[ 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.
[ Her skin is tingling from the fear, and she's also starting to feel even more lightheaded. It takes a lot out of her to calm herself down, but she also doesn't think that sitting down and resting at a time like this would do any good. She has to keep standing.
This is going to haunt her in her dreams, though. If Cloud wasn't alert enough and didn't initiate to leave right away, they could have been... well, they wouldn't be standing here now. ]
Cloud, maybe we should make our escape for now.
[ She feels absolutely weak. Cloud's doing well in wielding his sword and all, but Ayaka's also scared that they might be biting more than they can chew by staying here. It'd be irresponsible to just up and leave though, when other people could end up being victim to the monster. Oh, but maybe...
She releases Eevee from its Pokeball. It's just a baby, but... Maybe it can still help. ]
Ringo, you should be able to weaken the monster, right?
[ If they hadn't left in time... He'd be the one apologizing not just to Ayaka, but to her brother when they were revived. But Cloud never plans on letting that happen. Not ever again. Not to anybody he knows and loves, or even himself. For all intents and purposes? He would rise above it all if it meant pushing himself past his own limits time and time again.
Even if it meant he would collapse from sheer exhaustion and not wake for a days after this... He'd do it. If it meant that he woke up to see Ayaka's face again because of something he accomplished. So when she suggests that they make their escape, he understands where she's coming from. ]
...
[ But, ]
It might get someone else before we can even tell the guild.
[ Which is why he prepares himself, taking a step forward before regarding Ayaka. ]
Stay- [ His breath catches, the house lumbering slowly but surely in their direction as Ayaka releases Ringo from its Pokéball. ]
Wait...
[ She's right. These creatures were capable of battling. In fact, it was just a natural aspect of their lives under the protection of some Trainers. Though not all Pokémon battled, it was in their very nature. Which meant... ]
?!?!
[ Without his acknowledgement, he feels the one Pokéball on his belt shaking before suddenly his Pikachu bursts forth from the ball. It must have not only sensed the danger, but that Ringo was out too. It lands by Ringo's side, hunched down on all fours with its tail raised straight up.
"Pika..."
There's almost a growl to its voice as its cheeks spark with trickles of electricity. ]
Pikachu...
[ They must have avoided the energy draining nature of the monster by being in their Pokéballs. He wasn't about to leave this to them alone, but, watching the 'shingles' of the monster dripping wet from the rain, Cloud realizes something. Despite the fact the rain and storming was waning, that still left the house that seems to radiate with a haunting energy soaking wet. Especially from being outside for so long. In that case... ]
Water conducts electricity! [ Cloud hasn't trained his Pikachu extensively, but his partner was still intrigued in what his trainer would do. It wanted to get stronger too, so it could protect everyone in the Kamisato household. He may not know much of anything about the world these Pokémon came from, but if his Pikachu is eager... ] Pikachu!
[ Gripping the handle of his Buster Sword tight, his brow furrows as he watches Pikachu bravely rush into action. But instead of staying on the ground and just loosing a Thundershock attack like he thought it'd usually do...
It jumps into the air, body enveloped with a thin yet jagged layer of electricity as it surges throughout its body. Until the energy collects towards the tip of its tail where a bright ball of lightning forms.
"Pikapikapika...!!" ]
What the-
[ "—CHU!!" ]
[ When did he learn that?! But given how slow the house was in comparison to the zippy mouse, and how it was soaked by the rain? That was only going to make the Electro Ball attack that much stronger when it hits. The monster's "wooden" joints creak and groan as it stumbles, its front legs giving out on it as lines of electricity run along its bulky frame.
When Pikachu lands on its feet again, it continues to growl, preparing itself to attack again. ]
Pikachu, come back!
[ Cloud waits for Ringo too, before he can push himself to try and finish this in one blow. Drawing this out wouldn't be good. ]
[ Ayaka's only sorry she can't do much at this time. She's not even sure if she has the strength to lift her sword. She can at least do this much: ]
Ringo, do your best.
[ Just in time for him to summon Pikachu, too. It won't just be Cloud fighting this time, what with Pikachu's own attacks and Eevee basically debuffing the enemy. He doesn't stray very far, just close enough for his own attacks to work, before running back to be by Ayaka's side. ]
Please be careful, Cloud!
[ If they aren't going to make their escape, then hopefully he can take care in trying to take this monster down. It's been weakened some thanks to Pikachu, so while it thrashes and growls, it wouldn't be able to move quickly anymore. ]
[ What matters the most is getting out of this alive. Whether Cloud was the weaker one or vice versa, at the end of the day...he wants to take Ayaka home. That's all he can think about now. That's all, in this moment, that he cares about now. And so, with Pikachu obeying his trainer and falling back after he and Ringo have done their part, it's time for Cloud to play his part.
He'll have time to give his Pokémon props for his bravery... After he's dealt with this thing. He stomps forward, as the Hell House lumbers, its front door of a mouth flapping open and close. The haunting lighting inside flickers repeatedly, but if one were to look close enough, they'd see that the inside of the 'home' was warped now. Almost like it was bleeding crimson...with massive stakes that could run someone through with ease if they were pulled inside. No matter how they sliced it, they were literally within the belly of a beast. ]
I'm ending this.
[ No matter the cost to him. And the look in his eyes is an old one. A cold one. The very same cold, calculated, SOLDIER-like eyes that scared Tifa. He's come a long way from the days of perusing Wall Market with Aerith and throwing down in an underground fight ring. So while the monster is down and out...he's going to make sure it stays down. No spells. No magic. No use of the technique he'd honed between Nippon and here. Tried and true.
His grip on the Buster Sword tightens, knuckles rendered white as sparks of energy light the blond swordsman. As a byproduct of his affiliation with the season of Spring, the wind picks up with him, howling with ferocity as he empowers his Limit Break, and suddenly surges forward. There was nothing 'pretty' about this attack. Practiced as he was in the ways of Kamisato Art Tachi Jutsu, this was something he didn't bring Tsubaki for.
This required the crushing power that monsters envied. One of the last of his kind. The last of SOLDIER. And he brings all of it down on the house. ]
凶
[ Three crippling blows. Each one practically causing a combination of wood, glass and whatever else makes up the foundations of this monster. When the final strike lands, the entire structure of the house is almost toppled from the force of the wind-infused Cross Slash, the wicked Kanji symbol burning bright in the wake of Cloud's swings. There's no growl. There's no more thrashing.
The sheer force is like a trauma that'd be a miracle to bounce back from. And when the house lumbers forward, it creaks and crumbles, the wood that comprises the outside beginning to rot at a rapid rate. ]
Haa...haa...haa...
[ He swallows. But air struggles to reach him. ]
Haa...
[ Cautiously, Cloud begins to take steps back. And just when he's prepared to put the Buster Sword away... ]
[ He doesn't faint, but his grip upon the Buster Sword slips, and he falls right on his ass that's cushioned by the wet grass, the feeling in his legs like jelly after expending so much energy into a single attack. His Pikachu gasps, sensing that the immediate danger was behind them now as he runs towards his trainer.
"Piika pi!"
At least now the rain's stopped entirely. Give him a moment or two. He's running on fumes, but this isn't fatal. ]
[ Pikachu isn't the only one who runs. So does Ringo and Ayaka. She's still a lot slower though, and she almost tumbles forward when she finally stops and kneels on the ground to check on Cloud.
She looks back at the house, or what's left of it. It's still a little difficult to understand what just happened, but all Ayaka can think about now is how lucky they are that they're safe now.
Much as she'd like to leave, she doesn't think Cloud is in any state to be moving around right now. They're both far too exhausted, and even her vision's going blurry. It might be one last hoorah for now to pull Cloud to some shade and rest there, but when she hears a thump and some noises from behind the nearby bushes, the idea of resting becomes the furthest thing from her mind.
A horse— or rather, what looks like a horse— with wings emerges from behind the bushes and the trees. Did it sense that she and Cloud needed help? Ayaka had made a bond with the pegasus, alongside Yoimiya, a few months ago. ]
Tsubasa... [ Okay, this might work out after all. ] Can you help us? We need to go back to the city.
[ Just a little longer, Cloud. She squeezes his hand to get his attention. Hopefully he can still stand. ]
Tsubasa is a friend, [ she tells him. ] We'll be safe.
[ Pikachu is the first one to arrive, ears tucked back and looking all the more worried about his Trainer's condition. But luckily for everyone involved... ]
When were you gonna tell me you could do that?
[ Patting the mouse's head, Pikachu seems to instantly light up at the compliment, hopping into Cloud's lap instantly.
"Piiika...!" ]
Alright. Rest up. [ His hand trembles as he picks out his Pokéball, barely succeeding to even aim it right to have Pikachu return. And when he does, he looks to Ayaka and Ringo as they approach him. She doesn't look so good either- something that sparks her beau to want to get back up and shoulder her problems again. And he would have too, if not for the sudden rustling and thumps from nearby bushes. Gritting his teeth, he forces himself to try and clutch his Buster Sword harder, only to see that a winged horse emerge. ]
...
[ But Ayaka doesn't seem afraid or worried. In fact... ]
Tsubasa?
[ Ayaka gets a squeeze right back. He's here. He's still here. Tired and exhausted, but he thinks that he can push himself a little more. Any longer in that house and things would be very, very different. Sighing, he wears a tired smile as he looks to Ayaka at his side, preparing himself to get to his feet. ]
Looks way friendlier.
[ Than the Hell House?! Understatement. But even now, he dryly tries to lift the mood of the situation. ]
[ Pikachu definitely deserves a lot of credit. Ayaka will do her best to remember to thank both Cloud's Pokémon, as well as hers, for their hard work. Recognition will have to come later though, when they all have a lot of energy again.
She'd also tell Cloud the story about Tsubasa later. Much later. Tsubasa at least is friendly enough that he nudges Cloud's arm with his muzzle to help him up and guide him to get up on his back. They're going to fly, so Cloud's going to need to hold on tight, too. Ayaka will do her best to follow suit once Cloud is up, holding weakly onto the back of his shirt rather than wrapping her arms around him.
She has no energy for that right now. ]
We're almost home.
[ "Almost" isn't quite almost, but at least they're safe now and have a way back to the city. They shouldn't encounter any more monsters up in the air, especially with a pegasus around. ]
[ When Tsubasa nudges his arm with his muzzle to help return him to his feet, Cloud takes the moment to place the Buster Sword on his back before gently rubbing the pegasus' neck. He can tell that Ayaka's placed a lot of trust in this creature. So after patting Tsubasa in thanks, he pushes himself once more, hopping up with the guidance of Tsubasa as he makes sure to mind the horse's wings. Once both Cloud and Ayaka are settled on, he focuses on sitting upright. If they're going to be flying, they can't afford to slip off.
Not that he's worried about heights himself. Feeling Ayaka against his back as she clutches his shirt, before they can take off... ]
Here.
[ She may not have the energy to wrap her arms around him, but he'll make up for it. Reaching behind him to take one of her hands, he slips it down and into his lap, giving it a squeeze. She can hold his shirt with her other hand, but he won't let her go on the way back. ]
I gotcha.
[ Almost home... Cloud can report this monster house to the guild tomorrow. ]
♘🪽♘🪽♘🪽
[ As the trio touch down just outside the new Kamisato estate, Tsubasa's glided landing as graceful and gentle as can be, Cloud looses a sigh of relief as he makes sure Ayaka's prepared to dismount also. ]
Thank you.
[ He would have pushed himself even harder if he had to if they were forced to walk all the way back. But this was way faster. Way faster and way safer, too. Cloud was so tired that he could barely even take in the beautiful sight of the stars from being so high up during the flight. It was hard to appreciate the view when he was struggling to keep awake and in control of his own limbs. ]
[ Cloud and Ayaka honestly have so much willpower to get home in one piece. Anyone else could have passed out on the way and would have fallen off Tsubasa, but they didn't! Ayaka almost stumbles forward when she gets off the pegasus, though, but she manages to stay up a little longer. ]
Cloud, please get some rest. [ They really both need it. But she means to say Cloud should go inside already and pass out without waiting for her. ] I'll look for some treats to give Tsubasa first.
[ Because the pegasus sure looks like it's waiting for treats. Tsubasa, pls... ]
[ You ever get so little sleep that you eventually just loop back around to a second wind? To the point of just being overtired? That, is currently these two as Cloud thumps stomps his feet once he hits solid ground like it was gonna give him one more shot of energy. ]
Nah nah... He did a good job. I'll wait here with him. You get treats.
[ He's the one who exhausted more effort, so she'd like for him to get rest already. If he wants to wait though, then she won't ask any further than that one question. ]
Then, please keep Tsubasa company in the meantime. I won't take long.
[ Literally the horse would be happy with sugar. Ayaka heads inside, her movements sluggish, and goes straight for the kitchen. Mochi seems to be waiting for her and Cloud already by the door, so this might derail her a little bit...
But! When she does come back out a couple of minutes later, Mochi is wagging her tail beside her. She's got some dango, removed from the sticks that hold them together, and she offers the entire plate for the pegasus. ]
Thank you for your help, Tsubasa. I hope you enjoy these treats.
[ The pegasus practically licks the plate clean and swallows everything in one go. It gives a neigh of approval before backing up a bit as it begins to flap its wings. Ready for take off! ]
[ She's not wrong. Cloud exhausted himself. If it weren't being inside that monstrous house, he would have been perfectly fine. Any further energy he spends is simply going to go into just how long he's down and out for. But be that as it may... Again. Overtired. ]
Take your time. We're tired.
[ As for Cloud? When Ayaka heads inside, leaving him alone with the friendly pegasus, the blond can't help but look up at the winged horse as it makes a sputtering sound. At least he's not standing in front of Tsubasa's blindspot! The night is quiet. Very quiet. And despite the fact it's just a flying horse, Cloud feels...awkward. Awkward but just as much grateful. He rubs Tsubasa's neck to keep giving him attention. ]
She'll be right back.
[ Sure enough! Not even a minute or so after! Out comes Ayaka. And Mochi! She's so well behaved, not barking this late at night. ]
S'that the dango?
[ It is! And Cloud steps back to join Ayaka's side as she offers up the entire plate for the pegasus. And sure enough, it licks that plate clean and scoops it up like nobody's business. Once it backs up a bit and starts flapping its wings, he wraps an arm around her waist, gently hugging her to his side as he gives a nod of approval for Tsubasa. ]
[ Ayaka would be more than happy to tell Cloud about Tsubasa's story and how he visited her and Yoimiya's camping trip one fateful night. He just ate a lot of their marshmallows and smores!! And then left! It was really such a fun encounter, and the pegasus left a couple of feathers in its wake, and both girls took one each home.
But that story can come later! With the winged horse flying away, it is now time to actually get some rest. It's Ayaka who turns around first to get back inside. Despite how tired she is, wants to take a really hot bath, so she might just take a dip for a bit before going to bed though. ]
I almost fell over when Mochi came up to me, but I got to hold onto the table.
[ It's a funny story supposedly, so please don't be worried, Cloud. ]
I think she was waiting for us, so I'm glad Mochi will be able to rest now, too.
[ Watching Tsubasa fly away, off beyond the clouds, a star-kissed sky awaiting them, Cloud stays there for a moment. Despite his fatigue, he can't help but admire the beast's wings. Seemingly lost in thought for a moment, it's not until Ayaka's words reach him that he snaps out of it and turns around to head inside too. Smiling, he leans over to thread his hand through Mochi's thick, fuzzy head. There's a good girl. ]
At this stage, I think a slight breeze'll knock us over.
[ He even struggles to take off his boots at the front entrance, but he finally manages without tumbling onto his butt. ]
Kinda feel like taking a bath before hitting the hay. You?
[ Ayaka fills up the tub, just lets the water run for a bit. She's going to make it really hot though, like onsen-levels of hot. Hopefully Cloud can handle it when he takes a dip.
She'll take off her hair ribbons and other accessories in the meantime. ]
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
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 ]
no subject
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.
no subject
Date: 2023-11-05 07:27 am (UTC)This is going to haunt her in her dreams, though. If Cloud wasn't alert enough and didn't initiate to leave right away, they could have been... well, they wouldn't be standing here now. ]
Cloud, maybe we should make our escape for now.
[ She feels absolutely weak. Cloud's doing well in wielding his sword and all, but Ayaka's also scared that they might be biting more than they can chew by staying here. It'd be irresponsible to just up and leave though, when other people could end up being victim to the monster. Oh, but maybe...
She releases Eevee from its Pokeball. It's just a baby, but... Maybe it can still help. ]
Ringo, you should be able to weaken the monster, right?
[ aka pls use Tail Whip ]
no subject
Date: 2023-11-13 08:53 am (UTC)Even if it meant he would collapse from sheer exhaustion and not wake for a days after this... He'd do it. If it meant that he woke up to see Ayaka's face again because of something he accomplished. So when she suggests that they make their escape, he understands where she's coming from. ]
...
[ But, ]
It might get someone else before we can even tell the guild.
[ Which is why he prepares himself, taking a step forward before regarding Ayaka. ]
Stay- [ His breath catches, the house lumbering slowly but surely in their direction as Ayaka releases Ringo from its Pokéball. ]
Wait...
[ She's right. These creatures were capable of battling. In fact, it was just a natural aspect of their lives under the protection of some Trainers. Though not all Pokémon battled, it was in their very nature. Which meant... ]
?!?!
[ Without his acknowledgement, he feels the one Pokéball on his belt shaking before suddenly his Pikachu bursts forth from the ball. It must have not only sensed the danger, but that Ringo was out too. It lands by Ringo's side, hunched down on all fours with its tail raised straight up.
"Pika..."
There's almost a growl to its voice as its cheeks spark with trickles of electricity. ]
Pikachu...
[ They must have avoided the energy draining nature of the monster by being in their Pokéballs. He wasn't about to leave this to them alone, but, watching the 'shingles' of the monster dripping wet from the rain, Cloud realizes something. Despite the fact the rain and storming was waning, that still left the house that seems to radiate with a haunting energy soaking wet. Especially from being outside for so long. In that case... ]
Water conducts electricity! [ Cloud hasn't trained his Pikachu extensively, but his partner was still intrigued in what his trainer would do. It wanted to get stronger too, so it could protect everyone in the Kamisato household. He may not know much of anything about the world these Pokémon came from, but if his Pikachu is eager... ] Pikachu!
[ Gripping the handle of his Buster Sword tight, his brow furrows as he watches Pikachu bravely rush into action. But instead of staying on the ground and just loosing a Thundershock attack like he thought it'd usually do...
It jumps into the air, body enveloped with a thin yet jagged layer of electricity as it surges throughout its body. Until the energy collects towards the tip of its tail where a bright ball of lightning forms.
"Pikapikapika...!!" ]
What the-
[ "—CHU!!" ]
[ When did he learn that?! But given how slow the house was in comparison to the zippy mouse, and how it was soaked by the rain? That was only going to make the Electro Ball attack that much stronger when it hits. The monster's "wooden" joints creak and groan as it stumbles, its front legs giving out on it as lines of electricity run along its bulky frame.
When Pikachu lands on its feet again, it continues to growl, preparing itself to attack again. ]
Pikachu, come back!
[ Cloud waits for Ringo too, before he can push himself to try and finish this in one blow. Drawing this out wouldn't be good. ]
no subject
Date: 2023-11-26 12:23 pm (UTC)Ringo, do your best.
[ Just in time for him to summon Pikachu, too. It won't just be Cloud fighting this time, what with Pikachu's own attacks and Eevee basically debuffing the enemy. He doesn't stray very far, just close enough for his own attacks to work, before running back to be by Ayaka's side. ]
Please be careful, Cloud!
[ If they aren't going to make their escape, then hopefully he can take care in trying to take this monster down. It's been weakened some thanks to Pikachu, so while it thrashes and growls, it wouldn't be able to move quickly anymore. ]
1/2
Date: 2023-11-27 07:19 am (UTC)He'll have time to give his Pokémon props for his bravery... After he's dealt with this thing. He stomps forward, as the Hell House lumbers, its front door of a mouth flapping open and close. The haunting lighting inside flickers repeatedly, but if one were to look close enough, they'd see that the inside of the 'home' was warped now. Almost like it was bleeding crimson...with massive stakes that could run someone through with ease if they were pulled inside. No matter how they sliced it, they were literally within the belly of a beast. ]
I'm ending this.
[ No matter the cost to him. And the look in his eyes is an old one. A cold one. The very same cold, calculated, SOLDIER-like eyes that scared Tifa. He's come a long way from the days of perusing Wall Market with Aerith and throwing down in an underground fight ring. So while the monster is down and out...he's going to make sure it stays down. No spells. No magic. No use of the technique he'd honed between Nippon and here. Tried and true.
His grip on the Buster Sword tightens, knuckles rendered white as sparks of energy light the blond swordsman. As a byproduct of his affiliation with the season of Spring, the wind picks up with him, howling with ferocity as he empowers his Limit Break, and suddenly surges forward. There was nothing 'pretty' about this attack. Practiced as he was in the ways of Kamisato Art Tachi Jutsu, this was something he didn't bring Tsubaki for.
This required the crushing power that monsters envied. One of the last of his kind. The last of SOLDIER. And he brings all of it down on the house. ]
凶
[ Three crippling blows. Each one practically causing a combination of wood, glass and whatever else makes up the foundations of this monster. When the final strike lands, the entire structure of the house is almost toppled from the force of the wind-infused Cross Slash, the wicked Kanji symbol burning bright in the wake of Cloud's swings. There's no growl. There's no more thrashing.
The sheer force is like a trauma that'd be a miracle to bounce back from. And when the house lumbers forward, it creaks and crumbles, the wood that comprises the outside beginning to rot at a rapid rate. ]
Haa...haa...haa...
[ He swallows. But air struggles to reach him. ]
Haa...
[ Cautiously, Cloud begins to take steps back. And just when he's prepared to put the Buster Sword away... ]
2/2
Date: 2023-11-27 07:22 am (UTC)"Piika pi!"
At least now the rain's stopped entirely. Give him a moment or two. He's running on fumes, but this isn't fatal. ]
no subject
Date: 2023-12-01 04:48 am (UTC)She looks back at the house, or what's left of it. It's still a little difficult to understand what just happened, but all Ayaka can think about now is how lucky they are that they're safe now.
Much as she'd like to leave, she doesn't think Cloud is in any state to be moving around right now. They're both far too exhausted, and even her vision's going blurry. It might be one last hoorah for now to pull Cloud to some shade and rest there, but when she hears a thump and some noises from behind the nearby bushes, the idea of resting becomes the furthest thing from her mind.
A horse— or rather, what looks like a horse— with wings emerges from behind the bushes and the trees. Did it sense that she and Cloud needed help? Ayaka had made a bond with the pegasus, alongside Yoimiya, a few months ago. ]
Tsubasa... [ Okay, this might work out after all. ] Can you help us? We need to go back to the city.
[ Just a little longer, Cloud. She squeezes his hand to get his attention. Hopefully he can still stand. ]
Tsubasa is a friend, [ she tells him. ] We'll be safe.
no subject
Date: 2023-12-01 06:14 am (UTC)When were you gonna tell me you could do that?
[ Patting the mouse's head, Pikachu seems to instantly light up at the compliment, hopping into Cloud's lap instantly.
"Piiika...!" ]
Alright. Rest up. [ His hand trembles as he picks out his Pokéball, barely succeeding to even aim it right to have Pikachu return. And when he does, he looks to Ayaka and Ringo as they approach him. She doesn't look so good either- something that sparks her beau to want to get back up and shoulder her problems again. And he would have too, if not for the sudden rustling and thumps from nearby bushes. Gritting his teeth, he forces himself to try and clutch his Buster Sword harder, only to see that a winged horse emerge. ]
...
[ But Ayaka doesn't seem afraid or worried. In fact... ]
Tsubasa?
[ Ayaka gets a squeeze right back. He's here. He's still here. Tired and exhausted, but he thinks that he can push himself a little more. Any longer in that house and things would be very, very different. Sighing, he wears a tired smile as he looks to Ayaka at his side, preparing himself to get to his feet. ]
Looks way friendlier.
[ Than the Hell House?! Understatement. But even now, he dryly tries to lift the mood of the situation. ]
no subject
Date: 2023-12-01 04:10 pm (UTC)She'd also tell Cloud the story about Tsubasa later. Much later. Tsubasa at least is friendly enough that he nudges Cloud's arm with his muzzle to help him up and guide him to get up on his back. They're going to fly, so Cloud's going to need to hold on tight, too. Ayaka will do her best to follow suit once Cloud is up, holding weakly onto the back of his shirt rather than wrapping her arms around him.
She has no energy for that right now. ]
We're almost home.
[ "Almost" isn't quite almost, but at least they're safe now and have a way back to the city. They shouldn't encounter any more monsters up in the air, especially with a pegasus around. ]
no subject
Date: 2023-12-02 09:15 am (UTC)Not that he's worried about heights himself. Feeling Ayaka against his back as she clutches his shirt, before they can take off... ]
Here.
[ She may not have the energy to wrap her arms around him, but he'll make up for it. Reaching behind him to take one of her hands, he slips it down and into his lap, giving it a squeeze. She can hold his shirt with her other hand, but he won't let her go on the way back. ]
I gotcha.
[ Almost home... Cloud can report this monster house to the guild tomorrow. ]
[ As the trio touch down just outside the new Kamisato estate, Tsubasa's glided landing as graceful and gentle as can be, Cloud looses a sigh of relief as he makes sure Ayaka's prepared to dismount also. ]
Thank you.
[ He would have pushed himself even harder if he had to if they were forced to walk all the way back. But this was way faster. Way faster and way safer, too. Cloud was so tired that he could barely even take in the beautiful sight of the stars from being so high up during the flight. It was hard to appreciate the view when he was struggling to keep awake and in control of his own limbs. ]
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Date: 2023-12-05 04:27 pm (UTC)Cloud, please get some rest. [ They really both need it. But she means to say Cloud should go inside already and pass out without waiting for her. ] I'll look for some treats to give Tsubasa first.
[ Because the pegasus sure looks like it's waiting for treats. Tsubasa, pls... ]
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Date: 2023-12-06 07:18 am (UTC)thumpsstomps his feet once he hits solid ground like it was gonna give him one more shot of energy. ]Nah nah... He did a good job. I'll wait here with him. You get treats.
[ Just...don't wake up Mochi. ]
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Date: 2023-12-06 04:41 pm (UTC)[ He's the one who exhausted more effort, so she'd like for him to get rest already. If he wants to wait though, then she won't ask any further than that one question. ]
Then, please keep Tsubasa company in the meantime. I won't take long.
[ Literally the horse would be happy with sugar. Ayaka heads inside, her movements sluggish, and goes straight for the kitchen. Mochi seems to be waiting for her and Cloud already by the door, so this might derail her a little bit...
But! When she does come back out a couple of minutes later, Mochi is wagging her tail beside her. She's got some dango, removed from the sticks that hold them together, and she offers the entire plate for the pegasus. ]
Thank you for your help, Tsubasa. I hope you enjoy these treats.
[ The pegasus practically licks the plate clean and swallows everything in one go. It gives a neigh of approval before backing up a bit as it begins to flap its wings. Ready for take off! ]
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Date: 2023-12-07 06:37 am (UTC)Take your time. We're tired.
[ As for Cloud? When Ayaka heads inside, leaving him alone with the friendly pegasus, the blond can't help but look up at the winged horse as it makes a sputtering sound. At least he's not standing in front of Tsubasa's blindspot! The night is quiet. Very quiet. And despite the fact it's just a flying horse, Cloud feels...awkward. Awkward but just as much grateful. He rubs Tsubasa's neck to keep giving him attention. ]
She'll be right back.
[ Sure enough! Not even a minute or so after! Out comes Ayaka. And Mochi! She's so well behaved, not barking this late at night. ]
S'that the dango?
[ It is! And Cloud steps back to join Ayaka's side as she offers up the entire plate for the pegasus. And sure enough, it licks that plate clean and scoops it up like nobody's business. Once it backs up a bit and starts flapping its wings, he wraps an arm around her waist, gently hugging her to his side as he gives a nod of approval for Tsubasa. ]
Thank you.
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Date: 2023-12-08 08:05 am (UTC)But that story can come later! With the winged horse flying away, it is now time to actually get some rest. It's Ayaka who turns around first to get back inside. Despite how tired she is, wants to take a really hot bath, so she might just take a dip for a bit before going to bed though. ]
I almost fell over when Mochi came up to me, but I got to hold onto the table.
[ It's a funny story supposedly, so please don't be worried, Cloud. ]
I think she was waiting for us, so I'm glad Mochi will be able to rest now, too.
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Date: 2023-12-11 05:44 am (UTC)At this stage, I think a slight breeze'll knock us over.
[ He even struggles to take off his boots at the front entrance, but he finally manages without tumbling onto his butt. ]
Kinda feel like taking a bath before hitting the hay. You?
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Date: 2023-12-12 03:17 am (UTC)[ O_O Cloud's mindreading powers are so strong... Even when he lacks sleep and energy, he can still do it. Amazing. ]
Then... please let me prepare a bath for you. I'll take one after you do.
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Date: 2023-12-12 05:32 am (UTC)Huh? [ Wait, no. That's not what he meant?! ] Hold on. You thought it first. I can stay on my own two feet for a little longer.
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Date: 2023-12-12 06:02 am (UTC)[ Are they going to argue over this? Yes they are. In the softest of ways, anyway. ]
I insist, please go on first.
1/2
Date: 2023-12-12 07:15 am (UTC)2/2
Date: 2023-12-12 07:17 am (UTC)Same time?
[ Only when deliriously tired would his brain be shut off this much to suggest this. ]
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Date: 2023-12-13 06:45 am (UTC)Alright. But you must let me prepare the bath.
[ He can just hang out by the sink while she fills up the tub with water or something agsdgf ]
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Date: 2023-12-13 07:02 am (UTC)You're way better at that anyway.
[ And sure enough? Guess who hangs out by the sink! ... but he also splashes his face with water quite a few times too. Nice blasts of cold. ]
I'll report to the guild tomorrow about what we found. [ A beat. ] After we sleep in.
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Date: 2023-12-13 08:32 am (UTC)She'll take off her hair ribbons and other accessories in the meantime. ]
Please wake me up when you do.
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