for her, with her heart racing and anxiety setting off. Right now though, she doesn't feel scared anymore.
Instead, ]
Now that I am seated, I feel very tired... [ But she doesn't think anything weird of it. This does happen when you're running on adrenaline. ] If it did not start to rain, I don't think I would be this exhausted.
Funny... I usually don't get this tired over what we did today. [ A beat. Two beats, as he carefully scoots in beside her to gently slip his arm around her. ] Guess it had to catch up to me at some point.
[ But while the fire continues to stay lit at such a small rate, Cloud feels a sense of determination wash over him as he mentally tells himself to fight back against the mental fatigue. ]
Wanna rest your eyes for a little bit? I'll keep watch.
[ Oh, she couldn't possibly rest while you're hard at work, Cloud. ): She shakes her head slowly, the hair on the side of her face barely moving this time because there's minimal energy she's putting into the action. ]
No, it's alright.
[ Despite what she says though, when Cloud scoots in closer and slips his arm around her, she leans into him. ]
Is it alright if we left this house once the rain stops?
[ No matter how late it is. ._. She just wants to go home, bro ]
Of course. [ He doesn't want to stay here any longer than he has to. ] Not gonna lie, kinda feel like just skipping the guild and just making a beeline home.
[ Can they do that? Can he just call in their report and claim their reward after? ]
[ When Ayaka asks him about a snack or whether or not he's hungry? He has to take a moment and pause, adjusting their socks in front of the little flame. At least it's not going out. But it's strange that it's refusing to catch any of the kindling he's set. Something that has him on the suspicious side before he finally answers her, ]
Sure. It's worth a shot.
[ He works up the energy for a smile for her. ]
After I'll go take a look out the window and see how the weather's shaping.
[ There's not much energy in Ayaka's movements. Her body is slow, but she still has the will to make sure Cloud is okay. It's what carries her to get up, bring her bag closer to their spot, and sit back down. Her short walk back isn't all that pleasurable though. She miiight have put a bit more weight on a step, and her foot ends up getting stuck between the wooden flooring, her falling on her knees and creating a small hole on the floor. ]
Eek! Cloud!
[ That certainly woke her up, at least! And she's quick to try and pull her foot out of the hole she's made. There are scratches on her ankle when she gets it out, and she needs some help in standing back up after that fall. ]
[ Heaving a sigh, he tries to reflect back on how their day had gone before the storm hit. Oversized rabbits...and baby ones that were the size of small dogs. They seemed to practically flock to Ayaka; the level of serotonin she induced would have been lethal for anybody lesser. And just as he was reminiscing, before he could relax further or close his eyes...
The window rattles close by. It's a short walk for Ayaka, but enough time for the acerbic swordsman to get up and feel the hairs on the back of his neck start to rise up once again. ]
...
[ His brow furrows, feeling another boost of energy that he could chalk up to adrenalin. More focused, he slowly walks towards the window...only for the sudden commotion behind him to cause him to nearly jump. Can somebody say "on edge"? ]
[ "Eek! Cloud!" ]
Ayaka!
[ He's certainly wide awake too. He's instantly by her side, kneeling down so he can get a better look at her ankle. It's scratches, but more importantly... ]
You okay? [ Whether she is or not, he wants to check something first. His touch is gentle, fingers gently caressing along any scratches. ] Doesn't look like it left any splinters...
[ No splinters, just scraped skin and scratches. Little bits of blood, but nothing that would be a cause for concern. Upon much closer inspection, there are marks on her ankle that might resemble teeth. She can't see it from where she is, and it isn't deep! But why would Ayaka get marks like those on her ankle?
She lets out a sigh before putting her palm over her ankle. Her healing magic is good enough that she should be able to fix this without needing to see a doctor, but it would seem that nothing is happening! Her magic isn't gone, but she certainly doesn't have a lot of energy to use it now. ]
My magic isn't working... [ That's odd.
While she isn't on edge like Cloud is, she does look to him for some help. Maybe he can use his magic? ]
[ That...is where he finds himself slowing down a little, tracing close to the marks on her ankle that resemble...nowhere near what scratching wood would be like. ]
Hang on.
[ Cloud's turn. He's from the same region as Ayaka, so his own magic and expertise should grant him healing magic too. It's convenient for him. He already had all the power he could need to fight, but the elements of Spring that stay with him only ensured he could keep going for longer. But as he makes a low grunt, his teeth grit momentarily as if it was taking far more effort than usual to tap into his power. But he succeeds in casting a soothing wave of healing across Ayaka's ankle, in the end. ]
T-There...
[ Suddenly, a wave of nausea and lightheadedness washes over him, which causes his breath to hitch as he forces himself to brace himself against one of his hands so he didn't fall over. Vehemently, he shakes his head. Something's not right. He shook off the bad feeling when they set foot inside this house because of her. But now? ]
...
Ayaka. [ A beat. He looks into her eyes. ] Can you stand now?
[ Depending on her answer, his next course of action rides upon it. ]
Oh— [ Ayaka reaches out to him, but a part of her is hesitant because she isn't sure she'd be of any help to him right now... She'd have tried to catch him if he toppled over, but at least he catches himself before he does.
Their eyes meet, and he'd see just how apologetic she looks from making him expend more energy for her. He said he was tired, and she's just making things more difficult for him. ]
I'll try. [ She nods, closing her eyes for a moment so she can gather the energy and strength to push herself up. Her ankles and knees wobble in doing so, but she manages to do it! Ayaka's not one to give up easily, especially when it comes to things like this. ] I'm sorry for troubling you, Cloud.
[ Walking is going to be slow. She doesn't think she has it in her to run, either. ]
[ Cloud doesn't let go of her hand as she rises back to her feet. He's quick to also dispel her apology to him. Contact in this world grants energy, even in little amounts. At the very least, it's a lifeline that can at least couple with the magic he used. He can push himself through it. If it means passing out exhausted when they make it home? So be it. He shakes his head. ]
Don't be.
[ The house they're in makes a long, low creaking sound. Like if someone were listening to a house settling but it was played in slow motion. He observes the hole in the floor where Ayaka slipped her foot through...
He can't be sure. He doesn't know what's happening entirely, but. Call it instinct. Call it being around haunted shit before. DFKJAH ]
Follow my lead, okay? [ As for why? ] We're gonna slowly grab our socks, and leave.
[ Rather than leave Ayaka in the dark or speak in riddles though, he keeps his voice down as his heart starts racing a little. ]
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2023-10-08 08:06 am (UTC)It also helped him see a side of himself he never would have before. When others needed help, he instinctively found himself stepping up to the plate. Taking charge. Making sure that if something needed to be done, it was something they could accomplish together. Even if it was simpler duties like discovering giant rabbits roaming the area and needing their fur brushed. Cloud may not have said it outloud, but Ayaka's reactions to them were contagious. The bunnies were cute... It wasn't until the two of them were fur-free and liberated of their duties that Cloud found himself sneaking glances at his girlfriend along the path back.
... Stop it, Cloud. Not the time to be thinking about Ayaka and rabbits. /// ]
The door was unlocked... Didn't really get any bad vibes coming in either.
[ Though maybe that just has to do with the fact that beggars couldn't be choosers when faced with heavy rain and rolling thunder that's luckily waned. Cloud could sense the tension in Ayaka's body just from looking at her when they finally found solace in this lone cottage. It seems well-kept enough. Meaning that it must still be lived in. ]
It's funny... I musta not been paying attention before. [ He folds his arms after tapping his feet on the ground. Luckily it wasn't too muddy. Just...really wet and splashy. Best to take the grasslands beside the roads, otherwise they'd lose their footing in the mud. ] Because I don't remember anybody being out here before...
[ Maybe he's just getting himself mixed around due to the weather- something he realizes as he looses a sigh. ]
Probably nothing. [ But more importantly, ] Let's get you dried by the fire.
no subject
Date: 2023-10-08 10:22 am (UTC)From my understanding, no local would even be able to live out here. Perhaps this was a recent construction, since otherworlders have been helping with providing more access to people beyond the city?
[ It seems like a logical thought to make, given the circumstances. She removes her sandals and her socks by the door and tries to find the bathroom. ]
I'll look for some towels for us first.
[ She'll get dry with him then. He can settle down and relax in the meantime. ]
no subject
Date: 2023-10-09 08:14 am (UTC)[ Cloud, meanwhile, unfastens his boots so he can get them off as well. His socks have seen better days.
At least he's not dunking them in water. SDLKJA]...
[ He was about to say "Okay" and leave her to it. But somehow, some way, there's a feeling inside of him that's stirred and he can't seem to shake it. A sudden feeling of dread. Strange...he didn't feel this until he stepped inside this house with her. Maybe it's just instinct. Or the fact they were technically trespassing. What if there was someone hiding and waiting?
...
He thinks too much. Some times that's a good thing. Because instead of offering to take her sandals and socks to the fireplace, he steps up beside her again. He had a choice. And he chose the safest one. ]
I'll come with you.
[ Just don't try pulling your Buster Sword and getting it stick in a doorframe again, Cloud... ]
no subject
Date: 2023-10-09 02:24 pm (UTC)Cloud's senses are tingling, in that he feels there's something off, but Ayaka's more worried about them getting sick from getting caught in the rain, as well as the actual thunder outside. ]
Please, let me.
[ It's only if Cloud allows her that she'll actually start drying his hair, then gently dab a portion of the towel on his face to dry that up, too. ]
I'll have to send new towels to this house once we are back in the city.
no subject
Date: 2023-10-10 04:40 am (UTC)Always know how to put me at ease.
[ Little did he realize that wave of comfort? Actually doesn't have to do with being with Ayaka entirely. In fact, while exhaustion hasn't settled in quite yet, he does feel the compulsion to sit down and relax come over him with each passing minute. Like his legs were uncharacteristically killing him. He closes his eyes as Ayaka continues to dry his hair, dabbing his face in the process. With his hands already clean and dry thanks to his gloves prior, he was free to rest one on the side of her shoulder, giving it a gentle and reassuring squeeze.
She's taking good care of him. ]
If can can even figure out who owns this place to begin with... Maybe we can ask the Guild if they know when we get back.
no subject
Date: 2023-10-10 05:30 am (UTC)Yes. I'm sure they would know. . . It would be strange if they didn't.
[ ?_? It doesn't seem like it's an otherworlder living here, because... why would they? ]
I'd rather not use any more of their things, though. Just the towel and the fireplace should be enough. I should still have some leftover snacks for us.
no subject
Date: 2023-10-10 05:55 am (UTC)Luckily it's not too late. If the weather lets up, we can set out and camp.
[ Last thing he feels like doing right now is awkwardly trying to explain himself and his girlfriend in somebody else's house, after all. ]
Yeah... Should be good on those for now. [ As he says that, thunder rolls in the distance, gentler than it had been before. Something about that has Cloud blinking more heavily than before. Once Ayaka's hair isn't sopping wet anymore, he finally succumbs to an impulse he'd been feeling for the past few moments now. They said that they wouldn't be using any more of the owner's things, but it hits him like the flow of a wave pool. Exhaustion. He has to fix that. ] S'cuse me.
[ And after all the hard work she just put into drying your face dry... Cloud runs his hands under the sink, only to find that the water flow was rather...pitiful. But just enough. Maybe their faucet was broken? Or their well was running dry? It'd only be a matter of time before it was more plentiful again, he figures, if this rain was any indication. But it's enough for him to splash his face once with a heaved sigh. ]
Can't go getting tired now.
[ Can...he use the towel one more time. Just a dab please. ]
no subject
Date: 2023-10-10 06:38 am (UTC)Ah, here.
[ This time, she's not going to be the one to wipe his face sfgsf he can do it!! And she hands him the towel before stepping out of the bathroom, waiting for him by the door. ]
I hope the rain stops soon... Ah- I should let Ayato know where we are. He might get worried. [ So she does just that!! '-' Bringing out her phone, with the sakura charm she holds to dearly hanging off it, she tries to send a message to Ayato. Strange, though. There doesn't seem to be any reception here!
When Cloud is out, and they're heading to the living area, she tries to ask for his help. ]
Can you try sending a message to Ayato? I can't seem to do it.
no subject
Date: 2023-10-12 03:43 am (UTC)[ Cloud retrieves his own phone, with the camelia charm that ensures she will always be with him, realizing that the reception is spotty. One bar. Zero bars. Teetering and flickering. He could have sworn they had some form of reception earlier...and not far from here either.
Another mental note for later.]Mm? [ Ah, so she had no luck either... As they head for the living area, his gaze continues to wander. The roof is a surprisingly dark color. Odd paint job... ] Sure. Lemme try.
[ "Hey, Ayato. Still out past Blossomcrown. Ayaka and I got caught in the rain. Gonna be home soon." ]
[ Send. ]
[ MESSAGE FAILED TO SEND ]
Strange... Lemme try Thoma.
[ "Hey Thoma? Just checking." ]
[ Send. ]
...
[ MESSAGE FAILED TO SEND ]
Hm.
[ "Yo Yoimiya." ]
[ MESSAGE FAILED TO SEND ]
It's really bad out here... [ A frown mars his lips as he decides to put his phone away for now, sliding it back into his pocket. ] I even tried Yoimiya and no dice.
no subject
Date: 2023-10-12 01:17 pm (UTC)I hope Ayato does not worry too much if we are not home soon. . . I'll try again later.
[ Cloud is with her, at least, so she can only hope that Ayato will at least think they are both safe and sound. She understands that he might not be able to rest if it was just Ayaka who was out and about and can't be reached by any means. ]
Would it be alright if you lit a fire?
no subject
Date: 2023-10-13 04:49 am (UTC)[ Though, fair enough! He knows that she'd be wanting to hear from him if the shoes were on the other feet. Especially after what had already happened... A thought he wishes to keep far from his mind now. Everyone's become stronger from that incident. And Cloud wasn't going to start slacking off for anything around Ayaka either. Even if he was feeling uncharacteristically tired, shaking his head to keep himself feeling awake. ]
You got it.
[ Luckily for them? It seemed as though the living room has a fireplace. ...a rather poorly bricked together fireplace, and it looks like the inside of it hasn't ever been used. It's surprisingly clean. No ash or burnt down wood to speak up. Though luckily for them, there's a few logs. ]
This'd be a lot easier if I had Fire Materia.
[ So instead, he has to make due with the next best thing. Flint in his bag and shaving the edge of his Buster Sword across it. With anybody else, this would look awkward, but due to his strength, he can handle any part of the weapon with ease. As he removes the sword from his back, he bends down to retrieve a couple of the logs, setting them in the fireplace. Fishing into his bag of supplies, he retrieves the flint for starting fires, preparing to kneel down in front of the fireplace to shoot sparks down the end of his Buster Sword when all of a sudden, ]
!!
[ He flinches, adjusting the way he was about to kneel down as he shifts his kneeling leg over slightly. Before he can start on the fire, he cocks his brow at what appears to be a...splintered piece of wood, sticking out from the flooring? That's what was about to jam into his leg. Was that there before?? ]
Not exactly the most well-kept place...
no subject
Date: 2023-10-14 03:19 am (UTC)Are you alright?
[ That truly is odd, isn't it? Ayaka stays close to Cloud the whole time, and notices that he almost got hit by something. Nothing crazy, at least, but any more trouble than they already are is a no in her book. ]
It is all the way out here. Resources would be rather limited. [ But Ayaka does not say anything more than that. They're lucky to have a roof over their heads at this time.
Cloud will find, however, that once he starts the fire? It doesn't seem to grow. It's just small enough to boil a small pot of water, nothing more. Any warmth it'd provide is minuscule, as if they're lucky that the fire is even burning to begin with.
(Looks like this house doesn't appreciate any sort of fires...) ]
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Date: 2023-10-15 08:20 am (UTC)[ As Cloud starts the flame, it's very small. And doesn't seem to spread even as he places his Buster Sword on his back again, leaning in to gently blow and stoke the flame. It doesn't seem to want to catch any further kindling... Even after a minute of observing it. ]
...
[ Only for Cloud to suddenly nod his head abruptly, before he shakes it to try and rid himself of his fatigue. They needed to at least get their socks dried... The flame was little enough that if they were to set them in front of it, it could at least start to get them warmed and for whatever moisture is there to start evaporating. ]
Ayaka? [ He has to wonder. ] How're you feeling right now?
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Date: 2023-10-15 12:23 pm (UTC)Instead, ]
Now that I am seated, I feel very tired... [ But she doesn't think anything weird of it. This does happen when you're running on adrenaline. ] If it did not start to rain, I don't think I would be this exhausted.
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Date: 2023-10-17 05:34 am (UTC)[ But while the fire continues to stay lit at such a small rate, Cloud feels a sense of determination wash over him as he mentally tells himself to fight back against the mental fatigue. ]
Wanna rest your eyes for a little bit? I'll keep watch.
[ And keep his ears tuned. ]
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Date: 2023-10-17 06:09 am (UTC)No, it's alright.
[ Despite what she says though, when Cloud scoots in closer and slips his arm around her, she leans into him. ]
Is it alright if we left this house once the rain stops?
[ No matter how late it is. ._. She just wants to go home, bro ]
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Date: 2023-10-17 06:58 am (UTC)[ Can they do that? Can he just call in their report and claim their reward after? ]
We'll play it by ear.
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Date: 2023-10-17 07:42 am (UTC)[ u_u so yes. Here's hoping the rain stops soon. ]
Are you hungry? That might give you some energy.
[ They still have some stuff in their bento leftover. Just a little! ]
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Date: 2023-10-20 04:49 am (UTC)[ When Ayaka asks him about a snack or whether or not he's hungry? He has to take a moment and pause, adjusting their socks in front of the little flame. At least it's not going out. But it's strange that it's refusing to catch any of the kindling he's set. Something that has him on the suspicious side before he finally answers her, ]
Sure. It's worth a shot.
[ He works up the energy for a smile for her. ]
After I'll go take a look out the window and see how the weather's shaping.
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Date: 2023-10-20 04:49 pm (UTC)[ There's not much energy in Ayaka's movements. Her body is slow, but she still has the will to make sure Cloud is okay. It's what carries her to get up, bring her bag closer to their spot, and sit back down. Her short walk back isn't all that pleasurable though. She miiight have put a bit more weight on a step, and her foot ends up getting stuck between the wooden flooring, her falling on her knees and creating a small hole on the floor. ]
Eek! Cloud!
[ That certainly woke her up, at least! And she's quick to try and pull her foot out of the hole she's made. There are scratches on her ankle when she gets it out, and she needs some help in standing back up after that fall. ]
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Date: 2023-10-21 07:31 am (UTC)The window rattles close by. It's a short walk for Ayaka, but enough time for the acerbic swordsman to get up and feel the hairs on the back of his neck start to rise up once again. ]
...
[ His brow furrows, feeling another boost of energy that he could chalk up to adrenalin. More focused, he slowly walks towards the window...only for the sudden commotion behind him to cause him to nearly jump. Can somebody say "on edge"? ]
[ "Eek! Cloud!" ]
Ayaka!
[ He's certainly wide awake too. He's instantly by her side, kneeling down so he can get a better look at her ankle. It's scratches, but more importantly... ]
You okay? [ Whether she is or not, he wants to check something first. His touch is gentle, fingers gently caressing along any scratches. ] Doesn't look like it left any splinters...
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Date: 2023-10-21 08:40 am (UTC)[ No splinters, just scraped skin and scratches. Little bits of blood, but nothing that would be a cause for concern. Upon much closer inspection, there are marks on her ankle that might resemble teeth. She can't see it from where she is, and it isn't deep! But why would Ayaka get marks like those on her ankle?
She lets out a sigh before putting her palm over her ankle. Her healing magic is good enough that she should be able to fix this without needing to see a doctor, but it would seem that nothing is happening! Her magic isn't gone, but she certainly doesn't have a lot of energy to use it now. ]
My magic isn't working... [ That's odd.
While she isn't on edge like Cloud is, she does look to him for some help. Maybe he can use his magic? ]
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Date: 2023-10-22 01:43 am (UTC)Hang on.
[ Cloud's turn. He's from the same region as Ayaka, so his own magic and expertise should grant him healing magic too. It's convenient for him. He already had all the power he could need to fight, but the elements of Spring that stay with him only ensured he could keep going for longer. But as he makes a low grunt, his teeth grit momentarily as if it was taking far more effort than usual to tap into his power. But he succeeds in casting a soothing wave of healing across Ayaka's ankle, in the end. ]
T-There...
[ Suddenly, a wave of nausea and lightheadedness washes over him, which causes his breath to hitch as he forces himself to brace himself against one of his hands so he didn't fall over. Vehemently, he shakes his head. Something's not right. He shook off the bad feeling when they set foot inside this house because of her. But now? ]
...
Ayaka. [ A beat. He looks into her eyes. ] Can you stand now?
[ Depending on her answer, his next course of action rides upon it. ]
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Date: 2023-10-22 04:54 am (UTC)Their eyes meet, and he'd see just how apologetic she looks from making him expend more energy for her. He said he was tired, and she's just making things more difficult for him. ]
I'll try. [ She nods, closing her eyes for a moment so she can gather the energy and strength to push herself up. Her ankles and knees wobble in doing so, but she manages to do it! Ayaka's not one to give up easily, especially when it comes to things like this. ] I'm sorry for troubling you, Cloud.
[ Walking is going to be slow. She doesn't think she has it in her to run, either. ]
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Date: 2023-10-23 06:34 am (UTC)Don't be.
[ The house they're in makes a long, low creaking sound. Like if someone were listening to a house settling but it was played in slow motion. He observes the hole in the floor where Ayaka slipped her foot through...
He can't be sure. He doesn't know what's happening entirely, but. Call it instinct.
Call it being around haunted shit before. DFKJAH]Follow my lead, okay? [ As for why? ] We're gonna slowly grab our socks, and leave.
[ Rather than leave Ayaka in the dark or speak in riddles though, he keeps his voice down as his heart starts racing a little. ]
Something's not right.
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