chippedsoul | The Journal [Inbox]

[ His posture, his tone. The way she could feel the temperature rise subtly, starting at his very core and permeating into the air around him. Fists form at tighten as she leans in even closer to him, seeking that warmth.

Her tone is pleading, her voice small as it practically cracks. ]

No, I didn't. I... My priority was Miss Tifa, first and foremost. Once she was free from the ice... If anyone was able to get through to him, we knew it would be her, but then...

[ Ryusei hisses at her shoulder between them. As a personal favor, it was Ryusei herself of all the snakes who managed to find a way through the ice wall separating the two groups, and she was able to deliver the message regarding some necklace with a star shape. Apparently, while she did this, Susato was planning to melt the ice prison surrounding Tifa.

Ryusei had slithered her way back to proudly announce her success in delivering the message. She spotted Susato in the midst of melting free the two corgis as well before being rudely interrupted by the one called Eustace, bursting through the wall. She was then forced into hiding among the starflowers. ]

[He listens to Susato, Ryusei retelling the incident. A door creaks open as they reach the porch.]

...I'm glad you managed to return safely. [Relief in his voice, exhaustion perhaps mixed in with a bit of linger anger. Did he really want to hear a full explanation? Maybe not right this moment.] All of you. [He glances at his snakes, making sure they know he appreciates the work they've done and ensuring Susato's return.]

Would you like me to prepare a warm bath for you? Or would you rather rest?

[ The moment they enter his home, she does feel an overwhelming urge to curl up on the nearest couch. As she is, however, she doesn't think she'll be able to sleep like this. She takes off her messenger bag once they're inside, causing the blanket to fall off her shoulders on top of Ryusei, who had crawled off her shoulder at some point pokes her little head out sleepily.

Susato blinks. Not that she minds, of course, but wouldn't she be more comfortable in the garden? ]

S, Sorry about that, Ryu. [ She tosses the messenger bag to the side as she picks up the blanket, then turns to Kazuma. ] A... A warm bath sounds...

[ lovely is what she means to say, but instead there's just a yaaawn. No, she most definitely does not have the juice to warm up the bath herself, but she can try. She will not be a burden. ]

[And Kazuma will most definitely not allow her to burden herself with any sort of work. Even should she try to move toward the bath, he will direct her to the nearest sofa to sit down. The fireplace is lit, warming the area.]

Stay here. I'll prepare the bath. [He lowers his hand so that the snakes can rejoin her, curl up inside her blankets. He hasn't forgotten Ryusei. No she can come have a ride with him for now. Eventually the sound of water running can faintly be heard.]

[ Susato doesn't even question him. She can feel her shaky breaths as she sinks down into the couch, tugging her blanket tighter around her as Ziggy and Ruby join her. Ryusei takes their place at Kazuma's shoulder, and she can only meet her eyes with a blank stare as Kazuma walks off.

. . . While he's gone, Susato waits, trying to push down that empty, helpless feeling creeping up within her. Her hands shake as she strokes both Ruby and Ziggy's heads through the blanket, thinking back on everything that happened. She doesn't quite fall asleep, but comes close, lulled by the sound of the rushing water in the distance. Kazuma reappears just in time, and it's like her eyes flicker to life again when she sees him. ]

Oh. [ He's back. Not that she expected it be too terribly long... ]

[Kazuma will return with one snake missing. Ryusei seems to have taken to the warmth of the water and has decided to linger in the water. Kazuma did tell her to leave once Susato arrives, not sure if she'll listen though. He's still worried about Susato's health, pressing a hand to her forehead.]

The bath is ready. [His other hand slides down to reach hers.] How are you feeling...?

[ As she feels the warmth and caring behind his touch, Susato can't help but think of Rei. She can imagine her similarly fussing, diligently checking, but when Susato stands, it is with confidence. Back straight. posture ever perfect, though it pains her after a moment. Her back and feet protest, as do Ziggy and Ruby, who had been enjoying the soft rubs through the fabric.

After a quick apology to them, she turns to Kazuma to respond, but finds the words caught in her throat. Perhaps she doesn't want to lie to him. ]

I... [ Her voice shakes slightly, and there is a pause like she is looking for the words, but something comes over her suddenly. Tension flows out of her shoulders and she's leaning up onto her tip-toes to kiss him on the cheek. ]

I'm home.

[ In that moment, she truly feels lucky that she can be here, with him. Which is to convey--she hopes--that she will be just fine.

The lack of Ryusei doesn't escape her notice, but she doesn't ask. She just quietly walks past him with a smile, following the faint sounds of water splashing in the bathroom. Hm... ]

. . . [His is still holding on her hand as she walks. He gently pulls her back and into a hug. Didn't matter she was still soak, he believe this is how he should respond in return.]

Welcome home. [Ziggy and Ruby poke their heads out from under the blankets to watch them. They'll get to the bath momentarily.]

[ She is soaked and shivering. She feels badly for it. Rather than the warmth and comfort she's come to associate with him, he'll be wet and uncomfortable, too, but she can't bring herself to pull away. She just quietly buries her face into chest, feeling it rise and fall.

She can't even cry, even though she wants to. She doesn't want to be alone.

But maybe she needs it, to process everything that happened. ]

[ When the moment appears to fade, she does pull back, making a half-hearted attempt to brush off dirt of his clothes, as if that would do any good. Soon enough afterwards, she is giving his hands a firm squeeze. ]

Thank you. [ For everything. More immediately, for always welcoming her into his home. For allowing his home to be her home, too. And also for the bath.

She's ready. ]

[He looks her over for a moment, nodding. A glance in the snakes' direction is apparently enough information to tell them to stay. If Susato was expecting him to leave her to it, that definitely isn't going to be the case. He's walking with her, still holding her hand.]

Let me assist you. [Once they've stopped at the bath, he gingerly pulls at the fabric of her clothes, indicating his intent to help undress her.]

. . .

[ Bold of him. That earns him a tired, somewhat cheeky grin, but she turns, allowing him to tug off what's left of her kimono: a sopping wet mess that is probably torn in places. Her hair is already down, at least--one less thing for him to fuss over. ]

I'll be fine.

[ She hands him the sad remains of pink and purple. There is not much left. It almost feels freeing to be left with a thin inner layer. She doesn't kick him out, but... ]

Why don't you wait for me? Ziggy and Ruby will be lonely. [ ......There's a glance at the steam coming from the tub and a familiar, wet serpentine head of speckles pops her head out innocently. Somehow she isn't surprised. ] Ryusei...

[ —I don't want to be alone. A voice cuts deep into her thoughts and straight to her soul. She hesitates, but despite this, she finishes the thought. ]

...go with him. [ Please. ]

[Whether she want it or not, he's also going to get her a fresh set of clothes once she's settled in the bath. For the time being, he listens to her words, her voice. He gets the feeling what she's saying isn't what she really wants. Ryusei flicks her tongue when addressed, looking to Kazuma as if expecting confirmation.]

. . .No, let her stay. I don't want to make her move when she's comfortable where she is. [That's what he says, but he's doing this so Susato isn't by herself. It's a win-win for Ryusei regardless.] I'll see to Ziggy and Ruby. Let me know when you've finished, I won't be far.

[ Ryusei flicks her tongue again in Susato's direction, as if blowing a raspberry. She's a very spoiled, proud snake. Susato can't help but fold, and her expression softens considerably. ]

Oh, alright. I won't be long. [ 'I promise.'

She thinks it. She does all but say it, because something stops her, but she doesn't know what. Instead, she'll watch Kazuma leave and shuts the door behind him, but pointedly does not lock it.

She walks to the edge of the tub, meeting Ryusei's eyes. ]

...He says you are comfortable, but I know he just wants you to keep an eye on me. [ Susato places a hand on her head. ] Well... allow me to wash up first, and then I will join you. Save me a spot... okay?

[Ryusei merely sways her head. Maybe that was his plan, but it doesn't change the fact she is indeed comfortable where she is and doesn't want to leave the nice warm bath. She starts to swimming to the opposite end of the bath to "make space".

Kazuma will go to retrieve the other two silly snakes, wrapped in the blanket at the moment.] How are you two holding up? [They would probably appreciate a warm soak too. He glances at the two of them. They're away from Susato for the time being...] Is she truly all right...? [He doesn't want to linger too long, just get some fresh clothes and then get back to check on her.]

[ 'She almossst died,' Ziggy hisses sleepily.

'We could have too,' Ruby adds, perhaps with some jealousy to his voice. There's a pause, however, because that's not what he asked. If a snake could sigh, he probably does here. 'She will need time, but she livess. You should ask your questionss when you are ready to hear the anssswers...'

...Meanwhile, Susato has stripped down to nothing, going through the motions as the hot water sizzles over her. It feels like she could stay like this forever. Her hair is undone, and the shampoo makes her hair feel so silky and smooth as her hand runs through its knots and tangles. The smell of the soap she uses to wash her body can almost eradicate the smell, the overwhelming taste of smoke.

But nothing is forever, and she somehow finds herself rejoining Ryusei without incident. Her foot gingerly steps into the inviting water, and she looks at the snake blankly. Ryusei almost seems amused.

'You look worsse than you did when you went in. I did not know that was posssible.' ]

. . . [Yep these are words he didn't want to hear, but not for the reasons the snakes think.] I'm glad all of you came home safely.

[He gives them both headpets.] And the both of you deserve a soak after handling the difficult task I had given you two. [They seem to like this, tongues flicking with enthusiasm. They're still chilly to the touch, even when they had been under the blankets.

He rather not disturb the two already in the bath, so he'll have to make a little detour to the kitchen and prepare a bowl of warm water for the two snakes. All the while, he can't get Susato off his mind. She nearly died. That can't be sitting well in her mind.]

[ It's a pleasant chat at first, and sorely needed. Lighthearted and joking. Despite promising space, it doesn't take long to close the distance between the two of them, and Susato herself doesn't seem to mind. There's no rush, so she settles in, allowing the water to warm her very soul. It's around then that she closes her eyes--

In hindsight, a mistake. ]

[ One moment, she's speaking. The next, she can feel her stomach drop in a splash. The sounds around her muffle, and there's nothing left but as an incessant ringing, drilling straight into her head. She can see bubbles rising up from her mouth. She's underwater, and at her chest, there's a source of glowing, colorful light that she can't identify.

...Light. Warmth...

She looks down to see what it is, and immediately a loud crackling like glass can be heard as tips of her toes turn into icicles. She tries to gasp, her voice is drowned out by the water, and it's at that moment she realizes how cold the water truly is.

Ice travels from her toes up both her legs, and she fights it, but she can't move. The more she struggles, the faster she freezes, and only a statue is left, eyes wide and helpless.

Footsteps...

Suddenly a man appears before her like they aren't underwater at all. A pipe protrudes from his mouth and smoke puffs out, travelling up like bubbles. Silver hair sticks out from his signature deerstalker, and her heart swells with hope when she realizes she knows who he is.

Sholmes.

Which means the older, larger man coming up behind him can only be--

"Wait!" Yujin Mikotoba exclaims, paying his daughter no attention at all. "My good man, these legs aren't what they used to be!"

"Come, Mikotoba," Sholmes replies. He doesn't seem to hear him, and he regards Susato even less. "The game is afoot!"

Sholmes breaks into a run, with his partner closely at his heels. Neither of them look back even once. Their frames only become smaller and smaller with distance, and Susato, still encased in ice, is forced to watch and never follow. Somehow she can still breathe, still feel the rise and fall of her chest. She feels a cocktail of fear, anger and despair all at once, and in a rage, her hands shake as they try desperately to make fists. The crackling of ice gets louder, but still seems to hold as tears form at her eyes. A dangerous warmth starts at her chest, spreading throughout her body.

And in reality, the temperature of the bath has risen dangerously quickly, sending Ryu into a violent, incessant hissing fit.

"Wake up! Wake up, Susato. Don't make me bite you!" ]

Now, now, there's enough space for the both of you. [And then some. The snakes banter over which side of the bowl they want while Kazuma is working on separating Susato's things from her clothes. Besides the dirt and torn parts, there are also some fabric that appeared to have been singed. Something hits the floor, making a clinking sound. A small empty bottle had slipped from her clothes.

Empty...

His eye widen. Could it be....? He glances in the direction of the bathroom, his feet starting to move.]

Susato? [Amidst the occasional sound of water, there was some frantic hissing from Ryusei the closer he got to the door. Wake up! He picks up a bit, his movement becoming more frantic. Damn privacy, his gut is telling him something's wrong.]

Susato?! [Soon as he opened the door, a wave of heat hits him. Ryusei desperately calling out to Susato in the bath, who appeared to be slightly submerged. Steam was rising from her body. He quickly rushes over to grab her without much thought. Her body was burning from the rising water heat.] Ack! [He nearly loses his grip from the sudden intense heat from her body. No, no, no. He hates that his hunch about Susato's condition was right.] Susato! Whatever is happening, it's not there!

[Damn if he burns his hands, he's going to try to lift her from the water.]

[ Susato's eyes are clamped firmly shut, and her head turns sharply like she's averting her eyes from something terrible. Her head keeps swaying like it's on a swivel, and there's some inaudible, distressed mumbling under her breath as tosses and turns, splashing about in the boiling water in resistance. ]

Papa...? Papa...

[ Black wispy smoke, thin and subtle, starts to rise alongside the steam. Though her voice is small, in her dream, she is screaming until her lungs and throat hurt. Screaming as she goes from pining after her fathers to staring up at the icy, glossy surface from below. Snow collects violently on top of this frozen layer as a blizzard rages above, causing it to appear a harder white.

Where is everyone?

Someone. Anyone.

Trahearne. Ori. Beatrix. Aerith. They're gone...

There's no one alive to hear her. ]

Edited (nitpicking because this tag was at 2am dw) 2022-09-12 17:32 (UTC)

[She was dreaming of her father? Well all things considered...Ryusei hangs near the edge of the tub, anxious. It's getting worse. He can see that just fine, and it looks like no amount of shouting will get her to wake from her nightmare. He is not her father. Her body still felt too warm even after he managed to get her out of the water. What can he do?

His eyes frantically looks around, at the gradual appearance of familiar dark wisps, down to Ryusei. Ugh, how does one force oneself into someone's dream again?] Susato...I'm right here. [He moves to sit on the floor, Susato still in his arms. He moves to holding onto one of her hands. Come on, let him in.]

[ All alone all alone all alone all alone all alone

Susato can hear his voice, but it's distant and unrecognizable. It's just enough that she perks up though, eyes moving wildly to find the source. Who is that...? Is it Beat, or Phantom? Did they finally find the necklace... Is it over?

She still can't move, but deeper cracks form in the ice around her from her sheer determination. Her body heat settles at her hands as she tries to make fists, fingers curling slowly and with effort. On the bathroom floor, those same fingers curl around Kazuma's hands with a grip so tight, she might never let go. The black wisps start to curl around his arm like...

Well, like snakes.

He wanted in? He got it.

The scene will warp around Kazuma as he is plunged underwater into the cold and lonely dreamscape. No matter what direction he looks, there seems to be nothing but darkness, save for one large iceberg with a mysterious glow at its heart and a familiar pink tint that seems to catch in the light. The closer he gets, the more intensely it seems to shake and rumble... ]

Edited 2022-09-13 00:44 (UTC)

[There was a strong tug as he gasp. It was only a moment he sees Ryusei perk up in shock from the tub and then he was facing darkness. Cold and wet darkness. For a moment, he recalled his battle with that Noctaere beast that was 76. His desire not to drown again was enough for him to break the surface. Claws. Of course.

The dream was filled with nightmare energy, and his dream self was naturally attracted to it. For better or worse. He has fully shifted yet, more reminiscence of his Hyde appearance back in the Realm of Stories. Not the issue right now though. Somewhere within all this darkness, he could see something like a beacon in the distance. He starts running or swimming(?) towards the light, ignoring how cold he was getting. The iceberg starts to come into view. She must be there, trapped inside it. Soon as he gets there, he's digging his claws into the iceberg to get something of a grip.]

[ Somehow, Susato has decided to fight, to live. It must be that voice. She still hasn't seen who it is, but she can sense that it is someone she desperately needs... No, perhaps it is who still needs her. Once her hands are free, the ice begins to melt away from her arms as well, and as Kazuma claws his way in from the outside, he will find the ice shrinking, becoming weaker and softer by the second.

Eventually... At last, her hand punches through it in one final burst.

There is a red glow like that hand is literally on fire, but it fades quickly as it meets one of his claws. She spent all that she had. There is no valiant battle cry, no fearsome roar. Instead, her arm goes limp and her body follows, collapsing right into him as she is freed. ]

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