[ He hadn't intended on going to the Spring. He intended to go home once paying his respects at the Grounds. It had been for Saki, because while it wasn't April, he was also on another Planet and he wanted to at least do it while he could in a place like this. He didn't know where else he would be able to go, Saki's grave wasn't here after all.
But then, Yosuke heard the melody. It didn't precisely sound like her, he had no idea if she could even sing if he were honest. But he followed it anyway until he found himself at the Spring. It was beautiful, enchanting even. The merpeople, not the first time he saw one now although they looked quite different than Fish, were really pretty. So much so that he knelt down over a rock to get a closer look. Of course, it was too good to be true and with a sharp cry and a splash, he was pulled under.
Yosuke attempted to swim up and out of the water, but then he saw her. He saw Saki. He broke the surface with a gasp for air but still, within the water was her image and he couldn't help but reach for her. But she was out of his grasp and without realizing it, he strayed away from the edge trying to catch her. Yosuke knew she was dead, but that didn't explain how he saw her here. And some people arrived here when they died, right? What if she was really here and was just messing with him?
[Ren own reason to go and visit the grounds had been vastly different. Both to remember his own deceased grandparents, but also to pay homage to all of those who had been victim to Shido's path of destruction. Preferring to do this by himself, Ren hadn't planned to pass by the springs, but the talks about mermaids had gotten him curious.
As luck would have it, he had heard something, or someone make a noise. For most people, this would be a good time to leave and never come back, but for Ren, it was the opposite, curiosity got the best of him and he watched someone rise to the surface only to go right back into deeper parts of the water.
It didn't take him too long to realize it was Yosuke. When, How and Whys could come later, as he didn't even bother to check around him before his Phantom Thief outfit materialized around him, the mask disappearing just as quickly as it had appeared with a burst of bluish light. Joker wasn't going to take any chances as to what might be down there. This world had left him expecting a tentacle monster grabbing him, after all.]
SATANAEL!
[The Persona would fly over the lake, extended its clawed hand into the water to attempt and fish out the other Persona user.]
[ Luckily for them both, there is no tentacle monster in the lake. But the water does drain Chroma and it may be felt through the Persona whose hand is in the water now. Nonetheless, Yosuke wasn't too deep yet, so the large hand eventually finds him.
He's barely conscious at this point, the warning on his phone beeping loudly as his Chroma levels enter dangerous levels, not having as much as he normally did for awhile now. There's also the fact that he can't breathe and water is entering his lungs and, oh, so that's what it feels like to cough up water.
Fuck, it hurts! But the cold air hitting his wet body wakes him up enough to realize he's not in the Spring anymore and he curls up, shivering, as he hacks up more water and jesus h. christ, it burns. He doesn't even realize just how he's not in the water anymore or that a Persona is holding him. ]
[His connection to his persona makes Joker flinch when he feels something being drained through him, realizing with no small amount of horror that this body of water is draining Chroma and his friend had been in there for who knew how long.
Satanael's hand manages to grab Yosuke's body to quickly fish him out.
The good news is he's coughing. So that's a good sign. Ren realizes he's never performed mouth-to-mouth (well for medical reasons anyway), and thankfully Satanael is large enough to be able to effortlessly turn him over so that the rest of the water can leave Yosuke's lungs before he gets placed into Ren's own hands. Even as the Persona disappears, Ren quickly removes Yosuke's wet top and places his own coat over him. The beep from his phone is definitely not a good sign either and he removes his gloves so he can hold on to one of Yosuke's hand.]
We need to get you some place warm. Can you walk, or should I keep holding on to you? Nod if you need to stay in my arms.
[ He wheezed painfully when the last of the water was coughed up, throat and nose burning. It took another moment for him to realize that someone was with him now. His top was being removed and something drier and warmer was covering him instead. He leaned heavily against the warm body next to him, finally pulling his eyes open to see just who saved him.
He shouldn't have been surprised it was Joker. But he was grateful it was someone he knew, even if the entire situation was embarrassing as more coherency returned. The incessant beeping was also rather annoying. But he had heard that noise once before, so it wasn't difficult for him to realize the situation he was in was pretty dire.
He nodded, he didn't trust himself or his voice at all right now and he was cold and Ren was warm. And he could still hear the melody that had him going to the water's edge in the first place. ]
[The beeping could be dealt with after Yosuke stopped shivering. At his nod, Ren slung him a little over his shoulder so he could properly speed off with his unusual agility both as a Phantom Thief and the boon from the moons that now seemed to stay with him all the time even without it thanks to the bracelet.
It didn't take too long for them to end up in Ren's apartment, where he put him down under his makeshift Kotatsu, before reaching to the other side to pull down his pants, muttering a small sorry.
The costume disappeared in a small flash of blue fire, causing the jacket to disappear from Yosuke's back, but Ren was already in and out of his room, returning with a blanket, which he slung over his shoulders. He then sits next to him, holding his hand so at least they can get back to a level where his phone isn't beeping anymore.]
[ If he had more energy and Chroma, he might had griped over being handled like this but as it were, it was just a struggle to stay awake. At least it didn't get so bad that he felt like he was suffocating, not like before. Eventually, he was under something warm and he barely noticed his pants being pulled off or the jacket disappearing. Not when the warm kotatsu and the blanket gave back the warmth he had lost.
He shook his head, hair still slightly damp but he wasn't soaked anymore. Instead, he scooted closer to Ren, pulling his hand to his chest and keeping the blanket around him up to his nose.
Finally, he spoke. It was a murmur and it was tired. ]
Where'd you get the kotatsu?
[ The warning sounds eventually stopped, only occasionally going off now that he wasn't at the dangerous low levels. ]
[From the squeeze on his hand, that's going to be a no on coffee for now, he supposes. That's fine. The feeling he's getting from moonlacing is great as well, so he's definitely not complaining. There is, of course, an elephant in the room. Now that Yosuke seems to be a little better, maybe he can provide him with some answers.]
You're welcome. Mind telling me what happened in the first place?
[ He wished he could play off still being sleepy or something, but it was pretty obvious Ren was the perceptive type even without being a phantom thief. And hiding under the blanket wouldn't do it him any good.
He curled up tighter. ]
Thought I saw Saki and since people who died can still somehow get to this place... I thought... [ Sigh. ] It was stupid of me.
Don't hit yourself on the head with it...especially in this world where we sometimes feel easily manipulated.
[That, above everything else, is what Ren didn't like about this world. But that is...heavy news. He understands now why Yosuke said it would ruin the mood.]
Especially if you were getting drained of Chroma in there...I could feel it even as I reached towards you. It's not a normal place, that's for sure.
I was pulled in by... something in there, a mermaid or whatever but it was still my dumbass choice to stay in.
[ Even if it was an easy manipulation, Yosuke still figured it was his fault. ]
I didn't even notice, not right away. By the time I did it was too late. [ As if on cue, his phone beeped again. He wanted to grab it and chuck it across the room. Instead, he finally pulled his legs out from under the makeshift kotatsu and forced himself to sit up, letting go of Ren's hand in the process so he could hug his legs and press his face into the blanket covering them. He sighed and turned his head to the side to peek at Ren through his bangs. ] Um... can you... not tell the others about this?
[As much as he doesn't want him to keep blaming himself, Ren stays quiet and lets Yosuke finish instead of interrupting him. As the other looks back at him, he nods.]
It's not a story for me to tell.
[Even if Yosuke hadn't asked, Ren wouldn't have done it either. The beeping makes itself known again and Ren scoots a little closer.]
It might be better if you get that noise under control, however.
[Otherwise they will be probably be asking questions.]
Edited (Used the same icon twice) 2019-10-27 06:13 (UTC)
[ Sorry Ren. He's embarrassed with himself and he feels its his own fault. But he's grateful when he agrees. It's not that he believes the others would make fun of him, just the opposite really. He didn't want to hear the worry or more. Especially Chie who still seemed to be mad he ever liked the upperclassman in the first place. ]
It might take awhile just from holding hands, but...
[ They had gotten it to the point that he wasn't at dangerous levels, so it wasn't doing the angry beeping. But it was like a smoke detector at this point, beeping at intervals until the battery was replaced. Or, in this case, Chroma. ]
[Oh. That sure is somebody swimming in the springs giving off a terrible vibe. It resonated in her horns, immense power in glamour exerted for whoever the heck was taking a dip.
Well, she'll just have to deny the fae creatures down below a meal. Why, the power used was so tremendously poor that she had to laugh.
Madhuri fell to both knees and thrust her hands to the earth, embedding her fingers in the soil. Her eyes dissipated to smoke, the white and violet falling away to the empty voids to which she'd been born with. Ember-like points burned in the black of it, a mockery of irises and pupils, focusing on the water as she offered a bit of her own chroma to the earth.
They erupted from the pool bottom like tentacles, groaning wood forced into life and stretching skyward. They twisted as they gathered beneath the swimming figure on their way up, breaking the surface and into open air as ends fought to blossom or at least form leaves; whatever the case, it seemed a tree had fought to grow in the middle of the pool and had taken Yosuke up with it.]
Hahah... fae. They never seem to quit when they have a morsel at hand, now do they?
[She desperately wanted the singers to come out and play. To vex her, perhaps, they quieted for now and remained hidden. So then she looked up, the glowing violet points dilating. Oh.
[ Yosuke barely noticed the lack of pupils, he was a little busy clinging to a branch and coughing up the rest of the water. He shivered a bit, the air was cold compared to the Spring. But was he seeing things or was he seriously in a tree in the middle of a lake?
[ Being stalked by statues had grown a touch tiresome to a certain acerbic swordsman. Then again, by this point, what else was he expecting? Here in this world, it seemed like the further they explored and made strides in restoring the planet, more and more trouble seemed to find them. It was his initial reasoning behind arriving here to these spiritual grounds. Gauge for any potential trouble afoot, and nip it in the bud before anyone else could get seriously hurt. As far as Cloud was concerned, he could reminisce of the past any other time. This wasn't his planet, their "Promised Land" where those in his memories were waiting for him.
Cloud's learned his lesson by now. ... Wishful thinking on his part as just when he's about to turn and leave when it seems nothing else was amiss...the melodic tones of the merfolk draw his ear. His footsteps feel heavier than usual, and the last step he takes before a chill trickles down his spine crunches beneath his foot, louder than before. The voice is faded, yet it's not like it's coming from an unknown direction either. For a time, he stands there, at odds with himself over what to do. But in the end, his curiosity wins out for better or for worse.
When he does arrive at the Spring, he simply watches from afar as someone familiar is kneeling over the rocks over the water's surface. The voice was getting closer, stronger, more beautiful and surreal. He's not certain as to why Yosuke was here too, but his reasons were his alone... It seems like, for a time, Cloud was about to contently let himself stand there on the sidelines, giving the young man his own space to pique his curiosity. ]
...? [ Perhaps he should have intervened sooner, or spoken up. Because like a scene happening in slow-motion, his eyes widen when he realizes a set of slender arms were reaching out from the water for Yosuke. As his instincts were screaming at him to stop this, it's already too late. ] Yosukeβ
[ And he's pulled under with a splash, just like that. Running a couple steps with an outstretched hand, dread creeps up his spine. Whatever that was, something was in the water and he could very well only have seconds to act. Instead of letting this fleeting fear take root however, the blond wastes little time in rushing towards the water's surface, staring down into it as he stares for any sign of life, any signs of his body. ]
Yosuke!
[ ... ]
Tch, dammit... [ There's no time to waste. If there were merpeople beneath the surface, waiting to draw unsuspecting listeners into the depths, Cloud was intent on blowing past them to save his friend. Just when he was about to jump straight in, he sees him breach the surface with a sharp gasp for air. He holds onto that brief trickle of relief at the sight of him still in one piece, ready to call for him when he can't help noticing the gradually growing exhaustion on his face. Did he even realize that Cloud was there...?
He shakes his head and takes the leap, springing out over the Spring's surface as he dives in. Almost immediately, the cold threatens to sap him of his strength, though the blond wasn't fully aware of what he was about to see yet. He's too focused on reaching for Yosuke before it's too late. Powering through as he breaches the surface of the water, Cloud swims towards him in record time, reaching out to grab him by the back of his shirt, kicking to stay afloat. ]
[ He could feel himself forcibly pulled to the surface again and he can't quite get the hang on to whomever's got him. The voice sounded familiar in this tired mind, along with the sound of his phone's alarm alerting him that his Chroma levels were entering dangerous lows. He coughed when water attempted to make its way down his throat, but he does stop attempting to swim to Saki.
He was being stupid, it likely wasn't her. As much as she disliked him, he doubted she would cruel enough to mess with him like this. Right? Right. He turned and weakly took a hold of Cloud's arm, recognizing the spiky hair despite his blurring vision. ]
[ A sense of relief washes over the older blond when he feels Yosuke clutch at his arm. He's not completely lost...which is a relief to say the least. He's never been crystallized before (he's come close, but never began to turn), but even Cloud knew that if he didn't get him out of here now... ]
I've got you.
[ There's still some distance to the edge of the spring. But at least they're treading the surface now. However, Cloud was beginning to feel the strain and mild sluggishness that followed with being in here for too long. This was fine, he surmises. As long as they don't look back andβ ]
[ "... Cloud?" ]
[ The voice rings so crystal clear in his ears, it almost sounds like they're right here. His mako-infused gaze snaps wide, his hold on Yosuke tightening as he supports the young man. But that still doesn't stop him from spinning slowly in the water, breath hitched at what he's seeing just beneath the water's surface. She looks up at the two of them, smiling the same way she did that fateful day.
She's reaching up to him, as if to beckon him to pull her out. Set her free. Join her. ]
... .... .....
[ He doesn't dip his hand back into the water for her, the weight of something more important at his side. Someone who was here. He instead watches her beneath the surface, waiting for him.
He's already made his choice. Pushing forward, Cloud swims back as fast as he possibly can, powering through the exhaustion of deprived Chroma. Don't look back. Don't ever look back. Not ever again. Look forward. Hold onto what's actually here, Cloud.
What you still have left.
Making it to the edge of the spring, the blond wastes very little time in getting up and hauling Yosuke out of the water with him. When they're a good few feet away, the blond is careful in setting himself down with the man at his side. He removes his gloves immediately, peeling them off with a little effort and a grunt as he wastes no time in holding their hands, giving an affirming squeeze to both. ]
[ He feels Cloud tighten his hold on him, causing a small grunt of confusion even as they begin to tread the surface and he tries to get his feet to catch the ground even a little. However, while Yosuke didn't exactly hear the woman speak to Cloud, he did think he heard soft laughter and a "Hana-can!" that almost has him turning back and even in the cold water he feels something warm trail right down his cheeks.
But... no, she's been gone for over a year now. He had to keep moving forward. Yosuke leans his head against Cloud's shoulder, as his urging him on as well. They really need to get out of the water. He may not be crystallizing yet, but it was going to happen sooner or later and the teen wasn't sure if he was going to have the strength to even do as much as he has. Compared to Cloud, it wasn't much anyway but still.
Yosuke shivers as they finally get out of the water, laying down on the grass and feeling as miserable as he likely looks. Warmth is seeping back into his hands, Chroma flowing up his arms and it takes his sluggish mind a moment to realize Cloud had taken his hands into his own, holding tight without those gloves on that he usually sees him with. When did that happen? Wait, did Cloud say something? ]
[ Seeing (let alone feeling) Yosuke shivering the way he was, it only serves to bolster the blond's determination to get some Chroma back into him pronto. Something. Anything to tell Cloud that what he's doing was working. Still...it's not like this was the most potent method of getting someone back to normal. So when he gets a verbal response from the teen, it's all he needs to keep helping him as he sighs in relief.
There's no tremor to his breath. Shh. ]
Good enough. [ Letting go of Yosuke's hand, he gently slips his arm beneath the teen's back as he slowly helps him sit upright with him. Moonlacing, don't fail me now, he's thinking. ] Take your time.
[ When it's all said and done, Cloud has an arm slung over the shoulders of the taller Yosuke, gently pulling him in so that they could lean on him as much as they'd like, all while he keeps a hold of their hand in his. It's definitely more affectionate than your usual holding of hands. Like Cloud cares. This was about getting his friend back on his own two feet. The more he distracts himself with taking care of the person in front of him, the less time he can spend thinking about what he just left behind. ]
[ Yosuke is barely aware enough to realize what is going on until he's settled and his sluggish mind is catching up. At least his body answers for him in the meantime. He curls into the immediate warmth, legs drawing up to further let him curl up. Cloud is just as drenched in lake water as he is so he's not exactly afraid of getting the guy wet, whereas Yosuke's feeling the cold it doesn't seem Cloud is.
Then again, the guy wields a sword bigger than himself. So, Yosuke isn't exactly surprised.
As the Chroma levels return to a slightly less dangerous level and Yosuke becomes more aware of his surroundings and that Cloud is still holding his hand (the guy was capable of physical affection?), the brunet gives shuddering sigh. ]
Th-Thanks for saving m-my dumb ass.
[ With the returning clarity came the realization that he had been monumentally stupid and nearly got Cloud dragged in as well. But even remembering it, and Saki's voice, his brow furrows and he takes a breath to quell the rising burn in his eyes. ]
I-I just... o-other people arrive h-here when they... s-so I thought...
[ By his own admittance, while he does feel the cold, Cloud's body was also far more resilient to it. When Yosuke offers a trembling thanks, he simply lets out a gentle sigh of his own. He doesn't say anything. Not when the blond would have likely fallen for the very same thing; what would have happened if the roles were reversed? If there was no one present with him to remind him of what was more important? ]
You mean...? [ Did he see someone too? He couldn't see whoever had compelled the teen to stay. There's a moment's pause when he can see the look in his eyes. It's pain. A feeling that he's all too familiar with and threatens to swell up inside of Cloud just by looking at him.
But he quells it all the same. If Cloud hadn't experienced the things that he did, overcome his past sins...he might have dismissed this whole thing altogether. Dismissed ever seeing anything at all. Push it all to the side. But after what he's seen, and the reminiscent pain on Yosuke's face... ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Chroma Draining Springs
But then, Yosuke heard the melody. It didn't precisely sound like her, he had no idea if she could even sing if he were honest. But he followed it anyway until he found himself at the Spring. It was beautiful, enchanting even. The merpeople, not the first time he saw one now although they looked quite different than Fish, were really pretty. So much so that he knelt down over a rock to get a closer look. Of course, it was too good to be true and with a sharp cry and a splash, he was pulled under.
Yosuke attempted to swim up and out of the water, but then he saw her. He saw Saki. He broke the surface with a gasp for air but still, within the water was her image and he couldn't help but reach for her. But she was out of his grasp and without realizing it, he strayed away from the edge trying to catch her. Yosuke knew she was dead, but that didn't explain how he saw her here. And some people arrived here when they died, right? What if she was really here and was just messing with him?
He was getting so tired... ]
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As luck would have it, he had heard something, or someone make a noise. For most people, this would be a good time to leave and never come back, but for Ren, it was the opposite, curiosity got the best of him and he watched someone rise to the surface only to go right back into deeper parts of the water.
It didn't take him too long to realize it was Yosuke. When, How and Whys could come later, as he didn't even bother to check around him before his Phantom Thief outfit materialized around him, the mask disappearing just as quickly as it had appeared with a burst of bluish light. Joker wasn't going to take any chances as to what might be down there. This world had left him expecting a tentacle monster grabbing him, after all.]
SATANAEL!
[The Persona would fly over the lake, extended its clawed hand into the water to attempt and fish out the other Persona user.]
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He's barely conscious at this point, the warning on his phone beeping loudly as his Chroma levels enter dangerous levels, not having as much as he normally did for awhile now. There's also the fact that he can't breathe and water is entering his lungs and, oh, so that's what it feels like to cough up water.
Fuck, it hurts! But the cold air hitting his wet body wakes him up enough to realize he's not in the Spring anymore and he curls up, shivering, as he hacks up more water and jesus h. christ, it burns. He doesn't even realize just how he's not in the water anymore or that a Persona is holding him. ]
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Satanael's hand manages to grab Yosuke's body to quickly fish him out.
The good news is he's coughing. So that's a good sign. Ren realizes he's never performed mouth-to-mouth (well for medical reasons anyway), and thankfully Satanael is large enough to be able to effortlessly turn him over so that the rest of the water can leave Yosuke's lungs before he gets placed into Ren's own hands. Even as the Persona disappears, Ren quickly removes Yosuke's wet top and places his own coat over him. The beep from his phone is definitely not a good sign either and he removes his gloves so he can hold on to one of Yosuke's hand.]
We need to get you some place warm. Can you walk, or should I keep holding on to you? Nod if you need to stay in my arms.
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He shouldn't have been surprised it was Joker. But he was grateful it was someone he knew, even if the entire situation was embarrassing as more coherency returned. The incessant beeping was also rather annoying. But he had heard that noise once before, so it wasn't difficult for him to realize the situation he was in was pretty dire.
He nodded, he didn't trust himself or his voice at all right now and he was cold and Ren was warm. And he could still hear the melody that had him going to the water's edge in the first place. ]
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It didn't take too long for them to end up in Ren's apartment, where he put him down under his makeshift Kotatsu, before reaching to the other side to pull down his pants, muttering a small sorry.
The costume disappeared in a small flash of blue fire, causing the jacket to disappear from Yosuke's back, but Ren was already in and out of his room, returning with a blanket, which he slung over his shoulders. He then sits next to him, holding his hand so at least they can get back to a level where his phone isn't beeping anymore.]
Let me know if you need more.
[Blankets, that is.]
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He shook his head, hair still slightly damp but he wasn't soaked anymore. Instead, he scooted closer to Ren, pulling his hand to his chest and keeping the blanket around him up to his nose.
Finally, he spoke. It was a murmur and it was tired. ]
Where'd you get the kotatsu?
[ The warning sounds eventually stopped, only occasionally going off now that he wasn't at the dangerous low levels. ]
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I made it myself. The heater wasn't really made for it so I only turn it one when I need it.
[It's still a work in progress.]
Are you feeling a little better? Should I get some coffee?
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Yeah... the water wasn't been cold, just... y'know.
[ Winter is coming. He held onto Ren's hand a little tighter. No, he didn't want coffee just yet. ]
Thanks, by the way.
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Yeah.
[From the squeeze on his hand, that's going to be a no on coffee for now, he supposes. That's fine. The feeling he's getting from moonlacing is great as well, so he's definitely not complaining. There is, of course, an elephant in the room. Now that Yosuke seems to be a little better, maybe he can provide him with some answers.]
You're welcome. Mind telling me what happened in the first place?
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[ He wished he could play off still being sleepy or something, but it was pretty obvious Ren was the perceptive type even without being a phantom thief. And hiding under the blanket wouldn't do it him any good.
He curled up tighter. ]
Thought I saw Saki and since people who died can still somehow get to this place... I thought... [ Sigh. ] It was stupid of me.
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[That, above everything else, is what Ren didn't like about this world. But that is...heavy news. He understands now why Yosuke said it would ruin the mood.]
Especially if you were getting drained of Chroma in there...I could feel it even as I reached towards you. It's not a normal place, that's for sure.
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[ Even if it was an easy manipulation, Yosuke still figured it was his fault. ]
I didn't even notice, not right away. By the time I did it was too late. [ As if on cue, his phone beeped again. He wanted to grab it and chuck it across the room. Instead, he finally pulled his legs out from under the makeshift kotatsu and forced himself to sit up, letting go of Ren's hand in the process so he could hug his legs and press his face into the blanket covering them. He sighed and turned his head to the side to peek at Ren through his bangs. ] Um... can you... not tell the others about this?
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It's not a story for me to tell.
[Even if Yosuke hadn't asked, Ren wouldn't have done it either. The beeping makes itself known again and Ren scoots a little closer.]
It might be better if you get that noise under control, however.
[Otherwise they will be probably be asking questions.]
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It might take awhile just from holding hands, but...
[ They had gotten it to the point that he wasn't at dangerous levels, so it wasn't doing the angry beeping. But it was like a smoke detector at this point, beeping at intervals until the battery was replaced. Or, in this case, Chroma. ]
If you don't mind me imposing for longer, anyway.
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Well, she'll just have to deny the fae creatures down below a meal. Why, the power used was so tremendously poor that she had to laugh.
Madhuri fell to both knees and thrust her hands to the earth, embedding her fingers in the soil. Her eyes dissipated to smoke, the white and violet falling away to the empty voids to which she'd been born with. Ember-like points burned in the black of it, a mockery of irises and pupils, focusing on the water as she offered a bit of her own chroma to the earth.
They erupted from the pool bottom like tentacles, groaning wood forced into life and stretching skyward. They twisted as they gathered beneath the swimming figure on their way up, breaking the surface and into open air as ends fought to blossom or at least form leaves; whatever the case, it seemed a tree had fought to grow in the middle of the pool and had taken Yosuke up with it.]
Hahah... fae. They never seem to quit when they have a morsel at hand, now do they?
[She desperately wanted the singers to come out and play. To vex her, perhaps, they quieted for now and remained hidden. So then she looked up, the glowing violet points dilating. Oh.
Well, no time to put up the eye glamour now.]
Ah. Fancy meeting you here!
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When did that happen? ]
...M-Maddie?
[ Ugh, he was so tired. ]
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How do you do, Yosuke?
So, that's the fae... they'll do that. Hell of a welcome, isn't it?
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Cloud's learned his lesson by now. ... Wishful thinking on his part as just when he's about to turn and leave when it seems nothing else was amiss...the melodic tones of the merfolk draw his ear. His footsteps feel heavier than usual, and the last step he takes before a chill trickles down his spine crunches beneath his foot, louder than before. The voice is faded, yet it's not like it's coming from an unknown direction either. For a time, he stands there, at odds with himself over what to do. But in the end, his curiosity wins out for better or for worse.
When he does arrive at the Spring, he simply watches from afar as someone familiar is kneeling over the rocks over the water's surface. The voice was getting closer, stronger, more beautiful and surreal. He's not certain as to why Yosuke was here too, but his reasons were his alone... It seems like, for a time, Cloud was about to contently let himself stand there on the sidelines, giving the young man his own space to pique his curiosity. ]
...? [ Perhaps he should have intervened sooner, or spoken up. Because like a scene happening in slow-motion, his eyes widen when he realizes a set of slender arms were reaching out from the water for Yosuke. As his instincts were screaming at him to stop this, it's already too late. ] Yosukeβ
[ And he's pulled under with a splash, just like that. Running a couple steps with an outstretched hand, dread creeps up his spine. Whatever that was, something was in the water and he could very well only have seconds to act. Instead of letting this fleeting fear take root however, the blond wastes little time in rushing towards the water's surface, staring down into it as he stares for any sign of life, any signs of his body. ]
Yosuke!
[ ... ]
Tch, dammit... [ There's no time to waste. If there were merpeople beneath the surface, waiting to draw unsuspecting listeners into the depths, Cloud was intent on blowing past them to save his friend. Just when he was about to jump straight in, he sees him breach the surface with a sharp gasp for air. He holds onto that brief trickle of relief at the sight of him still in one piece, ready to call for him when he can't help noticing the gradually growing exhaustion on his face. Did he even realize that Cloud was there...?
He shakes his head and takes the leap, springing out over the Spring's surface as he dives in. Almost immediately, the cold threatens to sap him of his strength, though the blond wasn't fully aware of what he was about to see yet. He's too focused on reaching for Yosuke before it's too late. Powering through as he breaches the surface of the water, Cloud swims towards him in record time, reaching out to grab him by the back of his shirt, kicking to stay afloat. ]
Pahβ Yosuke! Come on.
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He was being stupid, it likely wasn't her. As much as she disliked him, he doubted she would cruel enough to mess with him like this. Right? Right. He turned and weakly took a hold of Cloud's arm, recognizing the spiky hair despite his blurring vision. ]
Cl-Cloud...?
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I've got you.
[ There's still some distance to the edge of the spring. But at least they're treading the surface now. However, Cloud was beginning to feel the strain and mild sluggishness that followed with being in here for too long. This was fine, he surmises. As long as they don't look back andβ ]
[ "... Cloud?" ]
[ The voice rings so crystal clear in his ears, it almost sounds like they're right here. His mako-infused gaze snaps wide, his hold on Yosuke tightening as he supports the young man. But that still doesn't stop him from spinning slowly in the water, breath hitched at what he's seeing just beneath the water's surface. She looks up at the two of them, smiling the same way she did that fateful day.
She's reaching up to him, as if to beckon him to pull her out. Set her free.
Join her.]... .... .....
[ He doesn't dip his hand back into the water for her, the weight of something more important at his side. Someone who was here. He instead watches her beneath the surface, waiting for him.
He's already made his choice. Pushing forward, Cloud swims back as fast as he possibly can, powering through the exhaustion of deprived Chroma. Don't look back. Don't ever look back. Not ever again. Look forward. Hold onto what's actually here, Cloud.
What you still have left.Making it to the edge of the spring, the blond wastes very little time in getting up and hauling Yosuke out of the water with him. When they're a good few feet away, the blond is careful in setting himself down with the man at his side. He removes his gloves immediately, peeling them off with a little effort and a grunt as he wastes no time in holding their hands, giving an affirming squeeze to both. ]
You still with me?
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But... no, she's been gone for over a year now. He had to keep moving forward. Yosuke leans his head against Cloud's shoulder, as his urging him on as well. They really need to get out of the water. He may not be crystallizing yet, but it was going to happen sooner or later and the teen wasn't sure if he was going to have the strength to even do as much as he has. Compared to Cloud, it wasn't much anyway but still.
Yosuke shivers as they finally get out of the water, laying down on the grass and feeling as miserable as he likely looks. Warmth is seeping back into his hands, Chroma flowing up his arms and it takes his sluggish mind a moment to realize Cloud had taken his hands into his own, holding tight without those gloves on that he usually sees him with. When did that happen? Wait, did Cloud say something? ]
H-Hm?
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There's no tremor to his breath. Shh.]Good enough. [ Letting go of Yosuke's hand, he gently slips his arm beneath the teen's back as he slowly helps him sit upright with him. Moonlacing, don't fail me now, he's thinking. ] Take your time.
[ When it's all said and done, Cloud has an arm slung over the shoulders of the taller Yosuke, gently pulling him in so that they could lean on him as much as they'd like, all while he keeps a hold of their hand in his. It's definitely more affectionate than your usual holding of hands. Like Cloud cares. This was about getting his friend back on his own two feet. The more he distracts himself with taking care of the person in front of him, the less time he can spend thinking about what he just left behind. ]
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Then again, the guy wields a sword bigger than himself. So, Yosuke isn't exactly surprised.
As the Chroma levels return to a slightly less dangerous level and Yosuke becomes more aware of his surroundings and that Cloud is still holding his hand (the guy was capable of physical affection?), the brunet gives shuddering sigh. ]
Th-Thanks for saving m-my dumb ass.
[ With the returning clarity came the realization that he had been monumentally stupid and nearly got Cloud dragged in as well. But even remembering it, and Saki's voice, his brow furrows and he takes a breath to quell the rising burn in his eyes. ]
I-I just... o-other people arrive h-here when they... s-so I thought...
[ It was stupid. ]
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You mean...? [ Did he see someone too? He couldn't see whoever had compelled the teen to stay. There's a moment's pause when he can see the look in his eyes. It's pain. A feeling that he's all too familiar with and threatens to swell up inside of Cloud just by looking at him.
But he quells it all the same. If Cloud hadn't experienced the things that he did, overcome his past sins...he might have dismissed this whole thing altogether. Dismissed ever seeing anything at all. Push it all to the side. But after what he's seen, and the reminiscent pain on Yosuke's face... ]
You aren't the only one who saw someone.