[ 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. ]
[ The creaking sound alerts Ayaka. It makes the hairs on her back and arms stand, and she looks around to try and find the source. It's delayed, but she finally, finally starts to feel like there's something wrong. Not on the same level as Cloud's, but she's getting bad vibes too. ]
Okay. I don't want to stay here any longer.
[ She doesn't want to tell Cloud that she's scared. She'll have to brave this! Starting by limping to get closer to the fireplace and get her socks. ]
[ If there's any solace to be had, it's that outside is going to feel infinitely better than what they were feeling indoors. Cloud can't place his finger on what's happening yet. A witch? Some spell this house is under? Or could it be... ]
Let's go home.
[ Cloud doesn't let go of her hand, supporting her even as she limps to get closer to the fireplace and for her socks. But as they reach for their socks... ]
!
[ The fire suddenly goes out. Unceremoniously so.
First warning. ]
Ayaka...
[ The lights begin to flicker. Another wave of fatigue washes over him as he instinctively reaches for his socks. He doesn't even care how they fit back on, partially damp or not. ]
Alright. You next.
[ He's going to help her get them back on, and quickly, kneeling down in front of her so that she can use him for support. This is unceremonious, but Cloud has to keep it together. He has to be strong. He has to stay focused for both their sakes...even as he can feel the wood beneath his knee splintering upwards, and jabbing into him. Her sandals next. His brow is knit into a deep furrow as he feels like they're on the brink of something downright terrible happening.
But it's not himself that he's so worried about. It's Ayaka as he can feel an invisible pressure bearing down on them. The atmosphere is shifting quickly. And just as Cloud ensures they both have their footing back? ]
[ The thunder that was once rolling outside has waned, the rain growing lighter too as the weather begins clearing up. But that only means that the nearby window is that much easier to see when it almost looks like the glass blinks. Slowly. A couple times. ]
... .... .....
[ The house creaks once more, as Cloud carefully, slowly rises to his feet once more. Holding Ayaka's hand, his free one slowly reaches back for the Buster Sword. ]
Do you trust me?
[ Rhetorical, really. But he also needs her to trust him despite what this might do to his own condition. He's already feeling like he's running on fumes as is. Like he's about to pass out. ]
We're going out the window.
[ He draws his sword. If she trusts him, he's going to need both hands for this one because regardless of what happens, they're going to need to move. And fast.
It's awake. Waiting for movement. Waiting for them to try and leave. Little does it realize...they're not making a break for the front door. ]
[ Ayaka doesn't miss the cue. The fire goes out and she turns to look at Cloud at the same time that he gets her attention. They have to stay calm and get out of here quickly, so whatever energy she has left? She uses to put her socks on with her beau's help. It's still a bit damp, but it can't be helped.
God, it feels like she's about to fall over from how weak she feels. She is absolutely tired, and any time that she'll be sitting down after this might also be an opportunity to doze off. All the more she must keep her eyes open! In fact, she nods off even while upright, but wakes up when Cloud says they'll leave through the window.
Okay. Sure. Anything to leave this place. She's far too tired to ask the whys and give any buts. ]
Alright.
[ But that means they could get cuts or scratches. Ayaka couldn't use her healing magic, but maybe it might be different if she tries the barrier materia to protect them? She lets go of Cloud's hand so she can try it on him, and it surprisingly works! Looks like sharing some touch energy has helped her some.
Ayaka trusts Cloud. He needn't even ask. And she's relieved to be able to cast a spell on him, if it means supporting him. She gives him a nod to signal that he can go do what he was planning to do. In the meantime, she casts a barrier around herself too and summons her sword. ]
[ Cloud can feel the familiar sensation wash over him. Bolstering their skin. Boosting their vitality. His eyes widen momentarily, and despite having the Buster Sword at the ready, he looses a softer sigh as he looks back to Ayaka by his side with a smile. That's the spirit. ]
Once we've got an opening, take my hand.
[ Because he's going to take the lead on this. But thankfully, with Ayaka having cast a barrier spell around the two of them, they won't need to worry about cuts or scratches. Or broken glass for that matter. Not after what Cloud intends to do. He has a hunch...and he's going to hate it if he's right. Facing ahead, the ground beneath them seems to tremble slightly, as if the floorboards were threatening to give way any moment.
Meanwhile, taking a deep breath, Cloud's grip upon the Buster Sword tightens as he crouches to brace himself, rearing his blade back up and over his shoulder. At the same time, light energy builds and manifests around his body, accompanied by trickling sparks of power. His body visibly shakes, as if he's using everything he's got to even attempt pulling this off. But Ayaka should know her beau well enough by now...
How limits were meant to be broken. ]
!! HAH—!!!
[ If there were anybody passing by outside, it would be quite the jarring sight. Calming weather now that the storm was gradually passing...peace and quiet...only for the side of the house to literally get blown open. A large crescent-shaped beam tears its way out and down the field after Cloud slammed his blade down with immense force. At first, the house does nothing. Almost like it was in absolute shock of what had just happened. As for Cloud and Ayaka? They have a very clear opening. They're not just going through the window. The window was gone.
Cloud kind of obliterated the side of the wall with the force of that Blade Beam. ]
Let's move!
[ Buster Sword in one hand, he reaches for and takes Ayaka's in the other. As he urges her to come along, the wall was already beginning to attempt to rebuild itself. The house itself may not make roaring noises or anything of the sort, but the disturbing tone of the way it CREAKS and GROANS was just the cherry on top for how messed up this whole thing was. They hit the grass outside, stepping over splintered pieces of destroyed wood and other various bits, Cloud gasping to catch his breath he otherwise would have never been out of before.
But the moment they were out? It almost felt like a night and day difference. He didn't feel any further drained anymore. But he also wasn't gaining anything back. So by the time Cloud and Ayaka stopped running to turn around, he squeezes her hand tight as he swallows to recompose himself. Just in time to watch as the Monster House quite literally grows a stubby quartet of gnarled legs and thick, branchlike arms that burst out the sides.
[ Ayaka has to match Cloud's pace when he takes her hand and urges her to go with him. It's not like she wouldn't, but the sense of urgency is far greater than what her body can physically handle at this time. Fortunately, she does not trip or fall over, but she does fumble for a moment before her feet start moving for her.
What she sees and hears next once they're out are disturbing, and no doubt would haunt her for the next few days. That, coupled with all that exercise and exhaustion she feels is just far too much. She almost—almost—wants to cry when the house they were just in starts growing limbs. She's never seen anything like it before! Neither here, in Nippon, nor in Inazuma. ]
What is that?
[ It's obviously some sort of monster, that much Ayaka knows!! But she's never heard of anything like it here! Normally, the threats people face in any of the segments are ghosts or animal-like creatures, so she's not sure what this is, exactly! ]
Were we inside a monster this whole time?
[ oh god she's going to throw up just thinking about it ]
[ Whatever fatigue he feels is effectively shoved to the wayside as the house lumbers, the rooftop shingles shuddering and rattling. It's slow, but it also appears to be glowing with a faint green hue of energy... ]
Would you believe me if I toldja this wasn't my first time?
[ Cloud lets go of her hand, taking a step forward and getting into a proper fighting stance as he steels his body to stop it from shaking from exhaustion. He'll push himself as far as he has to if it means smashing this thing to pieces. For all he knew...this could have been anybody else. It could have been any one of his friends. It could have even been Ayaka's brother— ]
Aerith and I took down something called a Hell House before.
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timeasmymeasure
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...) ]
no subject
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?
no subject
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.
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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 ]
no subject
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.
no subject
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! ]
no subject
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.
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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...
no subject
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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Date: 2023-10-23 07:43 am (UTC)Okay. I don't want to stay here any longer.
[ She doesn't want to tell Cloud that she's scared. She'll have to brave this! Starting by limping to get closer to the fireplace and get her socks. ]
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Date: 2023-10-24 05:03 am (UTC)Let's go home.
[ Cloud doesn't let go of her hand, supporting her even as she limps to get closer to the fireplace and for her socks. But as they reach for their socks... ]
!
[ The fire suddenly goes out. Unceremoniously so.
First warning. ]
Ayaka...
[ The lights begin to flicker. Another wave of fatigue washes over him as he instinctively reaches for his socks. He doesn't even care how they fit back on, partially damp or not. ]
Alright. You next.
[ He's going to help her get them back on, and quickly, kneeling down in front of her so that she can use him for support. This is unceremonious, but Cloud has to keep it together. He has to be strong. He has to stay focused for both their sakes...even as he can feel the wood beneath his knee splintering upwards, and jabbing into him. Her sandals next. His brow is knit into a deep furrow as he feels like they're on the brink of something downright terrible happening.
But it's not himself that he's so worried about. It's Ayaka as he can feel an invisible pressure bearing down on them. The atmosphere is shifting quickly. And just as Cloud ensures they both have their footing back? ]
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Date: 2023-10-24 05:09 am (UTC)... .... .....
[ The house creaks once more, as Cloud carefully, slowly rises to his feet once more. Holding Ayaka's hand, his free one slowly reaches back for the Buster Sword. ]
Do you trust me?
[ Rhetorical, really. But he also needs her to trust him despite what this might do to his own condition. He's already feeling like he's running on fumes as is. Like he's about to pass out. ]
We're going out the window.
[ He draws his sword. If she trusts him, he's going to need both hands for this one because regardless of what happens, they're going to need to move. And fast.
It's awake. Waiting for movement. Waiting for them to try and leave. Little does it realize...they're not making a break for the front door. ]
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Date: 2023-10-24 07:42 am (UTC)God, it feels like she's about to fall over from how weak she feels. She is absolutely tired, and any time that she'll be sitting down after this might also be an opportunity to doze off. All the more she must keep her eyes open! In fact, she nods off even while upright, but wakes up when Cloud says they'll leave through the window.
Okay. Sure. Anything to leave this place. She's far too tired to ask the whys and give any buts. ]
Alright.
[ But that means they could get cuts or scratches. Ayaka couldn't use her healing magic, but maybe it might be different if she tries the barrier materia to protect them? She lets go of Cloud's hand so she can try it on him, and it surprisingly works! Looks like sharing some touch energy has helped her some.
Ayaka trusts Cloud. He needn't even ask. And she's relieved to be able to cast a spell on him, if it means supporting him. She gives him a nod to signal that he can go do what he was planning to do. In the meantime, she casts a barrier around herself too and summons her sword. ]
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Date: 2023-10-26 03:13 am (UTC)Once we've got an opening, take my hand.
[ Because he's going to take the lead on this. But thankfully, with Ayaka having cast a barrier spell around the two of them, they won't need to worry about cuts or scratches. Or broken glass for that matter. Not after what Cloud intends to do. He has a hunch...and he's going to hate it if he's right. Facing ahead, the ground beneath them seems to tremble slightly, as if the floorboards were threatening to give way any moment.
Meanwhile, taking a deep breath, Cloud's grip upon the Buster Sword tightens as he crouches to brace himself, rearing his blade back up and over his shoulder. At the same time, light energy builds and manifests around his body, accompanied by trickling sparks of power. His body visibly shakes, as if he's using everything he's got to even attempt pulling this off. But Ayaka should know her beau well enough by now...
How limits were meant to be broken. ]
!! HAH—!!!
[ If there were anybody passing by outside, it would be quite the jarring sight. Calming weather now that the storm was gradually passing...peace and quiet...only for the side of the house to literally get blown open. A large crescent-shaped beam tears its way out and down the field after Cloud slammed his blade down with immense force. At first, the house does nothing. Almost like it was in absolute shock of what had just happened. As for Cloud and Ayaka? They have a very clear opening. They're not just going through the window. The window was gone.
Cloud kind of obliterated the side of the wall with the force of that Blade Beam. ]
Let's move!
[ Buster Sword in one hand, he reaches for and takes Ayaka's in the other. As he urges her to come along, the wall was already beginning to attempt to rebuild itself. The house itself may not make roaring noises or anything of the sort, but the disturbing tone of the way it CREAKS and GROANS was just the cherry on top for how messed up this whole thing was. They hit the grass outside, stepping over splintered pieces of destroyed wood and other various bits, Cloud gasping to catch his breath he otherwise would have never been out of before.
But the moment they were out? It almost felt like a night and day difference. He didn't feel any further drained anymore. But he also wasn't gaining anything back. So by the time Cloud and Ayaka stopped running to turn around, he squeezes her hand tight as he swallows to recompose himself. Just in time to watch as the Monster House quite literally grows a stubby quartet of gnarled legs and thick, branchlike arms that burst out the sides.
Pardon your beau, Ayaka, but... ]
Son of a bitch. How'd I know?
[ This wasn't his first Rodeo. ]
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Date: 2023-10-26 03:12 pm (UTC)What she sees and hears next once they're out are disturbing, and no doubt would haunt her for the next few days. That, coupled with all that exercise and exhaustion she feels is just far too much. She almost—almost—wants to cry when the house they were just in starts growing limbs. She's never seen anything like it before! Neither here, in Nippon, nor in Inazuma. ]
What is that?
[ It's obviously some sort of monster, that much Ayaka knows!! But she's never heard of anything like it here! Normally, the threats people face in any of the segments are ghosts or animal-like creatures, so she's not sure what this is, exactly! ]
Were we inside a monster this whole time?
[ oh god she's going to throw up just thinking about it ]
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Date: 2023-10-30 06:43 am (UTC)Would you believe me if I toldja this wasn't my first time?
[ Cloud lets go of her hand, taking a step forward and getting into a proper fighting stance as he steels his body to stop it from shaking from exhaustion. He'll push himself as far as he has to if it means smashing this thing to pieces. For all he knew...this could have been anybody else. It could have been any one of his friends. It could have even been Ayaka's brother— ]
Aerith and I took down something called a Hell House before.
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